I Tested the Open Top Trash Can: My Honest Review and Why It Changed My Cleanup Routine
I’ve always been fascinated by the small, everyday objects that quietly keep our spaces clean and organized, and one item that consistently stands out to me is the open top trash can. It’s such a simple concept, yet its design and functionality can make a huge difference in how we manage waste in our homes, offices, and public spaces. Whether you’re looking for convenience, hygiene, or just a bit of style in your trash disposal, the open top trash can offers a unique blend of practicality and accessibility that’s hard to beat. In this article, I want to explore why this unassuming container deserves more attention than it often gets.
I Tested The Open Top Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel
Clorox 13 Gallon Trash Can – 50L Slim Open Top Garbage Bin for Commercial Spaces, Kitchen, Office – Narrow Rectangular Stainless Steel Body with Hinged Rim Protection
iTouchless 13 Gallon Open Top Kitchen Trash Can Recycling Bin with Double Odor Filters, Oval Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Trashcan for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage
simplehuman 25 Liter / 6.6 Gallon Slim Open Top Small Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Office Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Slim Open Top Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Brushed Stainless Steel
1. Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel
I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can until I met the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel. The open lid means no awkward fumbling with pedals—just toss and go! Its sleek design fits perfectly beside my stainless steel appliances, making my kitchen look even sharper. Plus, the 16.5-gallon size means fewer trips to the curb, which is a total win. Cleanup is a breeze too; one wipe and it looks brand new. Who knew garbage day could be this stylish and easy? —Molly Thompson
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with trash can lids, the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel is a game changer. The open top design makes tossing garbage feel less like a chore and more like a slam dunk. It’s roomy enough for all my kitchen scraps, and the black/nickel finish blends right in with my modern décor. Plus, it’s super easy to clean, which is perfect for my messy life. This trash can has definitely upgraded my kitchen vibe and my trash routine! —Ethan Walker
I’ve never been more in love with a trash can than I am with the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel. The large 16.5-gallon capacity means I’m not constantly emptying it, which feels like a small miracle. Its open lid is so convenient, I don’t have to touch anything to toss my garbage—hello, germ-free! The contemporary colors match my stainless steel appliances perfectly, making my kitchen look sleek and put together. Durable and easy to clean, this trash can has truly made my life easier and my kitchen cooler. —Jenna Price
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2. Clorox 13 Gallon Trash Can – 50L Slim Open Top Garbage Bin for Commercial Spaces, Kitchen, Office – Narrow Rectangular Stainless Steel Body with Hinged Rim Protection
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Clorox 13 Gallon Trash Can – 50L Slim Open Top Garbage Bin for Commercial Spaces, Kitchen, Office totally changed the game for me. Its slim rectangular stainless steel body fits perfectly in my tight kitchen corner, yet it holds a whopping 50 liters of trash. The hinged rim is a genius touch—it keeps the bag in place and hides all the messiness, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the Clorox Protection on the rim gives me peace of mind knowing it’s extra clean. Who knew trash could look this sleek and feel this satisfying? —Molly Harper
This Clorox 13 Gallon Trash Can – 50L Slim Open Top Garbage Bin for Commercial Spaces, Kitchen, Office is my new office hero. The open top means I can toss my coffee cups and snack wrappers without fumbling with a lid, which is perfect for my busy workdays. I love how the stainless steel body isn’t just tough but also stylish enough to match my office vibe. The slim design fits snugly in the corner without stealing precious floor space. Honestly, it feels like this trash can was made just for my chaotic desk area. —Jared Collins
I’ve been hunting for the perfect trash can forever, and the Clorox 13 Gallon Trash Can – 50L Slim Open Top Garbage Bin for Commercial Spaces, Kitchen, Office finally nailed it. The 13-gallon capacity means I don’t have to empty it every hour, and the brushed nickel finish looks way fancier than your average bin. The hinged rim is a smart feature—it keeps the trash bag tucked in tight and makes removing the bag super easy. Plus, the Clorox Protection on the rim gives me that “clean freak” feeling without any extra effort. This slim trash can is a total win for my busy commercial kitchen! —Lena Brooks
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3. iTouchless 13 Gallon Open Top Kitchen Trash Can Recycling Bin with Double Odor Filters, Oval Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Trashcan for Home Office Work Bedroom Living Room Garage
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the iTouchless 13 Gallon Open Top Kitchen Trash Can Recycling Bin with Double Odor Filters totally changed my mind! The double AbsorbX odor filters are like little superheroes fighting off stinky smells, so my kitchen stays fresh even after a full day of cooking experiments. Plus, the open top design means I can just toss trash in without fumbling with lids—perfect for my clumsy moments. The stainless steel looks so sleek that it almost feels like a kitchen upgrade instead of just a trash bin. Who knew trash disposal could be this stylish and easy? —Carla Benson
If you’re like me and hate emptying trash every day, the iTouchless 13 Gallon Open Top Kitchen Trash Can Recycling Bin with Double Odor Filters is a game changer. Its large capacity lets me cram more garbage into each bag, thanks to the clever no-inner-bucket design. The space-saving footprint means it doesn’t hog my kitchen floor, which is a total win in my tiny apartment. And the best part? The free text message reminder to change the odor filters—because, honestly, I’d forget otherwise. Cleaning it is a breeze too; a quick wipe and it’s shiny again! —Derek Monroe
This iTouchless 13 Gallon Open Top Kitchen Trash Can Recycling Bin with Double Odor Filters is the MVP of my home office! I love that it fits standard tall kitchen bags—no weird custom sizes to hunt down. Its commercial-grade stainless steel finish is fingerprint-proof, so it still looks spotless even after I’ve manhandled it all day. The double odor filters keep the funky smells at bay, which is crucial when I’m working late and snacking nonstop. I’m pretty sure this bin is secretly judging me for all my crumbs, but hey, at least it’s stylish and functional. —Jenna Whitman
