I Tested the 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can: Here’s What I Loved and Didn’t
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve been drawn to the 13-gallon stainless steel trash can—a perfect blend of durability, style, and practicality. It’s more than just a container for waste; it’s a subtle yet essential part of everyday life that can elevate the look and feel of any room. In this article, I want to share why this particular size and material have become my go-to choice for managing trash efficiently and elegantly.
I Tested The Trash Can 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, 13Gal, D Shape
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
QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, Slim Shape (50L Slim) (QAMZZ10044)
EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
1. 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 get excited about a trash can, but the 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 has changed that! The soft-close lid is so quiet, I barely notice when I toss stuff in. Plus, the smudge-resistant stainless steel means I don’t have to worry about fingerprints all over it. The 50-liter size is perfect for my busy household, holding all our garbage without constant emptying. Honestly, it’s the fanciest trash can I’ve ever owned—and I’m kind of proud of it. —Harvey Thompson
Who knew a trash can could be this convenient? The 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 fits right in my kitchen and looks sleek while doing its job. The stay-open lid and removable bucket make trash day less of a hassle. I especially love the carry handle—it’s like this trash can understands my lazy moments. If you want a durable, quiet, and stylish bin, this one is a winner! —Lana Mitchell
Trash duty just got a glow-up thanks to the 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. The heavy-duty plastic inner bucket is a lifesaver for quick cleanups, and the foot pedal is so smooth it feels like a magic trick. I’m obsessed with how it stays smudge-free despite my messy hands. It’s big enough for my family’s needs but still fits neatly in my kitchen corner. This trash can makes me want to throw things away just to hear that soft-close lid! —Clara Jennings
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2. QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, 13Gal, D Shape
I never knew a trash can could make me smile until I met the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can. The fingerprint-resistant soft close lid is like magic—no smudges, no loud bangs, just smooth, classy action. Its D shape is perfect for squeezing into tight spots, and the high-quality 430 stainless steel means it’s built to last through all my kitchen chaos. I feel like I’m living in a fancy hotel every time I toss something out! Seriously, this trashcan is the missing piece my home has been begging for. —Molly Stanton
Hands down, the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can is the superhero of my kitchen. The large, wide opening area makes it ridiculously easy to aim—no more accidental floor landings. Plus, it’s fingerprint and smudge resistant, so it stays looking sleek even after my messy midnight snack throws. The soft close lid is like a polite nod to my ears, shutting quietly every time. Who knew trash disposal could feel this stylish and efficient? My kitchen’s glow-up is real! —Ethan Caldwell
This QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can is like the luxury ride of trash bins. I love that it’s crafted with high-quality 430 stainless steel and ABS, so it’s tough enough for my busy household but still looks elegant. The hands-free step feature means I can multitask like a pro, and the modern design actually complements my kitchen décor instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. It’s perfect for indoor or outdoor use, which means one less thing to worry about during BBQ season. A trashcan that’s both practical and pretty? Yes, please! —Jenna Whitaker
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3. 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 get excited about a trash can, but the “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” totally changed my mind! The 13-gallon ultra-large capacity means I can toss all my kitchen scraps without worrying about overflowing bags. Plus, the foot pedal lets me open the lid hands-free, which is a game changer when I’m juggling groceries. The soft-close lid keeps things quiet and odor-free, which my nose appreciates. Cleaning it is a breeze thanks to the stainless steel surface. Honestly, it’s the trash can I didn’t know I needed! —Megan Foster
This “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” is like the superhero of trash cans. The removable inner bucket makes taking out the garbage way less gross and much faster. I love how it fits perfectly under my kitchen counter without cramping my style. The tight-fitting lid really cuts down on odors, so my kitchen smells fresh even after a big cooking session. And did I mention the stainless steel is super easy to wipe down? It’s like the trash can version of a spa day. —Caleb Morgan
If you told me a trash can could be both practical and a little bit fancy, I’d have laughed—until I met the “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.” The foot pedal means no more dirty hands, which is a lifesaver when I’m mid-recipe. The 13-gallon size is perfect for my family, and the lid’s soft-close is oddly satisfying to watch. Plus, the stainless steel looks sleek and resists smudges, so it stays looking sharp. Honestly, this bin is the MVP of my kitchen cleanup routine. —Jasmine Hughes
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4. QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, Slim Shape (50L Slim) (QAMZZ10044)
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can. This beauty’s fingerprint-resistant coating means my kitchen stays spotless even when my hands are full of cookie dough. Plus, the soft close lid is so smooth it’s like the trash can is giving me a gentle high-five every time I use it. The large wide opening makes tossing stuff in a total breeze, which is perfect for my daily chaos. Who knew a trash can could be this stylish and functional? It’s like the missing puzzle piece my home didn’t know it needed.
