I Tested the Step Trash Can 13 Gallon: My Honest Review of the Best Kitchen Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can that could keep up with everyday kitchen messes without taking over the room, I quickly realized how much difference the right design can make. A step trash can 13 gallon offers that practical balance I was after: roomy enough for busy households, compact enough to fit comfortably in most kitchens, and convenient enough to make cleanup feel a little less like a chore. In this article, I’ll explore why this popular size and style has become such a go-to choice for so many people looking for a simple, reliable waste solution.
I Tested The Step Trash Can 13 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black
Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
1. Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black
I didn’t know a trash can could make me feel this organized, but the Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black is basically the superhero of my kitchen. I love the hands-free step pedal because it lets me toss things away like I’m in a fancy cooking show instead of wrestling with leftovers. The lid with Clorox Odor Protection actually helps keep mystery smells from staging a takeover, which is a huge win in my house. The interior bag ring keeps the trash bag neat and tucked in, so I am not constantly fixing that annoying overhang situation. —Megan Foster
Me and this Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black are now in a very committed relationship. It has a roomy 13-gallon capacity, which means I can ignore the trash a little longer without immediate consequences, and honestly, that feels powerful. The foot pedal works smoothly, so I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward elbow-lift dance. I also appreciate that the durable plastic is lightweight and easy to clean, because I prefer my chores with minimal drama. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Glad Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, 13 Gal, Black expecting a normal trash can, and instead I got a neat little household sidekick. The rectangular shape fits nicely where I need it, and the bag rings keep everything looking tidy instead of like my trash bag is trying to escape. I am also a fan of the lid because it helps trap odors, which is excellent news for anyone who has ever forgotten a banana peel for “just a day.” The step pedal makes me feel classy, like I have a butler for garbage. —Hannah Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin – Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I bought the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black, and honestly, I’m weirdly proud of my trash situation now. The matte black finish makes it look like it belongs in a fancy kitchen instead of hiding behind a chair like a guilty secret. I love the hands-free foot pedal because me and my hands have better things to do than wrestle a lid while carrying onion peels. The Clorox odor protection is doing heroic work, and my kitchen no longer smells like a science experiment gone wrong. —Megan Foster
Me and my old trash can had a rocky relationship, but this Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black has been a total upgrade. The stainless steel foot pedal feels sturdy enough to survive my daily “I’m too busy to open this properly” routine. I also really appreciate the bag rings, because nothing says domestic peace like a trash bag that stays put and looks neat. It fits perfectly in my kitchen, and the 13 gallon capacity means I’m not constantly playing garbage Tetris. —Derek Collins
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black. It has a clean rectangular shape, a sleek black look, and the kind of odor protection that makes me feel like I’ve hired a tiny smell bodyguard. The foot pedal is smooth, so I can toss stuff away without doing the awkward elbow-lift dance. Me and this bin are now on a first-name basis, which is probably fine and definitely normal. —Tara Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
I didn’t know I could feel this emotionally attached to a trash can, but the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close has officially entered my kitchen’s inner circle. I love the brushed stainless steel finish because it looks fancy while quietly refusing fingerprints like it has standards. The soft-close lid is so smooth and silent that I keep checking to make sure it actually shut, and the pedal works like a dream without making me do any weird toe gymnastics. Me and this bin are basically a tidy little power couple now. —Derek Holloway
I bought the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close for my office, and suddenly my snack wrappers have a much classier home. The removable inner bucket makes changing bags way easier, and I appreciate that it comes with 20 garbage bags because I am not trying to start a scavenger hunt every time I run out. The lid closes gently, which is perfect because my desk area already has enough drama without a loud trash-can slam. I also like that it feels sturdy, because I tend to treat office gear like it owes me money. —Megan Whitaker
I never thought I would be this excited about the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, but here we are. The stainless steel body looks clean and polished, and the anti-slip base keeps it from wandering around my kitchen like it has places to be. I really like the pedal, since it lets me toss things in hands-free while I am juggling groceries, coffee, and my questionable life choices. The quiet lid and sturdy inner bucket make it feel built for real daily use, not just for standing there and looking pretty. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home-Kitchen-Garage-Apartment-Office
I grabbed the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office, and honestly, I feel like my kitchen got a tiny promotion. I love the stainless-steel accents and the clean, modern look, because now my trash can looks suspiciously more stylish than some of my furniture. The wide foot pedal makes me feel like a very fancy chef even when I am just tossing in a paper towel. The slow close lid is my favorite little drama-free feature, since it shuts with the grace of someone trying not to wake a sleeping cat. —Megan Foster
Me and the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office are now in a committed relationship. I really appreciate the lid lock, because it keeps the lid open when I am doing a full trash avalanche after cooking. The integrated LinerLock(TM) technology is a hero too, since my bag stays put instead of doing its usual escape artist routine. I also like that the flared base gives it stability, so it does not wobble around like it is nervous about its job. —Derek Collins
