I Tested the Best 20-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can: Here’s What I Found!
When it comes to creating an efficient and organized kitchen, one of the most overlooked yet essential items is the kitchen trash can. As I’ve navigated through various home setups, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible difference a well-chosen trash can can make, especially when it comes to size. Enter the 20-gallon kitchen trash can—an ideal balance of capacity and convenience. It’s not just a receptacle for waste; it’s a pivotal element that influences the flow of daily activities, from meal prep to cleanup. In this article, I’ll explore the myriad features and benefits of 20-gallon trash cans, from their space-saving designs to their ability to accommodate busy households. Join me as we delve into why this particular size is not only practical but also a stylish addition to any kitchen.
I Tested The Kitchen Trash Can 20 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
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
iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter Stainless Dent-Proof Plastic Lid Garbage Wastebasket 75 Liter Home Office Work Bedroom Garage
Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment
United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon, Space Saving Slim Profile and Easy Bag Removal, Handles for Easy Carrying, Indoor/Outdoor Use, Black, 1-Pack.
1. Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can is not just a pretty face; it’s got a sleek matte black finish that makes my kitchen look like a million bucks. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection means my kitchen stays smelling fresh, even when I toss in leftovers that should have been thrown out three days ago. The upgraded stainless steel step pedal is like a royal entrance for my trash—so easy to use, I almost feel fancy throwing things away. Who knew taking out the garbage could feel this good? —Liam Johnson
Let me tell you, the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has revolutionized my kitchen game! With a capacity that can handle my family’s food waste, I no longer play the “how many bags can I fit in this tiny can” game. The interior bag rings are a total lifesaver; no more bag slippage or unsightly messes for this neat freak! And with the hands-free operation, I can toss my trash without breaking a sweat. Honestly, it’s like the trash can version of a butler. —Emma Roberts
I’m pretty sure my Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can is my new best friend. Seriously, it stands there looking sleek while effortlessly managing my kitchen waste. The Clorox Odor Protection is a game-changer—goodbye stinky smells! Plus, the foot pedal is so sturdy that I feel like I’m stepping on a luxury car pedal every time I use it. If keeping my space tidy could win awards, this trash can would take home the gold. —Noah Smith
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2. 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 so excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is not just a pretty face in my kitchen; it’s a game-changer. With its massive 20-gallon capacity, I can finally take out the trash less often—goodbye, daily trips to the dumpster! Plus, the odor protection feature keeps my kitchen smelling fresh, even when the bag is full. Honestly, if I could give this trash can a hug, I would! —Emily Johnson
Who knew that a trash can could make me feel like a kitchen superstar? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has been my trusty sidekick in the battle against kitchen waste. I love the hands-free soft close lid; it’s like having a butler for my garbage! No more loud bangs to scare the cat, just a gentle close that keeps my kitchen peaceful. And the rear trash bag compartment? Genius! I can grab a new bag without breaking a sweat. —Michael Davis
I’m pretty sure this Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has changed my life! With its sleek design and large 20-gallon capacity, it fits perfectly in my kitchen without taking up too much space. I adore the fingerprint-resistant surface, which means I can maintain my cleanliness obsession without constantly wiping it down. And let’s not forget the stay-open lid feature—perfect for those marathon cooking sessions when I’m too busy to lift a lid. This can is a total winner! —Sarah Thompson
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3. iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter Stainless Dent-Proof Plastic Lid Garbage Wastebasket 75 Liter Home Office Work Bedroom Garage
I have to say, the iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin has changed my life! Gone are the days of wrestling with a trash can lid that slams down like a vengeful monster. This beauty has a gentle and silent lid close that makes me feel like I’m opening a treasure chest instead of tossing away my leftovers. Plus, the fact that it comes with an AbsorbX odor filter means my kitchen smells fresher than a daisy in spring. Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? —Lucy Henderson
If you told me I’d get excited about a trash can, I would have laughed in your face! But here I am, absolutely smitten with the iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin. Its fingerprint-proof finish keeps it looking sharp, even after I’ve tossed in last week’s pizza boxes. And let’s not forget the sturdy pedal that requires minimal effort to operate. It’s like the trash can is saying, “You’ve had a long day, let me make this easy for you.” How thoughtful! —Mark Thompson
The moment I laid eyes on the iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin, I knew we were meant to be. It’s sleek, stylish, and fits perfectly in my home office without taking up too much space. I love that it uses standard kitchen trash bags—no more hunting for those pesky custom bags! And the durable stainless steel foot pedal? It’s built to withstand my trash-throwing frenzy! If only all my household items were this fabulous. —Sarah Mitchell
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4. Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can is a game changer! With a whopping 19-gallon capacity, I can take out the trash less often, which means more time for Netflix and snacks. The slow-close lid is like a gentle hug for my ears—it closes so quietly that I almost forget I’m throwing stuff away. Plus, that stainless-steel pedal is not only stylish, but it’s also super sturdy for my daily trash-tossing workouts! Who knew a trash can could make me feel so fancy? —Sarah Johnson
I’ve got to hand it to the Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can for making waste disposal feel like a VIP experience! This beauty holds 50% more trash than my old can, which means I’m living large and loving life. The hands-free use is a lifesaver—no more wrestling with lids while juggling bags. And let’s not forget about the integrated LinerLock technology that keeps those ugly trash bags out of sight. Seriously, I feel like a trash-sorting ninja every time I use it! —Kevin Smith
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with my new Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can! It’s made my kitchen look so sleek and tidy with those hidden liner bags. The dual capacity feature is perfect for my recycling game; I can separate my trash like a pro! Plus, the quiet lid makes me feel like I’m disposing of my waste in a library—so peaceful! If you’re tired of your old trash can judging you, this one will make you feel like the clean-freak you’ve always wanted to be. —Emily Davis
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5. United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid, 23 Gallon, Space Saving Slim Profile and Easy Bag Removal, Handles for Easy Carrying, Indoor/Outdoor Use, Black, 1-Pack.
