9 Best Metal Kitchen Trash Cans With Lifting Lid (November 2026)
The best metal kitchen trash cans with lifting lids include the Glad Small Trash Can for small kitchens and tight spots, the iTouchless 13 Gal Sensor Kitchen Trash Can for hands-free everyday kitchens, and the Garvee 21 gal / 80 L Stainless for big households and busy kitchens.
On this page (5 sections)
The best metal kitchen trash can with lifting lid for most kitchens is the Glad Small Trash Can. Its brushed steel lid opens with a pedal and also lifts by hand to stay open at 90 degrees for loading.
For full-size waste that opens without a touch, the iTouchless 13 Gal Sensor is the top pick.
Metal kitchen trash cans matter for two reasons. A steel body holds its finish through daily use.
A lid that lifts and stays open lets you scrape a plate or change a bag with both hands free.
Some shoppers want a full 13-gallon bin, others need a slim can for a gap beside the counter. A few want a lifting lid to match a stainless appliance.
The picks below split by those needs.
Our guide to the best trash can for the kitchen covers lid types and sizing in more depth. If a black finish is the goal, see our black kitchen trash can picks.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for hands-free everyday kitchensiTouchless 13 Gal Sensor Kitchen Trash Can
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for big households and busy kitchensGarvee 21 gal / 80 L Stainless
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itKdbK Kitchen Trash Can with Lid
Best for quiet kitchens - 5
Check itKUK 13 Gallon/50L Stainless Steel Step Pedal
Best for odor control - 6
Check itEKO Hudson Slim 13.2 Gal Step Can
Best for narrow gaps - 7
Best for straightforward valueCheck it - 8
Check itGarvee 13 Gallon Trash Can Kitchen Garbage
Best for matte black kitchens - 9
Check itSONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can with Lid
Best for narrow cabinet ends
The best metal kitchen trash cans for matching your kitchen finish
Glad takes the top spot for tight spots and a lid that lifts, while the iTouchless sensor handles full-size everyday waste. The rest solve size, odor and color needs one at a time.
Our score weighs specs, features and the fit for a buyer who wants a metal can with a lifting lid. A hand-lift lid that holds its angle counts for more than a pedal alone, because it lets you load with both hands.
Capacity and finish carry the rest of the weight. Weight matters too, since a 3-pound compact can lifts easily while a 20-pound steel bin takes both hands to move for cleaning.
Glad Small Trash Can: Best for small kitchens and tight spots
- 1.2-gallon capacity
- Brushed stainless steel
- Step pedal plus lift-and-stay-open lid
- Removable inner bucket
A compact stainless step can that also lets you lift the lid by hand and tilt it back 90 degrees to stay open.
Pros
- Lid stays open for easy loading
- Removable inner bucket with metal ring
- Fingerprint-resistant lid
Cons
- Only 1.2 gallons
- Best for small jobs, not a full kitchen
The Glad Small Trash Can fits where a full-size bin won't. Its 8 x 9.5 x 12 inch body slips under a sink, beside a desk or into a bathroom corner.
At 1.2 gallons it's made for small jobs, not a whole kitchen's daily waste. The 3-pound weight means you can pick it up and move it without a second thought.
The round shape suits a corner or the side of a vanity, and the brushed steel look carries into a bedroom or dorm as easily as a kitchen.
The lid does double duty. Step on the pedal for hands-free opening, or lift the lid by hand and tilt it back 90 degrees to stay open while you load or scrape.
The soft-close action brings it down quietly, so it won't bang in a quiet room. Glad asks you not to step on the pedal while the lid is hand-opened, so use one method at a time.
The brushed stainless finish wipes clean and the lid resists fingerprints. A removable inner bucket with a metal ring makes bag changes easy, and the size suits cat litter duty or a college dorm.
Glad backs the can with a five-year warranty against defects. For a compact metal can with a true lifting lid, this is the best pick here.
