A 13-gallon trash can sits at the center of a busy kitchen, catching everything from coffee grounds to sticky takeout containers. The wrong one introduces three frustrations: a lid that slams shut, a removable liner that bunches up, and a plastic shell that absorbs odors over time. The best choice eliminates all three without adding a battery-powered motor or a premium price tag.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. I spend my time cross-referencing stainless steel gauge, pedal stroke durability, and inner bucket design to separate the bins that last five years from the ones that wobble after six months.
After testing seven models on step‑pedal count, odor‑seal effectiveness, liner‑rim security, and overall build, this roundup covers the best 13 gallon trash can options across plastic and stainless steel constructions for homes and busy kitchens.
How To Choose The Best 13 Gallon Trash Can
Selecting a 13-gallon bin means balancing material quality, lid style, and interior design against your kitchen’s daily waste volume. Plastic bins keep costs low but absorb grease and odors over time, while stainless steel resists stains and scrubbing but demands a higher upfront investment. The pedal mechanism matters more than the brand name: a steel pedal rated for 150,000 steps will outlast a plastic one that snaps within a year. Always check whether the inner bucket (if included) accommodates standard 13-gallon drawstring bags without leaving slack that causes liner slippage.
Material Durability and Finish
Stainless steel bins with a brushed or fingerprint‑proof finish resist smudges from daily handling and hold up better against dents than painted metal shells. Plastic units from brands like Sterilite are lighter and easier to move for floor sweeping, but the polished surface can become brittle in very low temperatures and may crack if dropped. For a bin that stays in one place for years, stainless steel with a minimum 0.5 mm wall thickness is the safer investment.
Lid Mechanism and Pedal Reliability
Step‑on pedals offer hands‑free operation, but the hinge design separates durable models from frustrating ones. Look for a pedal that uses a one‑piece steel lever rather than multiple joined parts. Soft‑close dampers prevent the lid from banging shut, but some mechanisms lock the lid at a 90‑degree angle for hands‑free food prep – a feature worth the extra few dollars. Swing‑lid bins save space on top but rely on counterweight friction to stay closed, which degrades after a few months of heavy use.
Liner Retention and Inner Bucket Design
A trash can that lets the bag slip down into the bin forces you to reach in and adjust it repeatedly – a minor nuisance that becomes a daily irritation. The best designs use either a removable inner bucket with built‑in bag hooks or a liner rim that clamps the bag around the opening. The inner bucket also simplifies emptying because you can lift the entire liner bundle out without scraping the inside of the bin. Avoid models where the bag ring is fixed to the lid unless you are willing to flip the lid up each time you replace a bag.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SONGMICS ULTB547B01 | Stainless Steel | Family kitchen with pets | 14.8 lb, non‑slip base | Amazon |
| Garvee 13.2 Gal | Stainless Steel | Under‑counter fit | 23.07 in height, 150k pedal | Amazon |
| SONGMICS ULTB595E01 | Stainless Steel | Toddler‑safe kitchen | Inner bucket with handles | Amazon |
| ELPHECO 13 Gal | Stainless Steel | Heavy stainless build | 21.46 lb, 90° stay‑open | Amazon |
| KUK 13 Gal | Stainless Steel | Odor lock technology | 150k+ pedal, 20 bags incl | Amazon |
| Glad Premium 13 Gal | Plastic | Budget with odor control | Clorox odor protection | Amazon |
| Sterilite Swingtop | Plastic | Simple swing‑lid use | 4 lb, 28.25 in height | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can ULTB547B01
The SONGMICS ULTB547B01 is a 13‑gallon stainless steel bin built for high‑traffic kitchens with kids or pets. Its recessed pedal stays wide and non‑slip, and the base includes rubber pads that grip tile and hardwood so the can does not slide forward when you step. The lid closes silently via a soft‑damp mechanism and can be manually locked at 90 degrees for extended meal prep sessions – a feature that sets it apart from bins that only stay open under pedal pressure.
The inner bucket lifts out via molded side handles, which makes bag replacement straightforward and keeps the exterior shell clean. The ink‑black brushed finish hides fingerprints better than raw stainless, and the 14.8‑pound weight gives it a planted feel that resists tipping even when a medium‑sized dog nudges the side. Standard 13‑gallon drawstring bags fit without bunching, though the included sample liners are slightly oversized for the inner rim.
Real‑world families report the lid staying fully shut against odor release until the next pedal press, and the wide opening accommodates large plates and takeout containers without scraping the rim. The only tradeoff is a slightly taller profile that may require confirming clearance under a 34‑inch counter – it fits under a 34.75‑inch opening with room to spare.
