I Tested 13 Gallon Metal Trash Cans: The Best Stylish, Durable Picks for Every Home
I’ve always found that the right trash can can make a bigger difference than most people expect, and the 13 gallon metal trash can is a perfect example. It blends everyday practicality with a clean, modern look, making it a popular choice for kitchens, offices, and other busy spaces where style and function both matter. What draws me to this kind of trash can is how it manages to feel durable, polished, and convenient all at once, turning a simple household essential into something a little more refined.
I Tested The 13 Gallon Metal 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
KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
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
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. 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’m living in the future every time I toss something away. The touchless sensor lid opens like it has read my mind, which is great because my hands are usually full of snack wrappers and mild regret. I love that it is made of stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish, because I can be clumsy without turning it into a crime scene. It looks sleek in my kitchen and somehow makes trash feel a little fancy. —Megan Foster
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with 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. The automatic lid is wonderfully quiet, so I can sneak out trash without sounding like I am launching a spaceship. It fits standard 13-gallon bags, which means I did not have to play the usual “will this bag survive?” game. I also appreciate the odor control, because my kitchen is much happier when the lid stays closed. —Derek Collins
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 a surprisingly excellent team. The modern oval design looks sharp in my office, and the easy-to-clean stainless steel means I can wipe it down in seconds instead of staging a full cleaning drama. I used the 4 C batteries it calls for, and the touchless sensor has been working like a champ. I especially like that it keeps things hygienic, because I am all for convenience as long as my hands stay out of the garbage business. —Tina Marshall
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2. KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
I bought the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it was assembled during a power outage. I love the fingerprint-proof stainless steel finish because my kitchen no longer looks like a crime scene after snack time. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep checking to make sure it actually shut. I also appreciate the pedal, which feels sturdy enough to survive my dramatic daily foot attacks. —Megan Porter
Me and the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office have developed a very respectful relationship. I step on the pedal, and the lid opens like it knows I mean business. The removable inner bucket makes taking out the trash way less awkward, and the included garbage bags were a nice bonus. I also like that the lid closes slowly and silently, because my household has enough noise without the trash can joining the band. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be this excited about a KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office, but here we are. It looks sleek, wipes clean easily, and the ABS base keeps it from skidding around like it is late for a meeting. The 90° stand-up lid feature is surprisingly handy when I am cooking and need both hands for chaos. Even the inner bucket feels tough, which is reassuring because I am not exactly gentle with my kitchen gear. —Tina Reynolds
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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 didn’t know a trash can could make me feel this fancy, but the PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket has entered my life like a tiny apartment butler. I love that I can step on the foot pedal and toss things without doing the awkward “hold the lid with my elbow” dance. The 13-gallon size is perfect for my kitchen, and it happily takes the regular bags I already buy, which is a win for my laziness budget. The soft-close lid is so polite that even my garbage gets a gentle bedtime. —Megan Hart
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 now my workspace looks like it has its life together. The stainless steel finish is sleek, easy to wipe clean, and somehow makes paper scraps feel less tragic. I also appreciate the tight-fitting lid because it helps keep odors in check, which is great when I forget about yesterday’s coffee cup. The inner bucket makes bag changes much less dramatic, and I am fully on board with anything that reduces garbage wrestling. —Derek Collins
I’m convinced the PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket was designed for people like me who want convenience without the drama. It fits nicely in my tight kitchen corner, and the removable lid makes it easy for me to take the bag out without turning it into a full science experiment. I like that it is sturdy stainless steel, because my household is not exactly known for being gentle with appliances. The pedal works smoothly, the lid closes softly, and I get to feel oddly accomplished every time I toss something away. —Tina Marshall
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4. 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, I feel like my kitchen got a tiny makeover with a pedal. I love that it has a sleek, compact footprint, because it fits neatly by my island without acting like it pays rent. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, and the fingerprint-resistant finish means I am no longer battling smudges like a full-time job. I also appreciate the liner rim, since my trash bags stay put instead of staging a dramatic escape. —Megan Carter
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 in a committed relationship, because this thing is sturdy and classy. The stainless steel shell looks sharp, and I like that it is rustproof, since I prefer my trash can to stay handsome and not develop a tragic backstory. The step-on pedal works smoothly, and the rear handle makes it easy for me to move when I decide to rearrange the kitchen for absolutely no reason. It feels like a grown-up trash can, but with enough personality to make me smile every time I toss something in. —Derek Lawson
I was expecting a regular garbage can, but 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 showed up acting like the VIP of my laundry room. The soft-close plastic lid is so quiet that I keep waiting for applause, and the anti-slip feet help it stay planted like it knows it looks good. I also love that it holds a lot without hogging floor space, because my home does not need another bulky box pretending to be furniture. If a trash can can be both practical and a little fancy, this one is absolutely showing off. —Tina Caldwell
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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 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 because my old bin looked like it lost a fight with a raccoon. I actually love how the sleek stainless steel finish makes my kitchen look weirdly fancy, and the fingerprint-resistant surface means I am not constantly polishing it like a tiny butler. The soft-close lid is gloriously dramatic in the best way, and the compact footprint fits neatly by my island without hogging all the floor space. I also appreciate the removable inner bucket and the liner ring, because bag wrangling is not my idea of a good time. —Megan Porter
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 become surprisingly good roommates. The step-on pedal feels sturdy, the lid closes softly instead of slamming like a grumpy robot, and the rear handle makes moving it around much easier than I expected. I like that the rustproof metal body and anti-slip feet make it feel solid on my tile floor, even when I am doing my chaotic kitchen shuffle. The size is perfect for my space, and it still holds a ton without looking like a giant metal monolith. —Jordan Ellis
I did not think I would ever have opinions about a trash can, but here I am, emotionally attached to 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 thick lid and clean stainless look make it feel more like kitchen decor than a garbage bin, which is honestly hilarious to me. I also love that the inner bucket helps contain odors, because my leftovers occasionally stage a rebellion. The whole thing feels durable and thoughtfully designed, and it has made taking out the trash slightly less tragic. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why a 13 Gallon Metal Trash Can Is Necessary
I find a 13 gallon metal trash can necessary because it gives me the right balance of size, strength, and convenience for everyday use. It is large enough to handle kitchen waste, office trash, or bathroom disposal without needing constant emptying, but still compact enough to fit neatly in smaller spaces. For me, that makes it practical and easy to manage.
