For years, our kitchen had a silent, unwelcome guest: a freestanding stainless steel trash can. It was a magnet for fingerprints, a stumbling block in our main walkway, and an open invitation for our curious golden retriever to go treasure hunting. Every time we had guests, I found myself subtly trying to hide it or apologizing for its presence. The constant battle with overflowing bags, lingering odors, and the sheer unsightliness of a garbage bin in the heart of our home was a daily frustration. We knew there had to be a better way to manage waste—one that was clean, concealed, and seamlessly integrated into our kitchen’s design. This search for a more elegant and practical solution led us to explore the world of under-cabinet systems, and specifically, to test the product at the center of this review.
- Maximize Your Space: Maximize space and get your trash off your floor and hidden in your kitchen cabinets with these double pullout...
- Specifications: Dimensions (W x D x H): 14.41" x 22.09" x 19.01"; Weight: 22.35 pounds; This pullout trash system is designed for a...
What to Consider Before Buying an Under-Cabinet Trash System
An under-cabinet pull-out trash can system is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming floor space, enhancing kitchen aesthetics, and improving overall hygiene. By tucking your waste and recycling bins away inside a cabinet, you create a streamlined, clutter-free environment. This is particularly transformative for smaller kitchens where every square foot matters. The primary benefits are threefold: aesthetic appeal by hiding unsightly garbage, improved sanitation by containing odors, and enhanced safety by keeping waste away from pets and small children. It elevates the functionality of your kitchen from a purely utilitarian space to a polished, high-end hub of the home.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner, a DIY enthusiast, or anyone undergoing a kitchen renovation who values organization and a clean design. It’s a perfect upgrade for families with pets or toddlers, as it effectively puts the trash out of reach. However, it might not be suitable for those who are renting and cannot make permanent modifications to cabinetry, or for individuals with extremely limited cabinet space that is already dedicated to essential storage or plumbing. For those who cannot install a built-in system, high-quality freestanding options with features like motion sensors or locking lids remain a viable alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is the most critical factor. Before you even consider a purchase, you must meticulously measure the interior of your target cabinet—width, depth, and height. Pay close attention to the minimum cabinet opening width required by the product, and don’t forget to account for any obstructions like plumbing pipes or the cabinet’s face frame which can reduce the usable space.
- Capacity & Performance: Think about your household’s waste output. A 35-quart bin is suitable for small to medium-sized families, but larger households might need a 50-quart system. A dual-bin system, like the Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Double Trash Can 35 Quart Soft-Close, is essential for easily separating trash and recycling. The performance of the slide mechanism—whether it’s full-extension for easy bin removal and soft-close for quiet, gentle operation—defines the daily user experience.
- Materials & Durability: The longevity of a pull-out system depends heavily on its construction. Look for a robust frame, typically made of heavy-gauge steel, which can withstand the weight of full bins and the repetitive motion of daily use. The slides are the heart of the system; high-quality, ball-bearing slides will provide a smoother, more reliable glide than cheaper alternatives.
- Ease of Use & Installation: While the end result is effortless, the installation process can vary wildly in complexity. Some systems are simpler than others. Consider your own DIY skill level. Look for products that include a mounting template and clear instructions. For long-term maintenance, ensure the waste bins are easy to lift out for cleaning and bag changes.
Making the right choice involves a careful balance of these factors to ensure the system not only fits your space but also meets your lifestyle needs for years to come.
While the Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Double Trash Can 35 Quart Soft-Close is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, 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: Unboxing the Rev-A-Shelf 53WC-1835SCDM-211
Upon arrival, the weight of the box alone signaled that this was a serious piece of hardware. Unpacking the Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Double Trash Can 35 Quart Soft-Close, we were immediately struck by the build quality. The main frame is constructed from thick, matte white coated steel, feeling substantial and reassuringly rigid. There was no flex or wobble, a common issue with lesser models. The centerpiece of the system, the soft-close, full-extension concealed slides, felt incredibly smooth even before installation. We could tell this mechanism was engineered for a quiet, premium experience.
Included in the box were the two 35-quart white plastic waste containers, the steel frame, the pair of slides, and a comprehensive set of hardware including the crucial adjustable door-mount brackets. The plastic bins are sturdy and well-molded, designed to fit snugly within the frame. While the instruction manual seemed detailed, a quick glance at the small diagrams confirmed what many users have noted: this installation would require careful attention. Overall, our initial impression was that this is a high-quality, thoughtfully engineered product designed for durability and a high-end user experience, which you can see in its robust feature set online.
What We Like
- Exceptional build quality with a heavy-duty steel frame.
- Luxuriously smooth and silent soft-close slide mechanism.
- Full-extension slides allow for easy removal of bins.
- Dual 35-quart bins are perfect for sorting trash and recycling.
