8 Best Kitchen Trash Cans for Odor Control (October 2026)
The best kitchen trash cans for odor control include the iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can for large food-scrap loads, the iTouchless 13 Gal Pet Lock Sensor Can for pets and everyday capacity, and the iTouchless 13.2 Gal Step Can with AbsorbX for a filtered step can.
On this page (5 sections)
The best trash can for odor control is the iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can if your kitchen produces a lot of food waste and you want an included activated carbon filter. For a more typical household, the iTouchless 13 Gal Pet Lock Sensor Can adds odor filtration and a manual lock, while the Glad 20 Gal Stainless Step Can uses odor protection built into its lid and frame.
No trash can prevents every smell if wet scraps, leaks or residue stay inside. Match the can's odor feature to your routine, and use our guide to getting rid of trash can smell for the cleaning steps that matter after the bag comes out.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for pets and everyday capacityiTouchless 13 Gal Pet Lock Sensor Can
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a filtered step caniTouchless 13.2 Gal Step Can with AbsorbX
7.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itGlad 20 Gal Stainless Step Can
Best for larger step-can loads - 5
Check itSIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Step Can
Best for a filtered pedal option - 6
Check itEKO 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Stainless
Best for touchless odor containment - 7
Best for narrow kitchensCheck it - 8
Best for sorting two waste streamsCheck it
Best kitchen trash cans for odor control by need
The strongest odor-control choices here combine a lid with a specific filter or built-in protection. Capacity and opening style help narrow the list once you know which odor feature you prefer.
iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can: Best for large food-scrap loads
- 24-gallon capacity
- Included activated carbon filter
- Motion sensor opening
- Standard 24 to 30-gallon bags
A large capacity and included activated carbon filter make this a useful fit for busy kitchens that want fewer bag changes. The sensor opens the lid without touch.
Pros
- Largest capacity here
- Included activated carbon filter
- Battery or optional AC adapter power
Cons
- Needs more floor space than standard 13-gallon cans
- Batteries and optional adapter are not included
The 24-gallon iTouchless is the large-capacity pick for kitchens that fill a standard bin quickly. Its included AbsorbX activated carbon filter is designed to absorb and neutralize odors, and the motion sensor opens the lid without hand contact.
Its oval footprint is 17.4 x 12.3 in, with a height of 33 in. Measure the floor area and overhead clearance before choosing a tall can, especially near an island or cabinet.
The can takes standard 24 to 30-gallon bags, and a retainer ring holds the bag in place. It runs on 4 D batteries or an optional AC adapter, so plan for a power source that suits its location.
Pick it if you need more capacity and want a filter included. If you want a standard-size bin that adds a pet lock, the smaller iTouchless model below is easier to compare.
iTouchless 13 Gal Pet Lock Sensor Can: Best for pets and everyday capacity
- 13-gallon capacity
- Included AbsorbX carbon filter
- Manual pet lock
- Motion sensor opening
This standard-size sensor can combines a carbon odor filter with a manual lock that disables the lid opening. It's a practical choice for homes with curious pets.
Pros
- Included carbon filter
- Manual pet lock
- Soft-close lid
Cons
- Batteries and optional adapter are not included
- No inner bucket
This 13-gallon sensor can combines an included AbsorbX carbon filter with a manual Pet Lock switch. The lock disables the lid from opening, which can help when a dog, cat or toddler is drawn to the trash.
Its rectangular body measures 12.7 x 10.8 x 27.3 in. There is no inner bucket, which leaves more of the stated capacity available for waste, but you may prefer a removable liner if you want to lift the bin out for cleaning.
The lid closes softly, and the can fits standard 13-gallon drawstring bags. It uses 4 D batteries, or you can use the optional iTouchless AC adapter.
Choose it for a standard-size kitchen can where the pet lock and filter both matter. For a pedal-operated option with a removable inner bucket, compare the iTouchless 13.2-gallon step can.
iTouchless 13.2 Gal Step Can with AbsorbX: Best for a filtered step can
- 13.2-gallon capacity
- Included AbsorbX carbon filter
- Foot pedal
- Removable inner bucket
A step pedal, removable inner bucket and included carbon filter suit buyers who prefer a simple lidded can over a sensor. It fits standard 13-gallon bags.
Pros
- Included carbon filter
- Removable inner bucket
- Standard 13-gallon bag fit
Cons
- Larger footprint than some standard-size cans
- Filter is a separate component to maintain
This iTouchless model is a step can with an included AbsorbX carbon filter and a removable inner bucket. The bucket lifts out for bag changes and cleaning, which is useful if residue reaches the inside of the can.
