8 Best Black Kitchen Trash Cans (October 2026)
The best black kitchen trash cans include the simplehuman 55 L Step Can for quiet daily use, the EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can for large touchless capacity, and the EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can for touchless 13.2 gallon use.
On this page (4 sections)
The best black kitchen trash can for most large households is the simplehuman 55 L Step Can, with a quiet-close lid and an internal liner pocket. For a black 13 gallon kitchen trash can, choose the EKO Madison for a pedal or EKO Mirage-T for sensor opening.
Black finishes can blend with dark appliances and cabinetry, but the right pick also depends on capacity, opening style and floor space. Measure the spot before choosing a large 20 gallon or 21 gallon model.
If you want to compare capacity first, see our guide to 13 gallon kitchen trash cans and large kitchen trash cans. For bag fit, read what size trash bags fit a kitchen trash can.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for large touchless capacityEKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for touchless 13.2 gallon useEKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black
8.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itEKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can, Matte Black
Best for a 13.2 gallon pedal can - 5
Check itGlad 20 Gal Stainless Step Can, Black
Best for odor protection and bag storage - 6
Check itGlad 20 Gal All-Stainless Step Can, Black
Best for dual lid access - 7
Check itEKO 21 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black
Best for a tall sensor can - 8
Check itKraus WasteGuard 14.5 Gal Sensor Can
Best for a narrower sensor footprint
How we chose black kitchen trash cans
The best black kitchen trash cans in this roundup balance finish, capacity, opening style and useful liner features. We compared those details and ranked each pick for a different kitchen need.
A matte or black stainless finish may suit a kitchen where the can stays in view. Fingerprint resistance, bag storage, quiet-close lids and stay-open features can make daily use easier, but they don't replace checking dimensions.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Dimensions | Opening | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman 55 L Step Can, Matte Black | quiet daily use | 55 L | 18.5 x 14.2 x 25.8 in | Step pedal | 8.7 |
| EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black | large touchless capacity | 21.1 gal | 18.5 x 11 x 28.3 in | Motion sensor | 8.3 |
| EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black | touchless 13.2 gallon use | 13.2 gal | 15.1 x 10.2 x 24.6 in | Motion sensor | 8.2 |
| EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can, Matte Black | a 13.2 gallon pedal can | 13.2 gal | 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 in | Step pedal | 8.2 |
| Glad 20 Gal Stainless Step Can, Black | odor protection and bag storage | 20 gal | 16 x 16 x 29 in | Step pedal | 7.8 |
| Glad 20 Gal All-Stainless Step Can, Black | dual lid access | 20 gal | 15 x 16.75 x 28.8 in | Step pedal or lift top | 7.7 |
| EKO 21 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black | a tall sensor can | 21 gal | 17.32 x 11.61 x 29.84 in | Motion sensor | 7.5 |
| Kraus WasteGuard 14.5 Gal Sensor Can | a narrower sensor footprint | 14.5 gal | 16 x 11.25 x 24.25 in | Motion sensor | 7.2 |
The best black kitchen trash cans for different kitchens
The right black kitchen trash can depends on whether you want a pedal, sensor or extra capacity. These picks are ordered by score, with each one aimed at a distinct use.
simplehuman 55 L Step Can, Matte Black: Best for quiet daily use
- 55 L capacity
- Liner rim without an inner bucket
- Slow-close lid
- Liner pocket holds 20 liners
A large matte black step can with a liner pocket and a slow-close lid. Its liner rim grips the bag directly instead of using an inner bucket.
Pros
- Liner pocket stores 20 liners
- Lid closes slowly and quietly
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Largest footprint among the 13.2 gallon picks
- Uses Code Q custom fit liners
The simplehuman 55 L Step Can is the top pick for a large household that wants a matte black pedal can with quieter lid movement. Its liner rim grips the bag directly, so it doesn't rely on an inner bucket for the liner.
The built-in pocket stores and dispenses 20 liners, and the lid stays open for longer chores such as meal prep. simplehuman says its steel pedal is engineered for 150,000 steps, and the can includes an Odorsorb pod starter pack.
This can measures 18.5 x 14.2 x 25.8 in, so check both its footprint and the height available above it. It uses Code Q custom fit liners, which is a useful detail to consider when planning refills.
Choose it when quiet closing and liner storage matter more than a smaller footprint. The 55 L capacity is larger than a standard 13.2 gallon can, so compare it with our 13 gallon kitchen trash can picks if you empty your bin often.
EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black: Best for large touchless capacity
- 21.1 gallon capacity
- Motion sensor opening
- Press-to-open stay-open option
- Anti-fingerprint stainless steel
This tall matte black sensor can suits a kitchen that needs more capacity and hands-free opening. Its stay-open option holds the lid open for 20 minutes.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Press-to-open stay-open option
- Anti-fingerprint finish
Cons
- May be larger than a standard kitchen needs
- No battery life detail provided
The EKO Mirage X suits kitchens that need a large matte black sensor can. At 21.1 gallons, it offers substantially more capacity than the 13.2 gallon models in this guide.
