
For all these reasons, we don’t recommend them.

We’ve also seen reviews and gathered feedback from family and friends who own them that the batteries need to be replaced often. Automatic trash cans, which open automatically using an infrared sensor or voice activation, have a high failure rate, and they didn’t open reliably in our previous tests, so we don’t recommend them.We're currently researching new options for folks who may not be able to use a step-can or regularly lidded can. The touch-top can we used to suggest as an honorable mention in our competition section has been discontinued. But since you have to use your hands, they’re less sanitary. Touch-top trash cans, which you open by pressing a button on or near the lid, are a good alternative to step cans for people who can’t operate the foot pedal on a step can.Others can be mounted on a cupboard door.

Some sit on a metal track mounted to the base of a cupboard, so they’re easy to pull out.

You can of course use any trash can that fits under the sink, but dedicated in-cabinet cans are designed for easy access. In-cabinet trash cans, which most often go in the cupboard under your sink, are a great option for small kitchens with limited space.A foot pedal is a lifesaver when your fingers are dripping with raw chicken juice or you’re grasping a heavy wood cutting board that’s towering with potato peels. Step cans, which you open by pressing a foot pedal, are best for most households because they generally have well-sealed lids to contain odors, and they are easy to open hands-free (which is more sanitary).