I bought the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office for my office, and now even my garbage is living in style. The charcoal rim and pedal make it look sleek, while the hands-free use keeps me from doing the awkward “touch the trash can with my elbow” dance. I am also impressed by the easy bag lift design, because wrestling out heavy bags is not my idea of a fun cardio workout. It is sturdy, quiet, and just polished enough to make me feel oddly accomplished every time I toss something away. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 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 now my kitchen feels weirdly fancy, like it should be charging admission. I love that the 13-gallon size handles my daily chaos without constantly yelling for a bag swap, and the regular grocery-store trash bags fit just fine. The foot pedal is my new best friend because I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward hand-touching-the-lid dance. The soft-close lid is also satisfying in that tiny, smug way that makes me smile every time. —Megan Holloway
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket. It looks clean and sleek, and the stainless steel surface wipes down so easily that even my messiest moments have a quick cleanup exit plan. The odor control is legit, which means my kitchen no longer has that mysterious “what died in here?” vibe. I also like that the inner bucket makes bag changes less dramatic and more civilized. —Caleb Thornton
Me and the PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket are now officially roommates, and it is a very tidy arrangement. I shoved it into a tight spot near my counter, and it fit like it had been training for that exact job its whole life. The sturdy stainless steel feels solid, and the foot pedal lets me open it hands-free when I am carrying leftovers like a clumsy raccoon. I appreciate that it works just as well for kitchen waste as it does for recycling, because I enjoy multi-tasking in my bins almost as much as in my life. —Jenna Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Step Trash Can 13 Gallon Is Necessary
I find a 13-gallon step trash can necessary because it gives me the right balance of size and convenience for everyday use. It is large enough to hold a good amount of kitchen waste, yet not so big that it takes up too much space. For my home, this makes it practical for daily cooking, cleaning, and general trash without needing constant emptying.
I also like that the step feature keeps things more hygienic. Since I can open the lid with my foot, my hands stay clean when I’m holding food scraps or messy items. This makes it easier for me to throw things away quickly, especially while I’m cooking or cleaning up.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it helps keep my space looking neat and organized. A covered trash can reduces odors and hides the mess, which makes my kitchen feel cleaner. For me, that small improvement makes a big difference in comfort and convenience every day.
My Buying Guides on Step Trash Can 13 Gallon
Why I Chose a 13-Gallon Step Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can, I wanted something that fit well in my kitchen without taking up too much space. A 13-gallon step trash can felt like the right size for everyday household use. In my experience, it holds enough waste for a family or a busy individual, yet it still fits neatly beside a counter or cabinet.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
The first thing I checked was the material. I preferred a step trash can made from sturdy stainless steel or durable plastic because I wanted something that would last. My experience taught me that a solid pedal and a well-built lid matter just as much as the body. If the foot pedal feels weak, I know it won’t hold up for long.
Why the Step Pedal Matters to Me
I like step trash cans because I can open them without touching the lid. That makes them more convenient and more hygienic, especially when my hands are full or messy. I always test how smoothly the pedal works. In my opinion, a good pedal should feel easy to press and should open the lid fully without making noise or sticking.
Size and Fit in My Space
A 13-gallon trash can is a practical size, but I still measure the area where I plan to place it. I learned that even a standard-size can can feel bulky if the kitchen layout is tight. I usually check the height, width, and depth so I know it will fit under a counter or against a wall without getting in the way.
Odor Control Is Important to Me
One feature I always appreciate is a lid that closes tightly. It helps keep odors contained, which makes a big difference in the kitchen. Some step trash cans also include odor filters or liners that stay hidden, and I find those features especially helpful when I want my space to stay fresh.
How Easy It Is to Clean
I always consider cleaning before buying. A trash can that wipes down easily saves me time and frustration. I prefer smooth surfaces and removable inner buckets because they make maintenance much simpler. In my experience, a can that resists fingerprints and smudges also looks better for longer.
What I Think About Liner Compatibility
I make sure the trash can works well with standard 13-gallon liners. If the liner fits properly, I don’t have to deal with slipping bags or wasted space. I also like cans with a bag-retaining ring or inner bucket, since they help keep the liner in place and make changing bags easier.
Style and Appearance Matter Too
Since the trash can stays in a visible part of my home, I like one that looks good. Stainless steel gives a modern look, while plastic options can be lighter and more affordable. I usually choose a design that matches my kitchen so the can blends in instead of standing out.
My Final Thoughts Before Buying
When I shop for a step trash can 13 gallon, I focus on durability, pedal comfort, odor control, easy cleaning, and a size that fits my space. For me, the best choice is one that makes daily use simple and reliable. If I can open it easily, keep it clean, and rely on it every day, then I know I made the right purchase.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, a Step Trash Can 13 Gallon is a practical choice for keeping a kitchen or workspace neat and organized. I like that it offers a good balance of size, convenience, and ease of use for everyday waste disposal. My takeaway is that it’s a simple upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in cleanliness and efficiency.
Author Profile
-
Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
Latest entries
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Clay Pigeon Shooting Vest: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Gel Blaster Black and Blue: My Honest Review of This Powerful Gel Gun
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Hamilton Heavy Duty Cast Iron Post Mount Mailbox: A Durable, Stylish Upgrade for Any Home
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Dining Table and White Chairs: The Perfect Stylish Upgrade for My Home