8 Best Narrow Kitchen Trash Cans for Tight Spots (October 2026)
The best narrow kitchen trash cans include the simplehuman 45 L Slim Step Can for a tight cabinet gap, the iTouchless 13.2 Gal Slim Step Can for a larger capacity, and the EKO Hudson Slim 13.2 Gal Step Can for a narrow stainless steel can.
On this page (7 sections)
- How we chose narrow kitchen trash cans
- Compare the best narrow kitchen trash cans
- The best narrow kitchen trash cans by use
- How do you measure for a narrow trash can?
- Is a slim 13 gallon can right for your kitchen?
- Which liner style makes bag changes easier?
- Which narrow kitchen trash can should you choose?
The best narrow kitchen trash can for most tight spots is the simplehuman 45 L Slim Step Can, which is 10.2 in wide and holds 45 L. If you need a tighter stated width, SolaceCove is 8 in wide, while Glad and EKO offer other slim rectangular layouts.
A narrow can still needs enough depth and lid clearance to work. Measure the opening where it will sit, then check the can's dimensions, pedal projection and how far the lid rises.
For help choosing capacity before you compare models, read our kitchen trash can size guide. If you need a broader look at styles and features, see best trash cans for the kitchen.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for a narrow stainless steel canEKO Hudson Slim 13.2 Gal Step Can
7.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for bag storageCheck it - 5
Best for a removable bucketCheck it - 6
Check itHome Zone Living 12 Gal Slim Can
Best for a bag tuck band - 7
Best for a pewter finishCheck it - 8
Check itSolaceCove 8 Gal Slim Step Can
Best for the smallest stated width
How we chose narrow kitchen trash cans
We compared stated dimensions, capacity, opening style, liner handling and useful features for tight kitchens. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Width alone doesn't tell you whether a can will fit. Check which dimension is listed as width, length or depth, and compare all three with your available floor area.
The opening path matters too. A step pedal needs space at the front, and a lid may need room behind or above the can when it opens.
Compare the best narrow kitchen trash cans
The dimensions below make it easier to compare capacity and footprint at a glance. Confirm orientation and clearances before choosing a spot.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Dimensions | Opening | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman 45 L Slim Step Can | a tight cabinet gap | 45 L | 21.5 x 10.2 x 24.4 in | Step-on | 8.6 |
| iTouchless 13.2 Gal Slim Step Can | a larger capacity | 13.2 gal | 19.49 x 10.04 x 24.41 in | Step-on | 7.8 |
| EKO Hudson Slim 13.2 Gal Step Can | a narrow stainless steel can | 13.2 gal | 9.8 x 18.7 x 24.6 in | Step-on | 7.7 |
| Glad Slim Step Can | bag storage | 12 gal | 19.43 x 9.8 x 24.3 in | Step-on | 7.5 |
| SONGMICS 13 Gal Slim Step Can | a removable bucket | 13 gal | 18.7 x 10.4 x 24.6 in | Step-on or manual lift | 7.5 |
| Home Zone Living 12 Gal Slim Can | a bag tuck band | 12 gal | 20.24 x 10.24 x 25.87 in | Step-on | 7.2 |
| Glad Stainless Slim Step Can | a pewter finish | 12 gal | 19.43 x 9.8 x 24.3 in | Step-on | 7.1 |
| SolaceCove 8 Gal Slim Step Can | the smallest stated width | 8 gal | 15.2 x 8 x 25 in | Step-on | 6.7 |
The best narrow kitchen trash cans by use
The right pick depends on the opening, capacity and liner style you want. These cans are listed from highest score to lowest, with each one suited to a different tight-space need.
simplehuman 45 L Slim Step Can: Best for a tight cabinet gap
- 45 L capacity
- 10.2 in wide
- Liner rim grips the bag
- Soft-close lid
Its 10.2 in width and 45 L capacity suit narrow kitchen gaps where a round can may not fit. The liner rim holds the bag directly, so there is no inner bucket.
