Picture this: you’ve just finished prepping a beautiful meal. Your hands are covered in chicken juices, chopped vegetable scraps, and who-knows-what-else. You pivot to the trash can, perform a delicate ballet of elbow-nudging and foot-pedal stomping, only to have the lid slam shut before you can dispose of the evidence. Or worse, you miss entirely, and now there’s a smear of raw-chicken-goop on your pristine can. This daily, frustrating dance is a reality in countless kitchens. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a hygiene nightmare. An open-top bin invites pests and curious pets, while a poorly designed lidded can becomes a germ-laden obstacle course. The quest for a seamless, sanitary, and stylish waste solution is what leads so many of us to consider upgrading a seemingly mundane household item into a piece of smart technology. The promise of a hands-free world is alluring, and it starts with the humble trash can.
- AUTOMATIC & HYGIENIC – The touchless sensor lid opens and closes automatically, keeping your hands clean and ensuring a noiseless,...
- MODERN & DURABLE DESIGN – Made of premium stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish. The sleek oval body and sloping lid...
What to Consider Before Buying a Touchless Kitchen Trash Can
A touchless kitchen trash can is more than just a receptacle for waste; it’s a key solution for enhancing kitchen hygiene, reducing the spread of germs, and streamlining daily chores. By eliminating the need to touch the lid, it solves the problem of cross-contamination when dealing with raw foods or messy waste. The primary benefits are convenience and cleanliness. When your hands are full or dirty, a simple wave is all it takes to open the can, making disposal effortless. A well-designed model also offers superior odor control compared to open bins or manual cans with ill-fitting lids. This technology transforms a basic utility into a functional piece of modern home convenience, and for those seeking a cleaner, more efficient kitchen, the BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can presents a compelling option.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who prioritizes sanitation and convenience. This includes busy families, home cooks who frequently handle raw ingredients, and anyone with mobility challenges that make using a foot pedal difficult. It’s also a fantastic choice for homes with curious pets or toddlers, as the automatic lid can deter unwanted exploration. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer absolute simplicity and have no tolerance for technology that requires batteries. Someone in a very low-traffic area or who generates minimal waste might find a simple manual can sufficient. For those on a very tight budget, a traditional step-can remains a viable alternative, though it sacrifices the significant hygienic benefits of touchless operation.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your intended space carefully. Consider not only the footprint (length and width) but also the height, especially if you plan to place it under a counter. You’ll also need clearance above the can for the lid to open fully without obstruction. The BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can has dimensions of 16 x 11 x 22 inches, a relatively standard but somewhat short profile that you should measure against your kitchen’s layout.
- Capacity/Performance: A 13-gallon capacity is the standard for most kitchens, designed to work with common trash bag sizes. However, the usable volume can sometimes be less than advertised depending on the interior shape. For performance, the key metrics are sensor sensitivity and battery life. A good sensor should activate reliably without being overly sensitive to casual passersby, and it should provide a long operational life per set of batteries—the manufacturer claims over 40,000 openings.
- Materials & Durability: Stainless steel is the preferred material for kitchen trash cans due to its sleek look and ease of cleaning. However, the gauge (thickness) of the steel matters. Thinner steel is more susceptible to denting, a common issue reported with some online shipments. A fingerprint-resistant finish, as featured on this model, is a huge plus for maintaining a clean appearance in a high-traffic area.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Beyond the touchless lid, consider how easy it is to change the bag. Look for features like a liner ring that holds the bag in place and hides it from view. For maintenance, a smooth stainless steel body is simple to wipe down, but pay attention to the lid mechanism. Hinges and crevices can trap dirt, so a well-designed lid that minimizes these areas is beneficial for long-term cleanliness.
Making the right choice involves balancing these functional aspects with your personal aesthetic and household needs. The goal is to find a can that not only performs its primary function flawlessly but also integrates seamlessly into your daily life.
While the BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially those designed to keep paws and noses out, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- AUTOMATIC & HYGIENIC – The touchless sensor lid opens and closes automatically, keeping your hands clean and ensuring a noiseless,...
