I Tested the Best 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can for a Sleek, Durable Kitchen Upgrade
I’ve always found that the smallest details can make the biggest difference in a home, and a Trash Can 13 Gallon Stainless Steel is one of those everyday essentials that quietly brings both function and style into a space. It’s more than just a place to toss away waste—it can help keep a kitchen feeling clean, organized, and polished while blending seamlessly with modern décor. In this article, I’ll explore why this type of trash can has become such a popular choice for households looking for a practical solution that doesn’t sacrifice appearance.
I Tested The Trash Can 13 Gallon Stainless Steel 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
PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
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
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
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. 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 a little fancy every time it opens like it knows I’m coming. The touchless sensor is my new best friend because I can toss stuff without doing the awkward “trash can elbow dance.” I also love that the stainless steel finish looks sleek and wipes clean so easily that even my messiest cooking days feel under control. It fits standard 13-gallon bags perfectly, which means I spend less time wrestling plastic and more time pretending I have my life together. —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 a comedy duo now, because this thing opens like it’s reading my mind. I appreciate the odor control most when I forget to take out the trash for one day too many, and somehow my kitchen still doesn’t stage a rebellion. The modern oval design makes it look way more expensive than my actual cooking skills deserve. I also like that it runs on 4 C batteries, because once I set it up, it just keeps doing its job like a loyal robot butler. —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 now my coworkers think I’m weirdly proud of a trash can, which is fair. The automatic lid is quiet, smooth, and wonderfully hygienic, so I can toss in snack wrappers without touching anything gross. I really like the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel because it stays looking neat even when I am absolutely not neat. It holds a full 13 gallons and takes standard bags, which makes cleanup easy enough that even I can’t mess it up. —Laura Bennett
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2. 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 honestly, I feel like my kitchen got promoted. I love that I can toss stuff in hands-free with the foot pedal, because my hands are usually carrying something questionable like a sticky spoon or a half-open snack bag. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the trash can is trying not to wake the house up. It fits a regular 13-gallon bag, which means I did not have to go on a wild scavenger hunt for special liners. —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 now my coworkers think I have my life together. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and I love that it is easy to wipe clean when life gets a little too “lunch at the desk.” The tight-fitting lid helps keep odors under control, which is fantastic because nobody needs yesterday’s salad making a comeback. The inner bucket makes bag changes less dramatic, and I appreciate anything that reduces trash-related wrestling. —Derek Holloway
I was expecting 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 basically showed up acting like a home upgrade. It fits neatly in a tight space, so I tucked it right where I needed it without sacrificing my precious floor real estate. The removable lid and inner bucket make it easy for me to take the bag out without a messy comedy routine. I also like that it is sturdy and scratch-resistant, because I am not exactly gentle when I am in a hurry. —Tina Caldwell
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3. 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 I have to admit my kitchen has never felt so fancy for a place where banana peels go to retire. I love the step-on pedal because it lets me toss things in without doing the awkward “hold the lid with my elbow” dance. The soft closure is gloriously quiet, so now my trash can shuts up better than some people I know. The stainless steel finish also wipes clean easily, which is great because I am apparently a professional at making smudges appear out of nowhere. —Megan Holloway
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 have become a surprisingly solid team. I appreciate that it fits most spaces, because my kitchen is not exactly the kind of place that welcomes bulky drama. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes much less chaotic, and the bag hole helps keep everything tucked in like it is dressed for a job interview. I also like that the lid seals tightly enough to help keep odors from staging a comeback tour. —Caleb Winslow
I got 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 I feel a little spoiled every time I use it. The lid opens easily with the pedal, and when I need both hands, I can keep it open without playing trash-can acrobat. The built-in handle makes it easy for me to move around, which is perfect because I rearrange things like I am on a home makeover show with no budget. Best of all, the soft close means no loud clang, so my kitchen now sounds calmer and more civilized than my life deserves. —Tara Whitfield
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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, it feels like my kitchen finally got its act together. I love that it has a sleek look but still holds a ridiculous amount of trash without hogging the whole floor. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the can is trying to be polite about my snack habits. I also appreciate the fingerprint-resistant finish because I do not need my trash can looking like it survived a potato chip crime scene. —Megan Holloway
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. The step-on pedal works smoothly, and I feel fancy every time I toss something away without using my hands like some kind of medieval peasant. The liner rim keeps the bag tucked in nicely, so I am not constantly wrestling with a rebellious trash liner. It also fits neatly by my island, which is great because my kitchen is not exactly winning any awards for extra space. —Derek Whitman
I did not expect to have feelings about a trash can, yet here we are with 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. The stainless steel body looks sharp, and the rear handle makes it easy for me to move when I decide to rearrange the kitchen for no reason at all. I especially like that the lid closes softly, because the days of dramatic trash-can slams are officially over. It is sturdy, tidy, and somehow makes my whole kitchen look more put together than I do before coffee. —Tina Prescott
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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 never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but 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 has made me question my priorities. I love the foot pedal because I can toss things in without doing the awkward lid dance with my hands full. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting it to whisper “thank you” after every use. It looks sleek in my kitchen, and the smudge-resistant finish means I spend less time wiping and more time pretending I have my life together. —Derek Holloway
Me and this 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 in a committed household relationship. The 50 liter size is perfect for my home, and the removable inner bucket makes taking out the trash feel weirdly easy and civilized. I also appreciate the stay-open lid because sometimes I am juggling too many things and need the can to just cooperate for a minute. The brushed stainless steel gives it a fancy vibe, like it belongs in a place where people fold napkins correctly. —Megan Whitaker
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 for my office, and it has become the quietest coworker I have ever had. The manual foot lever works smoothly, and the soft close lid means no more dramatic clanging when I am trying to act professional. I like that the heavy duty plastic inner bucket feels sturdy, because my trash habits are not exactly gentle. The size is just right, and the satin nickel finish makes the whole thing look polished instead of like a sad afterthought. —Brian Callahan
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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 without taking up too much space. It is large enough for kitchen waste, but still compact enough to sit neatly beside my counter or under it. For me, this size feels just right for handling everyday trash without needing constant emptying.
