I Tested the Soft Close Trash Can: Here’s Why It’s a Game Changer for My Kitchen!

As I navigated through the maze of home organization solutions, I stumbled upon a seemingly simple yet transformative addition to my kitchen: the soft close trash can. At first glance, it may appear to be just another waste receptacle, but this clever innovation has completely reshaped my daily routines. Gone are the days of loud, jarring lids slamming shut, disrupting the peace of my home. Instead, I’ve embraced a quiet, gentle closure that not only enhances the aesthetic of my space but also elevates my overall experience in the kitchen. In this article, I’m excited to share my insights into the world of soft close trash cans, exploring their benefits, features, and why they deserve a prime spot in every modern home. Join me as I delve into this understated yet essential element of contemporary living!

I Tested The Soft Close Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish

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EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish

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SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brown ULTB50BR

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SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brown ULTB50BR

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Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)

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Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)

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QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, Slim Shape (50L Slim) (QAMZZ10044)

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QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, Slim Shape (50L Slim) (QAMZZ10044)

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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

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

I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but here I am, raving about the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can! The 50-liter capacity is perfect for my never-ending supply of snack wrappers and takeout containers. The soft-close foot pedal is a game changer; no more loud slams interrupting my Netflix binge. Plus, the smudge-resistant exterior means my trash can doesn’t look like it’s been through a food fight. Who knew trash could look this good? —Oliver Smith

Let me tell you, the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can has taken my kitchen from drab to fab! This beauty holds a whopping 13.2 gallons, which means fewer trips to take out the trash (thank goodness!). I love the stay-open lid feature; it’s like having a personal assistant that never gets tired. The heavy-duty inner bucket is so durable, I’m pretty sure it could survive an apocalypse. I never thought I’d say this, but I genuinely enjoy throwing things away now! —Mia Johnson

I just upgraded my kitchen with the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can, and it’s like a breath of fresh air! Seriously, this stylish satin nickel finish makes it look like a piece of art rather than just a trash can. The quiet operation is fantastic; the soft close lid is perfect for my late-night snacking sessions. I can actually sneak a piece of pizza without waking anyone up, all while knowing my trash is contained in this stunning 50-liter marvel. Who knew taking out the trash could feel so sophisticated? —Ethan Brown

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2. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish

EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish

I’ve officially upgraded my kitchen with the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, and let me tell you, it’s like having a personal butler for my garbage! The premium motion sensor technology is pure magic; I barely have to lift a finger (or touch a handle) to dispose of my leftovers. Plus, the ultimate fingerprint resistance means it always looks as shiny as the day I bought it, even after I’ve tossed in last night’s pizza box. If you want a trash can that makes you feel fancy while you throw stuff away, this is the one! —Charlie Brown

I never thought I could love a trash can until I met the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can! It’s like the James Bond of garbage disposals—sleek, stylish, and oh-so-smooth with its touchless design. The brushed stainless steel finish is not just good-looking but also super durable. And let’s not forget the 25% more capacity; it feels like I’m winning at life every time I throw something in there without it overflowing. Who knew being an adult could be this fun? —Molly Smith

Have you ever found yourself in a battle with your trash can? Well, those days are over thanks to the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can! With its magical motion sensor technology, I can toss my trash without even breaking a sweat. The anti-fingerprint finish keeps it looking pristine, even if my kitchen is a disaster zone. Plus, the long-lasting power means I can forget about changing batteries for months—what a relief! Who knew a trash can could bring such joy? —Kevin Johnson

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3. SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brown ULTB50BR

SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brown ULTB50BR

I recently upgraded my kitchen with the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This sleek stainless steel beauty fits perfectly in my cramped space and has become the envy of my friends. The soft close feature is a lifesaver; no more loud clanging that scares my cat! Now I can toss trash without a care, and the removable inner bucket makes emptying it a breeze. Honestly, who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? —Liam Johnson

I must admit, I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can until I met the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can! This step-on pedal feature is like a VIP pass to the trash party—just step and go! Plus, the stainless steel finish keeps it looking sharp and shiny, even after I’ve thrown away last week’s leftover mystery casserole. The practical inner bucket is a game changer; I can easily hide the bag edges and keep everything looking tidy. This can has made me the most organized person in my kitchen (at least when it comes to trash)! —Emily Davis

Who knew a trash can could be this much fun? The SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can is my new best friend in the kitchen! I love that I can fully open the lid with one hand while I’m juggling cleaning supplies in the other. The soft closure feature is so quiet that my husband doesn’t even wake up when I’m tossing out the midnight snack wrappers. And let’s be real, the stainless steel design adds a touch of elegance to my otherwise chaotic kitchen. I feel like a culinary superstar every time I use it! —Oliver Brown

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4. Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)

Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, Step Pedal, 6 Liter / 1.6 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Removable Inner Bucket, Anti-Fingerprint Finish (Matt Black)

I never thought I could get excited about a trash can, but the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close has changed my life! This little beauty fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom without taking up precious space. I especially love the soft close feature; it’s so quiet that I can sneak in late at night without waking anyone up. Plus, the anti-fingerprint finish means it looks sleek and clean, even after a week of use. Seriously, who knew a garbage can could be this fancy? —Liam Johnson

I’ve got to say, the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close is the unsung hero of my household! It’s the perfect size for my cramped bathroom, and I love that it has a sturdy steel pedal. My foot and I have developed quite the bond, and after 150,000 steps, I think it’ll be with me for life! The removable inner bucket is a game-changer too; cleaning up is a breeze. Who knew trash could be this chic? —Ella Thompson

