Quick Answer
The SONGMICS 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Pedal can is the most-loved everyday kitchen can in this roundup, holding a 4.5-star Amazon rating with a sturdy stainless build, quiet-close lid, and an under-$70 price. If you want automatic convenience, the Ninestars 13-gallon motion-sensor can is the best value touchless pick, and for a large kitchen or commercial feel, the EKO Urban 24-gallon is the top-rated tall can.
How We Chose These Cans
We rank products the honest way: by digging through real Amazon customer reviews. Here is our process:
- Star-rating analysis: We surface the top-rated kitchen trash cans in the category and note their real Amazon ratings.
- Review reading: We read through hundreds of verified buyer reviews to find which cans hold up — lids that stay shut, foot pedals that don't snap, sensors that keep working — and which ones buyers warn against.
- Lid & use-case matching: We break down the real differences between step-on, automatic, flip-top, and soft-close designs based on how buyers actually use them.
- Value matching: We rank the best option for big households, small and slim kitchens, and touchless convenience.
Each product's rating below is its real Amazon rating — a reflection of what real buyers reported, not our own hands-on testing.
Who This Is For
This guide is for anyone buying a kitchen trash can who is tired of a flimsy one that tips over, smells, or won't keep the lid shut. Whether you want a simple step-on can or a touchless model, we've ranked options for every kitchen size and budget.
We focused on cans between 12 and 24 gallons that suit typical household kitchens, and we cover slim, dual-compartment, and automatic designs for different needs.
Compare the Best Kitchen Trash Cans
Click column headers to sort by price, rating, or type. Prices current as of September 2026. Ratings are real Amazon customer ratings.
| Product | Price | Rating | Type | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SONGMICS 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On PedalSturdy stainless can with quiet-close lid and dependable pedal at a fair price. | $66.99 | 4.5 | Step-On | Everyday Reliability | Check Price |
 Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Motion SensorSensor opens hands-free for under $50 — the best-value touchless kitchen can. | $45.99 | 4.4 | Automatic | Touchless Value | Check Price |
 SONGMICS Dual-Compartment 13 + 5.3 GallonTwo compartments in one footprint, soft-close lid — ideal for trash and recycling side by side. | $125.99 | 4.5 | Dual-Compartment | Trash + Recycling | Check Price |
 Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim FitSlim design slides into tight gaps between cabinets; holds 12 gallons. | $69.99 | 4.4 | Slim | Narrow Spaces | Check Price |
 SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close Smudge-ResistantSmudge-resistant finish with soft-close lid; upscale look at mid price. | $99.99 | 4.4 | Soft-Close | Looks & Quiet Close | Check Price |
 EKO Urban 24 Gallon Round Stainless TallHighest-rated can here; 24-gallon tall stainless with foot pedal for heavy use. | $169.99 | 4.6 | Tall/Commercial | Large Kitchens | Check Price |
 Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor ProtectionAffordable plastic bin with odor-neutralizing lid treatment; great for light kitchen use. | $37.99 | 4.2 | Plastic | Budget | Check Price |
 EKO Mirage-T Touchless Motion SensorRectangular touchless bin with brushed finish; stylish Match for modern kitchens. | $89.99 | 4.2 | Automatic | Sleek Touchless | Check Price |
 Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-OnClassic step-on with deodorizer pack and odor filter; straightforward reliability. | $63.99 | 4.0 | Step-On | Simple Step-On | Check Price |
Our Top Picks
SONGMICS 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Pedal
The most-loved everyday kitchen can in this roundup, the SONGMICS 13-gallon step-on holds a 4.5-star Amazon rating. Reviewers consistently praise the sturdy stainless build, the pedal that actually holds open, and the quiet-close lid that doesn't slam. At just under $70 it hits the sweet spot between flimsy budget cans and overpriced premium models. It is the easy default for a typical household kitchen.