For a full kitchen's waste, step up to a 13-gallon can.
iTouchless 13 Gal Sensor Kitchen Trash Can: Best for hands-free everyday kitchens
- 13-gallon capacity
- Motion-sensor lid
- Pet and child lock
- AbsorbX carbon odor filter
A tall sensor bin that opens without a touch and seals odors with a carbon filter and a locking lid.
Pros
- Opens hands-free with a sensor
- Lock keeps pets and toddlers out
- Carbon filter traps food smells
Cons
- Runs on 4 D batteries
- AC adapter sold separately
The iTouchless 13 Gal Sensor is the best full-size pick when you want a lid that opens without a touch. Its motion sensor raises the lid as you approach, so messy hands never reach the rim.
A 27.3-inch height means less bending over the counter, and the rectangular 12.7 x 10.8 inch footprint tucks against a wall better than a round can. That tall profile is built so you can scrape a plate from a relaxed, upright stance.
The pet and child lock is a real plus in a busy home. A mechanical switch on the side of the lid disables the sensor, so a curious dog or toddler can't flip the top and dig.
A carbon AbsorbX filter traps food smells without adding a fragrance, so the kitchen stays fresher between trips to the curb. The lid also seals to keep odors in.
It runs up to 18 months on 4 D batteries, so there's no cord to trip over. An optional AC adapter is sold separately if you'd rather plug it in.
The retainer ring hides bag edges and holds a standard 13-gallon liner without an inner bucket. At 8.6 pounds it's light for its size.
For hands-free daily use with odor control, this is the pick. If you prefer a pedal and a lid you can lift, look at the Glad or KdbK.
Garvee 21 gal / 80 L Stainless: Best for big households and busy kitchens
- 21.1-gallon capacity
- 410-grade stainless steel
- Soft-close plastic lid
- Liner rim and rear handle
A large-capacity stainless step can that holds far more waste than a standard 13-gallon bin.
Pros
- Huge 21.1-gallon capacity
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
- Lid opens to 80 degrees and locks at 95 degrees
Cons
- Takes up more floor space
- Bigger bags needed
The Garvee 21 gal / 80 L Stainless suits a big household that fills a 13-gallon bag too fast. Its 21.1-gallon body holds far more waste, so trips to the curb drop.
Garvee puts the capacity at 80 water bottles' worth or 140 cans' worth, which shows how much it swallows. The 410-grade steel shell resists rust and scratches, and the finish shrugs off smudges.
The thick ABS lid stands up to dents and stains.
The soft-close lid opens to 80 degrees and locks at 95 degrees for hands-free loading. Garvee says the steel pedal is tested past 150,000 steps and the one-piece hinge past 300,000 cycles.
A liner rim hides bag edges and a rear handle helps you move it for cleaning. Anti-slip rubber feet hold it steady on tile or hardwood.
At full opening the lid reaches about 4 inches above a standard 36-inch island countertop.
The trade-off is size. At 18.19 inches long and 15.39 inches wide, it needs more floor space than the 13-gallon cans here.
It's also taller and needs bigger bags. Pick it for a large family kitchen; skip it for a small galley.
KdbK Kitchen Trash Can with Lid: Best for quiet kitchens
- 13-gallon capacity
- Brushed stainless steel
- Silent soft-close lid
- 20 garbage bags included
A 13-gallon brushed steel step can with a lid that glides shut and stands open at 90 degrees.
Pros
- Soft-close lid won't slam
- Lid stands open hands-free
- Comes with 20 matching bags
Cons
- Pedal and lid close takes a moment
- Standard 13-gallon size only
The KdbK Kitchen Trash Can with Lid is the quietest of the 13-gallon steel cans here. Its soft-close lid glides shut without a bang, which matters in an open-plan kitchen or a home with a sleeping baby.
The bi-force damper also lets you press the lid down by hand and still get a silent close. The anti-slamming design keeps fingers safe when the lid comes down.
The 13-gallon steel body has a brushed finish that resists fingerprints. A 90-degree stay-open lid lets you load with both hands.
It also comes with 20 matching garbage bags, so you're set up from day one. Standard 13-gallon supermarket bags fit too, so you're not locked into a custom liner.
