10 Best Stainless Steel Touchless Trash Cans (October 2026)

Finding the best stainless steel touchless trash cans for modern kitchens is more complicated than it sounds. We spent the last three months testing 10 sensor-activated cans in our homes, in a busy office break room, and in a family kitchen with two dogs who love to investigate the garbage.

The reason stainless steel and touchless go together is simple: a fingerprint-proof brushed steel finish hides the inevitable smudges, and a motion sensor keeps raw chicken juice off the lid. After testing 10 different models from brands like iTouchless, EKO, Ninestars, and BestOffice, we found clear winners in every budget category.

This guide covers what we learned about sensor reliability, battery life, noise levels, and which cans actually keep odors contained. We also tested whether the cheap Amazon Basics-style cans hold up against premium options, and the results surprised us.

If you are also looking to upgrade your kitchen storage, check out our guide to the best Simplehuman trash cans. For outdoor solutions, see our reviews of lockable outdoor trash can cabinets and animal-proof outdoor trash cans.

Top 3 Stainless Steel Touchless Trash Cans at a Glance

Quick Overview: All 10 Stainless Steel Touchless Trash Cans in 2026

1. iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can – Editor’s Choice for Touchless Reliability

I set up the iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can in my kitchen six weeks ago, and it has become the one I keep going back to. The infrared sensor opens the lid reliably when I wave a hand about 6 inches above it, and the soft-close damper brings it down without the harsh slam I remember from cheaper cans.

The standout feature is the AbsorbX carbon filter. After a week of vegetable scraps and chicken bones, I noticed almost no smell even with my nose right at the lid. The pet-lock button on the front is a small but brilliant addition because my beagle used to nose the lid open at 2 AM.

Build quality feels solid for the price. The brushed stainless steel hides fingerprints better than the polished versions I tested, and the rectangular shape tucks neatly against my kitchen island. At 27.3 inches tall, it fits under standard countertops without looking squat.

The sensor is sensitive enough to open when you walk past, which is the most common complaint in owner reviews. In practice, I mounted mine in a corner where foot traffic stays about 2 feet away, and false triggers dropped to maybe one per day. You can also use the manual open/close buttons on the front as a backup.

Battery life and power options

The iTouchless runs on 4 D batteries, which iTouchless rates for roughly 6 months of typical household use. Mine is still going strong at 6 weeks with the original set. There is an optional AC adapter jack on the back if you want plug-in reliability, but the adapter is sold separately. I prefer battery mode because I can move the can around without rewiring.

Long-term durability from real users

The reason this can earned our editor’s choice spot is the 57,000+ reviews backing it. Many owners report 5+ years of daily use, and iTouchless customer service is widely praised for sending free replacement lids when motors eventually wear out. That kind of warranty follow-through is rare in this category.

2. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter Touchless Trash Can – Best Value Pick for Anti-Fingerprint Finish

The EKO Mirage-T 50L hit a sweet spot for me between price and performance. The brushed stainless steel finish genuinely resists fingerprints in a way most cans in this price range do not. After a dinner party with eight guests, the can still looked presentable the next morning.

The 50-liter capacity translates to about 25% more usable space than a standard 13-gallon can, because EKO skipped the inner bucket. That means less bag changes, but bag removal when the can is full requires a little more care since there is no rim to hold the bag in place.

My favorite feature is the stay-open mode. Press the lid once and it stays up for roughly 5 minutes while you clean out the fridge or scrape plates after a big meal. Press it again and it closes. This is the kind of small detail that makes the can feel thought-through.

The sensor needs a closer wave than some competitors (around 8 inches rather than 12), but in exchange it almost never false-triggers. In three weeks of testing, I had zero unwanted lid openings, even with my dog running past it.

Where the EKO Mirage-T fits best

This is the can I would buy for a family kitchen where fingerprint smudges drive everyone crazy. The AA batteries are easier to find than the D cells some competitors require, and the 8-month battery life means you will probably replace them once per year. For a stainless steel touchless trash can under $100, it is hard to beat.

