The 3 Best Kitchen Trash Cans of 2026 for Every Budget & Kitchen
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A kitchen trash can gets used dozens of times a day, so the details matter: how the lid opens, whether it keeps pets out, how it handles odor and how easy it is to change the bag. Capacity is only part of the story, and most households do well with a 13-gallon can that takes standard bags.
We compared three 13-gallon cans that cover different needs. The simplehuman is a plastic step can with a slide lock for pets. The Ninestars is a touchless can that opens with a wave of the hand. Glad's stainless-steel step can adds a rear bag compartment and Clorox odor protection on the lid.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1simplehuman 50L / 13 Gal Semi-Round Step Trash CanEditor's Choice
- 2Ninestars 13 Gal Oval Touchless Motion Sensor Trash CanBest Touchless Value
- 3Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can, 13 Gal, Clorox Odor ProtectionPremium Pick
The reviews
simplehuman 50L / 13 Gal Semi-Round Step Trash Can
A 13-gallon semi-round step can with a pet-proof slide lock, a silent-close lid and a pedal rated for 150,000 steps, at a mid-range price.
What we like
- The default pick in the category
- Slide lock keeps the lid shut against pets
- Steel pedal rated for 150,000 steps, with a silent-close lid
What to watch
- Some reviewers find the slide lock difficult to operate
- Some reviewers report lid and durability problems
- Black plastic body, not stainless steel
Best for: Homes with dogs or cats that get into the trash, Kitchens where the can sits flush against a wall, Shoppers who want a quiet step can at a mid-range price
Ninestars 13 Gal Oval Touchless Motion Sensor Trash Can
A 13-gallon oval stainless-steel can that opens with a wave of your hand, with a one-touch manual mode and an odor-sealing lid, at a budget-friendly price.
What we like
- Touchless lid opens with a wave, with a one-touch manual mode
- 13-gallon oval opening suits bulky waste
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and removable liner ring
What to watch
- Some reviewers report the sensor stopping or the lid only working half the time
- Multiple customers report it breaking within ten months
- Needs three C batteries, not included, and reviewers disagree on battery life
Best for: Cooks who want to open the can without touching it, Shoppers who want a touchless can without premium pricing, Families who need a 13-gallon capacity
Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can, 13 Gal, Clorox Odor Protection
A brushed stainless-steel 13-gallon step can with Clorox odor protection on the lid, a soft-close lid and a rear compartment for spare bags.
What we like
- Brushed stainless-steel body resists fingerprints
- Brushed, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Rear compartment stores spare bags
What to watch
- Several reviewers report the plastic lid hinges breaking after about a year
- The lid does not always close completely
- Bags can be difficult to pull up
Best for: Kitchens with stainless-steel appliances, Owners who want spare bags stored behind the can, Shoppers who want a polished steel finish and are happy to pay more
Frequently asked questions
Are touchless trash cans worth it?
They are convenient when your hands are messy, but they add batteries and a sensor that can fail. Ninestars' listing claims up to nine months on three C batteries, while some reviewers report the sensor stopping or the can breaking within ten months. A step can such as the simplehuman or Glad has no electronics to fail.
How do I keep a dog or cat out of the trash?
A lock or a can pets cannot tip helps. The simplehuman has a slide lock that holds the lid closed, and Glad reviewers say their dogs cannot knock it over. Some simplehuman owners find the lock hard to operate, so test it before you rely on it.
What size trash can bags do these use?
All three are 13-gallon cans, and reviewers of the simplehuman and Glad say they take standard 13-gallon bags. simplehuman also sells Code P custom-fit liners made for its can. Glad's can has bag rings that hold the liner and a rear compartment for spares.
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