9 Best Sensor Trash Cans for a Hands-Free Kitchen (October 2026)
The best motion sensor trash cans for kitchens include the simplehuman 45 L Semi-Round Sensor Can for tidy liner changes, the EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can for a wall-side fit, and the EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can for large households.
On this page (4 sections)
The simplehuman 45 L Semi-Round Sensor Can is the best sensor trash can for a typical kitchen if you want a wave-to-open lid and a liner pocket. For a rectangular 13.2-gallon option, compare the EKO Mirage-T and EKO stainless sensor can; for much more room, consider the EKO Mirage X or iTouchless 24 Gal.
A sensor can is most useful when your hands are busy with food scraps or cleanup. Match the can’s shape and capacity to your kitchen, then check the space above it so the lid can open freely.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for tidy liner changessimplehuman 45 L Semi-Round Sensor Can
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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- 4
Best for extra capacity with odor controlCheck it - 5
Check itEKO 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Stainless
Best for a stay-open cooking session - 6
Check itiTouchless 13 Gal Stainless Sensor Can
Best for a narrow spot - 7
Best for a rectangular footprintCheck it - 8
Check itKraus WasteGuard 14.5 Gal Sensor Can
Best for a matte black finish - 9
Check itSIMPLI-Magic 13.2 Gal Sensor Can
Best for a gray finish
Which sensor trash can suits your kitchen?
The right motion sensor trash can depends on capacity, footprint and the way you want to change bags. We compared those details and the listed features to give each pick a specific job.
simplehuman 45 L Semi-Round Sensor Can: Best for tidy liner changes
- 45 L capacity
- Semi-round shape
- Wave-to-open motion sensor
- Liner pocket
A semi-round sensor can with a liner pocket and an outer lid that lifts for easy liner access.
Pros
- Liners dispense from a pocket inside the can
- Outer lid lifts for liner changes
- Motion sensor opens with a hand wave
Cons
- Smaller capacity than the 13.2-gallon picks
- Semi-round shape may not suit every corner
The simplehuman suits kitchens where liner changes are a regular annoyance. Its liner pocket stores liners inside the can and dispenses them one by one, while the outer lid lifts for access without removing the whole top.
The semi-round body may be easier to place against a wall than a wide rectangular can, but measure the actual spot first. Its stated dimensions are 15.4 x 12.8 x 25.2 inches, and the lid still needs room to move above the can.
Infrared fields sense areas above and in front of the can, so it opens with a hand wave. The product description says the sensor adapts to the surrounding environment to help avoid false triggers and unexpected lid closures.
Choose this for tidy bag storage and a compact semi-round shape. Our simplehuman semi-round sensor can review has more detail, while the sensor troubleshooting guide can help if a lid stops responding.
EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can: Best for a wall-side fit
- 13.2-gallon capacity
- Rectangular shape
- Fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless finish
- Stay-open lid option
A rectangular, touchless can with a stay-open option and a finish designed to resist fingerprints.
Pros
- Stay-open option for longer tasks
- Soft-close lid
- Uses standard 13-gallon kitchen bags
Cons
- AA alkaline batteries are required and not included
- Check the can's dimensions against your space
The EKO Mirage-T is a strong fit if you want a rectangular, wall-side sensor can with a stay-open option. Its brushed stainless finish is designed to resist fingerprints, and the lid closes softly.
A touch switch holds the lid open for longer kitchen tasks, such as scraping plates or sorting scraps. The inner rim holds the bag in place and helps keep its edge out of sight.
The product data gives two sets of dimensions: 14.8 x 9.8 x 24.6 inches in the specs and 15.1 x 10.2 x 24.6 inches in the description. Check the exact measurements before choosing a narrow spot.
It uses AA alkaline batteries, which are not included.
The Mirage-T is rated at 13.2 gallons and uses standard 13-gallon kitchen bags, according to EKO. If you need help comparing bag fit, see our guide to choosing kitchen trash bag sizes.
EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can: Best for large households
- 80 L capacity
- Rectangular shape
- Press-to-open stay-open option
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
A larger sensor can with an 80 L capacity and a press-to-open option that holds the lid open for 20 minutes.
Pros
- Largest capacity in this roundup
- Stay-open option for sorting or cleanup
- Brushed stainless finish
Cons
- Takes more floor space than 13-gallon cans
- Measure the intended spot before choosing it
The EKO Mirage X is the large-capacity pick, with an 80 L body and a lid that can stay open for 20 minutes after you press the button. That combination suits a busy kitchen where you want to handle several items without repeatedly waving at the sensor.
Its rectangular body measures 18.5 x 11 x 27.1 inches. That is a substantial footprint, so check the width, depth and space above the lid before settling on a location.
The stainless steel finish is described as fingerprint resistant. The no-liner design is presented as a way to gain more usable capacity, though bag fit still matters for your household’s routine.
