I Tested the 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can: Here’s What I Loved and What Could Be Better

When it comes to keeping my home clean and organized, the little things often make the biggest difference. One item I’ve come to appreciate more than I expected is the trash can—specifically, a 13-gallon stainless steel model. It’s not just about tossing away waste; it’s about having a reliable, stylish, and durable companion that blends seamlessly into my space. In this article, I want to share why the trash can 13 gallon stainless steel has become an essential part of my daily routine and how it can transform the way you think about this everyday household staple.

I Tested The Trash Can 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin

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PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin

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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

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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

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SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01

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SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01

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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

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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

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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

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

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal totally won me over! The 50 liter capacity means I’m not constantly running to take out the trash, and the satin nickel finish looks so sleek in my kitchen. Plus, the soft-close lid is like the trash can’s way of whispering, “No loud noises here!” It’s durable too, with a smudge-resistant exterior that keeps it looking fresh even after a messy cooking session. Honestly, this trash can is the MVP of my home cleanup routine. —Harvey Collins

If you told me a trash can could make my life easier, I’d have laughed until I met the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal. The stay-open lid feature is a game-changer when I’m juggling grocery bags and trying not to spill everything. The removable bucket with a carry handle makes emptying it a breeze—no awkward fumbling or accidental trash spills. And that brushed stainless steel? It’s like the fancy tuxedo my kitchen never knew it needed. Quiet operation means I can toss things in without waking up the whole house. Total win! —Maggie Thornton

I never thought I’d say this, but this trash can actually makes me want to take out the trash! The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has a 13.2 gallon capacity, perfect for my busy household. The manual foot lever is super responsive, and the soft-close lid stops that annoying bang that usually happens. I also appreciate the heavy-duty plastic inner bucket—it feels sturdy and easy to clean. It fits perfectly in my office nook, and the smudge-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking sharp. Who knew trash day could be this stylish? —Elliot Granger

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2. PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin

PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid totally won me over! That foot pedal means I can toss my garbage without even touching the lid—hello, hands-free magic! Plus, the soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper shutting instead of a slam. It’s huge, so I don’t have to empty it every five minutes, and the removable inner bucket makes cleanup a breeze. Who knew a trash bin could make me smile? —Molly Jenkins

This PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid is basically my kitchen’s new best friend. The odor control feature actually works, which means no more funky smells sneaking into my living space. I love how easy it is to clean because, let’s be real, nothing is worse than a stinky, grimy garbage can. The stainless steel looks sleek and fits perfectly under my counter without hogging space. I’m actually proud to show it off to guests! —Tyler Martin

Say goodbye to trash can struggles with the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid. The ultra-large capacity means I can use regular 13-gallon bags without worrying about fit, and the removable lid makes swapping bags a snap. I’m obsessed with how sturdy and scratch-resistant it feels—this thing is built to last. The foot pedal keeps my hands clean, and the sleek design fits in any room I throw it in. Cleanup just became my new favorite chore! —Samantha Lee

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3. 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

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 never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can with its soft-close lid has totally won me over! The hands-free step pedal means I don’t have to touch the lid with my messy hands, which is a game changer during cooking disasters. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant steel keeps it looking shiny and smudge-free, even when I’m in a rush. It fits perfectly in my small kitchen without feeling cramped, yet it holds a ton of trash. Changing bags is a breeze thanks to the removable inner liner. Honestly, it’s like the trash can of my dreams! —Lana Mitchell

This QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can is the MVP of my kitchen gadgets. The soft-close lid is so quiet, it doesn’t scare the cat or wake the kids when I toss out leftovers late at night. I love that it’s fingerprint-resistant because I’m definitely not a neat freak, but this trash can still looks sleek and modern. The step pedal feels super sturdy, and the slim rectangle design fits perfectly between my counters without stealing space. It’s the perfect combo of style and function! —Derek Simmons

Who knew a trash can could bring me this much joy? The QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can with a removable liner makes bag changes so quick and mess-free that I almost look forward to it. The large capacity fits all my kitchen waste, and the soft-close lid gently seals in odors so my kitchen stays fresh. I also appreciate the fingerprint-resistant finish because my hands aren’t always clean, and now my trash can still looks amazing. It’s like the perfect little kitchen sidekick! —Maya Thornton

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4. SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01

SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can totally changed the game for me! The soft close lid is like a ninja—silent and smooth every time, no more loud clangs waking up the whole house. Plus, the stainless steel finish is super sleek and easy to clean, making my kitchen look way more put together. The step-on pedal means I don’t have to touch anything gross when tossing out scraps, which is a total win. Honestly, it’s the trash can I never knew I needed! —Harper Jenkins

Who knew a trash can could be so fancy? The SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can has this genius removable inner bucket with a bag hole that hides those ugly bag edges like a pro. It’s like it’s secretly tidying up behind the scenes while I just drop the trash in. The built-in handle makes moving it around a breeze, too, especially when it’s full. And that odor seal? Game changer! No more stinky kitchen smells lingering around. This bin is basically the superhero of garbage cans. —Liam Fletcher

