Is your kitchen cluttered and cramped? Do you have trouble finding storage space for all of your pots and pans? If so, a slim kitchen trash can may be the solution for you!
Slim kitchen trash cans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are tall and narrow, while others are short and wide. Some have a lid, while others do not. If you can’t decide which product to purchase, keep reading this article for tips on choosing the best slim kitchen trash can for your needs!
What Does It Mean by Slim Trash Can?
When most people think of trash cans, they picture big, bulky receptacles that take up a lot of space. However, there is such a slim trash can – and it can be an excellent choice for small apartments and houses.
So, what exactly is a slim trash can? In a nutshell, it’s a tiny can fit in tight places. They are often about the same width as a standard kitchen trash can but are significantly shorter. It makes them perfect for small bathrooms, kitchens, or bedrooms.
Regarding size dimensions, slim trash cans typically range from 12-18 inches wide and 28-34 inches tall. So, if you’re looking for a compact solution to your storage needs, a slim trash can might be just what you need.
The Advantage of Slim Trash Can
Not all trash cans are created equal. There are significant distinctions between the many types of trash cans on the market. While some trash cans are bulky and difficult to move, others are sleek and slim. Slim trash cans have numerous advantages over their bulkier counterparts.
➤Easy to Move
The narrow profile of slim trash cans makes them much easier to move than bulky ones. If you have a small kitchen, this can be a huge advantage. You won’t have to worry about maneuvering around a large, awkward trash can whenever you need to sweep or mop the floor.
➤Easy to Clean
Slim trash cans are also much easier to clean than bulky trash cans. When you’re trying to clean around a large trash can, it’s easy to miss spots. However, cleaning a slim trash can, there are no nooks or crannies for dirt and debris to hide in. It makes them much simpler to keep clean – and your kitchen will look neater.
➤Great for Small Spaces
If you live in a small apartment or home, space is probably at a premium. Slim trash can help you save valuable space in your kitchen (or any other room in your house). By taking up less space, they leave more room for other things – like extra counter space or a place to put your recycling bin.
➤Sleek and Modern
Slim trash cans are sleek and modern, which makes them a popular choice for contemporary homes. Most homeowners often prefer stainless steel or another high-quality material for their added appeal. A slim trash can is an excellent option if you’re looking for a trash can that will complement your modern décor.
The Best Slim Kitchen Trash Can: Factors to Consider
Choosing the best slim kitchen trash can for your needs is not a decision to be made lightly. With such a plethora of options on the market, it can be tricky to know where to begin. Luckily, this buying guide will help you narrow down your choices and choose the best trash can for your kitchen.
📌Size
Think about the space you have in your kitchen, and choose a trash can that will fit comfortably. You don’t want a trash can that is too big or too small – it should be just right.
So what’s the perfect size for a slim kitchen trash can? Well, it depends on the size of your kitchen and how much trash you generate daily. You should go with a larger can if you cook frequently or have a big family. But if you live alone, you can probably get away with a smaller one. Most kitchen trash cans can only hold a few gallons, so check how much your can fits before making your purchase.
📌Shape
When choosing the right shape for your slim kitchen trash can, you’ll want to consider both function and form. For example, round trash cans are easier to clean than square ones but might not fit nicely into a corner.
Conversely, a rectangular trash can might be more challenging to clean, but it will better use your space. Ultimately, the decision is up to you – just be sure to choose a shape that will work well in your kitchen.
📌Lid Type
Lids are essential when choosing any trash can; you don’t want your garbage to attract pests or spill all over your floor. There are three main types of lids – push, step, and sensor. Each has its pros and cons, so you’ll need to decide which one is right for you.
- Push lids: To cut costs, some people opt for this type of lid; however, it can be challenging to open if your hands are full, and odors tend to escape because it doesn’t provide a tight seal.
- Step lids: These are more expensive than push lids, but they’re also much easier to open. They provide a tight seal that helps to keep odors in, but they can be tricky to line up correctly.
- Sensor lids: This is the most expensive option but also the most convenient. They open automatically when you wave your hand in front of them, so you don’t have to touch them with dirty hands. They also provide a tight seal that helps to keep odors in.
📌Material
Durability and ease of cleaning are two important considerations when choosing a trash can – and the material it’s made from will play a big role in both. You want a durable material that will last a long time – after all, you don’t want to replace your trash can every few months!
Keep your kitchen smelling fresh by opting for a trash can material that is easy to clean. In addition, you want a material that won’t absorb spills or leaks from the garbage bag, as this can lead to bacteria growth.
Stainless steel is one popular material for slim kitchen trash cans because it ticks all these boxes. It’s also relatively inexpensive, which is a bonus.
