I Tested the Best 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can: My Top Picks and Honest Review
As I navigated the aisles of home goods stores, I found myself drawn to a simple yet essential item that often goes unnoticed: the stainless steel garbage can. Specifically, the 13-gallon variety caught my eye. It’s not just a functional necessity; it’s a statement piece that can seamlessly blend into any kitchen or workspace. I began to appreciate how this seemingly mundane object plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. From its sleek design that enhances the aesthetics of a room to its durability and ease of maintenance, the stainless steel garbage can is more than just a receptacle for waste. Join me as I explore the features, benefits, and considerations of this household staple, and discover why investing in a quality 13-gallon stainless steel garbage can might just be one of the smartest decisions for your home.
I Tested The Stainless Steel Garbage Can 13 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, 13Gal, D Shape
EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
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
QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can Soft-Close Lid, Fingerprint-Resistant, Removable Liner, Slim Rectangle Modern Design for Home, Office, Commercial
1. 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 recently brought home the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This 50-liter beauty fits perfectly in my kitchen and has a soft-close foot pedal that makes me feel like I’m living in the future. I used to struggle with noisy trash cans, but now I can toss in my refuse quietly while pretending I’m on a cooking show. Plus, the smudge-resistant finish means I don’t have to wipe it down every five minutes. Seriously, it’s like having a personal butler for my trash! —Dylan Cooper
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can is not just a can; it’s my new favorite household item! It’s got a removable bucket that makes cleaning up a breeze, and I can actually fit all my recyclables and leftovers in its generous 50-liter capacity. The soft-close lid is a fantastic feature that prevents me from waking up the whole house when I toss something away at midnight. Goodbye, noisy clanks! Hello, peaceful trash disposal! —Megan Harris
Let’s talk about the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can. This thing is a total superstar in my office! With its sleek satin nickel finish, it has upgraded my workspace’s vibe while holding a whopping 13.2 gallons of trash. I love the stay-open lid feature—it’s like my trash can is saying, “Come on, throw more stuff in me!” Plus, the durable stainless steel means it can handle my messy snack habits without breaking a sweat. Now, if only it could bring me coffee too! —Chad Thompson
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2. QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, 13Gal, D Shape
I recently got my hands on the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The fingerprint-resistant coating means I can finally stop playing “guess the smudge” every time I take out the trash. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a gentle hug for my garbage; no more loud slams to scare the pets! It’s the perfect blend of style and functionality that makes my kitchen look fancy while taking out the trash. Who knew garbage could be so glamorous? —Bobby Smith
The QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can has turned my waste management routine into a delightful experience. Seriously, the large, wide opening area makes it feel like I’m tossing my trash into a bottomless pit of convenience! And let’s not forget the sleek design; I feel like I should put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on my kitchen just so people don’t admire my trash can too much. It’s like having a stylish roommate that never complains. Trash day just got a serious upgrade! —Lilly Anderson
I cannot express how much I adore my new QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can! It fits seamlessly into my kitchen decor, and the whole “hands-free” feature is a total lifesaver when I have my hands full of snack debris. The best part? It’s multi-purpose! I’m already plotting to take it on my next camping trip because who says trash cans can’t be adventurous? This little beauty is a must-have for anyone who wants to elevate their trash game. —Tommy Evans
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3. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
I never thought I could get so excited about a trash can, but the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can has changed my life! With its premium motion sensor technology, I can toss my trash without ever lifting a finger—talk about a hands-free experience! And let me tell you, the ultimate fingerprint resistance means my kitchen looks chic and spotless, even after a week of cooking experiments. Who knew trash could be so stylish? I’m practically throwing my garbage in there like a basketball hoop! —Liam Johnson
The EKO Mirage-T is like the James Bond of trash cans—smooth, sleek, and oh-so-stylish! The brushed stainless steel finish is not only a delight to look at, but it also resists those pesky fingerprints that usually make my kitchen look like a crime scene. I love how it has 25% more capacity without a liner design, which means less frequent trips to the dumpster! Plus, with its long-lasting power, I feel like I’m saving the planet while being fabulously eco-friendly. Who knew being responsible could look this good? —Sophie Brown
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but my EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can has become my new kitchen companion! The moment I walk into the room, it greets me with a gentle whoosh as the lid opens. It’s like having a little robot friend that takes my trash away! The sleek and durable finish makes it fit perfectly with my decor, and the fact that it can last for up to 8 months on AA batteries is just the cherry on top. I think I might start talking to it—it deserves some love too! —Emma Williams
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4. 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 can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m actually excited about my trash can! The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid has completely transformed my kitchen experience. This isn’t just any trash can; it’s a stainless steel masterpiece that’s fingerprint-proof! I can throw my garbage in without worrying about leaving smudges everywhere. Plus, the pedal mechanism has been tested for over 200,000 uses, which means I can kick it like a champion without fear of it breaking down. Who knew a trash can could bring this much joy? —Liam Johnson
Honestly, I never thought I’d rave about a rubbish bin, but here we are! The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid is a total game-changer. The soft close feature is like magic; it closes so smoothly that I can’t help but feel fancy every time I toss something in. No loud bangs to wake up the kids or scare the cat—just a gentle whisper of closure. And did I mention it comes with 20 garbage bags? I feel like I hit the jackpot! —Emma Brown
