There’s a rhythm to a busy kitchen, a chaotic but beautiful dance of chopping, prepping, and cleaning. But there’s one recurring, ungraceful move that breaks the flow: the trash can shuffle. You know the one. With hands full of vegetable peels or sticky scraps, you awkwardly nudge a pedal with your foot, try to lift a lid with your elbow, or worse, set everything down just to open the bin. It’s a small frustration, but one that repeats dozens of times a week. For my household, a bustling family with kids who seem to generate waste as a primary hobby, our standard 13-gallon can was a constant source of overflow. The bag was always full, the lid never quite closed, and the battle for a clean, hygienic kitchen felt never-ending. We needed a serious upgrade—something bigger, smarter, and cleaner. The promise of a massive, hands-free solution like the BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Stainless Steel Trash Can felt like the perfect answer to this daily struggle.
- TOUCHLESS DESIGN WITH AUTOMATIC SENSOR - Equipped with an advanced infrared sensor, this trash can allows for hygienic, hands-free...
- SPACIOUS 22 GALLON CAPACITY - With its 82-liter capacity, this large kitchen trash can is perfect for busy households, offices, and...
What to Consider Before Buying a Kitchen Trash Can
A kitchen trash can is more than just a place to toss refuse; it’s a key component of a functional, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing kitchen. The right trash can contains odors, minimizes contact with germs, and reduces the frequency of one of the most dreaded household chores: taking out the trash. A well-chosen bin seamlessly integrates into your space, while a poor choice becomes a constant, smelly inconvenience. The primary benefit of investing in a quality model, particularly an automatic one, is the sheer convenience and improved sanitation. It streamlines your workflow and keeps your hands clean when they are often at their messiest.
The ideal customer for a large, automatic trash can like this is someone in a high-traffic environment. This includes large families, shared office spaces, or even small commercial settings where waste accumulates quickly. If you find yourself changing the trash bag every single day and are tired of overflowing bins, this category is for you. However, it might not be suitable for those in smaller apartments or with limited kitchen space, as the footprint can be substantial. Similarly, individuals who prefer simple, non-electronic solutions might find the battery requirement and potential for sensor failure to be a drawback. For them, a high-quality manual step can might be a more reliable, albeit less convenient, choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Always measure your intended space before buying. A 22-gallon can is tall and wide. Note the product’s dimensions (17 x 12 x 32 inches for this model) and ensure you have enough clearance not just for the can itself, but also for the lid to open fully without hitting countertops or cabinets.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity is measured in gallons or liters. A 13-gallon can is standard for many homes, so at 22 gallons (82 liters), the BestOffice model is a significant upgrade. For performance, especially with automatic cans, consider the sensor’s responsiveness, the lid’s opening speed, and its power source—be it batteries or an AC adapter.
- Materials & Durability: Stainless steel is a popular choice for its sleek, modern look and resistance to rust. However, it can be prone to fingerprints and smudges, requiring regular cleaning. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper but can absorb odors and stain over time. Look for a durable build, especially in the lid mechanism, which is the most common point of failure.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: How easy is it to change the bag? Look for features like a bag retainer ring that holds the bag securely in place and hides it from view. For maintenance, a smooth, non-porous interior is easier to wipe down, and a fingerprint-resistant coating on the exterior can be a huge time-saver.
Making the right choice can transform a daily chore into a seamless part of your kitchen routine. It pays to evaluate your specific needs against these key features before making a final decision.
While the BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Stainless Steel Trash Can is an excellent choice for maximizing capacity, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at models that offer different features, like sorting recyclables, 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 Looks and a Cavernous Interior
Unboxing the BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Stainless Steel Trash Can, the first thing we noticed was its impressive stature and lightweight construction. At just 9 pounds, it was surprisingly easy to maneuver into place. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a premium, modern aesthetic that immediately upgraded the look of our kitchen corner. It’s sleek, minimalist, and blends well with other stainless steel appliances. There is no assembly required beyond inserting the batteries and placing the lid on top.
The interior is truly massive. Peering inside feels like looking into a small abyss; it’s clear this bin is built to handle serious volume. A simple plastic ring is included to hold the trash bag in place, which is a standard but essential feature for a can of this size to prevent the bag from slipping down. The motion sensor is located on the front of the lid, and there are also manual open/close buttons for times when you need the lid to stay open longer. Our initial impression was very positive; it looked great and promised to solve our capacity problems. We were eager to see how its advanced sensor technology would perform in day-to-day use.
What We Like
- Massive 22-Gallon Capacity: Drastically reduces the frequency of changing trash bags, ideal for large families or offices.
- Hygienic Touchless Operation: The infrared sensor provides a convenient, hands-free way to dispose of waste.
- Sleek Stainless Steel Design: Offers a modern, premium look that complements contemporary kitchen decor.
