The Nifty Countertop Upgrade You'll Love If You Spend A Lot Of Time In The Kitchen

If you're an avid at-home chef, you want your kitchen layout to be as convenient as possible. The most unenjoyable part of cooking is undoubtedly cleaning up after the meal, so why not install a clever device that takes all of the stress out of tidying up post-dinner? A countertop garbage chute can help you achieve maximum convenience. If you're currently remodeling your kitchen, consider installing a countertop that is fitted with an opening for a trash chute. Your installer may also be able to cut a hole during the countertop-cutting process. However, if your countertops are already a permanent part of your kitchen, don't fret! Certain materials can be cut to accommodate a chute.

The easiest countertops to cut into include butcher block or laminate. If your countertops are made of stone, you will have to employ a professional. While it is possible to cut granite countertops, professional tools like circular saws or angle grinders are necessary. If you don't have the ability to build a trash chute into your countertop but you love the concept of cleaning while you cook, there are a few alternatives. You can hang a plastic wastebasket on the edge of your countertop, like Amazon's LALASTAR Small Trash Can.

The biggest concerns when it comes to waste management are sanitation and smell. Especially if you are cooking with raw materials, it is important to take care to ensure your chute doesn't cause more harm than good. There are a couple of things that you can do to ensure that your cooking space stays safe and clean. First, you can opt for a trash chute with a lid to reduce smells, like this AEGIFT Square Trash and Waste Chute from Amazon ($108.27). You can choose between a trash chute that comes with a built-in bin, like the BLANCO Solon Compost System ($569.10 from Amazon), or simply place your existing trash can directly underneath. As is evident in the product name, you can use this chute to create a DIY composting system.

In general, stainless steel is the best material for a garbage chute due to its resistance to mold and bacteria. However, this doesn't mean you don't need to properly clean your chute. While you may not need to clean your garbage can as often, you should wipe out your chute after every use. While most cleaning wipes are fine, you can also use a food-safe, distilled white vinegar or dish soap and hot water. Avoid using bleach or chloride-based cleansers, as they could corrode the stainless steel over time.