The 7 Best Touchless Trash Cans for More Sanitary Garbage Disposal
Updated: Oct. 19, 2022Tired of touching your gross trash bin? We found the best touchless trash cans based on size, opening mechanism, special features and more!
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Whether it’s raw meat trimmings or a big batch of spoiled veggies, there are plenty of gross kitchen scraps to throw away every day. And when you have your hands full, the last thing you want to do is fumble with the trash can lid. Thankfully, touchless trash cans are here to save the day.
Buying a Touchless Trash Can
When you’re shopping for a touchless trash can, there are several features you’ll want to consider as you compare different models.
- Opening Mechanism: Touchless trash cans typically have a motion sensor that automatically opens the lid, saving you from having to get your hands dirty. However, there are a number of ways that the lid might open. Most have a simple hinged design that swings upward, but it may open length or width-wise. Additionally, other touchless trash cans have a “butterfly lid” with two side-by-side doors that lift open. Think about which design will work best for your kitchen, keeping in mind any clearances you might need under a counter or near a wall.
- Power Source: Because they have built-in motion sensors, touchless trash cans generally need some type of power source—typically batteries or a plug-in power cord. Battery-operated models can be placed anywhere in your kitchen, but you’ll have to keep extra batteries around. Corded models, on the other hand, require less maintenance, but they’ll need to be placed close to an outlet.
- Capacity: It’s important to find a trash can that’s an appropriate size for your needs. If you get one that’s too small, you’ll find yourself emptying it constantly. However, if it’s too big, the trash may start to smell before the bag gets full. On average, most kitchen trash cans are around 13 gallons, but there are 20+ gallon models that may be better suited for larger households.
- Special Features: In addition to a touchless opening mechanism, some trash cans have additional features that make them convenient to use. This might include a compartment for garbage bag storage, a built-in odor eliminator or even voice commands on really high-tech models.
Evaluation Criteria
To find the best touchless trash cans, we evaluated each product based on its size and design, as well as any useful features it might have. We read dozens of reviews from real users, taking into account the product’s overall ratings, and we also considered the value and convenience of each trash can.
Best Touchless Trash Can for Tech Lovers
Simplehuman Voice + Motion Sensor Can
If you love having the best-of-the-best when it comes to tech, the simplehuman voice + motion sensor can is the one for you. While it is pricey, this trash can looks sleek and modern and comes decked out with all the features you could ever want—plus some you didn’t even know you needed!
This touchless trash can comes in three smudge-proof finishes, and it can hold up to 58 liters (roughly 15 gallons) of debris. It can be operated using AA batteries or a plug-in power cord, and it opens both via motion sensor and voice commands. Yes, really—all you have to do is say “Open can,” and the lid will pop right up.
That’s not all, either. The simplehuman can has a special liner compartment that conveniently dispenses trash bags inside the bin, an antimicrobial finish that stops the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold and mildew, and a discreet odor-absorbing pod to eliminate the stink. Really, what more could you ask for from a trash can? (We love the simpehuman grocery bag dispenser, as well.)
Pros:
- Sleek and modern look
- Smudge-proof finish
- Large capacity
- Uses motion and voice sensors
- Automatic bag dispenser
- Odor-absorbing technology
- Runs on power cord or batteries
Cons:
- Pricier option
- Batteries not included
Best Touchless Trash Can for Minimalists
Simplehuman Under Counter Pull-Out Can
Even the nicest trash cans are still, well, trash cans. If you’d prefer to tuck your can away in a cupboard, the simplehuman under-counter pull-out can makes it easy and convenient.
This simple trash can comes in two designs—a single trash can or a trash can and recycle bin combo—and it includes a steel frame that you can install inside one of your cabinets. Plus, there’s a handle on the front of the frame that lets you pull the bin out via the smooth-rolling track without touching the trash can itself.
“This is the third home in which we have installed this trash can,” writes one reviewer. “It’s easy to install, sturdy and we have always been able to install it under the kitchen sink.” Check out some of our other favorite pull-out trash cans.
Pros:
- Pull-out design
- Three sizes
- Optional recycling bin combo
- Includes cabinet installation hardware
- Easy-grip handle
Cons:
- May not fit every cabinet
Best Touchless Trash Can for Sensitive Noses
iTouchless SensorCan Kitchen Trash Can
For those who can’t stand the gross trash can smell, the iTouchless SensorCan trash can has a built-in odor filter that uses activated carbon to absorb and neutralize unpleasant scents. The can comes in several sizes and shapes, including rectangular and oval designs, and it runs on four D-size batteries that can last more than a year before needing replacement.
