Our Top Picks
Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection13 Gallon16 x 20.25 x 25 inches5 poundsCheck on Amazon
The best kitchen trash can for most homes is a 13-gallon lidded bin with a pedal, sized to fit the cabinet or corner it lives in and matched to the bags you already buy. Nine of the ten listings below sit within a narrow capacity range, so the real choices are lid action (pedal, soft close or motion sensor), body material (plastic or steel) and extras such as an inner bucket or a filter. We compared what each title states, flagged what it leaves out, and added a buying guide with a worked example.
Top picks at a glance
Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black | Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon
KdbK Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gal Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can | 50L Fingerprint Pedal Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Rubbish Bin for Home Office, Silver
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon
BestOffice | 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid | Steel | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | For Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on AmazonGlad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon
EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can or Recycling Bin, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon
SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close, Smudge Resistant Trash Can with Foot Pedal and Built in Filter- Stainless Steel, Sleek Finish
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon
Hefty 12 Gallon Step Trash Can with Lockable Lid and 40 Trash Bags, Plastic Kitchen Garbage Can for Home, Office & Kitchen, 48 Quart, Black, 1 Pack
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon
SONGMICS Trash Can, 13 Gallon (50 L), Stainless Steel, with Lid, Pedal | Garbage Can for Kitchen, with Soft Close, Removable Inner Bucket, 15 Trash Bags (Code K) Included, Brown ULTB586MZ01
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon
SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel, Step-On Pedal | Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon
PayLessHere | 13G Trash Can with Lid | Steel | Removable Inner Bucket | Made of Stainless Steel | Soft-Close Step Pedal | Hands-Free Use | Easy to Clean | for Kitchen, Office, Bathroom
One of the home product options compared in this guide.
View on Amazon| Model | Key point from the title | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glad 13 Gal plastic step bin | Odor protection, foot pedal, bag rings | Budget | Basic kitchen use |
| Glad Premium 13 Gallon | Stainless steel foot pedal, bag rings | Budget | Similar use, steel pedal |
| Hefty 12 Gallon step can | Lockable lid, 40 trash bags included | Budget | Households that want bags in the box |
| KdbK 13 Gal stainless pedal | Removable inner bucket, soft close lid | Budget | Steel look without a high cost |
| BestOffice 13 Gallon touchless | Automatic lid, oval design, odor control | Mid-range | Hands-free on a budget |
| PayLessHere 13G steel | Soft-close pedal, removable inner bucket | Mid-range | Quiet lid, easy liner cleaning |
| SONGMICS 13 Gallon, silver | Step-on pedal, soft close, inner bucket | Mid-range | Everyday steel bin |
| SONGMICS 13 Gallon, brown | Soft close, inner bucket, 15 trash bags | Mid-range | Colored finish with bags included |
| EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter | Touchless motion sensor, brushed stainless | Premium | Hands-free in a modern kitchen |
| SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter | Smudge resistant, soft close, built-in filter | Premium | Odor-conscious households |
What is changing in the kitchen bin category
Kitchen trash cans have quietly become a design item. Steel finishes with fingerprint-resistant claims, soft-close lids that remove the slam, and removable inner buckets are now common even at lower price tiers. Motion-sensor lids, once a niche feature, appear regularly in listings, which also means more buyers are thinking about batteries, adapters and sensor care.
Another trend is bundling. Several listings include bags, a quantity of liners or bag rings in the title, a nudge to buy accessories alongside the bin. That is convenient, but it can hide the real cost: bag sizes are not universal, and a bin sized in liters may not match bags sold in gallons or in quart codes. Odor control wording has also grown, with phrases such as odor protection and built-in filter showing up in titles.
Finally, capacity has settled near 12 to 13 gallons for one-bin kitchens. Many households now use two bins, one for general trash and one for recycling, which makes a single 13-gallon unit a building block rather than the whole system. These are general patterns, not claims about any one product. Before you buy, it helps to decide whether you want one larger bin or a pair of smaller ones, because that choice changes which of the listings below makes sense for your counter and cabinet space.
How these ten were chosen
We worked from product titles, published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews in the category, then grouped the bins by lid action, material and stated capacity. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Anything the title does not state is marked “check the listing,” and feature wording is treated as a seller claim. Price tiers are relative within this set. Two Glad listings read as near duplicates, and one Hefty listing is slightly smaller than the rest, so we note that below. We did not rank by popularity, since a high number of purchases can reflect low prices or heavy promotion, not suitability for your kitchen.
