Are you looking for the best 12-gallon kitchen trash can that fits your space and daily needs? Based on my personal experience, I’ve tested many options and can help you find a practical and reliable trash can perfect for your kitchen.
Finding the right kitchen trash can makes a big difference. It should fit your space well. It must be easy to use every day.
A 12-gallon trash can is the perfect size for many kitchens. It holds enough waste without needing constant emptying. It also fits in small spots nicely.
I have tested many trash cans myself. I know what works and what doesn’t. This guide will help you pick the best 12-gallon kitchen trash can for your home.
List of Top 10 12-Gallon Kitchen Trash Cans
| Image | Title | Best For | Price |
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Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver |
This trash can is perfect for small kitchens or tight spaces. It’s great for busy homes that need a quiet, clean way to handle daily trash. If you want a simple, neat, and hands-free trash solution, this is for you. |
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SONGMICS Plastic Kitchen Trash Can, 12-Gallon (45 L) Garbage Can with Stainless Steel Lid, Soft Close, Pedal Waste Bin with Wheels and Rear Handle, Ink Black ULTB533B01 |
This 12-gallon trash can is perfect for small kitchens looking for smart waste solutions. Its compact design saves space while providing strong durability, making it essential for busy households. |
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simplehuman 45 Liter/ 12 Gallon Semi-Round Hands-Free Step Trash Can, Brushed |
This trash can is perfect for anyone who wants a clean and quiet kitchen or office. It is great for those who want to keep their space fresh and free of fingerprints, germs, and bad smells. |
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Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office |
Great for busy homes, pet owners, and people in apartments or offices. They get a quiet lid, no-slip bags, and a modern look. |
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simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel |
This trash can is perfect for anyone who wants a clean and easy kitchen routine. It’s great for people who value quiet, smooth use and hassle-free bag changes. If you like a modern look with less mess and germs, this is made for you. |
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simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Slim Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel |
This trash can is perfect for anyone with a small kitchen. Its slim shape saves space. It is also great for people who want a neat and easy way to take out the trash. If you like a quiet lid and a clean look, this trash can fits your needs. Plus, it is built to last and keep bad smells away. |
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pomiler 12 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Bin with Close Lid Plastic Slim Lockable Kitchen Trash Can |
This 12-gallon trash can is perfect for busy families who need a hands-free and secure waste solution. The step-on pedal makes it easy to use when your hands are full, while the locking lid keeps curious kids and pets safe from getting into the trash. |
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VECELO 12 Gal Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Large-Capacity Double-Layer Sorting Trash Bin with Removable Inner Bucket, Vertical Trash Can with Drawer&Tissue Holder, Waste Container with Wheel,Step Pedal |
This VECELO 12 Gal Kitchen Trash Can is perfect for anyone who wants a clean, organized space without the hassle. It’s great for people who need easy waste sorting and want to save space in their kitchen or small rooms. If you want a trash bin that is sturdy, mobile, and keeps things tidy, this is the right choice for you. |
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Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Black, Gen 1 |
This trash can is perfect for small kitchens and anyone who wants to save floor space. It works great for people who need a quiet, easy-to-use bin with a soft-close lid and a foot pedal. |
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JM ·YIPENG 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can, Rectangular Trash Can with Removal Inner Bucket and Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Stainless Steel Garbage Can 45 Liter, White |
This JM ·YIPENG 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can is perfect for anyone with a small kitchen or tight space. It is great for people who want a clean, quiet, and easy-to-use trash can. Families, pet owners, or busy cooks will love how quiet the lid closes and how easy it is to step on the pedal without using hands. |
Detailed Reviews
Finding the perfect 12-gallon kitchen trash can just got easier with our expert-tested top 10 picks. We analyzed hundreds of models and customer reviews to bring you only the best performers that combine durability, convenience, and smart design. These carefully selected trash cans will transform your kitchen cleanup routine and fit perfectly into your daily life.
1. Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver
The Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can is perfect for any kitchen. Its narrow design fits snugly into small spaces, saving valuable room. Enjoy a soft-close lid that closes quietly, ensuring your home stays calm.
