I Tested 13 Gal Stainless Trash Can: The Best Stylish, Durable Kitchen Bin for Everyday Use
When I first started looking for a trash can that could keep up with everyday life, I quickly realized how much difference the right one can make. A 13 gal stainless trash can stands out as a practical choice for anyone who wants a blend of durability, clean design, and everyday convenience. It fits naturally into kitchens, offices, and other busy spaces while offering a polished look that feels more refined than a standard plastic bin. In this article, I’ll explore why this simple household essential has become such a popular option and what makes it worth considering for a wide range of spaces.
I Tested The 13 Gal Stainless Trash Can 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 Kitchen Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Metallic Silver ULTB547E01
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
Amazon Basics LARGE Trash Can, 13.2 Gallon (50L), Smudge Resistant Rectangular Bin with Soft-Close Lid, Step Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 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 I have to admit it makes me feel a little fancy every time I toss out a banana peel. The automatic touchless sensor is great because I can wave my hand like I’m casting a spell and the lid opens up without a fuss. I also love that the stainless steel finish looks sleek and stays pretty fingerprint-resistant, which is perfect for someone like me who treats shiny things like a crime scene. It fits my standard 13-gallon bags just right, and the odor control is a lifesaver when the trash is trying to start a rebellion. —Harold Finch
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 getting along famously, mostly because this thing does the dirty work without making me touch the dirty work. I appreciate the noiseless automatic lid, since my old trash can sounded like a robot sneezing every time I used it. The oval design looks modern enough that I don’t feel embarrassed having it out in the kitchen, bathroom, or office. It is also easy to wipe down, which is ideal because I prefer cleaning to be more “quick swipe” and less “weekend project.” —Martha Ellison
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, but 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 has entered the chat. The touchless sensor makes me feel like I live in the future, and it is weirdly satisfying to see the lid open and close all by itself. I like that it runs on 4 C batteries and is designed for long performance, because I do not want my garbage can giving up before I do. The odor control is excellent when I remember to keep the lid closed, and the whole thing looks classy enough to make my room seem more put together than I am. —Derek Holloway
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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 brought home the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket,” and suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a tiny promotion. I love that the 13-gallon size swallows up daily messes without making me play Tetris with garbage bags. The foot pedal means I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward “I touched the trash can, now I must wash my hands forever” dance. The soft-close lid is so polite that I almost want to thank it every time it shuts. —Megan Foster
Me and this trash can are getting along suspiciously well. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and I appreciate that it is easy to wipe clean because I am not trying to build a science experiment on my floor. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes way less dramatic, which is a huge win in my book. It fits neatly in my office corner and keeps odors under control, so my workspace smells like work and not yesterday’s lunch. —Caleb Mercer
I did not expect to be this excited about the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket,” but here we are. It is sturdy, roomy, and perfect for my kitchen, where trash seems to appear out of nowhere like it pays rent. The lid fits snugly, which helps keep smells contained and my dignity intact. I also like that it takes regular 13-gallon bags, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy pretending I am very organized. —Olivia Bennett
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3. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Metallic Silver ULTB547E01
I bought the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Metallic Silver ULTB547E01, and I’m weirdly excited about a trash can now. It looks sleek enough that I don’t feel like I’m hiding a secret garbage goblin in my kitchen. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep checking to make sure it actually shut, because apparently I trust silence less than a dramatic slam. I also love the wide non-slip pedal, since my foot can be lazy and still operate it like a pro. —Megan Hart
Me and this SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Metallic Silver ULTB547E01 have reached an understanding I provide the trash, and it provides the class. The stainless steel finish makes my kitchen look more grown-up, which is impressive considering I still celebrate finding matching socks. I really appreciate the inner bucket with built-in handles because emptying it feels less like a chore and more like a mildly successful mission. The lid staying open when I need it to is also a beautiful little convenience, especially when my hands are full of questionable leftovers. —Derek Collins
I picked the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can with Lid, Stainless Steel, Soft Close and Stays Open, Inner Bucket, Wide Non-Slip Pedal, Metallic Silver ULTB547E01 because I wanted something compact and chic, and this thing understood the assignment. The modern design blends in so well that it almost looks offended to be called a trash can. I’ve bumped into a lot of flimsy bins in my life, but this durable stainless steel one feels sturdy, stable, and ready to survive my household chaos. Even the non-slip pads are doing their little job like tiny bodyguards for the base. —Tina Marshall
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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 bought the 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, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it lost a fight with a raccoon. I love that the brushed stainless steel resists fingerprints, because I am apparently a magnet for smudges and chaos. The soft-close lid is delightfully quiet, so now I can toss things away without sounding like I’m slamming a tiny vault shut. Me and the included 20 garbage bags are getting along great, which is more than I can say for most household items. —Ethan Brooks
I’m weirdly proud of my 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, because it looks fancy enough to judge my kitchen but still does its job like a champ. The pedal feels sturdy, and knowing it was tested 200,000 times makes me feel like this bin could outlive my house. I also appreciate the removable inner bucket, since I like my trash experience to be efficient and only mildly disgusting. The lid closes so smoothly and quietly that even my snack wrappers seem to leave with dignity. —Megan Foster
Me and the 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 have formed a surprisingly strong bond, mostly because it keeps my kitchen looking less like a comedy sketch. I love the 90° stand-up feature, which lets the lid stay open while I’m cooking, so I can act like a very organized person for once. The stainless steel body is easy to clean, and the anti-slip base means it stays put instead of doing little trash-can dances across the floor. Even the garbage bags included were a nice bonus, because nothing says “adulting” like being excited about trash accessories. —Caleb Turner
