Under-Sink Bins: Measure These 4 Things Before You Buy
An under-sink bin is a kitchen bin that lives in the cupboard under the sink, either hung on the inside of the door or on a pull-out frame. It only works if it gets through the door opening, clears the waste pipe and trap, has room for its lid to open, and fixes to your cupboard. Use these checks before choosing one. This guide is a planning aid, not a compatibility guarantee.
Jump to the products to check against this list (affiliate links)
Download the original checklist image
1. Door opening
Measure the opening between the hinges and the cupboard frame, not the door itself. For a bin that hangs on the door, measure the door thickness too: the door-hung bin we checked says "The thickness of the door should be less than 1in" (2.54 cm).
2. Depth to the pipes
Measure from the inside of the door to the waste pipe and trap. The Homcom pull-out bin lists "total measurements: 52x26x40.8 cm (lxwxh)" and its images ask for a cupboard at least 60 cm deep. IKEA's HÅLLBAR 10 l bin is 26.3 x 21.2 cm at the top.
3. Height and lid
Measure from the cupboard floor to the lowest point of the trap and check the lid can open below it. HÅLLBAR is 32.6 cm high. The Homcom bin is 40.8 cm high and its images ask for at least 45 cm; the door-hung bin lists "12L(26.5*16*29CM)".
4. Fixing and size
A door-hung bin needs a door thin enough for its hook; a pull-out frame fixes inside the cupboard. IKEA says its HÅLLBAR waste sorting solution is "To be mounted at the bottom of a cabinet." The Homcom holds "20l + 10l"; its images give a minimum cupboard width of 35 cm in one and 30 cm in another, so ask the seller.
Before you order
Keep the door opening, the depth to the pipes, the height under the trap and the door thickness next to the bin's size, lid, capacity and fixing. Check the lid opens fully inside the cupboard before fixing anything. If a figure is missing, ask the seller.
Products to check against this list
The links below are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Specifications are as listed by the seller on the date shown; we have not measured, tested or approved these products for your space.
- Door-hung kitchen bin with lid, 12 L or 8.5 L. Seller-listed: Text: 'The thickness of the door should be less than 1in'; 'The capacity of this trash can is 12L(26.5*16*29CM)/8.5L(26.5*16*23CM).' One image gives 9.7 L for the 23 cm size instead. Options 12L or 8.5L, White or Beige. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
- Homcom pull-out under-sink bin, 20 L + 10 L, 52 x 26 x 40.8 cm. Seller-listed: Text: 'total measurements: 52x26x40.8 cm (lxwxh)'; 'capacity: 20l + 10l'; 'arrives pre-assembled'. Spanish images: minimum cupboard 45 cm high and 60 cm deep, 35 cm wide in one image and 30 cm in another. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
Your fit worksheet
Use centimetres or inches consistently. These cells are intentionally unfilled: we have not measured your space or approved a product for it.
| Check | Your space or equipment | Product requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door opening | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Depth to the pipes | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Height and lid | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Fixing and size | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
Reference and evidence limits
Retailer example: IKEA HÅLLBAR bin with lid, Ireland listing.
The linked retailer page and its public customer feedback supplied research leads, not independent performance evidence. Comments can reflect individual experiences. We have not independently reproduced them or verified compatibility, stock, price, load limits or current numerical specifications. Check the product page and instructions for your market before buying. Source reviewed on 2026-09-29.