A good trash can essentially disappears. I know this because my cheap stainless steel Amazon special definitely fails this test.
Sure, it does the job of separating trash and recyclables into two tiny chambers, but my dislike for it underscores every interaction we have, from trying to hide the edges of the garbage bag (impossible!) to finagling a full load from the fussy, narrow bin for disposal. And it’s hideous. Aesthetics for utilitarian items matter, especially in small kitchens like mine where there are very few places to hide a trash can.