Best kitchen bins 2026: pedal, motion sensor and touch bins

Reviewed by Mumsnet home editor Natasha Gregson: Read our full Brabantia Bo Hi Recycling Touch Bin review

With nearly 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, this super-stylish Brabantia bin comes highly recommended by Mumsnet users thanks to its generous capacity and modern, space-saving design. And after three months of testing, I can see why. In all honestly, I never knew a bin could be this stylish.

Designed to sit discreetly against the wall, with stable legs to raise the height, each bin has two 30-litre buckets housed securely inside, allowing you to sort and store your waste and recycling in one neat, compact unit. 

I loved the soft touch lid, which opens with the slightest touch and stays open until you choose to close it - convenient during bin changes or to avoid mess when emptying the contents of a vacuum cleaner. The internal bins are completely removable too, so emptying them is simple and stress-free. 

It’s worth noting that the Brabantia Perfect Fit Bin Bags don’t come cheap, but a sample pack is included with your purchase. While you may experience some overhang, other 30-litre bin bags are available at a more affordable price.

If the substantial cost of all-singing, all-dancing kitchen bins is enough to make you question your life choices, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some more affordable alternatives. 

We love the hygienic hands-free opening on this Addis bin - a simple foot pedal that takes minimal effort to use.

While its simplistic, no-frills plastic design definitely won’t win any style awards, this robust and spacious 50-litre bin is really easy to load and unload, with a wide opening that can accommodate standard bin liners and your entire family's waste.

If you’re worried about stainless steel showing up fingerprints - fear not. This sturdy and stylish Songmics bin has a matte, rust-resistant finish, which is easy to wipe down without leaving unsightly streaks behind. 

Offering excellent value for money, this bin opens in two ways. First, using the robust foot pedal, providing a hygienic hands-free opening for day-to-day use. If you want to keep the lid open for longer, you simply open the lid by hand and push past the latch at 90 degrees, holding it securely in place until you’re done - whether that’s peeling potatoes or emptying the contents of your handheld vac. 

While some reviewers found its lightweight design a little unstable on tiled floors when empty, we appreciate the soft, silent close, making this a great addition to open-plan kitchens. 

Reviewed by MNHQ editor Natasha Gregson: Read our in-depth EKO Deluxe Phantom Sensor Kitchen Bin review 

Made from stylish, brushed stainless steel, this luxury bin may not come cheap, but it couldn’t be easier to operate. A simple wave across a motion sensor and the lid springs open completely hands-free, so there’s no need to worry about touching unhygienic surfaces. 

Available in 45-litre, 30-litre or twin 20-litre designs, the 30-litre capacity is ample for small to medium households. Its robust and durable design takes up very little space, with an unobtrusive, rectangular shape that can be positioned close to your wall or tucked neatly underneath your countertops. 

The motion sensor requires six batteries (which aren’t included) and while I found them a little fiddly to insert, it didn’t take long to get this up and running. 

The ‘keep open’ function does require a touch of the lid - however, I loved being able to keep the lid open for longer periods - ideal for adding vegetable peelings when preparing dinner.

My only real critique? The motion sensor is located on one side only, so you’ll need to carefully choose your positioning to ensure it works best in your kitchen.

The Bentley of the bin world, the ingenious Joseph Joseph Totem Max allows you to separate your waste in style. Effectively three bins in one, you’ll find a three-litre food waste caddy clipped on the inside, plus two 30-litre compartments for general rubbish and recycling, meaning there’ll be no more empty cans, bottles and newspapers cluttering up your house. Thanks to the removable buckets' angled corners, it couldn’t be easier to fill, clean and empty.

We love the neutral and contemporary colour choices of the Totem bin, including white, grey, stone and stainless steel, with a vibrant pop of colour on the inside. We’re not so keen on the price of the Joseph Joseph branded liners, however, although many buyers found supermarket alternatives, while fit less perfectly, do the job for less. 

A brand loved by Mumsnet users for its stylish yet practical designs, this compact and discreet Joseph Joseph food caddy is a great way to store food waste like potato peelings, fruit cores and leftover vegetables until you’re ready to take them to your compost bin. 

If you’re worried that a food caddy will stink out your kitchen, don’t panic. Thanks to the inbuilt odour filter, vented cavities for airflow and a tight sealing lid, this smart food caddy traps unsavoury smells securely inside, although they do recommend you replace this filter every three months to keep your kitchen smelling fresh. 

Recommended for use with Joseph Joseph Caddy liners, when it’s time to empty the contents, simply lift out the liner or grab the integrated stainless steel carry handle to carry the entire caddy safely outside.