Top 5 Touchless Trash Cans
Best Capacity: Glad Stainless Steel Sensor Trash Can Best Medium-Sized Can: EKO Mirage-T Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can Best Round Can: iTouchless Touchless Sensor Trash Can Best Butterfly Lid: hOmeLabs Automatic Trash Can Best Semi-Circle Can: iTouchless Sensor Kitchen Trash Can
Best Capacity: Glad Stainless Steel Sensor Trash Can
This touchless trash can has a capacity of 20 gallons, allowing it to hold a lot of trash before it needs to be emptied into a dumpster or curbside can. This product also includes a two-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If the product becomes defective, a repair or replacement will be provided by Glad.
Key Features
20-gallon waste capacity 16.2 by 14.5 by 27.8 inches 15.07 pounds empty Two-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers said that they liked this trash can because it was sleek and easy to use. Several also said that it was convenient because it took several days to fill with trash. However, some negative reviews said that the lid stopped working after a short period of time.
Best Medium-Sized Can: EKO Mirage-T Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can
This touchless trash can has a medium capacity of 13.2 gallons, allowing it to hold a little more trash than your standard 13-gallon can. However, you don’t need specialized trash bags for this product, as 13-gallon bags still fit.
Key Features
13.2-gallon waste capacity 15.1 by 10.2 by 24.6 inches 14.22 pounds empty Three-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers said that this product was easy to use and responsive. Unsatisfied customers had various complaints about this trash can, including problems with the motion sensor and customer support.
Best Round Can: iTouchless Touchless Sensor Trash Can
This trash can has a round shape, giving it a unique look compared to the typical square or rectangular shape of most kitchen trash cans. Its wide 9.25-inch opening makes it easy to dispose of pizza boxes, milk cartons, and other bulky waste.
Key Features
13-gallon waste capacity 12.6 by 12 by 31.3 inches 8.3 pounds empty One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that they recommend this product for its functionality, price, and quality. However, less satisfied customers said that its base was wobbly and its motion sensor was too sensitive.
Best Butterfly Lid: hOmeLabs Automatic Trash Can
This touchless trash can has a butterfly lid with two pieces that open like butterfly wings when the sensor detects movement within six inches. It includes a 90-degree swiveling infrared sensor ball that can be adjusted for top or side activation. However, if you prefer, you can utilize the manual touch control.
Key Features
13-gallon waste capacity 10.3 by 16.2 by 22.5 inches 9.26 pounds empty One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that the hOmeLabs Automatic Trash Can was easy to clean and held a lot of waste. Many also said that it kept curious pets and toddlers out of the garbage. Dissatisfied customers said that the lid eventually stopped closing, and a few mentioned ongoing issues with the sensor.
Best Semi-Circle Can: iTouchless Sensor Kitchen Trash Can
This automatic trash can has a semi-circular shape, giving you the appearance of a round can but with a flat side that can rest against a wall to take up less space. Additionally, it has a stainless steel body that’s smudge-resistant and easy to clean to ensure that it looks sharp.
Key Features
13-gallon waste capacity 14.13 by 12.63 by 26.75 inches 8.05 pounds empty One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that this trash can rivaled more expensive brand name options with how much trash it could store and how handy its sensor lid was. A common complaint among negative reviews was that the motor on the lid wore out quickly.
Buyer’s Guide
Read our guide on touchless trash cans below to learn about important factors that will help inform your purchasing decision.
Material
Trash cans are made of metal or plastic.
Metal: Metal trash cans are the most common touchless option. They’re more durable and resistant to odor retainment than plastic. They’re also available in several sleek finishes, with stainless steel being the most popular option. Plastic: Plastic trash cans aren’t as durable or as good at repelling odors, but they are more affordable and come in a variety of colors.
Size
Trash cans range in size from about 2.5 gallons to 30 gallons. The size you choose should depend on where the can will be used. For example, if the trash can is for a bathroom, opt for a small 2.5-gallon can. If the trash can is for a kitchen, choose one that’s at least 13 gallons in size because a lot of leftovers, wrappers, and other food-related waste gets thrown away in there.
Shape
Trash cans are available in several shapes, including square, rectangular, and circular. Square or rectangular cans are better when space is at a premium because they fit nicely in corners. You can extend your options to include round shapes when the can is for a larger room, such as a master bathroom or a kitchen, since you don’t have limited space.
Sensor
Touchless trash cans use a motion sensor to open.
Direction: The can’s motion sensor usually faces upward instead of to the side. This prevents the can from opening when someone is just walking by. Range: Some trash cans can sense movement from as far away as 10 inches. This allows you to open the can without your trash touching and contaminating the sensor.
Power Source
Most touchless trash cans use batteries as a power source. However, some use cords that plug into wall outlets. With batteries, you have the freedom to place your can anywhere, but you also have to remember to change them every few months. If you use an AC adapter for power, you won’t need to worry about replacing batteries, but you will be more limited with placement options.
Odor Elimination
Some trash cans have inserts for odor-eliminating filters. This decreases the likelihood that smelly trash, such as raw meat packages or leftovers, will stink up your home.
How do I ensure that the motion sensor on my touchless trash can works properly?
Motion sensors work best when they’re dry and when they’re not exposed to direct sunlight. Also avoid placing your can under an overhang, such as a countertop, as this may cause the motion sensor to open when you’re not using it.
Are there other touchless trash cans that don’t use motion sensors?
Yes. You can also find step trash cans. While you still have to make contact with these cans to throw items away, you don’t have to open the lid with your hands.
Why does my touchless trash can have a lock on it?
This lock prevents children and pets from getting into the trash. Most locks are an on/off switch for the motion sensor.
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