Better Homes And Gardens 40l Rectangular Stainless Steel Trash Can

Best Value

simplehuman 40L Slim Step Can
Pros

Sturdy

Ergonomic design
Cons

Lid is difficult to attach
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Simplehuman, Best Overall — Credit: Simplehuman

best overall trash can — Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

How We Tested

The Tester

I'm Sarah Zorn, a professional food writer, cookbook author, and recipe tester. In case there was any doubt, these various roles mean that my kitchen trashcan gets a whole lot of use—and takes a fair amount of abuse. I'm also an adoring dog mama and devoted wife, so finding pup-proof waste receptacles that my husband also likes to use is of utmost importance to me.

The Tests

Working with standard 13-gallon trash bags, we evaluated how easy it was to fit and secure them in the trash cans, without stretching, sliding, or drooping. Once full, we also determined how easy those bags were to remove. We threw a bunch of smelly trash (including shrimp shells) into the bins over the course of a week to see which units could effectively combat the stench. We also packed clean bags with dog-tempting treats to see if they could stand up to a four-legged assault. And since it's often important to be able to seamlessly move cans around the kitchen, we gave them a bit of a spin around the room.

What You Should Know About Kitchen Trash Cans

A surprising number of factors can come into play when selecting the perfect trash can. Price is generally determined by materials used, with plastic trash cans (which also tend to be lighter) proving more affordable, while stainless steel tends to command a higher price. That's because stainless steel is usually better-looking, more durable, and easier to clean. It also often comes with some kind of warranty.

You may also want to consider whether the can has special features that support odor absorption. And if you don't want to constantly search for specially-sized liners, know that a 13-gallon bag is the standard capacity when it comes to kitchen trash bags. As for lids, it's a matter of personal preference: the basic, hand-lifted top is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cans, which also come in step-to-open, swinging, and touch-free automatic varieties. Just make sure the lid fits well onto the can, to prevent odors from spilling into your kitchen.

Finally, you'll want to identify the ideal shape for your space. Squares, semi-circles, and rectangles are easier to nest along a wall, while slim-fit options can be conveniently tucked under or between counters, allowing you to make the most of limited kitchen real estate.

Other Kitchen Trash Cans We Tested

Meet the tester

Sarah Zorn

Contributor

Sarah Zorn is a food writer, cookbook author, and product tester for Reviewed, Wirecutter and the Food Network. She regularly contributes to outlets such as Saveur, Esquire, and Civil Eats, and has very much passed her food obsessions down, as her beloved rescue hound, Rowdy, regularly deglazes his kibble bowl.

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

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