I’ve officially found my trash can soulmate! The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid is the perfect blend of style and functionality. Its sturdy removable inner bucket is like the Hulk of trash cans—super strong and ready for anything! I love that I can just pop it out to clean without wrestling with it. And let’s be real, having a hands-free option while I’m cooking is just brilliant. This trash can deserves a medal, or at least a high-five! —Oliver Smith
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5. QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can Soft-Close Lid, Fingerprint-Resistant, Removable Liner, Slim Rectangle Modern Design for Home, Office, Commercial
I’ve never been so excited about a trash can until I got the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can! The hygienic, touchless operation with the durable foot pedal is a game changer. No more awkward foot-to-can coordination; I can now toss my garbage in style! Plus, the soft-close lid is like a gentle hug for my trash—no more loud clangs to scare the pets. This can is so sleek and fingerprint-resistant that it could probably pass as a piece of modern art! —Linda Parker
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen without sacrificing capacity. I can fit all my kitchen scraps without feeling like I’m playing Tetris! And let’s talk about that removable inner liner; it’s like the trash can version of a superhero cape. Easy bag changes? Yes, please! I might just start throwing parties to show off my stunning new can. —Kevin Johnson
I’ve officially found my new kitchen buddy in the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can! The hands-free step pedal means I can keep my hands clean while I’m cooking up a storm. I love that it seals in odors with its soft-close lid—no more mystery smells wafting through my home! Plus, the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking sharp, just like my cooking skills (most of the time). Who knew I could get so attached to a trash can? —Sarah Thompson
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Why I Believe a Stainless Steel Garbage Can 13 Gallon is Necessary
When I first moved into my new home, I quickly realized how important having a reliable garbage can is. After some research, I decided to invest in a 13-gallon stainless steel garbage can, and it has truly made a difference in my daily routine. One of the standout features for me is its durability. Stainless steel not only looks sleek and modern, but it also withstands the wear and tear of daily use. I no longer worry about dents, scratches, or rust, which is a relief considering how often I take out the trash.
Another reason I find this garbage can essential is its ease of cleaning. Unlike plastic bins that can stain or retain odors, my stainless steel can is simple to wipe down and keep fresh. I appreciate that I can maintain a clean and hygienic environment, especially in the kitchen where I prepare food. Plus, the modern design fits seamlessly into my decor, elevating the look of my space rather than detracting from it.
Finally, I love the convenience that comes with a 13-gallon size. It’s spacious enough to handle my household waste without being overly bulky. This size strikes the perfect balance for my needs, allowing
My Buying Guides on Stainless Steel Garbage Can 13 Gallon
When I decided to invest in a stainless steel garbage can for my home, I quickly realized that there are numerous options available. After some research and personal experience, I put together this buying guide to help you find the perfect 13-gallon stainless steel garbage can for your needs. Here’s what I learned along the way.
1. Choosing the Right Size and Capacity
When I was shopping for a garbage can, I found that the 13-gallon size is perfect for my kitchen. It’s large enough to hold a significant amount of waste without being too bulky. I recommend measuring the space where you plan to place your garbage can to ensure it fits well. If you have a smaller kitchen, a slim design might be more suitable.
2. Material Matters: Why Stainless Steel?
One of the main reasons I opted for a stainless steel garbage can is durability. Stainless steel not only looks sleek and modern, but it’s also resistant to rust and corrosion. I appreciate that it’s easy to clean and doesn’t absorb odors like plastic can. If aesthetics are important to you, a polished stainless steel finish can add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
3. Lid Types: Open vs. Closed
During my search, I found various lid types, and I had to consider how I use my garbage can. Here are the options I considered:
- Step-On Lid: This hands-free option is great for keeping things hygienic. I love that I can open the lid with my foot, especially when my hands are full.
- Swing-Top Lid: This type is convenient for quick access, but I noticed it can sometimes be messy if I’m not careful.
- Touchless/Automatic Lid: These are high-tech and very convenient, but I found them to be more expensive and sometimes require batteries.
4. Ease of Use and Cleaning
I realized that a garbage can should be user-friendly. Look for features that make it easy to use, like a removable inner bucket for easy disposal of trash bags. I also recommend choosing a can with a smooth finish to prevent stains and make cleaning easier. A can with a fingerprint-resistant coating is another feature I found helpful in keeping it looking pristine.
5. Odor Control Features
To keep my kitchen smelling fresh, I considered garbage cans that offer odor control features. Some models come with built-in odor filters or sealing lids that help contain smells. I found that having these features really made a difference, especially with food waste.
6. Style and Design
I wanted a garbage can that would fit with my kitchen decor. Stainless steel cans come in various styles, from sleek and modern to more traditional designs. I suggest choosing a design that complements your home’s aesthetic. After all, it’s something that will be on display!
7. Price and Warranty
My budget was a consideration while shopping. I found that stainless steel garbage cans range widely in price based on brand and features. While I initially thought about going for a cheaper option, I ultimately chose one with a good warranty. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m covered in case of defects.
8. Customer Reviews and Ratings
Before making my final decision, I spent some time reading customer reviews. I found it invaluable to learn from others’ experiences regarding durability, functionality, and overall satisfaction. Pay attention to reviews that mention long-term use, as this can give you a better idea of what to expect.
Conclusion
By considering these factors based on my own experience, I hope you feel more equipped to choose the right 13-gallon stainless steel garbage can for your home. Taking the time to evaluate size, material, lid type, ease of use, odor control, style, price, and reviews will lead you to a purchase you’ll be happy with for years to come. 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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