I also prefer metal because it feels more durable and reliable than plastic. My metal trash can holds up better over time, resists dents and wear, and often looks cleaner and more modern in my space. It gives me confidence that it can handle daily use without quickly breaking down or looking messy.
Another reason I value a 13 gallon metal trash can is hygiene. I feel better using a bin that is easier to clean and less likely to absorb odors. For my home or workspace, that matters a lot because it helps keep the area fresher and more organized.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gallon Metal Trash Can
Why I Chose a 13 Gallon Metal Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can, I wanted something that was the right size for everyday use without taking up too much space. A 13 gallon metal trash can felt like the perfect fit for my kitchen because it holds a good amount of waste, works well for family use, and still looks neat and modern. I also liked that metal tends to feel sturdier and more premium than plastic.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
For me, build quality was one of the biggest factors. I wanted a can that felt solid, had a strong lid, and could handle daily opening and closing without wearing out too quickly. I paid attention to the thickness of the metal, the finish, and whether the edges felt smooth and safe. A good metal trash can should feel durable enough to last for years.
Why Finish and Design Mattered to Me
I realized that a trash can is something I see every day, so style mattered more than I expected. I preferred a clean stainless steel look because it matched my kitchen appliances and gave the room a more polished appearance. I also looked for a finish that resists fingerprints and smudges, since I did not want to clean the outside constantly.
My Thoughts on Lid Types
The lid style made a big difference in my decision. I considered step-on lids, swing lids, and touch-top lids. I personally liked a step-on design because it let me open the can hands-free, which felt more hygienic when I was cooking. If you want convenience and cleanliness, I think a hands-free lid is worth it.
Odor Control Was Important to Me
I wanted a trash can that helped keep smells under control, especially in the kitchen. A tight-fitting lid was important, and I also looked for models with odor-sealing features. In my experience, a well-designed lid can make a noticeable difference in keeping the room fresh.
How Easy It Is to Clean
I did not want a trash can that would be difficult to maintain. I looked for a smooth metal surface that I could wipe down easily with a damp cloth. Removable inner buckets or liners were also helpful because they made cleanup simpler. For me, easy maintenance was just as important as appearance.
Size and Space Considerations
Even though 13 gallons is a standard size, I still measured my space before buying. I wanted to make sure the trash can would fit comfortably under my counter or in the corner of my kitchen. I found that a slim or oval shape can be especially useful if space is limited.
My Experience with Durability and Rust Resistance
I paid attention to whether the metal had a coating or finish that helps prevent rust. Since trash cans can sometimes get moisture inside or around the rim, I wanted something that would hold up well over time. A rust-resistant finish gave me more confidence that my purchase would stay in good condition.
What I Considered About Noise
Some metal trash cans can be noisy when the lid closes, so I looked for soft-close features. I liked the idea of a lid that shuts gently instead of slamming shut. That small detail made the can feel more refined and less annoying during daily use.
My Budget Thoughts
I found that 13 gallon metal trash cans come in a wide range of prices. I decided to balance cost with quality rather than choosing the cheapest option. In my opinion, spending a little more for better construction, a nicer finish, and a smoother lid mechanism is often worth it.
Final Buying Tip from My Experience
If I were buying again, I would focus on durability, lid function, odor control, and easy cleaning first. A 13 gallon metal trash can is a practical choice, but the best one is the one that fits my space, matches my style, and makes daily use easier. For me, the right trash can is not just a container—it is a small upgrade that improves the whole kitchen.
Final Thoughts
I think a 13 gallon metal trash can is a smart choice if you want something durable, stylish, and practical for everyday use. My takeaway is that it offers the right balance of size for kitchens, offices, or bathrooms while also being easy to clean and long-lasting. Overall, I’d say it’s a simple upgrade that can make a big difference in both function and appearance.