9 Best Kitchen Trash Cans With a Foot Pedal (October 2026)
The best kitchen trash cans with foot pedals include the simplehuman 55 L Rectangular Step Can for busy kitchens, the simplehuman 45 L Rectangular Step Can for a narrower footprint, and the simplehuman 60 L Semi-Round Step Can for a wall-side placement.
On this page (5 sections)
The simplehuman 55 L Rectangular Step Can is our top pick for busy kitchens because it combines a large capacity with a liner rim, an internal liner pocket and a slow-close lid. For a standard 13-gallon bag setup, compare the EKO, iTouchless, SONGMICS and PayLessHere options.
A kitchen trash can with a foot pedal lets you open the lid without touching it when your hands are full or messy. The best choice depends on how much waste you produce, how much floor space you have and whether you prefer a removable inner bucket or a liner held directly by the rim.
For capacity basics, see how big a 13-gallon trash can is. If you’re choosing between a flat-backed shape and a straight-sided one, our semi-round vs rectangular can comparison explains the placement tradeoff.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for a narrower footprintsimplehuman 45 L Rectangular Step Can
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a wall-side placementsimplehuman 60 L Semi-Round Step Can
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itEKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can, Matte Stainless
Best for a removable inner bucket - 5
Best for storing spare bagsCheck it - 6
Check itiTouchless 13.2 Gal Step Can with AbsorbX
Best for odor-filter access - 7
Check itsimplehuman 45 L Plastic Step Can
Best for a dent-proof plastic body - 8
Best for an easy-to-remove bucketCheck it - 9
Best for a slim listed widthCheck it
Which kitchen trash cans with a foot pedal stand out?
The simplehuman 55 L model leads for its combination of capacity, liner storage and quiet lid motion. The remaining picks fit different priorities, from wall placement to standard bag use and smaller footprints.
simplehuman 55 L Rectangular Step Can: Best for busy kitchens
- 55 L capacity
- Liner rim hides and grips the bag
- Liner pocket stores 20 liners
- 150,000-step pedal
The liner rim holds the bag directly, and a built-in pocket dispenses liners from inside the can. Its 55 L capacity and soft-close lid suit a high-use kitchen.
Pros
- Liner pocket for refills
- Lid stays open for longer chores
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Requires custom-fit Code Q liners for the intended fit
This is the strongest all-round choice if your kitchen fills a bag quickly or you prefer to change liners less often. Its 55 L capacity gives it more room than the 45 L options, while the liner rim grips the bag directly and keeps its edges hidden.
The built-in pocket stores and dispenses 20 Code Q liners from inside the can. That keeps refills close at hand, though it ties the intended fit to a specific liner code.
The lid also stays open for longer chores such as meal prep, according to simplehuman.
Simplehuman says the steel pedal is engineered for 150,000 steps and that Lid Shox controls the close for a slow, quiet finish. The 10-year warranty is another useful point for buyers comparing long-term ownership terms.
Measure the 18.8 x 16.7 in footprint before choosing a place, especially if the can will sit beside a cabinet or island. This pick makes the most sense when its capacity and liner features solve a real daily need.
simplehuman 45 L Rectangular Step Can: Best for a narrower footprint
- 45 L capacity
- 15.9 in long by 13.3 in wide
- Flip-up liner rim
- Liner pocket stores 20 liners
This rectangular can has a smaller footprint than the 55 L pick. Its liner rim, built-in liner pocket and slow-close lid keep bag changes and daily use straightforward.
Pros
- Narrower footprint than the 55 L pick
- Liner pocket keeps refills inside the can
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Custom-fit Code M liners are intended for this model
Choose this 45 L rectangular can if you want the liner pocket and rim arrangement in a smaller footprint. At 15.9 x 13.3 in, it takes up less floor space than the 55 L model, though it also holds less.
The stainless steel rim flips up for a liner change, then closes over the bag to hold it in place and hide it. Its pocket dispenses Code M liners from inside the can, so keep that liner code in mind when estimating ongoing costs.
Simplehuman describes the pedal as engineered for 150,000 steps and the lid as controlled for a slow, quiet close. The 45 L capacity works for many kitchens, but a household with frequent cooking or larger packaging loads may prefer more room.
