Sleek and Functional: Best Trash Can for Your Home
Reaching down to lift a dirty, germ-filled lid is disgusting. Even worse is an open trash can with flies buzzing around it, especially when that trash can is in your kitchen. Don’t let odors escape and keep trash out of sight with an easy-to-use, long-lasting, step-on trash can. We researched several best trash cans in 2021 to find the ones that excel in meeting sanitary needs. That's why each one has a lid that opens up when you step on a pedal. Read on to find the common benefits and the differences that deserve your attention.
Our Pick For The Best Trash Can of 2021
Simplehuman Step Trash Can
– Best Trash Can Overall
The beauty of some tools is their ability to function gracefully. Your trash can should be both reliable and able to maintain the look you’ve created for your kitchen. A sleek design and quality craftsmanship will deliver those needs for you. From the wheels to the hinge for the lid, everything on this 13.2-gallon can is built to perform and last. The hinge is on the inside so you can place this step-on trash can right up against the wall. On top of that, the lid is quiet when opening and closing. There’s no thumping or squeaking, and it will stay open until you choose for it to close. Wheels are added to make the can easy to move around, and the stainless steel finish resists smudges and fingerprints. It comes with a ten-year warranty and measures 19.8 inches wide by 12.8 inches in diameter by 25.7 inches tall (lid closed) or 35.1 inches tall (lid open).
Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Trash Can
– Best Stainless Steel Trash Can
The deep charcoal color of this thoughtfully-designed, step-on trash can complements modern home décor, and the finish hides smudges and dirt to keep it looking shiny and clean. The construction of this deep charcoal, stainless steel, the step-on trash can is solid. The plastic internal tub means bags won’t get ripped while taking them in or out of the can. The 12-gallon size is perfect for fitting it in a corner or under a shelf, and the lid operates quietly with an option to lock it with the lid open.
NINESTARS Step-on Trash Can
– Best Round Trash Can
You make sure your bath and hand towels match. Doesn’t it make sense that your trash cans should match as well? One for the kitchen and one for the laundry room — because you work hard to make your home shine. The round, high-quality, smudge-resistant stainless steel base means you won’t need to waste a lot of timing with cleaning. The lid is quiet and durable, too. Both the eight-gallon and the 1.2-gallon step-on trash cans feature a removable bucket liner that holds trash bags securely in place. They come with a hassle-free, two-year warranty against defective parts.
GLAD Plastic Step Trash Can
– Best Plastic Trash Can
Odors. Nasty kitchen odors will ruin your plans quickly. But thanks to creative thinking, bad odors from the kitchen trash can is a thing of the past when you choose a trash can with built-in odor protection. Both the lid and frame of Glad’s step-on trash can feature odor protection by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The barrings keep the bag tucked away neatly and prevent it from falling in. The 30-gallon size is large enough for big jobs in the kitchen or the shop, and the foot pedal allows for hands-free operation. A 30-day money-back guarantee backs up these quality plastic trash cans.
Functional plastic trash can with side handles and an open top. The slim trash can has plastic material with built-in handles on either end, perfect for slotting into a cabinet or under a desk. Without a top to trap in the stink, this slim trash can wouldn’t be the best for smelly kitchen waste, but it’s great for smaller spaces that don’t need quite as much odor control. The trash can measures only five inches wide and 10 inches long, holding up to 1.5 gallons or 5.7 liters. It would be perfect for paper recycling in the office or a small bedroom trash can.
Keep the bathroom clean and odor-free with this slim trash can. 2.5-gallon trash can with hands-free foot pedal operation and removable liner. The stainless steel trash can measures 15.25 inches by 6.5 inches by 12.75 inches so it’s perfect for slotting between a toilet and sink. It features a black painted finish for a sleek look. Plus, the removable plastic liner makes the can easy to clean, and it has side tabs that make it possible to secure a plastic shopping bag into the can as a trash bag.
Best Trash Cans Buying Guide
Getting the perfect trash can for your office or home space seems easy until you realize the many options out there. At this point, you begin to question your sense of judgment in this regard. Before you head out to buy a trash can, ensure you consider the following things.
Types of trash cans
There are different trash cans out there, and knowing the difference will save you stress and resources.
Commercial trash cans
Commercial trash cans are perfect for industrial or large applications where the trash is large. They are perfect for collecting cans, bottles, or papers in places like schools.
