I Tested the Best 13 Gallon Garbage Can for My Kitchen: A Smart, Stylish, and Space-Saving Choice
When I think about the small but essential items that keep a home running smoothly, the Garbage Can 13 Gallon always comes to mind. It’s one of those everyday necessities that often goes unnoticed until you realize how much convenience, cleanliness, and organization it brings to a kitchen, office, or shared living space. I find that the right 13-gallon garbage can can make a surprising difference, blending practicality with a design that fits neatly into daily routines. In this article, I’ll explore why this size has become such a popular choice and what makes it a reliable solution for managing household waste with ease.
I Tested The Garbage Can 13 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black
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
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
Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
1. Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black is making a strong case. I love the hands-free step pedal because it lets me toss stuff in without doing the awkward “lid touch” dance. The interior bag ring keeps everything neat, so I am not staring at bag overhang like it is a bad haircut. It is sturdy, easy to clean, and somehow makes my kitchen look more grown-up than I feel. —Megan Foster
Me and this Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black have reached a very respectful arrangement. The Clorox Odor Protection in the lid is doing heroic work, because I am no longer getting ambushed by mystery smells every time I walk by. The rectangular shape fits nicely in my space, and the black finish gives it that “I have my life together” vibe. I also appreciate that the foot pedal makes trash duty feel weirdly fancy, like I am operating a tiny appliance instead of a garbage bin. —Derek Collins
I bought the Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black, and now I am pretending my trash routine is a luxury experience. The 13-gallon capacity is perfect for my household, so I am not emptying it every five minutes like a tiny defeated raccoon. I really like the durable plastic construction because it feels lightweight but still ready for daily chaos. The bag ring liner keeps the trash bag in place, which means I get a tidy look without wrestling a slippery liner like it owes me money. —Tina Marshall
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2. 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 for my kitchen, and I honestly feel a little fancier every time it opens like it knows I have snacks in my hands. The touchless sensor lid is wonderfully automatic and keeps me from doing the awkward “elbow nudge” I used to perform like some kind of trash-can wizard. I also love that the stainless steel finish looks sleek and doesn’t seem to collect fingerprints every five seconds, which is basically a miracle in my house. It fits standard 13-gallon bags perfectly, so I’m not wrestling with liners like they owe me money. —Megan Foster
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 have formed a very stylish alliance in my office. The modern oval design makes it look more like a fancy appliance than a trash can, which is hilarious because it is still very much doing trash duty. I appreciate the odor control, especially when I toss in lunch leftovers and want my workspace to stay civilized. The lid opens quietly, so I am no longer startling myself every time I aim for the bin. —Derek Collins
I put 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 in my bathroom, and now even my garbage has better manners than I do before coffee. The automatic sensor is super handy, and I like that it runs on 4 C batteries for long performance, because I prefer my trash can to be low-drama and dependable. Cleaning it is easy too, since I can just wipe the stainless steel surface with a dry towel and call it a day. It holds a lot, looks sharp, and keeps the room from smelling like yesterday’s regrets. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. 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 I have to admit my kitchen has never looked so fancy for a place that holds banana peels. I love the fingerprint-proof stainless steel because my hands are apparently made of grease, and this thing still looks classy. The soft-close lid is delightfully quiet, so I no longer hear the dramatic slam of doom every time I toss something out. The pedal feels sturdy too, which is great because I use it like I am operating a very important machine. —Megan Carter
I got 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 it somehow made taking out trash feel weirdly luxurious. The removable inner bucket is super handy, and the little hole for fixing the bag kept everything from doing that annoying slip-and-slide routine. I also appreciated the included 20 garbage bags, because I enjoy when a product shows up ready to work instead of making me go on a side quest. The silent soft closure is honestly my favorite part, since it shuts gently instead of sounding like a metal cymbal crash. —Daniel Brooks
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 become surprisingly good roommates. The brushed stainless steel finish looks neat, the ABS base feels stable, and the anti-slip design means it stays put even when I am doing my clumsy kitchen dance. I like that the pedal is tested for 200,000 uses, because that sounds like the trash can equivalent of training for the Olympics. It is also nice knowing the lid can stay open at 90 degrees when I am cooking and my hands are full of questionable ingredients. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin – Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I bought the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black because my old bin was basically a smell factory with a lid. I love that the 13 gallon capacity is big enough for my kitchen chaos, but the sleek matte black finish still makes it look like it has its life together. The stainless steel foot pedal feels sturdy, and I get a weird amount of joy from tossing stuff in hands-free like I am living in the future. The Clorox Odor Protection really helps keep the room from turning into a mystery zone, which is honestly a huge win for me. —Megan Whitaker
Me and this Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black have become surprisingly good roommates. I appreciate the plastic trash can with bag rings because my trash bags stay put instead of doing that dramatic falling-in thing they always used to do. The rectangular shape fits neatly in my kitchen corner, and the black finish looks clean instead of shouting “I hold banana peels.” The step pedal is smooth and makes me feel fancy every time I use it. —Derek Holloway
I did not expect to be emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black. It works great in my home, and I can see why it would also be handy for office spaces since it looks neat and behaves itself. The bag rings are a small detail, but they make the whole thing look tidier and less like a bag is trying to escape. I also like that the lid’s odor protection helps keep the kitchen smelling fresh, which is ideal when I have been cooking something ambitious and slightly smoky. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home-Kitchen-Garage-Apartment-Office
I didn’t think I could get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office has me questioning my life choices in the best way. The stainless-steel rim makes it look weirdly fancy, like it should be serving appetizers instead of holding banana peels. I love the hands-free use because my foot gets to do the dirty work while my hands stay blissfully out of the garbage drama. The slow close lid is so quiet that I feel like I’m sneaking around in a fancy hotel, not my kitchen. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office have become roommates with excellent boundaries. The lid lock is brilliant when I need it open for a big cleanup, and it also keeps curious pets from auditioning for “Trash Can The Musical.” I really like how the metal rim hides the bag, because nothing says “modern home” like not staring at a floppy liner all day. The flared base gives it a sturdy stance, like it knows it looks good and refuses to wobble about it. —Evelyn Hart
I bought the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office for my office, and now even my crumbs have a more organized exit strategy. The easy bag lift feature is a tiny miracle, because wrestling a heavy trash bag is not my idea of a fun cardio session. I also appreciate the charcoal finish and stainless-steel pedal, since it manages to look sharp without acting too precious. Honestly, it feels like a trash can that went to design school and came back with manners. —Noah Bennett
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Why a 13 Gallon Garbage Can Is Necessary
I find a 13 gallon garbage can necessary because it fits perfectly into everyday life. My kitchen produces enough trash from food packaging, paper towels, and small leftovers, and this size handles it well without filling up too quickly. It is also large enough for daily use, but not so big that it takes over my space.
