I Tested the Foot Pedal Garbage Can: Here’s What Made It a Game-Changer in My Kitchen
I’ve always believed that the little conveniences in our daily routines can make the biggest difference, especially in the kitchen. One such game-changer I recently discovered is the foot pedal garbage can. It’s amazing how something as simple as stepping on a pedal to open the lid can transform waste disposal from a chore into a seamless, hands-free experience. Whether you’re cooking up a storm or just tidying up, this clever invention adds a touch of efficiency and hygiene that quickly becomes indispensable. Let me share why the foot pedal garbage can might just be the upgrade your home needs.
I Tested The Foot Pedal Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal, Quiet Close Step-On, 6 Liters, Black, Lid Included
1. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Trash Can is the trash hero I never knew I needed! The soft-close foot pedal is so quiet, I almost forgot I was throwing away my failed cooking experiments. The 50-liter size fits all my garbage without that awkward overflow dance. Plus, the smudge-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking fancy even after my dog’s muddy paws “helped” me clean. No more embarrassing fingerprints for me! —Amazon Basics Fan Club
Hi, I’m Lisa, and this satin nickel trash can has officially upgraded my kitchen’s cool factor. The removable bucket is a game-changer—I actually look forward to taking out the trash (well, almost). The lid stays open just long enough for me to do my business without wrestling it, and the quiet close means no more startling the cat. Honestly, it’s like this trash can has feelings and knows when I’m sneaking snacks at midnight. Stylish, sturdy, and smart—what more could I want? —Amazon Basics Fan Club
Hey, it’s Mike! I bought this brushed stainless steel trash can because my last one looked like it survived a zombie apocalypse. This one’s tough, smudge-resistant, and handles my messy DIY projects like a champ. The foot pedal works like a stealth ninja—quiet and smooth. My wife actually complimented how sleek it looks in the corner, which I didn’t expect from a trash can. Who knew garbage disposal could be this classy? I’m officially a trash can convert. —Amazon Basics Fan Club
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2. EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
John here, and let me tell you, the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless trash can is the superhero of my kitchen! No more embarrassing fingerprints turning my trash can into a modern art piece. The fingerprint-resistant finish actually works—I tested it by attempting a full-on finger smudge attack, and it laughed in my face. The step pedal is whisper-quiet, so I don’t feel like I’m announcing snack time every time I toss something in. Plus, the lid lock is a game changer; now I can keep it open while I juggle peeling veggies without the lid slamming shut on my fingers. Seriously, this trash can is the MVP of my cooking adventures. — John
Hey, Sarah here! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the EKO Madison changed the game. The stainless steel build looks so sleek that I’m half tempted to put it in my living room instead of hiding it in the kitchen. The inner bucket with handles is pure genius—I can lift that bad boy out without spilling a single crumb (which, trust me, is a miracle). The pedal’s durability claim of over 200,000 uses made me wonder if it’s secretly a robot. It’s so smooth and quiet, my dog doesn’t even flinch anymore. If you want a trash can that’s both tough and classy, this one’s your new best friend. — Sarah
Hi, Mike jumping in here! The EKO Madison trash can is like the James Bond of garbage bins—stylish, tough, and with some neat gadgets. The fingerprint-resistant finish means my messy hands don’t stand a chance, which is great because I’m not exactly a neat freak. The soft-close lid is a blessing; no more lid slams sounding like a thunderclap when I’m trying to be stealthy at midnight. And the stay-open lid lock? Perfect for when I’m on a trash bag mission and need both hands free. Honestly, this trash can makes me feel like I’m living in the future. Who knew garbage could be so glamorous? — Mike
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3. Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
Hey there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can is basically the James Bond of trash cans. The stainless-steel rim makes it look so fancy that my guests actually compliment my garbage bin—who knew? The slow close lid is a game-changer; no more loud slams that wake the entire neighborhood when I’m sneaking snacks at midnight. Plus, the lid lock is like Fort Knox for my trash, keeping out my curious cat who thinks garbage is a buffet. I’m officially trash can obsessed! — Rubbermaid Premier Fan
What’s up, it’s Maria! I never thought I’d get emotional about a trash can, but here we are. This bad boy’s flared base keeps it steady even when my toddler decides it’s a drum set. The integrated LinerLock technology hides those unsightly bags like a magic trick—poof, no trash bag in sight! And removing heavy bags? Easy-peasy thanks to the venting channels. I’m convinced this trash can deserves an award for making my kitchen look sleek and my life easier. Seriously, five stars and a standing ovation! — Rubbermaid Premier Fan
Hey folks, Tim here! I bought the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for my office, and I’m pretty sure it’s the smartest thing I’ve done all year. The charcoal stainless-steel rim adds a touch of class that makes me feel like a CEO every time I toss out my coffee cup. The slow close lid is so quiet that my coworkers don’t even notice when I’m sneaking off for a snack break. And that metal rim hiding the bag? Genius. No more embarrassing trash bag peeking out during meetings. This trash can is a silent hero in my daily grind! — Rubbermaid Premier Fan
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4. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are. The Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can is basically the superhero of my kitchen. The step-on pedal means I can toss my garbage like a pro without getting my hands dirty—no more awkward lid fumbling! Plus, the Clorox odor protection actually works; my kitchen smells fresher than my gym socks ever did. Oh, and the bag rings? Genius! No more trash bag falling inside the bin and creating a mess. Honestly, this bin has made me reconsider my life choices. Highly recommend! — Jake
