Let’s face it — nothing can change the flow of your kitchen as fast as choosing the perfect trash can. A trash can is one of those products that doesn’t feel important until it’s too small, smells horrible, or falls over every time you try to throw something away. When I first transitioned to a steel trash can with a soft-close lid from one of those thin, plastic, bins — oh my goodness! What a difference it made in the appearance of my kitchen, and I was more inspired to keep my kitchen cleaner. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
If you are reading this article and are looking to learn how to choose the best trash can for your kitchen, you’ve come to the right resource. The best trash can in your kitchen strikes a balance between function, form, and convenience. By the time you finish reading this guide, you will know exactly what size, shape, and features will work best for your kitchen whether it be a small apartment, a busy family home, or an open design for entertaining.
The short answer for you is the best kitchen trash can is one that will fit the physical size of your space, it will support the way your home produces waste, as well as, match the aesthetic of your space. Factors to consider for the ideal trash can include: capacity (measured in gallons), placement (whether it is freestanding or built-in), lid type (whether it is step, motion-sensor, etc.), and odor control technologies. A complete breakdown is below to help you confidently choose the perfect trash can for your lifestyle and space.
For Pinterest searchers and modern day home organizers wanting to steal some ideas, we will also touch on common search terms around (best kitchen trash can with odor control, etc.), (stainless steel trash can for small kitchens), and (space saving kitchen trash can ideas). Each section should help you understand the features that are best for your kitchen setup and cleaning habits.
What Size Kitchen Trash Can Do You Actually Need?
One of the most common mistakes people make is selecting the wrong size container for their home use. Trash can sizes usually vary by construction and are typically measured in gallons. There are small 8-10 gallon sizes (good for small setups, like apartment use or located under a sink), as well as larger sizes (13-16 gallon sizes are generally good for kitchens – especially family-sized settings). For example: a household of four, versus a single or couple household is probably going to create enough waste on a given day, that a 13 gallon can will be filled, but the 8-10 gallon option will probably be more than enough, and allow for less odor and cleaning up towards the end of the week.
Before the purchase of your next container be sure to measure your available floor or cabinet space. Then ask yourself: Is the trash can going to be next to your island? Is it going to figure under the counter? Or, will it be in some type of pull out cabinet application? For tight spaces, a tall and narrow trash can will likely work better than a shorter and wider one, especially if you have low cabinets. Ultimately, you are going to want to choose the option that works best with the style of your kitchen, and your average trash output.
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Which Material Is Best: Plastic or Stainless Steel?
When comparing materials, it often comes down to personal style and maintenance preferences. Stainless steel trash cans are famously sleek and modern, instantly making your kitchen look more polished. In addition, they are easy to clean, tend not to hold odors, and tend to come in a fingerprint-proof finish. On the downside, this comes at an additional weight and expense.
Plastic trash cans are light-weight, inexpensive, and literally come in nearly any color. The downside is they tend to hold odors more than steel, or stainless steel, and usually tend to get dingy and have scratches quite easily. If you have kids or pets, you may find a tough plastic holds up better than a weaker one.
For most people, a hybrid approach is often better—stainless in the main and plastic in less visible or secondary spots such as the pantry and laundry room.
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What Type of Lid Works Best for Your Lifestyle?
Lid style impacts both functionality and hygiene. Let’s break down the main options:
- Step Lid Trash Cans: A foot pedal mechanism allows you to open the lid hands-free, perfect for cooking or multitasking. Look for models with a soft-close lid to prevent slamming noises—features often found in brands like Simplehuman.
- Motion Sensor Trash Cans: Great for high-traffic kitchens and families, these open automatically when you wave your hand. They’re super hygienic but require batteries or plug-ins.
- Open-Top Trash Cans: Best for busy chefs or large households where the can fills quickly. While they offer convenience, you’ll want to empty them often to manage odors.
If aesthetics is important to you, a two-compartment model with separate lids will keep recyclables and trash neat while looking good. When selecting a trash can, be mindful of how convenient the lid is to clean- food is messy sometimes and smooth flat lids are easy to maintain.
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What Are the Best Odor-Control Features?
No one wants a smelly kitchen. Thankfully, many modern trash cans now include built-in odor control. Some use carbon filters inside the lid; others rely on silicone gaskets that create a tight seal, locking in unwanted smells. Models from brands like Glad often include replaceable charcoal inserts that absorb and neutralize odors effectively.
For those of you with lingering kitchen smells, you can always try a liner that has odor control, or just sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of your can. And don’t forget that normal ventilation and emptying it often are the best odor reliefs. Finally, once every few weeks, wash it in warm, soapy water—anyone enjoy cleaning?— is one of those extra little cleaning steps natural cleaners just do not provide.
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Should You Get One with a Recycling Compartment?
