When choosing the best trash can, it boils down to the size, looks, and functionality. While these factors are a matter of your preference, the 13-gallon trash can is a perfect size for most kitchens. Also, there are two options – the basic model and the sensor-opening model.

You can always choose a top-of-the-line product regardless of the spectrum you opt for. The most important thing is getting a trash can that serves its purpose. To simplify your decision process, we’ve whipped up the best 13-gallon stainless steel trash cans to keep your kitchen tidy and safe.
Why Do you Need a trash can
A trash can is one of the standard equipment in any kitchen today. This product helps keep your kitchen or room hygienic and clean without any hassle.
See also:
Another reason is it helps attenuate the spread of diseases while making your neighborhood environmentally friendly.
Reviews Of The Best 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can To Buy
Here are top rated Trash Can for sale
Top 1 – Kohler K-20940-ST 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can

Coming top on our list is the Kohler K-20940-ST 13-Gallon Stainless Trash Can; this model is designed to work well with any 13-gallon trash bag. This unit comes with a sturdy foot pedal to allow you to open the lid without using your hands. Plus, the lid closes slowly to prevent sudden noise or distraction.
This model features a raised liner and locking rim that makes changing the bag hassle-free. It sports a fingerprint-proof finish that guarantees the trash can stays brand new for a longer period. The Kohler K-20940-ST 13-Gallon Stainless Trash Can rock a space-saving design, making it fit your cabinets or against your walls snugly.
Thanks to its removable plastic liner, this model is easy to clean. This best 13-gallon trash can is available in black stainless steel and stainless steel options.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Space-saving design
- Durable metal foot pedal for hands-free operation
- Fingerprint proof finish for easy maintenance
Cons:
- Poor quality control
Top 2 – Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can

If you want a trash can that works perfectly anywhere in your home, then the Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can is worth considering. This unit comes with a built-in recycling bin that eliminates the hassle of using two separate cans. Plus, it helps free up more space in your kitchen.
The two removable bins feature an easy-to-use elastic bag holder to prevent the bag from slipping when trying to conceal or throw heavy loads into it. This trash can features stainless steel construction with a decent streak-free finish for an easy cleaning experience and impressive durability.
Furthermore, this durable model is equipped with a feet/hands-free lid open mechanism, and the odors just stay inside the bin for a fresh atmosphere in your kitchen.
Pros:
- Seals in smells
- Simple to clean
- Anti-bag-slip properties
- It comes with a built-in recycling bin
Cons:
- The lid opens slowly
Top 3 – iTouchless 13.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can

The iTouchless SoftStep 13.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can is a favorite and comes with many perks offering great value for your money. But wait, you don’t have to take our word for it; the manufacturer assures and backs this product with a 2-year warranty.
This unit is equipped with a durable, ergonomic pedal that requires the least force to open. The air dampers are easy to replace, and their performance stays up to par for years. This model features an elegant, smudge-resistant, fingerprint-proof stainless steel construction that adds style and elegance to your office or kitchen.
As said above, it’s made of stainless steel, which gives you an insight into how durable this product will be. Also, its large, robust steel pedal can withstand up to 200,000 steps – about 25 years. The iTouchless SoftStep 13.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can rock lots of premium features such as the included deodorizer to keep your space smelling nice and clean. In addition, it has a non-skid base to keep the can in place while its tuck & hold retention to prevent the bag from falling.
Pros:
- It comes with a Lid Stay-Open Mode
- sturdy, durable stainless steel construction
- Elegant design
- It features lots of premium features
- raised pedal ridge for a secure foothold
Cons:
- Issues with the lid after a couple of months
Top 4 – Amazon Basics 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can

If you’re in the market for a sleek trash can to handle your smell garbage, then the AmazonBasics Rectangle Soft-Close Trash Can is your go-to. Despite its affordable price tag, this kitchen device is a great acquisition for keeping your space clean and hygienic.
This can come with a removable plastic liner to make cleaning the unit effortless when the bag leaks or breaks. Talking about cleaning this unit, it features a stainless steel exterior which means you can wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Also, your bag wraps snugly around the plastic can liner to prevent the bag from falling. Plus, it ensures the plastic bag is completely hidden. However, the most interesting thing about the AmazonBasics Rectangle Soft-Close Trash Can is how well it seals in smells.
All in all, you don’t have to pay high prices to enjoy a decent balance of performance and value.
Pros:
- Anti-bag-slip features
- Hassle-free to clean
- Locks in smell
- Fingerprint-proof, smudge-resistant finish
- Durable stainless steel exterior
Cons:
- It does not come with a built-in trash bag holder
Top 5 – iTouchless 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can

