Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Our Favourites
Editors Choice: Simplehuman Slim with Lid Lock
Non-Corrosive Choice: Morphy Richards Chroma
Plastic Choice: Curver Slim Deco
Does your kitchen bin let the side down in your home, spoiling your decor and releasing odours, or even ripping full bin bags open as you remove them?
It sounds like it’s definitely time for a replacement! As it can be hard to make the right choice when looking for the best kitchen bin for your home, we’ve selected and reviewed ten of the top-seller kitchen bins money can buy.
So, whether you are looking for a stylish kitchen bin, a slimline model, or even a retro waste container, take a look at our top-rated kitchen bins to find the perfect model for your needs.
How We Compared Kitchen Bins
To find the right kitchen bins we considered multiple factors including:
- Capacity
- Shape
- Construction material
- Opening mechanism
- Additional features
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
Best Kitchen Bin Reviews – Top 9 Picks Compared
1. Simplehuman Slim with Lid Lock (Editor’s Choice)
Taking the title for the best pedal bin pick and Editor’s Choice is this compact waste container from Simplehuman.
This space saving kitchen bin has a range of features including a slim profile hinge so that you can place it right up to your wall. Its lid lock makes it a good choice if you have small children or pets at home. Likewise, you’ll definitely appreciate the silent close lid if you have a quieter household.
Unfortunately, this black plastic waste container is a little difficult to assemble, and the instructions are not very helpful. Also, it could seal better. However, thanks to its excellent design with integrated wheels and a handle, we think this model is one of the very best slimline kitchen bins available.
Pros:
- 40L capacity
- Silent close lid
- Lid lock
- Slim profile hinge
- Integrated wheels and handle
Cons:
- Poor instructions
- Difficult lid assembly
- Could seal better
2. Morphy Richards Chroma (Non-Corrosive Choice)
Square kitchen bins should easily fit into your kitchen layout, and this 42-litre model by Morphy Richards will undoubtedly blend in.
The Chroma has a durable, non-corrosive stainless steel body that looks as good as it is hard-wearing. Its motion sensor activated opening makes for better hygiene. However, some users complained that it has a short open period. Also, the location of the battery case is under the plastic lid, so you’ll have to pay extra attention not to lose it in your rubbish. This is even trickier as removing full trash bags can be a little difficult with this model.
On the upside, the removable plastic lid is easy to clean, and there is a built-in retaining ring for your bin liners. Hence, you won’t have to worry about them slipping and making a mess. What’s more, the Chroma comes with a one-year guarantee that is extendable to five years if registered.
Pros:
- Sensor activated and with 42L capacity
- Non-corrosive stainless steel body
- Inbuilt retaining ring
- Removable easy-clean plastic lid
- One-year guarantee with an option to extend to 5 years
Cons:
- Battery case location
- Short open duration
- Difficult to remove bags
3. Curver Slim Deco (Best Plastic Option)
If your kitchen is short on space, then slimline bins provide a great way to maximise any available nooks, corners and crannies. This slimline plastic model by Curver is specially designed for narrow spaces.
Benefiting from a substantial 40-litre capacity, the Curver Slim plastic bin has a large pedal to make opening easier. Its inner compartment bag ring makes quick work of fitting your bin liners. However, you may find it to be a little tricky to remove your trash bag when full. Furthermore, the lid does tend to stick open, and it isn’t soft-close. Thus, it can be quite noisy.
Nonetheless, thanks to its economical price, easy to clean construction, and compact, modern design – this Curver model deserves to be our top slimline bin pick.
Pros:
- 40L capacity metal finish plastic
- Ergonomic design for easy cleaning
- Suitable for narrow spaces
- Inner bag holder ring
- Large pedal
Cons:
- Lid sticks open
- No soft-close
- Tricky to remove full bags
4. VonHaus Sensor 50L (Best with Manual Mode)
With its stylish black steel finish, ease of use, and generous capacity, the VonHaus Sensor Bin is one of our clear favourites.
You can choose to either operate it manually or use the handy (and hygienic) infrared motion sensor LED for automatic opening and closing. Changing liners is easy, thanks to the internal press rings. What’s more, its large 50-litre capacity is perfect for big households – making this the best sensor bin for busy kitchens.