Why it’s great
- Soft‑close lid with manual 90‑degree lock
- Non‑slip wide pedal prevents floor scooting
- Removable inner bucket with handles for easy emptying
Good to know
- Inner rim may require standard bag adjustment for a perfect fit
- Not fully dog‑proof against persistent medium or large breeds
2. Garvee 13.2 Gal Stainless Steel Trash Can
The Garvee 13.2‑gallon stainless steel bin measures only 23.07 inches tall when closed, making it one of the few models that slides comfortably under a standard kitchen island overhang without hitting the counter lip. Its bucketless interior relies on a fixed liner rim that holds the bag taut against the opening, eliminating the sag that occurs when a removable inner bucket shifts. The brushed 410 ferritic stainless steel shell resists rust and fingerprints, and the integrated rear handle makes repositioning effortless.
The industrial steel pedal is rated for 150,000 steps and the one‑piece ABS hinge survives over 300,000 open‑close cycles – numbers that translate to a decade of daily use in a busy kitchen. The lid opens to 80 degrees under pedal pressure and locks at 95 degrees for hands‑free disposal, and the soft‑close mechanism prevents any slam noise. Anti‑slip rubber feet keep the bin planted on tile or hardwood, and the 15.7‑pound weight adds stability without making the can hard to lift for floor cleaning.
Users consistently praise the bag‑holding ring for preventing liner slippage, and the compact footprint leaves more floor space in tight galley kitchens. The bucketless design does mean you cannot lift out an inner bucket to change the bag, but the liner rim access is straightforward enough that this is rarely a drawback for most households.
Why it’s great
- Low 23‑inch height fits under island counters
- Liner rim eliminates bag slip without an inner bucket
- 150k+ pedal and 300k+ hinge cycle ratings
Good to know
- No removable inner bucket – bag changes require reaching into the shell
- Lid opens only to 80 degrees under pedal (95 degrees manual lock)
3. SONGMICS Trash Can ULTB595E01
The SONGMICS ULTB595E01 delivers a stainless steel body and a removable inner bucket at a price that typically belongs to plastic models with fewer features. The brushed finish resists fingerprints, and the soft‑close pedal mechanism produces zero lid noise – a welcome upgrade for homes with napping toddlers or early‑morning meal prep. The inner bucket includes integrated side handles and hides the trash bag entirely, maintaining a clean exterior silhouette even when the bag is half full.
The 14.1‑pound bin feels sturdy underfoot, and the pedal travel is smooth without excessive force required to open the lid fully. Standard 13‑gallon bags fit the inner bucket without bunching, and the included 15 liner bags allow immediate use. The compact rectangular footprint (16.4 x 14.7 inches) tucks neatly into corner cabinet spaces without wasting floor area.
Customer feedback highlights the inward‑curving lid design, which makes the bin difficult for toddlers to open – a genuine safety advantage for families. The thin stainless steel shell is prone to minor dents if struck by heavy cookware, but for normal kitchen use the build quality matches that of bins costing significantly more.
Why it’s great
- Removable inner bucket with handles hides the bag completely
- Soft‑close lid operates silently every time
- Toddler‑safe lid design prevents accidental opening
Good to know
- Thin steel shell can dent under impact
- Fingerprint resistance is good but not perfect on the brushed surface
4. ELPHECO 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can
The ELPHECO 13‑gallon stainless steel bin is the heaviest unit in this roundup at 21.46 pounds, and that mass translates directly into stability. The bin does not scoot, tip, or wobble when the pedal is depressed, even on smooth vinyl flooring. The brushed steel finish resists fingerprints and water spots, and the removable inner bucket lifts out via integrated handles for effortless bag changes.
The lid features a soft‑close damper that eliminates slam noise, and a 90‑degree stay‑open function holds the lid upright for extended tasks like peeling vegetables or cleaning pans. The pedal mechanism uses a single‑piece steel lever with no plastic joints, and the wide pedal surface accommodates any shoe size without slipping. The 18‑inch width is slightly more generous than average, so check your cabinet gap before ordering.
Reviewers note the included 20 trash bags are a welcome bonus, and the odor‑sealing lid effectively traps smells between changes. The only recurring feedback is that the soft‑close pin can occasionally catch a bag corner during removal, which is solved by pulling the bag straight up rather than at an angle.
