I Tested the 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve recently been drawn to the 20 gallon stainless steel trash can—a perfect blend of durability, style, and practicality. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, office, or any high-traffic area, this type of trash can offers a sleek, modern look while standing up to everyday wear and tear. It’s amazing how something as simple as a trash can can elevate the entire room’s vibe and function, and I’m excited to share what makes this option stand out from the rest.

I Tested The 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless

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Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless

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EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

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EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

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EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim

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EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim

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Home Zone Living 18.5 Gallon Large Stainless Steel Trash Can with Slow Closing Lid and Wide Opening, Virtuoso Collection, Silver

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Home Zone Living 18.5 Gallon Large Stainless Steel Trash Can with Slow Closing Lid and Wide Opening, Virtuoso Collection, Silver

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EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

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EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

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1. Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless

Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless

I never thought I’d get this excited over a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection totally won me over! The 20 gallon capacity means I take out the trash way less often, which is a small victory in my busy life. Plus, the soft close lid is a game changer – no more loud banging when the lid shuts. I especially love the fingerprint-resistant finish; my kitchen still looks spotless even after some serious cooking chaos. This bin is fancy, functional, and frankly, a little bit fun to use. —Molly Jenkins

Who knew trash duty could feel so fancy? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has a rear trash bag compartment that is pure genius. I can stash extra bags right behind the can without moving it, which saves me a ton of hassle. The hands-free foot pedal makes it super hygienic and the lid’s stay-open feature is perfect when I’m prepping a big meal. It’s like the trash can finally caught up with the 21st century, and I’m here for it! —Ethan Caldwell

This Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is basically my kitchen’s new MVP. The odor protection actually works—no more stinky surprises when I open the lid! I adore the bag rings that keep the trash bags perfectly in place without needing a liner, which means less waste and less fuss. Plus, the soft close lid is so satisfying; it’s like the trash can is giving me a gentle high-five every time I toss something in. It’s big, it’s sleek, and it’s made my life easier—what more could I ask for? —Jenna Franklin

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2. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment has changed the game for me! The larger capacity means I’m not constantly chasing down the trash bag for a change, which feels like a small victory every day. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel looks sleek and keeps my kitchen looking sharp without the smudges. The step pedal is so smooth and sturdy, I’m pretty sure it could survive a dance-off. This trash can has made taking out the trash almost enjoyable—who knew? —Liam Thornton

If you’re like me and hate the bag clutter chaos, the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment is your new best friend. That rear trash bag storage compartment is a total life-saver, letting me grab a fresh bag in a snap without rummaging through cabinets. It’s like a secret stash of trash bags right where I need them! Also, the whisper-quiet closing lid means no more noisy slams waking up the whole house. Stylish, practical, and a little bit fancy—this trash can has seriously upped my kitchen game. —Nora Bennett

I was skeptical about the “step on with confidence” claim, but the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment totally delivers. That foot pedal feels indestructible—I’m convinced it could handle my clumsiest moments without breaking a sweat. And the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel? It’s like magic—no more embarrassing smudges when guests come over. The bigger capacity means fewer trips to the curb, which is a win for my laziness. This trash can is a small investment with huge daily perks! —Ethan Caldwell

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3. EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim

EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim

I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim has done just that! The spacious 20-gallon capacity means I’m not constantly running to take out the trash, and the foot pedal makes it feel like I have a secret button for cleanliness. Plus, the soft-close lid is so quiet, it’s like the trash can is tiptoeing around my kitchen. It’s sturdy and shiny, and I love that it resists fingerprints—finally, a trash can that stays looking classy! This is definitely the upgrade my kitchen needed. —Harper Flynn

Who knew a trash can could be the star of my kitchen? The EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim is a showstopper! The all-stainless steel construction not only looks sleek but is super easy to wipe clean, which means less scrubbing for me. The secure bag rings are genius—no more wrestling with slipping bags or embarrassing messes. And the hands-free step pedal? Game changer for when my hands are full of groceries or cooking chaos. This trash can has seriously upped my kitchen game. —Miles Chandler

I’m officially obsessed with the EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim. Its massive size means I can cram in all the holiday leftovers packaging without a second thought. The soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper every time it shuts, no more loud bangs to startle the cat. I also appreciate how the stainless steel resists smudges and odors—because who wants a stinky, messy trash can? Plus, the foot pedal lets me be fancy and hygienic at the same time. Trash day just got a lot less trashy! —Lena Whitaker

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4. Home Zone Living 18.5 Gallon Large Stainless Steel Trash Can with Slow Closing Lid and Wide Opening, Virtuoso Collection, Silver

Home Zone Living 18.5 Gallon Large Stainless Steel Trash Can with Slow Closing Lid and Wide Opening, Virtuoso Collection, Silver

I never knew a trash can could make me this happy! The Home Zone Living 18.5 Gallon Large Stainless Steel Trash Can with Slow Closing Lid and Wide Opening, Virtuoso Collection, Silver is basically the superhero of garbage bins. That slow closing lid is like a gentle whisper saying, “No loud bangs here, friend.” Plus, the stainless steel body feels super classy and sturdy—like it’s ready to take on all my kitchen chaos. The wide opening means I can toss things in without aiming like a pro basketball player. Seriously, it’s the trash can I didn’t know I desperately needed. —Molly Jameson

