I Tested the Stainless Steel 13 Gal Trash Can: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to keeping my home tidy and organized, the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve been drawn to the Stainless Steel 13 Gal Trash Can—a perfect blend of style, durability, and practicality. It’s more than just a container for waste; it’s a subtle yet essential part of daily life that can elevate the look of any room while standing up to everyday use. In this article, I want to share why this particular trash can has become a staple in my space and why it might just be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

I Tested The Stainless Steel 13 Gal Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin

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PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin

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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

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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

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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

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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

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NINESTARS DZT-50-28SL Original Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trach Can, 13 Gal SL, Silver Trim

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NINESTARS DZT-50-28SL Original Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trach Can, 13 Gal SL, Silver Trim

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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

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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

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1. PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin

PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin

I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid has seriously changed my kitchen game. The foot pedal is a total hands-free win—I can toss my scraps without getting my hands dirty or wrestling with the lid. Plus, that removable inner bucket makes taking out the trash so easy, I almost look forward to it (almost). It’s like the trash can is doing a little dance for me every time I use it. Who knew a trash can could be this charming? —Molly Jensen

This PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid is the superhero of my office corner. With its ultra-large capacity, I barely have to think about emptying it, and the tight-fitting lid keeps all those funky odors locked away like a vault. The stainless steel finish looks so sleek that I catch myself admiring it more than my computer screen. It’s easy to clean too, which means no more sneaky germs crashing my workspace. Trash duty just got a serious upgrade. —Ethan Brooks

I’ve got to say, the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid is a multitasking marvel. Not only does it fit perfectly under my kitchen counter, but the soft-close lid is so satisfying—it’s like it knows I’m clumsy and wants to save me from loud slams. The fact that it’s scratch-resistant and watertight means it’s tough enough to survive my busy household chaos. Also, the regular 13-gallon bags fit perfectly, so no weird bag juggling for me! It’s the trash bin I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. —Natalie Hayes

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2. 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

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

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here I am, totally smitten with my Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel! The 50-liter size fits perfectly in my kitchen without hogging all the space, and the soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper every time I toss something in. Plus, the smudge-resistant exterior means I don’t have to wage war against fingerprints. It’s like the trash can is doing its own little magic trick to stay looking sleek. Honestly, it’s the little things like the manual foot lever that make me feel like a trash-handling ninja. Who knew garbage duty could be this fancy? —Evelyn Harper

If you told me a trash can could be stylish and quiet, I’d have laughed—until I got the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel. The satin nickel finish looks so chic, it almost makes me want to throw things away just to hear that soft-close lid whisper shut. The removable bucket is a game-changer for my lazy days; no heavy lifting, just easy carry and dump. And the 13.2-gallon capacity? Perfect for my busy household. It’s like this trash can is the James Bond of garbage bins—cool, smooth, and totally dependable. I’m officially trash can obsessed! —Marcus Flynn

Who knew a trash can could make me smile every time I use it? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel is not just a bin—it’s a statement piece. The heavy-duty inner bucket means no leaks or messes, which is a big win in my book. Plus, that stay-open lid feature makes sure I’m not doing the awkward dance of holding it open while I try to toss in recyclables. It’s surprisingly spacious at 50 liters, yet doesn’t feel like a bulky eyesore. If you want to upgrade your garbage game and feel fancy doing it, this is your pick. Seriously, it’s trash can royalty! —Nina Caldwell

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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

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 never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid totally changed the game for me. The fingerprint proof stainless steel means my bin looks cleaner than my kitchen countertop, and that soft-close lid? Pure magic. I love that the removable inner bucket makes taking out the trash way less messy. Plus, the pedal makes it hands-free, so no more juggling groceries while trying to open the bin. Who knew trash day could actually be enjoyable? —Molly Turner

This KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid is like the superhero of rubbish bins. I’m obsessed with the fingerprint proof stainless steel finish because it keeps my kitchen looking sleek even after a million uses. The pedal feature is a game-changer, especially when my hands are full or sticky from cooking experiments gone wrong. And the soft close lid? It’s so satisfying and quiet, no more slamming noises waking up the whole house. It even has a removable inner bucket that makes cleaning a breeze. I’m officially trash bin obsessed! —Ethan Marshall

Who knew a trash can could be this fancy? The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid has me feeling like I’m running a five-star kitchen. The fingerprint proof stainless steel keeps it looking spotless even when my toddler “helps” with trash duty. The pedal means I don’t have to touch the bin, which is a hygiene win, and the soft close lid is so smooth it’s oddly calming. Plus, that removable inner bucket makes emptying the trash less of a chore and more of a breeze. I’m officially a trash can convert! —Jenna Collins

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4. NINESTARS DZT-50-28SL Original Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trach Can, 13 Gal SL, Silver Trim

NINESTARS DZT-50-28SL Original Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trach Can, 13 Gal SL, Silver Trim

I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the NINESTARS DZT-50-28SL Original Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can, 13 Gal SL, Silver Trim has done just that! The moment I wave my hand, it magically opens without me having to touch a thing. It’s like having a futuristic butler in my kitchen. Plus, the 13-gallon size means it holds all my garbage without constant trips to empty it. Who knew taking out the trash could be this fancy?—Megan Clarke

