Built-in or freestanding?
Kitchen bins can either be freestanding or built into units. When choosing which option is right for you, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each style.
Freestanding
Freestanding bins take up more room in a kitchen footprint than built-in options, so are better suited to kitchens with more available floorspace, and where storage is a priority.
They are also, of course, more visible than built-in bins, so may not be the best choice if you are going for a sleek, uncluttered aesthetic.
However, depending on the look you want for your kitchen, this visibility need not be a drawback. In fact, freestanding bins can be used as a design feature in their own right, and come in an array of styles, colours- and even patterns. Opting for a bin in a metallic finish or muted shade will help achieve a subtle, sophisticated look, whereas choosing a bin in an accent colour will really help to pull an overall look together. You could even go big and bold with a bright pop of colour – or pattern – on your bin, to really make a design statement.
The technology within freestanding bins has also improved in recent years, with hands-free sensor-controlled products readily available and affordable within the market. You can also buy High-Tec waste separation products, that help you to efficiently sort your paper and cardboard from your recyclable plastic, from your landfill waste, from your organic waste.
Built-in
One of the main advantages of built-in bins is that they help to keep unsightly waste concealed so they’re a natural choice if you’re going for a minimalist aesthetic. They are also a great space-optimising option, so ideal if your kitchen is on the smaller side.
However, unlike freestanding bins, built-in options will likely need to be fitted by a professional.
It’s also important to make sure that you have a large enough space within your unit to fit your chosen bin, so cabinet height, width and depth need to be carefully measured before you make your choice.
Sink Unit Bins
If you’re planning to fit your bin under the kitchen sink, bear in mind that you may need a bin with a shorter depth, so it can fit in front of pipework.
The Houzz 2018 Kitchen Trend report showcases the emphasis on clever waste-storage in the results of a homeowner survey, in which pull-out waste or recycling cabinets make up 49% of the top 3 cabinet storage types and the top motivations for cabinet storage include ‘Making better use of space’ (80%) and ‘Reducing clutter’ (55%).
If you choose to go down the built-in route, there are an array of different options to choose from. So, what should you consider before making your decision?
Capacity
Built-in bins come in a range of sizes and, as discussed above, it’s important to choose an option that will comfortably fit within your units.
Bear in mind that if your cabinets, and by extension bins, are smaller, your bins are likely to fill up faster. If you’re a household that generates a lot of waste, but you’re not keen on the thought of making daily trips to your outside bins, they may not be the most practical option for you.
Number of compartments
Built-in bins are available in various configurations, with some brands offering up to four separate compartments. This makes them the ideal solution for sorting waste and recycling. It’s worth checking the recycling guidelines in your area when deciding how many compartments to opt for; some local authorities simply ask for recyclable and non-recyclable waste to be separated, while others have stricter guidelines.
Style
Bins for cabinets
Built-in bins are available for cabinets with both pull-out and hinged doors. For pull-out doors, the bins generally need to be a precise fit for the internal cabinet width, as the runners are fitted to both sides of the cabinet. They are generally attached to the pull-out door, meaning you can easily access your bins in one smooth movement.
Bins for cabinets with hinged doors give slightly more flexibility when choosing a size. Self -contained within a frame, they will fit any cabinet of the designated width, or wider, giving you the option to use extra space for storage, if necessary. Bear in mind that while some bins for hinged door cabinets are designed to be pulled out automatically when the cupboard door is opened, others will require pulling out separately.
In-line cabinets
If you have in-line cabinets, with doors sitting inside the cabinet frame, rather than covering it, you may need to make some adjustments before fitting built-in bins for either pull-out or hinged doors. You will also typically need to choose options intended for a narrower cabinet width.
Bins for drawers
Drawer-based bins are a great way of making sure you use every inch of kitchen space. They can either be used with existing drawers or supplied with new drawers to be attached to an existing drawer front. Practical, ergonomic and versatile, drawer-based bins work particularly well in deep pan drawers where they can also include an additional shelf for more storage space.
Surface mounted
Surface mounted bins are designed to be fitted flush into worktop surfaces. Ideal for time-poor cooks, who want a quick and easy way to deal with waste, they provide an uncluttered look whilst allowing you to remove debris with a simple wipe.
They can be easily retro-fitted in almost any type of worktop surface and can even be modified into waste chutes, leading to a larger bin in the cabinet below.
Whatever look you want to achieve, there is kitchen bin that is perfect for you. Whether it’s a concealed option, or a statement piece, the right bin will facilitate cooking and clearing up, making your kitchen life a whole lot easier.
Types of Kitchen bin
Pull out waste bin
Pull out waste bins are very popular in kitchens, traditional & modern. This solution allows you the opportunity to pull the bin out directly from the outside of the kitchen. Allowing a more convenience.
Tilting waste bins (recycling/laundry basket)
Tilting Waste bins are most often associated with laundry baskets, however are great solutions for recycling or general waste.
Drawer mounted hanging bin systems
The advantages of using a drawer mounted bin unit is that it allows you to use the drawer runners through your entire kitchen. This attention to consistency is essential in high-end kitchens.
Framed pull out bins (also known as manual pull out bin)
Internal pull out bins are perfect for retro fitting into pre-existing kitchens, these units are built into frames, and therefore don’t require you to replace your cupboard doors.
Push top waste bins
Push to open doors & drawers have become an exciting prospect in recent years, especially with the demand for handle-less kitchens growing. Push to open waste solutions are a great option if you are opting for a handle kitchen design.