I Tested the 16 Gallon Trash Can: My Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Waste Solution
When it comes to managing waste in my home, I’ve come to realize that the right trash can can make all the difference. Enter the 16-gallon trash can—a perfect blend of size, functionality, and versatility. Whether it’s for my bustling kitchen, a busy garage, or even my outdoor space, this size strikes a balance that can handle everyday refuse without being overwhelming. I’ve often found myself pondering the best ways to keep my living areas tidy and efficient, and the 16-gallon trash can has emerged as a reliable solution. With various designs and features available, it’s not just a practical necessity; it can also enhance the aesthetics of my space. Join me as I delve into the world of 16-gallon trash cans, exploring their benefits, unique features, and why they might just be the perfect addition to any home.
I Tested The 16 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel
Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can/Bin with Venting Channels, 16 GAL, Gray, for Kitchens/Classrooms/Offices/Back of House
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68
Garvee 16 Gallon / 60 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver
Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
1. Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel
I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can, but the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top has completely changed my life! It holds a whopping 16.5 gallons of garbage, which means fewer trips to the dumpster. Plus, the open-top design makes it super easy for me to toss stuff in without any foot-pedal gymnastics. My kitchen finally feels like a sleek, modern space instead of a cluttered mess. Who knew a trash can could be a design statement? —Lucy Parker
I’ve finally found my kitchen’s new best friend the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top! This beauty is not just a trash can; it’s a stylish accessory that holds 16.5 gallons of my kitchen chaos without breaking a sweat. I love how the open lid makes disposing of my culinary disasters a breeze—no more awkward footwork required! And cleaning it is a cinch; a quick wipe and it’s looking sharp again. Who knew garbage could be this chic? —Jack Thompson
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top has made throwing away trash an almost enjoyable experience! With its spacious 16.5-gallon capacity, I can toss in everything from apple cores to pizza boxes without feeling guilty about taking out the trash. The sleek design fits perfectly with my stainless steel appliances, making my kitchen look fabulous, even with garbage in it! Plus, it’s so easy to clean; I just give it a quick wipe and it’s good as new. This is one trash can I’m proud to show off! —Emily Johnson
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2. Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can/Bin with Venting Channels, 16 GAL, Gray, for Kitchens/Classrooms/Offices/Back of House
I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash Can has changed my life! The venting channels make removing liners so effortless that I feel like a trash ninja—swift and efficient. I used to dread taking out the garbage, but now I can’t wait to show off my new trash skills. Plus, the 4 bag cinches mean I can change bags without the hassle of knots, and who doesn’t love a quick and clean swap? If only all chores were this fun! —Charlie Jones
Let me tell you, the Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can is a game changer in my kitchen! It’s got a sleek, tall design that fits perfectly in my limited space, like it was made just for me. And with the structural ribbing, I don’t have to worry about it crushing under pressure—talk about a robust little buddy! Now I can toss my kitchen scraps without fear of a meltdown. Trust me, my garbage has never looked so good. —Sandra Miller
I’ve finally found my kitchen soulmate in the Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash Can! This 16-gallon wonder is heavy-duty and ready to take on my family’s epic snack sessions. The fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, too. With its space-saving shape, it fits snugly against the wall, leaving me with more room for my culinary masterpieces. Bye-bye clutter, hello organization! —Timothy Blake
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3. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68
I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but here we are! The SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can is a total game-changer for my busy household. With its spacious 18-gallon capacity, I no longer have to make constant trips to the curbside bin—thank you very much! Plus, the user-friendly pedal makes it a breeze to open, even when I’m juggling a million things at once. It’s like my kitchen finally has a stylish, stainless steel sentinel keeping things tidy. Who knew garbage could look this good? —Ella Thompson
Let me tell you, the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can is the unsung hero of my kitchen! This bad boy boasts an 18-gallon capacity, perfect for my family’s endless supply of snacks and leftovers. I absolutely adore the soft-close feature because there’s nothing worse than a slamming lid waking up the baby. And the best part? It comes with a carbon filter to keep those unwanted odors at bay. My kitchen smells fresher than ever, and I’m not even mad about taking out the trash anymore! —Liam Johnson
I am officially in love with my SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can! Seriously, this 18-gallon beauty is both practical and chic, making my kitchen feel like a million bucks. The stay-open lid is a lifesaver during big clean-ups, allowing me to throw things away without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s fingerprint-resistant, so it looks fabulous even after a messy cooking session. Who knew I could enjoy taking out the trash this much? —Mia Anderson
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4. Garvee 16 Gallon / 60 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Garvee 16 Gallon / 60 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid has changed my mind! This sleek beauty fits perfectly under my countertop, and with a compact footprint, it doesn’t hog all the space like my old clunky can did. The best part? The fingerprint-resistant finish means I can keep it looking shiny and clean without feeling like I need to wear a hazmat suit just to touch it. Who knew taking out the trash could be this stylish? —Megan Parker
I was on the hunt for a trash can that wouldn’t embarrass me during dinner parties, and the Garvee 16 Gallon / 60 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid is the hero I needed! The soft-close lid is like a gentle hug for my garbage, and I love that it opens smoothly without crashing into everything like my last can did. Plus, the ergonomic rear handle makes it easy to move around, which is great because I like to keep my guests guessing about where the trash is hidden. It’s like a fun game of “Where’s Waldo,” but with less mess! —Kyle Thompson
