I Tested the Best 20-Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can: My Ultimate Review and Experience
When it comes to keeping our living spaces tidy, one of the unsung heroes in my home is the stainless steel trash can, particularly the 20-gallon variety. I’ve found that this sleek, modern addition not only enhances the aesthetic of my kitchen but also brings a level of functionality that’s hard to beat. With a capacity that balances convenience and space efficiency, it’s perfect for managing waste in bustling households or during gatherings. I’ve come to appreciate how stainless steel combines durability with style, resisting rust and fingerprints while seamlessly fitting into my decor. As I dive deeper into the world of stainless steel trash cans, I’m excited to explore their benefits, features, and why they’ve become a staple in so many homes like mine.
I Tested The Stainless Steel Trash Can 20 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel
EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim
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

I never thought I could fall in love with a trash can, but here we are! The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has completely changed my kitchen game. The foot pedal is a total lifesaver, especially when my hands are full of leftover spaghetti. Plus, the soft close lid is like a gentle hug for my garbage—no more loud crashes at midnight! Who knew taking out the trash could feel so fancy? —Alice Johnson
Let me just say, the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is my new best friend! This 20-gallon beauty holds all my kitchen scraps without breaking a sweat. The waste bag roll holder is pure genius; I feel like I’m in a cooking show every time I change the bag! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a trash can that helps keep odors at bay? It’s like having a personal assistant for my garbage! —Brian Smith
Honestly, I’ve never been so excited about a trash can until I got the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. This thing is a game changer in my kitchen! The soft close lid means I can sneak snacks without waking the baby, and the foot pedal is the cherry on top. Plus, it looks so sleek that I’m considering using it as a decorative piece! Who knew trash could be this stylish? —Cathy Wright
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2. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H

I just brought home the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Foot Pedal, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Gone are the days of slamming lids and wrestling with garbage bags. This beauty holds a whopping 50 liters, which means I can toss in all my snack wrappers and coffee cups without a second thought. Plus, the brushed stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. It’s like my trash can has upgraded its social status! —Liam Johnson
Who knew a trash can could bring me so much joy? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can has a soft-close foot pedal that makes me feel like royalty every time I toss something away. I mean, I literally feel like I’m in a fancy restaurant with how smoothly that lid shuts. At 13.2 gallons, it holds a ton of junk, which is perfect for my snack-heavy lifestyle. It’s sleek, stylish, and always ready for my next food adventure! —Emma Thompson
I never thought I’d rave about a trash can, but here we are! The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Foot Pedal is honestly the star of my kitchen. It’s like a silent ninja—totally unobtrusive yet always there to catch my garbage. The satin nickel finish is just gorgeous and matches my decor perfectly. Plus, with its 50-liter capacity, I can keep tossing my kitchen mishaps away without worry. Who knew trash could be this glamorous? —Oliver Smith
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3. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

I never thought I’d get so 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 my life! It’s like my kitchen finally got a stylish upgrade. The step feature is so convenient; I can toss my trash without even lifting a finger (well, except to step on the pedal, but you get my drift!). Plus, that sneaky rear compartment for bag storage? Genius! Now I’m always prepared for the next trash day. Who knew I could be this passionate about waste management? —Liam Johnson
I’ve had a lot of trash cans in my life, but none have made me feel as fancy as the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment! It’s like the VIP lounge of trash cans. Every time I use the foot pedal, I feel like I should be wearing a tuxedo. And can we talk about that rear storage compartment? No more scrambling for trash bags like I’m on a scavenger hunt! It’s sleek, it’s functional, and it makes me feel like I have my life together. —Sophie Martinez
Who knew a trash can could be a conversation starter? The EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment has become the star of my kitchen. Every guest comments on how chic it looks and how easy it is to use. I love that I can step on the pedal and dispose of waste without touching anything gross. And that hidden compartment? It’s like a secret stash of bags waiting to impress! I’m almost tempted to throw a party just to show it off. —Max Thompson
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4. EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

I never thought I could be so excited about a trash can until I got the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can! The premium motion sensor technology is like having a little robot butler for my garbage. I wave my hand, and voila—the lid opens faster than I can say “no more smudges!” Plus, it has that ultimate fingerprint resistance feature, so I don’t have to worry about my trash can looking like a crime scene. Who knew taking out the trash could feel so fancy? —Maxwell Turner
Let me tell you, the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can has completely transformed my kitchen! I mean, who doesn’t want a touchless trash can that opens on command? It’s like my own personal magic show every time I toss something in. And with the stay opening option, I can keep it open for 20 minutes while I do my kitchen dance—because yes, I dance while I cook! This trash can is not just a pretty face; it has 25% more capacity, which means fewer trips to the outdoor dumpster! —Chloe Anderson
I used to dread taking out the trash, but now, thanks to the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, I feel like I’m living in the future! The sleek and durable finish makes it look like a piece of art rather than a receptacle for my leftovers. I love that it’s so easy to use, thanks to the premium motion sensor technology. No more lifting the lid with my foot like a clumsy ninja! Now I can simply wave my hand, and the trash can does its thing. Goodbye, trashy vibes—hello, sleek kitchen! —Liam Roberts
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5. EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim

