Best Kitchen Trash Cans for Odor Control in 2025
Maintaining a clean and odor-free kitchen is essential for a pleasant cooking and dining experience. One often overlooked aspect is the choice of a suitable trash can. A high-quality kitchen trash can with effective odor control can significantly enhance your kitchen’s hygiene and ambiance. In this guide, we present the top 5 kitchen trash cans renowned for their odor control capabilities, based on thorough analysis of customer reviews and product features.
Benefits of Using a Kitchen Trash Can with Odor Control
- Enhanced Hygiene: Odor-controlling trash cans prevent the spread of unpleasant smells, contributing to a cleaner kitchen environment.
- Improved Aesthetics: Modern trash cans come in sleek designs that complement your kitchen decor.
- Convenience: Features like motion sensors and foot pedals allow for hands-free operation, reducing contact with germs.
- Durability: High-quality materials like stainless steel ensure longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Some models offer dual compartments for easy waste separation and recycling.
EKO Deluxe Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can
Description:
The EKO Deluxe Mirage-T is a sleek, touchless trash can designed to enhance kitchen hygiene and aesthetics. Its motion sensor technology allows for hands-free operation, reducing contact with germs. The brushed stainless steel finish is fingerprint-resistant, maintaining a clean appearance. The removable inner liner facilitates easy cleaning and bag replacement. Additionally, it features a deodorizer compartment (deodorizer not included) to help neutralize odors.
Pros:
- Touchless operation minimizes germ spread.
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel maintains a clean look.
- Removable inner liner simplifies cleaning.
- Deodorizer compartment aids in odor control.
Cons:
- Requires batteries for sensor operation.
- Deodorizer not included; must be purchased separately.
SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close, Smudge Resistant Trash Can with Foot Pedal and Built-in Filter
Description:
The SIMPLI-MAGIC trash can combines functionality with style. Its foot pedal allows for hands-free operation, while the soft-close lid ensures quiet use. The smudge-resistant stainless steel finish keeps the can looking clean. A built-in filter helps neutralize odors, maintaining a fresh kitchen environment.
Pros:
- Foot pedal enables hands-free use.
- Soft-close lid prevents noise.
- Smudge-resistant finish maintains cleanliness.
- Built-in filter aids in odor control.
Cons:
- Filter replacements may incur additional costs.
- Limited availability in some regions.
Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection
Description:
This Glad trash can features Clorox Odor Protection, which inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The stainless steel construction is fingerprint-resistant, and the foot pedal allows for hands-free operation. A rear compartment stores extra trash bags, making replacements convenient. The soft-close lid ensures quiet use.
Pros:
- Clorox Odor Protection keeps odors at bay.
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel maintains a clean appearance.
- Rear bag compartment adds convenience.
- Soft-close lid prevents noise.
Cons:
- Some users report the can dents easily.
- The rear compartment may cause the can to protrude from the wall.
iTouchless SoftStep 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Odor Filter
Description:
The iTouchless SoftStep trash can offers a combination of style and functionality. Its foot pedal allows for hands-free operation, and the soft-close lid ensures quiet use. The built-in AbsorbX odor filter neutralizes odors, keeping your kitchen fresh. The fingerprint-proof stainless steel finish maintains a clean look.
Pros:
- Foot pedal enables hands-free use.
- Soft-close lid prevents noise.
- AbsorbX odor filter neutralizes odors.
- Fingerprint-proof finish maintains cleanliness.
Cons:
- Odor filter requires periodic replacement.
- Some users report issues with the foot pedal over time.
SONGMICS Trash Can, 2 x 10.6 Gallon (2 x 40 L) Garbage Can for Kitchen
Description:
The SONGMICS dual-compartment trash can is ideal for separating waste and recyclables. Each compartment has its own lid and inner bucket, making disposal and cleaning easy. The airtight lids help contain odors, and the included trash bags allow for immediate use. The sleek design fits well in modern kitchens.
Pros:
- Dual compartments facilitate waste separation.
- Airtight lids contain odors effectively.
- Removable inner buckets simplify cleaning.
- Includes trash bags for immediate use.
Cons:
- Larger footprint may not suit smaller kitchens.
- Plastic inner buckets may be less durable over time.
🛡️ Safety Tips for Using Kitchen Trash Cans Effectively (Approx. 500 words)
While a high-quality trash can can keep your kitchen odor-free and looking sharp, it’s equally important to use it safely and maintain good hygiene. Below are essential safety and maintenance tips for optimal performance:
1. Regular Cleaning Is Key
Trash cans—especially those in the kitchen—can harbor bacteria, mold, and food residue. Even if your trash can is stainless steel or has a fingerprint-resistant coating, it should still be cleaned at least once a week. Use warm soapy water or disinfectant wipes for the exterior and a bleach-based cleaner for the interior.
2. Replace Odor Filters Timely
Many of the best trash cans on this list come with built-in odor filters. These filters lose effectiveness over time. Make sure to check manufacturer recommendations and replace them every 2–3 months or as needed.
3. Secure the Lid Properly
Always ensure the lid closes completely after each use. An improperly closed lid allows odors to escape and can attract pests. Touchless or soft-close lids usually handle this well, but always check to see they’re functioning as intended.
4. Use the Right Size Trash Bags
Using improperly fitting trash bags can lead to rips or spills inside the can, creating a mess that invites germs. Always choose bags that match your can’s capacity (e.g., 13-gallon bags for a 13.2-gallon trash can).
5. Keep It Out of Reach of Pets and Small Children
If you have curious pets or toddlers at home, choose a trash can with a strong, secure lid or motion sensor that deters unnecessary access. Some step-on models may also be hard for children or pets to open.
6. Avoid Overfilling
Stuffing your trash to the brim can cause the bag to rip, spreading odors and mess. Empty the can regularly—even if it’s not full—especially if it contains perishable or smelly waste like meat or dairy.
7. Proper Placement
Avoid placing your trash can too close to cooking surfaces, heating units, or direct sunlight, as heat can speed up decomposition and increase odor. A shaded, cool area in your kitchen is ideal.
Other Factors to Consider Before Buying
When choosing the best kitchen trash can for odor control, there are a few more things to consider:
Aesthetic Fit: Choose a trash can that complements your kitchen’s decor. Stainless steel is a safe, modern choice.
Ease of Bag Replacement: Some models include liners or compartments that make bag replacement faster and cleaner.
Space Constraints: Measure your space before buying. Dual-compartment cans are great for waste separation but may require more room.
Budget: High-end models with motion sensors or premium odor filters cost more, but the added hygiene and convenience may be worth it.
Conclusion
In today’s modern kitchens, a trash can isn’t just a necessity—it’s a part of your home’s cleanliness, style, and functionality. Choosing one of the top 5 best kitchen trash cans for odor control ensures a cleaner, fresher space while enhancing convenience and hygiene.
Whether you’re drawn to the tech-savvy EKO Deluxe Mirage-T, the dual-purpose SONGMICS 2-compartment can, or the Glad bin with built-in Clorox odor protection, there’s a perfect option for every kitchen and lifestyle.
Investing in the right trash can now will save you from constant odors, frequent cleaning hassles, and design mismatches later.
