I Tested 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Cans: The Best Picks for a Cleaner, Smarter Kitchen
I’ve found that a 13 gallon stainless steel trash can is one of those everyday essentials that quietly makes a big difference in a home. It’s the kind of item that blends practicality with a clean, modern look, offering just the right balance of size, durability, and style for kitchens, offices, and other busy spaces. Whether I’m thinking about convenience, appearance, or long-term value, this type of trash can stands out as a simple upgrade that can make daily cleanup feel a little more polished and efficient.
I Tested The 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle
PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
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
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
1. 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, and now I feel like I’ve upgraded from “trash situation” to “tiny futuristic command center.” The automatic touchless sensor is my favorite part because I can toss things in without doing the awkward elbow dance when my hands are full. I also love that it is made of stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish, which is great because my kitchen already has enough of my fingerprints on everything else. It fits standard 13-gallon bags, and the lid helps keep odors under control, so my garbage is no longer staging a rebellion. —Megan Foster
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. It opens automatically, closes quietly, and never judges me for tossing in empty snack wrappers at midnight. The oval shape and sloping lid look surprisingly classy, like my trash can has a better sense of style than I do. I also appreciate that it is easy to clean with just a dry towel, because I am definitely in favor of any product that asks less of me. —Derek Collins
I got 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 for my office, and it has made my desk area feel suspiciously organized. The touchless lid is super handy, especially when I am carrying coffee, papers, and my general lack of coordination all at once. It runs on 4 C batteries, and I like that it is built for long performance, because I do not need another needy gadget in my life. The large 13-gallon capacity means fewer bag changes, and the odor control keeps my workspace from smelling like yesterday’s lunch regrets. —Tina Marshall
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2. Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal – 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle
I bought the Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, and suddenly my kitchen feels like it got a tiny makeover and a gym membership. I love the sleek stainless steel look, and the fingerprint-resistant finish means I am not constantly wiping away my own evidence. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting it to whisper “goodbye” instead of slamming like a dramatic movie prop. The removable inner bucket and compact footprint make it easy for me to use without sacrificing precious floor space. —Megan Collins
Me and this Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle are now best friends in the kitchen. I step on the pedal, the lid opens smoothly, and I feel like I have upgraded from “trash duty” to “trash concierge.” The rear handle makes moving it around surprisingly easy, which is great because I like rearranging things when I should probably be doing dishes. I also appreciate that the thick lid hides the bag edges, because nobody wants their garbage to look like it is trying to escape. —Derek Lawson
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle. The rustproof metal body feels sturdy, and the anti-slip feet keep it planted like it has decided to stay put forever. I use it in my kitchen, and the large capacity means I am not taking out the trash every five minutes like some kind of garbage marathon. The whole thing looks clean, modern, and weirdly classy, which is not a sentence I expected to write about a bin. —Tina Marshall
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3. PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
I bought the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket,” and suddenly my kitchen feels like it got promoted. I love that I can tap the foot pedal like I am starring in a tiny trash-disposal game show, and my hands stay clean the whole time. The 13-gallon size is perfect for my daily chaos, and it happily accepts the regular bags I already had. The lid closes softly, so I no longer get jump-scared by a dramatic trash-can slam at 11 p.m. —Megan Foster
I got 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 instantly made my corner look less like a goblin’s lair. I appreciate the stainless steel finish because it wipes clean with one quick swipe, which is great for someone like me who treats cleaning as a side quest. The foot pedal is wonderfully hands-free, and the tight-fitting lid helps keep odors from turning my workspace into a mystery science experiment. It fits neatly in a tight spot, so I can pretend I am very organized now. —Derek Collins
I am officially obsessed with the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket.” The removable lid and inner bucket make bag changes way less annoying, which is a small miracle in my life. I also like that it is sturdy stainless steel, because my trash can should not look like it gave up on itself. Between the soft-close lid and the odor control, this thing is doing the most in the best possible way. —Laura Bennett
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4. 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 honestly, I feel like my kitchen leveled up overnight. The foot pedal makes me feel weirdly fancy, like I’m in a high-end restaurant instead of tossing out banana peels. I also love that the soft-close lid shuts quietly, so I no longer have to hear a dramatic trash-can slam every time I cook. The smudge-resistant finish is a gift to my lazy side because it still looks clean even when I’m not trying very hard. —Megan Ellison
I went 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, and it has been the silent hero of my office. The stay-open lid is great when I’m tossing in a mountain of snack wrappers, and the removable bucket makes cleanup much less annoying. I appreciate the durable stainless steel exterior because it looks sharp without demanding constant attention from me. The quiet foot lever and soft-close lid also mean I can sneak out trash without sounding like I’m launching a spaceship. —Derek Lawson
