9 Best Large Kitchen Trash Cans With Foot Pedal (November 2026)
The best large kitchen trash cans with foot pedal include the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round for busy family kitchens, the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim for narrow cabinet gaps, and the Glad Small Trash Can for small spaces that still want a pedal.
On this page (10 sections)
- The best large kitchen trash cans with a foot pedal
- How these large kitchen trash cans compare
- How we compared these step cans
- Which size large kitchen trash can fits your family?
- What should you check on a foot pedal before buying?
- Does a soft-close lid matter in a busy kitchen?
- Do you need a pet lock on a step can?
- Which liner fits a large step can best?
- Should you pick plastic or stainless for a busy kitchen?
- Verdict: which large kitchen trash can with a foot pedal should you buy?
The best large kitchen trash can with foot pedal for most homes is the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round. Its steel pedal is built for 150,000 steps, the lid closes without a slam, and a slide lock keeps pets out.
That combination of a strong pedal and a quiet lid is what a busy kitchen needs most. You open it with a foot while both hands hold a cutting board or a full bag, and the lid does the rest on its own.
Large kitchen trash cans with foot pedal control come in plastic and stainless, from about 10 to 13 gallons. We compared each pick on pedal rating, lid motion, capacity, liner fit and pet locks.
If you want the broader category first, our guide to the best kitchen trash can with foot pedal covers smaller sizes too.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for busy family kitchenssimplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for narrow cabinet gapssimplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itEKO Hana Select 13.2 Gallon / 50L
Best for odor control in open kitchens - 5
Check itELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid 13
Best for hands-free meal prep - 6
Check itGarvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can
Best for stainless styling on a mid-range budget - 7
Check itSIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Step Can
Best for kitchens that fight smells - 8
Check itAmazon Basics 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Can
Best for value kitchens - 9
Best slim pick for odor protectionCheck it
The best large kitchen trash cans with a foot pedal
The simplehuman Semi-Round is the top overall pick for a family kitchen. The simplehuman Slim suits tight gaps, and the rest of the list solves narrower jobs: odor control, stainless styling, a small room, or a lower budget.
Each pick below opens with the foot pedal, because that is the feature you will use dozens of times a day. Capacity comes second, since a bin that fits your floor space beats extra gallons you can't reach.
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round: Best for busy family kitchens
- 150,000-step steel pedal
- Lid Shox silent close
- Pet-proof slide lock
- Flat back fits against walls
A 50 liter step can with a flat back that sits against the wall and a steel pedal rated for 150,000 steps. The slide lock keeps pets and toddlers out.
Pros
- Pedal designed for 150,000 steps
- Lid closes slowly and quietly
- Flat back saves floor space
- Pet-proof slide lock
Cons
- Plastic body, not stainless
- Needs Code P custom liners for the best fit
The simplehuman 50 Liter suits a kitchen where the bin stays by a wall and sees constant use. Its flat back sits flush against the wall while the rounded front gives you a wide opening.
The steel pedal is the headline: simplehuman says it is built for more than 150,000 steps. That works out to 20 steps a day for two decades, which is more than a busy kitchen will ask of it.
The Lid Shox motion control lets the lid drop slowly and quietly, so it doesn't bang when the room is full of people. A slide lock holds the lid shut against curious pets.
The body is 75% post-consumer recycled plastic, which keeps the can light to move and free of dents. A built-in wall bumper protects the paint when the lid swings open against a wall.
The trade-off is the plastic body. It costs less than a stainless can of the same size and stays dent-free, but it won't match a stainless appliance wall.
Skip it if looks come first; pick it if the pedal and the pet lock do.
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim: Best for narrow cabinet gaps
- Slim 10.1 in wide body
- Steel pedal
- Lid Shox silent close
- Built-in wheels
A narrow step can for tight spaces between cabinets. The lid stays open for long chores, and the wheels let you pull it out for cleaning.
Pros
- Fits a 10.1 in gap
- Lid locks shut against pets
- Wheels make it easy to move
- Stay-open lid
Cons
- Smaller capacity than 13 gallon picks
- Taller footprint may not suit low counters
The simplehuman 40 Liter Slim is the pick when the only free floor space is a gap beside the cabinets. It is 10.1 inches wide, so it tucks into slots a 14 inch can cannot use.
You give up about 2.4 gallons against the 13 gallon picks. For a couple who empties the bin every day or two, that is a fair swap for a can that finally fits.
Built-in wheels help you roll it out for cleaning, and the lid stays open as long as you need it for long chores. The same slide lock and silent close as the larger simplehuman are here, so pets still meet a locked lid.
