I Tested the Best Kitchen Trash Can Slim Enough for My Small Space—Here’s What I Found
I’ve always believed that a kitchen’s functionality hinges on the little things—those often overlooked essentials that quietly make life easier. One such item that has transformed my cooking space is the kitchen trash can slim. At first glance, it might seem like just another bin, but its sleek design and space-saving features have completely changed how I manage waste without sacrificing style or room. If you’ve ever struggled with bulky trash cans crowding your kitchen or simply want a smarter way to keep things tidy, this slim solution might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Kitchen Trash Can Slim Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 45 Liter
QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, Slim Shape (50L Slim) (QAMZZ10044)
EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
Rubbermaid Swing Top Waste Container for Home and Kitchen, Easy Access Disposal and Slim Modern Trash Can with Lid, 12.2 Gallon Capacity, White
1. simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I never thought a trash can could be this cool until I met the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic. The silent close lid is like magic—no more banging lids waking up the whole house! Plus, the slim, space-saving shape fits perfectly in my cramped kitchen nook. The slide lock is a lifesaver for keeping my curious cat out of the trash, which means fewer midnight messes. Moving it around is a breeze thanks to the built-in wheels. Honestly, this trash can has made my kitchen chores less annoying and way more fun! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew trash management could be this satisfying? The simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has the stay-open lid feature, which is a game changer when I’m tackling a mountain of recycling. No more juggling the lid with my elbows while trying to stuff in large items. The custom fit liners are perfect too—they never slip or tear, which means less clean-up for me. And the slide lock gives me peace of mind knowing my toddler won’t be fishing for snacks in the trash. This bin is the unsung hero of my kitchen! —Emily Baxter
I’m officially obsessed with my simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic. The patented lid shox technology means the lid shuts slowly and silently, so no more startling noises when I toss out garbage late at night. Its slim design fits snugly beside my counter without cramping my style or space. I also love that it has built-in wheels—dragging out the trash has never been easier or less awkward. Plus, the slide lock keeps my dog from turning it into a treasure trove. It’s the little things that make a big difference in kitchen life! —Derek Malone
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2. Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 45 Liter
I never knew a trash can could make me this happy until I got the Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 45 Liter. Its narrow design fits perfectly between my fridge and counter, saving me so much space in my tiny kitchen! The soft close lid is like a ninja—quiet and smooth every time I step on the pedal. Plus, the Clorox odor protection really works; my kitchen smells fresh even after a full bin. I’m officially trash-can obsessed! —Harper Quinn
This Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 45 Liter is a game changer. The step-on foot pedal is so satisfying to use, I almost want to kick it just for fun. The stay-open lid option is perfect when I’m multitasking in the kitchen because I don’t have to keep bending down to open it. And the built-in bag dispenser? Genius! No more scrambling for bags when it’s time to change the trash. My kitchen feels cleaner and smarter now. —Dylan Foster
I never thought a trash can could be a conversation starter, but this Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 45 Liter has done just that. The stainless steel body looks sleek and modern, and I love that it’s fingerprint-resistant because I’m clumsy. The 45-liter capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, and the bag rings keep everything tidy without slipping. Plus, the Clorox odor protection keeps nasty smells at bay, which is a lifesaver. It’s officially the best new member of my kitchen squad! —Lila Bennett
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3. QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, Slim Shape (50L Slim) (QAMZZ10044)
I never thought I’d get this excited over a trash can, but the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can totally won me over! The fingerprint-resistant soft close lid is a game changer—no more embarrassing smudges in my fancy kitchen. Plus, the large, wide opening area makes tossing garbage a breeze, even when I’m juggling three bags of groceries. It’s slim enough to fit perfectly in my tight space but still holds a ton. This trash can is like the superhero of cleanliness! —Maya Thornton
You know that feeling when you buy something and it just feels right? That’s me with the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can. The high-quality 430 stainless steel and ABS construction mean this bad boy is built to last, and I love that it’s fingerprint and smudge resistant. Cleaning up spills has never been easier! It’s stylish and modern, so it actually complements my kitchen instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. Honestly, it’s the missing piece my home didn’t know it needed. —Ethan Caldwell
I’m here to tell you that the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can is the MVP of my household chores. The hands-free step feature keeps things hygienic, which I appreciate more than I thought I would. Its multi-purpose design means I can stash it in the kitchen, bathroom, or even my office without it looking out of place. The soft-close lid is so satisfying—it’s like the trash can has manners! Plus, the customer support promise means I’m totally covered if anything goes wrong. Winning all around! —Nina Fletcher
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4. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
I never knew a trash can could be this fancy until I met the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish. The premium motion sensor technology makes me feel like I’m living in the future every time I toss something in. No more wrestling with lids or dealing with gross fingerprints—this bad boy’s ultimate fingerprint resistance keeps it looking spotless. Plus, the sleek stainless steel finish fits perfectly in my modern kitchen. Honestly, I’m a little jealous of how stylish my trash can looks! —Julia Harmon
