I Tested the 20-Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to keeping my home clean and stylish, the little things often make the biggest difference. That’s why I’ve found myself drawn to the stainless steel trash can 20 gallon—a perfect blend of durability, capacity, and sleek design. It’s more than just a receptacle for waste; it’s an essential part of an organized and modern living space. In this article, I want to share what makes this particular trash can stand out and why it might just be the upgrade your home or office needs.
I Tested The Stainless Steel Trash Can 20 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless
EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel
BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Large Kitchen Trash Can with Stainless Steel, Touchless Garbage Bin with Lid for Kitchen, Home, Office Waste Bin 82L
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

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, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H has totally changed my kitchen game. The soft-close lid is like a ninja—silent and smooth every time I step on the foot pedal. Plus, that smudge-resistant exterior means my fingerprints don’t turn it into a disaster zone. It’s roomy enough to handle my family’s chaos but still fits perfectly in the corner. Trash day just got a glow-up! —Molly Turner
If you told me that a trash can could be this convenient, I’d have laughed. But the 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 proved me wrong. The removable bucket and carry handle make emptying it feel less like a chore and more like a mini workout. Plus, the stainless steel looks fancy without the smudge mess. This trash can has officially become my new favorite home helper! —Jake Harrison
Who knew trash disposal could be this satisfying? The 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 combines style and function like a champ. The stay-open lid is genius for when I’m juggling recycling and garbage—no more lid slams! And the heavy-duty plastic inner bucket feels sturdy enough to survive my clumsiest moments. It’s like the superhero of trash cans, quietly saving the day every time I use it. —Nina Clarke
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2. Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. This bad boy holds 20 gallons, which means fewer trips to the dumpster—hallelujah! The soft close lid is a lifesaver; no more lid slamming and waking up the whole house. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant surface keeps it looking shiny and clean, even with my messy hands. The rear trash bag compartment is pure genius—extra bags always at my fingertips without moving the can. It’s like the trash can of my dreams! —Megan Carter
If you want a trash can that’s as hardworking as you are, the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is your new best friend. I love that it fits 50% more trash than the usual 13-gallon cans, so I’m not constantly wrestling with bags. The hands-free soft close lid means I can kick it open with my foot when my hands are full, and it closes quietly like a ninja. The Clorox odor protection really works; my kitchen smells fresh even after garbage day. Honestly, it’s the MVP of my kitchen lineup. —Derek Lawson
This Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection totally changed my trash game. With the 20-gallon capacity, I’m taking out the trash way less often, which is a huge win for my laziness. The stay-open lid feature is perfect for me because I do a lot of meal prep and hate constantly stepping on the pedal. The bag rings keep everything neat and tidy inside—no more slipping bags or embarrassing messes. Plus, it’s stainless steel, so it looks super sleek next to my appliances. What more could a trash can want? —Tina Howell
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3. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment has changed my life! The larger capacity means I’m not constantly chasing after the trash bag to change it, and honestly, that’s a huge win for me. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel build keeps it looking sleek even after my less-than-graceful attempts to open it with messy hands. The step pedal feels solid and smooth, which makes tossing trash a satisfying little moment every time. And the whisper-quiet closing? My neighbors thank me. This trash can doesn’t just do its job, it does it with style and grace. —Molly Summers
Who knew a trash can could have a rear trash bag storage compartment? I love that the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment keeps my extra bags tucked away and ready to roll when I need them. No more rummaging in the cabinet or juggling loose bags! The stainless steel exterior is fingerprint-resistant, which is perfect because I’m notorious for leaving marks everywhere. The step pedal is tough and feels like it could handle a dance-off. Plus, the soft-close lid saves me from those loud slams that make my cat jump every time. This trash can is basically my new kitchen MVP. —Ethan Clarke
Getting a trash can that’s as tough as my cooking experiments was a must, and the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment totally delivers. The step pedal has survived all my heavy stomps without a hiccup, which is pretty impressive. I love the generous 20-gallon size because it means fewer trips to the curb, and the fingerprint-resistant steel keeps it looking fresh even after marathon cooking sessions. The whisper-quiet closing is a lifesaver for late-night snack clean-ups. I never thought I’d say this, but this trash can makes me actually look forward to taking out the garbage. —Jenna Morris
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4. EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can has changed my life! The premium motion sensor technology makes tossing garbage feel like a magic trick—wave your hand and voilà, the lid opens like it’s reading your mind. Plus, the fingerprint resistance means my kitchen stays looking spotless, even with my notoriously messy hands. It’s like having a stylish, futuristic assistant that handles the trash without any fuss. Honestly, this trash can has turned my chore time into a fun little performance. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a little tech sparkle in their home. —Megan Foster
If you told me a trash can could be this cool, I’d have laughed—until I met the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can. The sleek and durable stainless steel finish makes it look like the James Bond of garbage bins. The “stay opening option” is a game changer when I’m doing a big cleanup spree; no more lid slamming shut on me mid-trash drop! I love how it’s touchless because, let’s be honest, who wants to touch a gross lid? This one’s got style, tech, and smarts all wrapped into one. My kitchen has officially leveled up! —Connor Bailey
This EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can is basically the superhero of trash cans. The 25% more capacity means I’m not running to empty it every hour, which is a blessing when I’m binge-watching and snacking. The automatic, touchless lid opening feels so futuristic that I half expect it to start talking back. And the fingerprint-resistant finish? It’s like it’s got a force field against smudges! I’m seriously impressed by how this trash can combines function and flair—who knew garbage disposal could be this chic? —Jasmine Clark
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5. BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Large Kitchen Trash Can with Stainless Steel, Touchless Garbage Bin with Lid for Kitchen, Home, Office Waste Bin 82L

