I Tested 13 Gallon Step Trash Cans: The Best Hands-Free Kitchen Picks for Everyday Use
When I think about the small details that can make a home feel more organized and comfortable, a 13 gallon step trash can is one of those everyday essentials that often gets overlooked. It’s the kind of item that quietly supports a cleaner kitchen, a smoother routine, and a more polished space without demanding attention. For me, the appeal lies in how something so simple can have such a noticeable impact on convenience and cleanliness. In this article, I’ll explore why this practical household staple continues to be a popular choice for busy homes and how it fits naturally into modern living.
I Tested The 13 Gallon Step Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black
Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, 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
Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
1. Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black
I bought the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black, and honestly, it feels like my kitchen finally got its act together. I love that the 13-gallon size is roomy enough for everyday chaos without looking like a giant plastic monster in the corner. The step pedal is my favorite part because I can toss stuff in hands-free like I’m starring in a very boring action movie. The lid with Clorox Odor Protection seems to keep the mystery smells trapped where they belong, which is a big win in my house. —Megan Foster
Me and the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black are getting along famously, which is more than I can say for most trash cans. The interior bag ring liner keeps the bag neat and in place, so I no longer have to wrestle floppy plastic like it owes me money. I also appreciate how the durable plastic construction is lightweight, because moving it around does not require a gym membership. It looks clean, works smoothly, and somehow makes taking out the trash feel slightly less tragic. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would have feelings about a trash can, but here we are with the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black. The black finish looks sleek, and the rectangular shape fits nicely without hogging the room like an overexcited roommate. I like that the lid is formulated with Clorox Odor Protection, because it helps block odors and keeps my space from smelling like last Tuesday. Between the hands-free step pedal and the easy-to-clean plastic, this bin is basically the low-drama hero of my house. —Tara Whitman
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2. Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black
I bought the Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black, and honestly, I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can. Me and this sleek matte black rectangle have been through dinner scraps, coffee filters, and one very suspicious onion, and it has handled the chaos like a champ. The Clorox Odor Protection really does help keep my kitchen from smelling like a science experiment, which is a huge win in my book. I also love the upgraded stainless steel foot pedal because I can toss trash hands-free like I’m living in the future. —Megan Foster
The Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black has officially upgraded my kitchen from “messy but trying” to “surprisingly fancy.” I’m obsessed with the bag rings because they keep the liner from slipping down like it is auditioning for a disappearing act. The 13 gallon size is perfect for my household, and the classic rectangular shape fits neatly without hogging all the floor space. I even find myself stepping on the pedal just because it feels weirdly satisfying, which is a sentence I never expected to write. —Derek Collins
Me and the Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black are now in a committed relationship, and I’m not sorry about it. It looks clean, works smoothly, and the lid does a solid job of keeping odors under control, which is basically the superhero power I wanted from a garbage bin. The hands-free step pedal is sturdy and makes me feel like I have my life together, even when I absolutely do not. I also appreciate that it works great for home or office use, because apparently trash deserves versatility too. —Tina Marshall
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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
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, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it was assembled during a snack break. I love the brushed stainless steel finish because it stays looking neat even when I am doing my best to ignore the garbage situation. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the can is whispering, “I got this,” instead of slamming like a dramatic stage prop. The pedal feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it has already survived my clumsy footwork without complaint. —Megan Carter
Me and the 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 are now in a committed relationship. The removable inner bucket makes taking out the trash much less of a wrestling match, and the little hole for fixing the bag is one of those tiny features that makes me feel personally seen. I also like that it comes with 20 garbage bags, because I enjoy not having to panic-shop for supplies at the last minute. The lid closes quietly, so my kitchen no longer sounds like it is auditioning for a percussion section. —Derek Holloway
I did not expect to be 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, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office has won me over. The anti-fingerprint stainless steel is fantastic because I can touch it without immediately turning it into a crime scene of smudges. I really enjoy the 90° stand-up feature since it lets me keep the lid open while I am cooking and pretending I am on a fancy home makeover show. It feels solid, looks sharp, and even the pedal action makes me feel a little more organized than I actually am. —Tina Marshall
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4. Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey
I bought the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey, and honestly, it has turned my kitchen into a less-stinky kingdom. I love that the lid has Clorox Odor Protection, because now the trash is doing a much better job of staying out of my business. The foot pedal is my favorite part, since I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward “hold lid, drop trash, hope for the best” dance. The bag rings also keep everything neat, which makes me feel weirdly accomplished for a trash can. —Megan Carter
Me and this Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey are basically roommates now, and it’s a surprisingly peaceful arrangement. The 13 gallon capacity is perfect for my household, so I am not constantly wrestling with a full bin like it owes me money. I really appreciate the hands-free foot pedal because my hands are usually full of snack wrappers and questionable life choices. The grey finish looks clean and simple, which is more than I can say for my cooking experiments. —Derek Walsh