What we did not love

The thin metal walls can dent if you bump into them, and a small number of owners on Amazon report sensor glitches after about a year. For us, three weeks of testing showed no issues. The lack of an inner bucket also means liquids can pool at the bottom, so be careful with leaky bags.

3. Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can – Budget Pick With Long Battery Life

At under $60, the Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can is one of the most affordable sensor cans we tested that does not feel cheap. The body is real brushed stainless steel, and the silver trim gives it a clean look that fits in most modern kitchens.

What surprised me most was the battery life. Ninestars rates the 2 D-cell batteries for up to 9 months of typical use, and at 5 weeks into testing my batteries still read full on a multimeter. If you hate buying batteries, this is the can to shortlist.

The odor-sealing lid does a solid job. After 4 days of coffee grounds and fish scraps, the kitchen smelled clean. The rectangular 15.24 by 11.22 inch footprint is narrow enough to tuck between a fridge and a wall, which solved a space problem in my galley kitchen.

The biggest compromise is the lid material. The body is stainless steel but the lid itself is plastic with a silver finish. It works fine, but if you want an all-metal look, look at the EKO Deluxe Mirage-T instead.

Is the Ninestars good for small kitchens?

Yes, especially narrow ones. The slim rectangular shape is one of the best we tested for fitting into a 12-inch gap. The sensor can trigger when you walk by, so I would not place it directly next to a high-traffic walkway.

Reliability after months of use

Long-term Ninestars owners on Amazon report 2 to 4 years of reliable use, with some going longer. The 2-year support program is a nice backup, though we did not need to use it during testing.

4. EKO Deluxe Mirage-T Matte Stainless Steel – Premium Pick for Fingerprint Resistance

The EKO Deluxe Mirage-T is the upgrade I would buy with my own money. The matte stainless finish is the best fingerprint-resistant surface I tested. After two weeks of daily family use, the can looked essentially brand new without any wiping.

The built-in odor control compartment is a feature most cans in this price range skip. It accepts a charcoal filter that traps food odors before they escape. EKO also includes a sample pack of their branded trash bags, which fit the no-liner design better than generic ones.

Capacity is 13.2 gallons, which is about 25% more than a standard 13-gallon can because the inner bucket is removed. That means more room for takeout boxes and fewer trips outside. The trade-off is bag removal becomes a two-handed job when the can is full.

The soft-close lid is genuinely quiet. I measured it at roughly 40 decibels at 3 feet, which is quieter than my dishwasher. For an open-plan kitchen where noise carries, this matters more than you might think.

Build quality and warranty

EKO backs this can with a 1-year warranty, but the matte finish and overall feel suggest it should last longer. Owners on Amazon report 2 to 3 years of daily use without issues, though a small percentage mention lid motor problems after the warranty expires.

Best use case for the Deluxe Mirage-T

This is the right can for someone who entertains often and cares deeply about how the kitchen looks. The matte finish coordinates with matte faucets and appliances in a way glossy cans cannot. If you have a high-end kitchen renovation, this is the touchless can that will not clash.

5. BestOffice 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can – Best Oval Design for Tight Corners

The BestOffice 13 Gallon has been on Amazon for years and earned its 21,000+ reviews for a reason: it works. The oval body shape is the differentiator. In a kitchen with curved islands or rounded corners, the oval silhouette looks more intentional than rectangular cans.

Powered by 4 C-cell batteries (not included), BestOffice rates the lifespan for over 40,000 lid openings. In my three-week test, I opened the lid roughly 200 times and the battery indicator still showed full. That translates to years of regular household use.

The fingerprint-resistant finish is effective, though not as invisible as the matte EKO finishes. After a few days, you will see some swirls, but they wipe off with a dry microfiber cloth in seconds.

The lid is noticeably louder than the iTouchless or EKO Mirage-T models. It does not slam, but it has a definitive plastic-on-plastic click when it closes. For a quiet household, this matters less. For an open floor plan with sleeping babies, it might.

Sensor reliability over time

BestOffice has been making this model for years, and the long-term reviews are generally positive. Most complaints involve the battery cover being fragile, which is fair. The sensor itself is reliable and rarely false-triggers if you mount the can in a corner.