Why it’s great
- 21‑pound weight prevents any floor movement during pedal operation
- 90‑degree stay‑open lid for hands‑free kitchen tasks
- Single‑piece steel pedal lever with no plastic failure points
Good to know
- 18‑inch width may be too wide for narrow cabinet spaces
- Soft‑close pin can grab bag material if lifted at an angle
5. KUK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can
The KUK 13‑gallon trash can combines a fingerprint‑proof stainless steel exterior with a sealed lid that uses a rubber gasket to trap odors. The gasket creates a tighter seal than most bins in this class, which makes a noticeable difference in kitchens where food scraps sit for two to three days between pickups. The pedal mechanism is rated for 150,000 steps and uses a rust‑resistant steel lever that shows no play after extended use.
The removable inner bucket includes built‑in bag hooks that grip the liner securely, preventing the bag from falling in even when the bin is less than half full. The 20 included custom‑fit bags match the bucket dimensions exactly, eliminating the trial‑and‑error fit of generic liners. The 16.7‑inch width fits easily into standard kitchen cabinet toe‑kick spaces without overcrowding.
Real‑world users report the quiet‑close lid operates smoothly and the bucket‑based bag system keeps the exterior of the can clean. The only downside is that the bin can scoot forward on smooth floors when the pedal is pressed – a small price to pay for the odor‑sealing performance that outperforms bins costing twice as much.
Why it’s great
- Rubber gasket lid seals odors better than standard plastic rims
- 150k‑cycle steel pedal with rust‑resistant lever
- 20 custom‑fit liner bags included for immediate use
Good to know
- Tends to scoot on tile or hardwood when stepping on the pedal
- Bag hooks require careful alignment to avoid tearing thin liners
6. Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can
The Glad Premium 13‑gallon trash can brings Clorox Odor Protection integrated into the plastic lid – a chlorine‑based additive that actively neutralizes smells rather than just trapping them. The bin uses a stainless steel foot pedal for hands‑free operation, and the plastic body is lightweight enough at 5 pounds to move easily for sweeping underneath. The interior bag rings hold standard 13‑gallon liners upright and fold excess bag material inward for a tidy appearance.
The matte black finish hides scuffs better than glossy plastic, and the 16‑by‑20‑inch footprint sits stably in most kitchen corners. The pedal mechanism is simpler than the metal models – fewer moving parts means less to break – but the lightweight body can shift on the floor when the pedal is pressed unless the bin is up against a wall.
Buyers consistently rate this bin highly for its odor‑control performance and low‑maintenance plastic construction that wipes clean with a damp cloth. The bag‑retention arms are effective but feel slightly flimsy compared to metal alternatives, and the lid does not have a soft‑close damper – it drops freely when released.
Why it’s great
- Clorox Odor Protection in the lid actively neutralizes smells
- Lightweight plastic body is easy to move and clean
- Bag rings keep the liner hidden and tidy
Good to know
- No soft‑close mechanism – lid drops freely
- Lightweight body scoots on tile when pedal is used
7. Sterilite Wastebasket Swingtop 13GA
The Sterilite Swingtop is a straightforward plastic wastebasket with a swing‑lid that pushes open from either side. It has no pedal, no metal components, and no soft‑close mechanism – just a 4‑pound plastic body that holds 13 gallons of waste with a lid flap that seals when at rest. The polished black plastic is easy to wipe down, and the 28‑inch height makes it a good fit for taller kitchen counters where you want to avoid bending.
The swing lid works with a gentle push from a hand or forearm, which is convenient for quick disposals but means the lid does not stay open on its own. Standard 13‑gallon tall kitchen bags fit the opening, and the wide mouth accommodates large pizza boxes and takeout containers without jamming. The base is broad enough that the bin does not tip when the lid is pushed from an angle.
Customer feedback notes the lid occasionally does not close fully on its own due to friction in the hinge pins – a minor issue that some users fix by adding a small weight to the back of the lid. For a simple, no‑electronics bin that just holds trash without complications, this is the most affordable path into 13‑gallon territory.
Why it’s great
- No‑maintenance plastic body with no moving metal parts
- Swing lid allows hand‑ or forearm‑free disposal
- Wide opening handles bulkier waste like pizza boxes
Good to know
- Swing lid may not close fully on its own due to hinge friction
- No pedal operation – requires physical contact to open
FAQ
How do I stop my 13 gallon trash can from scooting on tile floors?
Can I use any 13 gallon bag in a stainless steel trash can with an inner bucket?
Why does my trash can lid stay open after I release the pedal?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best 13 gallon trash can winner is the SONGMICS ULTB547B01 because it combines a stable, non‑slip base with reliable soft‑close and a removable inner bucket at a mid‑range price. If you want the most compact under‑counter fit, grab the Garvee 13.2 Gal. And for maximum odor protection in a budget‑friendly plastic package, nothing beats the Glad Premium with Clorox Odor Protection.