A skinny kitchen trash can can reclaim a narrow gap beside a cabinet or appliance without giving up a useful amount of capacity. The best choice depends on more than width: consider how much waste your household makes, whether you want a removable inner bucket, how the lid opens, and which liners fit. These five options range from a compact 8-gallon model to slim cans with capacities of 13 gallons or more.
Quick Comparison: Best Skinny Trash Cans For The Kitchen
| Trash Can | Capacity | Standout Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glad Slim Trash Can | 12 gallons | Bag rings and Clorox odor protection | Odor-conscious kitchens |
| simplehuman Slim Step Trash Can | 10.6 gallons | Slide lock and built-in wheels | Homes with pets or children |
| EKO Hudson Slim | 13.2 gallons | Stainless steel pedal and carry handle | Higher-capacity everyday use |
| SONGMICS Slim Trash Can | 13 gallons | Removable inner bucket and starter bags | Easy bag changes and modern style |
| Amenitlif 8-Gallon Slim Trash Can | 8 gallons | Removable bucket and compact footprint | Smaller kitchens and lighter waste loads |
Our Picks: Best Skinny Trash Cans For The Kitchen reviews
1. Glad Slim Trash Can: A Narrow Stainless Steel Pick With Odor Protection
The Glad Slim is a 12-gallon stainless steel step can designed to fit into tight spaces. Its rectangular shape makes it a practical option for a kitchen where a round bin would take up too much room. The finish is described as fingerprint-resistant, which can help the exterior look tidier between wipe-downs.
Its bag rings hold the liner in place and tuck away extra slack, addressing a common annoyance with tall, narrow bins: a bag slipping down inside. The lid uses Clorox odor protection and is designed to form an airtight seal. It also closes softly and can stay open during longer tasks such as food prep. The foot pedal allows hands-free opening.
At 12 gallons, it offers more capacity than the smaller simplehuman and Amenitlif options, though less than the EKO and SONGMICS cans. The main trade-off is that its listed features focus on bag rings rather than a removable inner bucket. If you want to lift out a separate bin for cleaning, one of the other models may suit you better.
Pros:
- 12-gallon capacity in a narrow, rectangular shape
- Bag rings help secure the liner and conceal slack
- Clorox odor protection and an airtight-seal design
- Soft-close lid, stay-open option, and foot pedal
Cons:
- No removable inner bucket is listed
- Capacity is lower than the 13-gallon-plus alternatives
Verdict: Choose the Glad if odor control, a secure liner, and hands-free use matter more to you than having a removable inner bucket.
2. simplehuman Slim Step Trash Can: A Locking Lid for Busy Homes
This 10.6-gallon slim can has a black plastic body and a step-operated lid. Its standout feature is a slide lock that secures the lid shut, which can be useful if you need to keep curious children or pets out of the trash. The locking lid gives it a different focus from models that emphasize odor-control features or larger capacity.
The lid is designed to close slowly and quietly, and it can stay open for longer chores. Built-in wheels make it easier to move the bin when cleaning around it. The manufacturer also offers custom-fit Code K liners for this model, with thicker plastic and reinforced seams described as features of those liners.
Its capacity is smaller than the Glad, EKO, and SONGMICS options, so it may need more frequent emptying in a busy kitchen. The body is plastic rather than stainless steel, which may be a deciding point if you prefer a metal finish. In return, the lock and wheels offer practical benefits that the other listed cans do not specify.
Pros:
- Slide lock helps keep the lid shut
- Slow-close lid and stay-open setting
- Built-in wheels make it easier to reposition
- Custom-fit Code K liners are available
Cons:
- 10.6-gallon capacity is smaller than several other picks
- Plastic body may not suit shoppers looking for stainless steel
Verdict: This is a strong fit if a locking lid and easy movement matter more to you than maximum capacity or a stainless steel exterior.
