Trash may not be a favorite topic of conversation, but it’s a reality of everyday life. And since every household produces it, it’s helpful to identify a trash can that suits your home’s needs with a bit of style. Stainless steel trash cans are a choice option as they are sturdier and offer a more appealing look than typical plastic trash cans. The Simplehuman 12-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can provides an innovative design that keeps it tucked close to your wall and has a pedal-activated quiet-close lid.
What to know before you buy a stainless steel trash can
Shape
Most stainless steel trash cans are circular or rectangular, with some being square or oval. If you want a trash can that fits flush to the wall, square and rectangular trash cans will do the trick. Half-round cans are excellent for people who like the look of round cans but want a flat-back option.
Capacity
Capacity should be determined in advance for your household’s needs. A stainless steel trash can should be large enough that there isn’t a need to empty it continually. You also don’t want it so large that it doesn’t fit the space it’s intended. An average kitchen trash can is around 13 gallons and will suffice for most households.
Material
Stainless steel trash cans can be a bit pricier than plastic, but they are easy to clean and do not absorb odors. Although plastic trash cans are cheaper, they are prone to staining and holding smells. With stainless steel, you’ll find sleek, eye-pleasing designs that fit your space without the worry of hiding it away.
Stainless steel trash can features
Fingerprint coating
Stainless steel trash cans tend to pick up smudges and can leave fingerprints behind easily. The constant wiping of the exterior can become tedious if you aren’t willing to simply live with it. Luckily, high-end models offer a special coating that is smudge and fingerprint resistant.
Removable buckets
Some stainless steel trash cans have garbage bag liners that fit straight into the hollow body of the can, while others have removable buckets. This style allows you to fit a garbage bag into the buckets, making it convenient to empty.
Types
Stainless steel trash cans come in a variety of styles. A step trash can has a pedal at its base, which opens the lid with your foot. Automatic and touchless stainless steel trash cans have a motion sensor that activates the lid with a motion of your hand. A less expensive option is a push-top lid which requires you to press down on the lid to release a catch causing it to swing.
Stainless steel trash can cost
For push-top and basic pedal cans, you can expect to pay between $30-$60. For stainless steel trash cans with more options like recycling compartments and automatic open features, you can pay roughly $60-$100. On the high end, you’ll pay between $100-$200.
Stainless steel trash can FAQ
Can I use my stainless steel trash can outdoors?
A. Standard stainless steel trash cans are designed for indoor use only and specifically in the kitchen. That said, you may find smaller models work well for bathrooms, offices or bedrooms.
Is there a difference between brushed stainless steel and standard stainless steel?
A. Yes. Standard stainless steel has a shiny surface, while brushed stainless has a matte finish.
Which stainless steel trash can should I get?
Best of the best stainless steel trash can
Simplehuman 12-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can: available at Amazon
Our take: With a sleek, intuitive design, the simplehuman brand offers a popular stainless steel trash can with a quiet close lid.
What we like: This space-saving flatback trash can fits well against a wall with an aesthetically pleasing rounded front. It has a steel pedal that lifts the lid, and the stainless steel resists smudges and fingerprints. The 10-year warranty is a valued bonus.
What we dislike: The liners can be difficult to lock into place along the rim.
Best bang for your buck stainless steel trash can
Ninestars Automatic Touchless Motion Sensor Trash Can/Recycler: available at Amazon
Our take: This automatic touchless motion semi-round trash can has dual compartments for both garbage and recycling.
What we like: Hands-free operation makes this a hygienic option as the lid raises and lowers with the motion of your hand. It offers impressive battery life, which lasts 5-6 months with normal use. The stainless steel finish is fingerprint-resistant.
What we dislike: There have been some issues with the lid not raising, which can be remedied by removing the batteries for 24 hours and then placing them back in.
Honorable mention stainless steel trash can
Ninestars 13.2-Gallon Stainless Steel Oval Sensored Trash Can: available at Amazon
Our take: This top-rated sensor trash can is one of the best sensor models on the market as it automatically opens and closes when you move your hand.
What we like: Generous in size, the infrared motion sensor is water-resistant, preventing accidental spills from damaging the unit. The removable ring liner holds bags in place, preventing overhang. It has a hassle-free 2-year warranty.
What we dislike: The sensor doesn’t work as well when the batteries begin to drain.
Honorable mention stainless steel trash can
Step N’ Sort 16-Gallon 3-Compartment Stainless Steel Trash and Recycling Bin: available at Amazon
Our take: This three-compartment stainless steel trash can offer optimal organization for your recycling and other types of waste.
What we like: The included labels keep the trio of compartments easy to mark for various types of trash like recycling, daily waste, compost and more. The lid opens and closes by pressing a foot pedal. Compartments fit 8- or 10-gallon trash bags.
What we dislike: Some owners have been disappointed in the size of the compartments.
Honorable mention stainless steel trash can
Home Zone Stainless Steel Oval Step Trash Can: available at Amazon
Our take: A perfect all-around trash solution, the small size of this stainless steel trash works well in almost any room in your house.
What we like: With a compact and sleek design, it is ideal for those who need something slightly larger than a standard wastebasket. The quiet open and close lid keeps odors in and is activated with a pedal at the base.
What we dislike: Some received a dented trash can but found ease in the refund and exchange process.
Rachel Pintarelli is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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