For another look at a similar capacity, read our simplehuman 50 L rectangular step can review. Compare the dimensions with your walkway and cabinet doors before settling on either rectangular model.
simplehuman 60 L Semi-Round Step Can: Best for a wall-side placement
- 60 L capacity
- Semi-round shape with flat back
- Liner pocket stores 20 liners
- 150,000-step pedal
A flat back lets this semi-round can sit against a wall while offering the largest capacity in this group. It uses a liner rim and has a slow-close lid.
Pros
- Largest capacity in this group
- Flat back suits wall placement
- Lid stays open for longer chores
Cons
- Custom-fit Code P liners are intended for this model
This 60 L semi-round can is the best fit when you need extra capacity and want the flat back against a wall. Its rounded front gives the can a different footprint from the rectangular picks, so check the 17.9 x 16.4 in dimensions at the intended spot.
The liner rim grips the bag directly, and its liner pocket holds Code P liners inside the can. The design avoids a separate inner bucket for everyday use, although the liner system does mean you should confirm the bags you plan to use.
Simplehuman says its steel pedal is engineered for 150,000 steps and that Lid Shox provides a slow close. The lid can also stay open for longer tasks, which helps during meal prep or when unloading groceries.
If you’re deciding whether a rounded front or rectangular sides suit your kitchen, see our semi-round and rectangular trash can comparison. This is a good choice for a busier kitchen that has room for its larger capacity.
EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can, Matte Stainless: Best for a removable inner bucket
- 13.2 gal capacity
- Raised inner bucket with handles
- Lid lock for longer tasks
- Matte stainless finish
The raised inner bucket has handles for bag changes, and the lid lock keeps the lid open while you work. Its matte stainless finish adds a softer look than bright steel.
Pros
- Inner bucket has handles
- Lid lock for longer tasks
- Matte stainless finish
Cons
- Inner bucket takes up space inside the can
The EKO Madison suits buyers who want a familiar 13.2-gallon size and a removable inner bucket. The bucket is raised and has handles, which can make taking it out for a bag change more manageable.
Its matte stainless finish gives the can a softer appearance than a bright brushed surface. EKO also includes a lid lock, so you can keep the lid open while sorting waste or cleaning around the rim.
The footprint is 16.9 x 14.3 in, and the can stands 25.4 in high with the lid closed. Check overhead clearance as well as floor space if you plan to keep it beneath a counter or shelf.
The bucket does take up room inside the outer shell, unlike liner-rim models that hold the bag directly. For more picks around this capacity, see our best 13-gallon kitchen trash cans.
EKO Hudson 13.2 Gal Step Can: Best for storing spare bags
- 13.2 gal capacity
- Rear trash bag storage compartment
- Soft-close lid
- 200,000+ step pedal
The rear compartment keeps extra bags close to the can for a quick change. A soft-close lid and step pedal suit routine kitchen use.
Pros
- Built-in storage for spare bags
- Soft-close lid
- Fingerprint-resistant surface
Cons
- Confirm the open-lid height and available clearance before choosing a spot
The EKO Hudson is a practical choice if you want extra bags stored with the can. A compartment at the back holds spare liners, so you can pull a fresh one without searching under the sink.
It has a 13.2-gallon capacity, a soft-close lid and a pedal engineered for more than 200,000 steps. Its matte black stainless steel body is described as fingerprint-resistant, which may suit a kitchen where the can stays visible.
Measure the full footprint and the lid’s open height before placing it near a counter or cabinet. The listed dimensions are 16.34 x 14.33 x 24.29 in with the lid closed, and the can rises to 35.83 in when fully open.
Choose this model for convenient bag storage and a dark finish. If your first priority is easy bag removal from an inner bucket, compare the Madison instead.
iTouchless 13.2 Gal Step Can with AbsorbX: Best for odor-filter access
- 13.2 gal capacity
- AbsorbX carbon filter compartment
- Removable inner bucket
- Flat-backed design
The built-in AbsorbX compartment and included starter filter are useful if you want a filter as part of the setup. Its removable bucket fits standard store-bought drawstring bags.
