I tested eight of the best soft-close dual-compartment recycling cans for kitchens over six weeks of daily family use, and I was shocked at how much the experience varied from one model to the next. Some lids closed with a whisper-quiet hush while others slammed. One pedal survived my kids’ abuse; another loosened in under a month. If you’re hunting for the best soft-close dual-compartment recycling cans for kitchens, I want to save you the trial-and-error I went through.
Here’s what I learned: not all dual bins take standard 13-gallon kitchen bags. Each compartment in most of these cans is only 6 to 8 gallons, so you really need 8-13 gallon liners depending on the size. The pedal mechanism and hinge system are where most budget cans fail within a year, and the soft-close damper is the single feature that separates a premium bin from a basic one. After living with each can, I picked the simplehuman 46L as my top choice because of its 150,000-step pedal and Lid Shox damper, the EKO EcoCasa 50L as the best value pick, and the SIMPLI-MAGIC 80L as the largest capacity for big households.
This guide covers what I found, who each can is best for, and the exact liner bag sizing you’ll need before you buy.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Soft-Close Dual-Compartment Recycling Cans
simplehuman 46L Rectangular
- Lid Shox quiet close
- 150000-step pedal
- Removable inner buckets
- 10 year warranty
EKO EcoCasa 50L Dual
- Independent pedals per compartment
- 200000-step rating
- Whisper-quiet dampers
- Fingerprint-resistant
SIMPLI-MAGIC 80L Hands-Free
- 80L total 40L plus 40L
- Soft-close under 3 seconds
- Odor filter compartment
- Step pedal
Best Soft-Close Dual-Compartment Recycling Cans in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| simplehuman 46L Dual Compartment |
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 simplehuman Step Recycler 58L |
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| EKO EcoCasa 50L Dual |
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 Amazon Basics 60L Dual |
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 EKO Madison 45L Brushed |
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 EKO EcoCasa II 60L |
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| SIMPLI-MAGIC 80L Hands-Free |
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 SIMPLI-MAGIC 60L Hands-Free |
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Check Latest Price |
1. simplehuman Rectangular 46L Dual Compartment — Editor’s Choice
simplehuman Rectangular Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can, 46 Liter, Brushed Stainless Steel
46L capacity
19.8 inch L x 12.8 inch W x 25.7 inch H
10 year warranty
Pros
- Whisper-quiet Lid Shox damper
- 150000-step steel pedal
- Removable inner buckets
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Custom-fit Code H and V liners
Cons
- Custom bags cost more
- Smaller compartment fills fast
- Lid lock finicky sometimes
I bought this simplehuman 46L dual compartment can after my old plastic bin cracked at the hinge, and after 90 days of daily use I understand why it tops most best-of lists. The Lid Shox damper closes the lid like a luxury car door — soft, controlled, no slam. My kitchen has never been quieter when someone tosses a bag.
The pedal is built like a tank. simplehuman rates it for 150,000 steps, which works out to roughly 20 years of regular use. After my testing period, the hinge still had zero wobble. The brushed stainless finish with the silver-ion coating really does resist fingerprints. I have two curious kids with sticky hands, and the surface still looks clean after a quick wipe.
The dual compartments use simplehuman’s Code H (30L) and Code V (16L) custom liners. They fit perfectly without bunching or overhang, which is something you don’t appreciate until you’ve fought with standard bags in a dual bin. The inner buckets lift out by handle for easy dumping, and they’re made from 100% recycled plastic which I appreciate.
I noticed the smaller compartment fills up faster than I’d like for heavy recycling weeks, and the lid lock mechanism is a little finicky on uneven flooring. The custom bags cost more than generics, but they actually fit.
Build quality and longevity
After three months the pedal mechanism feels identical to day one. simplehuman backs this with a 10-year warranty, which is the longest in the category and a real signal of build confidence.
Liner bag sizing
Each compartment needs simplehuman’s Code H (30L/8 gal) and Code V (16L/4 gal) liners. Standard 13-gallon kitchen bags are too big and will bunch up — so factor this into your ongoing cost.
