When it comes to choosing the right trash can for your kitchen, it’s easy to overlook the details. After all, it's just a container for your waste, right? But the size of your kitchen trash can plays a bigger role than you'd think—especially when you consider how often you use it, how much waste your household generates, and how much space you have. So, what size kitchen trash can is necessary for your home?
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to pick the perfect size trash can for your kitchen. Drawing from my own experience and a little bit of research, I’ll share how to determine your ideal kitchen trash can capacity and offer helpful tips for finding the right fit.
Why Size Matters When Choosing a Kitchen Trash Can
When I first started paying attention to the size of my kitchen trash can, I realized how many times I had to deal with overflowing garbage or bags that were too small. A trash can that’s too big can take up precious space, while one that’s too small means more frequent trips to the outdoor bin.
Understanding the kitchen waste bin sizes and how they align with your habits is key to avoiding these frustrations. Let’s dive deeper into the main considerations.
1. Daily Waste Volume
The amount of trash you produce on a daily basis is one of the most important factors in determining how big a kitchen trash can you need. If you’re cooking three meals a day for a large family, you might find yourself needing to empty the trash can more frequently. On the other hand, if you live alone or cook less frequently, you won’t need as large of a bin.
In my case, I found that with my family of four, a 13-gallon trash can works perfectly for our needs. It’s big enough to hold everything without being so large that it takes up too much room in the kitchen.
2. Space in Your Kitchen
Even the best-sized trash can won’t work if you don’t have enough room for it. Take a moment to measure the available space in your kitchen where the trash can will go. Do you have a dedicated pull-out cabinet for your trash, or does the bin sit out in the open? These questions will help you figure out the standard kitchen trash can dimensions that will fit comfortably in your space.
In my experience, smaller kitchens often require a small kitchen trash can, especially if counter space is tight. A 10 to 12-gallon can is usually a good choice for more compact kitchens, while larger kitchens with more storage options can handle a 13-gallon or even a 20-gallon trash can.
3. Types of Waste You Generate
Not all trash is created equal. If you cook a lot, you’ll likely have larger food scraps, and perhaps even packaging waste, to deal with. Some trash cans are designed with specific types of waste in mind, such as food scraps or recyclables.
For instance, I often end up with bulky veggie scraps, which are best suited for a larger bin. A 13-gallon trash can is large enough to hold these larger items without getting full too quickly. However, if you find yourself throwing away a lot of smaller packaging or non-food waste, a smaller can might be a better fit.
4. How Often You Empty the Trash
Think about how often you’re willing to take out the trash. If you’re someone who empties the trash daily, you might be okay with a small kitchen trash can since it won’t overflow before you empty it. But if you’re like me and prefer to take the trash out every couple of days, you’ll want a trash can that’s large enough to handle the accumulated waste.
For families or households that tend to forget to empty the trash regularly, a larger trash can—like a 13-gallon or 20-gallon option—can reduce the risk of it overflowing between trips.
Kitchen Trash Can Sizes: A Breakdown
Now that we’ve covered the main factors to consider, let’s look at the most common kitchen trash can sizes and their typical uses.
1. Small Kitchen Trash Cans (2 to 5 Gallons)
For individuals or very small households, a small kitchen trash can in the 2 to 5-gallon range may be sufficient. These bins are typically used for under-the-sink storage or in smaller kitchens where space is at a premium. They’re great if you live alone or rarely cook, but if you need to dispose of larger items, you may find them filling up too quickly.
2. Medium-Sized Kitchen Trash Cans (6 to 13 Gallons)
The 6 to 13-gallon range is what most families will find works best. A 13-gallon trash can, in particular, is considered the standard kitchen trash can size for many households. It’s the perfect balance between capacity and space efficiency.
In my home, this is the sweet spot for our kitchen. I don’t have to take out the trash every single day, but it doesn’t overflow before I get the chance to do so every two days.
3. Large Kitchen Trash Cans (14+ Gallons)
For larger families, heavy-duty cooking, or households with multiple people working from home, a larger trash can might be necessary. A 20-gallon trash can is often ideal in these situations. These large cans work well in spacious kitchens where you don’t mind a bigger bin taking up floor space.
However, keep in mind that larger bins require taller kitchen trash bags, which may be a bit more expensive.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Trash Can Size
Let’s wrap up with a few quick tips to help you make the right decision:
- Measure First: Before buying a new trash can, take a few measurements of your available space. Make sure to account for the height and diameter of the trash can, as well as any potential obstructions around it.
- Consider the Bag Size: Be sure to check which size trash bags your kitchen trash can requires. While tall kitchen trash bags fit a 13-gallon bin perfectly, larger cans may need industrial-sized bags.
- Think About Style and Functionality: A trash can is something you’ll use multiple times a day, so consider a model with a lid, a step pedal for hands-free operation, and easy-to-clean materials.
- Buy for the Long-Term: I’ve made the mistake of opting for a smaller trash can only to realize a few months later that it was too small for my needs. Choose a can that you’ll grow into rather than one you’ll outgrow too quickly.
Conclusion
In the end, the size of your kitchen trash can is all about what works best for you and your household. Whether you opt for a small kitchen trash can or a larger 13-gallon trash can, the right size will help keep your kitchen clean, organized, and more efficient.
Take a few moments to assess your needs—how much space you have, how much waste you generate, and how often you take out the trash. Once you have a clear picture of these factors, you’ll know exactly what size is a kitchen trash can that will suit your lifestyle. Happy trash can shopping!
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