Christina Chrysostomou
If your bin is totally ruining the vibe in your kitchen, then I get why you're here. Not all of us can renovate our kitchens to have lovely in-cupboard bins that blend in seamlessly with the rest of our kitchen decor, and nor should we have to do that for the sake of our rubbish. So, with this in mind, I've curated a list of the best kitchen bis you need to take a peek at if your waste storage system is in need of a total rethink. I know mine was before I reviewed a bunch of these bins!
Whatever your situation is, whether you separate things yourself at home or your local council doesn't recycle (boo!), there's a way that you can manage this job. And make it look a little tidier (and less of an eyesore) in your flat or home. This will also give you much more floor space to work with, so if your dining set is in your kitchen you'll have a little more room to stretch out post-dinner.
Think everything from in-cupboard bins to all-in-one recycling units and rubbish-only bins. You'll see them all below. I've split the job of reviewing these bins with the rest of Real Homes team, so these solutions have been tested in homes, apartments, flatshares, and more. The ones we loved the most (and still use to this day) made it into this guide.
For more kitchen must-haves, see our ultimate guide on the best cleaning products for everything you need under your sink. But first, let's talk rubbish.
The 18 best kitchen bins for style, as picked by Real Homes
Best kitchen bin
Capacity: 42L
Lid: Sensor
Colours: 3
Rating: 5/5 stars
+ Square to fit into corners
+ Steel body
+ Great price
- Not the largest
- Sometimes difficult to empty
For those who can't be dealing with pedal bins, opt for this sensor touch bin. While in review, we decided that it's best for couples and small families with small kitchens. It boasts a contemporary design and a square shape to tuck into a kitchen corner, the bin has a non-corrosive coating and a retainer ring for easy replacement of bin liners. Sometimes you might have to tug your bin bag out if it's super full, but other than that it's a great price and a great-looking bin.
All-in-one recycling bin
Capacity: 100L
Lid: 2x sensor, 1x pull
Colours: 2
Rating: 5/5 stars
+ All-in-one system
+ Sensor recycling bins
- Large
- High price tag
If you're looking for a solution to store your general waste and recycling that's all in one place, then this is the kitchen bin for you. Although it's large, the set is completely stackable and fits together neatly in your kitchen. The two top compartments are sensor activated, while the spacious general waste bin slides out to access. It's deceptively spacious, and we've been loving using it in our kitchen. An investment for sure, but it's definitely worth it.
Best food bin
Capacity: 1.8L
Lid: Lift
Colours: 3
Rating: 5/5 stars
+ Stainless steel handle
+ Sizeable
+ Dishwasher safe
+ 100% recyclable after use
For storing your food waste in fashion — sans unpleasant odours — this Brabantia bin ticks all our boxes. It's compact, dishwasher safe, and recyclable after use. Choose from three colours and use the stainless steel handle for easy emptying. It's spacious enough for families, too. This is definitely our favourite food bin we've ever used, and unlike cheaper ones it lasts and lasts.
Luxury kitchen bin
Capacity: 60L
Lid: Push-button
Colours: 4
Rating: 5/5 stars
+ Neat and tidy
+ Perfect for small spaces
+ Easy to empty
- Not for large families
- High price tag
It might be pricey, but this bin from JosephJoseph is the ultimate space-saving solution for your kitchen and is really very nice to look at. The compact design is genius, with the top holding space for all of your general waste along with a dedicated compost/food waste compartment, and the bottom drawer sliding out on wheels to collect your recycling. You can buy replaceable odour filters for it, and it has corners that won't rip your bin bags. Buy quality and you'll buy only once comes to mind.
For modern kitchens
Capacity: 50L
Lid: Sensor
Colours: 1
Rating: 5/5 stars
+ Sizable
+ Easy to clean
+ No odors
- Quite big
- A little noisy
The EKO Deluxe Mirage-T is a very contemporary kitchen bin, with a sleek stainless steel design and a smart sensor that counts down between opening and closing the lid. Our staff writer Eve Smallman tested this, and loved being able to cook and throw away waste without having to constantly touch the bin. She also found that it contained kitchen odors incredibly well. It isn't completely silent when opening, but the sound isn't loud enough to scare.