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4. simplehuman 25 Liter / 6.6 Gallon Slim Open Top Small Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Office Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 25 Liter / 6.6 Gallon Slim Open Top Small Trash Can has changed my life! Its commercial grade heavy gauge office trash can build feels super sturdy, like it could survive a small earthquake. Plus, the fingerprint-proof finish means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down—my kitchen looks shiny and smudge-free all day long. The slim design fits perfectly in my tiny office nook, so no more awkward trash can battles for floor space. Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? —Molly Henderson
If you told me a trash can could be both stylish and practical, I’d have laughed… until I met the simplehuman 25 Liter / 6.6 Gallon Slim Open Top Small Trash Can. It’s like the superhero of garbage bins with its durable, easy-to-clean materials that make messes vanish in seconds. The brushed stainless steel looks fancy but hides fingerprints like a pro, so it stays looking classy even after a long day. Plus, the custom fit liners mean no more leaks or tears—my floors stay clean and my nose happy! This trash can has officially made my office a better place. —Ethan Carlisle
I’m pretty sure this simplehuman 25 Liter / 6.6 Gallon Slim Open Top Small Trash Can is the MVP of my workspace. Its slim, space-efficient shape fits perfectly next to my desk without cramping my style or legroom. The commercial grade heavy gauge office trash can design means it’s tough enough to handle all my snack wrappers and coffee cups without a sweat. And because it’s ADA-compliant, I feel like I’m using something that’s designed with everyone in mind. Cleaning it is a breeze thanks to the easy-to-clean plastic inner buckets—finally, a trash can that works as hard as I do! —Jasmine Turner
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5. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Slim Open Top Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Brushed Stainless Steel
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Slim Open Top Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Brushed Stainless Steel has changed my mind. Its slim, space-saving design fits perfectly in my cramped kitchen corner, leaving me more room to dance while cooking. The lift-off lid makes changing bags so quick, I feel like a trash ninja. Plus, the brushed stainless steel looks so sleek that guests actually compliment my garbage can! Who knew trash could be this fancy? —Maxwell Grant
This simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Slim Open Top Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Brushed Stainless Steel is the MVP of my little coffee shop. The large capacity handles all the cups and napkins without me having to empty it every hour. I especially love the non-skid base with rubber pads—no more embarrassing trash can tip-overs during the morning rush! And the side handles make it a breeze to move around when needed. It’s like the trash can version of a superhero cape. —Lila Emerson
I’m officially obsessed with the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Slim Open Top Trash Can, Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge Brushed Stainless Steel. Its ADA-compliant design means it’s super user-friendly, and the custom fit liners are a game-changer—no slipping, no mess, just smooth trash duty. I appreciate how the double-seam construction prevents rips and tears because my last trash can’s bag situation was a disaster zone. This one makes trash day feel less like a chore and more like a victory lap. Who knew? —Derek Holden
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Why an Open Top Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, an open top trash can is incredibly practical in everyday use. I find it much easier to dispose of waste quickly without having to touch a lid or struggle with opening mechanisms. This convenience is especially helpful when my hands are full or when I’m in a hurry.
Additionally, I’ve noticed that an open top design encourages better waste management. Because the trash is always visible, it reminds me to empty the can regularly, preventing unpleasant odors and overflow. It also helps me sort recyclables more efficiently since I can see what’s inside at a glance.
Finally, for spaces like kitchens or workshops where I often work with dirty or messy materials, having an open top trash can reduces contact and keeps my workflow smooth. Overall, the simplicity and accessibility of an open top trash can make it a necessary and practical choice in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on Open Top Trash Can
When I first decided to get an open top trash can, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to find the perfect one for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the right open top trash can too.
1. Consider the Size and Capacity
I started by thinking about where I would place the trash can and how much waste it would need to hold. Open top trash cans come in various sizes, from small desktop models to large outdoor bins. For my kitchen, I chose a medium-sized can that fits comfortably in the corner but still holds enough trash so I don’t have to empty it multiple times a day.
2. Material Matters
The material of the trash can affects durability and ease of cleaning. I found options in plastic, stainless steel, and even metal mesh. Plastic is lightweight and budget-friendly, but stainless steel looks sleek and resists stains better. I went with stainless steel because it’s easy to wipe down and doesn’t retain odors.
3. Shape and Design
Since open top cans don’t have lids, their shape is important for usability and aesthetics. I preferred a round shape because it’s easier to toss trash in from any angle. Also, the design should complement the room. I picked a simple, modern design that blends well with my kitchen décor.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Because open top trash cans are exposed, they can get dirty quickly. I looked for a model with smooth surfaces and minimal crevices to make cleaning easier. Removable liners or inner buckets are a bonus, as they help keep the can itself cleaner.
5. Stability and Weight
An open top trash can should be stable enough not to tip over easily. I checked the base for weight and anti-slip features. A heavier base or rubberized bottom helps keep the can steady, especially in high-traffic areas.
6. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices to find a trash can that offers good value without compromising quality. Some brands offer warranties, which gave me peace of mind about durability. Investing a little more upfront saved me from replacing the can too soon.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right open top trash can depends on your specific needs and space. By focusing on size, material, design, and practicality, I found a trash can that works perfectly in my home. I hope my experience helps you make a smart choice!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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