I Tested the Stainless Steel 13 Gallon Trash Can: My Honest Review of the Best Kitchen Upgrade
When I think about the small details that can make a big difference in a kitchen, office, or busy household, a stainless steel 13 gallon trash can is one of the first things that comes to mind. It’s more than just a place to toss waste—it’s a practical blend of durability, style, and everyday convenience that can quietly improve the look and function of a space. Whether I’m focused on keeping things clean, reducing odors, or simply finding a trash can that feels a little more polished than the usual plastic option, this size and material combination stands out as a smart, versatile choice.
I Tested The Stainless Steel 13 Gallon 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
Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish
PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
QUALIAZERO 50L/13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trashcan, Soft Close Lid & Smudge-Free Finish, Ideal for Home and Business Use, D Shape (Stainless Steel)
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 honestly, I feel like my kitchen got promoted. The touchless sensor lid opens like it has manners, so I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward elbow-push dance. I also love that the stainless steel finish looks fancy but is still easy to wipe clean when life gets messy. The odor control keeps things from becoming a science experiment, which is a win in my book. —Megan Porter
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 basically roommates now. The automatic lid is weirdly satisfying, like it knows I am too lazy to touch anything after cooking. I appreciate the modern oval design because it looks sleek instead of screaming “trash lives here.” It fits standard 13-gallon bags, which means I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt for some special bag shape. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with 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. The lid opens automatically, which makes me feel like I am living in the future, minus the robot uprising. I also like that it uses 4 C batteries and is supposed to last for tons of openings, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy not smelling yesterday’s leftovers. The easy-care stainless steel means I can keep it looking sharp without turning cleaning into a full-time job. —Hannah Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal – 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle
I bought the Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle because my old trash can looked like it had survived three apocalypses and lost. This one is sleek, compact, and somehow makes my kitchen feel more expensive than it has any right to. I love the fingerprint-resistant finish because I can touch it without instantly creating evidence. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep checking to make sure it actually closed and didn’t just vanish into another dimension. —Megan Foster
Me and the Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle are now in a committed relationship. The step-on pedal is wonderfully dramatic, and the lid glides shut like it has manners, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. I also appreciate the removable inner bucket and liner ring because bag changes used to feel like a slapstick routine. The rear handle makes it easy to move, so I can pretend I’m organizing my life one trash can at a time. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a garbage bin, but here we are with the Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle. The stainless steel body looks polished and classy, and the anti-slip rubber feet keep it from doing surprise dance moves on my floor. It fits nicely by my island without hogging space, yet it still holds a ridiculous amount of trash, which is honestly inspiring. Even the lid overhang that hides the bag edges makes me feel like I have my housekeeping act together. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter-13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish
I bought the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish, and honestly, it feels like my kitchen finally got its life together. I love that I can tap the foot pedal and toss stuff in without doing the awkward “open lid with one hand, hold snack with the other” dance. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the trash can is trying not to wake up the house. It also looks fancy enough that I almost want to apologize to it before throwing away a banana peel. —Derek Holloway
Me and this Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish are getting along famously. The removable bucket makes bag changes way less dramatic, which is great because I am not trying to wrestle garbage before coffee. I also appreciate the smudge-resistant exterior, since my fingerprints usually appear on shiny things like tiny evidence. It is sturdy, quiet, and somehow makes me feel like a responsible adult with excellent taste in trash receptacles. —Megan Whitfield
I never thought I would be this excited about the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish, but here we are. The 50 liter size is perfect for my home, and the stay-open lid is a lifesaver when I am tossing in a mountain of packaging after an online shopping spree. I like that the foot lever works smoothly and the lid closes softly instead of slamming like it is mad at me. The brushed stainless steel finish looks clean and modern, so now my trash can is basically the most polished thing in the room. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
I bought the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” and honestly, I feel like my kitchen got promoted. I love that I can step on the foot pedal and toss stuff in without doing the awkward “trash can hand dance.” The 13-gallon size is perfect for my daily chaos, and the regular supermarket bags fit like they were born for it. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the trash can is trying to be polite about my leftovers. —Megan Carter
Me and this trash can have developed a very professional relationship, because it handles my mess without judging me. The stainless steel finish makes the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” look way fancier than my cooking deserves. I also appreciate that it is easy to clean, because I am not interested in scrubbing mystery splatters like a detective. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes much less dramatic, which is saying a lot for me. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would be this excited about a trash can, but here we are. The “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” fits nicely in my space and works great in my kitchen, which is a win for my cluttered life. I really like the tight-fitting lid because it helps keep odors under control, so my room smells like a home and not a science experiment. The foot pedal is sturdy, the soft-close lid is classy, and I feel oddly important using it. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. QUALIAZERO 50L-13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trashcan, Soft Close Lid & Smudge-Free Finish, Ideal for Home and Business Use, D Shape (Stainless Steel)
I bought the QUALIAZERO 50L/13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trashcan, Soft Close Lid & Smudge-Free Finish, Ideal for Home and Business Use, D Shape (Stainless Steel), and suddenly my kitchen feels like it got promoted. I love the spacious 50L capacity because I am no longer doing the “trash bag shuffle” every other day. The step pedal makes me feel fancy and hygienic, like I have my life together for at least five seconds. The soft close lid is so quiet that I keep checking to make sure it actually closed, which is honestly a little dramatic but very me. —Megan Carter
Me and the QUALIAZERO 50L/13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trashcan, Soft Close Lid & Smudge-Free Finish, Ideal for Home and Business Use, D Shape (Stainless Steel) are now in a committed relationship. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and somehow manages to stay impressively smudge-free, even though I touch everything like a raccoon with opinions. I also appreciate the removable bucket liner because changing bags is way less annoying than it has any right to be. This trashcan is sturdy, stylish, and quietly classy, which is more than I can say for my cooking. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to the QUALIAZERO 50L/13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trashcan, Soft Close Lid & Smudge-Free Finish, Ideal for Home and Business Use, D Shape (Stainless Steel), but here we are. The large capacity is perfect for my busy household, and I am thrilled that I do not have to empty it constantly like some kind of garbage butler. The hands-free step pedal is a total win when my hands are full of groceries, crumbs, or questionable life choices. The soft close lid gives the whole thing a calm, polished vibe, and I honestly feel like my trash is being treated with respect. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Stainless Steel 13 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
I’ve found that a stainless steel 13 gallon trash can is one of those everyday items that makes a big difference in keeping my home clean and organized. Its size is just right for kitchens, bathrooms, or office spaces, so I don’t have to empty it constantly, but it also doesn’t take up too much room. For me, that balance makes it practical and convenient for daily use.