Its flat-backed shape can sit flush against a wall, and it fits standard 13-gallon bags. The body measures 16.9 x 14.5 x 26.4 in, so compare its depth and width with the spot where you plan to keep it.
The metal pedal opens the lid without using your hands. A removable bucket adds a little more to the cleaning routine than a no-inner-bucket design, but it also gives you a separate part to wash and dry.
Pick it if you want odor filtration and a foot pedal in a standard kitchen size. Our guide to cleaning a simplehuman trash can offers useful reminders about wiping lids and contact points, though follow the care instructions for your own can.
Glad 20 Gal Stainless Step Can: Best for larger step-can loads
- 20-gallon capacity
- Odor protection built into lid and frame
- Foot pedal
- Soft-close lid
This step can offers extra capacity and odor protection built into its lid and frame. Bag rings help keep liners in place and tuck away excess material.
Pros
- 20-gallon capacity
- Odor protection built into lid and frame
- Rear compartment stores extra bags
Cons
- Takes more floor space than a 13-gallon can
- No removable inner bucket is specified
The Glad 20-gallon step can uses odor protection built into the lid and frame rather than a replaceable filter. It also includes rear bag storage, so extra liners stay close to the bin.
Its 16 x 16 x 29 in body is larger than a typical 13-gallon can. Integrated bag rings help keep liners from slipping and tuck excess material out of sight, while the soft-close lid reduces slamming.
Choose this model if you prefer a pedal and want built-in odor protection with more capacity. Its odor feature is different from the carbon-filter approach on the iTouchless options, so choose based on which setup fits the way you'll maintain the bin.
SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Step Can: Best for a filtered pedal option
- 13.2-gallon capacity
- Built-in odor filter holder
- Foot pedal
- Removable plastic liner
A removable liner and built-in filter holder give this pedal can straightforward bag changes and a place for odor control. No filter cartridge is included.
Pros
- Soft-close lid
- Removable plastic liner
- Stay-open lid lock
Cons
- No filter cartridge included
- Fit with most bags does not specify a particular size
The SIMPLI-MAGIC has a built-in filter holder, but it does not include a filter cartridge. That's a key difference if you want odor filtration ready to use out of the box.
The 13.2-gallon can has a foot pedal, soft-close lid and removable plastic liner. The stay-open lock can hold the lid up during bag changes or a longer cleanup, and the smudge-resistant stainless finish wipes clean.
Choose it if a removable liner and pedal matter more than receiving a carbon filter with the can. Confirm that you can get a compatible filter before relying on the holder for odor control.
EKO 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Stainless: Best for touchless odor containment
- 13.2-gallon capacity
- Tight-sealing lid
- Motion sensor opening
- Up to 20-minute stay-open setting
A tight-sealing lid helps contain odors, while touchless opening suits messy food prep. It has a stay-open button for longer cleanup tasks.
Pros
- Touchless opening
- Stay-open setting
- Smudge-resistant stainless steel
Cons
- No odor filter is specified
- Designed for EKO Code F bags, with samples included
EKO's 13.2-gallon sensor can relies on a tight-sealing lid to help contain odors. It has no odor filter specified, so it suits buyers who want a covered, touchless bin rather than a filter-based setup.
The body measures 13.31 x 10.35 x 24.61 in, and its lid reaches 32.6 in when open. A stay-open button holds the lid open for up to 20 minutes, which can be handy during extended prep or cleanup.
The can is designed for EKO Code F bags and includes samples. Choose it if touchless opening and a tight-sealing lid are your priorities, and consider one of the filtered models if you want activated carbon as part of the odor plan.
Glad Slim Step Can: Best for narrow kitchens
- 12-gallon capacity
- Clorox odor protection
- Slim profile
- Foot pedal
A slim body can fit a tighter kitchen spot, and Clorox protection in the lid is designed to block odors. The stay-open option helps during meal prep.
Pros
- Slim profile
- Odor protection in the lid
- Rear bag storage compartment
Cons
- 12-gallon capacity is smaller than several picks here
- Longer front-to-back than its narrow width suggests
The Glad Slim Step Can pairs a narrow body with Clorox odor protection in the lid. Its 9.8-in width can fit a tight kitchen gap, though its 19.43-in front-to-back depth needs checking before you tuck it beside cabinetry.
The 12-gallon capacity is smaller than the 13-gallon choices here. Its foot pedal, soft-close lid and stay-open option support hands-free disposal and meal prep, while bag rings help keep the liner in place.