Stylish kitchen bin
Capacity: 45L
Lid: Sensor
Colours: 9
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
+ Fun design
+ Great for corners
+ Sensor opening makes it so easy to use
- Not for large families
This is one for the style-conscious who don’t want a huge unsightly receptacle overshadowing their lush kitchen. It comes in a range of vintage-inspired pastel shades with chrome trim and looks very sleek indeed, thanks in no small part to the lack of bulky pedals or handles. Instead, it opens with a sensor. It also has a helpful bin bag retainer ring to keep your black sack in place. If pink isn't your thing, it comes in other shades, like mustard yellow and green.
For small kitchens
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Touch
Colours: 5
Rating: 4/5 stars
+ Feels good quality
+ Very little assembly
- Bags are expensive
- Narrow opening
We reviewed the compact Brabantia Touch in a dreamy blue hue, which was a refreshing retake on our very tired-looking bin. It's easy to clean with a removable plastic inner bucket, and it responds to a very light touch. Plus, it doesn't take up much space either thanks to its rounded edges, making it perfect for flats. Just beware that the specific bags they recommend are pricey, but you don't have to use them.
Pedal kitchen bin
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Pedal
Colours: 3
Rating: 4/5 stars
+ Great for flats
+ Vintage style
+ Hands-free
- No sensor
This bin is the perfect finishing touch if you're curating a vintage look in your kitchen. It's also great for anyone chasing a farmhouse chic vibe. It has plenty of space and a removable inner unit for easy cleaning. A member of our team currently has this in their kitchen, holding their unsightly waste and they think it's super stylish yet nice and simple. It's also super sturdy and easy to clean.
Best in-cupboard kitchen bins
Capacity: 2 x 12ltrs
Lid: Lift
Colours: 1
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
+ Hidden in cupboard
+ Colour coded
- 12L bags are expensive
- Small for families
- Pricey for the size
Looking for a kitchen bin (or two) that you can hide inside the cupboard under your sink? These Brabantia bins are different in colour so that you can use one for general waste and the other for recycling — or whatever else. Each bin has a convenient carry handle for emptying, and they should leave plenty of space inside your cupboard for cleaning products and kitchen rolls, too.
Sleek kitchen bin
Capacity: 20L x 2
Lid: Pedal
Colours: 2
Rating: 4.5/5
+ Streamlined, quality design
+ Simple
- A little more expensive
This one was tested by our Deputy Editor who loves it for its sleek look. It's a recycling bin too, so as it has two neat compartments, we use one side for day-to-day rubbish, and the other for mixed recycling. She notes that the brushed metal finish looks really smart and instantly upgraded the kitchen in her houseshare. Its lid has a soft, silent close, and the compartments are easily removable plus it sits on wheels. It's just very neat, easy to keep clean, and would fit into all types of kitchens, even smaller ones as it's streamlined.
Best recycling bin
Capacity: 15L x 3
Lid: Pedal
Colours: 1
+ All-in-one system
+ Colour-coded
+ Great for smaller households
- Takes up extra floor space
- No room for general waste
We're yet to review this system, but if you like to recycle but have no room for a second (and third) bin, then go for this three-in-one pedal bin. The colour coding makes it easy to remember which is which, and the sleek and simple brushed metal container looks very neat. Each compartment is on the smaller side at 15L each, so 45L in total.
Affordable kitchen bin
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Pedal
Colours: 4
+ Affordable
+ Compact
- Not for large families
If you're looking for a kitchen bin on a budget, this one from Dunelm is perfect for small households and it's stylish, too. It's rounded, which reduces the space it takes up in up a kitchen. The bin opens with the press of the pedal and it has a removable bucket inside. Highly rated by reviewers, it's ideal if you want something compact and pretty.
Under-worktop bin
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Butterfly lid
Colours: 1
+ Unique lid design
+ Can be opened under worktops
+ Super-strong, built-to-last steel treadle pedal
+ Clever stay-open facility
Don't be fooled by the delicate design on the butterfly lid — because this product is available at Lakeland, it means business. The steel container fits comfortably under worktops and the silent-close lid with the patented Lid Shox technology means there will be no banging and crashing when you get rid of rubbish. Reviewers rave about it.