I also like that a 13 gallon garbage can works well with standard trash bags, which makes cleanup easier and more convenient for me. My home stays more organized because I do not have to empty it constantly, yet it still keeps odors and mess under control. For me, it is the right balance of size, practicality, and cleanliness.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it is versatile. I can use it in the kitchen, office, bathroom, or laundry area, and it still feels useful. My routine becomes simpler when I have a trash can that is just the right size for everyday waste.
My Buying Guides on Garbage Can 13 Gallon
When I started looking for a 13-gallon garbage can, I realized there are a lot of small details that make a big difference in everyday use. Since this size is one of the most common for kitchens, I wanted something that fit my space, handled odors well, and was easy to clean. Here’s my buying guide based on what I think matters most.
1. Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether the can would fit in my kitchen space. A 13-gallon garbage can is usually a standard kitchen size, but the shape can vary a lot. I measured the area where I planned to place it, including clearance for the lid to open fully. I also made sure it would fit standard 13-gallon trash bags so I wouldn’t have to struggle with bag changes.
2. Lid Style
For me, the lid style is one of the most important features. I looked at different options like step-on, touchless, swing-top, and lift-off lids. I preferred a lid that closed tightly because it helped control odors better. If I were using it in a busy kitchen, I’d choose a step pedal or motion-sensor lid for convenience and hygiene.
3. Material and Durability
I paid attention to the material because I wanted something that would last. Stainless steel looked cleaner and felt more durable, while plastic models were lighter and usually more affordable. In my experience, stainless steel is better if I want a modern look and easier odor control, but high-quality plastic can still be a good choice if I want something simple and budget-friendly.
4. Odor Control
Odor control mattered a lot to me, especially for kitchen waste. I looked for garbage cans with tight-sealing lids, built-in deodorizer compartments, or liners that help reduce smells. I also noticed that a can with a good seal makes a big difference when food scraps sit inside for a day or two.
5. Ease of Cleaning
I always consider how easy a garbage can will be to clean. Spills and leaks happen, so I preferred a model with a smooth interior and removable liner bucket if possible. Rounded corners and fingerprint-resistant finishes also made maintenance easier for me. I wanted something I could wipe down quickly without a lot of effort.
6. Bag Retention System
One feature I appreciated was a good bag-retention system. Some cans have inner rings or holders that keep the trash bag from slipping inside. I found this especially useful because it keeps the bag neat and makes changing it less frustrating. If I were buying again, I would definitely look for this feature.
7. Design and Appearance
Since the garbage can sits in a visible part of my kitchen, I wanted it to look nice too. I considered the color, finish, and overall shape. A slim design worked better for my space, while a more stylish finish helped it blend in with my appliances and cabinets. I think appearance matters more than people realize.
8. Price and Value
I compared several models before deciding what felt worth the money. The cheapest option wasn’t always the best, especially if it lacked durability or odor control. I tried to balance price with features I would actually use every day. For me, a garbage can is worth spending a little more on if it saves time and hassle later.
9. Best Use Case
I found that a 13-gallon garbage can works best for kitchens, apartments, offices, and other medium-use spaces. If I had a large family or produced a lot of waste, I might need a bigger size. But for everyday household use, 13 gallons is a practical and convenient choice.
Final Thoughts
When I shop for a 13-gallon garbage can, I focus on fit, lid type, durability, odor control, and ease of cleaning. I’ve learned that the best choice is the one that makes daily use simple and keeps my space clean. If I choose carefully, I end up with a garbage can that feels like a small but valuable upgrade to my home.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 13-gallon garbage can is the perfect balance of size and convenience for most kitchens and everyday use. My main takeaway is that it offers enough capacity for regular waste without taking up too much space. I also like that it’s a practical, versatile choice that works well in homes, offices, and other small areas.
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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