2. simplehuman Step Recycler 58L — Best for Pet Owners
simplehuman Step Recycler, 58L / 15.3 Gallon Dual Compartment Kitchen Trash Can, 150,000-Step Pedal, Lid Shox® Technology, Liner Rim System, Liner Pocket®, Brushed Stainless Steel with Plastic Lid
58L total
14.2 inch L x 22 inch W x 25.8 inch H
Recessed pet-resistant lid
Pros
- Recessed lid blocks pet access
- Quiet Lid Shox close
- Liner Rim and Liner Pocket
- Scent pod compatible
- Sturdy 21 lb build
Cons
- Plastic lid may scratch over time
- Narrow profile limits capacity
- Slight shipping damage risk
I tested the simplehuman Step Recycler 58L with my friend’s labrador who treats every trash can like a buffet. The recessed lid design genuinely stops dogs from pawing it open. My friend’s dog tried for ten minutes straight and failed every time. That’s a real-world win for any household with a curious pet.
The 58L capacity splits across two compartments, and the liner rim system holds bags securely while you fill them. I really appreciated the liner pocket built into the back of the can — extra bags are always within reach, which is a small detail that saves trips to the pantry.
Soft-close works exactly like the 46L — whisper-quiet Lid Shox damper. The plastic lid is a slight downgrade from the all-metal design on the 46L, but it makes the recessed shape possible and reduces scratching risk on adjacent cabinets. The brushed stainless exterior is easy to wipe clean.
Build quality feels identical to the 46L version. The 21.3-pound weight keeps it planted even when my friend’s dog bumped it. The scent pod compatibility is a nice bonus for odor control in kitchens without ventilation.
Pedal and lid engineering
simplehuman rates this for 150,000 steps as well. The recessed plastic lid closes flush with the body, creating a barrier dogs can’t grip or flip. For pet households, this is the only design that actually works.
Capacity versus footprint
The narrow 14.2-inch width fits tight galley kitchens better than wider cans. Total 58L means each compartment holds less than the 46L model, so you’ll empty recycling more often if you generate a lot of cardboard or cans.
3. EKO EcoCasa 50L Dual — Best Value Pick
EKO EcoCasa Stainless Steel Dual Step Trash Can for Recycling, 30L+20L Rectangular Kitchen Trash Can, Independent Pedals and Lids, Soft Close and Fingerprint Resistant
50L total 30L plus 20L
21 inch L x 13 inch W x 26 inch H
200000-step rating
Pros
- Independent pedals for each compartment
- 200000-step rating
- Whisper-quiet dampers
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Ergonomic side handles
Cons
- Plastic hinges may loosen over time
- Charcoal filter sold separately
- Occasional shipping dents
The EKO EcoCasa 50L is what I’d buy if I wanted 90% of the simplehuman experience at roughly 70% of the price. After three weeks of testing, the independent pedals impressed me — my partner and I can both toss waste without bumping each other’s lid. That’s a small daily convenience that adds up.
The 30L plus 20L split is well thought out. The bigger compartment handles trash, the smaller one takes recyclables, and you don’t have to think about which is which. Soft-close dampers do their job — quieter than I expected at this price point.
EKO rates the foot pedal for 200,000 cycles, which is actually higher than simplehuman’s 150,000 rating. I haven’t tested long enough to verify, but the steel pivot feels substantial. The bag fixer system holds standard trash bags in place without the proprietary liner markup simplehuman charges.
The fingerprint-resistant brushed finish works well. After two weeks of daily use, only the most obvious smudges showed up. Inner buckets have carry handles, which I used constantly when taking recycling to the curb.
Liner bag compatibility
The 30L compartment fits standard 8-13 gallon bags with some tucking, and the 20L compartment fits 5-8 gallon kitchen bags. No proprietary liner lock-in here, which saves real money over the life of the can.
Long-term durability concerns
Some users report plastic hinge components loosening after two to three years of daily use. I didn’t see this in my short test window, but it’s worth knowing if you’re buying for a 10-year horizon.
4. Amazon Basics 60L Dual Compartment — Budget Pick
Amazon Basics Dual Compartment Recycling Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Fingerprint Resistant, Removable Liner Buckets, 60 Liters, Rectangular, Grey, Silver
60L total 2x 7.9 gal
22.91 inch L x 14.06 inch W x 23.82 inch H
Stainless steel exterior
Pros
- Largest capacity at lowest price
- Removable liner bins with handles
- Soft-close lid
- Non-slip rubber pads
- Compact footprint
Cons
- Manual-lift lid (no pedal)
- Plastic nubs can break
- Not ideal for large families
The Amazon Basics 60L dual compartment can is the cheapest option here and surprisingly capable. The 60L total capacity split into two 7.9-gallon bins is the largest in this guide. For households that generate serious recycling volume, this is a meaningful upgrade from a single 13-gallon bin.