Economically-conscious families appreciate the convenience of dual or triple compartment trash bins. You can conveniently separate your recyclables, compost, and regular trash from a single trash bin option that is designed simply and sleek. This is especially important if you are short on room, which many families are. With these compartments designated specifically for recycling and rubbish, we make it very easy for all family members to know where each item should go after use.
Most commonly, you will find designs in a 50/50 split or one side can be a little larger designated for rubbish and one a little smaller designed for recyclables. Another improvement is clarifying the liner for your bin, some stores even carry the liner specifically for its brand. This is great for dumping or cleaning out if your liner fits into your bin for easy removal. If being sustainable is important to you, this improvement is worth doing and ultimately will save you time and benefit our planet long-term!
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What Shape Fits Best in Your Space?
The shape does have more implications than most would realize. Rectangular cans typically fit well against walls or cabinets and allow more usable space. Rounded cans are often the choice for corners or open space, especially if they have step lids because they soften the visual lines of the kitchen.
If you are looking to design a new kitchen layout, the swing of doors and appliances can affect the traffic in your kitchen. You do not want your trash can blocked to get to the dishwasher or being too close to your cut station. Always think in workflow: where do you throw away scraps the most? If your trash can is going to be placed or installed, consider your sink and cut station so the day-to-day cooking process is cleaner and smoother to be around.
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Are Built-In or Pull-Out Trash Cans Worth It?
For individuals with petite kitchens or custom cabinets, a built-in or pull-out trash can could be the ultimate solution. It easily fits behind the cabinetry, so the kitchen does not look cluttered with a trash bin in an open-concept space. Most models tend to utilize standard bin sizes that slide on rails or tracks for easy access. Some are even designed in a way that allows you to pull out multiple bins, suited for easily sorting to recycling. These concepts are particularly ideal for open-concept spaces where countertops visible from family living spaces would be modern and minimal design philosophies.
The drawback? Built-ins tend to require more installation and may not allow for larger size capacities. But if you are about aesthetics and space conservation, the built-in or pull-out concept is sleek and worth doing.
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What Stylish Options Can Upgrade Your Kitchen Look?
A trash can doesn’t have to be so boring! Trash cans come in a stylish modern design that seamlessly integrates into your decor… think matte black, brushed gold lids, and even patterned exterior wraps! If you like a designer look, look for a trash can to style that fits your hardware. For example, a stainless steel can looks great next to chrome fixtures… a soft white bin with a bamboo lid helps complete a minimalist or Scandinavian style.
For those who prefer convenience – look for fingerprint-resistant coatings and a concealed hinge lid. You will be surprised how changing one design element will elevate the overall vibe of the space, and it won’t involve any renovations!
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What Maintenance and Cleaning Tips Keep It Fresh?
Even the finest waste bin needs seasonal love and care. To start, give it a good bleach-free clean and wipe-down once every week to prevent buildup and grime. Then, once a month, take the bucket inside, wipe down the lid and rid the crevices and bucket of grime and buildup. When everything has been thoroughly cleaned, dry off and put your liners back in the bucket. If your trash can has a carbon filter, replace it every 2–3 months, depending on your usage.
You may want to put a layer of paper towel in the bottom of the bin to absorb any spills, and another great tip is to sprinkle a little baking soda to keep it from getting smelly. Cleaning your trash can is not only odor preventative, but also adds years to its life. Make it part of your regular cleaning of the kitchen, and when it’s clean, the experience of taking out the trash will even feel a little more bearable.
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Final Thoughts: Finding the One That Fits Your Life
It might seem an easy endeavor to select the best kitchen trash bin, but this decision has an influence on your daily routine, home style, and even attitude toward cleanliness. Buying a trash bin that fits your space and is compatible with your lifestyle and design means your garbage can becomes a useful addition instead of a nuisance!
Be sure to measure your required spot, estimate your garbage needs, and what matters to you most – hands-free, aesthetic, even double bins. Once you obtain that clarity, it becomes evident for a decision. When you elevate an essential daily tool that gets the most use in your kitchen you add convenience and beauty to your daily life.
This post was all about How to Choose the Best Kitchen Trash Can for Your Space
FAQs
- What size trash can is best for a family kitchen? A 13-gallon can typically works best for families as it balances capacity with usability.
- Are motion-sensor trash cans reliable? Yes, as long as the batteries are fresh. They’re especially convenient for hands-free use while cooking.
- What’s the best way to control trash odor? Use cans with carbon filters and empty the bin regularly. Adding baking soda at the bottom helps too.
- Should I choose a pull-out or freestanding design? Pull-outs save space and look clean, while freestanding cans offer mobility and easier replacement.
- How often should I clean my trash can? Light clean weekly and deep clean monthly to maintain hygiene and prevent stains or smells.
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