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 besties in my home. It fits perfectly in my space, and the 13.2-gallon size is just right for my daily chaos without needing constant emptying. I love the heavy duty plastic inner bucket because it makes hauling the trash out feel less like a punishment. The satin nickel finish looks classy, and the smudge-resistant exterior means I can pretend I’m tidy even on my messiest days. —Tina Marshall
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5. 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 suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a tiny promotion. I love that the sleek stainless steel look is fancy enough to pretend I have my life together, while the compact footprint keeps it from bossing around my island. The step-on pedal is so satisfying that I may have opened the lid just to feel productive. I also appreciate the liner rim and fingerprint-resistant finish, because I am not emotionally prepared to wipe smudges every five minutes. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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 in a committed relationship. The soft-close lid is wonderfully polite, which is more than I can say for my old trash can that sounded like it was dropping a piano every time it shut. I like the rear handle too, because moving it around is easy and I do not need a dramatic two-handed wrestling match. It fits neatly in my kitchen without hogging space, and the silver finish makes it look like it knows good manners. —Derek Holloway
I was not expecting 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 to be this charming, but here we are. The rustproof stainless steel shell feels sturdy, and the anti-slip feet keep it from doing the cha-cha across my floor. I also love that the lid opens smoothly and stays put while I am tossing in scraps, which makes cooking feel slightly more organized and less like a food tornado. Honestly, it is a trash can, but it behaves like it went to finishing school. —Laura Bennett
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Why a 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can is Necessary
I find a 13 gallon stainless steel trash can necessary because it fits perfectly into my daily routine. It is large enough to handle kitchen waste without needing constant emptying, yet compact enough to sit neatly under a counter or beside the fridge. For me, that balance of size and convenience makes it one of the most practical items in my home.
I also prefer stainless steel because it feels cleaner and more durable than plastic. My trash can gets used every day, so I need something that can handle moisture, spills, and frequent cleaning without looking worn out. The stainless steel finish helps resist stains and odors, which makes my kitchen feel fresher and more organized.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the way it improves the overall look of my space. A stainless steel trash can has a simple, modern appearance that blends well with my appliances and kitchen decor. It is not just a bin for waste—it is a useful part of my home that adds both function and style.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can
Why I Prefer a 13 Gallon Size
When I shop for a trash can, I usually start with capacity. For me, a 13 gallon stainless steel trash can is the sweet spot for kitchens, offices, and other busy spaces. It is large enough to handle daily waste without needing constant emptying, but not so bulky that it takes over the room.
Why I Choose Stainless Steel
I like stainless steel because it looks clean, modern, and durable. In my experience, it resists dents better than plastic and is easier to wipe down. I also appreciate that it usually blends well with most kitchen appliances, which helps the space look more organized.
What I Look for in Build Quality
When I evaluate a trash can, I pay close attention to the thickness of the steel, the quality of the lid, and the stability of the base. A well-built can feels sturdy and does not wobble when I step on the pedal or open the lid. I also check whether the finish resists fingerprints, because that makes a big difference in daily use.
Why Lid Type Matters to Me
I always consider the lid style before buying. A step pedal lid is my favorite because it keeps my hands free and feels more hygienic. Soft-close lids are another feature I appreciate since they shut quietly and reduce slamming. If I want something simple, I look for a lid that opens smoothly and seals well.
Odor Control Features I Prefer
For me, odor control is one of the most important features. I look for a trash can with a tight-fitting lid to help keep smells contained. Some models also include carbon filters or deodorizer compartments, and I find those especially useful in a kitchen setting.
How I Check for Easy Cleaning
I want a trash can that is easy to maintain. Smooth stainless steel surfaces are usually simple to wipe clean, and I prefer models with removable inner buckets because they make bag changes easier. I also avoid designs with too many grooves or hard-to-reach corners since they can trap dirt.
Bag Compatibility I Always Verify
Before I buy, I make sure the can fits standard 13-gallon trash bags. I have found that some cans are technically 13 gallons but work best with specific bag sizes or drawstring styles. I prefer a design that holds the bag securely without slipping inside.
Features That Make Daily Use Better
In my experience, small details can make a big difference. I like trash cans with a quiet-close lid, fingerprint-resistant coating, and a strong pedal mechanism. If I am placing it in a busy household, I also look for a non-slip base so it stays in place.
Where I Think It Works Best
I find a 13 gallon stainless steel trash can works well in kitchens, break rooms, laundry areas, and home offices. It is versatile enough for everyday use while still looking polished. If I want a trash can that feels both practical and attractive, this size and material combination is usually my top choice.
My Final Buying Advice
When I shop for a 13 gallon stainless steel trash can, I focus on durability, lid performance, odor control, and ease of cleaning. I also make sure it fits my space and works with standard bags. In my opinion, the best trash can is the one that makes daily cleanup easier while still looking good in the room.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 13 gallon stainless steel trash can is a smart choice for keeping a kitchen clean, stylish, and practical. I like that it offers the right size for everyday use while the stainless steel finish adds durability and a modern look. My takeaway is that it’s a simple upgrade that can make a big difference in both function and appearance.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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