We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of preparing a meal, your hands are covered in flour, egg wash, or raw chicken juices, and you need to throw something away. You’re faced with a frustrating dilemma: either wash your hands just to touch a grimy trash can lid, or try to perform a clumsy, one-handed, hip-bumping maneuver to open a step can, often sending it skittering across the floor. It’s a small but constant kitchen annoyance that disrupts workflow and creates a potential hygiene nightmare. The lid gets dirty, germs spread, and the simple act of waste disposal becomes an unsanitary chore. For years, this was just an accepted part of kitchen life, but the introduction of reliable, touch-free technology promises a much cleaner, more convenient solution.
- 【PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL】 - Features high-quality brushed stainless steel construction that’s durable, rust-resistant, and...
- 【13 GALLON ULTRA-LARGE CAPACITY】 - 13 gallons trasn can absolutely meet your daily use, in the kitchen table next to an auto trash...
What to Know Before You Buy an Automatic Kitchen Trash Can
An automatic kitchen trash can is more than just a container for waste; it’s a key solution for enhancing kitchen hygiene, convenience, and even aesthetics. By eliminating the need to physically touch the bin, these smart devices minimize the cross-contamination of germs, a crucial benefit in any food preparation area. They streamline the cooking process, allowing you to dispose of scraps and packaging without breaking your stride, perfect for busy home chefs and families. Furthermore, their often sleek, modern designs can elevate the look of a kitchen, turning a utilitarian object into a stylish accessory while effectively containing odors with their sealed lids.
The ideal customer for a product like the Bigacc 13 Gallon Touch-Free Kitchen Trash Can is someone who values cleanliness and efficiency. This includes avid cooks who frequently have their hands full or messy, parents trying to manage a busy and hygienic household, or anyone with mobility issues who finds foot pedals challenging. It’s also a great fit for the tech-savvy individual who enjoys modernizing their home with smart gadgets. Conversely, this type of product might not be suitable for those with very tight kitchen spaces where accidental triggers from foot traffic could be an issue, or for households with curious pets or toddlers who might see the opening and closing lid as a new toy. For those in extremely compact spaces, an under-counter or cabinet-mounted bin might be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Always measure your intended space before purchasing. Consider not just the footprint (16.1 x 11.4 inches for this model) but also the vertical clearance needed for the lid to open fully. Ensure there’s enough room around the sensor to avoid accidental openings as you walk by, which can be a common frustration with motion-activated cans.
- Capacity & Performance: A 13-gallon capacity is the standard for most kitchens, accommodating standard-sized trash bags perfectly. For performance, the key metrics are sensor sensitivity and lid speed. You want a sensor that responds quickly to a hand wave but isn’t so sensitive that it opens every time you walk past. The lid’s open-duration is also important—a 4 to 7-second window is usually ideal for most tasks.
- Materials & Durability: Brushed stainless steel is the preferred material for its premium look and resistance to rust. An anti-fingerprint coating is a significant bonus for maintaining a clean appearance. However, as some users have noted, the thickness of the steel can vary; thinner gauges may be more susceptible to denting, which is a consideration for high-traffic homes or those with children.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Beyond the touch-free operation, consider the mechanics of daily use. How easy is it to change the bag? A removable lid and an interior bag retainer ring, like the one found on the Bigacc, are features that make this chore much simpler. For maintenance, a smooth stainless surface is easy to wipe down, but be mindful of cleaning agents—stick to stainless steel cleaners to prevent accidental damage or rust, a lesson learned by some users.
While the Bigacc 13 Gallon Touch-Free Kitchen Trash Can 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...
Unboxing the Bigacc: Sleek Design and First Impressions
Upon receiving the Bigacc 13 Gallon Touch-Free Kitchen Trash Can, our first observation, echoed by several user comments, was the quality of the packaging. The manufacturer has clearly made an effort to protect the unit in transit, which is critical for an item with a stainless-steel body prone to dents. Pulling it from the box, the can feels surprisingly lightweight at 10 pounds, making it easy to position. The brushed stainless steel finish is immediately appealing, lending a modern, premium feel that blends well with other kitchen appliances. The oval shape is a smart design choice, offering a large capacity without the bulky footprint of a square or round can.
Setup is incredibly straightforward: you simply need to install the batteries (which are not included, a common practice for such devices) into the compartment on the lid, place a standard 13-gallon bag inside, and use the black plastic retaining ring to hold it snugly in place. This ring is a fantastic feature, preventing the bag from slipping down into the can, a common annoyance with traditional bins. The first wave of a hand over the sensor is genuinely satisfying, as the lid pops open quickly and almost silently. It’s a piece of everyday magic that makes you wonder why you ever put up with a standard trash can. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of this initial experience.