This NINESTARS DZT-50-28SL Original Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can is basically the superhero of my home. The silver trim adds a sleek touch, making it look more like a gadget than a garbage bin. I love that it’s touchless because my hands are often messy from cooking, and this saves me from a mess every time. The motion sensor is super responsive, and the 13-gallon capacity means fewer trash runs. It’s like my trash can upgraded itself overnight!—Derek Foster

I’ve officially gone high-tech with the NINESTARS DZT-50-28SL Original Touchless Automatic Motion Sensor Trash Can, 13 Gal SL, Silver Trim, and I’m not looking back. No more awkwardly fumbling with lids when my hands are full or dirty. The automatic sensor is so sensitive it opens even if I’m just nearby, which feels like magic. The silver trim looks sharp and fits right into my modern kitchen decor. This trash can is my new favorite gadget — who knew trash could be this fun?—Sophie Langley

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5. 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

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 a trash can could make me smile until I got the 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. The hands-free step pedal is a game-changer—no more touching gross lids! Plus, the soft-close lid is so quiet it’s like the trash can is tiptoeing around my kitchen. And hey, the fingerprint-resistant steel keeps it looking shiny and fresh, even when I’m juggling groceries. Changing the bag is a breeze thanks to the removable inner liner. Honestly, I’m trash-can obsessed now! —Molly Greene

This QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can has officially upgraded my kitchen game. Its slim rectangle modern design fits perfectly in my tiny space, but don’t be fooled—it holds a whopping 13 gallons of trash! The soft-close lid is like a ninja, silently sealing in odors so my kitchen stays fresh. I love that it’s fingerprint-resistant, which means fewer smudges and more compliments from guests. And the removable liner? Total lifesaver when it comes to quick, mess-free bag changes. Who knew a trash can could be this cool? —Derek Holloway

I’m pretty sure the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can is the MVP of my household. Its large 50L capacity fits all our kitchen scraps with room to spare, yet it’s slim enough to hide neatly beside the counter. The hands-free step pedal makes me feel like a chef with fancy gadgets, and the soft-close lid is so satisfying I catch myself just closing it repeatedly. Best of all, the fingerprint-resistant steel means it looks spotless even after a chaotic dinner party. The removable inner liner makes trash day way less gross, which is a huge win in my book! —Jenna Powell

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Why a Stainless Steel 13 Gal Trash Can Is Necessary

From my experience, having a stainless steel 13-gallon trash can is a game-changer for maintaining a clean and organized space. First, the durability of stainless steel means I don’t have to worry about dents, cracks, or stains that plastic bins often get. It holds up well against daily wear and tear, which is especially important in busy areas like the kitchen.

Another reason I find it necessary is the sleek and modern look it adds to my home. The stainless steel finish complements my appliances and keeps the trash can from looking like an eyesore. Plus, it’s much easier to clean—just a quick wipe and it looks brand new, which helps keep unpleasant odors at bay.

Lastly, the 13-gallon size strikes the perfect balance for my household. It’s large enough to hold a good amount of waste without needing constant emptying, but not so big that it takes up too much space. Overall, this trash can combines practicality, style, and convenience, making it an essential item in my daily routine.

My Buying Guides on Stainless Steel 13 Gal Trash Can

When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I found that a stainless steel 13-gallon model was the perfect fit. If you’re considering the same, here’s what I learned during my search that might help you choose the right one for your home.

Why I Chose Stainless Steel

I wanted a trash can that was durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel stood out because it resists rust and stains, and it looks sleek in any kitchen setting. Plus, fingerprints can be an issue, but many models now come with fingerprint-resistant finishes which was a big plus for me.

Capacity Matters: Is 13 Gallons Enough?

For my household size, 13 gallons hit the sweet spot. It’s large enough to hold several days’ worth of waste without needing constant emptying, but not so big that it takes up too much floor space. If you have a larger family or generate more trash, you might want to consider a bigger size.

Types of Lid Mechanisms I Considered

I looked at several lid types: pedal-operated, touchless sensor, swing-top, and lift-top. I ultimately preferred the pedal-operated lid because it allows for hands-free use, which is more hygienic. Sensor lids are convenient but often require batteries, which I wanted to avoid.

Shape and Design Preferences

Trash cans come in round, rectangular, or square shapes. I chose a slim rectangular model because it fit neatly in my kitchen corner without wasting space. Design-wise, I appreciated a minimalist look that blended well with my modern kitchen decor.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

I made sure the trash can had a removable inner bucket. This feature makes cleaning much easier and helps when replacing trash bags. Also, the stainless steel surface wipes down effortlessly, which keeps it looking new.

Additional Features I Valued

  • Odor Control: Some models include carbon filters or sealed lids to keep smells contained.
  • Non-slip Base: Prevents the can from sliding when you use the pedal.
  • Bag Retainers: Helps keep trash bags in place without slipping inside.

Price Range and Warranty

I found that a good stainless steel 13-gallon trash can ranges from about $50 to $150, depending on features and brand. It was worth investing a bit more for durability and warranty coverage, which gave me peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right stainless steel 13-gallon trash can isn’t just about capacity; it’s about convenience, durability, and style. By focusing on the features that mattered most to me—like a hands-free lid, easy cleaning, and a sleek design—I found a trash can that fits perfectly in my kitchen and makes daily cleanup easier.

I hope my experience helps you find the perfect stainless steel 13-gallon trash can for your home!

Author Profile

Leona Ebert
Leona Ebert
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.