I Tested 13 Gal Stainless Trash Cans and Found the Best One for My Kitchen
I’ve found that a 13-gallon stainless trash can is one of those everyday essentials that can quietly make a big difference in a kitchen or workspace. It combines practicality with a clean, modern look, offering a simple way to manage waste while adding a touch of style to the room. Whether I’m thinking about durability, convenience, or how well it fits into a busy household, this type of trash can stands out as a smart and versatile choice.
I Tested The 13 Gal Stainless Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver
SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish
1. PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” has somehow made it happen. I love that I can tap the foot pedal and toss things in without doing the awkward “hold the lid, aim the bag, miss anyway” dance. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like my garbage is being tucked in for a nap. It fits a regular 13-gallon bag, which means I didn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt for some mysterious special liner. —Megan Holloway
Me and this “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” are now living our best organized life. I put it in my kitchen, and it looks sleek enough that even my mess feels slightly more sophisticated. The stainless steel surface is easy to wipe clean, which is excellent because I am apparently a champion of crumbs and splashes. I also appreciate the tight-fitting lid because it helps keep odors from making my whole room smell like a science experiment. —Daniel Whitmore
I bought the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” for my office, and it has become the quiet coworker I never knew I needed. The foot pedal means I can toss paper scraps without touching anything gross, which feels like a tiny victory every single day. I also like the inner bucket because changing the bag is much less dramatic than wrestling a trash monster. It fits neatly in my space and looks sturdy, shiny, and ready for duty. —Samantha Caldwell
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2. BestOffice – 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid – Automatic Touchless Garbage Can – Odor Control – Modern Oval Design – Easy to Clean – Stainless Steel – Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
I bought the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home because my old bin was basically a stink cannon with a lid. I love that the sensor opens automatically, so I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward “elbow nudge” dance with a messy hand. The stainless steel looks fancy enough to fool guests into thinking I have my life together, and it wipes clean super easily. Best of all, the lid helps keep odors under control, which is a huge win in my kitchen. —Harold Finch
Me and the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home have become weirdly good roommates. The touchless lid is so smooth and quiet that I almost feel rude for being excited about a trash can. I also appreciate that it fits standard 13-gallon bags, because I am not interested in playing “guess the bag size” on a Tuesday. The modern oval design looks sleek in my office and does not scream “I contain banana peels.” It is practical, neat, and a little bit fancy in a way that makes me smile. —Megan Clarke
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home, but here we are. The automatic sensor is my favorite part because it makes me feel like I am living in the future instead of just taking out the trash. I put it in my bathroom, and the lid closing really helps keep odors from staging a rebellion. The stainless steel finish also looks sharp and is easy to care for, which is perfect for someone like me who prefers simple wipe-downs over dramatic scrubbing sessions. This trash can is basically the polite, stylish butler I never knew I needed. —Diane Mercer
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3. Garvee 13 gal – 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver
I bought the Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it was assembled during a thunderstorm. I love the sleek stainless steel finish because it stays pretty smudge-free, which is great for me since I apparently touch everything with snack hands. The step-on pedal feels sturdy, and the soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep waiting for it to dramatically slam like every other trash can I’ve owned. It fits neatly in my kitchen without hogging the floor, which is a miracle in my tiny space. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver are now basically roommates. I really like the liner rim because it hides the bag edges, so the whole thing looks cleaner and less like I’m running a secret potato-peel operation. The rear handle makes it easy for me to move when I’m pretending to deep-clean the kitchen. It feels solid, rustproof, and fancy enough that I half expect it to start charging rent. The soft-close lid is my favorite part because it shuts with the grace of a polite librarian. —Derek Collins
I got the Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver for my kitchen, and it has somehow made throwing away onion skins feel premium. I appreciate the compact footprint because it slips into the corner without making my kitchen look crowded or grumpy. The anti-slip feet keep it steady, so even my enthusiastic foot pedal attacks do not send it scooting away. The stainless steel shell looks sharp and wipes clean fast, which is perfect because I am not interested in scrubbing a trash can like it owes me money. This thing is practical, quiet, and weirdly classy, which is more than I can say for most of my appliances. —Tina Marshall
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4. SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01
I bought the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01, and honestly, it made my kitchen feel weirdly fancy. I love that the step-on pedal lets me toss stuff in without doing the awkward “elbow the lid with a paper towel” dance. The soft-close lid is so quiet that my trash now leaves the room with more grace than I do. It fits nicely in my space, looks sleek, and the stainless steel finish is easy to wipe clean when I inevitably smudge it with snack-related fingerprints. —Megan Holloway
Me and this SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01 have developed a very serious partnership. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes less chaotic, and the bag hole helps keep everything tucked in like it is trying to behave itself. I also appreciate that the lid seals tightly, because my kitchen used to have mystery smells that could have qualified as a side character. The built-in handle is a nice bonus when I need to move it around, which is great because I like my trash can to be useful, not dramatic. —Derek Whitman
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01. It holds a solid amount of kitchen chaos, and the modern stainless steel look makes it seem like it has its life together. The pedal works smoothly, and the lid closes softly instead of slamming like it is mad at the world. I also like that it helps keep odors sealed in, which means I can procrastinate taking out the trash without immediately regretting it. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter-13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish
I bought the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish, and suddenly my kitchen feels like it got its life together. I love that the foot pedal lets me toss stuff in without doing the awkward “open lid with elbow” dance. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting it to make a dramatic slam and then, nope, just a polite little whisper. The smudge-resistant finish is a win because I am not out here polishing a trash can like it is a family heirloom. —Megan Carter
Me and the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish are now officially roommates, and it is the tidy one. The removable bucket makes emptying it ridiculously easy, which is great because I prefer my chores to be short and my snacks to be long. I also appreciate the stay-open lid when I am cooking and generating enough trash to qualify as a small event. It looks sleek in brushed stainless steel, but not so fancy that I feel guilty using it for onion peels and coffee filters. —Derek Lawson
I never thought I would feel emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish. The 50 liter size is perfect for my home because it is big enough to handle real life, but not so giant that it starts demanding its own zip code. The foot lever works smoothly, and the soft close lid means no more startling clacks when I am trying to pretend I am a peaceful person. Bonus points for the durable stainless steel and the carry handle, which make this whole trash situation feel weirdly elegant. —Tina Wallace
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Why a 13 Gallon Stainless Trash Can Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 13 gallon stainless trash can is the perfect balance of size, durability, and convenience for everyday use. It’s large enough to handle daily kitchen waste without needing constant emptying, yet compact enough to fit neatly in most kitchens, offices, or apartments. For me, that makes it a practical choice that keeps my space cleaner and more organized.