Its motion sensor opens the lid, and the press-to-open option keeps it open for 20 minutes. The stainless steel exterior has an anti-fingerprint finish, while the narrow 11 in dimension may help it fit along a wall.
Measure the lid clearance and the full 18.5 x 11 x 28.3 in footprint before placing it beside a counter or island. A large sensor can can reduce how often you empty the bin, but it takes more vertical and floor space.
Pick it if you want touchless access and a larger capacity in a matte black finish. For more sensor choices, see our guide to best sensor trash cans.
EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black: Best for touchless 13.2 gallon use
- 13.2 gallon capacity
- Motion sensor opening
- Quiet close
- Up to 8 months with AA alkaline batteries
A compact rectangular sensor can with a matte black finish and a stated capacity of 13.2 gallons. It runs on AA alkaline batteries.
Pros
- Fits a common kitchen capacity range
- Anti-fingerprint finish
- Quiet-close lid
Cons
- Battery powered
- Confirm room for its lid and sensor
The EKO Mirage-T is a strong choice if you want a 13.2 gallon black sensor can with a rectangular shape. It measures 15.1 x 10.2 x 24.6 in, making it shorter and narrower than the larger sensor picks here.
The lid opens with a motion sensor and closes quietly. EKO says the can can run for up to 8 months with AA alkaline batteries, though actual battery life depends on use.
Its matte black stainless steel finish is described as fingerprint resistant. Measure the space where the lid opens as well as the base, since clearance can matter beside a counter or cabinet.
Choose this model when you want a smaller touchless bin. Compare its capacity with our guide to how big a 13 gallon trash can is before deciding whether it will hold enough for your household.
EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can, Matte Black: Best for a 13.2 gallon pedal can
- 13.2 gallon capacity
- Removable inner liner
- Soft-close lid
- Fingerprint-resistant matte black finish
A matte black pedal can with a removable inner liner and a lid lock for longer tasks. The lid is designed to open and close quietly.
Pros
- Inner liner has handles
- Lid can stay open
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
Cons
- Wider than the Mirage-T
- Lid-open height is 36.6 in
The EKO Madison is the pedal-operated alternative to the Mirage-T at the same stated 13.2 gallon capacity. Its removable inner liner has handles, which can make taking a full bag out more manageable.
The matte black powder coat is fingerprint resistant, and the lid uses a soft-close design. A lid lock keeps it open for longer chores, while the step mechanism is built for daily use.
At 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 in, it needs a wider footprint than the Mirage-T. The lid-open height is 36.6 in, so check overhead clearance if the can will sit below a counter.
Pick it if you prefer a foot pedal and removable liner over touchless opening. Our semi-round vs rectangular trash can guide can help you compare shapes for the same kitchen spot.
Glad 20 Gal Stainless Step Can, Black: Best for odor protection and bag storage
- 20 gallon capacity
- Rear bag compartment
- Bag rings
- Soft-close lid
This larger black and silver step can combines bag storage behind the bin with bag rings to help hold a liner in place. Its lid has odor protection and closes softly.
Pros
- Rear compartment stores extra bags
- Bag rings help secure liners
- Odor protection on lid and frame
Cons
- 16 in square footprint needs floor space
- Finish is black and silver
The Glad 20 gallon step can suits a household that wants extra capacity plus a place to keep spare bags. A rear compartment stores bags, and bag rings help keep the liner in place.
Its lid and frame have odor protection, and the lid closes softly. The can measures 16 x 16 x 29 in and has a black and silver brushed finish, so check how that two-tone look fits your kitchen.
This is a larger pick than the 13.2 gallon cans, with a square footprint that may need more floor space. Choose it when reducing trips to the bin matters more than keeping the can compact.
Glad 20 Gal All-Stainless Step Can, Black: Best for dual lid access
- 20 gallon capacity
- Foot pedal and lift-top access
- Bag rings
- Stay-open lid
This 20 gallon black step can also has a lift-top opening. Its bag rings tuck away slack, and the lid can stay open during cooking or cleanup.
Pros
- Two ways to open
- Stay-open lid
- Soft-close design
Cons
- Larger footprint than a 13.2 gallon can
- Check finish details against nearby appliances
The Glad All-Stainless can adds lift-top access alongside a foot pedal. Its 20 gallon capacity suits households that want a larger bin, and its bag rings help keep liner slack tucked away.
The lid has a soft-close design and can stay open during tasks such as cooking or cleaning. The matte black model measures 15 x 16.75 x 28.8 in, so check depth and width against nearby cabinets.
Pick it if you value two ways to open the lid and a stay-open option. If the can will sit near an island or narrow walkway, compare its footprint with smaller models before choosing.
