This Trash Can Might Be the Chicest Piece in Your Kitchen

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As you can imagine, garbage storage containers are rarely chic, but we managed to find a few kitchen trash cans that are, dare we say, the most eye-catching pieces in the space. After all, if you don’t plan on hiding them under cabinets or in drawers, you may as well pick one that’s not a total eyesore because it will be on display all the time. As editors at a design publication, we started our search for stylish options internally. That’s right; we asked our colleagues to share their own kitchen trash cans and offer a few words about what makes them worthy to House Beautiful readers.

We also widened the scope to include the most highly rated options on the market. Rest assured, there are plenty of finds that range in price, style, and functionality. From tilt-out options that are disguised as cabinets to touchless masterpieces that look like something out of the future, you’ll definitely find something to suit your kitchen and your needs.

Keep scrolling to discover all of our top picks, plus tips for choosing the right trash can, and our responses to the most-asked questions about this particular product. No matter which one you go with, you’re making a good choice. After all, trash cans have come a long way from their more primitive versions of the past! Most of the ones on offer today feature touchless activation and lock in odors so you home doesn't reek of three-day old banana peels. Go ahead and transform your kitchen experience now.

SoftStep Step Trash Can

"I bought this for my small New York City apartment that doesn't have a dedicated room for the kitchen. The oven, fridge, and prep space are all along the same short wall, so finding a place to fit a trash can was tricky," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner says. "This one is great because it's so narrow, so it doesn't look very imposing in the space. I also like that I don't have to touch anything to open and close the lid. All I have to do is lightly step on the pedal and the top flips open."

Hands-Free Dual Compartment Trash Can

Assistant Market Editor Catherine DiPersico explains, "I hate that this is so expensive, but my roommate's boyfriend gave it to us, so I didn't invest in it personally. If I had, I'd say it is worth it! It has dual bins, so we can keep recycling and trash in one chic, slim container. It's also touchless, which I love for convenience. Lastly, I really like that there's an added layer of the lid that keeps the bags in place without exposing the internal plastic bins." Right now, this item is 20 percent off, so snag something luxurious without paying the full price.

Betty Retro Step-Open Trash Can

SEO Editor Kate McGregor says, "This trash can is really cost effective, large, and genuinely traps smells. Plus, I love that it neither slams open nor slams shut. The chrome doesn't trap fingerprints, and the interior bin comes out so easily (and helps prevent your trash bag from falling in)." This is another small space-friendly option that can squeeze into pretty much any nook in the kitchen. It also comes in various cool colors, including matte navy, salmon, and mint. The only potential issue is finding the right size trash bags because most standard pails are 13 gallons.

Bo Touch Top Dual Compartment Trash Can

Some of the best features of this Brabantia trash can are ones you can't exactly see, including the removable can liner, soft-closing lid that opens and shuts via the a touch top, and a satiny finish that's fingerprint-resistant. It also comes in four additional colors, so if this moody moss color isn't doing it for you, there are plenty more earthy shades available.

NewIcon Step Trash Can

If you live in a minimal waste home or tend to eat out more than you cook at home, a smaller compact trash can will work wonders in your kitchen. It's there when you want to toss out an orange peel or snack wrapper, but it's not taking up any space visually. If, on the other hand, you want it to be a bit louder in your space, opt for any of the other unique hues, including bright red or pine green. Like several of the other options on our list, this one comes with a pedal that lifts the attached lid so that you never need to touch it when you're throwing anything out.

16-Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can

"When I moved into my apartment four years ago, I knew I wanted a two-compartment jet-black trash can so it can hold my garbage and recyclables. I bought this one from Amazon because it's slim and space-saving, nestling perfectly between my fridge and storage cabinet," Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao says. "I like that it has removable buckets, which makes taking out heavy trash bags super easy, and foot pedals that operate smoothly. It contains smells well, too, and the lids close softly and quietly. Also, this trash can is very easy to clean and wipe down, so even though I’ve used it for years, it still looks brand new."

Step Trash Can

Yamakazi is one of those great brands that we turn to time and time again for all things organization, so it came as no surprise that it also sells beautiful, sleek trash cans. Though it's not necessarily an organizational piece, it does eliminate mess and even clutter, so we're including it on our list. It also comes in white, so if such a large and dark piece doesn't work for your space, feel free to snag the paler shade.

Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can

"This trash can is indestructible as far as I can tell. I bought it for my Brooklyn apartment six years ago, and it has moved with me to New Jersey into my husband's apartment and now into our house. It even spent six months in our gross, dusty garage and looks no worse for the wear. I've just wiped or hosed it down and put it back to work, Senior Editor Elyse Moody explains. "I love it because it doesn't let any gross smells escape and the stainless steel really doesn't show fingerprints. It's a little expensive but worth it—it'll be your forever trash can."

Touch Top Cabinet Trash Can

How could we list our favorite kitchen trash cans and not include an old-school tilt cabinet option? This one, which is covered with cane, made of painted wood, and topped with a 1.5-inch wooden slab that you can use as a tiny prep space or storage for your more attractive kitchen wares, like olive oils, sugar canisters, and more. There's also a drawer, which is a plus for anyone with little storage space in their kitchen. Sadly, it doesn't come with a trash bin, so if you plan on buying this for your kitchen, be sure to get a 10-gallon bin as well.