What We Like
- Excellent motion sensor is fast and reliable
- Quiet, slow-close lid prevents slamming
- Standard 13-gallon size fits common trash bags perfectly
- Bag retainer ring is a simple but brilliant feature
- Sleek, anti-fingerprint stainless steel design
Potential Drawbacks
- Body material is somewhat thin and could dent easily
- Battery compartment door design is a notable weak point
In-Depth Performance: Putting the Bigacc Trash Can to the Test
A trash can might seem like a simple device, but when you add electronics and moving parts, the details of its performance become paramount. We spent weeks using the Bigacc 13 Gallon Touch-Free Kitchen Trash Can as our primary kitchen receptacle, evaluating everything from its sensor intelligence to its long-term durability and day-to-day practicality. We wanted to see if the initial “wow” factor held up under the rigors of constant use in a busy kitchen environment.
The Heart of the Machine: Motion Sensor Responsiveness and Hygiene
The single most important feature of an automatic trash can is its motion sensor, and this is where the Bigacc truly shines. In our testing, the sensor proved to be exceptionally reliable and well-calibrated. It activates with a simple, intuitive wave of the hand above the lid, opening with impressive speed. This responsiveness is a game-changer during food prep. Scraping vegetable peels off a cutting board, disposing of packaging, or tossing a used paper towel—all can be done without ever touching the can. This touch-free operation is the core benefit, drastically improving kitchen hygiene by preventing the transfer of germs from your hands to the bin, and vice-versa.
We found the sensor’s range to be just right. It’s sensitive enough to detect a deliberate hand motion but not so overly sensitive that it opens every time we walk past it, a common complaint with lesser models. The lid stays open for approximately 5-7 seconds, a duration we found perfect for quick disposals. This timing is confirmed by multiple users, one of whom noted it was “perfect for when I have my hands full.” If you need it to stay open longer for bigger jobs, like peeling potatoes directly over the bin, you can simply keep your hand over the sensor. This intelligent design makes the can adaptable to different tasks. The hygienic advantage cannot be overstated; as one owner aptly put it, “I like to cook and this makes it even easier to not touch gross things.” For anyone looking to create a cleaner, more efficient kitchen, the sensor’s performance is a compelling reason to upgrade.
Built to Last? A Closer Look at Materials and Construction
The Bigacc 13 Gallon Touch-Free Kitchen Trash Can boasts a premium brushed stainless steel body, which gives it a clean, modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly into most kitchens. The anti-fingerprint finish works reasonably well, reducing the smudges that plague many stainless appliances and making it easy to maintain with a quick wipe from a damp cloth. However, our investigation, supported by user feedback, reveals a mixed bag when it comes to durability. While the can looks fantastic, the steel itself is not particularly thick. One user correctly observed that “the aluminum is not very thick which can be dented easily,” and advises that it’s “definitely not for a home that has children.” We concur with this assessment; while it should hold up fine in a careful adult household, a stray kick, a dropped pan, or a run-in with a vacuum cleaner could easily leave a permanent dent.
The most significant and consistent point of failure reported by users, which we also identified as a concern, is the battery compartment door. Multiple owners have complained that the small plastic door doesn’t stay shut, causing the batteries to fall into the trash bag. One user lamented, “The only issue is the battery compartment door…doesn’t stay shut and the batteries fall into the garbage bag,” while another called it a “piece of junk” for this exact reason. While some have resorted to using tape as a workaround, this is a definite design flaw that detracts from an otherwise excellent product. It’s a shame, because the motor and lid mechanism itself seem robust, with many users reporting years of flawless operation. Despite this, the overall value is still strong, but potential buyers should be aware of this specific weakness.
Everyday Usability: Capacity, Bag Changes, and Quiet Operation
Beyond the tech, a trash can must be practical for daily life. The 13-gallon (50 L) capacity is the gold standard for kitchens, and we found that the Bigacc perfectly accommodates standard tall kitchen trash bags. The feature we grew to appreciate most in our daily use was the black plastic bag retainer ring. This simple component is incredibly effective. It locks the top of the bag securely in place, hiding any unsightly overhang and, most importantly, preventing the dreaded bag-slip that leaves you with a mess to clean up. Changing the bag is as simple as lifting off the entire lid mechanism, which is lightweight and easy to handle.
One interesting point raised by a user is that because the bag is held so effectively, you can pack it much fuller than in a traditional can. While they noted this “can save lot of garbage bag,” they also found it “gets slightly tough to take the bag out” when it’s overstuffed. We experienced this as well; the slight tapering of the can’s body can create a vacuum effect with a very full bag, requiring a bit of a tug to remove. It’s a minor trade-off for the efficiency of using the full bag capacity. Another standout feature is the “Mute Design” slow-close technology. After the sensor’s timer runs out, the lid doesn’t slam shut. Instead, it closes gently and quietly, preserving a peaceful home environment. It’s a subtle but luxurious touch that elevates the user experience, eliminating the jarring bang of a traditional metal lid. The combination of its large capacity and user-friendly features makes it a highly practical choice, and you can check the latest price and availability online.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Bigacc 13 Gallon Touch-Free Kitchen Trash Can is largely positive, with users frequently praising its core functionality. One owner, who has had the product for a full year, states, “It’s an excellent product. The sensor works perfectly, it opens quickly and avoids having to touch the lid.” Many, like the user who nicknamed their can “R2D2,” express delight in the convenience, calling it the “coolest trash can ever” and highlighting how it’s “perfect for when I have my hands full!” The exceptional battery life is another common point of praise, with one person noting they haven’t had to change the batteries in over seven months of use.