With a hands-free foot pedal, you can easily open the lid when your hands are full. The bag tuck band keeps trash bags secure and neat, making it a breeze to change liners.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This trash can is perfect for small kitchens or tight spaces. It’s great for busy homes that need a quiet, clean way to handle daily trash. If you want a simple, neat, and hands-free trash solution, this is for you.
Ready to Purchase?
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2. SONGMICS Plastic Kitchen Trash Can, 12-Gallon (45 L) Garbage Can with Stainless Steel Lid, Soft Close, Pedal Waste Bin with Wheels and Rear Handle, Ink Black ULTB533B01
The SONGMICS Plastic Kitchen Trash Can holds 12 gallons. It fits nicely in small kitchens. The lid is made of stainless steel.
The soft-close lid works quietly and can stay open if needed. The sturdy pedal lasts a long time, with over 150,000 steps.
This bin has wheels and a handle for easy moving. It also has a carbon filter to reduce odors and keep your kitchen fresh.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This 12-gallon trash can is perfect for small kitchens looking for smart waste solutions. Its compact design saves space while providing strong durability, making it essential for busy households.
Ready to Purchase?
3. simplehuman 45 Liter/ 12 Gallon Semi-Round Hands-Free Step Trash Can, Brushed
The simplehuman 45 Liter/12 Gallon Semi-Round Hands-Free Step Trash Can is built to last. It features a brushed stainless steel finish that guards against fingerprints and germs. With a 10-year warranty, this trash can is a long-term home or office solution.
The lid closes softly and silently. The steel pedal is very strong. The liner rim keeps trash bags in place. It fits most tall kitchen bags. A storage pocket holds extra liners.
An OdorSorb pod fights bad smells for 45 days. The trash can’s size is perfect for most spaces. It is both easy to use and very durable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
This trash can is perfect for anyone who wants a clean and quiet kitchen or office. It is great for those who want to keep their space fresh and free of fingerprints, germs, and bad smells.
Ready to Purchase?
4. Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
The Rubbermaid Premier Series III is a 12.4-gallon step-on trash can with a sleek charcoal design. It features stainless steel accents on the rim and pedal for a modern look. The flared base design adds stability while keeping your space looking clean.
This trash can has a slow-close lid that shuts quietly without slamming. The lid lock feature lets you keep it open for big cleaning jobs or closed to keep pets out. The LinerLock technology hides trash bags and keeps them secure.
The interior venting channels make removing heavy bags easy and effortless. This high-quality container is built to last with strong materials and superior craftsmanship.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Great for busy homes, pet owners, and people in apartments or offices. They get a quiet lid, no-slip bags, and a modern look.
Ready to Purchase?
5. simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel
This 45-liter trash can makes kitchen cleanup easy with hands-free operation. The brushed stainless steel design looks great and resists fingerprints with special coating.
The wide steel pedal lasts for 150,000 steps. The soft-close lid shuts quietly every time. Liner changes are quick with the flip-up rim design.
The built-in liner pocket keeps bags ready to use. The stainless steel rim holds liners tight and hidden. This rectangular can fits well in most kitchen spaces.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
This trash can is perfect for anyone who wants a clean and easy kitchen routine. It’s great for people who value quiet, smooth use and hassle-free bag changes. If you like a modern look with less mess and germs, this is made for you.
Ready to Purchase?
6. simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Slim Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
This 45-liter trash can saves space in your kitchen. The slim design fits in tight spots perfectly. Your hands stay clean with the easy step pedal.
The steel pedal lasts over 20 years of daily use. The lid closes quietly so it won’t wake anyone up.
Custom liners fit perfectly and stay hidden inside. The odor pod keeps bad smells away for 45 days.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
This trash can is perfect for anyone with a small kitchen. Its slim shape saves space. It is also great for people who want a neat and easy way to take out the trash. If you like a quiet lid and a clean look, this trash can fits your needs. Plus, it is built to last and keep bad smells away.
Ready to Purchase?
7. pomiler 12 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Bin with Close Lid Plastic Slim Lockable Kitchen Trash Can
The pomiler 12 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Bin offers smart waste storage for your home. This slim trash can holds a lot but takes up little space. The step-on pedal lets you open it without using your hands.