The ten bins, one by one
Glad 13 Gal plastic trash can with Clorox odor protection
A black plastic step bin whose title names Clorox odor protection, a foot pedal and garbage bag rings. At 13 gallons it matches the common kitchen size. The odor protection phrase is a manufacturer claim about an additive or feature, so check the listing for what it covers and how long it lasts. Plastic is lighter than steel and does not show fingerprints in the same way, though it can scuff.
It suits a household that wants a plain, low-cost bin for daily use. A scenario: a rental kitchen where the bin sits beside the stove and gets emptied every day or two.
- Pro: low price tier with a familiar 13-gallon size.
- Pro: bag rings help hold the liner in place.
- Con: the title does not mention a soft-close lid.
- Con: plastic may feel less sturdy than steel.
In daily use, a step bin like this is judged by how the pedal feels and whether the lid stays put when you drop a heavy item in. Neither is stated in the title, so buyer reviews are the place to look for notes about pedal wear, rim flex and how the bag rings grip a thinner liner.
Who should skip it: shoppers who want a quiet lid or a steel look. Check the listing for: pedal travel, lid hinge, and the bag size. Question to ask before buying: what does the odor protection actually consist of, and does it wear out?
KdbK 13 Gal stainless steel pedal can with inner bucket
The title lists a 13-gallon (50 liter) stainless steel pedal bin with a fingerprint finish, a removable inner bucket and a soft-close lid, marketed for home or office. It sits in the lower price tier for a steel bin with a bucket, which is a combination that often costs more. Fingerprint wording is a finish claim, so expect smudges to some extent.
It suits a cook who wants a steel exterior and an easy way to rinse the liner. A scenario: a family kitchen where raw-meat packaging means the inner bucket gets washed in the sink regularly.
- Pro: steel body with a removable bucket in a lower price tier.
- Pro: soft-close lid reduces noise.
- Con: finish details beyond fingerprint wording are not stated.
- Con: the brand is less familiar, so read the support information.
Steel bins with inner buckets tend to be judged on the hinge and the damper, because those are the parts that move thousands of times. The title does not describe either, so check the product images and buyer comments for the lid mechanism, and confirm that the bucket handle is comfortable to lift when the bag is heavy.
Who should skip it: buyers who need written confirmation of materials or warranty terms. Check the listing for: bucket handle design, bag size and warranty. Question to ask before buying: how does the lid behave when the bin is full?
BestOffice 13 Gallon stainless steel automatic touchless can
This oval steel bin is described as automatic and touchless, with odor control, an easy-to-clean surface and a design for kitchen, bathroom, office or home. The title does not say how it is powered, how sensitive the sensor is or how long the lid stays open, so those are items to confirm on the listing.
It suits a cook who often has wet or messy hands and prefers not to touch a lid. A scenario: handling raw chicken, then dropping packaging into the bin by waving a hand over the sensor instead of pressing a pedal.
- Pro: hands-free operation with a steel body.
- Pro: oval profile may fit tighter corners.
- Con: needs power, which adds upkeep.
- Con: the title gives no inner-bucket or soft-close detail.
Sensor bins are judged by response speed and by how they behave when the bin is full or the sensor is splashed. A quick wipe of the sensor area is part of the routine. The oval shape also affects bag fit, so confirm the recommended liner size, because a standard rectangular bag may sit awkwardly.
Who should skip it: anyone who dislikes changing batteries or wants a simple mechanical bin. Check the listing for: power source, sensor delay, and whether the lid opens when you walk past. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning near electronics. Question to ask before buying: does it have a manual open option if the sensor fails?
Glad Premium 13 Gallon with Clorox odor protection
This listing reads very much like the first Glad entry, with a plastic body, a stainless steel foot pedal, bag rings and the same odor protection claim. The word Premium and the steel pedal are the visible differences. If the two products are otherwise identical, the choice comes down to price and pedal durability, which is why you should compare the product pages side by side.
It suits shoppers who like the plastic Glad style but want a sturdier pedal. A scenario: a busy family kitchen where the pedal is pressed dozens of times a day.
- Pro: stainless pedal may resist wear better than plastic.
- Pro: same capacity and bag ring design.
- Con: near-duplicate of the other Glad listing.
- Con: no soft-close or inner bucket mentioned.