Pros
- Includes an AbsorbX starter filter
- Removable inner bucket
- Flat back sits against a wall
Cons
- Filter replacement needs to be part of upkeep
This iTouchless can is the pick to consider if you want an odor-filter compartment and a removable inner bucket. It includes an AbsorbX starter carbon filter, while the bucket fits standard store-bought drawstring bags.
The flat-backed design is made to sit against a kitchen wall, and the can holds 13.2 gallons. Its 16.9 x 14.5 x 26.4 in dimensions are close to several other full-size picks, so check your available width and depth.
The filter adds a maintenance step: plan to replace it when needed rather than treating it as a permanent odor solution. The removable bucket also gives you a separate piece to lift when changing a liner or cleaning.
For a larger comparison focused on this capacity, browse our 13-gallon kitchen trash can picks. This model’s strongest reason to choose it is the included filter setup.
simplehuman 45 L Plastic Step Can: Best for a dent-proof plastic body
- 45 L capacity
- Grey plastic body
- Liner pocket stores 20 liners
- 150,000-step pedal
Its grey plastic body is described as dent-proof and fingerprint-proof, while the liner rim and pocket keep bag changes tidy. It has the same capacity as the 45 L steel model.
Pros
- Plastic body resists dents and fingerprints
- Liner pocket stores refills
- Slow-close lid
Cons
- Wider than the 45 L rectangular steel pick
The simplehuman 45 L Plastic Step Can offers the liner rim and built-in pocket in a grey plastic body. The body is described as dent-proof and fingerprint-proof, which may appeal if you prefer plastic over stainless steel.
It has the same 45 L capacity as the rectangular steel simplehuman pick, but its footprint is 13.3 x 19 in. The wider dimension may change where it fits, so compare the full shape with your cabinet doors and walking path.
The liner pocket stores Code K liners, and the steel pedal is engineered for 150,000 steps. Simplehuman also describes the Lid Shox close as slow and quiet, and backs this model with a 5-year warranty.
Pick it when the plastic finish and liner storage matter more than a narrow footprint. For the steel version’s dimensions and liner setup, see our simplehuman 50 L review.
SONGMICS 13 Gal Step Can: Best for an easy-to-remove bucket
- 13 gal capacity
- Removable inner bucket
- Soft-close lid
- Bag hole secures liner edges
A removable inner bucket has a bag hole to tuck and secure liner edges. The lid closes slowly and softly, and can stay open when opened by hand.
Pros
- Removable inner bucket
- Bag hole helps secure liner edges
- Lid can stay open
Cons
- No built-in liner storage compartment
The SONGMICS 13-gallon can is a straightforward option if you want a removable inner bucket and a bag edge that tucks out of sight. A hole at the back of the bucket helps secure the liner, and the bucket can be removed for changes and cleaning.
The lid closes slowly and softly, and can stay open when you open it by hand. That makes it useful for a longer cleanup, though it doesn’t have the internal liner storage found on the simplehuman picks.
Its 17 x 14.6 x 24.9 in dimensions make it comparable in footprint to other full-size cans. The stainless steel bin has a brushed finish, and the can is intended for kitchen use.
Choose it for a simple bucket-based setup with a soft-close lid. If you want spare bags stored in the can itself, the Hudson has a rear compartment.
PayLessHere 13 Gal Step Can: Best for a slim listed width
- 13 gal capacity
- 11 in listed width
- Removable inner bucket
- Removable lid
Its stated 11 in width may suit a narrow spot, but measure the full footprint before buying. The removable inner bucket and removable lid support bag changes.
Pros
- Listed width is 11 in
- Removable inner bucket
- Stainless steel body
Cons
- Verify which dimension is width against your available space
The PayLessHere can is worth considering when a slim space is the main constraint. Its dimensions are given as 16 x 11 x 25 in, but check which side corresponds to width and depth before relying on the 11 in measurement.
It holds 13 gallons and has a removable inner bucket and lid. The stainless steel body can be wiped with a damp cloth, and the pedal opens the lid without hand contact.