On the downside, it does not come with any battery. And, you may find the closing mechanism a little on the quick side. In addition to this, we felt that the instructions provided could be more precise.
However, these are minor drawbacks overall. With its robust steel construction and two-year warranty, we think this model makes a fantastic choice nonetheless.
Pros:
- 50L capacity
- LED infrared sensor opening/closing
- Robust metal body with black finish
- Choice of one or two compartments
- Two-year warranty
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- Closes fairly quickly
- Poor instructions
5. Simplehuman Semi-Round Bin (Best Basic)
Are you looking for one of those elegant semi-round kitchen bins with good capacity? Your search is over.
This 50-litre model by Simplehuman is made from durable plastic and benefits from a wall bumper to prevent the lid from bumping against your kitchen wall. It has a durable steel pedal and a silent close lid, as well as a lid lock. This semi-round waste bin is an excellent choice if you have pets or small children. Just be aware that assembly can be a little tricky, and the provided instructions are insufficient.
As this plastic rubbish container is lightweight, it can be moved about easily. Thanks to its range of features, it makes a great model for any busy home.
Pros:
- 50L capacity
- Silent close lid
- Lid lock
- Durable steel pedal
- Wall bumper
Cons:
- Difficult to assemble
- Insufficient instructions
- Moves around easily
6. Curver One Touch (Best Value)
If you’re on a hunt for a budget-friendly and odour free kitchen bin, then our next contender is worth considering.
The Curver One Touch has a generous 40-litre capacity and is made from a robust and lightweight plastic that is easy to clean. Its metallic finish ensures a fingerprint-proof surface that doesn’t easily dent or scratch. The downside is that it is a little challenging to dispose of trash, and the closing mechanism can be unreliable. Also, when the plastic container is empty, it is easily knocked over.
However, it does represent excellent value for money and comes complete with Curver’s innovative one-touch easy opening system, as well as an internal liner holder. What’s more, its elegant design will undoubtedly complement your kitchen decor.
Pros:
- 40L capacity
- One-touch lid opening
- Bin liner holder
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Difficult to empty
- Unreliable closing mechanism
- Easily knocked over
7. Swan Retro Square (Best Slimline)
If you like the quirky look of retro kitchen bins, then have a look at our top retro bin choice by Swan.
This durable iron bin will last for years, and its different style and variety of colour options is sure to perk up your kitchen decor. Its 45-litre capacity makes it an excellent choice for couples or families alike. The infrared motion sensor operation is also super hygienic, but you’ll need to purchase the required batteries separately. Be sure to keep spare batteries on hand, as this model -in particular – does tend to go through a lot of them.
If you don’t want to use the motion sensor or find that it only opens for too short a period, you can choose to switch it over to manual mode for convenience. There is also a handy liner retaining ring for ease of use and reduced risk of mess.
Pros:
- 45L capacity
- Infrared sensor operation
- Colour-coated iron body
- Manual mode
- Liner retaining ring
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- Short open duration
- Goes through batteries quickly
8. 1Home Touchless (Most Stylish)
Are you looking for a stylish bin to complement your kitchen? Make sure you take a look at this 50-litre model by 1Home, one of the best kitchen bin options on the market today.
Presenting a clean, no-touch infrared sensor opening complete with a soft close mechanism, this wastebasket is not only attractive but also extremely practical.
Just be aware that no batteries are included and it does tend to use a lot of them. Additionally, the motion sensor can be a little over-sensitive, which may become annoying if you place it somewhere that has high traffic. However, this bin also benefits from an on/off switch for manual operation, so you can always turn it off if desired.
With its durable stainless steel body and contemporary oval shape, this bin is undoubtedly one of the most stylish in our selection.
Pros:
- 50L compartment capacity
- Infrared activated lid
- Durable stainless steel body
- Soft-close mechanism
- Manual operation switch
Cons:
- No batteries included
- Oversensitive sensor
- Short battery life
9. VonHaus Double Compartments (Dual Option)
Dual kitchen bins are great if you want to keep your recycling and waste in the same container, saving money and space.