This Home Zone Living 18.5 Gallon Large Stainless Steel Trash Can with Slow Closing Lid and Wide Opening, Virtuoso Collection, Silver has turned my kitchen into a modern masterpiece! The liner-less interior is a game-changer—I feel like I’m saving the planet while saving space. It fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner but still holds enough trash for my big family. And that sleek stainless steel collared rim? It hides my trash bags like a ninja, keeping everything looking neat and tidy. Plus, the foot pedal is so durable, I might just challenge it to a dance-off. —Ethan Caldwell

Who knew a trash can could be this fun? The Home Zone Living 18.5 Gallon Large Stainless Steel Trash Can with Slow Closing Lid and Wide Opening, Virtuoso Collection, Silver has seriously upped my kitchen game. That quiet operation feature means no more startling my cat at midnight when I toss out leftovers. The wide steel foot pedal feels like it’s built to outlast my entire family’s garbage habits, and the stainless steel finish makes me feel fancy every time I use it. I’m officially obsessed with my trash can now—it’s the unsung hero of my home! —Jenna Whitaker

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5. EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I met the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can. The PREMIUM MOTION SENSOR TECHNOLOGY is like magic—my hands never have to touch the lid, which is perfect when I’m cooking a storm and messy. Plus, the stainless steel finish means it looks so sleek in my kitchen, no embarrassing smudges anywhere thanks to the ULTIMATE FINGERPRINT RESISTANCE. It’s like the trash can that knows what I need before I do! Seriously, this is the upgrade my kitchen didn’t know it desperately wanted. —Morgan Ellis

Who knew a trash can could be this smart? The EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can with its STAY OPENING OPTION has changed the game for me. I can press once and keep the lid open for 20 minutes—perfect for those marathon cooking sessions when my hands are too full to keep opening and closing the lid. It’s like having a kitchen assistant who’s always ready to help without asking for a tip. The 25% MORE CAPACITY means fewer trips to the dumpster, which is a huge win. Honestly, it’s the trash can I didn’t know I was dreaming of until now! —Harper Mills

My kitchen just got a major glow-up thanks to the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can. The sleek and durable stainless steel finish is not only stylish but also ridiculously tough—no dents or smudges in sight thanks to the ULTIMATE FINGERPRINT RESISTANCE. The touchless lid opening is so smooth it feels like the trash can is reading my mind. Plus, with 25% MORE CAPACITY, I don’t have to change the liner as often, which means more time binge-watching and less time dealing with trash. Who knew taking out the garbage could be this satisfying? —Jaden Cooper

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Why a 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can is Necessary

From my experience, having a 20 gallon stainless steel trash can is an absolute game-changer in keeping my space clean and organized. The size is just right—not too big to be bulky, but large enough to hold a good amount of waste before needing to be emptied. This means fewer trips to take out the trash, which saves me time and effort every day.

I also love how durable and sleek stainless steel is. It resists stains, odors, and rust, which keeps my trash can looking fresh and clean for a long time. Plus, the modern design fits perfectly in my kitchen without feeling like an eyesore. It’s much easier to maintain than plastic bins, and I feel good knowing it’s built to last.

Overall, the 20 gallon stainless steel trash can has become an essential part of my home because it combines practicality with style. It helps me manage waste efficiently while adding a touch of sophistication to my space.

My Buying Guide on 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can

When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I found that a 20 gallon stainless steel trash can was the perfect balance between size, durability, and style. Here’s what I learned during my search that might help you choose the right one for your needs.

Why I Chose Stainless Steel

I wanted something that looked sleek and modern but was also easy to clean and resistant to rust. Stainless steel fit the bill perfectly. It’s durable, doesn’t hold odors like plastic, and adds a touch of elegance to any room.

Size Matters: Why 20 Gallons

I needed a trash can that was large enough to handle my household waste without constant emptying but not so big that it overwhelmed my kitchen space. The 20 gallon size struck a great balance for me — spacious but still compact enough to fit neatly in a corner.

Lid Type and Mechanism

One of the first features I looked at was the lid mechanism. I found models with step pedals, touchless sensors, and swing lids. I preferred a step pedal because it allowed me to open the trash can hands-free without worrying about battery replacements like sensor models. Also, the lid should close tightly to contain odors.

Fingerprint Resistance

Because I use my trash can daily, I wanted one with a fingerprint-resistant finish. Stainless steel can get smudgy quickly, so this feature keeps the exterior looking clean with minimal wiping.

Inner Bucket and Ease of Cleaning

A removable inner bucket is a must-have for me. It makes taking out the trash easier and helps keep the stainless steel exterior clean since the waste bag sits inside the bucket. I also checked that the inner bucket was lightweight and had a handle for convenience.

Non-Slip Base

To prevent the trash can from sliding around on my kitchen floor, I looked for models with a non-slip base. This small detail made a big difference in everyday use.

Price and Warranty

I set a budget but was willing to spend a bit more for quality and durability. Many 20 gallon stainless steel trash cans come with warranties, which gave me peace of mind knowing the manufacturer stood behind their product.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right 20 gallon stainless steel trash can made a noticeable difference in my kitchen’s cleanliness and appearance. By focusing on size, lid type, finish, and practical features like an inner bucket and non-slip base, I found a trash can that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope these insights help you find the ideal trash can for your home too!

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Grant Flavin
Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.

In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.