The liner lock keeps the Code K bag in place, and the painted black finish hides fingerprints in a busy corner. Its 18.6 inch length means the lid still needs swing room when it opens.
One detail to weigh: its shape is tall and narrow at 24.9 inches high, so confirm the lid has room to swing up under a counter overhang. Otherwise it is the most space-efficient step can here.
Glad Small Trash Can: Best for small spaces that still want a pedal
- 1.2 gallon capacity
- Soft-close lid
- Removable inner bucket
- Brushed stainless steel
A compact step can for small kitchens, offices and bathrooms. The removable inner bucket makes emptying quick, and the lid closes quietly.
Pros
- Easy inner bucket to carry
- Stainless finish hides smudges
- Stay-open lid option
- Small footprint
Cons
- Much smaller than the other picks
- No pet lock
The Glad Small Trash Can is here for a different job: a second bin in a small kitchen, office or bathroom where a pedal still helps. At 1.2 gallons, it is not a replacement for a 13 gallon kitchen can.
The brushed stainless finish wipes clean, and the lid resists fingerprints. A soft-close lid keeps it quiet, and the removable inner bucket lifts out with a metal ring for quick emptying.
That inner bucket suits cat litter disposal and desk-side paper waste alike. Lift the lid by hand and tilt it back to a stay-open position when you empty it; skip the pedal for that move.
Its trade-offs are the size and the price per gallon. At 12 inches high and 8 inches wide, it hides under a sink or beside a desk without crowding either.
Buy it as a companion bin, not the main kitchen can. If you need one large can for the whole kitchen, look at the capacity picks above.
EKO Hana Select 13.2 Gallon / 50L: Best for odor control in open kitchens
- Wide stainless steel pedal
- Deodorizer compartment
- Soft-close and stay-open lid
- Plastic bag fixer tabs
A 50 liter can with a carbon filter slot and a wide pedal. The rear handle and bottom wheels help you move it during a deep clean.
Pros
- Deodorizer compartment takes a carbon filter
- Wide pedal is easy to find in the dark
- Rear handle and wheels
- Soft-close lid
Cons
- Plastic body rather than stainless
- Pricier than similar-capacity bins
The EKO Hana Select is the pick for an open-plan kitchen where smells travel to the living room. It has a deodorizer compartment for a carbon filter and a tight-sealing steel lid.
The wide stainless pedal is easy to find in a dim kitchen, and it stays comfortable underfoot. EKO rates it for 100,000 steps, below the simplehuman figure but still many years of use.
Wheels and a rear handle let you roll it to the door on trash night. Bag fixer tabs and a removable rim hide the liner edge, so the bin looks tidy from the sofa.
There is no inner bucket, which the brand says gives 25% more usable capacity.
The body is plastic with a steel lid, so it isn't a full stainless look. The filter is an extra purchase.
Buy it for odor control first, styling second.
ELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid 13: Best for hands-free meal prep
- 90 degree stay-open lid
- Removable inner bucket
- 13 gallon capacity
- 20 trash bags included
A stainless steel step can with a stay-open lid for long tasks. The inner bucket lifts out for bag changes, and 20 liners come in the box.
Pros
- Lid locks upright for two-handed jobs
- Inner bucket makes cleaning easier
- Bags included
- Soft-close lid
Cons
- Heavier than plastic bins
- Taller body needs open space above it
The ELPHECO 13 gallon is built for meal prep and long cleaning sessions. Its lid locks upright at 90 degrees, so you can scrape plates and wipe counters without touching the pedal.
A removable inner bucket lifts out for bag changes and washing. The stainless body has a brushed finish, and 20 fitted trash bags come in the box so you can start using it the same day.
The lid closes gently after each step. Dimensions run 18 x 16 x 29 inches, making it one of the taller cans here, so leave headroom above it.
At 21.5 pounds it is the heaviest pick in this group, which matters when you drag it out for cleaning.
Against the simplehuman picks, it trades the pet lock for the stay-open lid and the included bags. Choose it if you cook a lot and rarely need to lock the lid.
The extra height and weight are the things to check.
Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can: Best for stainless styling on a mid-range budget
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless
- 150,000-step pedal
- Removable inner bucket
- Rear carry handle
A brushed stainless step can with a liner ring and a lid that locks open. The body is slim enough to slide between cabinets.
Pros
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Liner ring keeps bags tidy
- Anti-slip feet
- Pedal rated for 150,000 steps
Cons
- Inner bucket must be lifted out for bags
- Stainless dents more than plastic
The Garvee step-on can brings stainless styling at a mid-range position. Its 410-grade stainless shell resists rust and scratches, and the brushed finish wipes clean without streaks.
