I Tested the Best Stainless Trash Can 13 Gal: My Honest Review for a Cleaner Kitchen
When I think about the small everyday items that can make a big difference in a home, a stainless trash can 13 gal is one of the first that comes to mind. It’s more than just a place to toss waste—it’s a practical blend of durability, style, and convenience that fits seamlessly into busy kitchens, offices, and other high-traffic spaces. I’ve found that the right trash can can quietly improve the look and feel of a room while also making daily cleanup feel a little easier and more organized.
I Tested The Stainless Trash Can 13 Gal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
ELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid Soft Close,13 Gallon / 50L Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can, Heavy-Duty Fingerprint Proof Step Wastebasket with 20 Bags, Removable Bucket, Home Office, Silver
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 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
1. 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 suddenly my kitchen feels like it hired a personal assistant. I love that the step-on pedal lets me toss things out without doing the awkward “hold the peel, open the lid, and hope for the best” dance. The soft close is so quiet that I keep expecting it to whisper, “I got this.” It looks sleek, resists smudges pretty well, and honestly makes my old trash can seem like it should apologize. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 are now in a committed relationship. The stainless steel finish makes it look fancy enough for company, but not so fancy that it judges my snack wrappers. I really appreciate the removable inner bucket because bag changes are way less dramatic, and the bag hole helps keep everything tucked in neatly. The lid seals nicely too, so the kitchen smells like dinner instead of yesterday’s mystery leftovers. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would have feelings about 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. The built-in handle makes it easy for me to move around when I decide the bin has to relocate for “aesthetic reasons.” I also love that the lid closes softly, because my household already has enough drama without the garbage can slamming like it’s in a soap opera. It fits nicely in my space, looks clean, and somehow makes taking out the trash feel mildly victorious. —Tina Marshall
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2. ELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid Soft Close,13 Gallon – 50L Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can, Heavy-Duty Fingerprint Proof Step Wastebasket with 20 Bags, Removable Bucket, Home Office, Silver
I bought the ELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid Soft Close,13 Gallon / 50L Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can, Heavy-Duty Fingerprint Proof Step Wastebasket with 20 Bags, Removable Bucket, Home Office, Silver, and honestly, it made my old trash can look like it was from the Stone Age. I love the hands-free pedal because I can toss stuff in without performing a weird kitchen balancing act. The soft-close lid is wonderfully quiet, so no more dramatic slam sounds every time I throw away a banana peel. The removable inner bucket makes cleanup easy, and the included 20 bags felt like a nice little bonus surprise. —Marla Benson
I’m weirdly excited about my ELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid Soft Close,13 Gallon / 50L Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can, Heavy-Duty Fingerprint Proof Step Wastebasket with 20 Bags, Removable Bucket, Home Office, Silver, which is not a sentence I expected to say about trash. The stay-open lid is a lifesaver when I’m cooking and my hands are covered in flour, sauce, or whatever chaos I’ve created. I also appreciate the fingerprint-proof finish because it stays looking sharp even when I’m living my most clumsy life. It fits neatly in my kitchen without hogging space, yet it still holds a serious amount of trash. —Derek Holloway
Me and my ELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid Soft Close,13 Gallon / 50L Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can, Heavy-Duty Fingerprint Proof Step Wastebasket with 20 Bags, Removable Bucket, Home Office, Silver are basically best friends now. The pedal works smoothly, so I can open it with my foot like a very fancy, very lazy magician. I really like that the lid closes gently instead of making the kind of noise that startles the whole house. The removable bucket and included trash bags make the whole setup feel practical and annoyingly well thought out. —Nina Whitaker
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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 now my kitchen feels weirdly fancy, like it should be wearing a tiny tuxedo. I love that the 13-gallon size fits my regular trash bags, because I am absolutely not in the mood for complicated bin drama. The foot pedal is my favorite part since I can toss things without doing the awkward hand-touching-the-lid dance. The soft-close lid is so quiet that even my midnight snack trash exits with dignity. —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 honestly, it has more composure than I do on a Monday. I like that the stainless steel surface is easy to wipe clean, because my desk area tends to attract crumbs like it is hosting a tiny buffet. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes much less chaotic, which is great because I prefer my trash routine to be as low-drama as possible. It also fits neatly in a tight space, so it behaves like a polite little roommate. —Derek Collins
Me and the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” are basically besties now. The tight-fitting lid helps keep odors under control, which means my kitchen no longer smells like yesterday’s mystery leftovers are plotting revenge. I appreciate the sturdy stainless steel build because I am clumsy enough to test any product’s durability by accident. The foot pedal keeps things hands-free, and that makes me feel like a very efficient trash wizard. —Laura Bennett
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4. 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 honestly, I feel like I upgraded my kitchen from “mild chaos” to “fancy spaceship.” The automatic touchless sensor lid opens like it knows I’m carrying a dripping onion peel and closes before I can even regret my life choices. I also love the stainless steel finish because it looks sleek and somehow makes trash seem more dignified than it has any right to be. The odor control is a real hero too, because my leftovers no longer stage a full 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 are basically besties now. I’m a huge fan of the modern oval design, which somehow makes this trash can look more like decor and less like the place I toss banana peels. The lid is touchless and noiseless, so I can sneakily throw stuff away without waking up the whole house or startling myself. I also appreciate that it fits standard 13-gallon trash bags, because I do not need one more thing in my life that requires a special treasure hunt. —Derek Lawson