Disposable trash cans
Disposable trash cans are ideal for outdoor events, so they are usually low-cost. They are easy to clean and can be placed at different points of a venue. What's more? Several cans are made using recycled materials which makes them environmentally friendly.
Decorative trash cans
If you are looking for trash cans that come in different colors and styles to blend into your venue and events, this is a perfect choice. You may streamline your choice to either outdoor or indoor.
Wheeled trash cans
This type of trash can has two wheels. This makes it easy to carry large amounts of dirt across a distance without stress.
Countertop trash cans
This trash can is usually small and is made using metal and can fit on a table or counter.
Outdoor trash cans
This type of can is made using heavy-duty plastic. This makes it weather any situation. If you are looking for a trash can to keep your outdoors clean, this is a perfect choice. They usually come with a flap or a hood to prevent the elements from gaining access.
What are the materials trash cans are made from?
The majority of trash cans get made using metal or plastic. But there are also those made from leather or wood.
Plastic trash cans
This is more affordable than the stainless steel trash cans. However, they are easy to clean and quite light. Most of them are also dent-proof and they are quite durable. Plastic trash cans are perfect for bedroom, toilet, and home office use.
Metal trash cans
If you are looking for a luxury trash can, metal cans are the best choice. The majority of them are made using stainless steel. Because of the material, they won't rust or corrode. Although they are more expensive than plastic trash cans, they give good value to the investment.
Factors to consider before choosing a trash can
Now that you know the types of trash cans out there, you should also know what to look out for when buying one. Here are some tips that should help you out in that regard.
Size and placement
Trash cans are either for outdoor or indoor use and this should guide you to choose the right unit. Avoid trying to get a trash can because you like it only for you to attempt forcing it into the space that doesn't suit it. Aside from considering placement, also consider the volume of trash it can carry per time. The more people using the trash can, the larger the volume you will need.
Materials and design
Trash cans come in different shapes and sizes. Hence, carry out some research to find out what they have to offer you. Ensure you consider the materials with which the trash can is made. If you want a trash can for the outdoors, look for one made using materials that can withstand the harshest weather conditions.
Financial implication
Before you buy a trash can, ensure to set a budget indicating the minimum and maximum amount you can pay for it. But note that the budget for the trashcan will determine the features and quality of the can.
Lid mechanics
There are several lid types you could select from. Your choice of the lid is vital because it indicates if it will suit your needs. For instance, if you want to get an indoor can, its lids are either step to open, swing or push lids. The outdoor lids are many and have lids that help protect the trash can from the elements.
Some of the types of lids include an open-top, swing-lids, step-on, manual lid, and touchless lids.
Serviceability
You'll need to figure out how you will manage the weight of trash as soon as it gets into the can. At this point, features such as bag grips, sturdy liners, and wheels come in handy. If you are in an area with large trash generated, get premium quality trash liners to prevent the bags from breaking. If the trash removal process is easy, there is a low possibility of trash making a mess of your environment.
Maintenance tips for trash cans
If you have decided on the trash can to buy, you need to know how to maintain and keep it clean. Here are some tips that should help you out in that regard.
Keep them safe
The easiest and quickest way to damage your trash can is by putting it where they are at risk. Ensure you place your trash cans in a place where they will not be damaged by mobile equipment. And if you are lucky they don't get damaged when a car hits them, it can be annoying scooping up spilled trash.
Clean them
Always have extra garbage bags at the base of the trash cans to make them easy to clean. Doing this will make cleaning it easier because the fluid will not remain in the can when you dispose of the garbage. When done emptying the can, ensure you rinse the can using a garden hose from water outside. There are several odor-absorbent powders, cleaning solutions, and fragrant bags which you can use to remove the odor. When done washing the trash can, ensure it is dry and place another garbage bag at the base.
Dispose of the dirt
If you don't dispose of the garbage when you should, it will lead to dirt overflowing to the floor. Always schedule a time for garbage pickup and make sure you dispose of every single dirt. If possible, you could get a second trash can to help with any extra garbage that may come up.
Choosing the perfect trash can isn't exactly rocket science, but it does need some diligent research. Each type of bin is made for specific reasons and they come in different categories depending on features and quality. While choosing, ensure you consider the long-term implications of your choice.