The rear handle makes lifting easy, and anti-slip rubber feet keep the can in place on tile or wood. A liner ring grips any standard bag, so the edge stays hidden.
The closed height of 25.98 inches lines up with a standard 36 inch island counter when the lid opens to 35.43 inches.
Garvee says the steel pedal endures 150,000 steps and the hinge survives 300,000 open and close cycles. The lid opens to 80 degrees and locks at 95 degrees for hands-free loading.
The inner bucket has to be lifted out for bag changes, which is one extra step. Stainless can also show dents near the base if a bag gets dropped on it.
Buy it for the look and the liner ring, not for a pet lock.
SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Step Can: Best for kitchens that fight smells
- Built-in odor filter holder
- Soft-close lid
- Fingerprint-proof stainless
- Removable plastic liner
A 50 liter stainless step can with a filter slot for odor control. The removable liner and stay-open lock make bag swaps simple.
Pros
- Odor filter holder
- Metal pedal
- Removable inner liner
- Stay-open lid lock
Cons
- Filter cartridge sold separately
- Wider body than some counters allow
The SIMPLI-MAGIC is the value option with an odor filter slot. A removable plastic liner makes bag swaps quick, and the stay-open lock holds the lid up while you clean.
The soft-close lid drops quietly, and the metal pedal does the opening work. The stainless finish resists fingerprints, so it needs less wiping than a plain brushed surface.
Its width is the thing to plan around. At 15.35 inches, it is wider than the Garvee and Amazon Basics cans, so measure a narrow cabinet gap before you order.
The 26.35 inch height is a touch taller than the Garvee too.
The filter cartridge is sold separately, so factor that in if odor control is the reason you are picking it. For a simple quiet lid at a lower price, it does the job.
Amazon Basics 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Can: Best for value kitchens
- Soft-close lid
- Removable inner bucket
- Carry handle
- Smudge-resistant stainless
A straightforward 13.2 gallon step can with a quiet lid and a removable bucket. It suits a kitchen that wants basic function at a lower price.
Pros
- Soft-close lid
- Carry handle for emptying
- Smudge-resistant exterior
- Simple design
Cons
- No liner ring
- No pet lock or odor filter
The Amazon Basics 13.2 gallon can is the straightforward choice for a kitchen that wants a quiet lid without extras. It has a smudge-resistant stainless body and a heavy-duty plastic inner bucket.
A carry handle on the bucket makes emptying easier, and the foot lever opens the lid to a soft close every time. The stay-open lid helps during longer cleanups.
What you don't get is a liner ring, a pet lock or an odor filter. If those features matter, step up to the simplehuman or EKO picks.
It is a sensible pick for a rental kitchen or a first apartment where the bin takes a lot of use and little care. Against the SIMPLI-MAGIC it is a touch narrower at 14.65 inches wide and 25.87 inches high, which helps in a tight slot.
Glad Slim Step Can: Best slim pick for odor protection
- Clorox odor protection
- 12 gallon capacity
- Bag rings
- Rear bag storage
A narrow stainless can with a lid treated for odor blocking. Bag rings hold liners in place, and the rear compartment stores a spare roll.
Pros
- Narrow 9.8 in profile
- Lid helps trap odors
- Bag storage on the back
- Soft-close lid
Cons
- Smallest capacity in this group
- Bag rings need the right liner size
The Glad Slim Step Can is the narrowest pick here at 9.8 inches wide. It suits a galley kitchen or a gap between the fridge and the wall where nothing else fits.
The lid carries Clorox odor protection to help block smells, and bag rings tuck the liner in place so it doesn't fall through. A rear compartment stores a spare roll of bags.
Its 12 gallon capacity is the smallest in this group, and that is the main trade-off. A big family will empty it more often than a 13 gallon can.
The body is stainless steel with an ABS lid, and the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps the front looking clean.
The lid has a stay-open option for cooking and cleaning, and the pedal opens it with a soft close. At 19.43 inches long it still needs swing room when the lid rises.
Choose it for the slim profile and the odor help. If you have room for a wider can, one of the 13 gallon picks will save you trips.
For a narrow slot, this is the one.