This Recycling Bin by VonHaus has a generous 60-litre capacity and two removable inner bins. Offering a stylish and durable stainless steel exterior complete with a non-slip base and two pedals, this dual container makes an excellent choice for simplifying your rubbish and recycling sorting.
Unfortunately, the removable bins are a little fragile. Thus, care is needed when emptying, and the inner handle position can interfere with the use of the liners. Also, the included stickers do not stick very well.
That said, if you need dual-purpose bins for the kitchen to save precious floor space – you can’t go wrong with this model.
Pros:
- 60L capacity
- Two removable inner bins
- Stainless steel outer construction
- Pedal-operated
- Non-slip base
Cons:
- Inner buckets fairly fragile
- Stickers peel off lids
- Inner handle position
What to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Bin
When shopping for the right model among a multitude of kitchen bins, make sure you consider the following factors before making your purchase.
1. Capacity
A bin’s capacity is how much it can hold, usually measured in litres. While it may be tempting to go for a large model – especially if you have a large family, bear in mind that smaller models can also be a possibility. Although you may have to empty them more often. When making your choice, you need to consider not only how much waste you generate, but also how bulky it tends to be and how often you empty your container on average.
Couples who have a moderate amount of waste but who empty their bin less frequently may prefer a larger container compared to a small family who tends to empty their bin more regularly.
2. Shape
The shape is another important consideration. For instance, lightweight vacuums have differently shaped tool heads to clean nooks and crannies. Similarly, kitchen bins have different shapes to suit a variety of spaces. Before you purchase your new kitchen bin, consider where you are going to place it in your kitchen. Is there a better location than where your last container was located? Semi-round bins are great for pushing up against a cabinet or wall. Choose a slimline bin to fit in a narrow gap, or a circular or oval container to stand out.
There are plenty of options available, and you may prefer a particular shape based on looks alone. If this is the case, check possible locations in your kitchen to see where your new trash container could fit.
3. Construction Material
Stainless steel makes a popular choice, thanks to its looks and durability. However, for ease of cleaning, plastic is also an excellent option. Likewise, it has the added benefits of being corrosion-free and undentable. If you don’t have any marked preference for either one, consider how messy your bin usually gets as well as any stylistic choices. Plastic containers are also much cheaper than stainless steel ones. Although they are more likely to crack if toppled over or through heavy use.
4. Opening Mechanism
Automatic sensor opening is a clean way to operate your bin, ensuring that you don’t have to touch it to open and close the lid. However, you will need a ready supply of batteries, and some sensors can be over or under-sensitive.
Pedal bins provide a more traditional, battery-free way to open your container without having to dirty your hands. You could also consider a touch-to-open model for minimal touching and an easy way to unlock your bin’s lid even with your hands full.
If you do decide to opt for one with a sensor, it can be advisable to select a model that also has a manual mode. Hence, if you ever run out of batteries or you need to have your bin open for a longer duration, you can simply switch over.
5. Additional Features
You may also want to consider looking for a trash container with some other features that are specific to your needs. If you have mobility issues, you may find a bin with integrated wheels and a handle more comfortable to use. Lid locks can be a blessing if you have pets or young children at home. This way, you can keep your bin contents safely inside, rather than strewn over your floor. Silent close lids are another popular option, again another excellent choice if you have children who often tend to let the bin slam shut.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still undecided as to what is the best kitchen bin for your home, then we strongly recommend taking another look at our Editor’s Choice, the Simplehuman Slim with Lid Lock.
Stylish and practical, this container has a good 40-litre capacity making it suitable for almost every home. Its dent-proof plastic body and sturdy steel pedal ensure a long product lifespan. Its also equipped with a patented lid Shox technology for a slow descent and quietly soft close.
A handy lid lock keeps pets from getting into the trash. Plus, built-in wheels make it easy to move anywhere you want. Overall, it’s a kitchen must-have that any homeowner would love.
Additional Resources
Kelly is an expert in consumer product research, which is very important when it comes to finding the most useful and aesthetically pleasing items for your home. This became her passion after finding it very time-consuming to wade through all the product information online.
She has a keen attention to detail which she brings to her articles, Kelly’s goal is to help you find what you need without spending too much time searching for it.