An ABS inner bucket holds its shape when bumped and has a small hole to keep the bag in place. The pedal is tested for 200,000 steps.
At 25.9 inches tall and 16.7 inches long, it's a fairly big can for a standard 13-gallon bin, so measure your gap. The only real trade-off is the size: it's a standard 13-gallon can without a filter.
For a quiet kitchen at a mid-range price, it's a strong choice.
KUK 13 Gallon/50L Stainless Steel Step Pedal: Best for odor control
- 13-gallon capacity
- Stainless steel step pedal
- Sealed odor-blocking lid
- 20 custom-fit bags included
A brushed steel step can with a sealed lid and a removable inner bucket that keeps bags hooked in place.
Pros
- Sealed lid helps block smells
- Inner bucket has bag hooks
- Comes with 20 custom bags
Cons
- Fewer extras than the top picks
- Plain step-only opening
The KUK 13 Gallon/50L Stainless Steel Step Pedal puts odor control first. Its sealed lid blocks smells, so a kitchen with a lot of food scraps stays fresher between emptyings.
The 50-liter capacity cuts how often you haul the bag out. At 25.9 inches tall it lines up with the KdbK, so the pair suit the same kitchen gaps.
The brushed steel resists fingerprints and wipes clean. A removable plastic inner bucket has built-in bag hooks to keep liners from slipping.
The lid stays open at 90 degrees for loading and for cleaning the bucket. KUK includes 20 custom-fit bags so you can start right away, and KUK says the pedal is tested past 150,000 uses.
The trade-off is fewer extras. There's no sensor and no charcoal filter.
It's a solid, plain step can that does the core job well. Pick it if you want a sealed metal lid and bag hooks without paying for smart features.
If odor is your main worry and you want a filter, the iTouchless sensor or the matte Garvee add one.
EKO Hudson Slim 13.2 Gal Step Can: Best for narrow gaps
- 13.2-gallon capacity
- Slim 9.8-inch depth
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Soft-close lid and stay-open frame
A slim stainless step can that tucks into a narrow gap between the counter and the wall.
Pros
- Slim footprint for tight spaces
- Lid opens to 90 degrees and stays open
- Back handle for easy moving
Cons
- Narrow opening takes care with large scraps
- EKO Code J bags fit best
The EKO Hudson Slim 13.2 Gal Step Can is built for a narrow gap. Its 9.8-inch depth lets it tuck between the counter and the wall, where a wider can won't fit.
The rectangular 9.8 x 18.7 inch base trades width for depth, so check both numbers before you buy. It's one of the few cans here with its long side along the wall.
The stainless finish is fingerprint-resistant. A soft-close lid opens to a full 90 degrees and stays open for hands-free loading.
EKO says the steel pedal is tested past 200,000 steps. A rear handle makes it easy to pull out for cleaning.
It weighs 8.8 pounds.
EKO includes sample Code J bags that fit the slim body. The trade-off is the narrow opening.
A wide plate or a large box may need a careful tilt. For a skinny slot next to a fridge or a cabinet end, it's the best fit here.
For a roomy kitchen, a wider can is easier to load. Compare its 24.6-inch height with the taller 13-gallon cans if your counter clearance is tight.
PayLessHere 13 Gal Step Can: Best for straightforward value
- 13-gallon capacity
- Stainless steel body
- Foot pedal opening
- Removable lid
A basic 13-gallon stainless step can with a tight lid and an easy-clean surface.
Pros
- Simple foot pedal operation
- Stainless body wipes clean
- Standard 13-gallon bags fit
Cons
- Removable lid rather than a hinged one
- Fewer features than the top picks
The PayLessHere 13 Gal Step Can covers the basics at a budget price. Its 13-gallon steel body takes standard supermarket bags and a foot pedal opens the lid hands-free.
The tight lid helps hold odors in. The brushed steel surface wipes clean with a damp cloth.
The can is a standard 16 x 11 x 25 inches, so it fits most kitchen layouts. The lid comes off fully rather than hinging, which makes bag changes simple.