How these large kitchen trash cans compare
The table lines up capacity, footprint and the features that matter most in daily use. Read across a row to see how each pick handles the pedal, the lid and the liner.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (L x W x H) | Material | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round | busy family kitchens | 13 gallons | 18.7 x 14.4 x 26.2 in | Plastic with 75% recycled content | 9.7 |
| simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim | narrow cabinet gaps | 10.6 gallons | 18.6 x 10.1 x 24.9 in | Plastic | 9.6 |
| Glad Small Trash Can | small spaces that still want a pedal | 1.2 gallons | 9.5 x 8 x 12 in | Stainless steel | 9.5 |
| EKO Hana Select 13.2 Gallon / 50L | odor control in open kitchens | 13.2 gallons | 17.7 x 11.8 x 25.7 in | Plastic with steel lid | 8.7 |
| ELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid 13 | hands-free meal prep | 13 gallons | 18 x 16 x 29 in | Stainless steel | 8.4 |
| Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can | stainless styling on a mid-range budget | 13.2 gallons | 16.73 x 14.65 x 25.98 in | 410-grade stainless steel | 8.2 |
| SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Step Can | kitchens that fight smells | 13.2 gallons | 18.7 x 15.35 x 26.35 in | Stainless steel | 7.8 |
| Amazon Basics 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Can | value kitchens | 13.2 gallons | 16.73 x 14.65 x 25.87 in | Stainless steel | 7.5 |
| Glad Slim Step Can | slim pick for odor protection | 12 gallons | 19.43 x 9.8 x 24.3 in | Stainless steel | 7.5 |
How we compared these step cans
We compared each can on the specs that affect daily use: pedal rating, lid motion, capacity, width and liner fit. We looked at pet locks, odor filters and inner bucket design, since those decide how often you touch the bin.
We also weighed the brand's own claims, such as simplehuman's 150,000-step pedal rating and Garvee's hinge cycle figure. Our score weighs specs, features and fit with what a busy kitchen shopper wants.
A few details carried more weight than the rest. A pedal with a stated step rating beat a pedal with no figure, because a busy kitchen wears the hinge and the pedal first.
A soft-close damper, a stay-open lid and a liner ring each moved a can up the list, since each one reduces how often you handle the bag or steady the lid with a hand.
We also treated a pet lock as a separate feature rather than a bonus. In a home with a dog or a cat, a lid that stays shut is the difference between a clean kitchen and a floor full of last night's leftovers.
Which size large kitchen trash can fits your family?
A 13 gallon can suits most families of four who empty it every few days. A two-person home can drop to 10.6 or 12 gallons and gain floor space.
Capacity also depends on how you cook. A household that peels vegetables and cooks from scratch fills a bin faster than one that eats out most nights.
If you cook most meals at home and keep the bin near the prep counter, the extra gallons in a 13 gallon can pay off in fewer trips to the door.
For a wider look at size choices, our guide to the best large kitchen trash can covers capacity and placement in more detail.
Is 13 gallons too big for a small kitchen?
Not if the bin fits your gap. The 13 gallon picks here range from 14.65 to 18.7 inches long, so measure the floor space and the lid swing before you choose.
A 10.6 gallon slim can is the safer bet in a tight galley.
When is a 10 to 12 gallon can enough?
Pick a smaller can when you empty it daily or live alone. A 10.6 gallon simplehuman Slim or a 12 gallon Glad Slim keeps the footprint modest while still handling a day of kitchen waste.
How to measure your space before you order
Measure three things: the width of the gap, the depth from the wall to the front edge of the cabinet, and the height from the floor to the underside of any counter overhang. Leave an inch or two of spare width so the bag doesn't snag when you pull the can out.
What should you check on a foot pedal before buying?
Check the pedal material and any step rating. A steel pedal lasts far longer than a plastic one in a home with kids and pets.
Pedal height matters too. A pedal that sits too low catches a toe; one that is too high lifts the lid while you walk past.
Neither is adjustable on most cans, so read the dimensions.
Steel vs plastic pedals
Steel pedals are the standard on the stainless picks here, and simplehuman and Garvee both rate theirs at 150,000 steps. Plastic pedals are common on budget bins and wear through faster.
Pedal and lid travel
A good pedal opens the lid fully in one push. Soft-close dampers then slow the fall.
If a lid snaps shut, it will wake the house and crack at the hinge over time.
Does a soft-close lid matter in a busy kitchen?
Yes, in a busy kitchen the lid opens and closes dozens of times a day. A soft close keeps it quiet and stops the slam that cracks hinges and startles pets.
simplehuman's Lid Shox is the best-known version, and EKO and Glad use similar dampers. Look for the words "soft close" or "quiet close" on the can you pick.
How to test lid motion in a store
Press the pedal slowly and watch the lid. It should rise smoothly and fall under control.
