As a general rule, bigger households need larger bins. If you have a busy household and only a small kitchen bin, you could easily end up changing the bin daily and so would benefit from using a bigger kitchen bin. It’s worth noting that this bin is a tad smaller than most of the other bins on this list. If you’ve got a large family, it might be best to opt for a higher capacity. Furthermore, the design of this bin doesn’t hide the bin liner, unlike many other sensor bins at this price point. Sensor bins are a relatively new type of technology, so you might be wondering how well they work. Here are a few common issues with sensor bins: This sensor bin from simplehuman is constructed with brushed stainless steel, giving it an elegant, classy look. Designed for efficiency, the batteries last for up to 1 year before needing a replacement. This bin uses an infrared motion sensor to automatically open the bin as your hand approaches. The mechanism is energy efficient too, which means the batteries actually last around 20% longer than normal. The 80-litre capacity is more than enough for most households, helping to reduce the number of times this bin will need emptying.

According to iTouchless, this bin is very efficient in its energy usage, and as a result, one set of batteries can last up to 1.5 years. To reduce nasty smells, this bin has an activated carbon filter that can absorb the unpleasant odours from food and household waste. This is ideal in a smaller kitchen. It features a sleek modern design that would fit in nicely into any kitchen. It takes 4 AA batteries, which are cheap and easy to replace.

The Phantom recycling bin has a sleek stainless-steel finish that benefits from a finger-print resistant lacquer. The space-saving design means the bin can sit flush against a wall rather than taking up valuable floor space.

No kitchen is complete without a safe and hygienic place to put your rubbish – a bin. Why not enjoy some of the finer leaps in technology and get yourself a bin that opens automatically with no need to touch it? We do truly live in the future. In addition to being more hygienic, sensor bins are also more convenient as you can easily get rid of waste food even when you have both hands full.Sensor bins contain an infrared motion sensor on the lid that detects when you put something in front of it. They usually have a range of about 15-40 cm. When the sensor detects movement within this range, the lid springs open. After a set time period such as 5 or 10 seconds, the bin will automatically close again. This lets you put something in the bin without touching it, so you can keep your hands clean.