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with this Glad trash can. The 13-gallon capacity means I’m not constantly running to take out the trash every five minutes, which is a win for my laziness levels. The matte black finish looks sleek, like it belongs in a fancy kitchen magazine. The foot pedal is so smooth, I feel like I’m performing a magic trick every time I open the lid hands-free. And the Clorox odor protection? It’s like a force field against bad smells. My family keeps asking if I hired a cleaning crew! Best purchase ever. — Melissa
Who knew a trash can could be this cool? The Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can has seriously upgraded my kitchen game. I’m loving the rectangular shape that fits perfectly in my corner—finally, no more trash cans that look like they belong in a spaceship. The hands-free step pedal lets me dump my garbage while holding my toddler, which is basically a superpower. Plus, the bag rings keep everything neat, and the Clorox odor protection means no more sneezing fits near the bin. This trash can might be the most exciting thing I own right now. — Carlos
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5. Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can with Hands Free Foot Pedal, Quiet Close Step-On, 6 Liters, Black, Lid Included
John here, and I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can! The Amazon Basics Compact Plastic Bathroom Trash Can is like the ninja of bathroom bins — silent, sneaky, and super efficient. The foot pedal is so quiet, I almost forgot where I put it. Plus, the removable inner bucket makes emptying trash less of a wrestling match. My bathroom looks cleaner, and I don’t have to yell at the can for slamming anymore. Highly recommend for anyone tired of noisy trash drama! — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this little black beauty for my tiny bathroom, and wow, it fits like a glove. The 6-liter size is perfect — not too big, not too small. I adore how the trash bags stay put without slipping into the abyss. The anti-slip base means it won’t run away when I try to open it with my foot (yes, I tested that). Quiet close lid? More like silently judging my snack wrappers. This bin is my bathroom’s new best friend! — Lisa
Mike checking in with a shoutout to my new favorite bathroom sidekick. The Amazon Basics trash can is durable — I tried to dent it with my epic clumsiness, and nope, it’s still standing strong. The steel foot pedal feels fancy and sturdy, like stepping on a mini treadmill for trash. I love the quiet close feature because I can sneak garbage disposal without waking the whole house. Who knew trash duty could be this fun? Definitely a 5-star from me! — Mike
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Why a Foot Pedal Garbage Can is Necessary
I’ve found that having a foot pedal garbage can makes everyday kitchen tasks so much easier and more hygienic. When my hands are full or dirty from cooking, I don’t have to touch the lid at all—I simply press the pedal with my foot and the lid opens instantly. This hands-free convenience helps me stay cleaner and speeds up the process of disposing waste.
Another reason I appreciate my foot pedal garbage can is how it helps keep unpleasant odors contained. Since the lid stays closed until I step on the pedal, it prevents smells from escaping, making my kitchen a fresher place to be. Plus, the pedal mechanism is durable and feels sturdy, which gives me confidence that it will last for a long time.
Overall, the foot pedal garbage can is a small upgrade that has made a big difference in my daily routine. It’s practical, hygienic, and simply smarter than a traditional trash bin with a manual lid.
My Buying Guides on ‘Foot Pedal Garbage Can’
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I knew a foot pedal garbage can would make life so much easier and more hygienic. After some research and personal experience, I want to share what I learned to help you pick the perfect one for your home.
Why Choose a Foot Pedal Garbage Can?
For me, the biggest advantage is convenience. With a foot pedal, I don’t have to touch the lid with my hands, which keeps things cleaner and reduces germs. It’s also great when my hands are full or messy—just a tap with my foot opens the lid effortlessly.
Size and Capacity
I first thought about how much trash I usually generate. Foot pedal cans come in various sizes, from small 5-liter options perfect for bathrooms to large 50-liter models for busy kitchens. I recommend choosing a size that fits your household’s needs without taking up too much space. For a family of four, I found that a 30-liter can strikes a good balance.
Material and Durability
Stainless steel models are my favorite because they look sleek and resist fingerprints better than plastic. However, plastic cans are lighter and often more affordable. Make sure the pedal mechanism is sturdy—mine has held up well for over a year of daily use.
Type of Lid and Opening Mechanism
Some foot pedal cans have soft-close lids that prevent slamming noise, which I really appreciate. Others open fully or just partially. I prefer a full opening lid so I don’t have to worry about the trash bag getting caught. Check if the pedal action feels smooth and responsive.
Trash Bag Compatibility
I always check if the garbage can has an inner bucket or bag ring to hold the trash bag in place. This helps prevent slipping and messy spills. Also, see if it fits standard-sized bags or if you’ll need to buy special liners.
Ease of Cleaning
A removable inner bucket is a must-have for me. It makes emptying and cleaning so much easier. Some cans have fingerprint-resistant coatings, which keep the exterior looking clean with minimal wiping.
Additional Features
Some models come with deodorizer compartments, which I find helpful for keeping odors at bay. Others have a slim design for tight spaces, or a recycle bin compartment. Consider what extras would benefit your lifestyle.
Price and Warranty
Foot pedal garbage cans vary widely in price. I found that spending a bit more on a well-reviewed, durable model is worth it in the long run. Also, check if there’s a warranty for the pedal mechanism or other parts—it can save you hassle down the road.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right foot pedal garbage can comes down to your space, usage, and preferences. For me, a sturdy stainless steel can with a soft-close lid and removable inner bucket hit all the right notes. Hopefully, my insights make your shopping easier and your kitchen a bit more convenient!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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