Because this reads as a variation on the first Glad, the useful comparison is practical: pedal material, any price difference, and whether the listings show the same dimensions. If they match, the premium label may amount to a steel pedal and little else, which is fine if you press the pedal many times a day.
Who should skip it: people who care about lid noise or a steel look. Check the listing for: pedal attachment, lid color and bag size. Question to ask before buying: is the pedal the only upgrade over the standard Glad?
EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter touchless rectangular motion sensor bin
The title gives 50 liters (13.2 gallons), a touchless rectangular design with a motion sensor, brushed stainless steel and a recycling bin use. Brushed finishes generally show fewer smudges than polished ones. The rectangular shape suits a flat wall or a cabinet gap. It is one of the two premium-tier entries.
It suits a modern kitchen where a flush look matters and hands are often busy. A scenario: baking day, with floury hands and a lot of packaging to toss without touching anything.
- Pro: brushed stainless finish and a clean rectangular profile.
- Pro: motion sensor operation.
- Con: premium tier, with ongoing power needs.
- Con: title does not specify power type or warranty.
Premium sensor bins are worth their price mainly if the sensor is reliable and the build is solid. The title gives neither detail, so look for the power type, any manual open mode and the manufacturer warranty. Rectangular bins also use bags with different proportions than round ones, so check the bag guidance before ordering.
Who should skip it: shoppers on a tight budget, or anyone who prefers a mechanical pedal. Check the listing for: power source, sensor settings and bag size. Question to ask before buying: what happens to the lid when the power runs low?
SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter soft-close pedal can with built-in filter
This one pairs a 50-liter capacity with a soft-close lid, a smudge-resistant finish, a foot pedal and a built-in filter. Filters are commonly activated carbon, but the title does not say, and replacement availability matters. It is the priciest entry, so the extras have to count.
It suits odor-sensitive households, especially kitchens where the bin sits near the dining area. A scenario: an open-plan apartment where trash smells carry into the living space.
- Pro: filter aimed at odor, plus a soft-close lid.
- Pro: smudge-resistant steel finish claim.
- Con: highest price tier.
- Con: filter replacement cost and supply are unknown from the title.
A filter in the lid is only a benefit if you can buy replacements and are willing to swap them. Ask whether the filter is sold separately and how the lid is cleaned around it. Soft close and a foot pedal are the same features you would find on cheaper steel bins, so the filter and finish carry the price difference.
Who should skip it: people who empty the bin daily and rarely notice smells. Check the listing for: filter type, replacement filters and bucket details. Question to ask before buying: how often does the filter need replacing?
Hefty 12 Gallon step trash can with lockable lid and 40 bags
The only entry that is slightly under 13 gallons (it is listed as 12 gallons, or 48 quarts), this black plastic step can has a lockable lid and comes with 40 trash bags. The lockable lid can help with pets or wildlife, but check how the lock works. Bags in the box are a convenience that saves a first purchase.
It suits a pet household or a first apartment where a bin and a starter supply of liners are needed together. A scenario: a dog that likes to investigate the kitchen, where a lockable lid keeps things shut.
- Pro: lockable lid and bags included.
- Pro: budget tier.
- Con: 12 gallons is slightly smaller than the others.
- Con: plastic body with no soft-close mention.
Included bags are a real convenience for a first purchase, but check the size, since a 12-gallon bin and a standard 13-gallon bag are not always a match. The lockable lid is the other selling point, and it is worth knowing whether the lock is a latch you flip or a feature that engages automatically when you close the lid.
Who should skip it: households that want a steel look or a 13-gallon-plus capacity. Check the listing for: bag size and fit, lock design and pedal feel. Question to ask before buying: will the included bags fit another bin if I switch later?
SONGMICS 13 Gallon stainless steel can, brown, with 15 bags
This listing mentions a 50-liter stainless steel bin with a lid and pedal, soft close, a removable inner bucket and 15 trash bags (Code K), in a brown finish. The code suggests a specific bag size, which you should confirm. A colored finish is less common in steel bins and can fit a warm kitchen palette.
It suits a cook who wants a non-silver look and bags included. A scenario: a kitchen with warm wood cabinets where a silver bin would clash.
- Pro: soft close and inner bucket.
- Pro: 15 bags in the box.
- Con: upper-mid price.
- Con: finish durability is not described.
