8 Best Large Kitchen Trash Cans for Big Households (October 2026)
The best large kitchen trash cans for big households include the simplehuman 60 L Semi-Round Step Can for a flat-back fit, the EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can for touch-free disposal, and the EKO Hudson 20 Gal Step Can for stored bag refills.
On this page (7 sections)
- How we chose large kitchen trash cans
- Compare the best large kitchen trash cans
- Large kitchen trash can picks for big households
- How do you choose a large kitchen trash can size?
- Will a large trash can fit in your kitchen?
- Do large kitchen trash cans need special bags?
- Which large kitchen trash can should you choose?
The best large kitchen trash can for a busy household is the simplehuman 60 L Semi-Round Step Can, with a flat back that sits against a wall and a liner rim that holds the bag directly. If you want more stated capacity, the iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can holds 24 gallons, while the EKO Mirage X pairs 21.1 gallons with a slim 11 in width.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for maximum listed capacityCheck it - 5
Check itGlad 20 Gal Stainless Step Can
Best for odor control features - 6
Check itSONGMICS 20 Gal Stainless Step Can
Best for a removable inner bucket - 7
Check itEKO 21 Gal Sensor Can, Stainless
Best for a narrow sensor design - 8
Check itNinestars 21 Gal XL Sensor Can
Best for a large rectangular sensor bin
How we chose large kitchen trash cans
We compared capacity, footprint, opening style and useful everyday features to find large kitchen trash cans for different household needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
A large capacity can reduce how often you change a bag, but it also takes up floor space. Check the spot where you plan to put the can, including the path of nearby doors and drawers.
The 60 L simplehuman offers a flat back, while the EKO Mirage X and the 21-gallon EKO model are narrower rectangular sensor cans. The iTouchless has the highest stated capacity, but its 33 in height needs room above the lid.
Compare the best large kitchen trash cans
Capacity and width help narrow your options, but also compare opening style and bag setup. Use the measurements below as a starting point, then check the space and liner fit in your kitchen.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Dimensions | Opening | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman 60 L Semi-Round Step Can | a flat-back fit | 60 L | 17.9 x 16.4 x 26.4 in | Step-on | 8.6 |
| EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can | touch-free disposal | 80 L / 21.1 gal | 18.5 x 11 x 27.1 in | Motion sensor | 8.4 |
| EKO Hudson 20 Gal Step Can | stored bag refills | 75 L / 20 gal | 16.3 x 14.3 x 31.4 in | Step-on | 8.2 |
| iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can | maximum listed capacity | 24 gal / 91 L | 17.4 x 12.3 x 33 in | Motion sensor | 8.1 |
| Glad 20 Gal Stainless Step Can | odor control features | 20 gal | 16 x 16 x 29 in | Step-on | 7.9 |
| SONGMICS 20 Gal Stainless Step Can | a removable inner bucket | 20 gal / 75 L | 19.5 x 16.3 x 28.1 in | Step-on | 7.7 |
| EKO 21 Gal Sensor Can, Stainless | a narrow sensor design | 21 gal | 17.32 x 11.61 x 29.84 in | Motion sensor | 7.6 |
| Ninestars 21 Gal XL Sensor Can | a large rectangular sensor bin | 21 gal / 80 L | 18.78 x 14.45 x 27.4 in | Motion sensor | 7.4 |
Large kitchen trash can picks for big households
The right large kitchen trash can depends on where it will sit and how you want to open it. These picks range from flat-back and step designs to narrow sensor models.
simplehuman 60 L Semi-Round Step Can: Best for a flat-back fit
- 60 L capacity
- Semi-round shape with flat back
- Step pedal
- Liner rim and liner pocket
A 60 L step can with a flat back that sits against a wall. Its liner rim grips the bag directly, and a liner pocket stores refills inside the can.
Pros
- Flat back fits against a wall
- Liner rim holds the bag without an inner bucket
- Lid closes slowly and quietly
Cons
- Semi-round shape may not suit every layout
- Custom-fit liners are offered for this can
The simplehuman 60 L Semi-Round Step Can is a strong fit for a busy household that wants more capacity without a square front edge. Its flat back sits against a wall, while the rounded front softens the footprint.
The liner rim grips the bag directly and keeps it hidden, with no inner bucket to remove for changes. A liner pocket stores a 20-pack of custom-fit Code P liners inside the can.
The 150,000-step steel pedal and Lid Shox slow-close lid suit a kitchen where the can opens often. simplehuman also includes an odorsorb pod, which the brand says eliminates trash odors for 45 days.
At 17.9 x 16.4 x 26.4 in, it is shorter than several 20-gallon options here. Measure the wall space and confirm you can reach the pedal comfortably.
Choose it for a wall-side position and a step pedal. For an overview of other kitchen styles, see our kitchen trash can picks.
EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can: Best for touch-free disposal
- 80 L capacity
- Motion sensor opening
- Press-to-open stay-open option
- Stainless steel finish
A narrow rectangular sensor can with 80 L of capacity. The press-to-open option keeps the lid open for 20 minutes during longer cleanup tasks.