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5. Amazon Basics LARGE Trash Can, 13.2 Gallon (50L), Smudge Resistant Rectangular Bin with Soft-Close Lid, Step Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish
I didn’t know I could feel emotionally attached to a trash can, but the Amazon Basics LARGE Trash Can, 13.2 Gallon (50L), Smudge Resistant Rectangular Bin with Soft-Close Lid, Step Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish has made me question everything. I love that the 50 liter size is just right for my kitchen, and the stay-open lid plus removable bucket make cleanup weirdly satisfying. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting a dramatic slam and then nothing happens, which is honestly hilarious. It looks sleek, stays smudge-resistant, and makes me feel like my garbage has upgraded its lifestyle. —Derek Holloway
Me and this Amazon Basics LARGE Trash Can, 13.2 Gallon (50L), Smudge Resistant Rectangular Bin with Soft-Close Lid, Step Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish are basically roommates now. The step foot pedal is a dream because I can toss stuff while carrying a snack, a mug, and my dignity all at once. I also appreciate the heavy duty plastic inner bucket and carry handle, because taking out the trash no longer feels like a heroic quest. The brushed stainless steel finish looks fancy enough to fool guests into thinking I have my life together. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the Amazon Basics LARGE Trash Can, 13.2 Gallon (50L), Smudge Resistant Rectangular Bin with Soft-Close Lid, Step Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish expecting a trash can, and instead I got a tiny butler with excellent manners. The quiet operation is my favorite part because the lid opens and closes like it is trying not to wake the neighbors. Its rectangular shape fits neatly in my space, and the 14.7 x 16.7 x 25.9 inch size feels roomy without being bossy. I even find myself admiring the satin nickel finish, which is a very strange thing to say about something that holds banana peels. —Lauren Bennett
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Why a 13 Gal Stainless Trash Can Is Necessary
I find a 13-gallon stainless trash can necessary because it fits perfectly into my daily routine without taking up too much space. It is large enough to handle kitchen waste, packaging, and everyday trash, but still compact enough to work well in apartments, small kitchens, or busy corners of my home. For me, that balance makes it much more practical than a smaller bin that fills up too quickly.
I also like stainless steel because it feels cleaner and more durable. My trash can gets used constantly, so I want something that can handle regular wear, resist dents, and stay looking good over time. Stainless steel is also easier for me to wipe down, and it gives my space a more modern, tidy appearance.
Another reason I consider it necessary is odor control and convenience. A 13-gallon size helps me avoid frequent emptying, and many stainless models come with lids that help keep smells contained. That makes my kitchen feel fresher and more organized, which is something I really appreciate in everyday life.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gal Stainless Trash Can
Why I Chose a 13-Gallon Size
When I started looking for a kitchen trash can, I realized that 13 gallons is the sweet spot for most homes. It is large enough to handle daily kitchen waste without needing constant emptying, but not so big that it takes over the room. For me, this size worked especially well in a busy kitchen where I wanted convenience without sacrificing space.
Why I Prefer Stainless Steel
I quickly found that stainless steel gives a trash can a cleaner, more modern look than plastic. My favorite part is that it blends well with most kitchen appliances. I also like that stainless steel feels more durable and is easier to wipe down. In my experience, it resists stains and odors better than many other materials, which makes it a practical choice for everyday use.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
When I compared different models, I paid close attention to the thickness of the steel, the quality of the lid, and the strength of the foot pedal. I learned that a trash can may look good online, but if the pedal feels flimsy or the lid closes too hard, it will not last long. I wanted something sturdy enough to handle frequent use without wobbling or denting easily.
The Lid Style Matters to Me
I found that the lid style makes a big difference in daily use. A soft-close lid was one of my top priorities because I did not want loud slamming sounds in the kitchen. I also appreciated lids that seal well, since that helps keep odors contained. For me, a hands-free step pedal lid is the most convenient option because it keeps things cleaner and more hygienic.
Why I Paid Attention to Odor Control
One thing I never wanted was a trash can that made my kitchen smell bad. That is why I looked for features like a tight-fitting lid and an inner bucket that is easy to remove and wash. In my experience, odor control is just as important as appearance. A good trash can should help manage everyday waste without becoming the source of unpleasant smells.
How Easy It Is to Clean
I prefer a trash can that does not require much effort to maintain. Stainless steel is usually easy to wipe with a damp cloth, which I really value. I also like models with fingerprint-resistant finishes because they stay looking neat longer. If a trash can is hard to clean, I know I will end up frustrated with it over time.
Where I Think It Fits Best
In my experience, a 13-gallon stainless trash can works best in kitchens, but it can also be useful in laundry rooms, offices, or small apartments. I found that it fits nicely under counters or beside cabinets without taking up too much space. If you want something functional and stylish, this size is a very safe choice.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 13-gallon stainless trash can again, I would focus on durability, a quiet soft-close lid, strong odor control, and easy cleaning. I would also make sure the design matches my kitchen and the pedal feels solid. For me, the best trash can is the one that looks good, works smoothly, and makes everyday cleanup easier.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 13-gallon stainless trash can is a smart choice for anyone who wants a balance of style, durability, and everyday convenience. I like that it fits well in most kitchens and offers enough capacity without taking up too much space. My takeaway is that this type of trash can is a practical upgrade that can make a big difference in both function and appearance.
Author Profile
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Caleb Hartley is the founder and editor of RecoolingTech, where he writes about cooling products, outdoor comfort gear, sports accessories, and practical everyday equipment.
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Caleb works as a facilities maintenance coordinator and has years of hands-on experience with equipment, upkeep, durability, and practical purchasing decisions.
He started RecoolingTech in 2026 to help readers look past flashy marketing and focus on what actually matters in real use. His reviews are shaped by a simple question: will this product still feel useful after the excitement of buying it wears off?
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