
Solomon agrees that a compartment for trash and another for recycling helps manage waste in one place. But a multi-compartment trash can might make more sense if you are short on floor space, Elbert mentions. Or you could opt for a plastic-coated metal trash can if you’re in need of a pop of color, Solomon recommends, as these are rust-resistant and just need a swipe of soapy water to clean.Ĭompartments: One-compartment trash cans are common. Solomon is another stainless-steel advocate, adding that “should any icky garbage spills appear, it’s incredibly easy to wipe down.” (Some even come with a smudgeproof finish.) On the design front, it’s sleeker and more sophisticated compared to its plastic counterparts, adds Allison Dunn, founder of Neat Rules. That’s why several of our experts prefer durable stainless steel, which is just as utilitarian but offers an aesthetic and olfactory advantage - the material makes it more difficult for odors to linger, Elbert says. But while plastic trash cans do the rubbish-collecting part reasonably enough, they (usually) aren’t the prettiest to look at.
Amazon smart trash can professional#
It’s budget-friendly and easy enough to clean - and if you need a specific size, plastic trash cans generally come in odder ones (as opposed to the standard 13-gallon container), explains professional organizer Elsa Elbert of Composed Living. That’s why plastic is particularly popular. Material: In the trash-can-scape, functionality tends to triumph over form. In contrast, a small one could be out of proportion when placed next to a two-door fridge, while a tall trash can can’t easily sit underneath the sink if you prefer to tuck it away. Accordingly, you’ll see both the gallon size and general measurements for each pick mentioned below. “If it’s too big, its bulkiness will detract from the rest of your space, while adding unnecessary clutter,” says professional organizer Caroline Solomon. But more than that might be best for curious home cooks, while less is probably a better bet if you rely on takeout.Įven though most of us leave our trash cans out in the open, dimensions do affect the look of your kitchen. The standard gallon size is around 13, and you’ll see that number on most trash-bag boxes. You can scroll down for the criteria we considered when putting together this list or skip ahead to the picks by clicking through the links just below.īest overall | Best (less-expensive) overall | Best (less-expensive) step-pedal | Best lift-top | Best slidingĬapacity: The capacity of a trash can is twofold: how much it can hold (the gallons or liters listed) and how much space it takes to do so (the overall dimensions). Plus, we made sure to search through our archives for notable nice-looking ones, including a couple of picks recommended by recipe developers and even an architect. To find the best kitchen trash cans, we asked interior designers and professional organizers for their favorites. But these days, “trash cans are not as ugly as they used to be,” explains interior designer Jessica McCarthy, adding that there’s been an effort to make them “somewhat attractive,” as most of us have to leave them out in our kitchens. At worst, it’s the kitchen accent you can’t stop staring at, especially if it’s big and bulky and reeks of last night’s leftovers.




Photo-Illustration: The Strategist Photos: RetailersĪt best, a kitchen trash can is inconspicuous, relegated to a corner far away from countertop attractions like a shiny sparkling-water-maker or an extravagant espresso machine - although a particularly ingenious one might elicit some “ah”s.