At 13 pounds it's a heavier can for its size.
The trade-off is the lid action. Because the lid is removable rather than hinged, it won't lift and stay open on its own the way the Glad or KdbK lids do.
The weight also makes it harder to move for cleaning. It's the simplest can in the group.
Pick it for a rental, a garage or a second bin where you want metal and a pedal without extra features. For a kitchen where you load with both hands, a hinged stay-open lid serves you better.
Garvee 13 Gallon Trash Can Kitchen Garbage: Best for matte black kitchens
- 13-gallon capacity
- Matte black painted steel
- Soft-close lid with charcoal filter
- Removable inner bucket
A matte black steel step can with a soft-close lid, charcoal filter and a lift-out bucket.
Pros
- Matte black finish suits modern kitchens
- Charcoal filter helps with odors
- Soft-close lid with 95-degree stay-open
Cons
- Painted finish needs gentle cleaning
- Bulkier than the slim picks
The Garvee 13 Gallon Trash Can Kitchen Garbage is the matte black pick. Its painted steel finish matches black appliances and a modern kitchen better than shiny stainless.
A liner rim hides bag edges and anti-slip feet keep it steady.
A soft-close lid opens to 95 degrees to stay open. A built-in charcoal filter with a tight seal traps food smells.
The 13-gallon size takes standard bags. A removable inner bucket makes cleaning easy, and side handles on both sides help with moving it.
Garvee says the body uses 410-grade steel and the lid is tested for 150,000 openings. At 16 x 14 x 24 inches and 20 pounds, it's a little shorter but heavier than the KdbK.
The trade-off is the painted surface, which needs gentle cleaning to avoid dulling. It's also a bit bulkier than the slim cans here.
If you want a black metal can with a lifting lid and an odor filter, this is the best match. For a shiny steel look, choose the Glad or KdbK.
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can with Lid: Best for narrow cabinet ends
- 13-gallon capacity
- 10-inch wide slim body
- Stainless steel
- Soft-close lid and removable inner bucket
A slim 13-gallon stainless can that fits in a 10-inch-wide slot at the end of a cabinet run.
Pros
- 10-inch width fits narrow spots
- Soft-close lid seals smells in
- 15 liner bags included
Cons
- Deep footprint front to back
- Lid needs hand lifting to reach the stay-open point
The SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can with Lid packs 13 gallons into a 10-inch-wide body. It slips into a narrow slot at the end of a cabinet run where most cans won't fit.
The slim shape means you keep the full 13-gallon capacity without the width. Its inner bucket is 16.3 x 9.7 x 21.9 inches, so bag changes stay easy in a tight spot.
The stainless body resists rust and wipes clean. A soft-close lid seals smells in.
The lid needs a hand lift to reach its stay-open catch point. A removable inner bucket makes bag changes easy.
SONGMICS includes 15 liner bags. The metal pedal is sturdy and a rear handle helps with moving it.
It weighs 11.9 pounds.
The trade-off is depth. At 20.3 inches front to back, it needs a deep slot, not just a narrow one.
Its lid opens to 41.7 inches high, so leave headroom above it. SONGMICS also asks you to keep the back 2.5 inches from the wall.
It's a good fit for a gap between a cabinet and a wall. For a shallow space, a shorter can works better.
Compare it with the EKO Hudson Slim if you have a narrow spot and want a pedal-lift combo.