Pros
- Strong 4.5-star rating
- Sturdy stainless build
- Reliable step-on pedal
- Quiet-close lid
- Fair price near $67
Cons
- No sensor / hands-free option
- Scratches can show on stainless
- Medium 13-gallon capacity
EKO Urban 24 Gallon Round Stainless Tall
For a large kitchen, a busy household, or anyone who wants a can you don't empty twice a day, the EKO Urban 24-gallon is the highest-rated can in this roundup at 4.6 stars. The tall round stainless design holds a lot while taking little floor footprint, and it has a foot pedal to open hands-free. It is the premium pick here — the price reflects the big capacity and heavier build.
Pros
- Highest rating in this roundup (4.6 stars)
- Large 24-gallon capacity
- Space-saving tall footprint
- Foot pedal opens hands-free
Cons
- Premium price near $170
- Tall — heavy when full and hard to lift out
- Stainless shows fingerprints
SONGMICS Dual-Compartment 13 + 5.3 Gallon
If you want trash and recycling in one convenient spot, the SONGMICS dual-compartment can puts a 13-gallon trash side and a 5.3-gallon recycling side in a single footprint, with a soft-close lid and a 4.5-star rating. Reviewers like not having a separate recycling bin taking up space. It costs more than a single can, but it replaces two.
Pros
- Trash + recycling in one footprint
- Soft-close lid
- Strong 4.5-star rating
- Saves floor space vs two bins
Cons
- Higher price near $126
- Recycling compartment is smaller (5.3 gal)
- Heavier to move when full
Kitchen Trash Can Buying Guide
Types of Kitchen Trash Cans
Step-On / Pedal Cans
Open with a foot pedal so you don't touch the lid. Simple and reliable, and they tend to hold the lid shut well. The classic, no-fail choice for most kitchens.
Automatic / Motion-Sensor Cans
Open hands-free with a sensor wave. Convenient and hygienic, but they need batteries or power and the sensors are an extra thing that can break over time.
Dual-Compartment Cans
Split trash and recycling into two bins in one footprint. Great if you don't have room for a separate recycling bin.
Soft-Close / Flip-Top Cans
Lids that close gently on a slow hinge, or a flip-top opening. Quieter and look nicer, but usually cost more and can allow more odor to escape than a sealed step-on.
What to Look For
- Capacity: Most kitchen cans are 12-13 gallons, emptied a couple times a week for a small household. Big families or food-heavy kitchens may want 20-24 gallons. Slim cans trade capacity for a narrower footprint.
- Lid keeps shut: A can whose lid stays closed matters for odor and pets. Step-on and sensor cans generally seal best; flip-tops leak more odor.
- Material: Stainless steel is durable and looks premium but shows fingerprints and scratches. Plastic is lighter, cheaper, and quieter but can crack and hold odors.
- Odor control: Some cans come with odor filters, deodorizer packs, or treated lids. If smells are a concern, look for a model with a sealed lid and an odor-neutralizing feature.
- Rating density: A high star rating across thousands of reviews is a stronger signal than a high rating on a handful of reviews.
Care & Maintenance
Keep your kitchen trash can clean and odor-free with these tips:
- Wipe after emptying: Give the inside a quick wipe with soapy water each time you take out the bag to stop residue and smells building up.
- Change the bag often: Don't wait for an overstuffed can — frequent bag changes keep both odor and cleaning effort down.
- Handle sensors gently: For automatic cans, keep the sensor area clear of grime and replace batteries before they die so the lid keeps working.
- Deodorize regularly: If your can has an odor filter or deodorizer pack, replace it per the instructions, or sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the empty can.
- Clean stainless without streaks: Use a soft cloth and a mild stainless cleaner, wiping with the grain, to keep fingerprints and scratches less visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size kitchen trash can do I need?
Are motion-sensor trash cans worth it?
How do I keep a trash can from smelling?
Stainless steel or plastic trash can?
What is a dual-compartment trash can?
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