Limitations
- Installation instructions can be confusing and challenging for novices.
- Included mounting screws may be too short for some cabinet floors.
A Deep Dive into the Rev-A-Shelf Pullout’s Performance
A product’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but in the rigors of daily use and the frustrations of installation. We put the Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Double Trash Can 35 Quart Soft-Close through its paces, from the initial setup to weeks of handling everything our busy kitchen could throw at it. Here’s our detailed breakdown of its performance.
Installation: A DIY Challenge with a Worthy Payoff
Let’s be direct: the installation of the Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Double Trash Can 35 Quart Soft-Close is the most significant hurdle you will face. While the company suggests a 30-minute install time, we recommend budgeting at least an hour, and potentially more if you’re not an experienced DIYer. The instructions, though technically correct, rely on small, somewhat ambiguous diagrams that require intense focus to decipher. As one user aptly put it, it’s a step up from Ikea, but not by much. Our advice is to read through the entire manual once before touching a single screw to understand the full scope of the project.
The process begins with mounting the slide assembly to the cabinet floor. A paper template is provided, but we found it slightly off, a sentiment echoed by some users who had to re-drill holes. We recommend using the template as a guide, but double-checking your marks by placing the actual frame in the cabinet before drilling. A common issue we, and many others, encountered was the length of the provided floor-mounting screws. They felt a bit short for providing a truly secure, long-term anchor. We followed the advice of other handy users and swapped them for slightly longer #8 screws, which gave us much more confidence in the unit’s stability.
The most intricate part of the installation is attaching your cabinet door to the unit’s door-mount brackets. This is where precision is paramount to ensure the door aligns perfectly with the surrounding cabinetry. The system offers a good range of adjustability (up/down, left/right, and tilt), which is a saving grace. A brilliant tip we confirmed from other reviewers is invaluable for tight spaces: if your cabinet opening is near the minimum 14.5-inch requirement, the door brackets can be swapped and inverted to face inward, saving crucial millimeters and preventing them from hitting the cabinet frame. This clever workaround isn’t obvious in the instructions but is a game-changer for many installations. Attaching the door is definitely a two-person job, or requires creative use of shims and clamps to hold it in place while you work. Despite the challenges, the feeling of accomplishment when the door is perfectly aligned and the system glides shut is immense. The effort is significant, but the high-end result justifies the process.
Engineering in Motion: The Soft-Close Slide System
Once installed, the magic of the Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Double Trash Can 35 Quart Soft-Close truly reveals itself. The heart and soul of this product is its undermount soft-close, full-extension concealed slide system, and it is nothing short of exceptional. This is what separates a premium product from its budget counterparts. With just a gentle tug on the handle, the entire unit glides out smoothly and silently on its ball-bearing tracks. There is no rattling, no shuddering—just a fluid, controlled motion that feels incredibly high-end.
The full-extension feature is more important than it sounds. It allows the rear waste bin to clear the cabinet opening completely. This makes throwing away larger items, scraping off plates, and, most importantly, removing a full, heavy trash bag an effortless task. You’re never fighting with the cabinet frame or struggling to lift the bag at an awkward angle. When you’re done, a gentle push is all that’s needed to retract the unit. The soft-close mechanism engages in the last few inches, pulling the door closed with a quiet, satisfying “whoosh.” There is absolutely no slamming, which adds a touch of tranquility to the kitchen environment. We tested it dozens of times, with bins empty and full, and the performance was consistently flawless. This whisper-quiet operation is a feature that truly sets it apart and gives the kitchen that “custom cabinetry” feel that many users rave about.
Design, Durability, and Day-to-Day Practicality
Beyond the impressive mechanics, the overall design and durability are built for the long haul. The floor-mounted steel frame is the backbone of this system’s stability. Unlike top-hanging models that can sag or put stress on the cabinet sides over time, this bottom-mounted design provides a rock-solid foundation that can easily handle the weight of two full 35-quart bins. We loaded them up with heavy recyclables and wet compost, and the slide action remained just as smooth and effortless.
The dual 35-quart (8.75-gallon) bins provide a combined capacity of 70 quarts (17.5 gallons), which we found to be ample for our small family’s daily trash and recycling needs, typically lasting 3-4 days between changes. Standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bags fit the bins well with a little extra room to tie them off. The bins themselves are made of a durable, easy-to-clean polymer. They lift out of the frame with ease, making it simple to take out the trash or give them a quick rinse. The white color is clean and bright, though it may show dirt more easily than a grey or black alternative. The rectangular shape is efficient, maximizing the use of space within the cabinet. For those looking to enhance their waste management, Rev-A-Shelf does offer lid accessories, but we found that being inside the cabinet contained odors sufficiently for our needs. This is a system designed not just to look good, but to withstand the relentless demands of a busy kitchen, a fact you can confirm by checking its latest price and availability.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we dug into feedback from hundreds of other users to see how our experience compared. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with a clear and consistent theme. Users universally praise the final product’s quality and functionality. One owner noted, “This is very well made, sturdy, looks nice and functions excellent. Definitely gives the kitchen an extra ‘high end’ finishing touch.” Another celebrated the transformation, stating it’s “exactly what I needed to keep my kitchen organized and clutter-free.” The smooth glide and quiet soft-close feature are consistently highlighted as standout benefits that justify the price.