Pros
- Touch-free opening
- Slim 11 in width
- Stay-open option
Cons
- Requires a power source for sensor use
- Rectangular footprint still needs floor space
The EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can suits kitchens where touch-free opening matters. Its 80 L capacity is paired with a rectangular body that measures 11 in wide.
The motion sensor opens the lid, and a press-to-open option keeps it raised for 20 minutes. That can help when you're clearing plates or doing a longer food-prep cleanup.
EKO describes the stainless steel exterior as fingerprint resistant. The can's narrow width may help in a tighter spot, but its 18.5 in depth still needs space, and sensor lids need clearance overhead.
Choose it if you want sensor access and a slim profile. If you're comparing motion-activated cans, see our guide to the best sensor trash cans.
EKO Hudson 20 Gal Step Can: Best for stored bag refills
- 75 L capacity
- Step pedal
- Rear bag storage compartment
- Quiet-close lid
A 20-gallon step can with bag storage at the back. Its tall rectangular shape may suit kitchens with room for height but limited width.
Pros
- Rear compartment stores bags
- Step pedal opens the lid
- Quiet-close lid
Cons
- 31.4 in tall
- Needs room behind it for stored bags
The EKO Hudson 20 Gal Step Can suits households that want a large step can with bag storage close at hand. Its rear compartment stores trash bags, and its 75 L capacity can mean fewer bag changes than a smaller bin.
The matte stainless steel body measures 16.3 x 14.3 x 31.4 in. The height is worth checking if the can will sit under a counter or beside a low shelf.
Its pedal opens the lid, and a bi-force damper helps it close quietly. EKO describes the exterior as fingerprint resistant.
Choose this can if you want a step pedal and an extra place to keep bags. To compare more pedal styles, browse our foot-pedal kitchen trash can picks.
iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can: Best for maximum listed capacity
- 24 gal capacity
- Motion sensor opening
- Oval footprint
- Includes carbon odor filter
This 24-gallon sensor can offers the largest stated capacity in this group. Its oval base is 12.3 in wide, while its 33 in height calls for a clearance check.
Pros
- Largest stated capacity here
- Includes a carbon odor filter
- Narrow oval footprint
Cons
- Tallest option in this group
- Uses 4 D batteries or an optional power adapter
The iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can offers the largest stated capacity in this group at 24 gallons. Its oval footprint is 17.4 x 12.3 in, and the 33 in height makes it one of the taller options here.
The motion sensor opens the lid without a hand on the can. It also includes a carbon filter designed to absorb odors, and the retainer ring holds the bag in place.
The can runs on 4 D batteries or an optional AC adapter sold separately. Check the available height and power setup before choosing it for a busy kitchen.
Choose it when capacity is your first priority and the space can handle its height. If odor control matters most, compare other kitchen trash cans for odor control.
Glad 20 Gal Stainless Step Can: Best for odor control features
- 20 gal capacity
- Built-in odor protection
- Rear bag storage
- Soft-close lid
A 20-gallon stainless steel step can with odor protection built into the lid and frame. Its bag rings help keep liners in place and tuck away extra material.
Pros
- Odor protection in lid and frame
- Rear bag storage
- Soft-close lid
Cons
- 16 in wide and deep
- Tall cabinet needs a clear lid-opening path
The Glad 20 Gal Stainless Step Can suits a large household that wants a pedal can with built-in odor protection. Its rear compartment stores spare bags, while integrated bag rings help hold a liner in place and tuck away extra material.
The 16 x 16 x 29 in rectangular body needs a little more width than the narrow sensor cans. Its soft-close lid is designed to close quietly, and the fingerprint-resistant surface can help keep the exterior looking tidy.
Glad describes the odor protection as built into the lid and frame. This is a practical combination for a household looking for storage and odor features in one step can.
Choose it if those features fit your routine and floor space. For a different large step-can setup, compare the EKO Hudson above.
SONGMICS 20 Gal Stainless Step Can: Best for a removable inner bucket
- 20 gal capacity
- Step pedal
- Removable inner bucket
- Rear handle
A 20-gallon step can with a removable inner bucket and rear handle. The handle helps when you need to move the can for floor cleaning or bag changes.
Pros
- Removable inner bucket
- Rear handle for moving the can
- Lid closes slowly and quietly
Cons
- Widest footprint in this group
- Keep the back 2 in from the wall during use
The SONGMICS 20 Gal Stainless Step Can is a fit for households that want a removable inner bucket. Its rear handle helps you move the can, and the bucket has a hole to secure the liner.
The body measures 19.5 x 16.3 x 28.1 in, making it the widest option in this group. Keep the back 2 in from the wall during use, as SONGMICS advises.
The pedal opens the lid, which can also be opened by hand and held open for tasks such as cleaning out the fridge. Its lid is designed for slow, quiet closure.
Choose it if an inner bucket and rear handle are useful in your kitchen. Check the full footprint before setting aside a spot.
EKO 21 Gal Sensor Can, Stainless: Best for a narrow sensor design
- 21 gal capacity
- Motion sensor opening
- Stay-open function
- Quiet-close lid
A rectangular 21-gallon sensor can that is 11.61 in wide. Its stay-open function can help when you're clearing a work area.