Best metallic bin
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Hinged
Colours: 1
+ Foot pedal for greater hygiene
+ Slim design
+ Removable inner plastic bucket with handle
- Some customers have complained about hinge design
Chic and kitchen bin aren't words we'd normally use next to each other in a sentence, but this model is brimming with beauty. Great for an industrial or Art Deco-inspired scheme, make a statement with a dramatic dustbin. The slim design means it can be tucked into a small kitchen corner without interrupting the flow of your cooking space.
Patterned kitchen bin
Capacity: 30L
Lid: Pedal
Colours: 1
+ Attractive motif
+ Slim design
+ Removable inner
+ Built-in bag fixer
If you want something fun to hold your waste, then head to Next. The elegant motif of this bin will look good in any kitchen, whether your cooking space is traditional, modern, or a bit of both! It doesn't just look good — the bin functions well too. Our favourite feature has to be the refuse bag hider, because no one wants a VBL (that's a visible bin liner!)
Best trash can bin
Capacity: 49L
Lid: Lift
Colours: 2
+ Great for recycling
+ Simple
- Not hands-free
- Wide
If you prefer the look of a trash can bin, and you don't mind picking up the lid each time you want to add to your rubbish pile, then this Habitat option is great. If you buy more than one, they are great for separating your waste. With a 49-litre capacity, they take any standard bag. The bins have handles, as does the lid, so there's no need to worry about replacing batteries or ending up with a faulty pedal.
Durable kitchen bin
Capacity: 24L
Lid: Pedal
Colours: 5
+ Rust and stain-resistant
+ Suitable for outdoor use
+ Can be washed
If the latest kitchen bins feel a bit too contemporary, look to this rustic can to make an old-school statement. Made from high-quality galvanised steel, it's just the thing to add an industrial-chic feel to your food prep space. As well as antique gold, this product comes in black, white, grey, and copper. What's more, you can leave (or use) it outside and it won't rust!
Swing kitchen bin
Capacity: 50L
Lid: Swing
Colours: 2
+ Durable
+ Lightweight
+ Affordable
+ Made in Britain
- Plastic
It don't mean a thing, if you ain't got that swing (bin)! But once you take a look at this super-cute sage product, trust us: you'll look at swing bins in a different light. The soft rectangular shape means it sits flush against your walls, and it comes in a pretty pastel green hue that works well in any kitchen. Though it is made from plastic, it's durable and lightweight, so we can assure you it's here to stay. The bin also comes in a neutral mushroom hue. Who knew kitchen bins could be so Instagrammable?
What is the best kitchen bin?
In terms of the best all-rounder kitchen bin, my favourite pick is the Morphy Richards Chroma Bin because it ticks all the boxes. It's affordable, sleek, available in lots of different colours, and it opens when you wave. It's also square-shaped, so it fits nicely into a corner. The two different capacities are great for catering to different-sized households.
Otherwise, if it's an all-in-one recycling unit that you're interested in, to keep all of your waste under wraps and in the same corner of your kitchen, I can really recommend the Tower Freedom Recycling System from Amazon. It's compact yet space-savvy and super easy to empty and keep clean.
Where should I put a kitchen bin?
"When figuring out where to put your kitchen bin, it is important to consider the layout of your kitchen including the size, as well as how you’ll use it and how often," explains Antony Joseph, Creative Director at JosephJoseph.
"A large kitchen provides plenty of space and opportunities for a bin with a large capacity, whilst a small kitchen scheme means you should prioritise space optimisation. In the case of a small kitchen, in-cupboard bins are the most useful, usually under your sink to allow for easy disposal of food prior to doing the washing up. With an integrated bin, you emulate a sleek design whilst also preserving limited floor space."
"When it comes to a larger kitchen, it is best to keep your bin near your preparation area or either under or near the sink for practicality. You can also place them in a corner so that it does not block access to any other appliances or get in the way."
How often should you clean your food waste bin?
Joseph recommends emptying and even cleaning your food waste bin everyday to prevent bad odours and bacteria buildup. You can use lemon and vinegar, as well as warm soapy water and baking soda to clean and keep them smelling fresh too.
