The 12 Very Best Kitchen Trash Cans

Capacity and dimensions: 10.6 gallons, 10.4 by 23.3 by 26 inches | Material: Brushed stainless steel with recycled plastic inner buckets | Compartments: Two | Closure: Butterfly lid, step pedal | Price: $$$

Simplehuman was the brand that was mentioned most, with so much praise from designers, decorators, and organizers that it would seem wrong if it didn’t take the top spot. This trash can wasn’t the most popular pick — only Elbert pointed to it specifically, while Dunn prefers this super-similar can — but based on careful consideration of our criteria, it’s our winner.

As far as stainless-steel trash cans go, this option leans toward the more affordable side and offers a fingerprint-resistant finish. What sets it apart, though, are the dual interior bins for trash and recyclables (or compostables), which are made from recycled plastic and are designed to be removed and cleaned easily. Other multi-compartment bins from the brand are pricier— take this Solomon-approved version that Taryn Williford, lifestyle director at Apartment Therapy, says “soothes both the aesthetic and functional parts of my brain.” Its dual-compartment capacity might make you second-guess if it’ll fit in your kitchen, but Elbert especially likes how well it works for smaller spaces because of its slimness. It can sit next to an island, tuck away into a space between cabinets, or hide underneath the sink. On the functional front, the butterfly-style lid is a standout feature. The lid doesn’t need much clearance even inside a cabinet: “When the lid is open, it only takes up a few inches, versus some cans when the whole lid pops up, it’s almost a foot tall,” Elbert says. The silent lid eventually shuts on its own (or alternatively, stays open for however long you need with the help of a lock).The one downside is that while the capacity is around ten gallons, that actually means each side holds about five gallons. (You could use any trash bags for this, but Simplehuman does make its own liners.)