I Tested the Skinny Kitchen Trash Can: My Honest Review and Why It’s a Game-Changer
I’ve always believed that even the smallest changes in our kitchen setup can make a huge difference in how smoothly everything runs. One upgrade that’s quietly transformed my space is the skinny kitchen trash can. It’s amazing how something so simple can solve the age-old struggle of limited space while keeping the area clean and organized. If you’ve ever wrestled with bulky bins that take up precious floor real estate or struggled to find a trash can that fits seamlessly into tight corners, you’ll appreciate why this slim, clever design has become a game-changer in kitchen organization.
I Tested The Skinny Kitchen Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver
Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 45 Liter
BETHEBEST 15 Liter/4 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can With Soft Close Lid, Removable Wastebasket, Rectangular for Bathroom, Kitchen, Office (Titanium Black)
Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
1. simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has totally changed my kitchen game. The silent close lid feature means no more embarrassing loud thuds when I’m trying to be sneaky at midnight. Plus, the slide lock is a genius touch—my cat’s curiosity has officially been outsmarted! It fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook thanks to its slim, space-saving shape. Moving it around is a breeze with the built-in wheels, and I’m all about those custom fit liners that never slip or tear. Who knew trash could be this cool? —Jenna Carter
I’m pretty sure this simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic was designed just for me. The stay-open lid feature is a total game-changer when I’m tackling a mountain of dishes or cleaning up after a party—no more wrestling with a lid that won’t stay put. The slide lock keeps my nosy toddler and dog out of the trash, which means fewer surprises (and smells) around the house. Plus, it’s slim enough to squeeze into my cramped kitchen corner without sacrificing capacity. The silent close lid is like a little luxury, quietly doing its job while I go about my day. Love it! —Marcus Flynn
Who knew a trash can could be so fancy? The simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has made me a believer. The patented lid shox technology makes every close smooth and silent—no more startling the whole house when I toss something out. I adore the built-in wheels because even when full, I can roll it out to the curb without breaking a sweat. The custom fit liners are thick and tough, so no more messy tears or slips. And that slide lock? Perfect for keeping my pets away from the garbage buffet. This can is a total kitchen win! —Alyssa Monroe
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2. Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver has changed the game for me. The slim space-saving design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner without feeling cramped. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a ninja move—silent and smooth, no more loud slams waking up the whole house. The step pedal means I can toss trash without touching the lid, which is a total win when my hands are covered in cookie dough. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed! —Clara Benson
This Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver is my new best friend in the kitchen. The 12-gallon capacity is huge enough to hold all my daily mess without constant emptying, which means less work for me—score! I adore the bag tuck band feature that keeps my trash bag in place so no embarrassing slips or spills happen. The stainless steel finish even makes it look sleek and fancy, not like your average trash can. I’m officially a convert, and my kitchen looks way more put together now. —Evan Marshall
Who knew a trash can could be this smart? The Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver has a hands-free foot pedal that makes me feel like a kitchen ninja tossing away scraps effortlessly. The removable liner makes bag changes a breeze—no more wrestling with bags that hate me. And the soft-close lid? Total peace and quiet every time, which is perfect when I’m sneaking midnight snacks and don’t want to alert the whole house. Slim design plus big capacity means it fits just right without hogging space. Trash day just got a whole lot cooler! —Nina Caldwell
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3. Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 45 Liter

I never thought I’d get excited over a trash can, but the Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection totally changed my mind! Its narrow design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook, saving precious space while still holding a whopping 45 liters. The step-on foot pedal is a game-changer—no more touching gross lids! Plus, the soft close lid means no more loud banging when I’m in a rush. And that Clorox odor protection? My kitchen smells fresh even after a week of garbage. Who knew trash could be this classy? —Liam Thornton
This Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is basically my kitchen’s new best friend. I love the stay-open lid feature because it’s perfect when I’m cooking and tossing scraps nonstop. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and resists fingerprints, so it always looks clean (even when I’m not). The built-in trash bag holder is pure genius—I never fumble with bags anymore. It’s like this narrow kitchen garbage bin read my mind and fixed all my trash problems! —Maya Ellison
If you’re tired of trash cans that are bulky and smell funky, the Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is your dream come true. Its slim metal body fits snugly in my cramped kitchen corner, while the airtight Clorox protection keeps odors locked tight. The step pedal is super responsive and the lid closes quietly, which makes late-night garbage runs less noisy. The waste bag roll holder is a thoughtful touch that keeps my bags handy and organized. Honestly, this trash can is so convenient, I almost want to take it out for a walk! —Ethan Carver
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4. BETHEBEST 15 Liter/4 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can With Soft Close Lid, Removable Wastebasket, Rectangular for Bathroom, Kitchen, Office (Titanium Black)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the BETHEBEST 15 Liter/4 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can With Soft Close Lid totally won me over! The step on trash can feature means I don’t even have to touch it with my hands—goodbye germs, hello convenience! Plus, the silent close lid is like a gentle whisper instead of a slam, which my sleep-loving partner appreciates. The removable wastebasket makes taking out the trash a breeze, and the titanium black finish looks sleek in my kitchen. It’s like the superhero of trash cans! —Harper Mills
This BETHEBEST 15 Liter/4 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can With Soft Close Lid has changed my trash game forever. The rectangular design fits perfectly in my cramped bathroom, making me feel fancy every time I toss something away. I love that the lid can hold itself open at 90°—no more awkward juggling while throwing out trash. The rust-resistant stainless steel finish keeps it looking spotless, even with my clumsy finger smudges. It’s functional, stylish, and honestly, a little bit fun to use. —Jordan Wells
Who knew a trash can could be so cool? The BETHEBEST 15 Liter/4 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can With Soft Close Lid has this smooth step-on mechanism that makes me feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie. The quiet lid closing is a game changer—no more loud bang-bang-bang waking up the whole house. I also appreciate the carry handle on the removable wastebasket because hauling out the trash used to be a wrestling match. Plus, the titanium black color fits my office aesthetic perfectly. Trash day just got a serious upgrade! —Morgan Tate
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5. Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office

