7 Best Stainless Kitchen Trash Cans of 2026

Sleek, smart, and built for tight spaces, the QUALIAZERO 50L trash can is a space-saving powerhouse that nails form and function. With its ultra-slim rectangular design, it slips effortlessly beside narrow cabinets or under countertops—solving the age-old kitchen clutter battle without sacrificing capacity. The fingerprint-resistant finish is a game-changer for busy households, repelling smudges like a pro while maintaining that polished, modern look day after day. Add in the soft-close lid and durable step pedal, and you’ve got a hygienic, whisper-quiet solution that elevates even the most chaotic kitchen.

In real-world use, this can shines across daily routines—from coffee grinds to dinner scraps, the 13-gallon (50L) capacity handles multiple bag changes between disposals, fitting standard tall kitchen bags perfectly. The removable inner liner makes swapping bags a one-hand, mess-free affair, and the pedal withstands repeated use without wobbling or sticking. While it performs admirably on hard floors, its rectangular footprint means it can tip slightly if overfilled or yanked from the side—so balance matters. It doesn’t have odor-locking seals like some rivals, so for pungent waste, you’ll want scented bags or frequent emptying.

Compared to the SONGMICS ULTB050E01, the QUALIAZERO trades slightly weaker odor control for a slimmer profile and smoother aesthetic integration—ideal for minimalist kitchens or compact apartments. It’s not as high-tech as sensor models, but for those who value reliable foot operation and clean lines, this is the go-to. It delivers better space efficiency than bulkier 13-gallon cans, making it a top pick for urban dwellings where every inch counts.

When odors are your enemy, the SONGMICS ULTB050E01 steps up as a sealed fortress against stink, making it a standout in the world of stainless kitchen trash cans. Its tight-fitting lid forms a near-airtight seal around the rim, locking in smells from rotting food or wet waste—perfect for homes where trash sits longer between pickups. The soft-close mechanism operates with hushed precision, eliminating clangs while the built-in handle allows easy portability from kitchen to garage. For anyone tired of lingering kitchen smells, this can is a breath of fresh air—literally.

During testing, the 50L capacity proved ideal for families of 3–4, holding up to five days of standard kitchen waste without overflow. The step pedal offers smooth, consistent actuation, and the inner bucket’s bag-tucking hole keeps edges hidden and secure—no more flapping plastic. On hardwood or tile, it stays put, but on thick rugs, the base can catch slightly when moving. While the stainless steel body wipes clean easily, the lid seal, though effective, requires occasional cleaning to prevent gunk buildup that could compromise its airtight fit.

Against the Amazon Basics model, the SONGMICS delivers superior odor containment and a more refined lid seal, trading minor cost efficiency for meaningful hygiene gains. It’s not as wide as the Glad 20-gallon, but for medium-sized homes prioritizing freshness, it hits the sweet spot. With better sealing than most pedal cans, it outperforms in odor control while maintaining sleek, space-conscious design.

The Amazon Basics 50L trash can is the workhorse of value-driven design—delivering essential features without fluff, making it a no-brainer for budget-conscious buyers who still want durability. Its smudge-resistant brushed steel holds up well against daily touches, and the heavy-duty plastic inner bucket resists cracks even when dropped—unlike cheaper metal liners that dent. The stay-open lid function is a subtle but powerful perk, letting you toss multiple items during meal prep without re-pedaling. For those who want quiet, reliable performance without overspending, this can delivers.

In everyday use, the 13.2-gallon capacity aligns perfectly with standard trash bags, and the removable bucket with carry handle simplifies liner swaps and cleaning. The foot pedal is responsive, though repeated heavy use reveals slight flex over time—nothing alarming, but noticeable compared to premium builds. It performs consistently across surfaces, but the rectangular shape eats more corner space than oval models. While it lacks advanced odor control or sensor tech, it’s built for realistic home use where simplicity wins.

Stacked against the KdbK 13-gallon, it offers similar core features at a slightly higher price, but with Amazon’s reliability and widespread support. It doesn’t have the odor seal of SONGMICS or the soft-close finesse of Glad, but for straightforward, no-fuss disposal, it’s hard to beat. It balances cost and quality better than most mid-tier cans, making it a smart default choice.

For large families drowning in daily waste, the Glad Series 2 20-gallon can is a high-capacity hero that holds 50% more than standard models, drastically cutting down on trash trips. Its dual-lid system—foot pedal and lift-top—offers unmatched flexibility, perfect for when the pedal’s blocked or you’re loading bulky items. The Clorox-infused lid adds a proactive odor barrier, neutralizing smells at the source rather than just trapping them. With bag retention rings and a roll holder, it keeps everything tidy, making it a total organizational win for chaotic kitchens.