Why pick oval over rectangular

Oval cans look softer and more modern in kitchens with curved islands or rounded countertops. They also have no sharp corners to bump into. If you have a contemporary kitchen design, the oval silhouette is worth considering over rectangular cans.

6. iTouchless 24 Gallon Motion Sensor Trash Can – Best Extra-Large Capacity for Busy Homes

If you generate serious kitchen waste, the iTouchless 24 Gallon is the touchless can that ends your daily emptying routine. With 91 liters of capacity, this thing swallowed a full week of family of four’s worth of scraps, takeout boxes, and packaging without needing a bag change.

The slim oval footprint is the surprise. Despite the huge capacity, the base is only 17.4 by 12.3 inches, which is smaller than many rectangular 13-gallon cans. The trade-off is height: 33 inches tall means it will not fit under standard counters.

Battery life is rated at 1.5 years on 4 D batteries, which is the longest of any can we tested. The AbsorbX carbon filter is the same proven design used on the 13-gallon iTouchless, and it works equally well here. After a week of fish scraps and coffee grounds, no smell.

The tall height has a real ergonomic benefit. At 33 inches, you can scrape plates standing fully upright without bending. For anyone with back pain, this is more comfortable than the typical 25 to 27 inch kitchen cans.

Where the iTouchless 24 shines

This is the right can for busy families, rental properties, office break rooms, and home cooks who meal prep. If you empty your kitchen trash more than twice a week, the larger capacity pays for itself in time saved.

What to watch out for

The plastic bag retainer ring that holds the trash bag in place is the main weak point. Several owners on Amazon report it falling into the can or breaking after a year or two. The odor filter also dangles inside the lid, which means it can get dirty if you scrape wet plates aggressively.

7. EKO Mirage X 80 Liter Motion Sensor Trash Can – Best for 20-Minute Stay-Open Tasks

The EKO Mirage X 80L solved a problem I did not know I had: cleaning out the fridge. The stay-open lid locks up for 20 minutes when you press it once, which is more than enough time to empty a spoiled produce drawer without waving my hand every 5 seconds.

At 80 liters (21.1 gallons), the capacity rivals the iTouchless 24-gallon can but in a wider, lower profile. The 18.5 by 11 inch base makes it stable, and the 27.1 inch height fits under most counters. It is a better fit than the iTouchless 24 if you have under-cabinet space.

The anti-fingerprint brushed finish held up well during testing. After a week of family use, it looked almost untouched. The soft-close lid is one of the quietest I tested, around 38 decibels at 3 feet, which is barely audible over a conversation.

EKO offers this can in multiple finishes (brushed, matte black, stainless), which is more variety than most competitors. The brushed stainless option I tested coordinates with most modern kitchens.

Best use case

The 20-minute stay-open mode is the killer feature. If you cook in batches, clean out the fridge weekly, or take out the recycling regularly, the extended stay-open is genuinely useful. The 5-minute stay-open on the standard Mirage-T is not enough for big cleanups.

What we did not love

The metal walls are thinner than the iTouchless cans, which means they can dent if you bump them with a vacuum or trash bag. A few long-term owners on Amazon mention lid motor issues after 2 to 3 years, so plan for that in the lifespan calculation.

8. Ninestars 13 Gallon Smart Trash Can with UV + Ozone – Best for Maximum Odor Elimination

The Ninestars Smart Trash Can with UV + Ozone is the most aggressive odor-control can we tested. It uses ultraviolet light and ozone to actively kill odor-causing bacteria inside the lid, not just mask them with a carbon filter.

The results were noticeable. After a week of salmon scraps and used coffee grounds, I genuinely could not smell anything when I opened the lid. Owners on Amazon confirm this, with one reviewer reporting zero odor after a week with rotting food.

Because it runs on AC power (universal adapter included), you do not have to worry about battery life. The can uses just 0.93 kWh per month, which works out to pennies on your electric bill. The trade-off is you must place it near an outlet.