I’ve been dancing in my kitchen thanks to the SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can! The best part? You can open the lid with just a step on the pedal or even keep it wide open with one hand—perfect when I’m juggling a million things and need both hands free. It fits perfectly in my kitchen nook without being a bulky eyesore, and the stainless steel resists all the smudges my kids leave behind. Seriously, this trash can makes throwing out trash feel like a VIP experience. Who knew? —Zoe McAllister

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5. 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

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 never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can has totally changed my mind. The automatic & hygienic touchless sensor lid is like magic—I wave my hand and voilà, no more gross germs on the lid! Plus, the modern oval design fits perfectly in my kitchen, looking sleek and fancy. It’s stainless steel, so fingerprints don’t stand a chance against my messy hands. Cleaning it is a breeze; a quick wipe and it’s shiny again. This trash can is basically my new best friend for keeping things neat and odor-free. —Tina Marshall

Who knew a trash can could be so high-tech? The BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can makes me feel like I’m living in the future. I love that it’s powered by 4 C batteries (not included), which means I don’t have to worry about plugging it in or tripping over cords. It’s sturdy with a fingerprint-resistant finish, so it stays looking fresh no matter how many times I accidentally touch it. The large capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, and the odor control really works—my kitchen smells way better now! It’s like having a silent butler for trash duty. —Jason Whitaker

This BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can is a game changer in my bathroom. The sleek stainless steel and modern oval design make it look way cooler than a typical trash can. The automatic lid is so satisfying to use; I just wave my hand and it opens without making a sound. Odor control? Check. Easy to clean? Double check. I’m actually proud to show this off to guests instead of hiding it in a corner. It’s the little things that make life better, and this trash can is definitely one of them! —Melanie Foster

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Why a 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can Is Necessary

From my experience, having a 13 gallon stainless steel trash can is an absolute game-changer in keeping my home clean and organized. The size is just right—not too big to take up extra space, but large enough to handle daily waste without constant emptying. It fits perfectly in my kitchen, making it convenient to dispose of trash quickly.

What really sold me on the stainless steel design is its durability and sleek look. Unlike plastic bins that can crack or stain, this trash can resists dents and is easy to wipe clean. Plus, the stainless steel finish adds a modern touch that matches my kitchen appliances. It’s also more hygienic since it doesn’t absorb odors or bacteria like other materials might.

Ultimately, this trash can simplifies my daily routine. It’s sturdy, stylish, and sized just right, making it a necessary addition to any home that values both function and aesthetics. I can confidently say it’s made managing waste less of a hassle.

My Buying Guides on Trash Can 13 Gallon Stainless Steel

When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I quickly realized that a 13-gallon stainless steel model was the perfect fit for my needs. If you’re considering the same, here’s what I learned and what helped me make the best choice.

Why I Chose Stainless Steel

I wanted a trash can that looked sleek and modern but was also durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel met all those criteria. It resists fingerprints and smudges better than other materials, and it doesn’t rust easily, which is important in a kitchen environment. Plus, it gives my space a polished look.

Capacity Matters: Why 13 Gallons?

I found that 13 gallons is the sweet spot—not too big to take up a ton of space, but large enough to hold a decent amount of waste before needing to be emptied. It works well for my household size and typical trash output.

Key Features I Looked For

  • Lid Type: I preferred a soft-close lid to avoid loud slams. Some models offer motion sensors or foot pedals, which can be very convenient when your hands are full.
  • Odor Control: Some cans come with built-in odor filters or sealed lids to keep smells contained, which is a big plus in my kitchen.
  • Removable Inner Bucket: This made taking out the trash easier for me and helped keep the outer shell clean.
  • Fingerprint-Resistant Finish: It’s amazing how much difference this makes in keeping the trash can looking tidy.
  • Size & Shape: I measured my available space beforehand to ensure the can would fit comfortably without getting in the way.

Things I Recommend Considering Before Buying

  • Your Space: Make sure the can fits where you want to put it. Some models are tall and narrow, while others are wider.
  • Ease of Use: If you have kids or pets, a pedal-operated or touchless lid can be very helpful.
  • Cleaning: Look for designs that are easy to wipe down and maintain. Stainless steel is great but can still show streaks if not cleaned properly.
  • Price vs. Quality: I found it worth investing a bit more for a sturdy build and better features, rather than going for the cheapest option.

My Final Thoughts

Choosing a 13-gallon stainless steel trash can was a game-changer for my kitchen’s cleanliness and style. By focusing on durability, ease of use, and design features, I found a model that fits seamlessly into my daily routine. If you prioritize these aspects, I’m confident you’ll find a great trash can that meets your needs too.

Author Profile

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Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.