- Effective Bag Retainer Ring: Holds large trash bags securely in place and keeps them hidden from view.
Limitations
- Questionable Lid Mechanism Reliability: We and other users experienced issues with the lid not closing completely or the motor failing over a short period.
- Inconsistent Battery Information: Some documentation or listings can be misleading; our testing confirms it requires 4 D-Cell batteries, not C-Cell.
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the BestOffice Trash Can
A trash can’s true worth is revealed not on the first day, but after weeks of relentless use in a real-world kitchen. We put the BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Stainless Steel Trash Can through its paces, subjecting it to everything from holiday meal prep aftermath to the daily deluge of kid-generated waste. Its performance was a mixed bag, showcasing moments of brilliant convenience overshadowed by significant concerns about its long-term durability.
The Game-Changing Capacity and Elegant Design
Let’s start with the unequivocal success: the capacity. The 22-gallon volume is nothing short of transformative for a busy household. Where our old 13-gallon bin needed emptying every day or two, this BestOffice behemoth easily lasted four, five, or even six days before needing a change. This feature alone is a massive quality-of-life improvement. It handled pizza boxes, milk cartons, and the accumulated debris from a weekend of cooking without breaking a sweat. For anyone who has ever had to precariously balance one last piece of trash on an overflowing pile, this enormous capacity is a feature that truly sets it apart.
The design also deserves praise. The stainless steel body is genuinely attractive and easy to wipe down. Its rectangular shape allows it to sit flush against a wall or at the end of a cabinet run, making efficient use of floor space despite its large size. The bag retainer ring, while a simple piece of plastic, does its job perfectly. It grips the bag firmly, preventing any slippage even when the contents get heavy, and it ensures the ugly plastic overhang of the bag is tucked neatly out of sight. From a purely static, non-mechanical perspective, the can is a well-designed container that looks good and holds an incredible amount of trash.
The Touchless Experience: Brilliant When It Works, Frustrating When It Doesn’t
The core selling point of this trash can is its automatic, touchless lid. The infrared sensor is positioned on the front lip, and in our initial tests, it was fantastic. It’s responsive, opening quickly with a wave of the hand or the edge of a plate. The ability to scrape a cutting board clean directly into the bin without touching anything is a small luxury that you quickly get used to. It feels futuristic and, more importantly, it’s incredibly hygienic. The sensor’s range is well-calibrated, avoiding accidental openings from just walking by, which can be an issue with overly sensitive models.
However, this is where we encountered the first major red flag, a sentiment echoed in several user reports. After about two weeks of flawless operation, the lid mechanism began to show signs of weakness. Initially, we noticed it wasn’t creating a perfect seal when closed, leaving a slight gap. As one user noted, “It looks good so far but after couple of days I realized it doesn’t close completely..” This is more than a cosmetic issue; it allows odors to escape. Soon after, the problem worsened dramatically. The motor, which sounded smooth and confident at first, began to sound strained. Upon activation, the lid would only open an inch or two, requiring a manual lift to open fully. This completely defeats the purpose of a touchless can. We swapped the batteries for a fresh set, but the problem persisted. This experience mirrored another user’s report precisely: “it only lasted three weeks and stopped opening…the lid would only open about 1 cm upon motion activation.” This suggests a potential systemic weakness in the motor or lifting mechanism, a critical failure point that turns its best feature into its biggest liability.
Setup, Power, and Long-Term Realities
Setting up the BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Stainless Steel Trash Can should be simple, but it came with an unexpected hiccup that we later found was a common point of frustration. Many product descriptions can be ambiguous about battery type. We can definitively state, as confirmed by another user’s frustrating experience, that this unit requires four large D-Cell batteries, which are not included. One user lamented, “Just FYI it doesn’t take 4C battery it Takes 4D Batterys I went out and bought the wrong batteries…wasting time and money”. It’s a small but significant detail that can lead to an extra trip to the store and initial disappointment.
The battery compartment is easy to access, but the reliance on D-cells means there’s an ongoing cost to ownership. There is no AC adapter option, which would have been a welcome feature for a permanent kitchen fixture. Based on our short testing period, we can’t speak to long-term battery life, but a struggling motor will undoubtedly drain them faster. Maintenance of the stainless steel body is straightforward, but it does show fingerprints, so a regular wipe-down with a microfiber cloth is necessary to keep it looking pristine. Ultimately, while the concept is excellent, the execution of the electronic components leaves much to be desired, raising serious questions about its longevity past the first few weeks of use. For those considering this model, it’s important to check the latest price and user feedback to see if these issues have been addressed in newer stock.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the experiences of other buyers. The general sentiment is a story of initial excitement followed by disappointment. On the positive side, users are almost universally impressed with the can’s massive size and sleek, modern appearance. It looks great in the kitchen and holds a ton of garbage, which is its primary functional purpose. The convenience of the touchless sensor, when it’s working, is also frequently praised.
