What’s the single biggest thing most people get wrong when buying a pull-out trash can? They measure the cabinet door and not the cabinet opening. They end up with a system that doesn’t fit, return it, and write a frustrated Amazon review. You won’t be doing that today.
This guide covers the best pull-out trash cans available right now, how to measure your cabinet the right way, and everything you need to install one yourself without calling a handyman. Let’s get into it.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Top-Rated Pull-Out Trash Cans for Your Kitchen
These four systems represent the best options across different cabinet sizes, budgets, and use cases that helps to hide trash cans in the kitchen. Each has been evaluated on build quality, slide mechanism performance, and real-world user feedback from Amazon reviews.
1. Rev-A-Shelf RV-18KD-18C S Double Pull-Out Trash Can — Best Overall for Large Kitchens
The Rev-A-Shelf pull-out trash can is the most recommended system among kitchen designers and serious DIYers, and for good reason. This is a double pull-out trash can system designed for 18-inch cabinets, holding two 17.5-quart bins for a combined 35-quart capacity. The full-extension slides are rated to 75 lbs and use a smooth ball-bearing mechanism that holds up to years of daily use.
Key Features:
- Full-extension, 75 lb-rated ball-bearing slides
- Two 17.5 Qt bins included (fits standard kitchen trash bags)
- Mounting hardware and door-mount clips included
- Available in multiple configurations (single, double, with and without soft-close)
- Compatible with 18-inch cabinet openings
Pros:
- Slides operate smoothly even when fully loaded; no sticky or jerky movement that gets annoying after a few months
- Door-mounting clips mean the cabinet door opens automatically when you pull, one-handed operation while cooking
- Modular design means you can add bins or swap configurations later without replacing the whole unit
Cons:
- Requires a true 18-inch cabinet opening, measure carefully before ordering
- Bins are on the smaller side for large families; you may empty daily with two people cooking
Best for: Families of 3 or more with an 18-inch base cabinet who want a long-lasting, premium pull-out system that works the way it should every single day.
Pro Tip: Kitchen designer and certified remodeling specialist Chrysa Duran recommends Rev-A-Shelf slides specifically for their longevity: “In 15 years of kitchen installs, Rev-A-Shelf hardware is the only brand I haven’t had a callback on. The slide mechanism is the part that fails in cheap systems within 18 months, quality slides make all the difference.”
2. LYNK PROFESSIONAL Pull Out Trash Can Under Cabinet — Best Budget-Friendly Option
Not everyone wants to drill into cabinet walls or spend $100+ on a trash system. This under cabinet pull-out trash can is the answer for renters, light users, or anyone who wants a quick, clean solution without committing to a permanent installation. The frame is adjustable to fit different cabinet widths and doesn’t require drilling, it uses a tension-mount system to stay in place.
Key Features:
- Adjustable width fits cabinets from 10 to 18 inches
- No drilling required, tension-mount installation
- Works as both an under-sink pull-out trash can and standard under-cabinet setup
- Slide mechanism is basic but functional for light daily use
- Budget price point: typically under $35
Pros:
- Zero installation commitment, ideal for renters who can’t modify cabinets
- Adjustable width means it can move with you if you change kitchens
- Works around under-sink plumbing without any special configuration
Cons:
- Slide mechanism is plastic rather than ball-bearing: fine for light use, but not rated for heavy loads
- Bin not included; you’ll need to buy a separate bin to fit the frame
- Not suitable as a heavy-duty daily driver for families; better for a secondary bin or recycling spot
Best for: Renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone who needs a functional under-sink pull-out trash can without any permanent modifications.
Special Note: If you’re placing this under the sink, measure the height clearance below the drain pipe before ordering. Some under-sink spaces are tighter vertically than they appear.
3. Knape and Vogt In-Cabinet Pull-Out Trash Can, 27 Qt — Best for Narrow Cabinets
This is the go-to option when you’re working with a narrow cabinet and most other systems simply won’t fit. The Knape and Vogt pull-out trash can is specifically designed for 11-inch cabinet openings, which makes it one of the only quality pull-out trash can systems that works in truly tight spaces. If you’ve been told your cabinet is too narrow for a pull-out system, this is the one to check.