Touchless Sensor Trash Can

Though plenty of our top picks are touchless, only a few come with sensors. This Homary find is one of the few. All you have to do is lightly wave your hand near the sensor and the lid gently lifts until you're done. Another cool feature? The trash bag retainer ring, which keeps excess bags tucked discreetly away and out of sight. "The touchless sensor is incredibly convenient and hygienic," one reviewer says.

Kitchen Trash Can with Lid

When we think of a standard kitchen trash can, something like this comes to mind. The color may be a bit funkier than what we're used to (it also comes in classic chrome, white, and black), but it's the traditional size, includes a pedal, and quiet-close lid. "The value exceeds the price. It's so sturdy when in place (it won’t move). Obvious attention was given to the polished finish: There is ZERO stainless grain, which makes cleaning easy," one reviewer says. "In my opinion, the square bin design is more accommodating than my previous oblong trash bin because the bags are more of a liner so I get at least half as much more using this bin."

Round Step Trash Can

If you're into the look of this trash can, grab it now because it's already sold out in the other color (chrome). The black, however, is just as good. Some may even say it's better because it makes up for its small size with the dramatic finish. Get it in three or eight gallon sizes for your kitchen or bathroom (or both) and enjoy how easy tossing out your trash will become.

Tammi Touch Top Trash Can

At more than 50 percent off, this is a deal worth snagging if you can. Available in beige (pictured), black, white, and chrome, this is a beautiful addition to pretty much any kitchen—no matter the style. You may notice that there's no pedal like several other options on the list, but there is a push-button that makes it easy to open. The lid also closes tightly to keep trash secure and odors contained. Did we mention it comes with free two-day shipping and a pack of 20 can liners?

Tilt Out Trash Cabinet

Our penultimate trash can roundup features another tilted design, which is nostalgic in all the right ways. There's also a work surface for small appliances or food goods, so if you're short on space, this trash can will definitely get the job done. The best part, however, is the drawer, which we think makes for the perfect spot to store extra garbage bags. "Probably one of my favorite things in my kitchen, but I’m still getting used to having it. Every time I go to throw something away I spin in circles looking for my garbage can," one reviewer says. That's the most fascinating elements about this trash can; it doesn't even look like one!

Step On Trash Cans, Set of 2

Our final pick is a truly nostalgic find that pretty much anyone who grew up before the 2010s would remember. Though unlike the original ones, which were usually outside of the house, this set comes with attached lids, so you never need to touch them to throw things out. Just step on the barely-visible pedal. "Super cute trash cans. I really bought the larger one for recycling, but it’s a bit small. The quality is great. It seems to be faring well even in the rain just wish they made a bigger size but good quality and certainly a good deal," one reviewer says.

How We Chose Our Picks

When carefully making our way through the thousands of kitchen trash cans available online, we wanted to make sure that all of our top choices were well-vetted. Roughly half are ones House Beautiful editors have and love at home while the other half are models with tons of positive reviews. As for the ones the editors recommended, we spent at least six months using them to make sure they are worthy in our readers' homes, too. Luckily, all of the editors have had a good experience with theirs.

What to Look for in a Kitchen Trash Can

When buying a kitchen trash can, there are a few factors to consider that may influence your final pick.

Size: This is perhaps the most important of all the considerations. If you have a small kitchen that doesn't have a lot of floor real estate to spare, opting for a 13-gallon trash can may feel and look way too imposing in your space. On the other hand, if you cook a lot and need don't want to run to the trash chute every few hours with a full bag, a bigger option may be better for you. The standard size is 13 gallons, which makes finding trash bags that fit super easy because they're available almost anywhere. If you're going with a less common size, like eight or 10 gallons, you may need to order your trash bags online.

Material: We highly recommend opting for a stainless steel kitchen trash can for a few reasons. First, stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, which is why most kitchen appliances are made of this particular metal. This leads us to our second point. A stainless steel trash can will match the rest of the appliances in your kitchen instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. Lastly, stainless steel is a heavier material than, say, plastic, so if you have pets that tend to knock your trash cans over and nosh on your leftover food scraps, this material will deter them big time.

Special Features: When we say special features, we're referring to life-changing elements, including its ability to mask or eliminate odors, it's touchless open and close functions, or it's hidden storage compartments for extra trash bags. These features are more of a personal preference than a necessity, but if you want a trash can that makes your time dealing with waste and food scraps better, we highly recommend going for a product with at least a few special features.

How Do You Clean a Kitchen Trash Can?

When it comes to keeping your kitchen trash can clean, we have a few suggestions. The most important area to keep clean is the internal bin. If there are any food particles, which includes spilled liquids, crumbs, or even wrappers, you may find uninvited guests to dinner in your trash can within a matter of days. Bugs, rats, and mice can smell food from miles away, so doing a thorough check of the bin every time you take the trash out to make sure nothing has escaped from the bag is key. If a sugary drink (coffee, juice, or lemonade, to name a few) has spilled, use either a mix of water and dish detergent or an all-purpose spray to mop it up. If there is a pile of tiny crumbs sitting at the base of the bin, break out the dust-buster.

As for the exterior of the trash can, all you need is a spray that's compatible with the material. If you don't want to go out and buy a cleaning product, white vinegar will work. If your working with a plastic trash can, pretty much any product will work, including soap and water. If your trash can is made of wood, you may want to shell out the money for a wood-specific cleaner. We're loving Method's at the moment.

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.

For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews, ratings, and tapped her fellow editors to find the best kitchen trash cans on the market right now for House Beautiful readers.

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