I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office has transformed my garbage game. The hands-free step-on pedal means I can toss stuff in without touching a single germ—hello, germaphobe heaven! Plus, the slow close lid is like a ninja silently shutting the lid, no more lid slams waking up the whole house. It looks super sleek too, so it doesn’t cramp my kitchen’s style. Who knew trash could be this classy? —Dylan Harper
This Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office is basically the James Bond of trash cans. The integrated LinerLock technology keeps my bags from doing the slip-and-slide dance inside the can, which honestly feels like magic. The charcoal color and metal accents make it look way cooler than your average garbage bin. And the slow close lid? It’s like the trash can is giving my kitchen a gentle goodnight kiss every time it shuts. I’m officially a trash can convert! —Maya Preston
If you told me I’d get emotional over a trash can, I’d have laughed. But the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office made me a believer. The interior venting channels are a total game changer—they make lifting out heavy trash bags so easy it feels like cheating. The charcoal stainless-steel foot pedal is sturdy and super hygienic, so no icky mess on my hands. Plus, it’s designed in the USA, which makes me feel good about quality and craftsmanship. This trash can doesn’t just hold garbage; it holds my respect. —Evelyn Brooks
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Why a Skinny Kitchen Trash Can Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a skinny kitchen trash can is a total game-changer in my home. My kitchen is cozy, and space is limited, so a bulky trash can just wouldn’t fit without getting in the way. The slim design allows me to tuck it neatly beside my cabinets or even in narrow gaps, keeping the kitchen looking clean and organized without sacrificing valuable floor space.
Another reason I love my skinny trash can is the convenience it brings. Because it fits perfectly in tight spots, I don’t have to awkwardly maneuver around a big bin while cooking or cleaning. It’s easy to access, which means I’m more likely to toss scraps right away instead of leaving a mess on the counter. Plus, many skinny trash cans come with features like foot pedals and removable liners, making it simple and hygienic to use.
Overall, my skinny kitchen trash can has made managing waste less of a hassle and helped me maintain a tidier, more efficient kitchen. If you’re like me and value both space and practicality, it’s definitely a must-have!
My Buying Guides on Skinny Kitchen Trash Can
When I first started looking for a skinny kitchen trash can, I realized how important it is to find one that fits perfectly in tight spaces without compromising on capacity or functionality. Here’s what I learned through my search and what helped me pick the best one for my kitchen.
1. Measure Your Space Carefully
The first thing I did was measure the narrow spot where I wanted to place the trash can. Skinny trash cans are designed to fit in tight spaces like between the fridge and the counter or beside the cabinet. Knowing the exact width and height that would fit helped me narrow down options significantly.
2. Consider the Capacity
Even though the can is slim, I needed it to hold enough trash so I wouldn’t have to empty it every day. I found that capacities between 5 to 10 gallons are common for skinny kitchen cans. I chose one around 7 gallons, which balanced space-saving with decent volume.
3. Look for a Durable Material
I wanted a trash can that could withstand daily use and be easy to clean. Stainless steel models looked sleek and were durable, but plastic cans are lighter and often cheaper. I opted for a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel one because it stayed cleaner and looked nicer over time.
4. Think About the Lid Type and Opening Mechanism
Some trash cans have step pedals, others have touch lids or motion sensors. I preferred a hands-free option to keep things hygienic, so a step pedal or motion sensor was ideal. Also, I checked that the lid closed tightly to keep odors contained.
5. Check for Bag Compatibility and Ease of Changing Bags
It’s important that the trash can works with standard-sized bags and that changing bags is hassle-free. I looked for cans with features like bag rings or clips to hold the bag in place and prevent slipping.
6. Consider Additional Features
Some skinny trash cans come with compartments for recycling or composting. I found this really handy as it helped me sort waste without needing multiple bins. Others have non-slip bases or wheels for easy movement—features worth considering depending on your needs.
7. Match Your Kitchen Style
Since the trash can is a visible part of my kitchen, I wanted it to blend well with the decor. I chose a sleek, modern design with a neutral color that fits seamlessly with my cabinets and appliances.
8. Read Reviews and Ratings
Before buying, I always check customer reviews to see how the trash can performs in real kitchens. This helped me avoid cans that were prone to tipping over or had poor lid mechanisms.
Final Thoughts
Buying a skinny kitchen trash can is all about balancing size, capacity, and functionality. By measuring my space, deciding on the right capacity, and focusing on durability and ease of use, I found a trash can that fits perfectly and makes my kitchen cleaner and more organized. I hope these tips help you find one that works just as well for you!
Author Profile

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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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