Colored steel finishes are generally applied as a coating, so care instructions matter: a mild cleaner and a soft cloth are the usual advice, and abrasive pads are typically discouraged. Confirm the bag code against the bags you plan to buy, because a mismatch makes the included liners the only ones that fit properly.
Who should skip it: shoppers who prefer the silver look at a lower price. Check the listing for: finish type, bag code compatibility and dimensions. Question to ask before buying: does the brown finish hold up to cleaning wipes?
SONGMICS 13 Gallon step-on pedal can, silver, ULTB050E01
The silver counterpart: a 13-gallon steel bin with a step-on pedal, soft-close lid and removable inner bucket, positioned for kitchen garbage or recycling. The model code in the title helps you search for manuals or support. It does not mention bags in the box, so budget for liners.
It suits the buyer who wants the classic stainless look without extras. A scenario: a household replacing a rusting bin and wanting a quiet lid for a small apartment kitchen.
- Pro: soft-close lid with a removable bucket.
- Pro: lower price than the brown version.
- Con: no bags mentioned.
- Con: silver steel shows smudges.
The model code is helpful for finding the manual, replacement parts and buyer feedback specific to this version. Because the title leaves out bags and filters, the extras you add later will raise the real cost. If you already own a box of 13-gallon liners, this listing fits that kind of buyer well.
Who should skip it: people who want hands-free operation or an odor filter. Check the listing for: the pedal mechanism, bucket handle and lid hinge. Question to ask before buying: how does it compare with the other two SONGMICS-style listings in price?
PayLessHere 13G steel trash can with soft-close pedal
The title lists a 13-gallon steel bin with a removable inner bucket, soft-close step pedal, hands-free use and easy cleaning, for kitchen, office or bathroom. It is a plain, functional listing, with the usual steel bin features at a mid-range price. The brand is a less familiar name, so look for warranty details.
It suits someone who wants soft close and a bucket but is not tied to a brand. A scenario: a shared office kitchenette where a quiet lid matters.
- Pro: soft-close pedal and removable bucket.
- Pro: described as steel and easy to clean.
- Con: limited detail in the title.
- Con: unfamiliar brand, so check support.
A short, plain title can be a good sign or just a lack of detail, and it is hard to tell from the text alone. Look at the product images for hinge and pedal construction, and read buyer comments about lid alignment and bucket fit, which are the usual weak points in budget and mid-range steel bins.
Who should skip it: buyers who want an odor filter or touchless lid. Check the listing for: steel gauge, hinge design and warranty. Question to ask before buying: how does it differ from the other mid-range steel pedal bins?
Buying guide: choosing a kitchen bin on facts
Capacity and bag fit
Most listings here fall around 12 to 13 gallons, or 48 to 50 liters. Bag fit is the common surprise: bags are sold by gallon, by liter or by code letter, and the wrong size slips into the bin or tears at the rim. Check the listing for the recommended bag size, then check your cabinet height and floor space with the lid open.
Lid action: pedal, soft close or sensor
A pedal is simple and mechanical. Soft close adds a damper so the lid lowers slowly, which reduces noise. A motion sensor removes the need to touch anything but needs batteries or an adapter, and sensors can be triggered by movement nearby. If your kitchen is open-plan, think about whether a lid that opens when someone walks by will bother you. For an overview of other kitchen upgrades that reward careful planning, our guide to kitchen faucets with pull-down sprayers covers a similar question of daily convenience.
Material and finish
Plastic is light and inexpensive. Steel looks sleeker and can feel sturdier, but it can dent and show smudges. Brushed or textured finishes hide marks better than polished ones. Fingerprint-resistant wording is a claim, not a guarantee, so wipe the bin as the manufacturer recommends and keep the surface dry to avoid water marks.
Inner buckets, filters and odor
A removable inner bucket makes it easier to rinse spills, which matters if you throw away wet food waste. A filter helps with odor only if you replace it as directed. A lid that seals well matters more than either. In the end, the best odor plan is to bag wet waste, empty the bin on schedule and wash it occasionally with a mild cleaner.
Placement and layout
Think about where the bin goes. A rectangular unit slides into a corner; an oval fits a narrow gap. Leave clearance behind the bin for a rear-hinged lid, and keep the pedal accessible. If you are planning a larger kitchen layout, see our note on microwave drawers for easy kitchen access for ways to keep floor space clear.