- CONVENIENT SIZE: 50 liter / 13.2 gallon trash can for home or office
- WASTE BIN WITH 20 GALLON CAPACITY – This 20 gallon trash can is perfect for any household and features a classic rectangular shape in...
First Impressions: Sleek Design Meets Questionable Packaging
Upon unboxing the BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can, the first thing we noticed was its modern, streamlined appearance. The brushed stainless steel body has a pleasant, low-sheen finish that promised to resist the smudges and fingerprints that plague so many kitchen appliances. The oval shape is a smart design choice, allowing it to sit flush against a wall or island without protruding awkwardly like a round can might. It feels surprisingly lightweight at just 8 pounds, which makes it easy to move for cleaning but also raised initial questions about the metal’s thickness.
Setup is straightforward: the lid assembly, which houses the battery compartment and sensor mechanism, simply sits on top of the main body. A plastic liner ring is included to secure the trash bag. The most critical step is installing the four C batteries (not included), a point of contention we’ll explore later. Once powered on via a small switch on the back of the lid, the unit is ready. Our initial tests of the motion sensor were impressive; it responded quickly and quietly to a hand wave. However, we must note a common sentiment found in user feedback: shipping and handling can be a gamble. While our test unit arrived intact, numerous reports mention receiving cans with dents, suggesting the lightweight construction may not always survive the journey unscathed. This is a crucial factor to consider when you check the latest price and availability online.
What We Like
- Highly responsive and reliable motion sensor for true hands-free operation.
- Sleek, modern stainless steel design complements various kitchen decors.
- Excellent battery life, with many users reporting over a year of use on a single set.
- Effective odor control thanks to the tight-sealing lid mechanism.
Drawbacks
- The stainless steel body is thin and prone to denting, sometimes even during shipping.
- Actual usable capacity feels slightly smaller than a standard 13-gallon can.
- Some reports of long-term durability issues, including rust spots and broken lid mechanisms.
A Deep Dive into the BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can’s Performance
After several weeks of intensive testing in our home kitchen—a chaotic environment of meal preps, quick cleanups, and constant traffic—we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of where the BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can shines and where it falls short. We evaluated it not just as a piece of technology, but as an integral part of the daily kitchen workflow.
The Motion Sensor: A Truly Hands-Free Experience
The star of the show is, without a doubt, the infrared motion sensor. In our testing, its performance was nearly flawless. It activates promptly with a wave of a hand about 6-8 inches above the sensor, and the lid opens smoothly and, most importantly, quietly. This is a significant upgrade from the loud clanking of some pedal bins. The convenience cannot be overstated. When scraping a cutting board full of vegetable peels or disposing of messy packaging, not having to touch anything feels revolutionary. We found the sensor to be well-calibrated; it didn’t trigger accidentally when we merely walked past it, a common annoyance with overly sensitive models. The lid stays open for about 5-6 seconds before closing automatically, which is usually enough time. For longer tasks, a simple press of the “Open” button on the front will keep the lid open until you press “Close.”
This experience is strongly echoed by user feedback. One long-term owner noted that even after years of daily use, it “operates just as it did from day 1.” Others celebrated the technology, saying, “what I like most is that to open it you don’t even have to touch it, just passing your hand is enough.” The hygienic benefit is real and immediately noticeable. It drastically reduces the number of times you need to wash your hands during food prep and eliminates a major germ hotspot in the kitchen. For this core function, the BestOffice can delivers on its promise with remarkable consistency, making the daily grind of waste disposal feel just a little more futuristic and a lot cleaner.
Design, Materials, and the Durability Dilemma
Aesthetically, the BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can is a winner. The brushed stainless steel and modern oval design look far more premium than the price tag might suggest. It fits seamlessly into a contemporary kitchen. The fingerprint-resistant finish works reasonably well, requiring only an occasional wipe-down to look pristine. However, the praise for its appearance is often tempered by concerns about its construction. The metal is noticeably thin. While this makes the can light and easy to reposition, it also makes it highly susceptible to dents. We saw numerous user reports of cans arriving with significant dents despite intact packaging, suggesting a vulnerability in its build. One user stated, “I noticed how easy it is to bend the metal and distort. If these fall once the metal will distort and the lid won’t fit properly.”