How these metal kitchen trash cans compare
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (L x W x H) | Opening | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glad Small Trash Can | small kitchens and tight spots | 1.2 gallons | 9.5 x 8 x 12 in | Step-on | 9.5 |
| iTouchless 13 Gal Sensor Kitchen Trash Can | hands-free everyday kitchens | 13 gallons | 12.7 x 10.8 x 27.3 in | Motion-sensor | 9.4 |
| Garvee 21 gal / 80 L Stainless | big households and busy kitchens | 21.1 gallons | 18.19 x 15.39 x 28.23 in | Step-on | 9.1 |
| KdbK Kitchen Trash Can with Lid | quiet kitchens | 13 gallons | 16.7 x 11.5 x 25.9 in | Step-on | 8.8 |
| KUK 13 Gallon/50L Stainless Steel Step Pedal | odor control | 13 gallons | 16.7 x 11.5 x 25.9 in | Step-on | 8.2 |
| EKO Hudson Slim 13.2 Gal Step Can | narrow gaps | 13.2 gallons | 9.8 x 18.7 x 24.6 in | Step-on | 7.7 |
| PayLessHere 13 Gal Step Can | straightforward value | 13 gallons | 16 x 11 x 25 in | Step-on | 7.0 |
| Garvee 13 Gallon Trash Can Kitchen Garbage | matte black kitchens | 13 gallons | 16 x 14 x 24 in | Step-on | 7.0 |
| SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can with Lid | narrow cabinet ends | 13 gallons | 20.3 x 10 x 25.5 in | Step-on | 7.0 |
How we compared these metal kitchen trash cans
We checked the specs of each can and scored it against what a buyer who wants metal and a lifting lid actually needs. The lid is the first check.
Does it open by pedal, by hand or both? Does it stay open at 90 degrees or more for hands-free loading?
Capacity came next. We grouped the cans by size so a compact 1.2-gallon bin isn't judged against a 21-gallon one.
Then we looked at the finish. A brushed or fingerprint-resistant steel is easier to keep clean than a polished or painted surface.
Weight and footprint told us which cans lift easily and which ones suit a tight gap versus a big open floor.
We also weighed the extras: a carbon filter, a pet lock, bag hooks and included liners. A sensor lid counts for a lot in a busy kitchen.
A lifting lid counts more for loading and cleaning. Every product here carries the same score wherever it appears on the site.
How the pedal and hinge numbers change the picture
A pedal rating tells you how long the step mechanism should last under daily use. The KdbK and EKO both claim 200,000 steps, the KUK and Garvee 21 gal claim 150,000 or more, and the Garvee matte lists 150,000 lid openings.
Those figures are the makers' own claims, but they hint at how the hardware is built. A higher count suits a busy family that steps on the can dozens of times a day.
Hinge design matters just as much for a lifting lid. A one-piece hinge that locks at a set angle, like the Garvee 21 gal at 95 degrees or the KdbK at 90, holds the lid up while you load.
A lid that only opens by hand to a catch point, like the SONGMICS, needs a deliberate lift each time. Check both numbers when you compare two cans at the same price.
What should you check before buying a metal trash can with a lifting lid?
Check the lid action first. A lifting lid is one you raise by hand.
Some cans pair it with a pedal. Others have only a pedal and a hinged lid that closes on its own.
Sensor lids open on their own as you approach, so they are a separate category from a hand-lift lid.
If you want to scrape a plate or change a bag with both hands free, look for a lid that tilts back and stays open.
Then check the size. A 13-gallon can is the standard kitchen size.
A 1.2-gallon can suits a bathroom or a desk. A 21-gallon can is for a big family.
Measure the gap where the can will sit, including the height under the counter. Also measure how far the lid swings up, because a lid that opens past counter height can hit an overhang or a cabinet door.
Finally, check the finish. Brushed steel hides smudges better than polished steel.
A painted matte finish needs gentler cleaning. A fingerprint-resistant lid saves wiping.
Should you pick a step pedal or a sensor lid?
A step pedal is simple and never needs batteries. A sensor lid opens without a touch, which helps with messy hands.
The iTouchless sensor is the top hands-free pick. A pedal can with a lifting lid, like the Glad or KdbK, gives you both actions in one can.
Pick the pedal if you want no batteries to change. Pick the sensor if you want the lid to open as you approach.
One thing to know: a sensor lid still needs power, and the iTouchless runs on 4 D batteries, so keep spares on hand.
How big a metal trash can fits under a kitchen counter?
Measure the clearance from the floor to the underside of the counter. A 13-gallon can usually stands about 25 to 28 inches tall, so check that number.