A worked example: bags and emptying
Assume, for illustration only, that a household generates about 1.5 full 13-gallon bags of kitchen trash in a week, and that a box of 40 liners fits the bin. That would be about 78 bags a year, so a 40-bag starter pack covers roughly half a year. Using the SONGMICS-style bundle with 15 bags, you would run out in about two to three months, based on the same assumed rate. These are made-up numbers, so replace them with your own usage when comparing the cost of liners across listings.
| Spec concept | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 to 13 gallons, or 48 to 50 liters | Sets emptying frequency and bag size |
| Lid action | Pedal, soft close or motion sensor | Affects noise, hygiene and upkeep |
| Material | Plastic or steel, finish type | Impacts weight, looks and smudges |
| Inner bucket | Removable, with a handle | Makes cleaning spills easier |
| Odor features | Filter or additive, replacement supply | Matters only if upkeep is realistic |
| Power | Batteries or adapter for sensors | Adds an ongoing task |
Mistakes buyers make with kitchen bins
Most regrets come from a few predictable errors. Ignoring bag size. A bin that fits a 13-gallon bag only in theory leads to slippage. Buying touchless without checking power. Batteries run out, and a dead sensor makes the lid awkward. Trusting odor claims alone. A filter helps only if you replace it. Forgetting lid clearance. A bin that fits under the counter may not open fully. Overlooking near-duplicates. Two Glad listings differ mainly by a pedal, so compare pages. Choosing by color first. Check the capacity and lid action before choosing a finish. When using any powered bin, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for batteries and cleaning, and keep liquids away from the sensor.
Verdict by use case
For a plain, low-cost kitchen bin, the two Glad listings and the Hefty are the straightforward budget picks, with the Hefty adding a lockable lid and bags. For a quiet steel bin with an inner bucket, the KdbK, PayLessHere and SONGMICS silver sit in the same family, so compare price and warranty. For a colored finish with bags, the SONGMICS brown is the odd one out. For hands-free use, the BestOffice is the value option and the EKO the premium one. For odor concerns, the SIMPLI-MAGIC adds a filter, provided you replace it. Measure your space first, whichever you choose, and check the bag size before you buy liners. If you live with pets or small children, place any bin where it cannot be tipped or opened easily, and keep powered sensor bins away from sinks and splashes.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What size kitchen trash can should I buy?
Most listings here are around 12 to 13 gallons, or roughly 48 to 50 liters, which is a common household size for a standard kitchen. A single person or couple who takes out the trash often may be comfortable with less, while a family cooking at home most nights may prefer the upper end. Measure the cabinet or floor space, including lid clearance, and check which bag size the listing recommends before ordering.
Are touchless trash cans worth it?
They suit people who dislike touching a lid with messy hands, but they add electronics that need power. Titles here mention motion sensors, and the listing should say whether the unit runs on batteries or an adapter. Pedal bins have no electronics and are often simpler to maintain. If you choose touchless, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for power and cleaning, and keep the sensor area free of splashes.
Does stainless steel trash can stay free of fingerprints?
Not automatically. Some titles say fingerprint resistant or smudge resistant, which are seller claims about the finish. Brushed finishes generally hide marks better than mirror finishes, but all steel shows smudges to some degree. Wiping with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner, as the manufacturer recommends, keeps the surface looking tidy, and a dark or textured finish may be more forgiving than silver.
How do I keep a kitchen trash can from smelling?
Habits matter more than features. Empty the bin before the bag is full, wrap wet food waste, wash the bin occasionally, and let it dry. Lids that close fully help contain odors, and some listings mention filters or odor protection, which are seller claims. Replacement filters may be needed, so check the listing. Compost or a separate food scrap container reduces the smell at the source.
What is a removable inner bucket for?
An inner bucket lets you lift out the liner and rinse it at the sink, rather than wrestling the entire outer shell. It also keeps the bag tidy and hides it from view. The trade-off is one more part to wash and store. If a listing mentions one, confirm that it is easy to remove with the lid in place, and check that the liner stays upright when you pull the bag out.
Can a lockable lid keep pets out of the trash?
It can help, but it is not a guarantee. The Hefty listing mentions a lockable lid, and some bins have heavy lids that resist nosing. Determined animals can still tip a lightweight plastic bin, so consider where you place it and whether a cabinet or pantry spot is safer. Keep trash bags, sharp packaging and food waste out of reach, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the lock.