Pros
- Narrow width for its capacity
- Touch-free opening
- Stay-open function
Cons
- Requires 4 AA batteries
- Sensor lid needs overhead clearance
The EKO 21 Gal Sensor Can, Stainless offers a narrow rectangular body for a kitchen with limited side-to-side room. It measures 11.61 in wide and holds 21 gallons.
Its motion sensor opens the lid, and a button keeps it open during longer cleanup tasks. EKO describes the stainless steel finish as fingerprint resistant, and the lid is designed to close quietly.
This model uses 4 AA alkaline batteries, with a stated battery life of up to 8 months. Check the full 17.32 x 11.61 x 29.84 in footprint and the space needed for the lid.
Choose it if you want a slim sensor can with a stay-open function. For a more detailed size comparison, start with how big a 13-gallon trash can is.
Ninestars 21 Gal XL Sensor Can: Best for a large rectangular sensor bin
- 21 gal capacity
- Motion sensor opening
- Stainless steel construction
- Rectangular shape
A 21-gallon rectangular sensor can with a stainless steel body. Its wider footprint may work where a slim, narrow bin would be awkward.
Pros
- 21 gal capacity
- Touch-free opening
- Rectangular shape
Cons
- Requires 3 D batteries
- Wider than the two narrow EKO sensor cans
The Ninestars 21 Gal XL Sensor Can suits a household that wants touch-free opening in a larger rectangular bin. Its 21-gallon capacity is paired with a stainless steel body and a motion-activated lid.
At 18.78 x 14.45 x 27.4 in, it takes up more width than the narrow EKO sensor cans. The can requires 3 D batteries, which are not included.
Ninestars says its battery technology can last 6 to 9 months. Actual battery life depends on use, so consider how often the lid may open in your kitchen.
Choose this can if you prefer a larger rectangular sensor style and have room for its footprint. Measure the spot before deciding.
How do you choose a large kitchen trash can size?
Start with the can's capacity and outside dimensions, then compare both with your household's waste and available floor space. A bigger bin can hold more, but a wide or tall body may block a cabinet, door or walkway.
A 20-gallon can is one option for a large household, while picks here range from 60 L to 24 gallons. These capacities don't show how quickly your family will fill a can, since food scraps, packaging and recycling habits differ.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space. If the can has a lid that lifts up, leave room above it; if it sits near a drawer or door, make sure those can open fully.
For a smaller baseline, see our guide to the size of a 13-gallon kitchen trash can. It helps show how much extra floor space a larger option may need.
Will a large trash can fit in your kitchen?
A large can fits only if its footprint and lid path work with the rest of the kitchen. Measure the actual location, not just the open floor area, and account for handles, counters and nearby cabinet doors.
A narrow rectangular design may suit a tight gap, while an oval or semi-round body has a different shape to work around. For cabinet placement, use our guide to trash cans that fit inside a kitchen cabinet.
Don't assume a can will fit under a counter based on width alone. Compare its full height with your available clearance, including the lid when open.
Do large kitchen trash cans need special bags?
Some large kitchen trash cans need a larger bag or a model-specific liner, so check the can's bag system before choosing. The simplehuman uses Code P custom-fit liners, while the iTouchless is described as fitting standard 24- to 30-gallon bags.
Bag capacity alone doesn't guarantee a good fit. A liner that's too short may slip, while one that's too large can bunch around the rim.
Check the opening, liner retainer and bag dimensions before buying replacement bags. Our kitchen trash bag size guide covers how to match a bag to a can.
Which large kitchen trash can should you choose?
Choose the simplehuman if a flat back and step pedal suit your kitchen, or the iTouchless if you want the highest stated capacity here and can fit its height. For a narrow sensor style, compare the EKO Mirage X with the 21-gallon EKO.
Before settling on a can, measure its footprint and lid clearance, then check the bag setup you prefer. If you need a smaller-capacity option, compare our best 13-gallon kitchen trash cans.
The best large kitchen trash can is the one that holds your household's daily waste and fits its spot without blocking kitchen movement.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What size trash can works for a large family?
A 20-gallon or larger can can suit a household that fills a standard kitchen bin quickly. The right size depends on how often you want to change bags and how much floor space you can give the can.
Measure the space and check the can's height, width and depth before choosing.
Is a 20-gallon kitchen trash can too big?
A 20-gallon can may feel oversized in a small kitchen, especially if it blocks a walkway or cabinet door. Check its footprint and lid clearance, then compare those measurements with the spot where it will sit.
Our guide to what size trash can fits a kitchen explains how to plan around your household and available space.
Will standard kitchen trash bags fit a large can?
Bag fit depends on the can's shape and liner system, not just its gallon capacity. Check the can's recommended bag size and compare it with the bags you use.
Our guide to choosing kitchen trash bag sizes covers fit and overhang.
Should you choose a sensor or step can for a large kitchen?
Choose a sensor can if you want to open the lid without touching it, and a step can if you prefer a pedal and don't want to rely on batteries. Both styles come in large capacities.
Leave enough clearance for the lid to open, and consider how the can will fit your normal kitchen routine.
