The 3 Best Kitchen Trash Cans, Evaluated and Reviewed

We tried analog-step and sensor trash cans from Simplehuman, Caraway, and Brightroom, among others, to find those that’ll keep your kitchen odor-free

Angela Lashbrook, Consumer Reports Senior Home & Trends Writer.

By Angela Lashbrook
Senior Home & Trends Writer

August 5, 2026

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We found the best trash can for everyone, whether you want to talk to your trash can or step on it.

A kitchen trash can may not be the most thrilling purchase you can make, but the difference a good one can make in your kitchen should not be underestimated.

In this article

Trash Cans We Evaluated : Amazon Basics 13.2 Gallon Trash Can BestOffice 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can Brabantia Bo Pedal Bin Brightroom Rectangular Step Trash Can Caraway 45L Rectangular Step Trash Can Glad 13 Gallon Plastic Trash Can Ninestars 13 Gallon Trash Can Simplehuman Rectangular Sensor Can
How We Tested

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We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Angela Lashbrook

Angela Lashbrook is a senior multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports. She has been with CR since 2021 and covers a wide range of topics, but she is particularly interested in anything health- or parenting-related. She lives with her husband, their son, and her dog, a Libra named Gordo.