Imagine a kitchen that always looks clean and fresh. What if a simple kitchen tool could help make that happen? We’re talking about a stainless steel trash can. It might seem like just a place to toss your garbage, but the right one can make a big difference in your home.
But choosing a stainless steel trash can isn’t always easy. There are so many styles and features! Some are too big, some are too small, and some just don’t fit your kitchen’s look. You want one that’s easy to clean, doesn’t rust, and keeps odors locked away. Finding that perfect can can feel like a chore itself.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through what makes a great stainless steel trash can. You’ll learn about different sizes, lid types, and even cool features like soft-close lids and fingerprint-proof finishes. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to pick the best trash can for your home.
Our Top 5 Stainless Steel Trash Can Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Stainless Steel Trash Can Detailed Reviews
1. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal
Rating: 9.1/10
The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can is a great addition to any home or office. Its brushed stainless steel finish and satin nickel accents give it a modern look. This trash can is designed for everyday use, making trash disposal simple and mess-free.
What We Like:
- Convenient Size: With a 50-liter (13.2-gallon) capacity, it’s just right for most rooms. You won’t have to empty it too often.
- Easy to Use: The stay-open lid is handy when you need to toss away a lot of trash. A removable bucket makes cleaning simple. The carry handle helps you move it easily.
- Built to Last: The stainless steel exterior resists smudges, so it always looks clean. The strong plastic inner bucket can handle daily use.
- Quiet Operation: The foot pedal works smoothly. The soft-close lid means it won’t slam shut, keeping things quiet.
What Could Be Improved:
- Smudge Resistance: While it’s smudge-resistant, very oily fingerprints might still show. It still needs a wipe down now and then.
- Foot Pedal Placement: Some users might find the foot pedal a bit small. It works well, but a slightly larger pedal could be even better for some.
This trash can offers a good balance of style and function. It’s a solid choice for keeping your space tidy and clean.
2. Kitchen Trash Can with Lid
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of touching gross trash cans? This 13-gallon automatic garbage can is here to help! It’s made of brushed stainless steel and has a sleek, modern look. It’s perfect for any room in your house, from the kitchen to the bedroom.
What We Like:
- It opens and closes automatically, so you don’t have to touch it. This keeps things super clean and quiet.
- It looks really nice! The stainless steel finish is modern and stylish, making it a great addition to any room.
- It’s big! The 13-gallon size holds a lot of trash, so you won’t have to empty it all the time. It fits standard 13-gallon trash bags.
- It helps keep smells away. The stainless steel is easy to clean and doesn’t get fingerprints easily. The lid seals in odors.
- You can use it anywhere! It’s great for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, office, or study.
What Could Be Improved:
- The automatic sensor might be a little sensitive for some users, potentially opening the lid unexpectedly.
- While it’s generally easy to clean, the brushed stainless steel might require occasional polishing to maintain its shine.
This trash can makes dealing with garbage much easier and cleaner. It’s a stylish and practical upgrade for any home.
3. EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of messy fingerprints and noisy trash can lids? The EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can is here to help! This trash can is designed to make your life easier with its smart features and tough build. It’s a stylish addition to any room, whether it’s your kitchen, office, or garage.
What We Like:
- Superior Stainless Steel Build: The strong stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, keeping your trash can looking clean and new. It’s perfect for busy homes and offices.
- Whisper-quiet Closing: The special lid closes softly. No more loud banging! This feature is great if you have little ones sleeping or just prefer a quieter environment.
- Stay Open Feature: Need to toss in a lot of trash? The lid lock keeps the lid open for you. This makes it super convenient when you’re cleaning or cooking.
- Quality Construction Built to Endure: The sturdy step pedal is made to last. It’s tested to work over 200,000 times, so you can count on it for years.
- Elevated Inner Bucket with Handles: Changing the trash bag is a breeze! The inner bucket lifts out easily and has handles, making it quick and mess-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large 50-liter capacity might be too big for some smaller spaces.
- While fingerprint-resistant, very oily smudges might still leave a slight mark.
The EKO Madison trash can offers a great blend of style and function. It’s a durable and user-friendly option for anyone looking to upgrade their waste disposal system.
4. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of touching germy trash cans? The EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can in brushed stainless steel offers a smarter way to handle your waste. Its advanced motion sensor technology makes opening and closing the lid super smooth. Plus, its special finish resists fingerprints, so it always looks clean and stylish. This trash can is designed to fit perfectly in any kitchen or home, adding a touch of modern elegance while keeping things hygienic.
What We Like:
- The motion sensor works really well. The lid opens and closes without you even touching it.
- It has a special finish that stops fingerprints from showing. This keeps the trash can looking neat and clean all the time.
- The brushed stainless steel looks very nice and feels smooth. It’s strong and won’t easily get scratched.
- It holds a lot of trash because it doesn’t use a liner inside. You get 25% more space to throw things away.
- It runs on regular AA batteries, and they can last for about 8 months. This saves you money and is better for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 50-liter size might be too big for very small kitchens.
- While the fingerprint resistance is good, heavy smudges might still need a wipe sometimes.
This EKO Mirage-T trash can is a great addition to any home, making trash disposal easier and more hygienic. Its smart features and stylish look are definitely worth considering.