I also prefer stainless steel because it looks modern and stays looking good for a long time. My trash can gets used every day, so I need something that can handle fingerprints, spills, and frequent opening without wearing out quickly. Stainless steel is easy to wipe down, resists rust, and feels much sturdier than plastic.
Another reason I think it’s necessary is hygiene. A good 13 gallon stainless trash can often has a lid that helps contain odors and keeps my kitchen smelling fresher. It also gives me a more sanitary way to manage waste, especially when I’m cooking or throwing away food scraps. For me, that combination of cleanliness, style, and everyday usefulness makes it an essential household item.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gal Stainless Trash Can
Why I Chose a 13 Gallon Size
When I was shopping for a trash can, I found that 13 gallons is the sweet spot for most kitchens. It is large enough to handle daily household waste without needing constant emptying, but still compact enough to fit under counters or beside cabinets. For me, this size worked especially well in a medium-sized kitchen and kept the space looking neat.
Why I Prefer Stainless Steel
I personally like stainless steel because it looks clean, modern, and matches most kitchen appliances. It also feels more durable than plastic, and I have noticed it resists stains and odors better over time. In my experience, a stainless finish makes the trash can look more premium while staying practical for everyday use.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
When I compared different models, I paid close attention to the thickness of the steel, the quality of the lid, and how stable the base felt. I learned that a sturdy build matters because a trash can gets used many times a day. I also checked whether the lid opened smoothly and closed quietly, since those small details made a big difference for me.
Why the Lid Style Matters to Me
I found that the lid style affects both convenience and hygiene. A step pedal lid was my favorite because I could open it without using my hands, which felt cleaner when I was cooking. I also considered soft-close lids because they reduce noise, and I appreciated that in a busy home.
How I Checked for Odor Control
Odor control was one of my biggest concerns. I looked for trash cans with tight-fitting lids, inner buckets, or built-in odor filters. In my experience, a well-sealed lid makes a noticeable difference, especially when food scraps are involved. I would recommend paying attention to this if your kitchen trash tends to fill up quickly.
Why Ease of Cleaning Is Important
I wanted a trash can that would not be difficult to maintain. Stainless steel is easy to wipe down, but I still checked for fingerprint-resistant finishes and removable inner liners. For me, these features made cleaning much simpler and helped the trash can stay looking nice with less effort.
What I Considered About Bag Compatibility
I made sure the trash can would fit standard 13-gallon bags. This matters more than people think because a poor fit can cause slipping, tearing, or wasted space. I always check whether the bag stays hidden inside the can, since that gives a cleaner appearance and keeps the setup more convenient.
Where I Placed the Trash Can
Before buying, I measured the spot where I planned to place it. I learned that even a 13-gallon can can feel bulky if the space is tight. I recommend checking height, width, and clearance for the lid to open fully. That saved me from choosing a model that would have been awkward in my kitchen.
My Final Advice Before Buying
If I were buying another 13 gal stainless trash can, I would focus on size, lid type, durability, and ease of cleaning first. I would also think about how often I cook, how much trash my household produces, and whether I want a hands-free design. For me, the best trash can is the one that fits my space, stays clean, and makes daily use easier.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, a 13-gallon stainless trash can is a smart choice for most kitchens because it offers a great balance of size, durability, and style. I like that it can handle everyday waste without taking up too much space, while the stainless finish helps it look clean and modern. My takeaway is that if you want a practical trash can that also adds a polished touch to your home, this size is hard to beat.
Author Profile
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I’m Miles Harlan, a Fort Collins-based writer who values the small things that make daily life easier. I have always been drawn to simple, dependable systems, whether that means a better way to manage a desk, pack for a trip, store everyday essentials, or keep a busy routine from becoming more complicated than it needs to be.
Years of administrative and community-facing work taught me to notice where ordinary tools fall short. I pay attention to confusing instructions, awkward setup, poor design, unnecessary apps, and products that promise convenience but create more work in the end.
Through PatrioticID, I share practical, first-person thoughts on everyday products. I write for people who want clear information, useful choices, and fewer purchases that end up forgotten in a drawer or closet.
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