The iTouchless 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can brings many perks to deserve a spot on our list. This model is one of an earlier touchless trash can that uses an infrared motion sensor to open and close the lid.
However, you can also decide to use the Open/Close buttons, which you might never have to use but definitely comes in handy. This unit runs on either a socket nearby or 4 D-size batteries.
That’s not all: this trash can’s lid comes with a deodorizer, an activated carbon filter to keep the house smelling fresh and clean.iTouchless 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can measures 14 x 16.75 x 26 inches, which makes it pretty slender and enough to handle about 50 liters / 13 gallons of garbage. Also, its slender profile makes it suitable for small kitchens or places with limited space.
On the downside, this automatic trash can opening is a bit too narrow in some instances. Nonetheless, we love its fingerprint-free finish, which makes this fully stainless steel trash can looking brand new after months of usage.
Pros:
- It comes with a deodorizer
- Slender profile
- Touchless operation
- Fingerprint proof
Cons:
- The sensor tends to malfunction
Top 6 – NINESTARS Trashcan, 13 Gal, STAINLESS STEEL

The NINESTARS AMZ-SOT-50-3 Step-on Trashcan is arguably the best circular trash pan on this list. It’s built from commercial-grade T430 fingerprint-proof stainless steel that assures buyers of almost a lifetime durability.
Furthermore, it is equipped with a steel foot pedal to allow you to open the lid hands-free. Also, the lid closes smoothly and gently. This trash can has a sufficient storage capacity and a large opening for disposing of anything easily.
Even better, we loved the stay-open lid feature when the lid is pushed up to a 90-degree angle. This feature comes in handy when trying to remove the trash bag.
Pros:
- Reliable food pedal
- Built from commercial-grade T430 fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Wide opening for easy trash disposal
- Circular design to add interesting visuals to your kitchen
Cons:
- Poor quality control
Top 7 – Glad GLD-74506 13 Gal Stainless Steel Step Trash Can

One thing we liked about this trash can from Glad is its Clorox odor protection. This unit protects the lid and the lid frame by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria, thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
That’s not all: you can store extra bags behind the unit. This rear bag compartment saves time and supports dispensing from the sides while the can stays in place.
Also, the lid closes quietly and slowly, which means no banging sound when the lid closes. Above all, the stainless steel exterior is fingerprint-resistant for easy cleaning and retaining perfect looks.
Pros:
- Convenient and quiet step operation
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- It features Clorox odor protection
- Reliable bag rings to tuck and secure the bag
Cons:
- On the pricey side
How to Choose the Best Trash Can
Open, Auto, or Step Style?
Step Style
This style is best for people looking for a durable trash can to hide nasty kitchen smells. This unit features a step/lid function mechanism that can last almost a lifetime. Step-style trash cans are more affordable than their automated counterparts.
Auto Style
This trash can is equipped with a sensor on the top of the lid to offer a hands/leg-free operation. It’s a decent alternative for people who are not comfortable with the foot pedal mechanism. Models with the foot pedal are not really great when placed close to a wall or cabinet as it tends to smack anything behind it.
Here’s where you might want to consider the auto trash cans. Keep in mind, these models are pricey, and the sensor might just be too sensitive, causing the lid to open whenever you pass by closely.
Open Style
Most homeowners shudder at the thought of using an open style in the kitchen. However, it can be a great choice for people who love simplicity. Also, it can be fun to use, as you can toss your trash from a distance. Even better, they are designed to lock in the nasty smells and ensure your kitchen smells fresh and clean.
Circular or Rectangular
Basically, we’ve two types of trash cans in terms of shape – oval or rectangular. The latter is easier to position against a flat surface and more suitable with “boxier” kitchens. However, a circular option would be a perfect fit in between pieces of furniture. However, this might just boil down to your preference.
FAQs
1. How many gallons is a tall kitchen trash can?
- A tall kitchen trash can offers up to 30 gallons of storage capacity.
2. Are stainless steel trash cans better?
- If you need a durable and easy-to-maintain trash can, then stainless steel versions are your best bet.
3. What is a good size trash can for a kitchen?
- A 13-gallon trash can should suffice for a large family.
Conclusion
We’ve reviewed the top 7 best 13-gallon stainless steel trash cans out there. Now, it’s your turn to make a choice. However, we are confident that whichever trash can you decide to go for will be convenient to use and help keep your environment tidy and hygenic.