Choose the Mirage X if a standard 13-gallon can fills too quickly and you have floor space for a larger bin. For a closer look, read our EKO Mirage X review.
iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can: Best for extra capacity with odor control
- 24-gallon capacity
- Oval footprint
- Carbon odor filter included
- Battery or optional plug-in power
A tall, high-capacity sensor can that includes a carbon filter and supports battery or optional adapter power.
Pros
- 24-gallon capacity
- Carbon filter included
- Optional AC adapter connection
Cons
- 33 in tall
- Batteries and optional adapter are not included
The iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can pairs a 24-gallon capacity with an included carbon filter. Its oval shape may work beside an island or in a corner, while its 33-inch height makes overhead clearance worth checking.
The can runs on 4 D batteries or can connect to an optional AC adapter sold separately. The product details give different battery-life claims, so don’t plan around a specific interval without confirming the current instructions.
The filter is intended to absorb odors, and the body has a removable lid and bag retainer ring. Those features make this a useful option for households that need more room and want odor control included.
Choose it if capacity is your main concern and its height suits your kitchen. If smells are the bigger issue than volume, compare other approaches in our guide to getting rid of kitchen trash can odors.
EKO 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Stainless: Best for a stay-open cooking session
- 13.2-gallon capacity
- Stay-open button
- Soft-close lid
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
A stainless rectangular can with a button to hold the lid open for longer kitchen tasks.
Pros
- Stay-open mode holds the lid for up to 20 minutes
- Soft-close lid
- Compact stated footprint for a 13.2-gallon can
Cons
- Uses AA alkaline batteries, not included
- Check lid clearance before placing it under an overhang
The EKO 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Stainless, fits buyers who want a rectangular stainless can with a stay-open button. EKO says the lid opens in 0.2 seconds and closes after 5 seconds; the button can hold it open for up to 20 minutes.
Its stated dimensions are 13.31 x 10.35 x 24.61 inches. The product description also gives a height of 32.6 inches with the lid open, a useful measurement if you plan to place it below a counter edge.
The can uses 4 AA alkaline batteries, which are not included, and EKO advises against rechargeable batteries. Its fingerprint-resistant finish and soft-close lid suit daily kitchen cleanup.
Choose it for a smaller stated footprint and a long-task mode. Compare the height and lid clearance with the larger EKO Mirage-T before deciding where to place it.
iTouchless 13 Gal Stainless Sensor Can: Best for a narrow spot
- 13-gallon capacity
- Oval footprint
- 11.4 in deep
- Carbon odor filter included
An oval 13-gallon sensor can with an odor filter and a stated depth of 11.4 inches.
Pros
- Odor filter included
- Slim depth for a tight spot
- Fits standard tall trash bags
Cons
- Battery or optional adapter power needs planning
- Measure the opening and lid clearance
The iTouchless 13 Gal Stainless Sensor Can is a practical pick for a narrow kitchen spot. Its oval footprint is 11.4 inches deep, and an included carbon filter adds odor control without taking up extra counter space.
The can measures 16 x 11.4 x 25.3 inches. It uses a motion sensor and fits standard tall trash bags, according to the product details.
Check the wall and cabinet clearances around the lid as well as the floor space.
It runs on 4 D batteries, or you can use an AC adapter sold separately. The stainless body is described as fingerprint resistant, which may help if the can sits where hands often brush past it.
Choose this when a slim depth matters more than a rectangular outline. If you’re also comparing a freestanding can with a cabinet installation, see our guide to pull-out versus freestanding trash cans.
iTouchless 13 Gal Sensor Can: Best for a rectangular footprint
- 49 L capacity
- Rectangular shape
- Odor filter included
- Battery or optional adapter power
A rectangular sensor can with an included odor filter, retainer ring and non-skid base.
Pros
- Rectangular shape fits some corners
- Odor filter included
- Optional AC adapter connection
Cons
- Confirm orientation of the stated dimensions before buying
- Batteries and adapter are not included
This iTouchless 13 Gal Sensor Can has a rectangular body, an odor filter and a retainer ring. Its shape may suit a corner better than an oval can, while the sensor opens the lid without a hand touch.
The stated dimensions are 28 x 10 x 12.5 inches, which do not follow the usual height-last order for a tall kitchen can. Confirm the can’s orientation and full height before buying, especially if you have a low counter or overhead shelf.
The can uses 4 D batteries or an optional AC adapter. It also has a non-skid base and air vents.
The included filter is replaceable, so check its replacement instructions if odor control is a key reason for choosing it.
Pick this if the rectangular footprint and filter match your needs, after confirming the measurements. For a size reference, our guide explains how big a 13-gallon trash can is.
Kraus WasteGuard 14.5 Gal Sensor Can: Best for a matte black finish
- 14.5-gallon capacity
- Matte black finish
- Manual stay-open mode
- Bag-securing system
A matte black sensor can with a manual mode, soft-close lid and bag-securing system.
Pros
- Capacity between 13 and 24 gallons
- Manual stay-open mode
- Internal hinges help keep the lid from hitting nearby walls
Cons
- AA batteries are not included
- Fewer buyer feedback signals than several other picks
The Kraus WasteGuard is the matte black option, with a 14.5-gallon capacity between the common 13-gallon size and the extra-large picks. Its rectangular shape and internal hinges are intended to fit near walls and cabinets.
