In my household, we've dedicated a two-door cabinet to both systems, which have both served us without fail. Multiple configurations are available for the under-counter setup, from a 30-liter trash bin to a 35-liter trash-and-recycling split system. I've personally been using these bins for years and never had a track or a screw come loose.
You'll also have to install a setup like this, but it's easy (eight screws) and sturdy with commercial-grade ball bearings. Of course, you have to dedicate a cabinet to the system, and cabinets come at their own premium, but if you can make it work, it frees up floor space and keeps everything neatly out of sight. An under-counter bin like those from Simplehuman answers all of those problems. And, as pretty as some trash bins might be, they are still trash cans, and no one necessarily wants to stare at or navigate around them. Pros: Strong, easy to install, trash remains out of reach of pets and childrenĬonsidering space, function, odor containment, and the fact that many of us have two types of recycling (requiring at least three bins in total), the Simplehuman Under-Counter Pull-Out Bin is the most practical setup there is.
Robust stainless steel racks and the thick plastic pail(s) mean the Simplehuman Under-Counter Pull-Out Bin can withstand years of use and abuse. Make no mistake about it that this is a plastic budget option, and it will not last a lifetime, but if you're careful enough with it, you'll easily get your money's worth. The pedal is stainless steel, which is much sturdier than a lot of the other plastic bins we looked at, and it's perfectly well-suited for 13-gallon garbage bags, so you won't have any trouble finding specific ones fit for it. It will, however, keep odors at bay much better than a lidless bin.Īs for the rest of the design, it's easy enough to clean, with no troubling nooks or crannies. The lid, which is also plastic and considerably lighter than the other lids on trash cans we recommend, fits snugly enough, but it's by no means pet- or pest-proof. It probably won't last as long as the more rigid stainless steel options we recommend, but it's considerably more affordable, every bit as functional, and much easier to move, should you need to do so. If you want a simple, serviceable trash bin with no frills or flashy stainless steel, Rubbermaid's plastic Step-On Wastebasket will do the trick. Pros: Basic but heavy-duty plastic built to last All in all, it's a manageable unit, and there are plenty of different configurations by Simplehuman.Īffordable but highly sufficient, the Rubbermaid Step-On Wastebasket covers all your needs without breaking the bank. The budget trash bags fit just fine, though it will take just a little coaxing to seal them around the rim and under the lid correctly. These bins come with branded liners (their fancy name for trash bags) that fit snugly, but they're on the pricey side to replace, so we also tried some budget options.
We also knocked it over a few times to note whether or not anything dented, broke, or separated, but it passed that test, too, though the lid did not stay closed. We opened and closed it rapidly and repeatedly as long as we could to see if we might dislodge anything or initiate an unpleasant noise, but after dozens of tries, it did not produce so much as a squeak. We haven't had those troubles with this bin, and moreover, it's quiet and smooth as can be. While that's fixable, it's also a recurring hassle. Something we've found problematic with other step cans is that the step stops functioning after a time, or the connecting rod between the step and the lid dislodges. If you have the space and don't mind the aesthetic of a trash can on display (pretty as this one may be), the best trash bin for keeping your kitchen clean and sanitized is Simplehuman's Rectangular Step Trash Can (or any of the brand's step cans that suit your space). Pros: Heavy-duty stainless steel, neatly sealing lid, smooth operationĬons: Heavy (if you have to move it), too large for many kitchens Configuration options: 45L, 55L, 58L, others designs here.If you have the floor space, the Simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can is the sturdiest, tidiest, and best-sealing option we've found.