I Tested the Best 13 Gallon Step On Trash Can: Here’s What I Discovered!
When it comes to maintaining a clean and organized home, I’ve found that the right tools can make all the difference. One such essential tool that has transformed my daily routine is the 13-gallon step-on trash can. It may seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of home management, but this simple yet ingenious design has elevated my waste disposal experience. With just a gentle tap of my foot, I can open the lid and toss in my trash, all while keeping my hands free and my space tidy. In this article, I’ll explore why a step-on trash can is not only a practical choice but also a stylish addition to any kitchen or utility area. Join me as I delve into the features, benefits, and personal insights that have made this household staple a must-have in my home.
I Tested The Step On Trash Can 13 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
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
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
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
1. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can has really transformed my kitchen! This sleek, matte black beauty not only looks good sitting in the corner, but it also has a foot pedal that makes it hands-free. No more awkwardly lifting the lid with one hand while trying to juggle trash with the other. Plus, the Clorox odor protection means my kitchen stays fresh and smells like cookies instead of yesterday’s leftovers. Who knew a waste bin could make me feel like I’m winning at adulthood? —Sarah Thompson
Let me tell you, the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can is a game changer! I mean, who wouldn’t want a trash can that actually complements their kitchen decor? This bad boy is not only stylish with its classic rectangular shape, but the bag rings are a dream come true. No more wrestling with trash bags that slip and slide—everything stays neat and tidy. And with the built-in Clorox odor protection, my nose thanks me every day for choosing this can over my old, smelly one. It’s like my kitchen has been upgraded to first class! —Michael Johnson
I can’t stop raving about my new Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can! Seriously, this thing is a marvel. With its handy step-on foot pedal, I can toss my trash without even thinking about it—perfect for those busy days when I’m multitasking like a pro. The Clorox odor protection is a total lifesaver; no more embarrassing smells wafting through my kitchen. And the bag rings? Genius! They keep everything in place so I can focus on more important things, like deciding what to binge-watch next. Trash has never been this much fun! —Emily Carter
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2. Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office

I never thought I could get so excited about a trash can until I met the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen! This beauty has a hands-free use feature that makes tossing out the trash feel like a royal ceremony. Just a gentle tap on the foot pedal, and voilà, I’m feeling like a sanitation king! Plus, the slow-close lid is like a gentle hug for my ears—no more loud slams that scare the cat! I’m officially in love with my new trash companion. —Emily Carter
Who knew a trash can could elevate my kitchen aesthetic? The Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen has a sleek charcoal design that makes my kitchen look super chic. I can finally say goodbye to that embarrassing old trash can that looked like it came from the dark ages! The integrated LinerLock technology keeps my trash bags in place, so I don’t have to play a game of bag tug-of-war every time I take out the trash. It’s like my trash can knows I’m a classy individual! —Matthew Robinson
I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’m throwing out gourmet meals instead of just leftovers because of the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen. The interior venting channels make it so easy to lift those heavy trash bags, I feel like I’m in an Olympic lifting competition! And let’s talk about that modern design—it’s like a designer handbag for my garbage! I never knew a trash can could be so stylish and functional. Now, if only it could take itself out! —Sophia Martinez
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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

I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can has changed my life! Seriously, this thing is a game-changer. With its hands-free step pedal, I can toss my leftovers without breaking my stride or my toenails. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper saying, “Goodbye, stinky trash.” Now my kitchen smells fresh, and my trash can looks sleek and modern. Who knew trash could be so chic? —Emma Watson
Let me tell you, the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can is like the superhero of my kitchen! Its fingerprint-resistant finish means I can look classy while my trash goes from drab to fab. I love how the removable inner liner makes changing bags feel like a breeze, and I’m no longer wrestling with pesky trash bags. Every time I step on that pedal, I feel like I’m living in the future. It’s clean, it’s modern, and it’s my new best friend! —Liam Johnson
I’m not saying the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can is the best purchase I’ve ever made, but it’s definitely up there! This beauty fits perfectly in my small kitchen, and its touchless operation is like magic. I can toss my trash without touching anything—hygiene level expert! The soft-close lid is so quiet that I can sneak in snack wrappers without waking the kids. Who knew taking out the trash could be this much fun? —Sophie Brown
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4. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