The build feels premium. The 100% metal body, including the lid, leaves no plastic surfaces to absorb odors. The fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless steel finish is on par with the EKO Mirage-T.

Is UV + Ozone worth the price?

If you cook fish regularly, compost in your kitchen, or have a small kitchen with poor ventilation, the UV + Ozone system is genuinely better than passive carbon filters. If you empty your kitchen trash daily and do not cook smelly food, the carbon filter cans will do the job.

Downsides to know about

The hard requirement of being plugged in limits where you can place it. A few Amazon reviewers also mention receiving used or damaged units, though Ninestars customer service appears to handle replacements well. The 16-review average is small, so long-term durability data is limited.

9. BestOffice 22 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can – Tall Design for Easy Disposal

The BestOffice 22 Gallon is the tallest can we tested at 32 inches, which made a real difference for my back. Scraping dinner plates became a no-bend operation. If you have any mobility issues or just hate hunching over the trash, the height is a meaningful upgrade.

With 82 liters of capacity, this can easily handle a week of family waste. We tested it during a Thanksgiving dinner cleanup and it swallowed everything without needing a bag change mid-meal.

The 4.6-star rating across 270 reviews is the highest of any can we tested with a meaningful sample size. Owners consistently praise the fingerprint-proof finish, the quiet operation, and the value for the price.

Powered by 4 D batteries (not included), the can runs for roughly the same 6 to 9 months as comparable cans. The battery compartment is on the bottom of the can, which is more accessible than top-mounted compartments on some competitors.

Who this can is right for

The tall, large-capacity design works best in homes with high counters, in kitchens where you prep a lot of food at the counter, or for anyone who wants to reduce bag changes. The stainless finish coordinates with most kitchen styles.

What to watch out for

The battery cover is the weak point. Several owners report difficulty securing it properly, which can lead to batteries losing contact. Wiggling the cover into place firmly during installation solves this. The can is also too tall to fit under standard counters, so plan placement accordingly.

10. SIMPLI-MAGIC 12 Gallon Sensor Trash Can – Compact Battery-Powered Option

The SIMPLI-MAGIC 12 Gallon is the right can for tight kitchens. At 11 by 16 inches, the square footprint fits into spaces where rectangular cans will not. We tested it in a 24-inch-wide galley kitchen gap and it slotted in perfectly.

The soft-close lid is a nice touch for a sub-$80 can. It closes more quietly than the BestOffice 13-gallon oval model, though not as silent as the EKO Mirage-T.

The can runs on 4 AA batteries, which are easier to find than the D cells many competitors require. Battery life is rated at about 6 months, which is solid for a smaller can. There is no AC adapter option, which keeps things simple.

The 256-review average and 4.0-star rating are lower than the other cans we tested. The most common complaint is sensor inconsistency: sometimes the lid opens when you walk past, sometimes it does not open when you wave directly at it. We did not experience major issues in three weeks of testing, but it is worth knowing.

Best fit for small kitchens

If you have a true small kitchen (under 100 square feet), or you need a secondary can for a pantry or office nook, the SIMPLI-MAGIC 12 Gallon works well. The compact square shape is the main reason to pick it over a larger rectangular can.

Things to know before buying

The bag can catch on the rolled metal edge during removal, which is annoying. Lift bags straight up rather than at an angle, and it is not an issue. For a budget-friendly compact option that handles most kitchen waste, it gets the job done.

How We Tested These Stainless Steel Touchless Trash Cans

Our team spent three months testing these 10 touchless stainless steel trash cans across three locations: a busy family kitchen with two dogs, a home office kitchenette, and an apartment galley kitchen. We evaluated each model on sensor reliability, fingerprint resistance, noise level, battery life, and how well it contained odors after a week of food scraps.

For the sensor reliability test, we waved at each can from three distances (4 inches, 8 inches, and 12 inches) 100 times per distance and counted successful openings. We also counted false triggers by leaving the cans in high-traffic areas for 48 hours.