However, the praise for the product is almost always paired with a critique of the installation process. The most common complaint centers around the instructions. As one DIYer put it, “The images were terrible. It took some intense focus to understand what the intent was.” This sentiment is a recurring thread, with many users reporting that the installation took significantly longer than anticipated. Other minor but frequent issues include the provided screws being too short for some cabinet floors and the need to find creative workarounds, like reversing the door brackets, to make the unit fit in cabinets with tight tolerances. Despite these installation woes, the vast majority of users conclude that the effort was well worth it for the high-quality result.
How Does the Rev-A-Shelf Compare to the Alternatives?
The Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Double Trash Can 35 Quart Soft-Close is a specialized, integrated solution. It’s important to understand how it differs from the more common freestanding trash cans on the market. While not direct competitors in function, these alternatives serve different needs and spaces.
1. ELPHECO Motion Sensor 2.5 Gallon Trash Can
- Advanced Motion Sensor Technology: Say goodbye to touching dirty bins! The built-in infrared sensor detects motion within 10-15cm,...
- Space-Saving Design: With its compact 9.5L capacity and slim profile, this trash can fits seamlessly into even the most cramped spaces,...
The ELPHECO motion sensor can is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the Rev-A-Shelf. It is a small-capacity, high-tech, freestanding unit designed for low-traffic areas like a bathroom, office, or bedroom. Its primary appeals are its compact, slim profile and its touchless, hygienic operation. For someone looking for a quick, no-installation solution for a small space, the ELPHECO is an excellent choice. However, its 2.5-gallon capacity makes it completely impractical as a primary kitchen trash can for even a single person, let alone a family.
2. XPIY 2 Pack 4 Gallon Press Top Trash Can
- 【Press to Open Lid】No more struggling with dirty hands to lift a trash can lid, just simply press the button and throw your garbage...
- 【Isolates Odors】The small trash can's lid and design help to contain and isolate odors, keeping your kitchen or office smelling...
The XPIY 2-pack represents a budget-friendly, practical approach to freestanding waste management. These cans are ideal for those who need multiple wastebaskets throughout the home or for someone who wants a simple, pet-proof kitchen can without any installation. The press-top lid keeps contents contained and curious pets out. At 4 gallons each, they are still quite small for a main kitchen bin, but they offer flexibility and affordability that the built-in Rev-A-Shelf system cannot. This is a choice for renters or anyone prioritizing cost and simplicity over integration and aesthetics.
3. FDW 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid
- FINGERPRINT-PROOF & MODERN DESIGN: Crafted from durable brushed stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish, this garbage bin...
- SOFT-CLOSE LID FOR QUIET USE: This stainless steel trash can features a soft close lid that shuts gently, reducing noise and preventing...
The FDW 13 Gallon trash can is the most direct traditional competitor. It is a standard, large-capacity, freestanding kitchen can that many people are accustomed to. Its main advantage is its size—13 gallons is a generous capacity for a busy kitchen—and its simplicity. You just unbox it and place it. However, it shares all the drawbacks of a freestanding can: it occupies valuable floor space, can be an eyesore, and is accessible to pets. Someone would choose the FDW over the Rev-A-Shelf if they lack the cabinet space for a pull-out or are not willing or able to undertake the installation process.
The Final Verdict: Is the Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Worth It?
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Double Trash Can 35 Quart Soft-Close is a superb product and a transformative upgrade for any modern kitchen. Its construction is rock-solid, its dual-bin design is practical for sorting waste, and its whisper-quiet, soft-close mechanism adds a touch of everyday luxury that you’ll appreciate for years. It successfully declutters your kitchen, hides waste from sight, and keeps it securely away from pets and children.
The one significant caveat is the installation. It is not a simple, 30-minute task for the average person. Be prepared for a project that requires patience, precision, and potentially a trip to the hardware store for longer screws. However, if you are a moderately skilled DIYer or are willing to hire a handyperson, the installation challenges are a temporary hurdle on the way to a permanent, high-quality solution. For homeowners looking to invest in the functionality and aesthetic of their kitchen, the value is undeniable. If you’re ready to banish the freestanding trash can forever and elevate your kitchen’s design, we wholeheartedly recommend the Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Double Trash Can 35 Quart Soft-Close; it’s an investment in a cleaner, more organized home.
Last update on 2025-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API