📌Capacity
A smaller trash can might save you money upfront, but it needs emptying more often – which means more trips to the garbage can and can be inconvenient. On the other hand, a trash can with a large capacity might be challenging to maneuver and empty. The best slim kitchen trash can balances these two extremes, offering ample space without being too cumbersome.
Most slim kitchen trash cans have a capacity of between 2 to 10 gallons. It should be enough for most families – but if you generate a lot of trash, you might want to choose a larger can.
📌Price and Warranty
As with any purchase, you’ll want to consider the price of the trash can before making your decision. However, it’s worth noting that cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Slim kitchen trash cans range from about $20 to $100. The actual cost will depend on your selected features, brand, and material.
In addition, be sure to check the warranty before buying – you want a product that is backed by insurance in case anything goes wrong.
5 Most Popular Slim Kitchen Trash Cans
The best kitchen trash can for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the five popular slim kitchen trash cans. Read on for our top picks!
🔷Semi-Circular Step Trash Can
The slim form requires little counter space, and the brushed stainless steel trash finish complements any kitchen. This Simplehuman trash can is made from durable stainless steel and has a capacity of 2.6 gallons. It has a soft-close lid, which reduces noise and prevents the cover from slamming shut.
The trash can also has a built-in liner pocket, which makes it easy to replace liners without having to remove the entire trash can. The trash can’s semi-circular shape also helps prevent the trash bag from slipping inside. Additionally, it features a fingerprint-resistant coating that helps to keep it looking clean. Additionally, it includes a non-skid base that keeps it from moving even with the lid open.
🔷Rectangular Step Trash Can
The slim trash can from AmazonBasics is a great product for those looking for an easy-to-use and durable trash can. The stainless steel exterior is fingerprint-proof and smudge resistant, making it easy to keep clean. The soft-close lid minimizes the noise from opening and shutting, which is excellent for those who live in close quarters.
The heavy-duty plastic inner buckets are easy to remove and clean, even when full. The rectangular shape of the trash can makes it easy to fit into tight spaces, and it has a lid that can stay open for easy trash disposal.
🔷Sensor Trash Can With Odor Filter
If you’re looking for a touchless trash can, this product from iTouchless is an excellent option. The sensor lid automatically opens when your hand or garbage approaches and closes again when you walk away. It has a deodorizer filter that helps to keep the air around the trash can fresh and free of odors.
The trash bin is made from durable stainless steel and has a capacity of 4 gallons. It has a beautiful stainless steel finish that will look great in any kitchen. The company offers a one-year warranty on the trash can, which is great for peace of mind.
🔷Dual Compartment Trash Can
This product from EKO is an excellent option if you’re looking for a trash can with two compartments. The trash can has two separate sections – one for recycling and one for garbage. A divider separates the two compartments, each with its lid. It allows you to sort your trash without touching the dirty recyclables quickly.
This dual trash can is made from durable stainless steel and has a capacity of 20 liters. It features a foot pedal for hands-free operation, and it has built-in deodorizers to keep the air around the waste bin fresh and free of odors.
🔷Slim Step Kitchen Trash Can
Looking for a sleek and stylish way to keep your kitchen trash under control? The slim step kitchen trash can by Kohler is the perfect solution. The 8-gallon trash can fits most brands of trash bags and has a removable plastic liner for easy bag changes and cleaning.
The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and metal foot pedal allow for hands-free operation, while the inside hinge design keeps scuffs and scratches at bay. The efficient footprint and clean trash lines can make it a great addition to any kitchen, while the stay-open lid lock keeps your trash can looking neat.
Guide in Cleaning Kitchen Trash Can
Kitchen trash cans can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which is incredibly unpleasant if you have little ones who may put their hands in the wrong place. The good news? It’s easy to clean up after them with these steps!
✔️Empty the Trash Can
It may seem obvious, but it’s essential to do this before you start cleaning. It makes the job easier and prevents bacteria and fungi from migrating to other areas of your kitchen.
✔️Remove the Liner
If your trash can has a removable liner, take it out and wash it in hot, soapy water. If the liner is not removable, you can clean it by scrubbing it with a brush or sponge.
✔️Clean the Trash Can
Take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe down the entire surface of your kitchen trash can, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Wipe thoroughly over each corner/ring area where there are no handles so that even small children won’t come into direct contact when pulling out items from the trash can.
✔️Apply Disinfectant
Once you’ve cleaned the trash can, it’s important to disinfect it to kill any remaining bacteria or fungus. You can do this by spraying the inside and outside of the trash can with a household disinfectant. If your kitchen has a window, open it to help air out any fumes from the disinfectant.