This touchless trash can opens when it senses you in front of it, and it has a light that blinks red to let you know when it’s about to close. The stainless steel exterior is smudge-proof for a neat appearance, and the extra-wide opening allows you to dispose of bulky items easily. Make sure you’re using the best trash bags, according to our Test Kitchen.
“I bought this product because of the wide opening and the touch-less capability,” writes one buyer. “I cook a lot and love the idea of just a wave of my hand and it opens. I never have to touch the trash can to throw anything away. I also love that it has a deodorizer filter inside the trash can, which will eliminate smelly odors.”
Pros:
- Built-in odor filter
- Multiple shape and size options for any space
- Smudge-proof finish
- Extra-wide opening
Cons:
- Batteries not included
Best Touchless Trash Can for Small Kitchens
hOmeLabs Automatic Trash Can
If you don’t want a big, bulky trash can taking up space in your kitchen, the hOmeLabs automatic trash can has a sleek, narrow design that’s easy to tuck into a corner. It’s available in 13- or 21-gallon sizes, and both have a compact footprint of roughly 16 by 10 inches.
The hOmeLabs Trash Can has a unique butterfly-style opening mechanism, and its motion sensor can be powered by either a plug-in cord or C-size batteries. The can has a retainer ring that keeps bags in place, and it also features an on/off switch for when you’re on vacation.
Plus, you can change the angle of the motion sensor to suit the bin’s placement: “I love that I could change the way the motion detection works, either by looking up or by looking out,” explains one reviewer. “I had it looking ‘up’ for a few days, then changed it to ‘out.’ I found it was easier to just walk up to it rather than waving your hand around like a Jedi.”
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Runs on power cord or batteries
- On/Off switch
- Adjustable motion sensor
- Retainer ring to keep trash bag in place
Cons:
- Batteries not included
Best Touchless Trash Can for Budget Shoppers
Mainstays Motion Sensor Garbage Can
Many touchless trash cans are quite pricey, but the Mainstays motion sensor garbage can won’t break the bank. This budget-friendly option doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as other products, but it comes in four finishes and has a standard 13-gallon capacity.
It uses infrared technology to sense when your hand is over the lid, and the top will stay open as long as you keep your hand in front of the sensor. It runs on two D-cell batteries, and you can also switch it to manual opening, if needed.
“Most auto-open trash cans are pretty expensive and require a lot of batteries to operate the lid,” writes one verified buyer. “When I found this one at a great price and only two batteries needed, I finally made the purchase. It’s as stylish as the more expensive ones and works great without the expense of having to purchase a lot of batteries.”
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price tag
- Four color options
- Compatible with standard trash bags
- Manual mode
Cons:
- No odor-absorption technology
- Batteries not included
Best Touchless Trash Can for Big Families
iTouchless Touchless Sensor Trash Can
The iTouchless touchless sensor trash can comes in a large 23-gallon size, making it ideal for big households. The round design has a motion-activated lid that runs on D batteries, and it’s even equipped with a natural carbon odor filter to eliminate any smells.
In addition to its oversized form, this trash can is also mounted on caster wheels, allowing you to push it around your home more easily. The stainless steel is fingerprint-resistant, and there are even air vents in the bottom of the can to make removing your trash bags easier.
“Its motion sensor works flawlessly and has not given any issues,” writes one reviewer. “Being 23 gallons, it will last the entire day before needing to be taken out—of course, your mileage may vary due to throwing away large containers and items.”
Pros:
- Extra-large size
- Odor-absorbing filter
- Mounted on wheels
- Smudge-proof finish
- Air vents for easy bag removal
Cons:
- Pricier option
- Batteries not included
Best Touchless Trash Can for the Bathroom
NINESTARS Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can
For your bathroom, the NINESTARS motion sensor trash can is a more compact option. It holds just 1.8 gallons of debris, and it has a slim design that can be tucked in beside the toilet or sink. The motion-activated lid runs on AA batteries, and the design is splash-proof, so you can put it next to a sink or shower without worry.
“I originally got one of these in pink for my bathroom, then liked it so much I bought another one in yellow for my bedroom!” writes one buyer. “I especially like having one in the bathroom, so I don’t have to touch the lid at all while throwing baby wipes or menstrual products away.”
Pros:
- Small size
- Wide variety of color options
- Splash-proof design
Cons:
- Batteries not included
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