You’ve probably experienced the frustration of dealing with a flimsy or poorly designed kitchen trash can, like the one that constantly tips over or has a lid that never quite closes right. Finding the right trash can can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen tidy and functional. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the top three kitchen trash cans that excel in regard to functionality, style, and durability – and you’re about to find out which ones made the cut.
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simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can
If you’re looking for a trash can that can fit snugly in tight kitchen spaces without sacrificing capacity, the simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can is an excellent choice, offering a spacious 40-liter capacity in a slim, space-saving design.
You’ll appreciate the Silent Close Lid with patented Lid Shox technology, which guarantees a quiet closure every time.
Plus, the Secure Slide Lock keeps pets and children out, giving you peace of mind.
The Stay-Open Lid is perfect for longer chores, and the built-in Wheels make it easy to move the can around your kitchen.
With its sleek black design and rectangular shape, this trash can is both functional and stylish.
Best For: People who need a slim, space-saving trash can with a large capacity and advanced features like silent close lid and secure slide lock, ideal for kitchens with limited space.
Pros:
- The trash can has a large 40-liter capacity in a slim design, making it perfect for kitchens with limited space.
- The Silent Close Lid with patented Lid Shox technology ensures a quiet closure every time, reducing noise levels in the kitchen.
- The Secure Slide Lock keeps pets and children out, providing peace of mind and reducing messes.
Cons:
- The product is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- The Stay-Open Lid may not stay open at a 90-degree angle, which can be inconvenient for some users.
- The product is not specifically designed for outdoor or heavy-duty use, which may limit its versatility.
iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Motion Sensor
The iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Motion Sensor is the best choice for homeowners who value convenience and hygiene in their kitchen waste management.
With its impressive 13-gallon capacity and touchless operation, it offers a convenient and hygienic way to manage kitchen waste.
The trash can features a wide 12′ lid opening, making it easy to throw away bulky items.
The fingerprint-proof stainless steel body and ABS plastic lid guarantee a sleek, modern design that fits snugly in corners and pantries.
Plus, the odor-absorbing filter and lid lock feature keep trash odors and pets at bay.
With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, dedicated customer support, and a long-lasting battery life, you can trust this trash can to keep your kitchen clean and germ-free.
Best For: Homeowners who value convenience and hygiene in their kitchen waste management and need a large capacity trash can with advanced features.
Pros:
- Touchless operation with motion sensor for convenient and hygienic waste disposal
- Large 13-gallon capacity with a wide 12′ lid opening for easy disposal of bulky items
- Odor-absorbing filter and lid lock feature to keep trash odors and pets at bay
Cons:
- No specific drawbacks mentioned in the product description
- No specific drawbacks mentioned in the product description
- No specific drawbacks mentioned in the product description
Umbra Venti Trash Can
When you need a large, reliable trash can that can keep up with your busy household or commercial space, the Umbra Venti Trash Can is an excellent choice, offering a spacious 16.5-gallon capacity and a modern design that fits seamlessly into any décor.
Made of durable polypropylene, this trash can is sturdy and stable, ensuring it’ll withstand frequent use.
The swing-top lid and integrated neck ring make it easy to conceal the garbage bag, keeping your space clean and organized.
Its sleek, matte black finish and brushed metal accents will complement any interior, while its large capacity means you’ll need to empty it less often.
Best For: Busy households or commercial spaces that need a large and reliable trash can with a modern design.
Pros:
- Large 16.5-gallon capacity reduces the need for frequent emptying
- Durable polypropylene construction ensures stability and long-lasting use
- Modern design with matte black finish and brushed metal accents fits seamlessly into any décor
Cons:
- Some reviewers experienced minor issues with packaging tape and scratches on the finish
- No specific features for odor control or pest control
- May require more frequent cleaning due to its large capacity
Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Trash Cans
When selecting the perfect kitchen trash can for your needs, you’ll want to think about several key factors.
You’ll need to ponder how much waste the can will need to hold, whether it has features to minimize odors and messes, and how easily you can open and close the lid.
Additionally, you’ll want to weigh the can’s design and whether it’s pet-proof, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your kitchen workflow.
Trash Can Capacity
When choosing a kitchen trash can, capacity is a vital factor to think about. You’ll want a can that’s large enough to hold a decent amount of waste, but not so large that it becomes unwieldy or takes up too much floor space.
A good rule of thumb is to ponder the size of your household and how much waste you typically generate. For small households, a 3-5 gallon can might suffice, while larger families might require a 10-13 gallon can.
You should also think about the type of waste you’ll be disposing of – if you have a large family or entertain frequently, you may need a larger can to accommodate food waste and packaging materials.
Ultimately, the right size trash can will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Be honest with yourself about your waste generation habits, and choose a can that fits your lifestyle. By doing so, you’ll be able to maintain a clean, organized kitchen that stays free of clutter and unpleasant odors.
