Not sure whether to buy a pull-out trash can? Hilary Farr thinks this kitchen staple is a must-have. When a homeowner spoke out against installing a built-in trash can in their cabinet during “Tough Love” Season 2 Episode 1, the HGTV host said, “Why put it in a visible place when you can put it inside the cabinet?” According to Farr, “No one likes having a trash can in their kitchen. It looks ugly, it smells bad, and it doesn't work” (via Realtor).
As this episode shows, trash cans can actually be quite a divisive point in kitchen design. The latest high-end kitchen renovations usually include a pull-out waste disposal unit, but this doesn't mean everyone will support it. Following Farr's advice, we will try to convince you anyway. Pull-out trash cans allow for a more seamless feel, look smoother, reduce visual clutter, and are less likely to allow pets to enter. Cleaning can be a pain, and pull-out bins tend to have a smaller capacity, so you'll need to empty them more often, but the benefit of pull-out bins is that they're less likely to accumulate bad odors in your kitchen.
Are you thinking of buying a pull-out trash can but are worried about the cost? You may have to pay hundreds of dollars for an integrated disposal unit. To save money, you can also go the DIY route by ordering a pullout mechanism system like this one from Rev-A-Shelf. Next, order the cabinet without the doors installed, install the unit, and attach the doors to the front using the included hardware.
