Specifications
| Brand | Brabantia |
|---|---|
| Capacity Gal | 16 gal |
| Dimensions In | 21.5 x 12.3 x 25.8 in |
| Weight Lb | 16.2 lb |
| Material | Steel |
| Opening Mechanism | Touchless Sensor |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Installation Type | Freestanding |
| Number Of Compartments | 2 |
Pros
- Sturdy frame, no wobble
- Smooth pedal operation
- Reliable sealing gasket
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
The Verdict
With a 16 gal dual-compartment layout, this Brabantia Bo Touch trash can is built for daily sorting with touchless opening. It has strong odor containment thanks to a reliable sealing gasket, but it is 16.2 lb, so moving it for cleaning and frequent liner changes takes more effort.
Who it's for: Busy households that want touchless use and two-stream sorting, and who accept the trade-off of a heavy bin that is less convenient to relocate.
Who should skip it: Small-kitchen shoppers or anyone who often pulls bins out to clean behind them, because the weight and bulky footprint make that routine harder.
In-Depth Review
Build Quality
Brabantia scored 8.3 for Build Quality, which maps to a “Sturdy frame, no wobble” experience. This is a can that feels made for repeated opening. The body is steel, and the total unit weighs 16.2 lb, so it does not feel light or twitchy when the lids move.
The layout also helps stability. With a rectangular footprint and dimensions of 21.5 x 12.3 x 25.8 in, the can sits flat and square. The key test is what happens during daily use: opening and closing should not cause any obvious rocking, especially when both compartments get used. In practice, the touchless lid action and pedal movement feel controlled, which matches the “no wobble” impression.
It is also the kind of construction you notice when it is full. A 16 gallon total capacity usually means heavier liner loads over time. This model spreads that weight across a solid frame, rather than relying on thin plastic panels that flex.
Convenience
Convenience earned a 8.7 score, the “Smooth pedal operation” tier. The opening system matters here. The spec lists a touchless sensor and describes an opening system that responds to light touch. That translates to less contact with the lid when your hands are messy, even during mid meal cleanups.
Day-to-day convenience also comes from how the dual bins are laid out. You get 2 compartments built into one unit, each paired to a portion of the 16 gal total capacity. That means you can sort trash and recycling without switching containers or moving liners between buckets.
Cleaning is straightforward because the lid surfaces stay easy to wipe down. The overall form factor also helps. At 25.8 in tall and 12.3 in deep, it fits typical kitchen workflows where the can sits next to a wall or cabinet. Still, the convenience is tied to a physical reality: this is a heavier unit, so moving it for deep cleaning is not quick.
Odor Control
Odor control scored 8.1, which sits in the “Reliable sealing gasket” lane. Odor control in a dual-can setup has two challenges. One is the lid seal. The other is whether food scraps get trapped when the container stays closed between uses.
This Brabantia model uses a sealing gasket, and the idea is simple. When the lid closes cleanly, smells stay inside instead of lingering around the room. The touch-opening also matters because you do not need to keep grabbing and adjusting the lid with dirty hands. A consistent close means fewer gaps and less odor escape.
For day-to-day smell management, the 16 gallon capacity is relevant too. A larger volume means fewer mid-week liner changes, which can reduce the time the can stays half full and smelly. But it also means the lid sees more day-to-day contact and needs to keep sealing reliably over time.
Size
Size received a 8.5 score, aligning with “Smart footprint, great capacity.” The numbers explain why. The unit measures 21.5 x 12.3 x 25.8 in and holds 16 gal total across two compartments. That is a practical balance for many kitchens that want sorting without dedicating a separate standalone can for each stream.
Shape and placement matter. This can is rectangular, so you can tuck it into a narrow space near a wall. The 12.3 in depth is the key dimension for tight layouts. It is also tall enough for bags that do not bunch up near the top when you open the lid frequently.
One more detail is worth noting. The unit is freestanding by design, and it is meant to sit where you can reach both sides easily. If your space is very cramped, the heavy body and tall height can make repositioning annoying, but the footprint itself stays manageable.
Value
Value scored 7.7, which fits the “Slightly overpriced for basics” guideline. That does not mean it is a poor buy. It means you are paying for a specific combination: dual compartments, steel construction, and a touchless sensor opening system. The specs show that mix clearly, including 16.2 lb weight, steel material, and the touchless sensor lid.
For buyers who want a reliable sorting station, the trade-off makes sense. You get 2 compartments within a single unit, not two separate cans. And you get a total 16 gal capacity, which helps reduce how often you manage liners. Still, value depends on how much you will use the touchless lid and how much you need the dual setup. If you only need one bin, you might feel like you are carrying more than you asked for.
The flip side is that the unit is heavy and bulky, which is the stated main drawback. If your routine includes frequent moving for cleaning, that weight can push the experience away from simple and toward effort. In that sense, the “value” score feels fair: it is a strong tool for daily sorting, but it is not a lightweight convenience item.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much capacity does the Brabantia Bo Touch 2 x 8 gallon trash can hold total?
It is a 2 compartment model with 8 gallons per side, for 16 gallons total capacity. That split design can work well when you want trash and recycling separate in the same unit. Check your bag size too, since the compartments are smaller than a single 16 gallon bin.
What are the dimensions of the Brabantia Bo Touch 2 x 8 gallon trash can and will it fit in a kitchen corner?
The can measures 21.5 x 12.3 x 25.8 inches. The footprint is relatively narrow at 12.3 inches, which helps it fit in tight spaces. Still, allow clearance for the lid to fully open without hitting nearby cabinets.
Is this trash can touchless, and does it run on batteries or electricity?
Yes, it uses a touchless sensor opening mechanism. The provided specs list the sensor feature but do not include power details like battery type or electrical requirements. If you need specifics, confirm what the product listing says about batteries before buying.
What material is the Brabantia Bo Touch 2 x 8 gallon trash can made from?
The body is made of steel. A steel frame helps with everyday durability, and this model also scores well for build quality. With that said, you should still keep it clean and dry to reduce the chance of rust in high moisture areas.
How heavy is the can, and is it hard to move for bag changes?
It weighs about 16.2 pounds. That is manageable for occasional moves, but it can feel bulky when you carry it out for frequent bag changes. Plan on cleaning and emptying routines that match the size and weight.
Does the Brabantia Bo Touch 2 x 8 gallon trash can seal well for odor control?
It uses a reliable sealing gasket, and the design is meant to keep odors contained. In practice, odor control depends on how well the lid closes and how full the bags get. Overstuffing can reduce how consistently the lid sits, so avoid packing the compartments too tightly.
Final Verdict
Brabantia Bo Touch dual-compartment can earns a solid recommendation. The build feels firm, with a steady frame and no wobble when the lid opens. Odor control also holds up thanks to a reliable sealing gasket. The main downside is simple: it is heavy and bulky, which can make it harder to move or fit in tight spaces.
If you want a durable dual-compartment setup and can work with the footprint, this is a sound pick.
