Best 8 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Cans: Top 9 Picks (November 2026)
The best 8 gallon kitchen garbage cans include the Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Kitchen Trash (best overall), the Arlopu 8 Gallon Step Kitchen Trash Can (best white finish), and the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can (best open-top pick).
On this page (7 sections)
- The best 8 gallon kitchen garbage cans for each need
- How these 8 gallon kitchen cans compare
- What should you measure before buying an 8 gallon kitchen can?
- Which lid type suits a small kitchen?
- How should you handle bags and odors in an 8 gallon can?
- Are 8 gallon cans right for your kitchen?
- Which 8 gallon kitchen garbage can should you buy?
An 8 gallon kitchen garbage can is the right size for one or two people who empty it every day or two. The Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Kitchen Trash wins for most homes because it is 9.84 inches wide, so it slots into gaps where a wider can would block the walkway.
Its soft-close pedal lid and bag tuck band also make daily use calmer and tidier.
If you want a white steel finish, the Arlopu 8 Gallon Step Kitchen Trash Can fits better than silver. For a quick-drop bin with no lid, the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can is the easy choice.
These kitchen garbage cans 8 gallon buyers pick most often have capacities from 7.5 to 9 gallons. That capacity is enough for light kitchen waste without eating up floor space.
The real differences are the lid type, the footprint and how the bag stays in place.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for fingerprint resistanceCheck it - 5
Check itAmazon Basics MEDIUM Trash Can
Best for quiet kitchens - 6
Best for small kitchensCheck it - 7
Check itUnited Solutions 7.7 Gallon Trash Wastebasket
Best under-desk bin - 8
Check itLisaDepot 7.5 Gallon White Wastebasket with Touch-Open
Best under-sink bin - 9
Best compact steel binCheck it
The best 8 gallon kitchen garbage cans for each need
Home Zone Living is the top pick overall, while each other bin solves a specific problem such as a light kitchen color scheme, a quiet cooking space or a tight corner. Compare the footprint and lid style first, then the bag setup.
Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Kitchen Trash: Best overall
- 9.84 in wide
- Soft-close lid
- Hands-free foot pedal
- Bag tuck band
A slim stainless bin with a quiet pedal lid and a band that holds the bag in place. It fits beside counters where wider cans crowd the walkway.
Pros
- Narrow 9.84-inch footprint
- Soft-close lid
- Bag tuck band holds the liner
Cons
- Not the largest capacity here
- Silver finish shows smudges more than white
Home Zone Living suits a small kitchen where every inch of floor counts. At 9.84 inches wide, it slips beside a counter or into the gap between a fridge and a wall without crowding the cook.
The pedal opens the lid without a hand, and the soft-close hinge brings it down slowly, so a late-night snack run won't wake anyone. That combo is the main reason it sits at the top of this list.
The bag tuck band is a small detail that pays off daily. A rubber band on the liner holds the bag up and hides the slack, so the inside of the can looks tidy instead of bunched.
The brushed silver steel is easy to wipe, though it shows marks more than a white or matte finish. Capacity is 8 gallons, so plan on emptying it every couple of days in a two-person home.
Choose it for a narrow spot in a small kitchen. Skip it if you want the widest opening for large food boxes, since the slim body trades width for a tight fit.
Arlopu 8 Gallon Step Kitchen Trash Can: Best white finish
- 410 stainless steel
- Hydraulic silent lid
- Lid holds open at 90 degrees
- Bag fixing ring
The white powder-coated steel option when silver does not match your kitchen. The pedal lid opens slowly and stays up when you need both hands.
Pros
- White finish suits light kitchens
- Lid stays open at 90 degrees
- Bag fixing ring keeps the liner put
Cons
- Taller than most picks here
- Oval shape leaves odd gaps in a corner
Arlopu suits a kitchen with white cabinets or a light, bright color scheme. The powder-coated steel body in white blends in where a silver can would stand out.
The pedal lid uses a hydraulic hinge, so it opens smoothly and settles quietly. You can also nudge the lid to 90 degrees and it stays up while you scrape plates or swap the bag.
Inside, a removable plastic inner bucket makes bag changes cleaner. A ring on top of the bucket holds the bag so the excess doesn't pile up the sides.
It is 24.3 inches tall, taller than most of the other bins here. That extra height means it needs more clearance under a counter or shelf.
The oval shape is a trade-off. It looks good in an open corner, but it leaves awkward gaps when pushed flat against a straight cabinet run.