3. EKO Hudson Slim: A High-Capacity Stainless Steel Step Can
The EKO Hudson Slim combines a 13.2-gallon capacity with a stainless steel body. Its fingerprint-resistant finish is designed to reduce visible smudges and wipe clean easily. The larger capacity may be helpful if you cook often or would rather empty your kitchen bin less frequently.
A stainless steel pedal is designed for repeated daily use, while the lid opens smoothly and closes quietly. You can also lift the lid frame to a 90-degree angle to keep it open during food prep or liner changes. A rear carry handle helps when you need to move the can, and the product includes samples of EKO Code J bags.
The EKO is the largest option in this group, just ahead of the 13-gallon SONGMICS. Its listed features do not include a removable inner bucket, so bag changes rely on the can’s design and liner fit rather than lifting out a separate bin. Check the available space carefully before choosing a higher-capacity model, since capacity alone does not confirm how well a can will fit your kitchen gap.
Pros:
- 13.2-gallon capacity
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel body
- Soft-close lid with a 90-degree stay-open position
- Rear handle and Code J bag samples included
Cons:
- A removable inner bucket is not listed
- Its larger capacity may be more than a small household needs
Verdict: Pick the EKO if you want a large-capacity stainless steel can with a quiet lid and a carry handle.
4. SONGMICS Slim Trash Can: Easy Bag Changes in a Fluted Steel Design
The SONGMICS is a 13-gallon stainless steel step can with a fluted exterior. At 10.4 inches wide, it is the only model in this group with a specific width listed, making that measurement useful when checking a tight gap. Measure your available space before buying, and leave room for the lid and pedal to operate as intended.
Inside, a removable bucket is designed to make emptying and changing bags easier while helping contain residue. The foot pedal provides hands-free opening, and the lid can be raised to 90 degrees and left open for longer tasks. When released, it closes gently. The can also comes with 15 starter bags in Code K.
Its capacity is close to the EKO’s, with the SONGMICS offering 13 gallons rather than 13.2. The removable inner bucket is a useful distinction between the two, while the EKO lists a rear handle and Code J bag samples instead. The fluted look may appeal if you want a bin that reads more like a kitchen fixture than a plain utility container.
Pros:
- 13-gallon capacity and stated 10.4-inch width
- Removable inner bucket for easier emptying and bag changes
- Soft-close lid with a 90-degree stay-open position
- Includes 15 Code K starter bags
Cons:
- Confirm the listed width against your space before ordering
- Code K bags may not match your preferred liner type
Verdict: Choose the SONGMICS if you want a narrow, high-capacity can with a removable bucket and a stated width for planning your fit.
5. Amenitlif 8-Gallon Slim Can: A Compact Option With a Removable Bucket
This 8-gallon Amenitlif can is the smallest-capacity pick here. Its listed dimensions are 17.8 by 9.3 by 24 inches, so it offers a concrete way to check whether it will fit beside a cabinet or appliance. The stainless steel body is described as fingerprint-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
A removable inner bucket has handles on both sides, and the outer can includes a rear handle for moving it. Those details can make bag changes, cleaning, and repositioning simpler. The lid closes softly, and the product listing states that it comes with a two-year warranty covering defects.
The compact capacity can be a benefit in a smaller kitchen or for a lighter waste load, but it will likely need emptying more often than the 12- and 13-gallon options. Its slim dimensions are listed, but the can is not described as having a foot pedal, so it may not be the best fit if hands-free opening is a must-have.
Pros:
- Compact 8-gallon capacity with listed dimensions
- Removable inner bucket with side handles
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and soft-close lid
- Two-year warranty covering defects
Cons:
- Smaller capacity than the other picks
- A foot pedal is not listed among its features
Verdict: The Amenitlif is worth considering if your space is limited, your waste load is modest, and you value a removable bucket over a larger capacity.