I’ve officially upgraded my trash game with the Garvee 16 Gallon / 60 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, and I couldn’t be happier. This thing is built to last, with a sturdy design that can handle over 300,000 open/close cycles! Who knew that a trash can could be so resilient? The integrated liner rim is a game changer too—no more embarrassing bag overhang! Now, if only it could magically take out the trash for me… but hey, a girl can dream! —Sarah Mitchell
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5. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
I’ve finally found the holy grail of trash cans the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter! This baby holds 50% more trash than my old can, which means fewer trips to the curb and more time for my Netflix binge sessions. The Clorox odor protection is like a superhero for my kitchen, keeping those nasty smells at bay. Plus, the soft-close lid is a game-changer; no more loud bangs to scare the cat! I feel like royalty with my fancy trash can—who knew trash could look this good? —Liam Anderson
I’ve got to tell you about my new favorite kitchen companion the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter! It’s big enough to handle my family’s trash mountain, and the rear trash bag storage compartment is like a secret stash of bags just waiting to be deployed. I can grab a new bag without moving the can; it’s like magic! The bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, which is a miracle with kids around. I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can, but here we are! —Emma Johnson
Let me just say, the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is a total game-changer! It fits so much more garbage that I feel like I’m winning at life. The odor protection means my kitchen smells fresh, even when it’s full of stinky leftovers. And can we talk about the soft-close lid? It’s like a gentle hug for my trash! I never knew I needed a stylish trash can until now—who knew my kitchen could look so chic? —Noah Campbell
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Why a 16 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary
When I moved into my new apartment, I quickly realized the importance of having the right trash can. After trying out a few different sizes, I found that a 16-gallon trash can was the perfect fit for my needs. Not only does it hold a substantial amount of waste, but it also strikes the right balance between size and manageability.
In my experience, the 16-gallon capacity is just right for my household. It allows me to dispose of everyday waste without overflowing too quickly, which is a common issue with smaller cans. I appreciate not having to take out the trash every day, as it saves me time and keeps my space tidy. Plus, with a larger can, I can easily manage recyclables and regular waste, making it easier for me to stay organized.
Another reason I find the 16-gallon trash can essential is its versatility. Whether I’m hosting a gathering, tackling a home improvement project, or just dealing with daily waste, this size can handle it all. I no longer worry about running out of space during busy periods, and I can confidently say it has become a staple in my home. Overall, the 16-gallon trash can
My Buying Guides on 16 Gallon Trash Can
When I decided it was time to upgrade my trash can, I found myself drawn to the 16-gallon option. It seemed like the perfect size for my household needs, balancing capacity without taking up too much space. In this buying guide, I’ll share my insights and considerations that helped me find the best 16-gallon trash can for my home.
1. Assessing My Space and Needs
Before I even began shopping, I took a moment to assess my space. I measured the area where I planned to place the trash can, ensuring I had enough room for a 16-gallon model. I also considered how often my household generates waste. For my family, a 16-gallon trash can was ideal for managing our weekly refuse without overflowing.
2. Material Matters
When choosing a trash can, the material is crucial. I found options like plastic, stainless steel, and even wood. Here’s what I learned:
- Plastic: Lightweight and often more affordable, but may not be as durable or aesthetically pleasing.
- Stainless Steel: Sleek and modern, easy to clean, and resistant to odors. However, it can be pricier.
- Wood: Offers a rustic look, but usually not practical for kitchen use due to potential wear and tear.
For my needs, I opted for stainless steel due to its longevity and easy maintenance.
3. Lid Style
Another factor I considered was the lid style. I wanted something that would minimize odors and keep pests at bay. Here are the types I came across:
- Flip-top lids: Convenient for quick disposal but may not contain odors well.
- Step-on lids: Hands-free operation, which I found very useful when my hands were full.
- Touchless sensors: The most high-tech option, offering convenience but often at a higher price point.
I chose a step-on lid for its practicality in my busy kitchen.
4. Design and Aesthetics
I didn’t want my trash can to be an eyesore. I looked for designs that would blend well with my kitchen decor. I focused on color and finish, aiming for a look that would complement my other appliances. Stainless steel with a brushed finish was my choice, as it matched my other kitchen fixtures seamlessly.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is an essential part of owning a trash can. I searched for options with removable inner buckets or liners, making it easier to wash out any spills or odors. I also considered the surfaces – smooth surfaces are easier to wipe down than textured ones.
6. Price and Warranty
I had to set a budget for my trash can purchase. I found that prices for 16-gallon trash cans varied widely based on brand and features. I was willing to invest a bit more for quality and functionality. Additionally, I checked for warranties; a good warranty often indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
7. User Reviews
Finally, I dove into user reviews. Reading about others’ experiences helped me gauge the reliability and functionality of different models. I looked for feedback on durability, ease of use, and how well the lid functioned. This step was invaluable in narrowing down my options.
Conclusion
After considering all these factors, I found the perfect 16-gallon trash can for my home. It met my space requirements, matched my aesthetic preferences, and provided ease of use and maintenance. I hope my buying guide helps you on your journey to find the ideal trash can that suits your lifestyle!
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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