Furthermore, while the finish is stainless, some users have reported the appearance of rust spots over time. One review mentioned that after just two months, it was “already beginning to rust on the outside and the inside.” This suggests the quality of the stainless steel or its coating may be inconsistent. On the other hand, there are glowing long-term reviews, with one user providing updates over several years, stating that after 10 months it “still looks brand new” and after four years it has “no dents” and only “minor signs of wear.” This stark contrast suggests a potential variance in manufacturing batches or that careful handling is absolutely paramount. It’s a trade-off: you get a sleek, tech-forward design at an accessible price, but you may be sacrificing the robust, bomb-proof build of more expensive competitors. This is a critical point of consideration for anyone looking to invest in this modern kitchen convenience.
Capacity vs. Reality: The 13-Gallon Question
The product is marketed as a 13-gallon trash can, the standard size for kitchens in the U.S. that fits readily available trash bags. While a standard 13-gallon bag does fit, we, along with several other users, found the functional capacity to be somewhat disappointing. The interior dimensions and the liner ring system seem to result in a usable volume that is less than a traditional, wider-mouthed 13-gallon can. As one user aptly put it, “by the time the trashcan is full it’s only used up about 3/4 of the large bag.” This means you might be taking out the trash more frequently and not utilizing your bags to their full potential.
The opening is also narrower than many traditional cans. Another user noted, “You also can’t fit a large paper plate in it horizontally unless you’ve bent and maneuvered it.” We confirmed this in our testing; disposing of larger items like pizza boxes or bulky takeout containers requires some maneuvering. Additionally, its height of 22 inches is shorter than many other kitchen cans. For taller individuals, this can mean a slight bend to activate the sensor, which one user described as “comically short” for her 5’10” husband. These are not deal-breakers for everyone, but they are important practical considerations. The can functions perfectly for everyday waste, but if you frequently dispose of large items or want to maximize every inch of your trash bag, you may find its design slightly restrictive.
Power, Maintenance, and Long-Term Ownership
The BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can is powered by four C-cell batteries, which are housed in the lid. A point of minor but frequent frustration among users is a discrepancy in some product descriptions online, which occasionally list AA batteries. Be prepared: it definitively requires C batteries. The good news is that the power consumption is incredibly efficient. The manufacturer claims 40,000+ openings, and user experience backs this up. We’ve seen credible reports of batteries lasting anywhere from “a little over two months” (and still going) to an incredible “18 months” between changes. To make it more economical, we agree with the user who suggested, “I suggest using rechargeable batteries for this product.”
Maintenance is generally simple. The stainless steel body wipes clean easily. The lid, however, presents a minor challenge. As one user pointed out, “Dirt easily gets stuck in the hinge of the door.” We also found this to be true; the complex plastic mechanism of the lid has crevices that can accumulate grime over time and require more detailed cleaning. The biggest long-term concern is the durability of the lid mechanism itself. While many users have had years of flawless operation, a few have experienced catastrophic failure, with one review lamenting that the “lid snapped/broke off right at the 2 month mark” without any misuse. This suggests that while the motor and sensor are robust, the plastic components of the hinge may be a weak point.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring through hundreds of user experiences reveals a distinct pattern of love and frustration. The overwhelming majority of positive reviews focus on the “magic” of the touchless feature. One ecstatic user from Spain wrote, “I LOVE IT…what I like most is that you don’t even have to touch it.” Another simply stated it was a “great addition to my kitchen” and that the “motion sensor works flawlessly.” These comments highlight that when the product works as intended, it significantly improves kitchen convenience and hygiene, making it feel like a worthwhile investment.
On the other side of the coin, negative feedback consistently centers on three key areas: durability, shipping damage, and size discrepancies. The most common complaint is receiving a product that is already dented. One user who ordered two found that “1 came w 2 big dents even though it was packed well.” This points to the thinness of the metal. The second major issue is long-term build quality, with reports of rusting or the lid mechanism breaking unexpectedly. As one disappointed buyer noted, “the lid snapped/broke off right at the 2 month mark.” Finally, there’s the issue of its perceived size, with several users feeling the “description is false about it being a 13 gallon garbage can” in terms of usable volume. These critiques are important, painting a picture of a product with brilliant functionality but potentially inconsistent manufacturing and material quality, something to be aware of when you browse its full feature set and user reviews.