However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing. The most consistent and significant complaint revolves around the flimsy battery compartment cover. One frustrated user reported, “The battery compartment door…doesn’t stay shut and the batteries fall into the garbage bag.” Another had the cover fall off entirely and, even after receiving a replacement lid, found the issue persisted. Other criticisms point to potential quality control issues, such as units arriving with dents or the lid mechanism breaking down prematurely, with one reviewer’s unit making “crunching sounds” and failing within a week. These negative experiences, while seemingly in the minority, highlight a potential gamble on build quality.
How the Bigacc Stacks Up: A Look at the Competition
No product exists in a vacuum, and the Bigacc 13 Gallon Touch-Free Kitchen Trash Can faces competition from various types of waste bins. Understanding these alternatives helps clarify who the Bigacc is best suited for. We’ve compared it against three distinct products that cater to different needs and spaces.
1. simplehuman 45L Slim Hands-Free Kitchen Trash Can
- SLIM, SPACE-SAVING SHAPE - Designed to make the most of tight spaces
- 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...
The simplehuman step can is a premium, non-electronic alternative. Its primary advantages are its robust, high-quality construction and its patented lid shox technology for a slow, silent close. It operates with a durable steel foot pedal, eliminating the need for batteries and the potential for electronic failure. While it offers a similar capacity and a sleek stainless steel design, it is not truly “touch-free” in the same way as the Bigacc, as you must use your foot. The simplehuman is the better choice for someone who prioritizes bulletproof build quality and brand reputation over the convenience of motion-sensor technology and is willing to pay a premium for it.
2. Glad Roomate Under Counter Waste Bin
- VERSATILE UNDER COUNTER TRASH CAN – This space-saving waste bin can be used as a regular, standalone trash can, but it can also be...
- DUAL LID OPENING FOR EASIER CLEAN UP – Switch between flip back and slide front opening modes with our dual lid opening...
The Glad Roomate represents a completely different approach to kitchen waste. At just 7 liters, it’s designed for small spaces, to be mounted on a cabinet door, or to sit under the sink. Its dual-lid design allows for easy access whether it’s on the floor or inside a cabinet. This product is not a direct competitor for a primary kitchen trash can but rather a solution for those with extremely limited floor space or for separating waste like compostables. Someone living in a small apartment or who needs a secondary, hidden bin would prefer the Glad Roomate over the much larger, freestanding Bigacc.
3. Tiyafuro 2.4 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin
- Lid Can Effective Prevent Odor From Escaping:" Indoor hanging compost bin with lid designed specifically as a hidden non smelling,...
- Wall Mount Trash Can:" Trash bin is easy to install hanging, mount accessory ( 1 hook, 2 adhesive hooks and 20 pcs trash bag )...
Like the Glad bin, the Tiyafuro compost bin serves a specific, supplementary purpose. Its small 2.4-gallon capacity is intended for collecting daily food scraps for composting. It can be hung over a cabinet door or mounted on a wall, keeping compostables easily accessible during food prep while keeping odors contained. This is an ideal product for environmentally-conscious households that already have a primary trash solution. It complements a larger can like the Bigacc; one would not choose it as their main kitchen bin, but rather use it in conjunction with one.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Bigacc Touch-Free Trash Can Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Bigacc 13 Gallon Touch-Free Kitchen Trash Can for the majority of modern households. Its motion sensor is the star of the show, offering reliable, hygienic, and convenient hands-free operation that genuinely simplifies daily kitchen tasks. The quiet slow-close lid, standard 13-gallon capacity, and effective bag retainer ring are all well-executed features that contribute to a superior user experience compared to traditional bins. It successfully transforms a mundane chore into a moment of seamless, modern efficiency.
However, the recommendation comes with a crucial caveat regarding its construction. The thinness of the stainless steel makes it prone to dents, and the poorly designed battery cover is a significant and frustrating flaw that cannot be ignored. Despite these issues, the core electronic functionality is excellent, and for its price point, it delivers exceptional value. If you prioritize the convenience of touch-free technology and are willing to be mindful of its physical vulnerabilities (and perhaps keep a small piece of tape handy for the battery door), this trash can is a fantastic upgrade for your kitchen. If you’re ready to embrace the hygienic, hands-free future of waste disposal, we believe the Bigacc is a very worthy investment. You can find the best price and order yours here.
Last update on 2025-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API