How We Research
Every guide on SortedSoon starts with one question: will this product work for the person who is shopping for it? For our kitchen trash can guides, that means your floor space, your cabinet and the way you take out the trash every day.
Here is how we answer it.
1. We start with the kitchen and the floor space
The spot you have decides the size and the lid. A can that bumps a cabinet door or a wall is no help.
We check the width, depth and height the maker lists, the capacity in gallons or liters, and how far the lid swings open. When your kitchen limits the choice, we say what to measure.
2. We compare specs and features
We look at capacity, lid type (sensor, step pedal or hand lift), power (batteries or a plug), liner size or code, finish and whether there's a recycling side.
simplehuman, EKO and iTouchless describe their sensors, lids and warranties in their own words, so we name the brand for every claim. We also note the warranty terms the maker lists.
3. We look at buyer feedback
We read through what buyers report after using a can. We look for patterns, like lids that stop opening, sensors that misfire, bags that slip, smells that linger or finishes that dent and smudge.
One angry review doesn't sink a product. A pattern does.
4. We score each product
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A product that's great for one home may score lower in a guide written for another.
Scores spread out on purpose. A 10 is rare.
5. We keep pages up to date
Products change, and some disappear from stores. simplehuman, EKO and iTouchless each sell many cans with similar names and liner codes, so we check each model name and code, and we only link new units.
When we update a guide, the "Updated on" date at the top changes with it.
What our picks are not
Our picks are research, not lab tests. We don't claim to have used every can we cover.
Our guides don't replace the maker's manual. For battery type, sensor settings, lid care and cleaning, follow the maker's directions.
We don't promise that any can will fit a given cabinet or stay free of odor. When a maker makes a claim, we label it as the maker's claim.