Key Features:
- Fits cabinet openings as narrow as 11 inches
- 27-quart bin included
- Full-extension slides for complete bin access
- Platinum finish on the frame for a clean, neutral look
- Door-mount attachment included
Pros:
- Solves the narrow cabinet problem that most pull-out systems can’t, this is the specific reason most people buy it
- Full-extension slides mean you can reach the bottom of the bin without digging around
- Clean platinum finish doesn’t show every fingerprint or smudge inside the cabinet
Cons:
- Installation can be trickier in very old cabinets where walls aren’t perfectly square, take extra time to level the slides
Best for: Anyone with a 11 to 12-inch cabinet opening who thought a pull-out trash can wasn’t possible for their kitchen. This is your answer.
4. Simplehuman Under Counter Pull-Out Can, 30L / 8 Gallon — Best for Design-Conscious Kitchens
Simplehuman is the brand that kitchen and bath designers reach for when clients want something that looks as good as it functions. This under counter pull-out trash can brings that same level of polish to your cabinet. The 30-liter (8-gallon) capacity hits a sweet spot between manageable size and frequency of emptying, and the liner pocket on the inside of the door keeps bags tidy and out of sight, a small detail that makes daily use noticeably better.
Key Features:
- 30L / 8-gallon capacity with included custom-fit liner pocket
- Whisper-quiet, smooth-glide slides that feel premium in everyday use
- Heavy-gauge steel frame, significantly more durable than plastic alternatives
- Door-mount system included
- Fits most standard 15-inch base cabinets
Pros:
- The liner pocket on the door keeps replacement bags immediately accessible and hidden; genuinely useful, not just a gimmick
- Steel frame construction means this system will outlast plastic alternatives by years
- Slide mechanism is one of the smoothest in this category, a noticeably better daily experience than budget options
Cons:
- Higher price point than most competitors; you’re paying for build quality and brand
- 30L capacity may feel small for families with heavy cooking and food waste
Best for: Homeowners who cook regularly, value build quality, and want a pull-out trash can system that still looks great after five years of daily use.
Why Upgrade to a Pull-Out Trash Can?
If you’ve been living with a freestanding trash can sitting on your kitchen floor, you already know the downsides. It takes up floor space, it’s visible to everyone who walks in, and unless you’re very diligent, it starts to smell. A pull-out trash can system solves all of that in one move.
Space Efficiency
A pull-out kitchen trash can lives inside your existing cabinet. It doesn’t occupy any extra floor space, it uses space you’re already paying for in your kitchen layout.
For small kitchens especially, that’s a meaningful upgrade. You reclaim floor area, your kitchen feels more open, and your workflow actually improves because the bin is right where you need it: under the counter, close to the prep area, accessible with one hand.
Double pull-out trash cans take this even further. One cabinet holds two bins, trash and recycling side by side, which would otherwise require two separate cans sitting somewhere in your kitchen taking up twice the space.
Odor Control and Aesthetics
An enclosed pull-out trash can system keeps odors contained far better than any open-top bin on the floor. The cabinet door acts as a barrier. Add a tight-fitting liner and you’ve got a setup that your guests won’t smell from the living room.
Beyond smell, there’s the visual side. A kitchen without a visible trash can just looks cleaner, more intentional, and more put-together. It’s one of those upgrades that seems minor until you actually do it, and then you wonder why you waited so long.
Choosing the Right Configuration
Before you start shopping, you need to decide on the right setup for your kitchen. The two main decisions are: single bin or double, and what cabinet size you’re working with. Getting this right upfront saves you a return trip to the post office.
Double Pull-Out Trash Cans for Recycling
A double pull-out trash can is the gold standard for most households. You get two separate bins on one sliding frame, typically one for general waste and one for recycling. The whole system slides out together so you can toss and sort in one motion.