Check the space before you buy.
Pick it when the finish matters most. Pass it if your gap is narrow or you need a short can under a low counter.
Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can: Best open-top pick
- 9 gallon capacity
- White plastic
- Open-top design
- Smooth interior
The simplest option here: no lid to lift, a wipe-clean resin interior and a low profile that tucks under a counter. It works for quick scraps and light kitchen waste.
Pros
- One of the shorter bins in this group
- Easy to wipe interior
- Rust-free plastic build
Cons
- No lid to hold odors in
- Not hands-free
Rubbermaid suits a kitchen where speed matters more than sealing. The open top takes scraps and wrappers in one motion, with no pedal or lid to slow you down.
It is one of the shorter bins in this group. That makes it a natural fit under a counter overhang or beside a prep station where headroom is tight.
The resin plastic body won't rust, crack or dent like steel, and the smooth interior wipes clean with a cloth. For a rental kitchen or a bathroom that doubles as a laundry spot, that matters.
Its 9 gallon capacity is the largest here, a small step up from the 8 gallon group. The trade-off is the missing lid: odors and pet interest go with the open-top design.
It also comes in white plastic, which reads plain next to a brushed steel can. That is fine in a utility corner and less so in a styled kitchen.
Choose it for light waste and quick access. Skip it if food scraps sit overnight and you want smells contained.
PayLessHere 8 Gallon: Best for fingerprint resistance
- Brushed stainless steel
- Fingerprint-proof finish
- Slow-close lid
- Removable inner bucket
A brushed steel bin that hides smudges well and comes with a removable inner bucket for quick bag changes. The pedal opens a slow lid that seals in smells.
Pros
- Fingerprint-proof brushed finish
- Removable inner bucket
- Lid seals odors in
Cons
- Deep rectangular shape needs more room
- Inner bucket needs lifting out for cleaning
PayLessHere suits a kitchen where fingerprints are the enemy. The brushed stainless steel gets a fingerprint-proof finish, so the front stays looking clean with less wiping.
The slow-close lid works with the pedal and seals down when shut, which helps keep food smells inside the can. A removable inner bucket makes the bag swap simple: lift the bucket, change the bag, drop it back.
The rectangular body is deep rather than wide. At 13.8 by 24.8 by 9.1 inches, it needs a longer run of floor or a corner where the depth doesn't block a walkway.
That depth also means the opening is set back, so you reach in a bit further than on a slim can. For most daily scraps that's a small trade.
The steel shell dents more easily than plastic if something heavy bumps it. Keep it away from the path of swinging cabinet doors.
Pick it for a fingerprint-resistant finish and an odor-sealing lid. Skip it for a narrow gap, where the deep footprint won't fit.
Amazon Basics MEDIUM Trash Can: Best for quiet kitchens
- 7.9 gallon capacity
- Soft-close lid
- Stay-open lid
- Removable inner bucket
A satin nickel steel can with a quiet pedal lid and a stay-open feature. The rectangular body sits flat against a wall, though it runs taller than the slim picks.
Pros
- Quiet pedal lid
- Stay-open position for cooking
- Satin nickel hides marks
Cons
- Taller body needs more vertical clearance
- Rectangular footprint wider than slim picks
Amazon Basics suits an open kitchen or home office where a lid slam carries. The soft-close pedal lid opens without a hand and closes slowly, so the can stays quiet during a call or a late snack.
The satin nickel finish is a middle ground: brushed enough to hide smudges, lighter than plain steel. A stay-open position lets you hold the lid up while you scrape a plate or tie off a bag.
The removable inner bucket and carry handle make bag changes easier. Lift the bucket, swap the bag, set it back, and the lid covers the rest.
Its 7.9 gallon capacity sits just under the 8 gallon group, close enough that the difference rarely matters in daily use. The bigger trade-off is height: at 25 inches it needs more clearance than the low Rubbermaid or the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can.
The rectangular footprint is also wider than the slim picks. Measure the gap before you commit to a spot beside the counter.
Choose it for quiet operation in a shared space. Skip it if your space is short or very narrow.
SONGMICS 8 Gallon: Best for small kitchens
- Slim 13.8 x 10 in footprint
- Soft-close odor-sealing lid
- Two-way lid opening
- Removable inner bucket
A narrow steel can with a lid that opens by pedal or by hand and stays up. The tight seal keeps odors inside, and the slim body fits beside a cabinet.