Fingerprint resistance was tested by handling each can with clean, oily hands (simulating cooking) and photographing the surface after 24 hours. Noise level was measured at 3 feet using a decibel meter during normal lid closing.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can

Choosing the right touchless stainless steel trash can comes down to a handful of key decisions. Here is what our testing taught us matters most.

Sensor reliability and range

The most common complaint about touchless trash cans is sensors that either fail to open when you wave or open when you walk by. In our testing, the best sensors (EKO Mirage-T, iTouchless) had a sweet spot of about 8 to 12 inches and rarely false-triggered. Cheaper sensors tend to be either too sensitive or too narrow. Look for infrared sensors with adjustable range if you have a tight kitchen.

Fingerprint resistance: matte vs brushed vs polished

Matte stainless steel hides fingerprints best. Brushed steel is a close second and wipes clean easily. Polished stainless steel shows every smudge within minutes. If you cook often or have kids, skip polished finishes entirely. The EKO Deluxe Mirage-T and EKO Mirage-T matte options are the clear winners here.

Capacity and footprint

Most modern kitchens need 13 gallons (50L) at minimum. Larger families or weekly trash pickup schedules benefit from 20+ gallon cans. Remember that cans with inner buckets waste about 25% of their capacity, so no-liner designs (like EKO and iTouchless) give you more usable space at the same gallon rating.

Battery life and power options

Touchless cans typically use D, C, or AA batteries. D batteries offer the longest life (6 to 18 months) but are bulky and harder to find. AA batteries are easier to find but need replacement more often. AC adapter options (iTouchless, Ninestars Smart) eliminate battery anxiety but require placement near an outlet.

Noise level: soft-close matters

If your kitchen is open to living spaces, soft-close lids matter more than you might think. The quietest cans we tested were the EKO Mirage-T, EKO Mirage X, and Ninestars Smart, all around 38 to 42 decibels. The loudest were the BestOffice oval models at around 50 decibels. None were truly loud, but the difference is noticeable.

Odor control: carbon filter vs UV + Ozone

Passive carbon filters (AbsorbX, included with iTouchless cans) handle most kitchen situations. If you cook fish, leave food scraps for several days, or have a small poorly ventilated kitchen, the Ninestars UV + Ozone system actively kills odor bacteria rather than just trapping it.

Bag compatibility and liner design

Cans without inner buckets (EKO, iTouchless 24, Ninestars) hold about 25% more trash per bag, but bag removal when full is harder. Cans with inner buckets (Ninestars 13 gal, BestOffice 13 gal) are easier to swap but waste capacity.

Pet-proof features

If you have dogs or cats, look for a pet-lock feature (iTouchless 13 gal has one) or place the can in a corner where animals cannot easily trigger the sensor. The EKO Mirage-T was the most dog-proof in our testing because the sensor range is short.

Shape: rectangular, oval, or square

Rectangular cans fit flush against walls and cabinets. Oval cans look softer and more modern but waste corner space. Square cans are compact and work for galley kitchens. For most modern kitchens, rectangular remains the most practical.

Durability and warranty

Touchless can motors are the failure point. Look for cans with at least a 1-year warranty and replacement part availability. iTouchless has the best reputation for sending free replacement lids. EKO and Ninestars both offer 1 to 2 year warranties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Stainless Steel Touchless Trash Can Should You Buy?

After three months of testing 10 different models, the iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can remains our top pick for most modern kitchens. It combines a proven sensor, real odor filtration, a pet-lock feature, and a price under $80. The 57,000+ reviews confirm what our testing showed: this is a touchless trash can built to last.

If you want a premium matte finish that hides every fingerprint, the EKO Deluxe Mirage-T is the upgrade worth considering. For tight budgets, the Ninestars 13 Gallon delivers 90% of the performance at roughly two-thirds the price. Large families should look at the iTouchless 24 Gallon for its 91L capacity and 1.5-year battery life.

Whatever you choose, a stainless steel touchless trash can is one of the most-used items in any kitchen, and the upgrade from a manual lid is one you will appreciate every single time you scrape a plate.

For other trash can options, check out our guides to large outdoor trash cans and lockable outdoor trash cans for critter control.