A hand wave opens the lid, and the soft-close feature includes a 5-second countdown. Manual mode keeps it open during longer tasks, while a two-piece bag system helps secure the liner.
The can measures 16 x 11.25 x 24.25 inches and runs on 4 AA batteries, not included. The wide opening is described as suitable for bulky items, but measure the opening against the items you discard most often.
Choose it if you want a dark finish and a little more capacity than a 13-gallon can. For another hands-free style, compare it with our best kitchen trash cans with a foot pedal.
SIMPLI-Magic 13.2 Gal Sensor Can: Best for a gray finish
- 13.2-gallon capacity
- Gray finish
- Rectangular profile
- Soft-close lid
A gray rectangular sensor can with a soft-close lid and battery-powered operation.
Pros
- 13.2-gallon capacity
- Soft-close lid
- No cord or installation required
Cons
- AA batteries are sold separately
- Verify how the dimensions map to width, depth and height
The SIMPLI-Magic 13.2 Gal Sensor Can has a gray finish and a rectangular profile that can sit against a wall or cabinet. A wave opens the lid, and its soft-close feature is designed to close it gently.
The dimensions are given as 11 x 26 x 16 inches, so verify which measurement is width, depth and height before planning a tight fit. The product details don’t state lid-open clearance, making extra space above the can a sensible allowance.
It runs on 4 AA batteries, sold separately, and does not require a cord or installation. Its 13.2-gallon capacity is close to the other everyday-size rectangular picks in this roundup.
Choose it if the gray finish suits your kitchen and you want touchless operation. Compare its measurements with the EKO 13.2-gallon models before buying.
How do sensor cans compare on capacity and shape?
A 13 to 14.5-gallon sensor can is a practical starting point for many kitchens, while 21.1 and 24-gallon models suit households that need more room. The can’s footprint can matter as much as capacity if it sits beside a cabinet or island.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Shape | Dimensions | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman 45 L Semi-Round Sensor Can | tidy liner changes | 45 L | Semi-round | 15.4 x 12.8 x 25.2 in | 8.8 |
| EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can | a wall-side fit | 13.2 gal | Rectangular | 14.8 x 9.8 x 24.6 in (specs) | 8.5 |
| EKO Mirage X 21.1 Gal Sensor Can | large households | 80 L | Rectangular | 18.5 x 11 x 27.1 in | 8.4 |
| iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can | extra capacity with odor control | 24 gal | Oval | 17.4 x 12.3 x 33 in | 8.1 |
| EKO 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Stainless | a stay-open cooking session | 13.2 gal | Rectangular | 13.31 x 10.35 x 24.61 in | 7.7 |
| iTouchless 13 Gal Stainless Sensor Can | a narrow spot | 13 gal | Oval | 16 x 11.4 x 25.3 in | 7.6 |
| iTouchless 13 Gal Sensor Can | a rectangular footprint | 49 L | Rectangular | 28 x 10 x 12.5 in (listed dimensions) | 7.3 |
| Kraus WasteGuard 14.5 Gal Sensor Can | a matte black finish | 14.5 gal | Rectangular | 16 x 11.25 x 24.25 in | 7.2 |
| SIMPLI-Magic 13.2 Gal Sensor Can | a gray finish | 13.2 gal | Rectangular | 11 x 26 x 16 in | 7.0 |
Before buying, measure the floor space and the room above the can. Check how the lid opens, whether the can needs batteries or an outlet, and what bag size fits; our guide to kitchen trash can sizes covers capacity planning.
What should you check before buying a sensor trash can?
Check the lid clearance, bag fit and power method before you choose a sensor can. These details affect where it can sit and how it fits into your routine.
Will the motion sensor fit your kitchen routine?
A motion sensor opens the lid when it detects movement near the can, which can help when your hands are busy. For longer prep or cleanup, picks with a stay-open mode let you work without repeatedly triggering the sensor.
How much capacity do you need?
Choose capacity based on how often you want to take out the trash and how much floor space you can spare. The 13 to 14.5-gallon models are the everyday-size options here; the EKO Mirage X and iTouchless 24 Gal provide more room but take up more space.
Do sensor trash cans need batteries?
Most options in this roundup use batteries, and several require a specific type. Check whether batteries are included and whether the can supports an optional adapter before choosing a place for it.
Which sensor trash can should you choose?
Choose the simplehuman 45 L Semi-Round Sensor Can for its liner pocket and semi-round footprint. Pick the EKO Mirage-T for a rectangular 13.2-gallon can with a stay-open option, or the iTouchless 24 Gal when extra capacity and an included odor filter matter most.
Measure the can’s footprint and lid clearance, then confirm bag fit and power needs. For more hands-free kitchen options, browse our hands-free trash can guide.
Simplehuman and EKO provide brand information for their sensor can ranges.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Best for tidy liner changes
simplehuman 45 L Semi-Round Sensor Can
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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