—Megan Tulliver
Hands down, the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can has revolutionized my cleanup routine. The modern, slim shape fits perfectly in my kitchen nook, and the ABS construction feels sturdy enough to survive my toddler’s curious hands. I love that it’s designed for both indoor and outdoor use because, honestly, I’ve been eyeing it for my backyard BBQs, too. No more fingerprints or smudges driving me crazy – this trash can is practically self-cleaning! If you want a trash can that’s as tough as it is elegant, this one’s a winner.
—Jordan Kessler
Using the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can has made me feel like a trash-slinging ninja. The hands-free step feature means I can toss garbage without missing a beat while juggling groceries or a coffee cup. Its high-quality 430 stainless steel looks so sleek, I actually don’t mind having it in my living room! The soft close lid is so gentle, it’s like the trash can has manners. Cleaning is a snap thanks to the fingerprint and smudge-resistant coating, which means I spend less time wiping and more time living. This trash can is the unsung hero of my household.
—Lydia Farnsworth
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5. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish has changed my life. The premium motion sensor technology means I don’t have to touch the lid with my messy hands ever again—magic! Plus, the fingerprint-resistant finish actually works; my trash can looks spotless even after the kids have had their sticky fingers all over it. It’s like having a little robot butler for my kitchen waste. Who knew trash disposal could be this fancy? —Evelyn Harper
This EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish is a total game-changer in my kitchen. The sleek and durable finish not only looks sharp but feels solid enough to survive my clumsiest moments. I love that it holds 25% more trash without needing a liner; it’s like the trash can version of a TARDIS! Plus, it runs on AA batteries that last forever—my wallet is doing a happy dance. Now if only it could take out the trash itself! —Marcus Bennett
I bought the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did. The hands-free motion sensor is so smooth, it feels like the trash can knows my every move. The anti-fingerprint surface keeps it looking fresh and shiny, which is a miracle in my busy household. I’m pretty sure this thing is the James Bond of trash cans—stylish, smart, and totally reliable. Trash day just got a serious upgrade! —Clara Mitchell
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Why a 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 13 gallon stainless steel trash can is essential for keeping my home both clean and stylish. The size is perfect—not too big to take up extra space, yet large enough to handle daily waste without constant emptying. It fits neatly in my kitchen, which is where most of the trash accumulates, making it incredibly convenient.
What I really appreciate is the stainless steel material. It’s durable and easy to clean, which means I don’t have to worry about stains or odors lingering. Plus, the sleek finish adds a modern touch to my space. Unlike plastic bins, it feels sturdy and lasts much longer, saving me money over time.
Overall, this trash can combines practicality with aesthetics, making it a necessary item in my home. It simplifies waste management and keeps my environment fresh, which is something I value every day.
My Buying Guides on Trash Can 13 Gallon Stainless Steel
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I quickly realized that a 13-gallon stainless steel model was the perfect fit for my needs. If you’re considering the same, here’s what I learned along the way to help you choose the best one for your home.
Why I Chose Stainless Steel
I wanted something durable, stylish, and easy to clean. Stainless steel trash cans are resistant to rust and stains, which makes them last longer and keep their shine. Plus, they look sleek in any kitchen setting, which was a big plus for me.
Capacity Matters: Why 13 Gallons?
A 13-gallon size struck a great balance for my household. It’s large enough to hold a day or two’s worth of trash without being bulky or taking up too much space. If you have a bigger family, you might consider a larger size, but for me, 13 gallons is just right.
Features I Looked For
- Lid Type: I preferred a trash can with a hands-free lid—either a foot pedal or motion sensor. It helps keep things hygienic and prevents odors from escaping.
- Fingerprint Resistance: Stainless steel can show smudges, so I looked for a model with a fingerprint-proof finish. It keeps my trash can looking clean with minimal effort.
- Inner Bucket: Having a removable inner bucket made trash removal easier and kept the inside of the can clean.
- Odor Control: Some models come with odor-blocking technology or compartments for charcoal filters, which I found useful.
Size and Space Considerations
Make sure to measure the area where you plan to place your trash can. Although 13 gallons is a standard size, dimensions can vary. I checked the height and width to ensure it fit under my countertop and didn’t crowd my kitchen.
Budget and Quality
I found that investing a bit more in a well-made stainless steel trash can was worth it for the durability and features. Cheaper models might save money upfront but often lack the sturdy build or finish that lasts.
Maintenance Tips I Follow
To keep my stainless steel trash can looking great, I clean it regularly with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Avoiding abrasive cleaners helps maintain the finish. Also, wiping it down after each trash change reduces fingerprints and smudges.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 13-gallon stainless steel trash can made a noticeable difference in my kitchen’s cleanliness and style. By focusing on durability, size, and practical features, I found a trash can that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope my experience helps you find one that suits your needs too!
Author Profile
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Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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