Pros
- Slim footprint for tight gaps
- Lid opens by pedal or hand
- Odor-sealing soft-close lid
Cons
- Tall 25-inch body
- Steel outer shell dents more than plastic
SONGMICS suits a small kitchen with a tight gap between cabinets. The body is 13.8 by 10 inches on the floor, so it slides into a slim spot without blocking the walkway.
The lid opens two ways: step on the pedal for a quick toss, or lift it by hand to the catch point so it stays open. That second option is handy when you're peeling vegetables or scraping a pan.
The soft-close lid seals down tight, which helps keep food odors in the can instead of the room. For a small kitchen where smells travel, that seal is the main draw.
A removable inner bucket with a back handle makes bag changes easier. The bag edges tuck into a hole in the bucket, so the liner stays put when the can is full.
At 25 inches tall, it needs clearance under a counter or shelf. The steel shell also dents more than plastic if knocked.
Pick it for a slim footprint and a lid that opens either way. Skip it if you need a low can for an under-sink spot.
United Solutions 7.7 Gallon Trash Wastebasket: Best under-desk bin
- 7.7 gallon capacity
- Open-top design
- Slim rectangular body
- Wipe-clean plastic
A light black plastic wastebasket that slides under a desk or beside a cabinet. The open top takes quick drops without a pedal or lid to slow you down.
Pros
- Low 15.5-inch height
- Light at 2.7 lb
- Wide open top for quick drops
Cons
- No lid for odors
- Plain look next to steel cans
United Solutions suits a desk or a utility corner more than a busy cooking zone. The open top takes paper, wrappers and light waste in one motion, and the black plastic wipes clean in seconds.
At 15.5 inches tall and 2.7 pounds, it is the lightest and lowest bin here. That makes it easy to move from a home office to a bathroom or a dorm room without a struggle.
The slim rectangular body fits under a desk or beside a cabinet. Its 7.7 gallon capacity is close to the 8 gallon group, so it holds a similar amount of light waste.
There is no lid, so smells and pet access come with the open design. It also looks plainer than a steel can, which matters if it sits in view.
It is a good second bin for paper and recycling in a home office. It is less suited to food scraps in a hot kitchen.
Choose it for a light, movable bin. Skip it if you want odors contained or a finished look on show.
LisaDepot 7.5 Gallon White Wastebasket with Touch-Open: Best under-sink bin
- 7.5 gallon capacity
- White plastic
- Lid keeps trash out of sight
- Compact rectangular body
A small white bin with a lid that hides waste under the sink or in a mudroom. The plastic body stays light and wipes clean.
Pros
- Lid hides waste
- White plastic matches light cabinets
- Short enough for under-sink spots
Cons
- Smallest capacity here
- Plastic build feels less solid than steel
LisaDepot suits an under-sink spot or a mudroom where waste should stay out of sight. The white plastic body is compact enough to tuck away, and the lid covers the contents so the room looks tidy.
Its 7.5 gallon capacity is the smallest here. That makes it a fit for light daily waste in a small kitchen or a bathroom, not for a family that cooks every meal.
The lid keeps trash hidden, which helps in a shared or open room. The plastic body is light and easy to wipe, so cleaning is quick.
The body is less solid than a steel can, so it suits a tucked-away spot more than a showpiece corner. The lid is press-top, so plan on lifting it by hand when you toss scraps.
Pick it for a hidden spot under the sink or in a mudroom. Skip it if you need a larger can or a steel finish in view.
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can: Best compact steel bin
- 8 gallon capacity
- Non-slip base pads
- Soft-close lid opens to 90 degrees
- Inner bucket with side handles
A short steel can with a rectangular opening that uses corner space well. Non-slip pads help keep it steady, and the inner bucket lifts out by its handles.
Pros
- Non-slip base pads
- Low 21.4-inch height
- Inner bucket has side handles
Cons
- Smallest steel can footprint here
- Soft-close lid needs a firm press to seat
SONGMICS suits a corner where a short steel can looks better than a tall one. At 21.4 inches tall, it is lower than most pedal bins here, so it fits under a counter or a wall shelf with less clearance needed.
The rectangular opening uses corner space well. Non-slip pads at the base help keep it steady, and they also make it harder for a pet to knock over.
The lid closes quietly and opens to 90 degrees by hand when you need it up. An inner bucket with side handles lifts out for bag changes, and a bag securing hole keeps the liner in place.
The soft-close lid can need a firm press to seat fully. That's a small habit to learn, not a daily problem.