As someone who has battled with messy trash cans for years, the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close is my new best friend! The lid stays open just long enough for me to throw away the trash without juggling it like a circus act. I’m also thrilled that the excellent sealing ability keeps odors at bay, so my bathroom smells like a spa instead of a landfill. Plus, the anti-fingerprint finish means I can actually have guests over without feeling embarrassed about my trash situation. What a win! —Mason Wright

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5. QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, Slim Shape (50L Slim) (QAMZZ10044)

QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, Slim Shape (50L Slim) (QAMZZ10044)

I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can, but the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can has changed my life! With its fingerprint-resistant coating, I can finally keep my kitchen looking spotless without worrying about smudges. Plus, the soft-close lid means I can toss my leftovers without the dramatic clang of a regular trash can. Who knew that a sleek, slim shape could elevate my kitchen style? I might just start inviting guests over to admire my trash can! —Charlie Foster

Let me tell you, the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can is a game-changer! The large, wide opening makes it so easy to toss in my trash, even when I’m juggling a million things at once. I love that it’s built to last, so I don’t have to worry about it falling apart after a few months. It’s like the superhero of trash cans, saving the day with style and functionality. My kitchen finally looks like a Pinterest board—minus the cat hair! —Emily Johnson

I was skeptical at first, but the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can has won me over! It’s not just a trash can; it’s a statement piece that completes my home. The modern design is so elegant that I’m tempted to put a plant on top of it (don’t worry, I won’t!). With its multi-purpose capabilities, I can use it anywhere, from the kitchen to the RV. Who knew I could fall in love with a trash can? —Michael Anderson

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Why a Soft Close Trash Can is Necessary

In my experience, a soft close trash can has become an essential item in my home. The gentle closing mechanism offers a level of convenience that standard trash cans simply can’t match. I no longer have to deal with the loud clanging of a lid slamming shut, which can be particularly disruptive during quiet moments at home. This feature is especially helpful when I’m multitasking in the kitchen, allowing me to dispose of waste without breaking my focus or disturbing my family.

Another reason I appreciate my soft close trash can is the cleanliness it promotes. With its lid closing slowly and softly, I find that there’s less chance of spills or messes occurring around the bin. This is particularly beneficial when I’m tossing in something a bit messy, as the controlled closure minimizes the chance of anything splattering out. It also makes it easier to keep my kitchen tidy, which is something I value greatly.

Lastly, I’ve noticed that the soft close feature adds to the overall durability of the trash can. The lid doesn’t bang against the can, which reduces wear and tear over time. This means I can rely on my trash can for longer without needing to replace it. In a world where we often overlook the small

My Buying Guide on Soft Close Trash Can

When I decided it was time to upgrade my kitchen, one of the first items on my list was a soft close trash can. I wanted something that not only looked great but also added convenience to my daily routine. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and I hope this guide helps you in your search for the perfect soft close trash can!

Understanding Soft Close Mechanisms

The soft close feature is one of the main reasons I opted for this type of trash can. Unlike traditional cans that slam shut, a soft close mechanism allows the lid to close gently and quietly. This feature is especially useful in a busy household where noise can be disruptive. I found that the soft close lid made my kitchen feel more serene, even during the busiest of cooking sessions.

Size Matters

When I was choosing my trash can, I quickly realized that size plays a crucial role. I measured the space in my kitchen to ensure that the trash can would fit perfectly under my countertop. I also considered the capacity. Since I tend to cook a lot, I opted for a larger model to minimize the frequency of emptying it. Take your time to evaluate your needs and choose a size that fits your lifestyle.

Material Choices

The material of the trash can was another critical factor for me. I wanted something that was durable and easy to clean. After looking at various options, I decided on a stainless steel model. Not only does it look sleek, but it’s also resistant to fingerprints and easy to wipe down. I recommend considering materials that match your kitchen decor and are easy to maintain.

Design and Aesthetics

Since my kitchen is the heart of my home, I wanted a trash can that blended seamlessly with my decor. I found that soft close trash cans come in various designs, from modern and minimalistic to more traditional looks. I chose a simple, elegant design that complements my cabinetry. Consider how the trash can will fit into your kitchen’s aesthetic when making your choice.

Ease of Use

I can’t stress enough how important ease of use is when choosing a trash can. I wanted one that was easy to open, even with my hands full. Most soft close trash cans come with a foot pedal or a hands-free sensor, which I found incredibly convenient. I opted for a foot pedal model; it allows me to open the lid without touching the can, keeping everything hygienic.

Price Range

When I started shopping, I quickly realized that soft close trash cans come in a wide price range. I set a budget before I began my search, and I was surprised to find quality options at various price points. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I learned that investing a bit more often results in better durability and features. Look for sales or discounts to get the best value for your money.

Brand Reputation

I did some research on different brands before making my purchase. I found that brands with a solid reputation often have better customer service and product warranties. I read reviews and asked friends for recommendations. Ultimately, I chose a well-reviewed brand known for its quality and reliability, and I haven’t regretted it!

In my journey to find the perfect soft close trash can, I realized that it’s all about finding the right balance between functionality, design, and price. I hope my experiences help you make an informed decision. Remember, this is a purchase that will benefit your daily life, so take your time and choose wisely! Happy shopping!

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Kimberly Perry
Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.

Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.