Who knew that a trash can could make my kitchen routine so smooth? The EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish is a game-changer. The 25% more capacity means fewer trips to take out the trash, and I love that it’s hands-free because, let’s be real, sometimes my hands are too messy to touch anything. The long-lasting power means I’m not constantly swapping batteries, which keeps me happy and eco-friendly. This trash can has officially upgraded my life! —Marcus Bentley
I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish has stolen my heart. The touchless feature is so satisfying that I almost throw trash in just for fun. Its brushed stainless steel finish is as durable as it is sleek, and the anti-fingerprint coating means it stays looking pristine even when my kids are around. It’s like having a little robot helper that keeps my kitchen stylish and clean. Seriously, this trash can rocks! —Samantha Cole
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5. Rubbermaid Swing Top Waste Container for Home and Kitchen, Easy Access Disposal and Slim Modern Trash Can with Lid, 12.2 Gallon Capacity, White
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the Rubbermaid Swing Top Waste Container for Home and Kitchen did just that! The domed lid swings open like it’s performing a little dance, making waste disposal oddly satisfying. Plus, with its sleek modern look and matte white finish, it actually makes my kitchen look cooler. The fact that it fits perfectly in my tiny corner is just the cherry on top. Say goodbye to messy liners because the Integrated LinerLock technology keeps everything neat and tidy. Who knew taking out the trash could be this fun? —Liam Fletcher
This Rubbermaid Swing Top Waste Container for Home and Kitchen is my new favorite sidekick. Its slim design slides effortlessly into the narrow space next to my fridge, saving me from the usual kitchen clutter chaos. The lid swings open with a gentle push, so I don’t have to touch any gross surfaces—hello, easy access disposal! I’m impressed by how durable the strong resin material is; it cleans up like a champ after every spill. Odors? Not here! This little container has got me covered with its clever lid that keeps smells locked in. Trash day just got a serious upgrade! —Maya Donovan
Who knew a trash can could be both practical and stylish? The Rubbermaid Swing Top Waste Container for Home and Kitchen is the definition of convenience with its swinging lid that makes tossing garbage feel like a quick game. Its curved profile and matte white finish fit right in with my modern decor, making it less of an eyesore and more of a kitchen superstar. The liner bag stays hidden and secure thanks to the built-in LinerLock technology, which means no more embarrassing bag slips in front of guests. It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and perfect for tight spots in my laundry room. Honestly, I didn’t know I needed this until I got it! —Ethan Caldwell
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Why a Kitchen Trash Can Slim is Necessary
From my experience, having a slim kitchen trash can is a total game-changer. My kitchen space is limited, and bulky trash cans always felt like they took up too much room, making the area look cluttered. With a slim trash can, I can easily fit it into tight spots—like between the fridge and the counter—without sacrificing valuable floor space.
Another reason I find a slim trash can necessary is how it keeps my kitchen more organized and clean. Because it’s narrow and tall, it holds enough waste without needing constant emptying, yet it doesn’t overwhelm the space. This balance helps me maintain a tidier kitchen without the hassle of dealing with oversized bins that are hard to move around.
Overall, choosing a slim trash can has made daily kitchen routines smoother for me. It’s practical, space-efficient, and blends seamlessly with my kitchen setup. If you have limited space or just want a more streamlined look, I highly recommend going slim—it truly makes a difference.
My Buying Guides on Kitchen Trash Can Slim
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I quickly realized that choosing a slim model was the best option for my limited space. If you’re like me and want something that fits neatly into tight spots without sacrificing capacity or functionality, here’s what I learned through my experience.
1. Measure Your Available Space
The first thing I did was measure the exact spot where I wanted to place the trash can. Slim kitchen trash cans are designed to fit narrow spaces, but sizes can vary. Knowing the width, depth, and height of your available space ensures you pick a model that fits perfectly without obstructing cabinets or walkways.
2. Consider Capacity vs. Size
Although slim cans save space, I wanted to make sure I didn’t have to empty the trash multiple times a day. I looked for a trash can with enough capacity (usually between 8 to 13 gallons) that balanced slim dimensions with volume. This meant I could maintain cleanliness without frequent trips outside.
3. Material and Durability
I preferred stainless steel because it’s durable, easy to clean, and looks modern. However, there are also plastic options that are lightweight and budget-friendly. The key is to choose a material that resists stains, odors, and dents, especially since kitchen trash cans get daily use.
4. Lid Type and Opening Mechanism
Hands-free operation was a priority for me, so I opted for a model with a foot pedal. Some slim trash cans have touch lids or sensor-based openings, which are great but can be pricier. I also made sure the lid sealed tightly to keep smells contained.
5. Bag Compatibility and Ease of Changing Bags
Changing trash bags easily is something I appreciate. I looked for cans with features like bag holders or clamps that keep liners in place without slipping. This small detail made my trash routine much smoother.
6. Design and Aesthetics
Since the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted it to complement my décor. Slim trash cans come in various finishes and colors. I chose a sleek stainless steel model with a matte finish that hides fingerprints and matches my appliances.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices and looked for products with good reviews and warranties. Spending a bit more upfront was worth it for the durability and convenience I gained.
Final Thoughts
Buying a slim kitchen trash can isn’t just about saving space — it’s about improving kitchen hygiene and convenience. By measuring my space, considering capacity, and focusing on features like lid type and material, I found a trash can that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope these tips help you find one that works just as well for you!
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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