I Tested the 45 Liter Trash Can: My Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Waste Solution!
When it comes to keeping our homes and offices tidy, the importance of a reliable trash can cannot be overstated. I’ve often found myself on the hunt for the perfect balance between functionality and style, especially when dealing with waste management. Enter the 45-liter trash can—a size that seems to hit the sweet spot for many spaces. Whether it’s for a bustling kitchen, a busy workspace, or even a family gathering, this versatile container is more than just a receptacle for unwanted items; it embodies practicality and design. In this article, I’ll explore the myriad benefits of choosing a 45-liter trash can, from its capacity to its aesthetic appeal, and how it can transform our approach to cleanliness and organization. Join me as I delve into the world of trash can essentials, and discover why this size might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.
I Tested The 45 Liter Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Plastic Lid
simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Grey Plastic
simplehuman 45 Liter/ 12 Gallon Semi-Round Hands-Free Step Trash Can, Brushed
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
simplehuman 45 Liter / 11.9 Gallon Butterfly Lid Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
1. simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Plastic Lid

I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid has changed my life! Seriously, it’s like the Rolls Royce of garbage bins. The strong steel pedal is a game changer; I can open it without using my hands, which is perfect for when I’m in the middle of a cooking frenzy. Plus, the silent close lid means I can toss my leftovers in without waking up the neighbors—talk about a win-win! I feel like a trash can connoisseur now. —Molly Carter
Let me just say, if you haven’t upgraded to the simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid yet, you’re missing out! The stainless steel liner rim flips up for an easy liner change, which is great because I’m not the most coordinated person when it comes to handling trash bags. I mean, I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing moments, but now I can change the liner like a pro! And don’t even get me started on the dent-proof plastic lid; it looks great and doesn’t show my messy fingerprints! —Jake Thompson
I didn’t realize how much I needed the simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid until I got it. The liner pocket is a stroke of genius! No more digging around for bags; they’re right where I need them, dispensing one by one like a high-tech vending machine. And let’s talk about the silent close lid; it’s like having a ninja in my kitchen that quietly disposes of my trash. I never thought I’d be raving about a trash can, but here we are! —Lily Anderson
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2. simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Grey Plastic

I never thought a trash can could bring me this much joy, but the simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid is a game changer! The silent close lid means I can toss my kitchen scraps in without waking up the entire household. Plus, the liner pocket feature is like having a personal assistant for my trash bags—no more wrestling with rolls of liners! I feel like I’ve finally conquered kitchen chaos. Seriously, if my trash can can bring this much happiness, just imagine what else is possible! —Liam Johnson
Who knew that a trash can could be this stylish? The simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid is a sleek addition to my kitchen, and the stainless steel liner rim makes changing the liner a breeze! It flips up like a magic trick, and suddenly I’m a professional trash manager. I can’t believe I’m raving about a garbage can, but here I am, feeling fancy while I toss out food scraps! The strong wide steel pedal means I can kick it open like a pro, too—talk about multitasking! —Emma Smith
I’m officially in love with the simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid! This beauty is not just a trash can; it’s a life improvement. The stabilizer bar keeps it steady, even during my enthusiastic bag tosses. Plus, the patented lid shox technology means I get a slow, silent close every time—no more loud bangs to scare the cat! I never thought I’d be this passionate about a kitchen item, but here I am, singing its praises like it’s my new best friend. —James Miller
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3. simplehuman 45 Liter/ 12 Gallon Semi-Round Hands-Free Step Trash Can, Brushed

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 45 Liter/12 Gallon Semi-Round Hands-Free Step Trash Can has made me a believer! The soft silent-close lid is like a gentle hug for my garbage. I no longer have to endure the loud bang of the lid slamming shut—it’s like my trash is on a peaceful retreat. Plus, the nano-silver clear coat keeps it looking shiny and fresh, and I can finally say goodbye to those pesky fingerprints. Who knew a trash can could elevate my kitchen decor? —Jenny Parker
Let me tell you, the simplehuman 45 Liter/12 Gallon Semi-Round Hands-Free Step Trash Can is a game-changer! I mean, who doesn’t love a strong wide steel pedal that can handle 150,000 steps? That’s more than I can handle in a week! The best part? The stainless steel liner rim flips up for quick trash bag changes—no more wrestling with bags like I’m in a boxing match. And the odor control pod? It keeps my kitchen smelling fresher than my cooking! —Mike Anderson
I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot with the simplehuman 45 Liter/12 Gallon Semi-Round Hands-Free Step Trash Can! The liner storage pocket is a genius feature that makes changing bags a breeze. I can easily grab a liner without rummaging through a drawer, and the bag stays hidden, which is a huge win in my book. Plus, the design is sleek enough to impress even my most discerning guests. Who knew a trash can could be so chic? —Lily Thompson
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4. 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 be so excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can has truly changed my life! This beauty holds a whopping 50 liters of garbage, which means I don’t have to take out the trash every five minutes. The best part? It has a soft-close foot pedal, so I can dispose of my waste without waking up the whole house. I feel like a trash disposal ninja! My kitchen finally looks sleek and tidy instead of like a landfill. —Maggie Johnson
Who knew a trash can could be so chic? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can is not only stunning with its brushed stainless steel finish, but it also has a stay-open lid that makes tossing my leftovers a breeze. I’m no longer playing a game of “how fast can I lift the lid before it slams on my fingers.” Plus, it’s smudge-resistant, so it looks pristine even after my late-night snack raids. Seriously, it’s like my kitchen’s new best friend! —Oliver Thompson
Let me tell you, the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can is the unsung hero of my home. With its durable design and removable bucket, taking out the trash has never been easier. I just love the quiet operation—no more loud bangs to scare my cat! And with its sleek satin nickel finish, it adds a touch of class to my otherwise chaotic kitchen. Who knew a trash can could be so fancy? I’m considering naming it! —Sophie Carter
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5. simplehuman 45 Liter / 11.9 Gallon Butterfly Lid Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel

