Corner-Friendly Kitchen Trash Cans - Find Your Ideal Rectangular Can

Are you fed up with your bulky round kitchen garbage can? Does it seem to take up way too much precious floor space in your cooking area? If you have limited room, a rectangular kitchen trash can could be the ideal solution.

With their space-saving shape designed to tuck neatly into corners, rectangular cans maximize your kitchen's capacity while minimizing clutter. Read on to discover why you should consider a rectangular kitchen trash can, how to select the perfect size and style for your needs, prime positioning in your kitchen, and the very best materials and features when choosing the right rectangular trash can.

Why Choose a Rectangular Trash Can for Your Kitchen?

Round trash cans work fine in large open kitchens. But when space is limited, rectangular cans offer some key advantages:

• More space efficient in corners than round cans
• Take up less floor space against walls
• Angled sides mean wider top than bottom

With their 90-degree angle shape, rectangular trash containers can be tucked into corners that would otherwise go unused. The angled sides also mean the lid has a larger opening than the base, so you can fit more trash in despite a smaller floor footprint.

Rectangular kitchen trash cans are available in a range of heights and widths to suit your exact space. Measure the corner or area where you plan to put your new garbage can before shopping. This will ensure you find the perfect proportions to maximize your kitchen capacity.

Efficient Kitchen Layouts

Here are some prime spots to install a rectangular kitchen trash can:

• In a kitchen corner
• Next to the sink or prep area
• Tucked into an unused nook
• Inside the pantry

Anywhere you can take advantage of the angled shape in an otherwise awkward or tight space. Your new rectangular trash receptacle will become an indispensable kitchen helper!

Sizing Your Rectangular Kitchen Trash Can

Rectangular cans come in a range of capacities, just like traditional round cans. Consider your household size and waste habits as you choose the ideal size:

• 13 gallon
• 20 gallon
• 30 gallon
• 40+ gallon

Bigger is not necessarily better if you have limited space. Here are some sizing guidelines for rectangular kitchen trash containers:

Small Spaces

Opt for a 13 gallon rectangular trash can if you have a cozy kitchen. The smaller footprint of this compact can is ideal for 1-2 residents. You'll empty it more often but won't sacrifice valuable cooking or prep areas to a bulky garbage can.

Average Household

Most standard rectangular kitchen trash cans range from 20-30 gallons. This provides the perfect balance of capacity and a manageable footprint for a 3-4 person household. You can take the trash out when full without huge cans hogging up space.

Large Household

Look for 30+ gallon capacities if you have a large family, busy kitchen, and lots of food prep. The bigger size means you can go longer between emptying the can. Just be sure to measure first so oversized rectangular cans don't become obstacles.

Lid Styles for Rectangular Kitchen Cans

Rectangular kitchen trash cans come with a variety of lid styles to suit your needs:

Flip or Swing Top

The most basic and budget-friendly option, these cans have lids you manually open and close. Easy to use but you need to use your hands versus more convenient hands-free options.

Step Pedal

Step pedal lids allow convenient, hands-free use. Just tap the pedal with your foot to open the lid. No need to touch germy lids or lids that might be messy from the trash inside.

Sensor Lid

High-tech sensor lids open automatically when you bring trash near the can - no pedals or levers required. Super convenient but more expensive than manual or pedal-operated lids.

Look at placement as you choose a lid style. Cans with manual lids work well when tucked away in a pantry. Foot pedals are ideal along countertops or wherever you'll be cooking or prepping food. Splurge on a sensor-activated model if you want maximum convenience.

Key Materials: Plastic vs. Stainless Steel

Rectangular kitchen garbage cans come in two main materials: plastic and stainless steel. Here are the pros and cons of each:

Plastic Cans

Plastic is the most affordable option. Lightweight with some flexibility, available in lots of color options. The downsides are plastic scuffs easily and can crack over time.

Stainless Steel Cans

Stainless steel costs a bit more but is extremely durable. It resists dents, odor absorption, rust, and wear and tear much better than plastic. An investment that lasts for years.

If smell containment is important to you, choose stainless steel over plastic. Plastic absorbs odors more readily while stainless steel contains them much better.

Added Features to Consider

Today's rectangular kitchen trash cans offer options beyond size, shape, material, and lid style. Special features to consider include:

• Dual compartments for separating trash/recycling
• Odor control via activated charcoal filters
• Soft-close lids that shut gently
• Custom colors and decor options
• Fingerprint-proof stainless steel

Dual compartments and odor control are very useful if you have lots of food waste. Soft-close lids prevent noisy slamming sounds. Personalized decor options from vinyl wraps to painted designs let you coordinate with your decor.

Prime Placement Spots

Here are some ideal spots to install your new rectangular kitchen garbage can:

• Tucked into a kitchen corner
• Under the kitchen sink
• Next to the counter or food preparation zone
• Inside the pantry or closet
• Near the back door to take trash out easily

Focus on easy access wherever you generate the most food scraps and trash. For safety, keep cans with manual lids out of walkways but convenient to toss waste as you cook or prep ingredients.

Style Options for Rectangular Cans

Rectangular kitchen trash cans range from utilitarian to stylish. Consider options like:

• Simple and minimalist in white or stainless steel
• Fun colors and modern geometric prints
• Faux wood grain finishes
• Sleek stainless steel to match pro-style appliances
• Vintage farmhouse charm

Look for rectangular cans in materials and colors that coordinate with your overall kitchen design. You want your trash can to blend in, not stick out.

For maximum visual harmony, select finishes that match your kitchen color scheme and other stainless appliances. Or make a design statement with vibrant colors and patterns if you want your trash can to pop.

To recap, follow this advice when selecting the perfect rectangular kitchen trash can:

• Measure your space first to get ideal proportions
• Focus on a convenient lid style for your needs
• Consider household size and daily trash volume
• Stainless steel resists odors and wear best
• Look for special features like dual compartments
• Find the right capacity for your kitchen's needs
• Select colors and finishes to match your decor

With a little planning, you're sure to find the ideal rectangular kitchen garbage can to maximize convenience and style while minimizing floor space. Your corner-friendly new trash receptacle will become an indispensable kitchen helper!