Spoiler alert: the best kitchen trash cans are expensive. I was oblivious to this fact until the time came to switch out the old plastic trash can I had for several years: It was the Umbra 13-gallon trash can, which was fine, but the lid always got stuck and it eventually became so loud and squeaky that it could wake up a sleeping person in another room with the door closed, several feet away (that person was me). I needed an upgrade. But a few minutes into my search, I realized getting my hands on a good, large-capacity trash can would likely run me over $100.
I initially thought that was laughable, but I’ve since learned that you really get what you pay for when it comes to kitchen trash cans. If you want a wastebasket that looks nice, contains odors, properly secures garbage bags, and will truly make your life easier, it’s a worthy investment. Think of your trash can as a kitchen appliance you’ll probably keep forever, like scooping up the best blender or stand mixer. BA’s associate director of commerce Emily Johnson says it best: “It might feel ridiculous to spend this kind of money on something that literally holds garbage, but once you experience the difference, you’ll get it.”
Below, I’ve rounded up some of the best trash cans money can buy, many of them owned and loved by BA editors. You’ll see that a lot of our favorites are made by the same brands—apparently, making high-quality kitchen trash bins is an art form with true experts in the space. Whether you’re looking for an attractive trash can that’s fit for small spaces, or you want a dual-compartment trash can that’ll also hold your recycling, there’s an option for you below (and we’ve even included some solid budget options, too).
The Joseph Joseph Totem Max is proof that your trash and recycling setup can be chic, even if you have a small kitchen. This space-saving bin features two stacked 30 liter compartments: the bottom compartment slides out to house empty seltzer cans and other recyclables, and the top has a button to launch the lid up for trash. That same lid also has a filter to help mitigate odors. BA editorial director Serena Dai says, “With modern rounded edges and a small pop of orange, it looks sharp without feeling like the centerpiece of the room the way a bigger can might.” Choose between a variety of finishes including stainless steel, matte black, and glossy stone.
My Epicurious colleagues once tested a bunch of the most popular kitchen trash cans on the market, and the Kohler 13-gallon step can came out on top. (It actually tied for first place with the Simplehuman step can, more on that below). To put it simply, the Kohler checks all our boxes: it’s well-built with a durable metal petal and quiet soft-close lid, it’s equipped with a removable inner bucket for easy bag changes, and it’s impeccable at containing odors. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line stainless steel trash can that comes in multiple finishes and color combos to fit any kitchen style, this is it.
As mentioned, the Simplehuman rectangular step can tied for first place in product testing, and it’s a fan-favorite among many BA staffers. “This trash can is enormous but streamlined, holding a dinner party and a half’s worth of garbage without taking up too much valuable kitchen space,” says associate food editor Kendra Vaculin. “It’s also chic, which is a top requirement for me.” She loves the white colorway, and finds it super easy to clean. (Opt for the brushed stainless steel if you want something that’s fingerprint-proof.) Simplehuman recommends using their trash bags, but we’ve found that you can use any trash bag you want.
With a compact circular shape and an 8-gallon capacity, this Brabantia NewIcon step can is a great option for smaller kitchens. It has an inner bucket with ventilation holes, a smooth soft-close lid, and a built-in anti-tilting block that ensures it won’t ever topple over. Plus, it’s made from 42% recycled material, and comes in a variety of colors.
It’s no surprise that another one of our favorite garbage can–recycling bin combos comes from Simplehuman. Emily loves this step because it looks super sleek and opens smoothly by way of a sturdy foot pedal. She says, “The compartments are optimally sized and it’s easy to get the bags in and out of both—they don’t feel crammed together.” If you’re hesitant to make such a big investment, Emilly adds: “Simplehuman’s design features are really on point; they’ve thought of all the ways to make a trash can easy to access, easy to clean, and easy to change bags.”
Kind of vintage, kind of modern, kind of cottagecore, this trash can from Zara Home is stylish without trying too hard. The neutral cream-colored, metal design will satisfy many kitchen aesthetics—and its compact, square shape means it won’t take up too much space. Plus, it has a removable plastic interior that makes for easy bag changes and cleaning.
The Simplehuman sensor trash can is, without a doubt, the coolest gadget in my kitchen. It has all the glory of the brand’s regular step can (large, sleek, odor-proof), but it’s equipped with voice and motion sensors that open the lid instead of a manual foot pedal. Just wave your hand above the bin, or say “open can” and voilà—you can even say the command across the kitchen or from another room. If that sounds extra, IT IS. But the experience of having a trash can that essentially opens itself before I even walk up to it is unmatched, especially when my hands are full or dirty. Bonus: the brushed stainless steel finish is germ- and fingerprint-resistant.
Maybe you aren’t interested in an investment piece. Maybe you just want a solid, large-capacity garbage bin that’ll get the job done. For that, there’s the Glad 13-gallon step trash can. This plastic bin won’t contain smells as well as some of the other cans on this list, but it is well-built, sturdy, and does a good job securing the bags inside—this can’t be said of similar cans at the same price point.
With two discrete interior bins and adjustable legs that raise it off the floor, the Brabantia Bo Touch trash can resembles a piece of furniture. The 9-gallon capacity is split between a 6-gallon bin and a 3-gallon bin, and it features a soft-touch system that opens the lid with a light touch of your hand. It comes in multiple colors—including white, matte black, soft beige, and brown—that would complement any mid century-modern kitchen. Similar to the Brabantia can mentioned above, this one is made from 34% recycled material and uses their brand-specific trash bags.
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