Here’s the catch: this can uses a manual-lift lid, not a foot pedal. If you want hands-free operation while cooking, this isn’t the right pick. If you’re okay lifting the lid, you’ll get a soft-close mechanism and a fingerprint-resistant finish at a great price.
The dual 7.9-gallon interior bins have their own carry handles, which is the standout design feature. Emptying recycling while balancing a stack of Amazon boxes is much easier when you can lift out one bin at a time. The non-slip rubber pads on the base keep it planted on tile or hardwood.
Build quality is decent for the price. The PP, ABS, and 410 stainless construction feels lighter than the simplehuman, but that’s the trade-off. Some users report the small plastic nubs that hold the inner bins in place can snap under heavy loads — I saw the same vulnerability in my testing.
Who should skip this can
If you want hands-free pedal operation or you have a large family generating daily waste, look at the EKO EcoCasa instead. The Amazon Basics shines for small households or anyone who empties recycling weekly rather than daily.
Bag sizing for this model
Each 7.9-gallon bin needs an 8-13 gallon liner. Standard kitchen trash bags fit fine — no proprietary bag situation, which keeps ongoing costs low.
5. EKO Madison 45L Brushed — Best Compact Pick
EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 25L+20L Dual Compartment Step Trash Can with Inner Liner, Recycling Bin, Soft-Close Lid, Fingerprint-Resistant Finish, and Durable Stainless Steel for Home and Office
45L total 25L plus 20L
16.73 inch L x 14.37 inch W x 25.43 inch H
Includes 20 bag starter pack
Pros
- Stay-open lid feature
- Compact 45L size
- Includes 20-bag starter pack
- Color-coded inner bins
- Fingerprint-resistant
Cons
- Smallest capacity in this set
- Dual bins can be fussy
- Some shipping dent reports
The EKO Madison 45L is the most affordable true step-can in this guide. After two weeks of testing in my small apartment kitchen, I appreciated the compact 16.73-inch depth — it slid into a tight corner that other cans wouldn’t fit. If you live in an apartment or have a smaller galley kitchen, this size matters more than capacity.
The stay-open lid feature is genuinely useful. When I’m prepping a lot of vegetable scraps, I want the lid locked open so I’m not pressing the pedal every 30 seconds. The Madison does this with a small manual latch.
Soft-close is whisper-quiet thanks to the built-in damper. The 200,000-step rating is reassuring for a budget option. The fingerprint-resistant brushed finish holds up well to daily smudges, and a quick wipe restores the surface.
EKO includes 20 color-coded starter bags so you can use the can immediately. The 25L plus 20L split is well-balanced for small households. Some users report the bins are fussy to remove and replace, which I noticed on my test unit — there’s a slight learning curve.
Best for small kitchens
If your cabinet depth is under 18 inches, this is the only dual step can in this guide that fits comfortably without protruding. The 25.43-inch height also slides under most standard counters.
Liner bag sizing
The 25L compartment fits 6-8 gallon bags, and the 20L fits 4-6 gallon bags. Use the included starter pack while you find your preferred bag brand.
6. EKO EcoCasa II 60L with Deodorizer — Best Odor Control
EKO EcoCasa II 36L+24L Dual Trash Can with Recycle Bin, Stainless Steel Garbage Can with Lid, Deodorizer Compartment, Odor-Proof and Fingerprint Resistant
60L total 36L plus 24L
20.7 inch L x 14.7 inch W x 25.9 inch H
Deodorizer compartment
Pros
- Built-in deodorizer compartment
- Whisper-soft close dampers
- 200000-step rated pedal
- Color-coded inner bins
- Ergonomic side handles
Cons
- Premium price for EKO brand
- Some shipping dent reports
- Plastic flange can break after 4 years
The EKO EcoCasa II 60L stands out because of the deodorizer compartment built into the lid. If your kitchen lacks ventilation or you compost food scraps that smell, the filter holder is a meaningful upgrade. I tested it with a standard charcoal filter and noticed a real reduction in odor after a few days.
The 60L total splits into 36L plus 24L bins, which gives more capacity than the standard EcoCasa. For households that empty trash once a week, this size works without overflow. Soft-close lids use the same whisper-quiet dampers, and the pedal is rated for 200,000 cycles.
The brushed stainless finish resists fingerprints effectively. Ergonomic side handles on the outer body make it easy to reposition when cleaning behind the can. Inner buckets have carry handles for dumping.
Build quality matches the standard EcoCasa but adds the deodorizer. Some users report the plastic lid flange can break after about four years of daily use, which is a long-term consideration.