Its 8 gallon capacity matches the group, so the short body packs the same volume in a lower profile. The steel shell still dents more than plastic.
Choose it for a low, stable steel bin in a corner. Skip it if you want a wide opening for large boxes.
How these 8 gallon kitchen cans compare
These bins split into three lid styles: pedal bins with soft-close lids, open-top wastebaskets, and lidded plastic bins. The pedal group holds odors better and is hands-free, while the open-top group is quicker to use and easier to wipe.
Capacity runs from 7.5 to 9 gallons, so the size difference is small and the footprint matters more.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (L x W x H) | Material | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Kitchen Trash | overall | 8 gallons | 17.91 x 9.84 x 21.73 in | Stainless steel | 9.7 |
| Arlopu 8 Gallon Step Kitchen Trash Can | white finish | 8 gallons | 13.4 x 9.3 x 24.3 in | Stainless steel | 9.5 |
| Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can | open-top pick | 9 gallons | 14.64 x 10.56 x 17.92 in | Plastic | 9.4 |
| PayLessHere 8 Gallon | fingerprint resistance | 8 gallons | 13.8 x 24.8 x 9.1 in | Stainless steel | 9.3 |
| Amazon Basics MEDIUM Trash Can | quiet kitchens | 7.9 gallons | 13.78 x 11.81 x 25 in | Stainless steel | 9.1 |
| SONGMICS 8 Gallon | small kitchens | 8 gallons | 13.8 x 10 x 25 in | Stainless steel | 8.9 |
| United Solutions 7.7 Gallon Trash Wastebasket | under-desk bin | 7.7 gallons | 14.6 x 11.6 x 15.5 in | Plastic | 8.6 |
| LisaDepot 7.5 Gallon White Wastebasket with Touch-Open | under-sink bin | 7.5 gallons | 15.27 x 10.47 x 17.75 in | Plastic | 8.3 |
| SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can | compact steel bin | 8 gallons | 11.2 x 13.4 x 21.4 in | Stainless steel | 8.1 |
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. In this group, a narrow footprint, a quiet lid and a bag that stays put count for more than raw capacity.
A pedal bin that dents easily or needs extra clearance loses points against a slim can that fits the gap.
What should you measure before buying an 8 gallon kitchen can?
Measure the gap's width, depth and height first. An 8 gallon can only help if it fits the spot you have, so write down the opening between the counter and the wall or the clearance under a shelf before you compare models.
Width is the usual limit in a small kitchen. The Home Zone Living is 9.84 inches wide and the Arlopu is 9.3 inches wide, both narrow enough for a slim gap.
The Amazon Basics is 11.81 inches wide and needs more room.
Height matters under a counter. The Rubbermaid is 17.92 inches tall and the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can is 21.4 inches tall.
Most pedal bins run 24 to 25 inches, so check that clearance before you pick a hands-free model.
Depth matters in a corner. The PayLessHere is deep at 24.8 inches in its longest dimension, so it needs a longer run of floor than a slim can.
A paper template cut to the footprint is the quickest way to test a spot.
What fits in an 8 gallon can?
An 8 gallon can holds about 30 liters of waste. That is a few days of light kitchen scraps for one or two people, or a single day in a busy family kitchen.
It suits small homes, apartments and single-person use better than a large household.
Which lid type suits a small kitchen?
A soft-close pedal lid suits a small kitchen where food scraps sit overnight and smells travel. An open-top bin suits light waste and quick drops where odors aren't a concern.
A lidded plastic bin suits an under-sink spot where you want trash out of sight.
Pedal bins in this group include Home Zone Living, Arlopu, PayLessHere, Amazon Basics and both SONGMICS models. Each opens without a hand, which keeps the lid and rim cleaner during cooking.
The soft-close hinge also stops the lid from slamming in a quiet home.
The open-top picks are the Rubbermaid and the United Solutions. There's no lid to lift, so scraps go in fast and the interior wipes clean easily.
The trade-off is that odors and pets have open access.
The LisaDepot is a middle case: a plastic body with a press-top lid for under-sink hiding. It keeps waste covered without a steel shell or a large footprint.
Do you need a removable inner bucket?
A removable inner bucket makes bag changes cleaner and lets you wash the bucket itself. Five picks here have one: Arlopu, PayLessHere, Amazon Basics and both SONGMICS models.
The Home Zone Living uses a bag tuck band instead of a separate bucket. If you change bags often or have messy scraps, the removable bucket is worth having.