Odor Control Features
You’ll also want to think about the odor control features of your kitchen trash can, since a can that can’t contain unpleasant smells can quickly become a nuisance in your kitchen.
This is especially important in kitchen trash cans, as they often dispose of food waste, a significant source of unpleasant odors.
Some trash cans, like the iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can, come with odor-absorbing filters to minimize smells. Others, such as the simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can, feature a secure slide lock to keep pets and children out, which can also help prevent odors from spreading.
Motion sensor-activated lids, like the one on the iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can, can reduce the spread of odors by minimizing the amount of time the lid is open.
Additionally, some trash cans, such as the Umbra Venti Trash Can, are designed for easy cleaning, which can also help prevent the buildup of odors.
Lid Opening Mechanism
Your kitchen trash can’s lid opening mechanism plays a significant role in your overall user experience, influencing factors such as convenience, hygiene, and noise level.
When choosing a kitchen trash can, you’ll want to weigh the options and examine the type of lid opening mechanism that suits your needs.
A step-on lid opening mechanism, like the one found in the simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can, allows for hands-free operation and can be more hygienic than traditional lid-opening methods.
Alternatively, touchless operation with motion sensors, as seen in the iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can, provides a convenient and germ-free way to open and close the lid.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, swing-lid mechanisms, such as the one on the Umbra Venti Trash Can, offer easy access to the trash can’s interior while keeping the lid attached to the can.
Some lid opening mechanisms are designed for quiet and slow closure, like the silent close lid with patented Lid Shox technology in the simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can, minimizing noise and disturbance.
Space Saving Design
When selecting a kitchen trash can, a space-saving design is essential to maximize the limited real estate in your kitchen, ensuring a seamless fit in tight spaces.
A slim, space-saving shape can fit in tight spaces, such as the simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can, which measures 18.6L x 10.1W x 24.9H inches. Alternatively, consider a rectangular shape, like the Umbra Venti Trash Can, which can fit snugly in corners and pantries, making the most of available space.
Built-in wheels or a non-skid base can help the trash can stay in place while allowing for easy movement and rearrangement of the kitchen layout.
You’ll be surprised to find that compact designs can often hold more capacity than expected, such as the iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can, which has 25% more space than similar products.
When choosing a trash can, consider the dimensions of the space where it will be placed and look for a model that fits comfortably, leaving enough room for easy access and cleaning around the area.
Pet Proofing Options
If you’re a pet owner, keeping curious critters out of the trash is a top priority, and a pet-proof kitchen trash can is essential to maintaining a clean and healthy kitchen environment.
You know how easily pets can knock over or open traditional trash cans, making a mess and creating a health hazard.
That’s why lid locks are especially important for pet owners. Look for features like slide locks, like the one on the simplehuman Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can, which can effectively keep pets out of the trash by locking the lid shut.
Motion sensors, like the one on the iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can, can also help prevent pets from accessing the trash by only opening the lid when a human approaches.
When choosing a pet-proof trash can, consider the type of lock or mechanism used, as well as the material and construction of the can, to guarantee it can withstand curious pets.
If you opt for a can without built-in pet-proofing features, like the Umbra Venti Trash Can, you may need to take additional measures, such as placing it in a secure location or using a separate pet-deterrent device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Kitchen Trash Can Outdoors?
You’re wondering if you can use a kitchen trash can outdoors, but it’s not the best idea since they’re designed for indoor use and might not withstand outdoor elements like rain, sun, or extreme temperatures.
How Often Should I Clean My Kitchen Trash Can?
You should clean your kitchen trash can at least once a week, or whenever it starts to smell or gets dirty. Don’t forget to disinfect it regularly to prevent germ buildup.
Are Kitchen Trash Cans Dishwasher Safe?
You’re wondering if you can toss your kitchen trash can in the dishwasher for a deep clean. Unfortunately, most trash cans aren’t dishwasher safe, but you can check your specific model’s instructions for guidance.
Can I Put Hot Coals in a Kitchen Trash Can?
You shouldn’t put hot coals in a kitchen trash can, as it’s a fire hazard and can damage the can. Instead, fully extinguish coals in a fire pit or a heat-resistant container before disposing of them.
Do Kitchen Trash Cans Come With Odor-Absorbing Filters?
“You’re worried about odor-absorbing filters, but let’s be real, you’re probably still wondering if you can get away with dumping hot coals in there too. Anyway, to answer your question, yes, some kitchen trash cans do come with odor-absorbing filters, but it’s not a standard feature.”
Conclusion
You’ve made it to the end of our roundup of the best kitchen trash cans!
Did you know that the average American generates about 4.4 pounds of trash per day?
With the right kitchen trash can, you can keep your kitchen clean and hygienic.
From the sleek design of the Umbra Venti to the touchless operation of the iTouchless, there’s a perfect fit for your kitchen.
Choose wisely, and you’ll be tossing trash like a pro in no time!