Pros
- Slim rectangular shape
- Liner rim hides and grips the bag
- Soft-close lid
Cons
- Custom-fit Code N liners are an option to consider
- Tall lid needs clearance to open
The simplehuman 45 L Slim Step Can is a strong fit for a galley kitchen or a narrow gap beside a cabinet. Its 10.2 in width pairs with 45 L capacity, and its rectangular profile is designed for places where a round can may not fit.
The liner rim grips the bag directly and keeps its edge hidden, so there is no inner bucket to remove during a liner change. The rim flips up for access, then closes over the bag.
A steel pedal opens the lid without hand contact, while Lid Shox controls the closing motion for a slow, quiet shut. The body is brushed stainless steel, and simplehuman includes an odorsorb pod intended to control odors for 45 days.
Choose it if your space is narrow but you still want a larger step can. For capacity context, compare it with our guide to 13 gallon kitchen trash cans.
iTouchless 13.2 Gal Slim Step Can: Best for a larger capacity
- 13.2 gallon capacity
- 10.04 in wide
- Built-in odor filter
- Bag retainer rim
This slim step can pairs a 13.2 gallon capacity with a 10.04 in width. Its retainer rim holds bag edges, and an activated carbon filter is included.
Pros
- Narrow width for its capacity
- Built-in odor filter
- Soft-close lid
Cons
- Check depth as well as width
- Confirm clearance for the lid
The iTouchless 13.2 Gal Slim Step Can gives you a larger stated capacity in a can that is 10.04 in wide. Its rectangular shape and bucket-free design target tight areas such as the space between cabinets or beside an island.
The step pedal opens the lid, and a soft-close mechanism lowers it gently. An activated carbon filter is included for odor control, while the retainer rim holds bag edges in place and hides them.
The stainless steel body has a smudge-resistant finish and a plastic lid designed to resist dents and warping. Check the can's 19.49 in length as well as its width, especially if the available gap is shallow.
Choose this can if capacity matters and the footprint fits your measurements. If you are still comparing layouts, our kitchen trash can guide covers lid and bin styles.
EKO Hudson Slim 13.2 Gal Step Can: Best for a narrow stainless steel can
- 13.2 gallon capacity
- 9.8 in deep
- Stay-open lid
- Back handle
Its 9.8 in depth can suit a shallow gap, while the stay-open lid helps during longer prep or liner changes. The stainless steel body has a fingerprint-resistant finish.
Pros
- Slim 9.8 in depth
- Lid stays open at 90 degrees
- Back handle for moving
Cons
- Measure the can's orientation in your space
- No inner bucket is specified
The EKO Hudson Slim has a 13.2 gallon capacity and a 9.8 in depth. That shallower dimension may suit a spot where front-to-back room is the main limit, but its 18.7 in width means it needs a broad opening in the other direction.
Its stainless steel body has a fingerprint-resistant finish, and the step lid closes softly. The lid frame can also stay open at 90 degrees during food prep or liner changes.
A back handle helps when moving the can for cleaning or repositioning. EKO includes Code J trash bag samples, so consider that liner fit when comparing it with cans that use a different bag system.
Pick it if your tight area is shallow rather than narrow across the front. Our pull-out vs freestanding can guide can help if you're deciding whether a floor can or cabinet setup fits better.
Glad Slim Step Can: Best for bag storage
- 12 gallon capacity
- 9.8 in wide
- Bag rings
- Rear bag storage
The 9.8 in width and 12 gallon capacity fit many narrow kitchen layouts. Bag rings manage slack, and the can has rear storage for a bag roll.
Pros
- Narrow 9.8 in width
- Bag rings help hold the liner
- Stay-open lid
Cons
- Measure depth and lid clearance
- Odor protection is part of the lid
The Glad Slim Step Can pairs a 12 gallon capacity with a 9.8 in width. Its rectangular body is made for small kitchens and other tight spaces, with bag rings to secure the liner and tuck away slack.
