An easy solution to keep your expired leftovers, bulky packaging, and moldy produce odor-less and not an eye-sore is to invest in the best slim stainless-steel trash can. Lucky enough that modern options are really designed with both aesthetics and practicality in mind.
Here are the best slim stainless steel trash cans you can buy in 2025:
- Smallest Capacity (Step-On Trash Can): mDesign 00300MDBST
- Durable (Step-On Trash Can): simplehuman CW2087DC
- Smudge-Proof (Step-On Trash Can): KOHLER K-20957-STW
- Dual Compartment Design (Open Top Trash Can): iTouchless OT05R2S-RR
- Large Capacity (Open Top Trash Can): simplehuman CW1467
- Sturdy (Open Top Trash Can): Alpine Industries 470-6L
- Pet-Proof (Automatic Trash Can): iTouchless WS13RSL
- Easy To Clean (Automatic Trash Can): SANIWISE STC132
- Largest Capacity (Automatic Trash Can): hOmeLabs 21-Gallon
| 9 Best Slim Stainless Steel Trash Cans | ||
|---|---|---|
Smallest Capacity | mDesign 00300MDBST
| |
Durable | simplehuman CW2087DC
| |
Smudge-Proof | KOHLER K-20957-STW
| |
Dual Compartment Design | iTouchless OT05R2S-RR
| |
Large Capacity | simplehuman CW1467
| |
Sturdy | Alpine Industries 470-6L
| |
Pet-Proof | iTouchless WS13RSL
| |
Easy To Clean | SANIWISE STC132
| |
Largest Capacity | hOmeLabs 21-Gallon
| |
Smallest Capacity: mDesign 00300MDBST
- Perfect for narrow spaces and single users - the 1.3-gallon capacity & the dimensions of 11.25
- Making a noise when the lid closes
- Prone to dent
If you believe a small-sized trash can is best for your tiny home, then check out the mDesign 00300MDBST.
It has a 1.3-gallon capacity and is the most compact option in this review. With the measurement of only 11.25" x 5.5" x 11.75" high, it fits any limited space like under sinks, under counters, or inside cabinets.
It's also the most affordable and offers the most color options out of other step-on trash cans we tried.
Besides, the liner bucket has handles and is made of shatter-resistant material for easy care while the stainless-steel housing brings a beautiful modern vibe.
| mDesign 00300MDBST Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.98 Pounds |
Dimension | 11.02 x 5.51 x 11.81 inches |
Capacity | 1.3 Gallons |
Highlight Features | the 1.3-gallon capacity & the dimensions of 11.25" x 5.5" x 11.75" high a variety of color options the shatter-resistant liner bucket with handles |
Most of the experts mentioned the mDesign 00300MDBST. One key reason is the unit’s smallest capacity to flexibly fit any tight corner in a tiny room, house, or apartment.
Durable: simplehuman CW2087DC
- Durable – a dent-free lid & a 150,000-step passed step-on design
- A soft, noise-free close – the patented lid shox technology
- Quality – the custom-made liner basket
- The rubber feet could provide more grip
This trash can leans toward the more expensive side, but based on thorough consideration of the criteria, it’s our winner.
What impressed us the most is its durability.
Unlike those options on the lower range, it boasts a dent-free lid with adoption of the patented lid shox technology for a soft, noise-free close.
The step-on design, on the other hand, surpasses the independent test to last more than 150,000 steps. The liner is custom-made to snugly fit the housing. As a nice plus, the fingerprint-proof stainless steel housing remains a clean look.
| simplehuman CW2087DC Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 11 Pounds |
Dimension | 24.5 x 10.2 x 21.5 inches |
Capacity | 12 Gallons |
Highlight Features | a dent-free lid & a 150,000-step passed step-on design the patented lid shox technology the custom-made liner basket |
The simplehuman CW2087DC is our favorite for high-traffic areas in the house because it’s exceptionally durable.
Smudge-Proof: KOHLER K-20957-STW
- Clean look - a fingerprint-proof finish
- Convenience – a stay-open lid
- Scratch protection to the wall that this trash can sit against – a scuff-resistant hinge design
- Wish the liner basket had a handle
As far as stainless-steel trash cans go, the KOHLER K-20957-STW is reasonably priced and features a fingerprint-proof finish to keep itself staying clean longer.
We love the lid which closes smoothly and quietly all the time.
But what truly makes it stand out from the rest are the lock to keep the lid stay open when in need and the scuff-resistant hinge design for protecting the wall that it sits against.
| KOHLER K-20957-STW Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6.18 Pounds |
Dimension | 15.25 x 6.5 x 12.75 inches |
Capacity | 2.5 Gallons |
Highlight Features | a fingerprint-proof finish a stay-open lid a scuff-resistant hinge design |
The KOHLER K-20957-STW is the best smudge-proof step-on trash can on our list.
Dual Compartment Design: iTouchless OT05R2S-RR
- Easy trash and recycling separation – two separate liner buckets with handles
- Quick and proper sorting – color-coded buckets
- Easy to change the liner - tuck and hold retention system
- The handles need improvements
- The body is prone to dent
The iTouchless OT05R2S-RR distinguishes itself for the two removable liner buckets for effortless separation of recycling and trash.
