Have you ever found yourself constantly emptying a tiny trash can, or worse, wrestling with an overflowing behemoth that just doesn’t fit? It’s a common kitchen frustration, and picking the right size trash can can feel surprisingly tricky. Too small, and you’re battling banana peels and coffee grounds daily. Too big, and it takes up valuable floor space, looking out of place.
Choosing the perfect kitchen trash can size isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making your daily routine smoother. It means fewer trips to the curb, less odor, and a more organized kitchen. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the options or unsure if you’re making the best choice for your household, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about kitchen trash can sizes. We’ll explore how to figure out what size works best for your family, what to consider based on your cooking habits, and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a trash can that fits your needs perfectly.
Our Top 5 Kitchen Trash Can Size Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Kitchen Trash Can Size Detailed Reviews
1. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can
Rating: 8.8/10
The Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can is a smart choice for keeping your kitchen tidy. Its classic black design fits well in any home. This bin offers a generous 13-gallon capacity, making it ideal for busy households. It’s built to handle your daily waste needs with ease.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 13-gallon size is great for families and handles a lot of trash.
- Odor Control: Clorox Odor Protection built into the lid actively blocks bad smells.
- Hands-Free Operation: The foot pedal lets you open the lid without touching it, which is more hygienic.
- Secure Bag Fit: Bag rings keep your trash bag from slipping down inside the can.
- Versatile Use: It works well in kitchens, offices, or any space that needs cleaning.
- Sturdy Design: The bin is made of plastic and has a matte black finish that looks good.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size for Small Spaces: For very small kitchens, it might feel a bit large.
- Material Durability: While plastic is good, heavy use might show wear over time.
This Glad trash can simplifies waste disposal with its user-friendly features. It’s a practical addition to any home or office looking for effective odor control and easy trash management.
2. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of flimsy trash cans that break easily or look messy? The Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container is a sturdy and practical solution. This 41-quart, 10.25-gallon black plastic bin is designed to handle your waste efficiently, whether it’s in your bedroom, bathroom, or office. Its smart design means it fits neatly under desks, sinks, or inside cabinets, helping you keep your space tidy and organized.
What We Like:
- It’s built tough! Made from heavy-duty plastic, this trash can won’t dent, chip, or peel. It stays looking good for a long time.
- The rolled rims make it super strong and simple to wipe clean.
- It fits perfectly under most standard desks, so you can hide it away easily.
- You can choose different colors and even find a recycling version to help the planet.
- Cleaning is a breeze thanks to its smooth plastic surface.
- It’s incredibly versatile and works great in many places like homes, offices, gift shops, and more.
- The stackable design makes storing and moving multiple bins easy. Just nest them together!
- It’s proudly made right here in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the black plastic might show dust or scuff marks more easily than lighter colors.
- The “commercial” label might make some people think it’s only for businesses, but it’s perfect for home use too.
This Rubbermaid wastebasket is a solid, reliable choice for keeping any space clean and organized. Its durability and smart design make it a worthwhile addition to your home or office.
3. simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of messy kitchens and overflowing bins? The simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can in black plastic offers a smart solution. This trash can is designed to fit into tight spots, making it ideal for any kitchen. Its special features help keep your kitchen clean and your trash contained.
What We Like:
- The lid closes silently and slowly thanks to special Lid Shox technology. No more annoying bangs!
- A handy slide lock keeps the lid shut tight. This is great for stopping pets or little kids from getting into the trash.
- Its slim shape fits perfectly in small kitchens or narrow spaces. It doesn’t take up much room.
- You can keep the lid open for as long as you need. This is super helpful when you have a lot of cooking or cleaning to do.
- Moving the trash can is easy because it has wheels built right in.
- simplehuman’s special K liners are made just for this can. They fit well and don’t slide down. The liners are strong and won’t rip easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The black plastic might show smudges or fingerprints more easily than other colors.
- While the slide lock is effective, it requires an extra step to open and close compared to a simple step pedal.
This simplehuman trash can is a practical and well-designed addition to any kitchen. It makes managing your waste easier and keeps your home tidier.
4. PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of messy kitchens and lingering odors? The PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Recycling Bin is here to make your life easier! This sleek bin offers a generous capacity and smart features to keep your home clean and fresh.
What We Like:
- Ultra-large Capacity: The 13-gallon size is perfect for busy kitchens, holding plenty of waste and easily accommodating standard trash bags.
- Hands-Free Operation: The foot pedal lets you toss trash without touching the lid, keeping your hands clean.
- Odor Control: A tight-fitting lid traps smells, ensuring your space stays fresh and pleasant.
- Easy to Clean: The stainless steel surface wipes down easily and resists germs, making it a sanitary choice.
- Versatile Design: It fits into tight spaces and looks good in kitchens, offices, or even outdoor areas.
- Durable Materials: Made from sturdy, scratch-resistant stainless steel, this bin is built to last.
- Removable Inner Bucket: Swapping out trash bags is a breeze with the removable inner bucket.
- Soft-Close Lid: The lid closes gently and quietly, preventing loud slams.
- Great Customer Service: The company offers helpful support if you have any questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the lid is removable for bag changes, the entire inner bucket is not fully removable for deep cleaning, which might be a slight inconvenience for some.
This recycling bin is a fantastic addition to any home or office. It combines large capacity with convenient, hygienic features for a cleaner living space.
5. Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of small trash cans that overflow too quickly? The Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can in white offers a generous 9-gallon capacity, making it a fantastic choice for busy households and workspaces. Its smart design fits neatly under counters, in cabinets, or beside furniture, proving that you don’t need a huge bin to handle your daily waste.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 9-gallon size is great for bathrooms, offices, and under kitchen sinks. It holds a lot of trash without needing constant emptying.
- TOUGH RIM: The reinforced rim makes the can strong. It can handle everyday use and keeps its shape.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The inside is smooth. Cleaning up spills and messes is quick and simple.
- RECTANGULAR SHAPE: This shape is very practical. It holds a lot and fits well in tight spots, like next to a toilet or inside a cabinet.
- MADE IN USA: It’s good to know this trash can is proudly made in the USA, specifically in Winfield, Kansas.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits in tight spaces, some might prefer an even slimmer profile for very narrow areas.
- The white color, while clean, can show dirt more easily than darker options.
This Rubbermaid trash can offers a practical and durable solution for your waste disposal needs. It’s a solid choice for keeping your spaces tidy.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Trash Can Size: Your Ultimate Guide
Finding the perfect kitchen trash can can feel like a big decision. It’s a workhorse in your kitchen, and the right size makes a huge difference. Too small, and you’ll be emptying it constantly. Too big, and it might take up too much space. This guide will help you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a kitchen trash can, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: This is the most crucial feature. It tells you how much trash the can holds. We’ll talk more about how to choose the right capacity later.
- Lid Type: Do you want a lid that opens with a foot pedal? Or one that you lift by hand? Some lids are sensor-activated, opening automatically when you approach. Consider what’s easiest for you.
- Shape and Dimensions: Think about where the trash can will go. Will it fit neatly in its spot? Measure your space before you buy. Rectangular cans often fit better in tight corners or against cabinets.
- Removable Liner: Many trash cans have a removable inner bin. This makes it super easy to take out the trash bag and clean the can itself.
- Odor Control: Some cans have special features to keep smells from escaping. This can include tight-fitting lids or built-in filters.
Important Materials
The material of your trash can affects its look, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
- Plastic: Plastic cans are usually the most affordable. They are lightweight and come in many colors. However, they can sometimes scratch or stain over time.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a popular choice. It looks sleek and modern. It’s also very durable and resistant to rust and fingerprints. Some stainless steel cans have special coatings to prevent smudges.
- Wood: Wood trash cans can add a natural, stylish touch to your kitchen. They are often used for decorative bins that hide away in cabinets. However, wood needs more care to prevent damage from moisture.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a trash can better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-made trash can will feel sturdy. Hinges should work smoothly, and the lid should close properly. Cheaper cans might feel flimsy.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for cans with smooth surfaces. Rounded corners are easier to wipe down than sharp ones. A removable liner is a big plus for cleaning.
- Durability: How long will the trash can last? Stainless steel is generally more durable than plastic. Good construction means it won’t break easily.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making high-quality kitchen products. Reading reviews can give you an idea of a brand’s reliability.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your kitchen and how a trash can fits into your daily life.
- Small Households (1-2 people): A smaller can, around 4-8 gallons, might be perfect. You won’t fill it up too quickly.
- Medium Households (3-4 people): A 10-13 gallon trash can is a common choice. It’s a good balance for most families.
- Large Households (5+ people) or Heavy Recyclers: You might need a larger can, 13 gallons or more. If you recycle a lot, consider a dual-compartment trash can to separate trash and recycling.
- Busy Cooks: If you do a lot of cooking, you’ll generate more waste. A larger or a dual-compartment can could save you trips to the main bin outside.
- Small Kitchens: Measure your space carefully! A slim, rectangular can can fit into narrow spots without taking up too much room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know what size trash can I need?
A: Think about how many people live in your home and how much trash you create. A good rule of thumb is 4-8 gallons for 1-2 people, 10-13 gallons for 3-4 people, and 13+ gallons for larger families or heavy recyclers.
Q: What is the most common kitchen trash can size?
A: The most common size for a kitchen trash can is 10-13 gallons. This size works well for many families.
Q: Should I get a trash can with a lid?
A: Yes, a lid is highly recommended for kitchen trash cans. It helps control odors and keeps pests away.
Q: What’s the difference between a foot pedal and a sensor trash can?
A: A foot pedal trash can opens when you press a pedal with your foot. A sensor trash can opens automatically when it detects your hand or body nearby.
Q: Is stainless steel worth the extra cost?
A: Stainless steel is more durable and looks nicer than plastic. If you want a trash can that lasts longer and is easier to keep clean, stainless steel is a good investment.
Q: How do I clean my kitchen trash can?
A: Most trash cans can be cleaned with soap and water. If your can has a removable liner, that makes cleaning much easier. For stainless steel, use a cleaner made for that material.
Q: What does “capacity” mean for a trash can?
A: Capacity refers to how much the trash can holds, usually measured in gallons or liters. It tells you the volume of trash it can contain.
Q: Are there trash cans specifically for recycling?
A: Yes, many brands offer dual-compartment trash cans. These have two sections, one for trash and one for recycling, which saves space and makes sorting easier.
Q: How can I prevent my trash can from smelling bad?
A: Use a trash can with a good lid. You can also sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can or use trash bags with odor control.
Q: Where is the best place to put my kitchen trash can?
A: The best spot is usually under your sink or in a corner where it doesn’t get in the way. Make sure it’s easy to access when you need it.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!