A lid that bounces at the top or drops fast at the end is a sign of a weak damper.
Do you need a pet lock on a step can?
Yes, if you have a dog or a cat that raids the bin. A slide lock holds the lid shut even when a pet nuzzles the front.
The two simplehuman picks here have a slide lock. Other cans rely on the weight of the lid, which a determined pet can still nudge open.
A tight-sealing lid also helps with smells, but it is not the same as a lock.
Other ways to keep pets out
Place the can against a wall and away from a counter edge a cat can jump from. A locked lid plus a tight seal on the liner does most of the work.
If smells still escape, our best black kitchen trash can list covers models with darker finishes that hide marks near the floor.
Which liner fits a large step can best?
Custom liners fit best, though standard 13 gallon bags work in most cans. A liner ring or bag fixer keeps the edge neat and stops the bag from slipping down.
simplehuman's Code P fits the 50 Liter Semi-Round and Code K fits the 40 Liter Slim. The EKO takes its Code F bags and includes a starter set.
Other brands here take standard 13 gallon liners.
Custom liners vs standard bags
Custom liners cost more but don't bunch or overhang. Standard bags are cheaper and easy to find.
If you want a clean look, a bag ring on a standard bag gets close.
Keeping the bag in place
Look for a bag fixer, liner ring or custom fit. A bag that slips into the can is the most common reason people switch bins.
The Garvee's liner ring and the EKO's bag fixer tabs both solve it; the Amazon Basics can leaves the bag to hold itself.
Should you pick plastic or stainless for a busy kitchen?
Stainless suits a kitchen that wants a matching look and wipes clean. Plastic costs less, resists dents and hides fingerprints, so it stays presentable with less care.
The simplehuman Semi-Round is plastic with 75% recycled content. The EKO is plastic with a steel lid.
The rest of the picks are stainless steel bodies.
Care for each finish
Stainless needs a soft cloth and a stainless cleaner to keep its shine. Plastic wipes down with a damp cloth.
Both benefit from a quick rinse of the inner bucket. Fingerprint-resistant lids, like the ones on the Glad and Garvee cans, cut down on wiping in a busy kitchen.
Matching your kitchen
A black plastic can blends into dark cabinets and hides scuffs near the floor. A stainless body matches appliances.
If white cabinets dominate your kitchen, our guide to the large white kitchen trash can covers bins that suit that palette.
Verdict: which large kitchen trash can with a foot pedal should you buy?
The simplehuman 50 Liter Semi-Round is the one to buy for a busy family kitchen. The 150,000-step pedal, the silent lid and the pet lock cover the three things that wear out or annoy you first in a large kitchen trash can with foot pedal control.
Pick the simplehuman 40 Liter Slim if your only space is a 10 inch gap. Choose the EKO Hana Select when smells matter more than a pet lock, or the ELPHECO when you want a stay-open lid for meal prep.
On a tighter budget, the Amazon Basics covers the basics with a quiet close, and the Glad Slim Step Can is the answer for a narrow slot.
Measure the floor space and the lid swing before you order. A can that fits opens more often than one you have to wrestle out of a corner.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for busy family kitchens
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for narrow cabinet gaps
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
How much capacity does a large kitchen trash can need?
Most households do well with 12 to 13 gallons, which holds several days of kitchen waste for a family of four. Choose a smaller 10.6 gallon can if you empty it daily, or if a cupboard gap limits the width.
Will a foot pedal last in a busy kitchen?
Look for a steel pedal with a stated step rating. simplehuman rates its pedal at 150,000 steps, and Garvee lists the same figure. Plastic pedals usually wear faster in a home with kids and pets.
Do I need custom liners for a step can?
No, but they help. simplehuman's Code P and Code K liners are cut for their cans so they don't slip or bunch. Standard 13 gallon bags work in most bins here, though a liner ring or bag fixer keeps them neater.
Can a step can keep a cat out of the trash?
Yes, if the lid has a lock. The two simplehuman picks have a slide lock that holds the lid shut against pets.
Bins without a lock can still be tipped or nudged open by a determined cat.
What is a soft-close lid on a trash can?
It is a lid that slows as it drops instead of slamming. simplehuman calls its version Lid Shox, and EKO and Glad use similar dampers. Soft close keeps a busy kitchen quieter and protects the lid.
How wide is a typical 13 gallon step can?
Most fall between 14 and 18 inches wide. The semi-round simplehuman is 18.7 inches long and 14.4 inches wide, while the Garvee and Amazon Basics cans share a 14.65 inch width.
Measure your gap before you buy.
