Keep the kitchen (and your hands!) clean thanks to a touchless trash can.
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8 Touchless Trash Cans for a Mess-Free Kitchen
Updated Sep. 03, 2024
Taking out the trash is a dirty job. Literally! Even if the bag doesn’t break or leak, you still have to touch the can itself, which can be covered in food, drips and other mystery gunk. In fact, putting your hands on a garbage can is probably one cleaning mistake making your home dirtier. This is where a touchless trash can comes in handy.
Electric trash cans are a kitchen upgrade you’ll be glad you purchased since they lift the lid with infrared technology that detects your movements. Some touchless trash cans are even voice-activated.
Find an array of different sizes and shapes of touchless trash cans to suit every kitchen with features like dual compartments and odor-absorbing filters. And if you’re worried about whether the new trash can will stick out like a sore thumb, don’t be. They come in a variety of colors and finishes to match any kitchen appliance. Trust us when we say that this is one kitchen gadget you’ll wish you had years ago.
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BEST ODOR-ELIMINATING
iTouchless Automatic Trash Can with Odor-Absorbing Filter and Lid Lock
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BEST DOUBLE DUTY
Nine Stars Automatic Touchless Trash Can and Recycler
This Nine Stars touchless trash can serves as a trash can and recycling bin. It’s available in two different sizes and blends into any kitchen thanks to a removable ring liner that holds the trash bag in place and prevents overhanging. The lid opens once your hand or trash is at least 10 inches from the sensor, and three seconds after you take your hand away, the lid quietly closes. This touchless trash can works with any trash bag and requires four D batteries sold separately.
BEST ODOR-ELIMINATING
iTouchless Automatic Trash Can with Odor-Absorbing Filter and Lid Lock
This iTouchless odor-absorbing trash can has earned over 24,800 five-star ratings on Amazon. The lid opens automatically when your hand is within six inches, and it closes when you walk away. The built-in carbon filter eliminates and neutralizes odors for a fresh smell in your kitchen. This fingerprint-proof, stainless steel touchless trash can is compatible with any 13-gallon trash bag and uses either four D batteries or an AC adaptor sold separately.
best voice-activated
58L Voice + Motion Dual Compartment Rectangular Sensor Can
Saying “open can” is all it takes to operate this Simple Human motion- and voice-activated trash can. You can also say things like “stay open” or “close can” for hassle-free cleanup. A liner pocket stores and dispenses liners from inside the can for a faster change.
Odorsorb pods soak up smells for up to 45 days. Use it solely for trash, with the 58-liter dual-compartment recycler or add the optional compost caddy for things that shouldn’t be thrown in the garbage. It includes a plug-in power adaptor or runs on six AA batteries.
best fingerprint-proof
45L Motion Sensor Semi-Round Sensor Can
This Simple Human 45-liter trash can is as smart as it is sleek. A motion sensor enables it to adapt to you and the surrounding environment. So long to unnecessary opening when you, the kids or your pets walk by.
It runs on four AA batteries and is available in matte black or brushed stainless steel. The brushed stainless steel has an invisible silver-ion coating that’s both fingerprint-resistant and antimicrobial. Talk about the secret to a cleaner house!
BEST FOR SMALL SPACES
Nine Stars Plastic Motion Sensor Waste Basket
Trash cans come in all shapes and sizes. If you don’t have the room for a 13- or 18-gallon version, then add this Nine Stars space-saving trash can to your cart. It runs on just two AA batteries and promises 10,000 opens (and closes) before a battery change. It’s less than two feet tall when the lid is open, so it fits under a desk, on a counter or even next to the toilet in the bathroom.
BEST FOR LARGE GROUPS
Glad Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection
Have a large family? If so, odds are you deal with a lot of smelly trash. This Glad 20-gallon touchless trash can is the biggest on our list making it ideal for larger households. It fits 50% more trash compared to a standard 13-gallon can.
And not only that, but Glad partnered with Clorox to provide antimicrobial protection to both the lid and lid frame. This Clorox protection inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria for the life of the can, making this one of the best kitchen products on Amazon.
BEST BUDGET
FDW Automatic Touch-Free Garbage Can
Depending on the brand, a touchless stainless steel trash can cost upwards of $300. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get one of these handy cans in your kitchen. This budget-friendly, 13-gallon FDW stainless steel trash can only sets you back $55.
It works with any garbage bag, has a sensitive motion detector and runs on four C batteries (not included). It’s not very tall, but that makes it ideal for apartments and smaller spaces.
best style
Mainstays 13.2 gal/50 L Motion Sensor Kitchen Garbage Can
Looking to add a pop of color to your kitchen? This Mainstays stainless steel garbage can does the trick. Open the 13.2-gallon can with a wave of your hand and it gently closes five seconds after you pull away. It has a manual mode option that keeps the lid open longer, and re-triggering technology reopens the lid when any object interrupts the infrared beams during closing (the lid won’t close on your hand).
A removable liner ring keeps garbage bags secure and hidden. Furthermore, it runs on three C batteries (not included) that should give you 10,000 openings, or over one year of use. This is one Walmart hidden gem you’ll be glad you purchased!
What to look for when buying a touchless trash can
Though these touchless canisters make throwing out the trash a breeze, they’re not created equal. In addition to considering each option’s price and capacity, you’ll also want to consider how they open. (Some touchless trash cans have a motion sensor, while others are voice-activated.) Once you’ve figured out the basics, you can look for special features like odor-blocking technology or a fingerprint-resistant exterior.
Why you should trust us
As expert shoppers, we are devoted to finding the best products to make every facet of your life enjoyable. (Yes, even throwing out the trash.) We’ve tested dozens of touchless trash cans and found the products here worthy of your hard-earned money. Marisa Hillman, a seasoned journalist with expertise in selecting home and kitchen products, curated this list.
How we found the best touchless trash can
The Reader’s Digest tested a handful of touchless trash cans and included our favorites in this comprehensive list. (We also combed through hundreds of reviews to thoroughly examine each option.) Since we frequently update this list to highlight the latest products and updated prices, you can rest assured that this roundup showcases the latest and greatest trash cans.
FAQs
Are touchless trash cans worth it?
Though touchless trash cans are admittedly more expensive than their basic counterparts, many shoppers think they’re well worth the upfront investment. Not only are they incredibly convenient—especially if you’re throwing away large quantities of garbage—but they can also help reduce the spread of bacteria and keep your home hygienic.
Why did my touchless trash can stop working?
Have a touchless trash can that suddenly stopped working? Don’t panic. First, you’ll want to swap out the batteries in case your trash can runs out of power. Next, check to see if any dirt or debris is blocking the hinges and sensor. If your touchless trash can is still on the fritz, you might want to call your manufacturer for additional troubleshooting tips or information about your warranty.
How long do motion sensor trash cans last?
It might depend on what type of motion sensor trash you can buy, but most options last a long time. With the proper care, many touchless trash cans will last at least a year.
Are Simple Human trash cans worth it?
For many, Simple Human’s offerings are the gold standard of touchless trash cans—but they can be expensive. So, are these glorious garbage that good? Though they might elicit some sticker shock, their durability, responsive motion sensor and convenient liner storage make them well worth the investment.
Originally Published: May 25, 2023