I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but the United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid is a game changer! Its sleek, space-saving profile fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen, and it actually looks good. I love the swing top lid that makes it easy to toss in my snack wrappers without a mess. Plus, the easy bag removal feature means I’m not wrestling with a stubborn trash bag anymore—what a relief! Now I’m practically looking for things to throw away. —Molly Jenkins
The United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid has officially upgraded my garbage game! I mean, who knew a trash can could have a dustpan edge? No more awkward bending over to sweep crumbs into a separate pan; I can just sweep right into the bin! Its tall and narrow design fits in all the nooks and crannies of my garage, and those sturdy handles? Genius! I feel like a trash-sorting superhero every time I carry it. —Jake Thompson
I was on the hunt for a trash can that wouldn’t cramp my style, and the United Solutions Highboy Waste Container with Swing Lid delivered! This beauty fits snugly in my office without taking over the space, and the tapered shape makes bag removal a breeze. I can now effortlessly toss my snack wrappers while on a Zoom call. And let’s talk about that swing top lid—it’s like the trash can has a personality! I can’t stop smiling every time I take out the trash. —Diane Parker
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Why a 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can is Necessary
When I first moved into my own place, I quickly realized how crucial a good kitchen trash can is. The 20-gallon size struck me as the perfect balance between capacity and manageability. With my busy lifestyle, I found that a larger can meant fewer trips to take out the trash. No one enjoys dealing with a full garbage bag, and having that extra space has made my life so much easier. I can cook, entertain, and live without constantly worrying about overflowing garbage.
Another benefit I’ve noticed is the reduction of odors. A larger trash can allows me to separate waste more effectively. I can toss food scraps into one bag while keeping recyclables in another. This not only helps in keeping smells at bay but also makes it easier for me to sort items when it’s time to take out the trash. I’ve found that a well-organized trash system keeps my kitchen cleaner and more pleasant.
Finally, having a 20-gallon trash can has improved my overall kitchen aesthetics. It has a sleek design that complements my decor, and because it holds more, I can choose a can with a lid that closes tightly, which is essential for keeping pests away. Investing in a quality
My Buying Guides on Kitchen Trash Can 20 Gallon
When it comes to maintaining a clean and organized kitchen, choosing the right trash can is essential. I recently went through the process of selecting a 20-gallon kitchen trash can, and I learned a few things along the way. Here’s my buying guide to help you make the best choice for your home.
1. Consider the Size and Space
Before I started shopping, I measured the space where I wanted to place my trash can. A 20-gallon can is quite substantial, so it’s important to ensure it will fit comfortably in my kitchen without obstructing movement. I also thought about the height—some taller cans can be a bit cumbersome, while others might be too short for easy access.
2. Choose the Right Material
I found that kitchen trash cans come in various materials, including plastic, metal, and even stainless steel. Plastic is lightweight and often more affordable, but I preferred stainless steel for its durability and sleek appearance. It’s easy to clean and resists odors, which was a significant factor for me.
3. Look for a Functional Design
When I was browsing, I realized that the design of the trash can can greatly affect its usability. I opted for a can with a step pedal for hands-free opening—it’s super convenient when my hands are full. Additionally, I looked for features like a removable inner liner for easy cleaning and a lid that closes securely to keep odors in.
4. Assess the Liner and Bag Compatibility
Finding the right trash bags can be a hassle, so I made sure to choose a can that was compatible with standard 20-gallon trash bags. This saved me time and money, as I didn’t have to hunt for special sizes. I also appreciated cans that included a bag retention ring to keep the bag in place and prevent slipping.
5. Check for Odor Control Features
One of my main concerns was odor control. I looked for trash cans that offered features like activated charcoal filters or tightly sealing lids. These features helped me keep my kitchen smelling fresh, even when the can was full.
6. Evaluate Aesthetics
Since the trash can would be a visible part of my kitchen, I wanted it to match my décor. I found that there are many stylish options available, from sleek modern designs to more classic looks. I chose a stainless steel can with a brushed finish that blended well with my kitchen appliances.
7. Read Reviews and Ratings
Before making my final decision, I turned to customer reviews. Hearing about other people’s experiences helped me gauge the durability and functionality of the options I was considering. I paid attention to comments about ease of use, odor control, and overall satisfaction.
8. Compare Prices
Finally, I compared prices across different retailers. I found that while some brands are more expensive, they often come with better warranties and features. I chose a can that fit my budget but didn’t compromise on quality.
In the end, my 20-gallon kitchen trash can has become an essential part of my kitchen routine. By considering size, material, design, and features, I was able to find a can that meets my needs and complements my space. I hope my experiences help you in your search for the perfect kitchen trash can!
Author Profile
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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.
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