Choose it when width is limited and odor protection in the lid is useful. If you need help checking the fit, compare the measurements with our guide to narrow kitchen trash cans.
ComfyCorner 16 Gal Dual Can: Best for sorting two waste streams
- Two 8-gallon compartments
- Odor-control boxes in each lid
- Two foot pedals
- Two removable inner buckets
Two separate 8-gallon compartments help sort waste while keeping a lid over each side. Built-in odor-control boxes add odor management to the dual-bin layout.
Pros
- Separate compartments for sorting
- Odor-control box in each lid
- Removable inner buckets
Cons
- Each compartment holds 8 gallons
- Wider footprint than a single-bin can
The ComfyCorner has two 8-gallon compartments, each with its own lid and odor-control box. Two foot pedals and removable inner buckets make it a fit for households that want separate waste streams in one unit.
Its stated total capacity is 16 gallons, but each side holds 8 gallons. At 20.1 x 12.7 x 26 in, it takes more space than a single narrow bin, so measure the spot and consider whether you need both compartments.
Choose it when sorting waste is part of the decision and you want odor-control boxes on both sides. For a single-bin option, the Glad Slim Step Can offers a smaller capacity and narrow profile.
Which odor-control feature should you choose?
Choose a carbon-filter can if you want a filter included with the bin. The iTouchless 24-gallon and 13-gallon sensor cans and the 13.2-gallon step can each include an AbsorbX filter.
Built-in lid protection can suit buyers who would rather avoid a separate filter. The Glad 20-gallon can has odor protection in the lid and frame, and the Glad Slim has Clorox protection in the lid.
A tight-sealing lid can help contain odors without a specified filter. EKO's sensor can uses this approach, while the SIMPLI-MAGIC's holder requires a separately sourced cartridge.
For more upkeep ideas, read how to prevent fruit flies around a trash can. Odor control and pest prevention both benefit from regular emptying and cleaning.
How large should an odor-control trash can be?
Choose capacity based on how quickly your household fills a bag, not just the odor feature. A 12- to 13.2-gallon can suits a typical kitchen routine, while 20- and 24-gallon bins can reduce how often you change bags.
A larger bin also needs more floor space and can hold scraps longer between changes. Check the dimensions, bag size and route to your outdoor bin before choosing extra capacity.
If you're deciding between standard sizes, see how big a 13-gallon trash can is. The measurements can help you judge both storage and bag fit.
How can you keep a trash can from smelling?
Empty wet scraps often and clean the lid, rim and interior when spills occur. Let removable parts dry before putting them back, and replace or refresh odor-control components according to their instructions.
Keep the bag from slipping so waste doesn't collect beneath it. If the can smells even after a bag change, wash the bin and inspect the area around the lid and base for residue.
Which kitchen trash can is the best choice for odor control?
Choose the iTouchless 24 Gal Sensor Can if you want the largest capacity here with an included carbon filter. Pick the iTouchless 13 Gal Pet Lock Sensor Can for a standard-size bin with a pet lock, or the Glad Slim Step Can when a narrow footprint matters.
The odor feature works best as part of a routine that includes timely emptying and cleaning. For a broader comparison of lid, size and bin styles, see our best trash cans for the kitchen.
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Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for pets and everyday capacity
iTouchless 13 Gal Pet Lock Sensor Can
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a filtered step can
iTouchless 13.2 Gal Step Can with AbsorbX
7.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What makes a kitchen trash can better for odor control?
A close-fitting lid helps keep smells contained, while some cans add an activated carbon filter or another odor-control feature. Choose a design that matches your waste and cleaning routine, then empty it before food scraps sit for long periods.
A can can limit escaping smells, but it won't remove residue or leaks inside.
Are carbon filters useful in kitchen trash cans?
A carbon filter gives odors another barrier by absorbing them rather than relying only on a lid. The iTouchless picks here include an AbsorbX filter, while the SIMPLI-MAGIC has a filter holder but no cartridge included.
Check whether a replacement filter is available and how it fits your upkeep routine.
Does a larger trash can control odor better?
Capacity alone doesn't control odor. A larger can may mean fewer bag changes, but food waste can remain inside longer, so the lid seal, filter and how often you empty it matter too.
Choose size around your household's waste volume and pair it with a regular cleaning routine.
How do you keep a kitchen trash can from smelling?
Empty wet food scraps often, clean spills from the bin and let the interior dry before adding a fresh bag. A tight-fitting lid or carbon filter can help contain odors between cleanings.
For a step-by-step routine, see our guide to getting rid of trash can smell.