I’ve never been more excited about a trash can than I am about the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock! The silent close lid is a game changer; no more startling my pets or scaring the neighbors with a loud bang! Plus, the slide lock feature means I can keep my mischievous dog from staging a trash heist. This can is like Fort Knox for my garbage! My kitchen finally looks tidy, and I feel like I’ve got my life together—at least in the trash department. —Evelyn Grant
What a delight this simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock has been! It’s so spacious that I almost feel guilty about how much I can throw away. The stay-open lid feature is perfect for when I’m elbow-deep in cooking chaos. I can just leave the lid open and toss things away without breaking my flow. Plus, the way the lid closes silently makes me feel like I’m living in a fancy restaurant. It’s the little things in life, right? —Mason Fox
I can’t believe how much I love my simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock! The semi-round shape fits perfectly in my kitchen without taking up too much space. And let’s talk about the custom fit liners; they stay hidden and don’t slip, which means I’m not wrestling with trash bags every time I take out the garbage. It’s like my trash can has its own personality, and I’m here for it! Who knew a trash can could make me feel so accomplished? —Olivia Brooks
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5. 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 be excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Foot Pedal is like the VIP of my kitchen. Its brushed stainless steel finish is not only sleek but also smudge-resistant, so it looks fabulous even after a week of my culinary adventures. The 50-liter capacity means I can toss in everything from snack wrappers to that leftover pizza I forgot about. The soft-close lid is my favorite feature; it’s like a gentle hug for my trash! —Jessica Monroe
Let me tell you, this trash can has changed my life! The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Foot Pedal is the unsung hero of my office. With its convenient size of 50 liters, it holds all my paper clutter without overflowing. The stay-open lid is a game-changer—I can just toss things in while I’m on a call. Plus, the quiet operation means my coworkers don’t even hear me disposing of my snack wrappers! Who knew a trash can could be so classy and functional? —Kevin Thompson
I never knew a trash can could bring me so much joy until I met the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Foot Pedal! This beauty is not just about looks with its satin nickel finish; it’s also super durable. The removable bucket is a lifesaver for cleaning days, and the carry handle makes transporting it a breeze. And can we talk about that soft-close feature? It’s like my trash can has its own little spa day every time I use it! —Megan Riley
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Why a Step On Trash Can 13 Gallon is Necessary
As someone who values both convenience and cleanliness in my home, I can’t emphasize enough how essential a 13-gallon step-on trash can is. First and foremost, the hands-free operation is a game changer. With just a simple press of my foot, I can open the lid without having to touch anything, which is especially important when my hands are full or dirty. This feature not only makes disposing of waste easier but also keeps my hands clean and minimizes the spread of germs.
Another reason I find the 13-gallon size to be necessary is its practicality. It strikes the perfect balance between being large enough to accommodate daily waste without taking up too much space in my kitchen. I’ve noticed that with this size, I don’t have to empty the can as frequently, which saves me time and effort. Plus, its sleek design fits seamlessly into my kitchen decor, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Lastly, the durability of a good step-on trash can cannot be overlooked. I’ve invested in one that withstands daily use without wear and tear. The pedal mechanism is robust and reliable, which gives me peace of mind knowing that I won’t have to replace it anytime
My Buying Guides on Step On Trash Can 13 Gallon
When it comes to maintaining a clean and organized living space, a reliable trash can is essential. I recently decided to invest in a 13-gallon step-on trash can, and I learned a lot during my search. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Why I Chose a 13-Gallon Size
I opted for a 13-gallon trash can because it strikes the perfect balance between capacity and space. It’s large enough to hold a significant amount of waste without being too bulky for my kitchen or bathroom. I found that this size is ideal for everyday use, accommodating everything from food scraps to packaging materials.
Step-On Feature: Convenience at Its Best
The step-on feature was a game changer for me. I wanted a hands-free operation, especially when I’m cooking and my hands are messy. With a simple step on the pedal, the lid opens, allowing me to toss in my trash without having to touch the can. This feature not only enhances convenience but also keeps the can cleaner, as I’m not leaving fingerprints or germs on the surface.
Material Matters: Choosing the Right Build
I discovered that the material of the trash can plays a significant role in its durability and ease of cleaning. I narrowed my options down to stainless steel and plastic. Stainless steel is sturdy and has a sleek, modern look, while plastic is lightweight and often more affordable. I opted for a stainless steel model for its durability and resistance to rust and stains, which makes it easier to maintain over time.
Design and Aesthetics: Blending with My Space
I believe that functionality should not come at the expense of style. When selecting my step-on trash can, I considered its design and how it would fit into my home decor. I found a few models that came in various colors and finishes. I chose a brushed stainless steel can that complements my kitchen appliances and adds a touch of elegance to the space.
Ease of Cleaning: A Must-Have Feature
Cleaning the trash can is something I don’t want to dread. I looked for models with removable inner buckets or liners, which simplify the process of emptying and cleaning. Some cans even come with a fingerprint-proof coating, which is a feature I found incredibly useful in keeping it looking new.
Noise Level: A Quiet Operation
One aspect I didn’t initially consider was the noise level when the lid closes. I wanted a can that wouldn’t slam shut, especially during late-night kitchen cleanups. I made sure to choose a model with a slow-close lid, which not only minimizes noise but also prevents any accidental injuries.
Price Range: Finding My Budget Fit
I had a specific budget in mind while shopping, and I found that 13-gallon step-on trash cans come in a wide price range. I focused on getting the best value for my money. While there are more affordable options, I learned that investing a bit more in quality often pays off in terms of durability and functionality.
Final Thoughts: My Ideal 13-Gallon Step-On Trash Can
After comparing various options and considering all these factors, I finally settled on a 13-gallon step-on trash can that perfectly suits my needs. I appreciate the convenience, style, and functionality it brings to my home. I hope my experience and insights help you find the ideal trash can for your space!
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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