How to Choose a Skinny Trash Can for Your Kitchen
Measure the Gap, Not Just the Can
Measure the width, depth, and height of the spot where you plan to keep the bin. A stated width is helpful, as with the SONGMICS, but the fit also depends on the full footprint and how much room the pedal and lid need. If the can will sit beneath a counter or beside an appliance, check that the lid can open without hitting anything.
Match Capacity to Your Household’s Waste
Capacity ranges from 8 gallons for the Amenitlif to 13.2 gallons for the EKO. A larger can may mean fewer trips to take out the trash, but it also needs more room. Smaller households or kitchens with limited floor space may prefer a lower-capacity model. Consider how quickly you fill a bin, not just the largest capacity available.
Decide Which Lid Features Matter
A foot pedal offers hands-free use, which is useful when your hands are busy during cooking. A stay-open lid can help with longer prep or cleaning tasks. For quieter operation, look for a soft-close design; for extra control around pets or children, the simplehuman’s slide lock is a distinct feature. The product details do not list a foot pedal for the Amenitlif, so check that point if hands-free opening is important to you.
Check How the Can Handles Liners
Bag rings, custom-fit bags, and removable buckets solve different problems. The Glad’s bag rings help secure the liner and tuck away excess material. The simplehuman is designed for Code K liners, and the SONGMICS includes Code K starter bags. EKO includes Code J bag samples. If you already buy a preferred liner, check its size and fit before choosing a model with a specified bag code.
Consider Cleaning and Moving the Bin
A removable inner bucket can be lifted out for bag changes or cleaning, a feature listed for the SONGMICS and Amenitlif. The simplehuman has built-in wheels, while the EKO and Amenitlif include handles for moving the can. If you expect to reposition your bin often or clean around it regularly, these details may matter as much as the exterior finish.
Choose Materials and Odor Features for Your Priorities
Four of the five picks have stainless steel bodies; the simplehuman is black plastic. Stainless steel may suit a kitchen where you want a metal finish, while the simplehuman’s lock and wheels may be more important than its material. The Glad is the only model here specifically described with Clorox odor protection and an airtight seal. Do not assume the other lids offer the same odor-control features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size skinny trash can is best for a kitchen?
It depends on your available space and how much waste you produce. The options here range from 8 to 13.2 gallons. Measure the intended spot and consider how often you want to empty the can before choosing a capacity.
Which pick has the clearest listed width?
The SONGMICS is listed as 10.4 inches wide. The Amenitlif listing provides full dimensions of 17.8 by 9.3 by 24 inches. Check the product details and measure your space, since a single width measurement does not describe the full footprint.
Which skinny trash can has a removable inner bucket?
The SONGMICS and Amenitlif product descriptions specify removable inner buckets. The SONGMICS has a snug-fitting bucket and includes Code K starter bags, while the Amenitlif bucket has handles on both sides.
Which option is designed to help control odors?
The Glad is specifically described with Clorox odor protection and an airtight-seal design. The other models have lids, but their supplied descriptions do not make the same odor-control claim.
Can I use regular kitchen trash bags?
Bag fit varies by can. The Glad has bag rings, the simplehuman is designed for Code K liners, the SONGMICS includes Code K bags, and the EKO includes Code J samples. The Amenitlif description does not specify a bag code. Check the can’s requirements and your liner dimensions before buying bags.
Which model is best for a home with pets or children?
The simplehuman is the only option in this list with a slide lock specifically described as helping keep pets and curious children out of the trash. A lock may be useful, but it is still important to place the bin where it suits your household.
Final Recommendation
For a balance of narrow design, capacity, and odor-related features, the Glad Slim is a practical all-around choice. Choose the SONGMICS if a removable inner bucket and a stated width are priorities, or the simplehuman if you want a locking lid and built-in wheels. For the largest listed capacity, consider the EKO; for a compact space and lighter waste load, the Amenitlif offers the smallest size. Before deciding, compare the can’s dimensions with your kitchen gap and check which liner setup best fits your routine.