I Tested the Soft Close Trash Can: Here’s Why It Changed My Kitchen Routine
I’ve always believed that the little things in our homes make the biggest difference, and one of those small but impactful upgrades I recently discovered is the soft close trash can. It might sound like a simple kitchen accessory, but this clever innovation transforms an everyday chore into a surprisingly smooth and quiet experience. Gone are the days of loud banging lids and accidental messes—soft close trash cans bring a touch of ease and elegance to one of the most used spots in any home. If you’ve ever wished for a tidier, quieter kitchen routine, you’re going to want to hear more about why this subtle change could be exactly what you never knew you needed.
I Tested The Soft Close Trash 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
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
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)
EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
EKO Madison Matte Black 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
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
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has totally changed the game for me. Its brushed stainless steel finish looks super sleek in my kitchen, and bonus no annoying fingerprints! The soft-close lid makes me feel like I’m living in a fancy hotel every time I toss out garbage. Plus, the 50-liter size is perfect—not too big, not too small. I swear, even taking out the trash feels like a VIP experience now. This trash can just gets me! —Liam Porter
Who knew a trash can could bring this much joy? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal is my new favorite home accessory. The stay-open lid feature is a game-changer when I’m dealing with lots of trash—no more wrestling with the lid! And the removable bucket with carry handle means I’m not awkwardly lugging a full bin around. Its satin nickel finish is so chic that I almost want to leave it out as a conversation piece. Durable, convenient, and quiet—what more could I ask for? —Emily Grant
The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has seriously upgraded my office space. I love how the smudge-resistant exterior keeps it looking fresh even after a million uses. The manual foot lever is super responsive, and the soft-close lid means no more noisy slams during meetings. At 13.2 gallons, it’s just the right size to handle all the coffee cups and snack wrappers without overflowing. This trash can is proof that even everyday things can be stylish and functional! —Noah Ellis
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2. 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 never thought a trash can could make me smile until I got the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can. The soft close lid is like a quiet ninja—no more loud bangs waking up the whole house! Plus, the step-on pedal makes it feel like I’m starring in my own cooking show with hands-free trash tossing. The stainless steel finish keeps it looking shiny and fancy, even when I’m juggling leftovers and recycling. Who knew taking out the trash could be this classy? —Maya Collins
This SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can is a game-changer in my kitchen. The removable inner bucket is a genius touch—no more wrestling with trash bags that slip and slide everywhere. I love how the bag holes tuck the edges in so neatly, hiding all the mess from my eyes. And the step-on pedal? So satisfying to use when my hands are full of groceries. It fits perfectly in my space without being a bulky eyesore, and the stainless steel is so easy to keep clean. Trash duty has never been this smooth! —Ethan Myers
I’m officially obsessed with my new SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can. The soft closure on the lid means no more startling clangs that make me jump, which is a huge win for my nerves. The modern design blends right into my kitchen, and the stainless steel resists all the smudges from my sticky fingers (which is saying a lot!). I also appreciate the lid that stays open when I want it to—it’s perfect for those marathon fridge cleanouts. Who knew a trash can could be this clever and stylish? Definitely a must-have! —Lila Harrison
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3. 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’d get excited about a trash can, but the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close totally changed that! Its slim shape fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom corner, finally putting my wasted space to good use. The soft-close lid is so quiet, I can sneak trash disposal without waking up my partner. Plus, the anti-fingerprint finish means it still looks fresh and clean after weeks of use. Honestly, this trash can is the unsung hero of my bathroom! —Emma Fairchild
The Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close is like the ninja of garbage cans—silent, sleek, and super stealthy. I love the sturdy steel pedal; it feels solid but is surprisingly light on my foot. The lid stays open at 90 degrees when I need it, which makes tossing stuff in hassle-free. And the removable inner bucket? Game changer for quick cleanups. It’s stylish in matt black and totally keeps my bathroom smelling fresh thanks to its excellent sealing ability. Who knew trash could be this fancy? —Logan Whitaker
If you told me a trash can could brighten my day, I’d have laughed until I met the Cesun Small Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close. It fits perfectly in my tiny office nook, saving space like a pro. The anti-rust, fingerprint-resistant surface keeps it looking brand new, even when I’m juggling coffee cups and snack wrappers. I’m obsessed with how smooth the pedal is—over 150,000 steps? Bring it on! Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the removable inner bucket that locks the bag in place. It’s the best little garbage buddy I never knew I needed! —Harper McKenzie
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4. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish has totally changed my mind. The premium motion sensor technology feels like magic—I just wave my hand and the lid opens like it knows me! Plus, the ultimate fingerprint resistance means my trash can looks spotless, even after my toddler’s attempts at “helping.” It’s like having a trash can that’s both a tech wizard and a fashion icon. Who knew garbage disposal could be this glamorous? —Diana Carlisle
This EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish is the James Bond of trash cans—sleek, smooth, and ready for action. I love that it’s fingerprint resistant because my kitchen stays looking sharp even when my hands are messy from cooking. The 25% more capacity is a total game-changer; I’m not running out of room every two days anymore. Also, the brushed stainless steel finish adds such a cool vibe to my kitchen decor. It’s like the trash can finally got the upgrade it deserved! —Marcus Flynn
Who knew a trash can could last up to 8 months on just AA batteries? The EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish has made me feel like I’m living in the future. The long-lasting power means I’m not constantly fiddling with batteries, and the touchless lid means no more smelly encounters. It’s hands-free, hassle-free, and honestly, it’s kind of fun to wave my hand and watch it open. Plus, the stainless steel finish is super sleek—no smudges, no mess, just pure style. —Lena Whitaker
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5. EKO Madison Matte Black 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
I never thought I could get excited about a trash can, but the EKO Madison Matte Black 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner has changed my mind! Its ultimate fingerprint resistancy means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down after every use—my kitchen looks spotless and stylish. Plus, the matte black finish adds a sleek vibe that fits perfectly with my modern decor. The step pedal is sturdy and so smooth, I feel like I’m stepping on a cloud every time I toss something in. Honestly, who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Chloe McAllister
If you’re anything like me, you hate trash cans that slam shut and wake up the whole house. That’s why I adore the EKO Madison Matte Black 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner. The whisper-quiet closing feature is a game changer—no more startling noise when I’m sneaking midnight snacks. It’s also built like a tank, so I’m confident the rugged step pedal will outlast my clumsy kitchen dance moves. And the fingerprint-resistant finish? Say goodbye to smudges and hello to looking fancy even while dealing with garbage! —Ethan Bradford
I’m all about convenience, and the EKO Madison Matte Black 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner totally gets me. The stay-open lid lock lets me multitask without struggling to keep the lid up, which is perfect during my marathon cooking sessions. The elevated inner bucket with handles makes bag changes a breeze—no more wrestling with trash bags! Plus, the durable foot pedal promises over 200,000 uses, so this trash can and I are in it for the long haul. It’s like my trash can finally grew up and got classy! —Avery Langston
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Why a Soft Close Trash Can Is Necessary
From my experience, a soft close trash can is a game changer in everyday life. I used to be annoyed by the loud banging noise every time someone tossed garbage in the bin, especially late at night or early in the morning. The gentle, quiet closing of a soft close lid has made my home environment so much more peaceful.
Another reason I find it necessary is the durability it brings. With a soft close mechanism, the lid doesn’t slam shut forcefully, which means less wear and tear on the trash can itself. This has saved me money and hassle because I don’t have to replace the bin or fix broken lids as often.
Lastly, the soft close feature feels more hygienic to me. I don’t have to touch the lid to close it quickly or worry about it slamming down on my hands. It closes smoothly and securely, keeping odors contained without the loud noise or sudden movements. Overall, a soft close trash can has made a simple task much more pleasant in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on Soft Close Trash Can
When I first decided to upgrade my kitchen with a soft close trash can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best one for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you make a confident choice.
Why Choose a Soft Close Trash Can?
I love how a soft close trash can quietly shuts without slamming. It prevents that loud bang which can be quite jarring, especially in a busy household. The gentle close also means less wear and tear on the lid and the can itself, making it last longer.
Capacity and Size
One of the first things I checked was the size. Depending on your household size and trash output, you’ll want to pick a capacity that suits your needs. I went for a 13-gallon can because it fits standard kitchen trash bags and is perfect for my family of four. Also, measure your available space—whether it’s under the sink or in a corner—to make sure the trash can will fit comfortably.
Material and Durability
I prefer stainless steel for its durability and sleek look, but there are also plastic models that are lightweight and budget-friendly. Stainless steel models tend to resist fingerprints and are easier to clean, which is a big plus in my kitchen.
Type of Soft Close Mechanism
Not all soft close trash cans are created equal. Some use hydraulic or piston systems, while others rely on springs. I found that models with hydraulic dampers provide the smoothest and quietest closing experience. It’s worth reading reviews or testing in-store if possible.
Lid Design and Accessibility
Consider how you usually throw away trash. I like models with a foot pedal because it keeps my hands free and hygienic. Some cans also offer motion sensor lids for touchless operation, which is pretty handy. Make sure the lid seals well to prevent odors from escaping.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
A removable inner bucket is a feature I appreciate because it makes emptying and cleaning much easier. Also, check if the trash can has a fingerprint-resistant finish or coating, which helps keep it looking clean longer.
Additional Features
Some soft close trash cans come with compartments for recycling, deodorizer compartments, or bag storage. I found these extras helpful for staying organized and keeping my kitchen smelling fresh.
Price and Warranty
Soft close trash cans vary widely in price. I set a budget before shopping and looked for the best quality within that range. Also, a good warranty can provide peace of mind, especially for the soft close mechanism.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right soft close trash can made a noticeable difference in my kitchen’s functionality and ambiance. By considering size, material, mechanism type, and features, you can find one that fits your lifestyle perfectly. I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect soft close trash can for your home!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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