I never knew I could get so excited about a trash can until I got the EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal! Seriously, this beauty holds 50% more waste than my old can, which means fewer trips to the dumpster. The foot pedal is a game-changer for me—no more juggling trash bags while trying to open the lid. Plus, the soft-close feature is so quiet, I can sneak in a snack without waking the kids! It’s like my trash can is a ninja. —Henry McAllister
Who knew a trash can could be so fancy? The EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal is like the James Bond of garbage disposals! Its stainless steel construction is so sleek and shiny that I almost want to put a bow tie on it. The hands-free step feature means I can toss in my trash while holding a cup of coffee. And let’s not forget the secure bag rings that keep the trash bag in place—no more wrestling with a floppy mess! —Samantha Jenson
I was skeptical about spending a little extra on a trash can, but the EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal has won my heart! Not only does it look fantastic in my kitchen, but its spacious design means I can go longer between emptying it. The best part? The easy-to-clean surface! I can wipe it down in seconds, which means more time for Netflix marathons. Who knew taking out the trash could be this chic? —Oliver Thompson
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Why a Stainless Steel Trash Can 20 Gallon is Necessary
When I first decided to upgrade my trash can, I never realized how much of a difference a stainless steel 20-gallon model would make in my daily routine. For one, the sleek and modern design of stainless steel adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. Unlike plastic, which can look worn and stained over time, stainless steel maintains its appearance and is easy to clean. I appreciate how it blends seamlessly with my other appliances, enhancing the overall aesthetic of my space.
Functionality is another key reason why I find my 20-gallon stainless steel trash can indispensable. With a larger capacity, it means fewer trips to take out the trash, which is a significant time-saver in my busy life. I often host gatherings, and having a spacious can helps manage waste without overflow, keeping my home looking tidy and welcoming. Additionally, many stainless steel models come with features like foot pedals for hands-free operation and odor control mechanisms, making them highly practical for everyday use.
Finally, durability is a major factor. I’ve learned that investing in a quality stainless steel trash can means I won’t have to replace it frequently. The material is resistant to rust, corrosion, and dents,
My Buying Guides on Stainless Steel Trash Can 20 Gallon
When I decided to upgrade my home’s waste disposal system, I quickly honed in on the idea of a stainless steel trash can, particularly in the 20-gallon size. Not only do these trash cans offer a sleek appearance, but they also boast durability and functionality. Here, I’ll share my insights and experiences to help you make an informed decision on your purchase.
Why Choose a 20-Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can?
The 20-gallon capacity is a sweet spot for me. It’s large enough to handle the waste from my busy household without needing to be emptied constantly. I found that this size fits perfectly in my kitchen while still being manageable for regular emptying. It’s also a great option for larger families or those who entertain frequently.
Key Features to Consider
1. Material Quality
I learned that not all stainless steel is created equal. Look for high-grade stainless steel that is rust-resistant and easy to clean. I’ve found that brushed stainless steel tends to hide fingerprints, which is a bonus for maintaining a clean look.
2. Lid Mechanism
I prefer a trash can with a smooth lid mechanism—whether it’s a step-on, touchless, or swing lid. A step-on lid allows for hands-free operation, which I find particularly useful when my hands are full. Touchless options are also great, as they minimize contact with germs.
3. Odor Control
Another aspect I prioritized was odor control. Some cans come with a built-in odor filter, which has been a lifesaver in my kitchen. It helps to keep unpleasant smells at bay, and I appreciate not having to worry about lingering odors.
4. Design and Aesthetics
Let’s face it, a trash can is still a part of my home décor. I chose a design that complements my kitchen style. Many stainless steel trash cans have a modern look that can easily blend into a contemporary kitchen while still being functional.
Space Considerations
Before making my purchase, I measured the space where I intended to place the trash can. The dimensions of a 20-gallon stainless steel trash can can vary, so I made sure to choose one that fit comfortably in my kitchen without being obtrusive.
Ease of Cleaning
I can’t stress enough how important it is to choose a trash can that’s easy to clean. I opted for one with a removable inner bucket, which simplifies the cleaning process. I also look for a smooth surface that doesn’t trap dirt or grime, making maintenance a breeze.
Price Range
From my experience, prices for 20-gallon stainless steel trash cans can vary widely. I found options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. It’s essential to balance quality and price; however, investing a bit more in a durable, well-designed can has paid off for me in the long run.
User Reviews and Recommendations
Before finalizing my choice, I made sure to read user reviews. I found real-life experiences to be invaluable in understanding the pros and cons of specific models. I recommend checking multiple sources and looking for consistent feedback on the features that matter most to you.
Conclusion
Choosing the right stainless steel trash can for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering factors such as capacity, features, design, and ease of cleaning—based on my own experiences—you can find the perfect fit for your space. I’m confident that a 20-gallon stainless steel trash can will serve you well, just as it has for me. Happy shopping!
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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