However, the negative feedback focuses squarely on the durability of the lid’s electronic mechanism. The issue of the lid failing to open more than a centimeter after just a few weeks of use appears to be a recurring theme. Another common complaint is the lid not closing fully, creating a small gap that can allow odors to escape. These mechanical failures are the product’s Achilles’ heel. Compounding this is the frustration over incorrect battery information, causing users to purchase the wrong type (C instead of D), which is a completely avoidable issue that points to a lack of attention to detail. This feedback confirms our assessment: it’s a product with a fantastic concept undermined by questionable long-term reliability.
How Does the BestOffice Trash Can Compare to the Alternatives?
While the BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Stainless Steel Trash Can aims to solve the problem of high-volume waste, it’s important to see how it fits within the broader landscape of kitchen and home solutions. Sometimes the best product isn’t a direct competitor, but one that solves a different, related problem more effectively.
1. simplehuman 45L Rectangular Step Trash Can
- LINER POCKET - Keep liners where you need them. Dispense them one by one — no perforations or unraveling — from inside the can for...
- NEAT AND SECURE - Stainless steel liner rim flips up for a quick and easy liner change, then closes over the liner to hold it tightly...
For those who are wary of the potential electronic failures of an automatic can, the simplehuman 45L (12 Gallon) step can is a top-tier manual alternative. While its capacity is significantly smaller than the BestOffice model, simplehuman has built its reputation on exceptional build quality and durability. Its patented lid shox technology ensures a smooth, silent close every time, and the strong steel pedal is engineered to last over 150,000 steps. This is the choice for someone who prioritizes reliability and longevity over touchless convenience and maximum capacity. It’s a premium, workhorse product for a standard-sized household that wants a can that will simply work, flawlessly, for years.
2. Umbra Oval Soap Dish White
- MODERN AND SLEEK SOAP DISH: A sleek and modern soap dish for your bathroom, fits most standard bar soaps and features rounded edges and...
- SOFT-TOUCH FINISH: Drawing on the luxurious look and feel of matte finishes, this soap dish will make a sleek addition to your...
At first glance, a soap dish seems like an odd comparison. However, creating a cohesive and functional home environment is about more than just trash management. If you’re investing in a sleek, modern stainless steel trash can to upgrade your kitchen’s aesthetic, it makes sense to apply that same attention to detail elsewhere. The Umbra Touch Soap Dish, with its minimalist design and soft-touch matte finish, complements the modern style of the BestOffice can. It’s an alternative not for waste, but for elevating the other functional elements of your kitchen or bathroom. It’s for the buyer who is thinking holistically about their home’s design and wants every piece, no matter how small, to contribute to a clean, contemporary look.
3. LALASTAR 5L Countertop Compost Bin
- Odor-Blocking & Fruit Fly Free: Say goodbye to the smelly decomposing waste. Our compost bin countertop comes with a precisely-fit lid,...
- Multi-purpose: This plastic trash can can be put on the kitchen countertop; mounted on the wall in the kitchen/bathroom/laundry room...
This product isn’t an alternative, but rather a perfect partner. The BestOffice can is built for general, non-organic waste. For the eco-conscious household, the LALASTAR Countertop Compost Bin addresses the other half of the kitchen waste stream: food scraps. This small, 1.3-gallon bin can hang over a cabinet door or sit on the counter, making it easy to separate vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and other organic matter for composting. Using this in tandem with the large BestOffice can creates a comprehensive waste management system. This is the ideal choice for someone who loves the capacity of the BestOffice can but also wants to reduce their environmental footprint by diverting food waste from the landfill.
The Final Verdict: A Great Idea with a Major Flaw
The BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Stainless Steel Trash Can is a product we desperately wanted to love. The promise is immense: a massive 22-gallon capacity that eliminates the daily chore of taking out the trash, wrapped in a sleek stainless steel body with the modern convenience of touchless operation. For the first couple of weeks, it delivers on that promise beautifully and feels like a true kitchen upgrade.
However, based on our own testing and corroborated by numerous user experiences, we cannot recommend it without serious reservations. The premature failure of the automatic lid mechanism is a critical flaw that undermines the product’s entire value proposition. A touchless can that doesn’t open is just an inconveniently shaped box. While the size is fantastic, the core feature is simply not reliable enough for a confident recommendation. If you are willing to take a risk for the massive capacity, it might be worth a shot, but be prepared for potential disappointment. For most users, a more reliable, albeit smaller or non-automatic, trash can from a brand with a proven track record for durability would be a wiser investment.
If you’re still intrigued by its huge capacity and stylish design and want to make your own judgment, you can see the full product details and latest reviews online.
Last update on 2025-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API