The lid has a stay-open option for tasks that involve repeated access, such as meal prep or cleaning. When closed, it is designed to lower quietly, and the foot pedal offers hands-free opening.
Clorox odor protection is built into the lid. The rear compartment stores a bag roll, which can keep replacement bags close to the can.
This pick suits shoppers who want a narrow width and built-in bag storage. If odors are your main concern, see our guide to getting rid of kitchen trash can smells.
SONGMICS 13 Gal Slim Step Can: Best for a removable bucket
- 13 gallon capacity
- 10.4 in wide
- Removable inner bucket
- 15 starter bags
A removable inner bucket makes bag changes and emptying straightforward. At 10.4 in wide, it needs slightly more room than the narrowest cans here.
Pros
- Removable inner bucket
- Lid can stay open at 90 degrees
- Includes 15 bags
Cons
- Widest stated can in this group
- Leave room behind it for lid movement
The SONGMICS can holds 13 gallons and measures 10.4 in wide. It is not the narrowest option here, but the removable inner bucket and included starter bags may make liner changes simpler.
Use the foot pedal for hands-free opening, or lift the lid and leave it open at 90 degrees during longer tasks. The soft-close lid lowers gently, and the back handle helps when moving the can.
Its black stainless steel body has a fluted surface. Leave about 2 in behind the can so the lid has room to open without hitting a wall.
Choose SONGMICS if you prefer an inner bucket and have a little more width to spare. The kitchen trash bag size guide can help you check replacement liners.
Home Zone Living 12 Gal Slim Can: Best for a bag tuck band
- 12 gallon capacity
- 10.24 in wide
- Removable liner
- Soft-close lid
This 12 gallon can uses a removable liner with a bag tuck band to secure the bag and hide slack. Its slim rectangular shape is designed for narrow areas.
Pros
- Bag tuck band
- Removable liner
- Soft-close lid
Cons
- Taller than several picks here
- Measure the full footprint
The Home Zone Living 12 Gal Slim Can offers a removable liner with a built-in bag tuck band. The band secures the bag and hides extra slack, while the 10.24 in width suits a narrow corner or wall-side position.
Its step pedal opens the lid, which closes slowly to reduce slamming noise. The can has a 12 gallon capacity and a black finish.
At 25.87 in tall, it is taller than several options in this group. Check both height and lid movement if the can will sit under a counter edge or shelf.
Choose this model if you want a removable liner and a way to keep the bag edge tidy. For a cabinet installation, compare measurements with our guide to trash cans that fit inside a kitchen cabinet.
Glad Stainless Slim Step Can: Best for a pewter finish
- 12 gallon capacity
- 9.8 in wide
- Bag rings
- Stay-open lid
This Glad version has the same stated footprint and capacity as the stainless steel body option, with a pewter finish. Bag rings help secure the liner and tuck away slack.
Pros
- 9.8 in width
- Bag rings hold the liner
- Soft-close, stay-open lid
Cons
- Measure the can's depth in your chosen orientation
- No inner bucket is specified
The Glad Stainless Slim Step Can has the same stated 12 gallon capacity and 9.8 in width as the Glad Slim Step Can, with a pewter finish. Its bag rings hold the liner in place and tuck slack away from view.
The foot pedal opens the lid, and the soft-close design lowers it quietly. A stay-open option keeps the lid upright during cooking, cleaning or bag changes.
Clorox odor protection is part of the lid, and the rear bag storage keeps a roll nearby. Check the depth and pedal projection against your available space before placing it.
Pick this version if pewter works better with your kitchen finish. If you are comparing the two Glad cans, focus on color and the exact product name so you choose the finish you prefer.
SolaceCove 8 Gal Slim Step Can: Best for the smallest stated width
- 8 gallon capacity
- 8 in wide
- Removable inner bucket
- Lid stays open at 90 degrees
At a stated 8 in width and 8 gallon capacity, this is a compact option for a very tight spot. Its removable inner bucket can be taken out for bag changes.
