simplehuman 50 Liter Trash Can Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The simplehuman 50 Liter Rectangular Step Can suits kitchens that need a wall-friendly, hands-free bin with a removable bucket. Its 50 L capacity, built-in wheels and stay-open lid favor everyday use and longer cleanup jobs.
On this page (9 sections)
- The simplehuman 50 Liter trash can at a glance
- How do the 50 L and 55 L simplehuman cans differ?
- Will the rectangular shape fit your kitchen?
- How does the bucket and liner system work?
- Can you keep the lid open during cleanup?
- Does the stainless steel finish need special care?
- Is the 50 L can worth choosing over the alternatives?
- What should you check before buying?
- Which simplehuman step can should you choose?
The simplehuman 50 Liter Rectangular Step Can is a strong fit for a kitchen that needs a wall-side, hands-free bin. It combines a 50 L capacity with a removable inner bucket, built-in wheels and a lid that stays open during longer chores.
Its internal hinge lets the can sit close to a wall, and the non-skid base has rubber pads to help keep it steady. Check its 19.8 x 12.8 in footprint against the space you have, including room to step on the pedal and remove the bucket.
The simplehuman 50 Liter trash can at a glance
The 50 L can suits kitchens where a rectangular shape and removable bucket matter more than a liner pocket. Its brushed stainless steel finish is fingerprint-proof, and its slow-closing lid is designed to close quietly.
simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can: Best for wall-side placement
- 50 L / 13.0 gal capacity
- 19.8 x 12.8 x 25.7 in
- Removable inner bucket
- Built-in wheels
A rectangular stainless steel step can with an internal hinge, removable bucket and wheels. The stay-open lid and bucket park position help during longer kitchen chores and bag changes.
Pros
- Internal hinge allows placement against a wall
- Steel pedal is engineered for over 150,000 steps
- Slow, silent lid close
- Removable bucket and bucket park position
Cons
- Code Q liners are designed for a custom fit
- Check the 19.8 in depth against your floor space
The steel pedal is engineered for over 150,000 steps, and the non-skid base has rubber pads that are gentle on floors. Built-in wheels help when you need to move the can for cleaning or a room change.
Who should choose the 50 L step can?
Choose it if you want a pedal-operated can that can sit directly against a wall and has a bucket you can lift out. The bucket park position also gives you a place to rest the bucket while changing a bag.
It may not suit you if you prefer a liner system without an inner bucket or want spare bags stored inside the can. The 55 L model below has a liner rim and built-in liner pocket.
How do the 50 L and 55 L simplehuman cans differ?
The 50 L model has a removable bucket and built-in wheels, while the 55 L model uses a liner rim to gain more usable space and stores liners inside the can. Both have a steel pedal, a lid designed for a slow, quiet close and a stay-open function.
| Detail | 50 L Rectangular Step Can | 55 L Rectangular Step Can |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 50 L / 13.0 gal | 55 L / 14.5 gal |
| Dimensions | 19.8 x 12.8 x 25.7 in | 18.8 x 16.7 x 26.4 in |
| Bag system | Removable inner bucket; Code Q liners | Liner rim; Code Q liners |
| Liner storage | Not stated | Pocket holds 20 liners |
| Lid features | Stay-open; slow, silent close | Stay-open; slow, silent close |
| Other features | Built-in wheels; internal hinge | Liner rim grips bag directly |
The 55 L can has 5 L more capacity, but it is wider. Compare the dimensions with the place where the can will stand, rather than choosing by capacity alone.
The 50 L can is the clearer pick if you want to remove the bucket for cleaning or move the can on its wheels. For more capacity and an integrated liner pocket, consider the simplehuman 55 L Rectangular Step Can instead.
Will the rectangular shape fit your kitchen?
The 50 L can is 12.8 in wide and 19.8 in long, so check both measurements against cabinets, walkways and door swings. Its internal hinge allows it to sit close to a wall, but the lid and pedal still need usable clearance.
A can's footprint is only part of the fit. Check the route from the delivery point to the kitchen, then measure the opening space above and around the bin so you can use the stay-open lid and lift out the bucket.
The rectangular profile works well when you have a defined spot along a wall or cabinet run. If you are weighing shapes, our semi-round vs rectangular trash can comparison explains how each shape affects placement.
For a broader look at step-operated options, see our best kitchen trash cans with a foot pedal guide.
How does the bucket and liner system work?
The removable inner bucket catches messy drips and lifts out for cleaning. During a bag change, lift it a few inches, tilt it toward you and rest it in the bucket park position.
Simplehuman's Code Q liners are designed for this can so they fit without slipping or showing over the rim. The brand describes them as extra thick with double-seam construction; if you buy bags separately, check that they are Code Q.
A removable bucket adds a step to liner changes, but it lets you carry the bucket to a sink or cleaning area. If that sounds inconvenient, compare the 55 L option, which uses a liner rim instead of an inner bucket.
Can you keep the lid open during cleanup?
Yes, the lid stays open as long as you like, which can help when you are peeling vegetables, unloading groceries or cleaning up after cooking. The pedal opens the lid without requiring you to touch it with your hands.