Real Homes review process
EKO Ecofly Butterfly Recycling Bin in blue in our deputy editor's house
We've tested 10 out of 18 of these kitchen bins to ensure they're up to a good standard when it comes to both style and quality. We've shared this job around the team, so everyone has had their chance to test a kitchen bin and give their verdict. This way, we've tested bins in large family households, small flats and everything in between. The ones we liked made it onto this list, and we've even given each bin that we tested a star rating to make it easier for you to come to a decision.
Before featuring these bins, we've been sure to use them at home for a month or two. This is to make sure that they can withstand daily use, and that they clean up well, plus we want to make sure that they don't break easily and that they'll be true investment pieces as let's face it: a new kitchen bin is expensive.
Annie is our head ecommerce editor and often tests a range of products, from mattresses to kitchen bins and even a BBQ or three. Annie lives in a two-bedroom flat in South East London with her husband. She's an avid recycler although she doesn't really want three or four bins taking up the floor space in her kitchen, which is why she loves her Tower Freedom Recycling System.
Before this, Annie had the Morphy Richards Chroma Sensor Bin, which was in her kitchen for years. In fact, she only switched to the Tower model because she found she needed to upgrade to a larger bin that could hold her recycling, too.
Annie has also tested the Brabantia Bo bin at her parents' home in their busy family kitchen. They wanted something to help separate their recycling, but without interfering with their modern style. This was the perfect addition and it's still standing years later.
Lindsey works across a range of brands at Future, including other homes websites such as Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and Ideal Home. Lindsey raves about both of her kitchen bins that are featured in this guide, and she really recommends the in-cupboard Brabantia Sort & Go bins to keep things out of the way. They're the perfect under-the-sink bins. Otherwise, her food bin is the Brabantia Compost Food Waste Caddy, which she mostly loves because of its convenience. It goes in the dishwasher!
Molly was previously an ecommerce writer at Real Homes, specialising in floorcare. Molly lives in a flat with her boyfriend and has a small amount of kitchen space to work with. That is why she LOVED the JosephJoseph Totem Max. It's definitely a luxurious option but it undoubtedly looks good and is super compact for renters and anyone who lives in a flat!
Cam is our Deputy Editor, and she lives in a flatshare in London. She currently has the EKO Ecofly Step Bin in her kitchen and uses it for both her general waste and her recycling. She has it in a lovely blue colour (as pictured above) and she really loves it. It sits neatly in a corner of her kitchen and it looks super sleek and streamlined.
3 things to consider when buying a kitchen bin
1. Size
Depending on the size of your household and how much rubbish you generate, you’ll have to think about the capacity that would be useful to you. We've listed general waste-only bins, food bins, in-cupboard bins, as well as recycling units. It's all dependent on your kitchen size and your family size.
2. Lid
Bear in mind your new kitchen bin's lid, as sensor lids will prove themselves to be handy whilst cooking or when your hands are full, but they do come at an extra cost. Otherwise, some bins are touch to open, which is usually silent, and there are also pedal bins. It's all down to personal preference, really.
3. Style
After that, it’s all a matter of style. If you think all bins are a bit of an eyesore, then think again because a big kitchen bin needn’t necessarily disrupt your interior scheme. Go for something colourful to spice up your kitchen or try an in-cupboard bin to hide your waste.
What is a good size kitchen bin?
Anything between 15 and 30 litres should be just fine if you live alone or with one other person and don’t throw away an above-average amount of stuff.
A 30 to 40-litre bin is generally advisable for families of three whose bin gets taken out quite frequently.
The best bet for four people or more — or those who don’t want to take out the rubbish any more than they have to — are 40 to 50-litre bins.
Go for something that's more than 50 litres if it's an all-in-one unit for recycling and general waste.
Where to shop for a new kitchen bin
Still looking to buy a kitchen bin? Here's where to browse more online. Click through to shop all of the ones currently available to buy.
- Amazon kitchen bins
- B&Q kitchen bins
- Argos kitchen bins
- Lakeland kitchen bins
- eBay kitchen bins
- Wilkos kitchen bins
- John Lewis & Partners kitchen bins