As a great bonus, each bucket has a carrying handle for easy lifting and is differently colored for quick and proper sorting.
Our testers also love the tuck and hold retention system of this trash can. If you have been struggling with liner changes, then this solves the problem nicely.
| iTouchless OT05R2S-RR Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 7.09 pounds |
Dimension | 16 x 10 x 12 inches |
Capacity | 5.3 Gallons |
Highlight Features | two color-coded separate liner buckets with handles tuck and hold retention system |
Separating trash and recycling has never been so easy when using the iTouchless OT05R2S-RR
Large Capacity: simplehuman CW1467
- Suitable for small business or large family - a 13.2-gallon capacity & extra-large opening
- Easy and quick liner changes - lift-off lid design
- Reliable - the industry-leading 10-year warranty & ADA-compliant construction
- Heavy
- The bags stick out of the sides
If you want something slim in design but ample in capacity, the simplehuman CW1467 is your go-to. With a 13.2-gallon capacity and extra-large opening, it is perfect for use in coffee shops, restaurants, and other small businesses.
The lift-off lid design, on the other hand, makes it a good choice for busy families or high-traffic areas. It is also engineered to be dent-proof to bear the aggressive abuse.
Like other SimpleHuman products, this trash can is supported by the industry-leading 10-year warranty and ADA-compliant.
| simplehuman CW1467 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 13.2 Pounds |
Dimension | 18.2 x 10.7 x 27.5 inches |
Capacity | 13.2 Gallons |
Highlight Features | a 13.2-gallon capacity & extra-large opening lift-off lid design |
Consider the simplehuman CW1467 if you find a large-capacity open-top trash can is best for your needs.
Sturdy: Alpine Industries 470-6L
- Fitting bulky items – the largemouth design
- Sturdy – wear-resistant brushed stainless steel material
- Effortless maneuverability – a built-in hole
- None
What sets the Alpine Industries 470-6L from other similarly small-capacity counterparts is sturdiness.
When testing this trash can, we were pleasantly surprised to find no issues with throwing a bulky item into it thanks to the expanded mouth design. Besides, no scratches were found on the housing even when we placed it in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or living room.
The built-in hole in this bin is also notable as it makes mobility so effortless.
| Alpine Industries 470-6L Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.8 Pounds |
Dimension | 6.4 x 8.9 x 12 inches |
Capacity | 1.6 Gallons |
Highlight Features | the large mouth design wear-resistant brushed stainless steel material a built-in hole |
For the decent sturdiness you do get with the Alpine Industries 470-6L, it is a true bargain.
Pet-Proof: iTouchless WS13RSL
- Keeping pets out of the trash - PetGuard lock
- Versatility – two power options
- Odor-resistant - AbsorbX Natural Activated Carbon Odor Filter
- The adapter and batteries aren’t included in the package
Have your pets ever rummaged in your trash can and ended up with a big mess when you're not home?
If you want to solve the problem, pick an automatic trash can with a PetGuard lock like the iTouchless WS13RSL. As an added bonus, its heavy base prevents tipping when your pets try to hang themselves on it.
While the lid closes tightly, we appreciate the added Activated Carbon Odor Filter for odor-resistant enhancement. Another worth-considering feature is the dual power options for versatility.
| iTouchless WS13RSL Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 11.08 pounds |
Dimension | 16.3 x 10.4 x 22.6 inches |
Capacity | 13 Gallons |
Highlight Features | PetGuard lock two power options AbsorbX Natural Activated Carbon Odor Filter |
We were quite impressed with the pet-proof capability of the iTouchless WS13RSL compared to other similar counterparts.
Easy To Clean: SANIWISE STC132
- Easy to clean - the fingerprint-resistant, smudge-proof finish
- Effortless to change the bags - the flexible handles
- Keeping the bag in place when you throw heavy items in it – the movable arms
- No batteries included
Though we think nobody is happy to clean a dirty trash can, that is a must! And, if you would like to finish the task as fast as possible, pick the SANIWISE STC132.
It's easily cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and returns to the original shininess after only a few wipes. Besides, the fingerprint-resistant, smudge-proof finish remains the clean look longer.
We also liked the flexible handles which make it so easy to change the bags and the movable arms for keeping the trash bag in place, even when you throw heavy items in it.
| SANIWISE STC132 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 11.45 Pounds |
Dimension | 14.96 x 10.24 x 22.83 inches |
Capacity | 13 Gallons |
Highlight Features | the fingerprint-resistant, smudge-proof finish the flexible handles the movable arms |
Of all the automatic trash cans that we tested, the SANIWISE STC132 is the easiest to clean.
Largest Capacity: hOmeLabs 21-Gallon
- Ideal for large families, offices, and crowded dorm rooms – the 21-gallon capacity
- User-friendly – the LED countdown timer with 6 indicators & easy-access switch for manual open/close option
- Not including the batteries
Not only does this automatic trash can look stylish but it also opens and closes perfectly with no issues ever found.