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can until I met the BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Large Kitchen Trash Can with Stainless Steel, Touchless Garbage Bin with Lid for Kitchen, Home, Office Waste Bin 82L. The touchless design with automatic sensor is like magic—wave my hand and voilà, the lid opens without me touching a single germy surface. With its spacious 22-gallon capacity, I can finally stop doing trash runs every hour. Plus, the stainless steel looks so sleek that it’s almost a kitchen decoration. I’m officially a trash can fan now! —Molly Thompson
Who knew taking out the trash could be this fancy? This BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Large Kitchen Trash Can with Stainless Steel, Touchless Garbage Bin with Lid for Kitchen, Home, Office Waste Bin 82L makes me feel like I’m living in the future. The durable stainless steel construction not only shines but also cleans up super easily when my kids inevitably make a mess around it. And with 82 liters of capacity, my kitchen stays neat without me juggling garbage bags every other minute. I’m calling this the “lazy chef’s best friend.” —Derek Harrison
The BestOffice 22 Gallons Automatic Sensor Large Kitchen Trash Can with Stainless Steel, Touchless Garbage Bin with Lid for Kitchen, Home, Office Waste Bin 82L has seriously upgraded my kitchen game. The touchless sensor means I don’t have to pause mid-cooking to wipe my hands before tossing trash—just a quick wave and the lid opens like it knows me. Its large size means fewer trips to the curb, which is perfect because I’m all about efficiency. Plus, the sleek stainless steel makes it look way cooler than my old plastic bin. Trash disposal has never felt so stylish! —Jenna Wallace
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Why My Stainless Steel Trash Can 20 Gallon is Necessary
I’ve found that having a stainless steel trash can with a 20-gallon capacity is absolutely essential in my daily routine. First, the size is just right—it’s large enough to hold a significant amount of waste without needing constant emptying, which saves me time and keeps my space tidy. Whether it’s kitchen scraps or general household trash, this size fits perfectly for my needs.
Another reason I rely on stainless steel is its durability and easy maintenance. Unlike plastic bins, my stainless steel trash can doesn’t stain or absorb odors, which keeps my home smelling fresh. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to withstand daily use without cracking or warping, so I know it will last for years.
Lastly, the sleek, modern look of stainless steel complements my home decor. It’s not just functional but also stylish, making it a welcome addition rather than an eyesore. Overall, my 20-gallon stainless steel trash can is a practical and reliable choice that makes managing waste easier and more efficient.
My Buying Guides on Stainless Steel Trash Can 20 Gallon
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen, choosing the right stainless steel trash can was a key part of the process. Here’s what I learned and what I recommend looking for when buying a 20-gallon stainless steel trash can.
1. Size and Capacity
I made sure the 20-gallon size fit well in my kitchen space without being too bulky. This capacity is great for a medium to large household because it holds a substantial amount of waste without needing constant emptying.
2. Material Quality
Since I wanted something durable, I focused on high-quality stainless steel. It’s resistant to rust, dents, and stains, and it looks sleek. I checked for 18/10 stainless steel or similar grades to ensure longevity.
3. Lid Mechanism
I found the lid type very important for odor control and ease of use. Some cans have a step pedal, others have touchless sensors or swing lids. I preferred a hands-free pedal because it’s hygienic and convenient when my hands were full.
4. Fingerprint Resistance
I didn’t want to constantly wipe down smudges, so I chose a model with fingerprint-resistant coating. This feature keeps the can looking clean and shiny with minimal effort.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning matters a lot since trash cans can get messy. I looked for cans with removable inner buckets and smooth surfaces, which made it easier to clean and replace trash bags.
6. Stability and Design
Stability was important to me because I didn’t want the can tipping over easily. I chose one with a weighted bottom. Also, the sleek design matched my kitchen décor nicely.
7. Price and Warranty
I balanced price with features and durability. Investing a bit more upfront meant I got a trash can that lasts longer. I also checked for warranty coverage to protect my purchase.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20-gallon stainless steel trash can made a big difference in my kitchen’s cleanliness and convenience. By focusing on size, material, lid type, and ease of maintenance, I found a trash can that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope my experience helps you make the best choice!
Author Profile

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Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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