How Does the BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can Compare to Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the full picture, we’ve compared the BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can to three distinct alternatives available on the market, each serving a different need and budget.
1. N. NETDOT 3 Pack 10L Slim Trash Can with Lid
- Great Size for Tight Spaces: The compact and sleek design of this small kitchen trash can makes it great for tight spaces such as...
- Secure Lid to Keep Pets Out of Trash: This small trash can with lid works great, providing a secure barrier to keep pets out of the...
This offering from N. NETDOT is in a completely different category and serves a different purpose. These are small, 2.6-gallon (10-liter) manual trash cans made of plastic, sold in a multi-pack. They are not a direct replacement for a main kitchen trash can. Instead, they are an excellent choice for bathrooms, home offices, or bedrooms where a large capacity isn’t needed. Someone who loves the idea of a lidded can for odor control and aesthetics in smaller spaces but doesn’t need or want the complexity of a motion sensor would prefer this option. They are far more budget-friendly and practical for outfitting multiple rooms at once.
2. EKO Mirage-T 50L Motion Sensor Trash Can
- Premium Motion Sensor Technology - Experience the smoothest, most seamless lid opening and closing technology with this EKO hands-free...
- Ultimate Fingerprint Resistance - Say goodbye to smudges and hello to a clean flawless exterior that stays immaculate. The...
The EKO Mirage-T is a direct and formidable competitor to the BestOffice can. It offers a slightly larger 13.2-gallon capacity, a motion sensor, and a brushed stainless steel finish. Where the EKO model often stands out is in its perceived build quality. It tends to be a heavier, more robustly constructed unit, making it less prone to the denting issues that plague the BestOffice can. It also features a soft-close lid and a stay-open mode. A buyer who is wary of the durability concerns of the BestOffice model and is willing to invest a bit more for a potentially longer-lasting and more premium-feeling product would likely gravitate towards the EKO Mirage-T.
3. Ninestars 12L Motion Sensor Trash Can
- 【Hassle free two-year warranty】hassle Free warranty process with our dedicated customer service line and at no additional charges...
- 【High Quality materials】water-resistant Infrared motion sensor prevents moisture or any accidental spills from damaging the unit.
The Ninestars can bridges the gap between the other two alternatives. It offers the high-tech appeal of a touchless motion sensor but in a much smaller, 3-gallon (12-liter) package. This makes it the perfect solution for someone who wants the hygienic convenience of a hands-free can in a space that doesn’t require a full 13-gallon capacity, like a bathroom, laundry room, or nursery. Compared to the BestOffice can, it’s all about location. If you need a main kitchen can, the BestOffice is the right size; if you want that same touchless technology for a smaller room, the Ninestars model is the ideal choice.
The Final Verdict: A Smart Upgrade with Important Caveats
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, our verdict on the BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can is one of qualified recommendation. Its core feature—the touchless motion sensor—is brilliantly executed, offering reliable, quiet, and hygienic operation that genuinely makes kitchen life easier. The sleek design and exceptional battery life are significant assets that add to its value. It successfully transforms a mundane chore into a seamless, modern experience.
However, this innovation comes with a compromise in build quality. The thin stainless steel is prone to denting, and there are enough reports of rust and mechanical failure to warrant caution. The usable capacity also feels a bit shy of the advertised 13 gallons. With that said, for its price point, it delivers a level of convenience typically found in more expensive models. We recommend the BestOffice 13 Gallon Touchless Trash Can for the tech-savvy homeowner who prioritizes hygiene and convenience and is willing to accept the risk of a less-than-robust build. If you handle it with care and are lucky enough to receive an undented unit, it offers an incredible value. For those seeking a truly hands-free kitchen solution without breaking the bank, this automatic trash can is absolutely worth a closer look. If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen and say goodbye to the messy lid-dance for good, we encourage you to check the latest price and make the switch today.
Last update on 2025-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API