In real-life testing, this can excelled during meal prep marathons and family gatherings, easily swallowing pizza boxes, takeout containers, and food scraps without overflow. The soft-close lid operates smoothly, and the stay-open feature is a game-changer for multi-toss tasks. However, its size demands significant floor space, so it’s impractical for small kitchens or apartments. While the stainless steel body resists dents, the pedal mechanism feels slightly less rigid than premium brands—fine for home use, but not commercial-grade.

Compared to the SONGMICS 13-gallon, the Glad trades compactness for sheer volume and family-friendly features. It’s not as sleek, but for households of 5+, the extra capacity and dual-access design justify the bulk. It outperforms smaller cans in convenience and frequency reduction, though it costs more and needs room to shine.

The iTouchless 13-gallon can is the pinnacle of touchless convenience, transforming trash disposal into a hygienic, wave-and-go experience. Its industrial-grade sensor, tested for 150,000 cycles, delivers rock-solid reliability—opening instantly with a hand wave and closing only when you’re done, thanks to Smart Reflex tech. The AbsorbX carbon filter actively neutralizes odors, not just masking them, which is rare in pedal cans. For homes with kids, pets, or anyone wary of germs, this can is a sanitary upgrade that feels futuristic yet practical.

In daily use, the oval shape fits neatly in corners, and the extra-wide opening handles pizza boxes and crumpled paper with ease. It runs on batteries or AC power (adapter sold separately), offering long-term flexibility—ideal for kitchens far from outlets. The fingerprint-proof finish stays pristine, and the retainer ring keeps bags secure. However, the sensor can misfire in low light or with slow movements, and battery replacement is a chore every 6–12 months depending on use.

Against the Amazon Basics model, it’s far more advanced but pricier and higher maintenance. It doesn’t hold more trash, but the hands-free operation and odor filter make it ideal for high-traffic or hygiene-sensitive areas like nurseries or clinics. It beats pedal cans in automation and cleanliness, though it demands more upkeep.

The KdbK 13-gallon can earns its “Best Overall” title by mastering the fundamentals with exceptional durability and thoughtful details. Its bi-force damper system ensures ultra-smooth, silent lid closure, preventing slams while allowing the lid to stay open at 90°—perfect for uninterrupted cleanup sessions. The fingerprint-proof finish resists smudges aggressively, and the ABS inner bucket survives drops and impacts that would crack lesser models. With 200,000-pedal lifespan testing, it’s built to outlive most kitchens, making it a long-term investment in quiet, reliable performance.

In real-world use, the removable bucket with side handles makes bag changes effortless, and the bag-fixing hole keeps edges hidden and taut. The soft-close mechanism is among the quietest tested, ideal for open-plan homes or late-night disposal. It fits standard 13-gallon bags perfectly and stands stable on all floor types. While it lacks odor-sealing tech like SONGMICS or Glad, its tight lid still minimizes smells reasonably well with quality bags.

Versus the Amazon Basics, the KdbK offers superior pedal durability and lid control at a lower price, making it a value-packed upgrade. It doesn’t have a stay-open pedal mode, but its 90° lid hold compensates well. For most households seeking reliability, quiet operation, and longevity, it strikes the best overall balance.

The 8-gallon compact trash can is the champion of small-space efficiency, delivering full functionality in a 30L footprint that fits under desks, in bathrooms, or beside kitchen islands. Its 5.9-inch wide pedal offers surprising stability for a compact model, and the lid-lock feature keeps it open hands-free—a rare perk in this size class. The oval lid and removable ABS bucket make cleaning simple, while the soft-close damper eliminates noise without sacrificing durability. For those who need a secondary bin or space-constrained solution, this is a quiet, elegant performer.

Despite its smaller size, it handles daily office or bathroom use with ease, holding 3–4 days of paper waste or personal trash. The bag holder hole keeps liners secure, and the side handles on the bucket simplify removal. On plush carpets, the base can shift slightly during pedal use, but the anti-slip base minimizes movement. It’s not meant for primary kitchen duty in large homes, but as a supplemental or compact bin, it excels.

Compared to the 13-gallon QUALIAZERO, it sacrifices capacity for true compactness and portability. It doesn’t have fingerprint resistance or odor seals, but for small rooms or auxiliary use, it’s perfectly equipped. It offers better space optimization than full-size cans, making it the smart pick for tight spots.