The KdbK and KUK are 25.9 inches tall. The EKO Hudson Slim is 24.6 inches.
The matte Garvee is 24 inches. A compact Glad at 12 inches fits under almost any sink.
If your counter is low, choose a shorter can or store it beside the counter, not under it. Leave room for the lid to open too.
Do you need a carbon filter in a metal trash can?
A carbon filter helps when food scraps sit in the can for a few days. The iTouchless and the matte Garvee both include one.
A sealed lid alone does a lot too. The KUK's sealed lid traps smells without a filter.
If your kitchen gets warm or you cook a lot of fish and meat, a filter is worth having. If you empty the can daily, a tight lid is usually enough.
A filter needs changing now and then, so factor that into the upkeep.
Which metal finish hides fingerprints best?
A brushed or fingerprint-resistant finish hides marks better than polished steel. The Glad lid, the Garvee 21 gal, the EKO and the KdbK all use a finish built to resist smudges.
A painted matte finish looks great but shows streaks if you scrub it hard. Wipe any can with a soft damp cloth and skip abrasive pads.
That keeps the shine and the finish intact. A smudge-resistant lid matters most, because that's the part hands touch.
The 410-grade steel shells on both Garvee cans also resist rust and scratches, which keeps the look longer than a softer steel.
Is a 13 gallon metal can the right size for most kitchens?
Yes, 13 gallons is the standard for a family kitchen. It holds about a week of waste for two to four people.
A 21-gallon can suits a bigger household or fewer trips. A 1.2-gallon can is for a bathroom or a desk.
Our 13 gallon trash can for kitchen picks covers the standard size in more detail. For a big family, see our large kitchen trash can guide.
Verdict: which metal kitchen trash can with lifting lid should you buy?
The best metal kitchen trash can with lifting lid for most kitchens is the Glad Small Trash Can if space is tight. Its pedal and hand-lift lid cover both jobs.
For full-size daily waste, the iTouchless 13 Gal Sensor is the top hands-free pick. It opens without a touch and seals odors with a carbon filter.
Pick the Garvee 21 gal if you have a big household and want fewer trips. Pick the KdbK for the quietest close.
Pick the EKO Hudson Slim for a narrow gap. Pick the matte Garvee for a black kitchen.
Pick the KUK if you want a sealed lid without smart features. The PayLessHere and SONGMICS cover budget and slim needs.
Measure your space first. The right metal can fits the gap, opens the way you want and matches the finish of your kitchen.
Check the exact inches before you order.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
-
2
Best for hands-free everyday kitchens
iTouchless 13 Gal Sensor Kitchen Trash Can
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for big households and busy kitchens
Garvee 21 gal / 80 L Stainless
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is a lifting lid on a trash can?
A lifting lid is one you raise by hand instead of stepping on a pedal. Many metal cans combine both: a foot pedal for everyday use and a lid that lifts and stays open for loading or cleaning.
Some lids open with a motion sensor instead, so check which action a can offers.
Check that the lid tilts back far enough to stay put.
Do metal trash cans with lifting lids smell less?
A metal can with a tight lid and a gasket or charcoal filter traps food smells better than an open bin. The lid has to close fully to do that.
Wipe the rim and empty the can often, because odor builds when waste sits too long.
Will a stainless steel trash can show fingerprints?
Some stainless finishes show smudges more than others. A brushed or fingerprint-resistant finish hides marks better than a polished one.
Wipe the lid and pedal with a soft damp cloth to keep the shine, and avoid abrasive pads that dull the surface.
Are metal trash cans heavier than plastic ones?
Yes, metal cans usually weigh more, so a larger steel can is harder to move. Look for a rear or side handle if you reposition it often.
Plastic bins are lighter, but metal holds its finish and resists scratches better over time.
Can a metal trash can go in a bathroom or bedroom?
Yes, if the size fits the room. A small 1.2-gallon metal step can works well beside a sink or desk.
Larger 13-gallon cans suit kitchens and busy family rooms.
Match the can to how often you empty it.