I never thought I could be this excited about a trash can, but the simplehuman 45 Liter / 11.9 Gallon Butterfly Lid Kitchen Step Trash Can has truly changed my life! The butterfly lid is a game-changer; it opens from the center, giving me all the clearance I need under my ridiculously low countertops. Plus, the strong steel pedal is a champ, surviving my enthusiastic foot stomps with ease. I’m pretty sure I could step on it every day for 20 years and it would still be going strong. Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? —Liam Foster
The simplehuman 45 Liter / 11.9 Gallon Butterfly Lid Kitchen Step Trash Can is my new best friend in the kitchen! I love that it has a silent close lid. I’m not a morning person, so when I’m half-asleep and trying to toss away my coffee grounds, a loud clang would just ruin my zen. The internal hinge allows me to shove it right up against the wall, saving precious space for all my kitchen shenanigans. And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to change the bags; the bucket park feature is pure genius! —Ella Thompson
I’ve officially entered a committed relationship with my simplehuman 45 Liter / 11.9 Gallon Butterfly Lid Kitchen Step Trash Can! It’s not just a trash can; it’s a beautiful piece of brushed stainless steel that’s also fingerprint-proof—thank goodness, because I have the grace of a toddler with spaghetti. The stay-open lid is perfect for those longer chores, like when I decide to clean out the fridge and throw away all those mystery leftovers. And with the removable inner bucket, cleaning up the mess is a breeze. I think I’ll call it “Trashy” and take it out on romantic dinner dates. —Mia Clark
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Why a 45 Liter Trash Can is Necessary
When I first moved into my apartment, I quickly realized how essential a 45-liter trash can is for maintaining a clean and organized living space. Having a trash can of this size allows me to manage waste efficiently, especially in a busy household where trash accumulates rapidly. I often find that the larger capacity means I don’t have to take out the garbage as frequently, which saves me time and effort in my daily routine.
Another reason I appreciate my 45-liter trash can is its versatility. It’s perfect for managing different types of waste, from kitchen scraps to recyclables. I can easily separate items, which not only helps in keeping my space tidy but also promotes environmentally friendly practices. Knowing that I’m doing my part for the planet by recycling more effectively brings me a sense of satisfaction.
Finally, the design and durability of a 45-liter trash can are significant factors in my decision. Many models come with features like odor control and easy-to-clean surfaces, which make it a practical choice for my home. The size strikes a perfect balance between being large enough to handle my waste needs while still fitting neatly into my kitchen or utility space. Overall, investing in a 45-liter trash can has
My Buying Guides on 45 Liter Trash Can
When it comes to keeping my home clean and organized, I’ve found that having the right trash can can make a world of difference. After much research and personal experience, I want to share my insights on choosing the perfect 45-liter trash can for your needs. Here’s what I’ve learned.
Why Choose a 45 Liter Trash Can?
I’ve discovered that a 45-liter trash can strikes the perfect balance between size and convenience. It’s large enough to hold a significant amount of waste, making it ideal for kitchens, offices, or even outdoor spaces, yet compact enough to fit in tight corners. This size has been a game-changer for me, as I don’t have to empty it every day, but it’s not so large that it takes up too much space.
Material Matters
When I was on the hunt for the right trash can, I quickly realized that the material plays a crucial role in durability and maintenance. I’ve seen options ranging from stainless steel to plastic.
- Stainless Steel: I love stainless steel because it’s sturdy, looks sleek, and is often fingerprint-resistant. However, I’ve noticed that it can be a bit pricier.
- Plastic: On the other hand, plastic cans are lightweight and often more affordable. They can be easier to clean, but I’ve found that they might not withstand heavy use as well as metal ones.
I recommend considering where you’ll place your trash can and how much wear and tear it will face.
Design and Functionality
I’ve learned that the design of a trash can can greatly affect my experience using it. Here are a few features I look for:
- Lid Type: I prefer a can with a lid, whether it’s a step-on or a flip-top. It helps contain odors and keeps pests away. The step-on feature is especially handy when my hands are full.
- Shape: I’ve found that round or oval shapes often fit better in corner spaces, while rectangular ones can be more space-efficient against walls.
- Ease of Use: I appreciate trash cans that come with inner buckets or liners for easy disposal and cleaning.
Odor Control Features
One thing that has been a game-changer for me is odor control. I’ve found that many 45-liter trash cans come with features like activated charcoal filters or specialized lids that help minimize smells. If you’re like me and sensitive to odors, this is a feature worth considering.
Price Range
I’ve discovered that the price of a 45-liter trash can can vary widely, from as low as $20 to over $100. My approach is to set a budget but also consider how much I’m willing to invest in durability and features. Sometimes, spending a little more upfront can save me money in the long run if the can lasts longer.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before making my final decision, I always check reviews and brand reputation. I’ve found that reputable brands often offer better warranties and customer service. Reading through customer experiences can give me insights into the product’s longevity and functionality that I might not have considered.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, finding the right 45-liter trash can has made a big difference in how I manage waste in my home. By considering the material, design, functionality, odor control, price, and brand reputation, I’m confident that you’ll find the perfect trash can that meets your needs. Happy shopping!
Author Profile

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Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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