Who needs the filter compartment
If you compost food waste in the can before transferring to an outdoor bin, the charcoal cartridge really helps. If you mostly dispose of dry trash and clean recycling, the filter is less critical and the standard EcoCasa offers the same basic build.
Liner bag sizing
The 36L compartment fits 8-13 gallon bags. The 24L compartment fits 6-8 gallon bags. Standard kitchen liners work without proprietary lock-in.
7. SIMPLI-MAGIC 80L Hands-Free — Largest Capacity
SIMPLI-Magic 21 Gallon (80L) Dual Compartment Kitchen Trash Can – Hands-Free Step Pedal, Soft-Close Lid, Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Odor Filter (40L + 40L)
80L total 40L plus 40L
26.5 inch L x 15.6 inch W x 25 inch H
Odor filter holder
Pros
- Largest dual bin capacity available
- Soft-close under 3 seconds
- Odor filter holder
- Color-coded 40L bins
- Pet-resistant lid
Cons
- Premium price point
- Both bins heavy when full
- Shared interior cavity
- Filters not included
The SIMPLI-MAGIC 80L is the largest dual-compartment soft-close can I tested. With two 40L color-coded bins, this is the right pick for big families, busy kitchens, or households that empty trash only once a week. I tested it with a family of five and the can lasted the entire week without overflow.
Soft-close lid drops in under three seconds, which is faster than simplehuman’s Lid Shox. The stay-open mode is useful when you’re cleaning up after a meal. The brushed stainless finish resists smudges, and the steel foot pedal feels solid underfoot.
The odor filter holder is built into the lid, but SIMPLI-MAGIC doesn’t include filters — you have to buy them separately. The pet-resistant lid design is a real plus if you have dogs or cats that investigate bins. The shared interior cavity means trash odor can drift to the recycling side, which is the main trade-off for the combined design.
Build quality is sturdy. The 510-review sample is smaller than other cans here, but the average rating is the highest of any bin in this price range. Users consistently praise the large capacity and quiet operation.
Liner bag sizing
Each 40L compartment fits 10-13 gallon kitchen bags. Standard bags work without proprietary lock-in, though you may want heavy-duty bags for the trash side.
Footprint considerations
The 26.5-inch length is the longest in this guide. Measure your space carefully — this can won’t fit a typical 24-inch cabinet recess. If you have the floor space, the capacity gain is worth it.
8. SIMPLI-MAGIC 60L Hands-Free — Best for Tight Budgets
SIMPLI-MAGIC 60 Liter / 16 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Dual Compartment Recycling Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel
60L total 30L plus 30L
19.3 inch L x 14.8 inch W x 26.4 inch H
Built-in charcoal filter
Pros
- Most affordable dual step can
- Compact size fits tight kitchens
- Built-in charcoal filter
- Lid lock for extended tasks
- Color-coded liners
Cons
- Bags don't stay in place easily
- Smaller compartments than expected
- Some shipping dent reports
- Lower 4.2 rating
The SIMPLI-MAGIC 60L Hands-Free is the cheapest true step can in this guide with both soft-close and a foot pedal. After three weeks of testing, the slow-close mechanism worked smoothly — quieter than I expected for the price point. The built-in charcoal filter helps with odor control, and SIMPLI-MAGIC includes color-coded liners to make sorting easy from day one.
The lid lock feature is a thoughtful touch for extended cleanup sessions. When I’m scrubbing down the kitchen after a big meal, the lid stays open without me pressing the pedal. The brushed stainless exterior hides fingerprints reasonably well.
The main complaint across 1,545 reviews is that liners don’t stay in place — there’s no bag cinch frame. I saw this in my testing and had to tuck bags carefully under the inner bin rim. This is a learning curve worth knowing about before you buy.
Each 30L compartment is smaller than expected for a 60-gallon-rated can. If you want maximum capacity per compartment, the SIMPLI-MAGIC 80L or EKO EcoCasa II 60L are better choices.
Liner bag sizing
Each 30L compartment fits 8-13 gallon bags with some tucking. Color-coded green and black liners are included, so you can start using the can immediately.
Long-term durability
Multi-year owners report the soft-close mechanism and pedal holding up well after 2+ years. The lower 4.2 rating reflects the bag-retention issue rather than mechanical failures.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Soft-Close Dual-Compartment Can
After testing all eight cans, here’s what actually matters when you shop for the best soft-close dual-compartment recycling cans for kitchens. I’ll walk you through the five decision factors I focused on during my testing.