Are double pull-out trash cans worth the extra space? Yes, for most families they absolutely are. Keeping trash and recycling separated at the point of disposal means you never have to dig through a mixed bag later. It builds the habit effortlessly. The trade-off is cabinet width: a double bin system needs at least an 18-inch cabinet opening to fit comfortably. Some narrower models squeeze into a 15-inch cabinet, but capacity takes a hit.
For heavy-duty use, check the weight capacity of the slide mechanism, not just the bin. Quality full-extension slides on systems like Rev-A-Shelf are rated for 75–100 lbs. Cheap slides rated at 35–50 lbs will sag and stick within a year of regular use.
Single-Bin Systems for Small Kitchens
If you’re working with a 12-inch or 15-inch cabinet opening, a single-bin pull-out is your realistic option. Don’t try to force a double bin into a cabinet that’s too narrow, the slides won’t extend cleanly and the door alignment will be off.
A good single-bin pull-out trash can in a 15-inch cabinet can hold a 20–35 quart bin, which is plenty for a one or two person household. For larger families using a single bin, you’ll just be emptying it more frequently, plan for that.
Under sink pull-out trash cans are a special subcategory worth mentioning here. They’re designed with U-shaped or split bin frames that work around plumbing. If your under-sink cabinet is the only available spot, look specifically for an “under sink pull out trash can” design rather than a standard pull-out; it’ll save you a lot of frustration.
Measuring Your Cabinet: The 15-Inch vs. 18-Inch Rule
This is the section most people skip, and it’s exactly why pull-out trash can returns are so common. The standard cabinet door width tells you almost nothing useful. What you need is the internal opening measurement — and those two numbers are often very different.
What is the standard width for a pull-out trash can cabinet? Most pull-out systems are designed for either 15-inch or 18-inch cabinet openings. A 15-inch pull-out trash can fits a single bin comfortably. An 18-inch opening is the minimum for a double trash can pull-out system. Some specialty units, like the Knape and Vogt above, fit openings as narrow as 9 inches.
Measuring Depth and Height
How do you measure your cabinet for a pull-out trash can? Here’s the exact process:
Step 1 — Measure the opening width: Open the cabinet door fully. Measure the clear opening from the inside of one cabinet wall to the inside of the other — not the door, not the outside of the frame. This is your true opening width.
Step 2 — Measure the depth: Measure from the front of the cabinet opening to the back wall. Most base cabinets are 21–24 inches deep. Standard pull-out systems need 18–22 inches of depth. If yours is shallower than 18 inches, check the product specs carefully.
Step 3 — Measure the interior height: Measure from the floor of the cabinet to the lowest fixed obstruction above. For under-sink cabinets, the drain pipe is often your ceiling. Make sure your bin’s total height (bin plus frame) clears that measurement.
Accounting for Hinges and Plumbing
Two things kill a cabinet measurement that seemed perfectly fine:
Hinges: European-style cup hinges on modern cabinets protrude into the cabinet interior. Measure your opening at the narrowest point — usually right where the hinge is mounted — not just at the center of the opening. Some pull-out frames have notched sides specifically to clear hinges. Check the product listing for hinge clearance notes.
Plumbing: If you’re installing an under sink pull-out trash can, the drain assembly and any supply lines are going to take up real estate. Measure the actual usable floor space in the cabinet after accounting for pipes. U-frame or split-frame pull-out systems are specifically designed for this scenario.
Pro Tip: Measure three times. Measure the opening width at the top, middle, and bottom. Old cabinets especially can be slightly out of square, and the narrowest point is the one that matters.
The Best Pull-Out Trash Can for Most Kitchens
If you’ve read through everything and still want one clear recommendation: go with the Rev-A-Shelf RV-18KD-18C double pull-out trash can system if your cabinet is 18 inches or wider. It’s the system I’d put in my own kitchen without hesitation. The slides are smooth, the build quality is genuine, and it comes with everything you need to install it in an afternoon.
If you’re working with a narrower cabinet, the Knape and Vogt 27 Qt is the right call. And if you’re renting or just want a zero-commitment solution, the adjustable budget option gets the job done without touching a single wall.
Measure your cabinet, pick your system, and you’ll have a cleaner, better-organized kitchen by the weekend.