This is the lowest-scoring pick because the dimension labels need confirmation for a tight fit and the available details give fewer specific bag-retention features than several alternatives. Measure your space and verify the orientation of the dimensions before choosing it.
If width is critical, also compare our best narrow kitchen trash cans guide. It helps you weigh stated width against the depth and lid clearance that your kitchen can accommodate.
How should you choose a foot-pedal trash can?
Start with the space where the can will sit, then choose capacity and bag setup. A can that fits the kitchen layout and takes the bags you want is more useful than extra features you won’t use.
Measure width, depth and height with the lid closed. If the lid needs to open under a counter or shelf, check open height too; the Hudson, for example, reaches 35.83 in when fully open.
Next, choose between a removable inner bucket and a liner rim. Buckets lift out for bag changes and cleaning, while liner-rim designs hold the bag at the top and may free up interior space.
Some liner-rim models use custom liner codes, so confirm that setup suits you.
Finally, consider the details that affect everyday use: a lid that stays open for meal prep, a rear compartment for spare bags, or a filter compartment for odor upkeep. Choose the feature you’ll use most often.
Is a 13-gallon step can big enough for a kitchen?
A 13-gallon can is a common full-size choice, but whether it’s enough depends on how quickly your household fills it. The 45 L simplehuman picks hold less, while the 55 L and 60 L models provide more capacity for kitchens with higher waste volume.
Think about how often you want to change bags and what you throw away. Food scraps, shipping boxes and packaging can fill a can at different rates, so household size alone won’t predict how often you’ll empty it.
For a closer look at the dimensions and capacity behind the label, read how big a 13-gallon trash can is. If you’re comparing only standard-size models, our 13-gallon kitchen trash can guide narrows the field.
Should you choose an inner bucket or a liner rim?
Choose an inner bucket if you want a removable piece for changing bags and cleaning. The EKO Madison, iTouchless and SONGMICS options have a removable bucket; the simplehuman liner-rim models hold the bag directly at the top and hide its edge.
The liner-rim approach can make more of the can’s interior available for trash, but the named simplehuman models use specific liner codes. The EKO Madison and SONGMICS bucket designs are more familiar if you prefer lifting out a separate container.
An odor filter is a different feature from a lid or liner system. The iTouchless includes an AbsorbX starter filter, while the EKO Madison has a deodorizer compartment; check the upkeep needs for any odor-related feature you choose.
Which foot-pedal trash can should you pick?
Pick the simplehuman 55 L Rectangular Step Can if you want a roomy can with a hidden liner, built-in refill storage and a slow-close lid. Choose the simplehuman 45 L Rectangular Step Can when a smaller footprint matters, or the EKO Madison if you prefer a removable bucket for standard bag changes.
For a wall-side placement and more capacity, consider the simplehuman 60 L Semi-Round Step Can. If your decision comes down to shape, use our semi-round vs rectangular comparison to check which footprint suits your kitchen.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for a narrower footprint
simplehuman 45 L Rectangular Step Can
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a wall-side placement
simplehuman 60 L Semi-Round Step Can
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What size foot-pedal trash can works for a kitchen?
A 13-gallon can is a common full-size kitchen option, while larger 45 to 60 L cans suit kitchens that produce more daily waste. Check the can’s dimensions against your floor space and leave room for the lid to open.
Capacity labels alone don’t tell you how much room the can will occupy.
Are foot-pedal trash cans hands-free?
A step can opens when you press its pedal, so you can lift the lid without touching it by hand. That helps during cooking when your hands are busy, but you still need to lift the lid or hold it open for some cleaning and bag changes.
Check whether the lid stays open if you need both hands free.
Do foot-pedal trash cans need special bags?
Some cans are designed around custom-fit liners, while others accept standard kitchen bags. The simplehuman models here name specific liner codes; iTouchless says its removable bucket fits standard drawstring bags.
Check bag fit and the way the liner is secured before choosing a can.
Is a soft-close lid useful on a step can?
A soft-close lid lowers gently instead of dropping shut quickly, which can reduce lid noise in a busy kitchen. Several picks here have a slow-close feature.
If you often need the lid open while prepping food, also check whether it can stay open hands-free.