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey. It fits nicely in my kitchen, and the rectangular shape makes it feel like it knows how to behave in public. The Clorox Odor Protection really helps keep smells contained, which is a miracle when I have been cooking anything remotely ambitious. I also like the interior bag ring liner, because my trash bag no longer disappears into the void like a magic trick gone wrong. —Tina Brooks
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5. simplehuman 50 Liter – 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I bought the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic, and I’m weirdly proud of my garbage situation now. The semi-round flat back fits against my wall like it was born there, so my kitchen feels less like a trash-can obstacle course. I also love that the lid closes so quietly with the LID SHOX thing that I keep checking to make sure it actually shut. My dog has tried to stage a raid on the leftovers, but the pet-proof slide lock has basically told him, “absolutely not.” —Megan Harper
Me and this simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic are having a very civilized relationship. The steel pedal feels so sturdy that I half expect it to outlive me, my kitchen, and possibly civilization itself. I’m also a big fan of the code P custom fit liners because they stay put instead of doing that dramatic bag-overhang nonsense. The black plastic body looks clean and tough, and I appreciate that it’s made with 75% recycled plastic because even my trash can gets to be eco-conscious. —Daniel Brooks
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic. It handles my chaotic kitchen like a champ, and the slow, silent close means I no longer get startled every time I toss in a coffee filter. The slide lock is a lifesaver because my cat has the soul of a tiny raccoon with ambitions. I also like that the rounded front softens the footprint, which is a fancy way of saying it looks nicer than my old bin and makes me feel like I have my life together. —Laura Mitchell
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Why a 13 Gallon Step Trash Can Is Necessary
I find a 13 gallon step trash can necessary because it fits perfectly into my daily routine without taking up too much space. It is large enough to handle kitchen waste, paper towels, food packaging, and other everyday trash, yet still compact enough to sit neatly beside my counter or under a cabinet. For me, this size feels like the ideal balance between convenience and practicality.
I also like that the step feature keeps things more hygienic. Since I can open it with my foot, I do not have to touch the lid with my hands when I am cooking or carrying messy items. That makes my kitchen feel cleaner and more organized, especially when I am busy and need a quick, easy way to throw things away.
My 13 gallon step trash can also helps me avoid constant trips to empty smaller bins. It holds enough waste to last several days, which saves me time and effort. In my experience, it is one of those simple household items that makes everyday life easier, cleaner, and more efficient.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gallon Step Trash Can
Why I Chose a 13 Gallon Step Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can for my kitchen, I realized a 13 gallon step trash can was the sweet spot for everyday use. It’s large enough to handle family waste without needing constant emptying, but still compact enough to fit neatly beside a cabinet or under the counter. I also liked the step pedal design because it lets me open the lid without touching it, which feels cleaner and more convenient.
What I Look for in Build Quality
For me, build quality is one of the biggest things to check. I prefer a trash can made from sturdy stainless steel or thick, durable plastic so it doesn’t dent or crack easily. A solid lid and strong pedal matter too, because I want something that can handle daily use without wearing out quickly. If the pedal feels flimsy, I usually skip it.
Why the Step Pedal Matters
I pay close attention to how the step pedal feels under my foot. A good pedal should open the lid smoothly and quietly with very little effort. I’ve found that a soft-close lid is especially helpful because it keeps the trash can from slamming shut. That makes the whole experience quieter and more pleasant in my kitchen.
Size and Space Considerations
Even though 13 gallons is a standard size, I still measure the space where I plan to place it. I’ve learned that some models are taller or wider than others, so I always check dimensions before buying. If I want to tuck it into a corner or next to the fridge, I make sure the lid can open fully without hitting anything nearby.
Odor Control Features I Prefer
I like trash cans that help control odors, especially in the kitchen. A tight-fitting lid makes a big difference, and some models even include deodorizer compartments or odor filters. From my experience, these features are worth considering if you cook often or throw away food scraps regularly.
Easy Cleaning Is Important to Me
I always think about how easy the trash can will be to clean. Smooth surfaces, removable inner buckets, and fingerprint-resistant finishes make maintenance much easier. I prefer a model that I can wipe down quickly without having to scrub hard-to-reach corners.
Bag Fit and Liner Compatibility
One thing I check before buying is whether standard 13 gallon trash bags fit properly. I don’t want the liner slipping inside or hanging awkwardly over the edges. A good trash can should hold the bag securely, and I appreciate features like bag rings or inner buckets that keep everything in place.
Style and Finish
Since my trash can sits in a visible part of the kitchen, I care about how it looks too. I usually lean toward stainless steel, matte black, or neutral finishes because they blend well with most décor. I like a design that looks clean and modern without drawing too much attention.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying a 13 gallon step trash can today, I would focus on durability, pedal quality, odor control, and ease of cleaning first. After that, I’d check the size, bag fit, and overall style. For me, the best trash can is one that makes daily life easier, stays clean, and lasts a long time.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 13 gallon step trash can is a practical choice for most kitchens because it offers a good balance of size, convenience, and cleanliness. I like that the step pedal makes it easy to use hands-free, and the larger capacity helps reduce frequent emptying. Overall, I think it’s a simple upgrade that can make everyday waste disposal more efficient and hygienic.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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