The lid is a lot better than the clamshell top design to stay cleaner. We also liked the added countdown which lets you know if the motion sensor has already detected your hand or when it is closing.
But the best part is the 21-gallon capacity, making it the largest option in the market. This comes in handy for big families, a crowded dorm room, or large offices.
The switch for manually turning the motion sensor off is easily accessible.
| hOmeLabs 21-Gallon Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 12.34 Pounds |
Dimension | 16.2 x 10.3 x 33.5 inches |
Capacity | 21 Gallons |
Highlight Features | the 21-gallon capacity the LED countdown timer with 6 indicators easy-access switch for manual open/close option |
If you are looking for an automatic trash can with the largest capacity, the hOmeLabs 21-Gallon delivers.
How To Choose The Best Slim Stainless Steel Trash Can?
Types
When it comes to slim stainless steel trash cans, there are three primary type options:
- Step-on trash cans
- Open-top trash cans
- Automatic trash cans
To easily determine the right one for your needs, please take a look at this comparison table:
Highlight features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best for | |
Step-on trash cans | To open the trash can lid, you’ll need to press the pedal with your foot | Hands-free capabilities Less smudges and fingerprints More hygienic | Some lid mechanisms are not opened by hands Require you to stand in front of the trash bin to open it The risks of broken pedal mechanism Lids fall down when you remove your foot | Bathroom Restroom Kitchen |
Open-top trash cans | No lids Uncovered mouth | Hands-free capabilities Effortless to check how full the trash bin is Easy and quick to throw trash away | Messy if the trash bin tips over Not pet-proof Not odor-resistant | Office desks Inorganic waste Fast food restaurants |
Automatic trash cans | They automatically open the lid once their motion sensor is activated by a hand wave in front of it within the certain range or when you’re walking by the trash bin | Modern look Make recycling a fun experience 100% touchless | The lid mechanism could be noisy Expensive Risks of broken lid mechanism Requirements of battery replacement | People who are interested in smart home appliances People with a looser budget |
Capacity
When considering the capacity of a trash bin, pay attention to these issues:
- The overall dimensions (The total space it takes to hold all the wastes)
- The liters or gallons listed (The total amount of wastes it can hold)
These two numbers are publicly shared by the manufacturer of the trash bin, so you can easily find them on the boxes.
Take note that a large-sized trash bin can hold more wastes than a small one so that you do not have to empty it so frequently. But at a time, its bulkiness could break the proportion of your kitchen and add unwanted clutter.
A small option, on the other hand, could be limited in the capacity but will fit narrower places (such as under the sink or next to a two-door refrigerator) and can be hidden away for a clean overall look.
Now, the choice is up to you. Ask yourself which element overweighs the other: the overall look of the room or the capacity.
Mouth Size
This is important!
A trash bin – no matter how large the capacity is – would become useless if you can’t put waste through its mouth. So, please take note of the mouth size (or the opening size) when you consider a trash bin.
Other Features
The number of compartments
When it comes to the number of compartments in trash bins, there are many options. It could be one, two, or three compartments in a trash bin.
The more the number of compartments, the easier in separation between recycling and trash, but the bulkier the dimension at a time.
Pet-proof
This feature is important to pet parents. If you want to stop your pets from rummaging through your trash bin, choose a model with a reliable PetGuard lock.
Which Brands Make The Best Slim Stainless Steel Trash Can?
mDesign Home Decor
The best thing about mDesign Home Décor is they not only provide solutions but also deliver style to your home. Their products always get positive feedback from customers for the balance between aesthetics and function that bring exceptional value to every room.
SimpleHuman
Started in 2000, SimpleHuman distinguishes themselves from the rest for delivering performance-driven innovation through non-stop improvement in the design, meticulous engineering, and new technologies. We also love the way they make good eco-habits an extension of product use.
KOHLER
Founded in 1873, Kohler is the US-leading brand for plumbing products, generators, engines, furniture, and so on. In terms of trash cans, they earn the top marks for overall construction, smell inhibition capability, and design.
FAQs
Do stainless steel trash cans smell less?
Yes, they do. It is proven that stainless steel trash cans absorb less smell than plastic.
Are expensive trash cans worth it?
Yes, they do. Expensive trash cans usually come with superior durability, aesthetics, and add-ons for optimizing your experience. While it’s not compulsory to pick premium options, we feel they are 100% worthwhile to invest in if your budget is available.
How do you get the smell out of a stainless steel garbage can?
To get the smell out of a stainless steel garbage can, use baking soda. Try this method: Fill half of a coffee filter with baking soda and close the mouth tightly, then put it at the bottom of your trash bin.
What is the best size for a kitchen trash can?
For a family of 4 or less, the best size for a kitchen trash can is between 12-16 gallons. For larger families, a 20-gallon model or more is better.
Where should I put my kitchen trash can?
You should put your kitchen trash can in the cleaning zone or any place that’s near the exit and far away from your fresh foods.
Conclusion
Over the past years, we have gone through a variety of stainless steel trash cans to find the best options with perfect balance among slim-profile, capacity, durability, and prices. The nine above picks are top-rated.
We hope this review helps you determine the best slim stainless steel trash can that suits your needs.