The lid's motion is controlled by simplehuman's Lid Shox technology for a slow, silent close. This is useful in a busy kitchen where a lid slam would be distracting, though the can still needs room for the lid to move.
The internal hinge helps place the bin close to a wall. Check the lid path in your own kitchen, especially if there is a counter overhang or a cabinet door nearby.
Does the stainless steel finish need special care?
The fingerprint-proof finish is designed to resist smudges and keep the stainless steel shiny. A removable bucket also makes it easier to clean the part that catches drips.
For routine care, empty the can before residue builds up and wipe the bucket and surfaces with a cloth suited to the finish. Avoid assuming that fingerprint resistance means the can never needs cleaning.
Our guide to cleaning a simplehuman trash can covers the lid, bucket and pedal areas. For persistent smells, use the steps in our kitchen trash can odor guide.
Is the 50 L can worth choosing over the alternatives?
The 50 L simplehuman is the best match here for a removable bucket, wall-side placement and built-in wheels. The alternatives make sense when you want a larger liner-rim design, a recycling-ready bin or built-in spare-bag storage.
The simplehuman 55 L model is the closest alternative if extra capacity and a liner pocket matter most. The EKO Madison offers a single compartment for trash or recycling, while the EKO Hudson stores spare bags in a rear compartment.
simplehuman 55 L Rectangular Step Can: Best for extra capacity
- 55 L / 14.5 gal capacity
- 18.8 x 16.7 x 26.4 in
- Liner rim without inner bucket
- Built-in liner pocket
A larger rectangular step can with a liner rim, liner pocket and slow-closing lid. Its liner system replaces the inner bucket to provide more usable space.
Pros
- More capacity than the 50 L can
- Liner pocket stores and dispenses 20 liners
- Lid stays open for longer chores
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Wider than the 50 L can
- Uses Code Q custom-fit liners
The 55 L can replaces the bucket with a liner rim that grips the bag directly, and its liner pocket holds 20 liners. Pick it if those features matter more to you than the 50 L model's removable bucket and wheels.
EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can: Best for recycling flexibility
- 13.2 gal capacity
- 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 in
- Removable inner bucket
- Stay-open lid
A single-compartment step can that can serve as kitchen waste storage or a dedicated recycling bin. It has a removable inner bucket and a lid lock for longer chores.
Pros
- Flexible use as a trash can or recycling bin
- Removable inner bucket with handles
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Lid can stay open
Cons
- No stated built-in wheels
- Single compartment
The Madison's single compartment can serve as a kitchen trash can or a dedicated recycling bin. It has a removable bucket with handles and a lid lock for chores that need the lid open.
EKO Hudson 13.2 Gal Step Can: Best for stored spare bags
- 13.2 gal capacity
- 16.34 x 14.33 x 24.29 in with lid closed
- Rear bag storage compartment
- Soft-close lid
A matte black stainless steel step can with a soft-close lid and a rear compartment for spare bags. Its listed height increases when the lid is fully open.
Pros
- Rear compartment keeps spare bags with the can
- Soft-close lid
- Fingerprint-resistant surface
- 13.2 gal capacity
Cons
- Check height with the lid open before choosing a spot
- Matte black finish may not match every kitchen
The Hudson adds a rear compartment for spare bags and a soft-close lid. Check its height with the lid fully open before deciding where to place it.
What should you check before buying?
Measure the available space and confirm which liner system you prefer before choosing. The 50 L can has a removable bucket and uses Code Q liners; the 55 L model has a liner rim and liner pocket.
Consider how often you'll move the can, whether the bucket needs to come out for cleaning and how long the lid may need to stay open. Those everyday details help distinguish the 50 L can from a larger model with a different bag setup.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. The 50 L can earns 9.1 here for its pedal design, wall-friendly hinge, removable bucket and built-in wheels.
Which simplehuman step can should you choose?
Choose the 50 L Rectangular Step Can if you want a removable bucket, wall-side placement and wheels for moving it. Choose the 55 L model if you want more capacity and a built-in liner pocket, or an EKO option if recycling use or stored spare bags better fit your kitchen.
For another way to compare pedal options, browse our foot pedal trash can guide.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the simplehuman 50 Liter Rectangular Step Can?
The can measures 19.8 in long, 12.8 in wide and 25.7 in high, with a 50 L capacity, also described as 13.0 gal. Measure the floor area and nearby door swings before choosing a spot, and leave room to use the pedal and lift out the inner bucket.
Does the simplehuman 50 L step can have an inner bucket?
Yes. Its removable inner bucket catches drips and lifts out for cleaning, and the bucket park position lets you rest it tilted toward you during a bag change.
The 55 L simplehuman alternative uses a liner rim without an inner bucket.
Can the simplehuman 50 Liter trash can stay open?
Yes. The lid stays open for as long as you need, which can help during meal prep or cleanup.
The internal hinge also allows the can to sit against a wall, while built-in wheels make the 50 L model easier to move.
Which liners fit the simplehuman 50 Liter can?
Simplehuman's Code Q liners are designed for this can, with a fit intended to keep the bag from slipping and hidden from view. Check the liner code when buying replacements, especially if you already keep a different size of kitchen bag at home.