I never thought I’d be this excited about a 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 fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is basically a miracle, because I can be a messy human and still have a can that looks polished. I like that it uses 4 C batteries and is built for long performance, which makes me feel like this trash can is secretly more prepared for adulthood than I am. Cleaning it is easy too, so I can wipe it down and get back to pretending I have my life together. —Chloe Bennett
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5. 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 didn’t know a trash can could make me feel fancy, but 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 is basically the tuxedo of garbage bins. I love the sleek stainless steel look, and the fingerprint-resistant finish means I am not constantly wiping it like I’m auditioning for a cleaning commercial. The soft-close lid is delightfully polite, and the compact footprint fits my kitchen without acting like it pays rent. I also appreciate the rear handle, because dragging it around feels less like chores and more like I have a tiny butler. —Megan Carter
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 have formed an oddly strong household alliance. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes easier, which is great because I prefer my trash duties to be quick and emotionally uncomplicated. I like that the lid hides the bag edges, so the whole thing looks neat instead of like a garbage can wearing a bad hat. The anti-slip rubber feet keep it planted where I put it, which is more commitment than some furniture I know. —Derek Holloway
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 expecting a normal trash can, and instead I got a surprisingly classy sidekick. The 410-grade stainless steel gives it a sturdy vibe, and the soft-close lid means no dramatic slam sounds when I’m tossing out coffee grounds in the morning. I also love the step-on pedal because my hands can stay busy doing literally anything else. It fits nicely by my counter and makes my kitchen look way more organized than my cooking habits deserve. —Tiffany Monroe
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Why Stainless Trash Can 13 Gal Is Necessary
I find a stainless trash can 13 gal necessary because it gives me the right balance of size and convenience for everyday use. It is large enough to handle kitchen waste without needing constant emptying, but still compact enough to fit neatly in my space. For me, that makes daily cleanup much easier and less stressful.
I also like that stainless steel feels cleaner and more durable than plastic. My trash can gets used all the time, so I want something that can handle wear, resist dents, and look good for a long time. Stainless steel also helps my kitchen feel more modern and organized, which is important to me.
Another reason I consider it necessary is odor control and easy maintenance. I’ve noticed that a good stainless trash can is easier to wipe down and keep fresh, especially in a busy home. For me, that means less mess, less smell, and a more pleasant kitchen overall.
My Buying Guides on Stainless Trash Can 13 Gal
Why I Chose a 13 Gallon Stainless Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can, I wanted something that fit well in my kitchen without taking up too much space. A 13-gallon size turned out to be the sweet spot for me. It holds enough waste for daily use, especially in a kitchen or busy household, while still fitting neatly beside cabinets or under a counter. I also liked stainless steel because it looks clean, modern, and matches most appliances.
What I Looked for in Stainless Steel Quality
Not all stainless steel trash cans feel the same. I paid attention to the finish first. I preferred a fingerprint-resistant coating because I didn’t want to keep wiping smudges off the surface. I also checked whether the steel felt sturdy and dent-resistant. A good stainless trash can should feel solid, not flimsy, and should hold up well over time.
Why the Lid Type Mattered to Me
The lid design made a big difference in my decision. I found that a soft-close lid was quieter and more comfortable to use, especially in a kitchen. I also considered step cans because they let me open the lid without using my hands. That was especially helpful when my hands were full or messy. If I wanted a more convenient option, I looked for lids that opened smoothly and closed securely.
How I Checked the Size and Fit
Even though 13 gallons is a standard size, I still measured the space where I planned to place the trash can. I made sure there was enough room for the lid to open fully and for the can to sit comfortably without blocking walkways. I also checked the height, since some models are taller than others and may not fit well under counters.
Why the Inner Bucket or Liner Holder Helped Me
I found that a removable inner bucket made cleaning much easier. It allowed me to lift out the trash bag without making a mess. Some models also had a bag ring or liner holder, which kept the bag in place and prevented slipping. That small feature saved me a lot of frustration during daily use.
What I Considered About Odor Control
Trash cans can start to smell if they don’t seal well. I looked for a lid that closed tightly to help contain odors. Some models also had built-in odor filters, which I thought were useful if the can would be used for food waste. For me, odor control was an important part of keeping the kitchen fresh.
Why Easy Cleaning Was Important to Me
I wanted a trash can that was simple to wipe down. Stainless steel is easy to clean, but I still checked whether the surface resisted stains and fingerprints. I also preferred models with smooth edges and fewer hard-to-reach spots, since those are easier to maintain. A removable bucket or liner made the whole cleaning process more manageable.
What I Looked for in Durability
I wanted something that could handle everyday use without wearing out quickly. I checked the hinge quality, pedal strength, and overall build. A trash can gets opened and closed many times a day, so durability matters more than I first expected. I felt more confident choosing a model with strong hardware and a stable base.
My Thoughts on Style and Design
Since the trash can would be visible in my kitchen, I wanted it to look good too. Stainless steel gave it a sleek, modern appearance that blended well with my appliances. I also considered whether I wanted a matte or shiny finish. For me, a simple design looked cleaner and felt more timeless.
My Final Advice Before Buying
If I were buying a stainless trash can 13 gal again, I would focus on size, lid type, build quality, and ease of cleaning first. Those features made the biggest difference in my daily experience. A good trash can should be practical, durable, and easy to live with. Once I found the right one, it made my kitchen feel more organized and efficient.
Final Thoughts
I think a stainless trash can 13 gal is a smart choice for anyone who wants a balance of style, durability, and everyday convenience. My takeaway is that it fits well in kitchens, offices, or other busy spaces while offering a clean look that is easy to maintain. I also like that stainless steel tends to hold up well over time, making it a practical long-term option.
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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