5. 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: 8.5/10
Tired of messy kitchens and lingering odors? The PayLessHere 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Recycling Bin is here to help you keep your home clean and fresh. This large capacity bin is perfect for handling all your kitchen waste and recyclables, making your daily chores a breeze.
What We Like:
- Ultra-large Capacity: At 13 gallons, it’s big enough for all your daily trash needs and fits standard 13-gallon trash bags.
- Hand-Free Operation: The foot pedal lets you open the lid without touching it, keeping your hands clean.
- Odor Control: The tight-fitting lid traps smells, so your space stays smelling nice.
- Easy to Clean: Made from stainless steel, it’s simple to wipe down and is resistant to germs.
- Versatile Design: It fits in many places, from under counters to recycling stations, and looks good in any room, like the kitchen, office, or even outdoors.
- Durable and Safe: Constructed from sturdy, scratch-resistant stainless steel, it’s built to last and safe for your home.
- Helpful Customer Service: The company offers great support if you have any questions or concerns.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the lid is removable for bag changes, it could be even easier if it detached more smoothly.
- The “soft close” feature might be a little too gentle for some, leading to occasional accidental slams if not fully released.
This PayLessHere recycling bin offers a practical and hygienic solution for waste management in your home. It combines a large capacity with user-friendly features for a cleaner living space.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Stainless Steel Trash Can
Why Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel trash cans are a popular choice for many homes and businesses. They look nice, are easy to clean, and last a long time. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
Think about where you will put the trash can and how much trash you usually make. Kitchen trash cans are often bigger. Smaller ones work well for bathrooms or offices.
- Measure the space you have before you buy.
- Consider the number of people in your household.
2. Lid Type
There are different kinds of lids that make using the trash can easier.
- Step-on lids: You step on a pedal to open the lid. This keeps your hands clean.
- Motion sensor lids: The lid opens automatically when it senses your hand. This is very hygienic.
- Manual lids: You lift the lid by hand. These are usually simpler and cheaper.
3. Shape and Design
Trash cans come in many shapes and designs. Some are round, and others are rectangular. Rectangular ones often fit better against walls or in corners.
- Look for a design that matches your room’s style.
- Consider if the can has a slim profile to save space.
4. Removable Liner/Bucket
Some trash cans have a removable inner bucket. This makes it easy to take out the trash bag and clean the inside of the can.
Important Materials
Stainless steel is the main material, but not all stainless steel is the same. Look for:
- 18/8 or 18/10 Stainless Steel: This type is very strong and resists rust and stains well. It’s a good quality choice.
- Fingerprint-resistant coating: This special coating helps keep the can looking clean by reducing smudges from your fingers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Trash Can Better?
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built trash can will not bend or break easily.
- Smooth Edges: Sharp edges can be dangerous. Good cans have smooth edges.
- Durable Hinges: If the lid opens with a pedal or sensor, the hinges should be strong so they don’t break quickly.
- Non-slip Base: A base that doesn’t slide helps keep the can in place.
What Makes a Trash Can Worse?
- Thin Metal: Trash cans made from thin stainless steel can dent easily.
- Cheap Plastic Parts: If the pedal or lid mechanism is made of cheap plastic, it might break.
- Rusting: Not all stainless steel is equal. Some can rust over time, especially in damp areas.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good stainless steel trash can makes your life easier. It keeps your space tidy and looks good doing it.
- Kitchen: A large step-on or sensor trash can is great for the kitchen. It’s easy to use when your hands are messy.
- Bathroom: A smaller, slim trash can works well in bathrooms. A lid helps control odors.
- Office: A stylish, quiet-closing trash can can improve the look and feel of an office.
- Bedroom: A simple, well-designed can fits nicely in a bedroom.
Choosing the right stainless steel trash can means thinking about size, lid type, and material. A good quality can will serve you well for years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stainless Steel Trash Cans
Q: Are stainless steel trash cans worth the money?
A: Yes, they often are. Stainless steel cans are durable and look good, so they can last longer than plastic ones.
Q: How do I clean a stainless steel trash can?
A: You can wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For fingerprints, use a cleaner made for stainless steel.
Q: Will my stainless steel trash can rust?
A: Good quality stainless steel, like 18/8 or 18/10, is resistant to rust. However, any metal can rust if exposed to moisture for a long time.
Q: What size trash can do I need for my kitchen?
A: For a kitchen, a 10-13 gallon trash can is usually a good size for most families.
Q: Are fingerprint-resistant trash cans really different?
A: Yes, they have a special coating that helps reduce smudges and makes them easier to keep clean and looking shiny.
Q: Should I get a step-on or a sensor trash can?
A: A step-on can is reliable and doesn’t need batteries. A sensor can is more hygienic because you don’t touch it, but it needs batteries.
Q: Can I put a trash can with a liner inside a stainless steel one?
A: Yes, many stainless steel trash cans are designed to hold a standard trash bag liner inside.
Q: What is the best way to remove odors from a stainless steel trash can?
A: Make sure to empty it regularly. You can also sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can or the liner to absorb smells.
Q: Are there different finishes for stainless steel trash cans?
A: Yes, you can find brushed, polished, or matte finishes. Brushed is common and hides fingerprints well.
Q: How do I dispose of a stainless steel trash can?
A: Stainless steel is recyclable. Check with your local recycling center on how to properly dispose of 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 Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!