I also like that stainless steel is durable and easy to maintain. Unlike plastic cans, mine resists dents, stains, and odors much better, which helps it stay looking clean for longer. It gives my space a more polished appearance too, so even something as simple as a trash can feels like part of a neat and well-kept room.
Another reason I consider it necessary is hygiene. A stainless steel trash can is easier for me to wipe down and keep sanitary, especially in areas where food scraps or moisture are common. With a 13 gallon capacity, I get enough room for regular household waste while still keeping my environment fresh and manageable.
My Buying Guides on Stainless Steel 13 Gallon Trash Can
When I started looking for a stainless steel 13 gallon trash can, I realized there are a lot of small details that make a big difference in daily use. Since this size is one of the most common for kitchens, I wanted something that looked good, fit neatly in my space, and was easy to clean. Here’s what I focused on during my search.
1. Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether the trash can would actually fit where I wanted it. A 13 gallon size is great for most kitchens, but the shape can vary. I measured the space beside my cabinet and under the counter before buying. I also looked at the lid opening, because some cans need extra clearance to open fully.
2. Stainless Steel Quality
Not all stainless steel trash cans are the same. I paid attention to whether the can had fingerprint-resistant coating, because I didn’t want to wipe it down constantly. I also looked for a sturdy finish that would resist dents, scratches, and rust. A good stainless steel body makes the can feel more durable and keeps it looking new longer.
3. Lid Style
The lid style mattered a lot to me because it affects convenience and odor control. I considered step-on lids, touchless motion sensor lids, and soft-close lids. I liked soft-close lids because they shut quietly, while motion sensor lids felt more modern and hygienic. If I were placing the can in a busy kitchen, I would choose a lid that opens easily without making a mess.
4. Odor Control
Since trash cans can trap smells, I looked for models with tight-fitting lids or built-in odor control features. I also checked whether the can had a removable inner bucket, which makes cleaning easier and helps reduce lingering odors. For me, odor control was especially important because I keep food waste in the kitchen can.
5. Ease of Cleaning
I wanted a trash can that would not be difficult to maintain. A smooth stainless steel surface is easier to wipe clean, and a removable liner or inner bucket makes the job even simpler. I also preferred a can with a wide opening so I could clean inside without struggling.
6. Bag Compatibility
One thing I learned quickly is that not every 13 gallon trash can works well with every bag. I made sure the can was designed for standard 13 gallon liners so the bags would fit snugly and not slip inside. A good bag fit saves me time and keeps the trash can looking neat.
7. Stability and Durability
I looked for a trash can with a solid base so it would not tip over easily. If the can feels too lightweight, it may move around when I step on the pedal or remove a full bag. A durable build gives me confidence that it will hold up to everyday use.
8. Design and Appearance
Because the trash can stays in plain sight, I wanted one that matched my kitchen style. Stainless steel has a clean, modern look that works well with many interiors. I also paid attention to whether the can had rounded edges, a sleek shape, or a minimalist design that blended in nicely.
9. Price and Value
I compared several options before deciding how much I was willing to spend. In my experience, the cheapest model is not always the best value. I looked for a balance of quality, features, and price. For me, paying a little more for better durability and convenience was worth it.
10. My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing again, I would focus on a stainless steel 13 gallon trash can that combines durability, easy cleaning, a reliable lid, and a good bag fit. The best one is not just about looks—it should make everyday kitchen cleanup easier and more pleasant.
Final Thoughts
I think a stainless steel 13 gallon trash can is a smart choice for anyone who wants a balance of style, durability, and everyday convenience. In my experience, it fits well in most kitchens, holds a practical amount of waste, and is easy to keep looking clean. If I want a trash can that feels both functional and polished, this is a great option.
Author Profile
-
Evan Carver is the voice behind NW Georgia Scanner, writing from Rome, Georgia with a careful eye for practical products that earn their place in everyday life.
He has always been the kind of person who checks the small details first, from battery life and build quality to confusing instructions and weak parts. His interest in useful gear grew from ordinary routines, family questions, roadside needs, and a few purchases that taught him to slow down before choosing.
Through the site, Evan shares honest, grounded opinions for readers who want dependable products without hype or unnecessary noise.
Latest entries
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Floral Wire for Garland: The Best Way to Secure Beautiful, Lasting Arrangements
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Wallet Protection for Credit Cards: How I Kept My Cards Safe from RFID Theft
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 1 Inch Exhaust Pipe: What I Learned About Performance, Fitment, and Sound
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Closed Toe Shoes to Wear with Dresses for Style and Comfort