How should you handle bags and odors in an 8 gallon can?
Use an 8 gallon bag and tuck the edges over the rim or into the bucket's securing hole. A tight lid plus a bag that stays put does more for odors than any single feature.
For a small kitchen, empty the can every day or two and wipe the rim when you swap the bag.
Bag fit is the most common daily annoyance. A bag that slips into the can leaves slack and lets scraps touch the bucket.
The Home Zone Living's band, the Arlopu's fixing ring and the SONGMICS bucket hole each solve that in a different way.
Odor control comes down to the lid seal and how long waste sits. A soft-close lid that seats tight, like the SONGMICS 8 Gallon or the PayLessHere, keeps smells in better than an open top.
These bins don't include a charcoal filter, so the seal and emptying schedule do the work.
For a small kitchen, a liner that fits well and a can you empty often beats any single anti-odor feature. Wipe the inside of the bucket when you change the bag to stop residue from building up.
Where should the can go?
Keep the can out of the main cooking path but close to where you prep. A slim bin beside the counter beats a wide can in the middle of the floor.
If floor space is very tight, a narrow kitchen trash can may fit a gap an 8 gallon can can't.
Are 8 gallon cans right for your kitchen?
An 8 gallon can suits one or two people, a small kitchen or a spot where a 13 gallon bin would block the walkway. Size up if you cook most meals at home or have three or more people.
Our 13 gallon trash can for kitchen guide covers the next step up.
Small kitchens and apartments are the natural home for this size. An 8 gallon can tucks beside a counter, under a desk or into a corner without taking over the room.
It also works as a second bin for recycling or paper waste in a larger kitchen.
Households with more than two people often fill an 8 gallon can in a day. That means more bag changes and more trips to the outside bin.
A large kitchen trash can for big households makes more sense there.
If the can will sit in view, finish matters too. A black kitchen trash can hides marks and blends with dark cabinets.
A white or silver can suits light kitchens.
When is a 13 gallon can the better buy?
Go to 13 gallons when you cook most meals at home or have three or more people. The bigger can holds more waste between trips and uses standard 13 gallon bags.
An 8 gallon can stays the better fit for tight spots and light use.
Which 8 gallon kitchen garbage can should you buy?
Buy the Home Zone Living 8 Gallon Kitchen Trash for most small kitchens. Its 9.84-inch width fits tight gaps, and the soft-close pedal lid plus bag tuck band make daily use quiet and tidy.
It is the best all-round kitchen garbage can 8 gallon buyers can pick for a narrow spot.
Pick the Arlopu 8 Gallon Step Kitchen Trash Can when you want a white steel finish that matches light cabinets. Choose the Rubbermaid Small Kitchen Bathroom Trash Can for a quick open-top bin under a low counter, or the SONGMICS 8 Gallon for a slim can with a lid that opens two ways.
For a low corner in a small kitchen, the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can keeps the same 8 gallon capacity in a 21.4-inch body. Whichever you choose, measure the gap first and match the lid type to how long waste sits before you empty it.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
Is an 8 gallon trash can big enough for a kitchen?
Yes for one or two people who empty it every day or two. An 8 gallon can holds a few days of light kitchen waste.
A household of three or more usually fills it faster and may want a 13 gallon can instead.
What size trash bag fits an 8 gallon kitchen can?
A standard 8 gallon bag fits most bins in this group. Some cans also take a 10 gallon bag for extra slack.
Check the inner bucket height before buying bags in bulk.
Do 8 gallon kitchen garbage cans fit under a counter?
Some do. The Rubbermaid wastebasket is 17.92 inches tall and the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can is 21.4 inches tall.
Measure the clearance under your counter before choosing a pedal can, since most run taller.
Are pedal bins better than open-top cans in a kitchen?
Pedal bins keep odors and pet access contained, while open-top cans are quicker to use. For food scraps in a small kitchen, a soft-close pedal lid with a seal is the better fit.
For paper and light waste, an open-top bin works fine.
How do I stop an 8 gallon can from sliding around?
Look for non-slip base pads or a heavier steel body. The SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can has non-slip pads at the base.
A rubber mat under a plastic bin also helps on smooth floors.
Should I size up to a 13 gallon can instead?
Size up if you cook most meals at home or have more than two people. An 8 gallon can suits small kitchens and tight spots, while a 13 gallon can cuts down on bag changes.
Our 13 gallon picks cover that next size.