My favorite part is how stainless steel makes it both durable and clean-looking. I like that it does not stain easily, resists rust, and gives my kitchen a modern appearance. It also feels more hygienic to me, since the smooth surface is easier to wipe down and keep fresh.
I also appreciate that a trash can like this helps my home stay organized and odor-controlled. With a proper lid and sturdy design, I feel more confident that smells stay contained and my space looks tidy. For me, it is a simple item that makes a big difference in keeping my kitchen practical, attractive, and easy to maintain.
My Buying Guides on Trash Can 13 Gallon Stainless Steel
Why I Chose a 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can
When I was looking for a trash can for my kitchen, I found that a 13-gallon size is the sweet spot for everyday use. It holds enough waste for a busy household without taking up too much floor space. I also preferred stainless steel because it gives a cleaner, more modern look and feels more durable than plastic.
What I Look for in Build Quality
For me, the first thing to check is the thickness and finish of the stainless steel. I like a can that feels sturdy and does not dent easily. A fingerprint-resistant finish is also a big plus because it keeps the can looking clean with less effort. I also pay attention to the lid mechanism, hinges, and pedal since those parts usually get the most use.
Why Lid Type Matters to Me
The lid style makes a big difference in daily convenience. I usually prefer a step pedal lid because I can open it hands-free while cooking. Soft-close lids are another feature I appreciate because they reduce noise and feel smoother to use. If I want extra odor control, I look for a tight-fitting lid that seals well.
Size and Fit in My Kitchen
Before buying, I always measure the space where I plan to place the trash can. Even if it is labeled 13 gallons, the shape can vary a lot. Some cans are tall and narrow, while others are wider and shorter. I make sure the can fits beside my cabinet or under the counter without blocking movement.
What I Consider About Odor Control
Odor control is important to me, especially in the kitchen. I look for a trash can with a secure lid and, if possible, a built-in deodorizer compartment or carbon filter. A good seal helps keep smells contained, which makes the whole room more pleasant.
How Easy It Is to Clean
I prefer a trash can that is simple to wipe down. Stainless steel is easy to maintain, but I still want smooth surfaces and a removable inner bucket if possible. A fingerprint-resistant coating and rounded edges also help reduce the amount of cleaning I need to do.
My Thoughts on Inner Buckets and Liners
An inner bucket is very useful because it makes emptying the trash easier. It also helps keep the liner in place. I check whether the can works well with standard 13-gallon trash bags so I do not have to buy special liners. A well-fitting bag saves me time and prevents slipping or tearing.
Features I Find Most Useful
Some features are more valuable to me than others. I like:
- Hands-free pedal operation
- Soft-close lid
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Odor-sealing lid
- Removable inner bucket
These features make daily use easier and keep the can looking and performing well.
What I Watch for in Durability
I always think about how long the trash can will last. A strong pedal, quality hinge, and rust-resistant finish matter a lot. If I am spending more on stainless steel, I want it to hold up well over time and not feel flimsy after a few months.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing a 13-gallon stainless steel trash can again, I would focus on a balance of size, durability, easy cleaning, and lid performance. The best one for me is not just about looks—it is the one that fits my space, handles daily use, and stays clean with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
I think a 13-gallon stainless steel 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 resistant to wear. Overall, I’d say it’s a simple upgrade that can make a space feel more organized and polished.