EKO 21 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black: Best for a tall sensor can
- 21 gallon capacity
- Motion sensor opening
- Quiet soft-close lid
- Stay-open button
A tall matte black sensor can with a quiet-close lid and a button to keep it open. It runs on 4 AA alkaline batteries.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Stay-open function
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
Cons
- Tallest can in this group
- Battery powered
The EKO 21 gallon sensor can is a tall option for kitchens that need more capacity and touchless opening. Its matte black stainless steel exterior is fingerprint resistant, and the lid closes quietly.
A stay-open button helps during longer cleanup tasks. It measures 17.32 x 11.61 x 29.84 in, making it the tallest pick in this roundup.
The can runs on 4 AA alkaline batteries, and the lid needs space to open above the body. Choose it when height is available and you want a larger sensor bin.
Kraus WasteGuard 14.5 Gal Sensor Can: Best for a narrower sensor footprint
- 14.5 gallon capacity
- Motion sensor opening
- Bag-securing ring
- Soft-close lid
A matte black sensor can with a rectangular shape and a bag-securing system. Its depth is narrower than its width, which may help near a cabinet.
Pros
- Bag-securing system
- Manual mode keeps lid open
- Non-skid feet
Cons
- Uses 4 AA batteries, not included
- Fewer details about finish material
The Kraus WasteGuard is a 14.5 gallon sensor can with a matte black finish and a bag-securing ring. Its 11.25 in depth is relatively narrow, which may help in a spot where a deeper can would intrude.
The lid has a five-second countdown before closing, and manual mode keeps it open for longer tasks. It also has non-skid feet and an internal hinge designed to help keep the lid from hitting nearby walls or objects.
It runs on 4 AA batteries, which aren't included. Pick it if a sensor opening and narrower depth suit your layout, and measure the 16 in width before settling on a location.
What should you check before buying a black kitchen trash can?
Measure the can's footprint and lid clearance first, then choose capacity and opening style. A black finish can look consistent across different materials, so read the named finish and care details closely.
A 13.2 gallon can may work for routine kitchen waste, while a 20 gallon or larger model suits a household that wants fewer trips to empty it. Capacity labels don't tell you the exact outside size, so compare dimensions with the available floor area.
Pedal models open with a step, while sensor models need batteries and room for the lid to move. If you cook often, a stay-open feature can help during longer prep or cleanup.
Which black kitchen trash can is 13 gallons?
The EKO Madison and EKO Mirage-T both have a stated capacity of 13.2 gallons. The Madison uses a foot pedal and removable inner liner, while the Mirage-T uses a motion sensor and has a narrower 10.2 in dimension.
Bag fit depends on more than capacity. Check the can's liner guidance and compare the bag measurements with the rim and body.
Is black stainless steel fingerprint resistant?
Some black stainless steel cans have a finish described as fingerprint resistant, including the EKO picks in this roundup. That feature can help reduce visible marks, but it doesn't mean the surface never needs cleaning.
Use the care directions for the specific finish. A matte black powder coat and a brushed stainless finish may need different handling.
Should you choose a sensor or pedal can?
Choose a sensor can if you want to open the lid without touching it, and choose a pedal can if you prefer a foot-operated mechanism. Sensor models need batteries, while a pedal model does not rely on sensor power.
Also consider the lid's open position and the space around the can. For a broader look at shape and placement, see our rectangular trash can comparison.
Which black kitchen trash can should you choose?
Choose the simplehuman 55 L if you want a large pedal can with a liner pocket and slow-close lid. Pick the EKO Madison for a 13.2 gallon pedal, or the Mirage-T for the same capacity with sensor opening.
For a larger touchless can, compare the EKO Mirage X with the 21 gallon EKO model and measure the height available. If finish and footprint are your main concerns, compare the size options for kitchen trash cans before you decide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
-
2
Best for large touchless capacity
EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for touchless 13.2 gallon use
EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Black
8.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What size black kitchen trash can should I get?
Choose capacity based on how often you want to empty the bin and how much floor space you have. A 13.2 gallon can is a common middle-size option, while 20 gallon and larger models suit households that generate more waste.
Measure the planned spot, including room for the lid to open.
Is a black stainless steel trash can hard to keep clean?
Some black stainless steel cans have a fingerprint-resistant finish, which can help reduce visible smudges. EKO describes the finishes on its picks here as fingerprint resistant.
Use the care instructions for the specific finish and avoid assuming every black surface is stainless steel.
Are black kitchen trash cans available with a foot pedal?
Yes. The simplehuman, EKO Madison and Glad picks use a step pedal, so you can open them without lifting the lid by hand.
A sensor can is another hands-free option, but it needs batteries and clear space for the lid to move.
Will a 13 gallon trash bag fit a 13.2 gallon can?
Capacity alone doesn't confirm that a bag will fit. Check the can's liner guidance and compare the bag's width and length with the bin's opening and height.
The simplehuman pick uses Code Q custom fit liners, while the other models may need a different bag size.