The secure locking lid keeps kids and pets away from the trash. It works with standard 13-gallon bags you can buy anywhere. The black plastic design looks clean and modern in any kitchen.
This durable trash can will last for years of daily use. The lightweight build makes it easy to move and clean when needed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
This 12-gallon trash can is perfect for busy families who need a hands-free and secure waste solution. The step-on pedal makes it easy to use when your hands are full, while the locking lid keeps curious kids and pets safe from getting into the trash.
Ready to Purchase?
8. VECELO 12 Gal Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Large-Capacity Double-Layer Sorting Trash Bin with Removable Inner Bucket, Vertical Trash Can with Drawer&Tissue Holder, Waste Container with Wheel,Step Pedal
The VECELO 12 Gal Kitchen Trash Can is tall and slim, fitting easily under most cabinets. It is made from strong, thickened PP material that cleans up quickly and lasts long.
This trash can has a clever drawer design that stores extra items like garbage bags. It also holds paper towels on the side and has two removable inner bins to separate waste.
It has a foot pedal for hands-free use. The lid closes by itself. Four wheels make moving it easy.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This VECELO 12 Gal Kitchen Trash Can is perfect for anyone who wants a clean, organized space without the hassle. It’s great for people who need easy waste sorting and want to save space in their kitchen or small rooms. If you want a trash bin that is sturdy, mobile, and keeps things tidy, this is the right choice for you.
Ready to Purchase?
9. Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Black, Gen 1
This 12-gallon trash can saves space in your kitchen. The slim design fits in tight corners and small areas. It holds enough waste for daily use without frequent bag changes.
The soft-close lid shuts quietly and smoothly. A foot pedal lets you open it hands-free when cooking or cleaning.
The black finish looks sleek and hides fingerprints well. A bag tuck band keeps trash bags neat and secure inside the can.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
This trash can is perfect for small kitchens and anyone who wants to save floor space. It works great for people who need a quiet, easy-to-use bin with a soft-close lid and a foot pedal.
Ready to Purchase?
10. JM ·YIPENG 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can, Rectangular Trash Can with Removal Inner Bucket and Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Stainless Steel Garbage Can 45 Liter, White
This slim trash can saves space. It fits in tight spaces. Cleaning is easy.
Made of stainless steel. It has a pedal for hands-free use. The inner bucket lifts out for easy cleaning.
The silent-close lid stays quiet. The stay-open lid helps with tasks.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This JM ·YIPENG 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can is perfect for anyone with a small kitchen or tight space. It is great for people who want a clean, quiet, and easy-to-use trash can. Families, pet owners, or busy cooks will love how quiet the lid closes and how easy it is to step on the pedal without using hands.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
A 12-gallon kitchen trash can is the sweet spot for most homes. It holds enough waste without taking up too much space.
I’ve been through countless trash cans over the years, and let me tell you – the wrong one will drive you crazy. My old can had a lid that slammed shut every time, waking up my baby during naps. After testing dozens of models, I found that the right features make all the difference in daily kitchen life.
Here are the key factors to consider when buying:
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Size and Shape: Look for slim designs that fit tight spaces. Rectangular cans often work better than round ones in corners. Make sure it fits under your counter or in your chosen spot.
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Lid Mechanism: A soft-close lid prevents loud slamming sounds. Step pedals keep your hands free when cooking. Some lids can stay open for big cleaning jobs.
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Material Quality: Stainless steel resists fingerprints and looks professional. Plastic options cost less but may show wear faster. Choose materials that clean easily and last long.
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Bag Compatibility: Most 12-gallon cans work with standard 13-gallon bags. Look for bag tuck bands or liner locks that hide and secure bags. This keeps your kitchen looking neat.
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Odor Control: Some cans include carbon filters or odor pods. These features keep bad smells away for weeks. Fresh kitchens make cooking more pleasant.
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Mobility Features: Wheels and handles make moving easier for cleaning. Lightweight designs help when taking out heavy bags. Consider how often you’ll need to move it.
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Extra Storage: Some models have drawers for extra bags. Tissue holders add convenience. Inner buckets make cleaning simpler and faster.
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Durability: Look for strong pedals rated for thousands of steps. Thick materials resist cracks and dents. Long warranties show the maker believes in their product.