TLDR Review: "Amazon Basics Mini Trash Can"
Pros
- •Ideal compact size, perfectly suited for bathroom use or other small spaces.
- •Soflose foot pedal adds a touch of convenience and quiet operation.
- •Attractive brushed stainless steel with a satin nickel finish gives it a sleek, modern look that fits well in kitchens and bathrooms alike.
- •Lid effectively seals and prevents pets and rodents from accessing the trash, helping contain odors and unwanted pests.
- •Durable construction overall with a removable inner basket that’s easy to clean.
- •The inner basket can be stored inside the bin, allowing for tidier handling of waste.
- •Functions smoothly with the stean design for convenient hands-free use.
- •Large enough with 1.32 gallons capacity for smalcale waste needs without needing constant emptying.
- •Easy to wipe clean and maintain its appearance with minimal effort.
Cons
- •The metal surface, especially the lid, is prone to scratching fairly easily under normal use, reducing the premium look over time.
- •The soflose mechanism, particularly the plastic part holding the piston, is fragile and prone to breaking.
- •Once the soflose mechanism breaks, simple DIY fixes like duct tape don’t hold well; some users resort to creative hacks with metal strips and clamps.
- •The bin dents fairly easily despite good initial quality; it’s not quite built to withstand rough handling.
- •Despite being compact, it may appear larger in pictures than it actually is, so be sure to check dimensions carefully if size is critical.
- •Storing the inner basket inside disables the pedal lift function, which reduces the handree advantage temporarily.
- •The slow close feature can become annoying when dealing with smelly trash, as it keeps the lid closed too gently and slowly.
Bottom Line
If you want a compact, stylish trash can for your bathroom or small kitchen space with a quiet soft-close lid and pet-proof design, this Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Mini Trash Can hits many of the right notes—especially at its price point around $22. However, be aware that the soft-close mechanism isn’t the most durable, and the stainless steel surface can scratch and dent more easily than you might hope. If you tend to be rough with trash cans or want something ultra-durable, you might want to explore other premium or commercial-grade options that prioritize sturdier mechanics. For basic daily use and an appealing look, this bin is a solid choice.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.
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