✔️Replace the Liner and Lid
Once the trash can is dry, replace the liner and lid. If you don’t have a liner, put a new bag in before adding any new garbage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The kitchen is the heart of the home – it’s where we cook, eat, and gather with family and friends. But it’s also where we generate a lot of trash. If not properly managed, all that waste can stink up the place. That’s why cleaning out your kitchen trash can regularly is crucial. But even if you’re diligent about taking out the garbage, you might still be making common mistakes when cleaning your can.
Here are a few things to avoid:
❌Excessive Scrubbing
Scrubbing your garbage can too hard harms the finish, making it more prone to corrosion. It could even lead to leaks or create a mess that’s even harder to clean. It’s unnecessary to scrub so hard to get the job done – a small amount of soap and water will do the trick.
❌Not Letting It Dry Completely
If you don’t let your trash can dry thoroughly after cleaning, it’s more likely to develop mold or mildew. To avoid this, wipe the inside and outside of the can with a clean, dry cloth. If possible, set the can in a sunny spot to help speed up the drying process.
❌Forgetting to Disinfect
Cleaning your trash can is essential, but it’s not enough to just remove the dirt and grime. You also need to disinfect it to kill any bacteria or fungus lurking inside. Be sure to use a household disinfectant and follow the instructions on the label.
❌Using Harsh Chemicals
Chemicals can be harsh and abrasive, damaging the surface of your trash can. They can also be dangerous if they come into contact with food or skin. There are several safer, more effective alternatives that you can use instead. For example, baking soda and vinegar are great for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. They’re gentle on your hands and won’t harm your trash can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the typical size for a kitchen trash can?
Most homeowners don’t consider the size of their kitchen trash can. However, choosing the right size is essential if you’re planning a remodel or want to upgrade your current trash can.
A kitchen trash can is typically 20 gallons in size. It is generally sufficient for a family of four who generates a moderate amount of trash. If you have a larger family or create a lot of waste, you may want to consider a 30-gallon trash can. In contrast, a 10-gallon trash can might suffice if you have a small kitchen. Whatever size you choose, ensure it fits comfortably under your kitchen sink and is easy to empty when full.
Q. What is the best trash can for your kitchen?
If you’re looking for the best trash can for your kitchen, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
- Think about what type of trash you’ll be putting in it. A simple plastic bin will do the trick if you’re just dealing with general household waste. However, you’ll need something easy to clean if you’re dealing with food waste or other messy items. Stainless steel is a good option for those who want something durable and easy to clean.
- Consider where you’ll be placing your trash can. If it’s going under the sink, ensure you get one with a tight-fitting lid to prevent leaks. If it’s going in a cupboard, look for a model with built-in handles, so it’s easier to move around.
- Consider how much area you have to work with. A wall-mounted trash can might be the best option if you have limited counter space. With all these factors in mind, you should be able to find the perfect trash can for your kitchen.
Q. How often should I clean your trash can?
Most people don’t give much thought to their kitchen garbage cans – they just use them and then forget about them. However, if you don’t clean your trash can, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microbes. So, how frequently should you clean your garbage can? Ideally, you should scrub it down at least once a week. If you have a huge family or routinely discard food leftovers, you may need to clean it more frequently.
Q. Where is the ideal spot to put a trash can in your kitchen?
Most people don’t give much thought to where they put their trash can, but it’s actually a pretty important decision in the kitchen. Since the kitchen is where we prepare the food, we need to ensure that any potentially harmful substances are kept far away from the area where we cook.
The best place for a trash can is in a cupboard or pantry that’s not close to the stove or countertops. That way, you can open the door, deposit your trash, and then close the door again without having to worry about anything coming into contact with your food. If you don’t have a suitable cupboard or pantry, you can also put your trash can under the sink, as long as it’s far enough away from the pipes, so there’s no risk of leaks.
Q. What’s the best option to keep pests out of your trash?
Keeping pests out of your trash can be a challenge, but there are a few things you can do to deter them.
- Check that your kitchen garbage cans are clean and in good condition. Leaks and holes will only invite pests inside.
- Use tightly fitting lids to keep pests from getting into the trash. If possible, store your trash cans in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. It will help discourage pests from taking up residence in your trash.
- Make it a habit to frequently clean out your garbage cans. Pests are attracted to garbage, so the less time it spends in the can, the less likely they are to find it.
Bottom Line
Trash can be a necessary evil in the kitchen, but with some thought, you can find one that’s both functional and stylish. Keep these tips in mind when shopping for your next trash can, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for your needs!