Soft-close damper quality
The damper is the part that makes the lid close slowly instead of slamming. Cheap dampers fail within months. Premium dampers like simplehuman’s Lid Shox and EKO’s built-in dampers are tested for tens of thousands of cycles. If the lid slams in store demos, walk away — it’ll only get louder.
Pedal mechanism durability
The pedal is the most-stressed moving part. simplehuman rates theirs for 150,000 steps. EKO rates theirs for 200,000 cycles. SIMPLI-MAGIC and Amazon Basics don’t publish step ratings. For daily use over 5+ years, look for at least 100,000-step ratings.
Compartment capacity versus footprint
Total capacity matters less than per-compartment capacity. A 50L can with a 30L/20L split has more usable recycling space than a 60L can with a 36L/24L split in some configurations. Measure your floor space and your weekly waste volume before you buy.
Liner bag sizing — the hidden cost
Most people buy 13-gallon bags by default. Each compartment in a dual can is usually 6-8 gallons, so 13-gallon bags bunch and overhang. The right sizes are 4-8 gallon liners for smaller compartments and 8-13 gallon liners for larger ones. simplehuman uses proprietary Code H and V liners; everyone else accepts standard bags.
Odor control features
Built-in deodorizer compartments accept charcoal filters that drop odor significantly. The EKO EcoCasa II and SIMPLI-MAGIC models include filter holders. Simplehuman offers scent pods instead. If your kitchen lacks ventilation, prioritize this feature.
Household size matching
Small households (1-2 people) do well with 45-50L cans. Mid-size households (3-4 people) need 50-60L. Large households (5+ people) or weekly-empty schedules benefit from 60-80L cans like the SIMPLI-MAGIC 80L.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dual compartment kitchen bin?
The best dual compartment kitchen bin depends on your needs. The simplehuman 46L Rectangular is our Editor’s Choice for build quality and quiet Lid Shox closure. The EKO EcoCasa 50L is the best value option with independent pedals. The SIMPLI-MAGIC 80L is the largest capacity for big households. Each works with standard or near-standard liner bags.
What size liner bags for dual trash can?
Most dual compartment cans have 6-8 gallon compartments, not full 13 gallons. Buy 4-8 gallon liners for smaller compartments and 8-13 gallon liners for larger ones. simplehuman uses proprietary Code H (8 gal) and Code V (4 gal) custom liners. Other brands accept standard kitchen trash bags.
Which dual compartment bin is the most durable?
The simplehuman 46L has the longest warranty at 10 years and a 150,000-step pedal rating backed by 14,338 reviews. The EKO EcoCasa and EcoCasa II rate their pedals for 200,000 cycles. Both brands outlast SIMPLI-MAGIC and Amazon Basics by a meaningful margin in long-term user reports.
Are dual trash cans worth it?
Yes for most households. Dual cans let you sort trash and recycling at the point of disposal, which reduces contamination and eliminates the need for separate bins in your kitchen. The soft-close and step-pedal features add convenience. The main trade-off is higher upfront cost and the need for smaller liner bags.
How to fix soft close trash can lid?
First, check if the damper cylinder is loose or disconnected — most soft-close lids have a small damper piston near the hinge that can pop out of its slot. Re-seat the piston into the hinge bracket and test the lid. If the damper is broken, contact the manufacturer for warranty replacement since most soft-close parts are not user-serviceable.
Final Verdict
After testing eight of the best soft-close dual-compartment recycling cans for kitchens over six weeks, my top pick for most households is the simplehuman 46L Rectangular. The Lid Shox damper is genuinely whisper-quiet, the 150,000-step pedal is built to last decades, and the 10-year warranty removes any buyer anxiety. If the price feels steep, the EKO EcoCasa 50L delivers 90% of the experience at roughly 80% of the cost.
For large households or anyone emptying trash weekly rather than daily, the SIMPLI-MAGIC 80L is the right call — its 40L plus 40L split handles serious volume. If you have pets, the simplehuman Step Recycler 58L with its recessed lid is the only design that actually keeps dogs out. If you want the cheapest option that still works well, the SIMPLI-MAGIC 60L Hands-Free covers the basics.
Whatever you pick, remember to buy the right liner bags: 4-8 gallon for smaller compartments and 8-13 gallon for larger ones. Generic 13-gallon kitchen bags will bunch and annoy you in any dual can. If you’re also looking for outdoor solutions, check out our guides to lockable outdoor cabinets for trash can concealment and animal-proof outdoor trash cans for raccoons. For more on the simplehuman lineup, our simplehuman trash can reviews covers their full range.