Pros
- Narrowest stated width here
- Removable inner bucket
- Lid can stay open
Cons
- Lowest capacity in this group
- Confirm the full footprint, including pedal
SolaceCove has the smallest stated width in this group at 8 in, paired with an 8 gallon capacity. That combination suits a very tight gap where a larger can would take too much floor space.
The stainless steel body has an anti-fingerprint coating, and a removable ABS inner bucket helps with emptying and bag changes. Its lid closes slowly and can stay open at 90 degrees for longer tasks.
The listed dimensions include a 15.2 in length and 25 in height. The product description also notes that the 15.3 in width includes the foot pedal, so measure the full footprint rather than relying on the body width alone.
Choose it when a small width is the priority and 8 gallons is enough for your routine. For odor care, see our guide to cleaning and deodorizing a kitchen trash can.
How do you measure for a narrow trash can?
Measure the usable floor space in three directions: side to side, front to back and floor to the lowest obstruction. Keep the can's pedal and open lid in mind, since the body dimensions alone don't show the full working space.
Check whether a listed width is the can's narrow face or its side depth. The EKO Hudson, for example, is 9.8 in deep and 18.7 in wide, so it fits a different kind of gap than a can with a 9.8 in front width.
Leave room to remove a liner or bucket. If the can sits close to a wall, check that the lid can open without hitting it.
Is a slim 13 gallon can right for your kitchen?
A slim 13 gallon can works when you want a familiar large-kitchen capacity but have a long, narrow placement area. The iTouchless, EKO and SONGMICS options each hold about 13 gallons, though their footprints and liner systems differ.
Choose a 12 gallon can if a slightly smaller capacity better matches your household or the fit is more convenient. For less daily waste or a very tight gap, an 8 gallon option may reduce the space needed.
If you are unsure whether 12 or 13 gallons is enough, use our kitchen trash can size guide to match capacity to how often you want to empty it.
Which liner style makes bag changes easier?
A retainer rim, bag rings or tuck band can help keep a liner from slipping and hide excess material. An inner bucket can make it easier to lift out waste, while a bucket-free rim leaves more of the can's interior available.
The simplehuman model is designed around its Code N liners, while SONGMICS includes starter bags and EKO includes Code J samples. Check the liner style and bag size before ordering replacements, especially if you prefer standard store-bought bags.
Which narrow kitchen trash can should you choose?
Choose the simplehuman if you want a 45 L can with a slim profile and direct-grip liner rim. Choose SolaceCove when the narrowest stated width matters more than capacity, or Glad if rear bag storage and bag rings suit your routine.
For a larger capacity, compare iTouchless and EKO by the direction your space is tight. Use our kitchen trash can size guide to settle capacity first, then choose the footprint that fits your measured gap.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
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3
Best for a narrow stainless steel can
EKO Hudson Slim 13.2 Gal Step Can
7.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
How narrow should a kitchen trash can be?
Choose a can narrower than the measured opening, with room for its pedal and lid to work. The slim models here range from 8 to 10.4 in in one dimension, but their depth can be much larger.
Measure the full space and check which listed dimension corresponds to the direction you need.
Is a slim kitchen trash can still large enough for daily use?
It can be. The picks here range from 8 to 13.2 gallons, so compare capacity with how often you want to empty the bin and the waste your household produces.
For help matching capacity to your routine, see our guide to choosing a kitchen trash can size.
Will a 13 gallon bag fit a narrow trash can?
A 13 gallon label alone doesn't ensure a good fit because bag shape and can dimensions also matter. Check the bag's dimensions and the can's liner system before buying.
Our guide to kitchen trash bag sizes explains what to compare.
Does a narrow trash can need a special liner?
Some cans are designed for custom-fit liners, while others use a retainer rim or bag rings to hold a standard bag. The simplehuman can is designed for Code N liners, while several other picks describe a bag retainer or rings.
Check bag fit against the can's opening and height.
