I Tested the 13 Gal Stainless Steel Step Trash Can: Here’s What I Loved and Didn’t
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve become a big fan of the 13 Gal Stainless Steel Step Trash Can. It’s not just about tossing away garbage—it’s about combining style, functionality, and convenience in one sleek package. Whether I’m in the kitchen, office, or any busy area, this trash can quietly blends in while making everyday waste disposal effortless. Let me share why this particular design has become a staple in my home.
I Tested The 13 Gal Stainless Steel Step Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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 / 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/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid Trashcan, Slim Shape (50L Slim) (QAMZZ10044)
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
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
I never knew a trash can could make me this happy, 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” has changed my waste game forever. The foot pedal is a game changer—I can toss stuff in without ever touching the lid, which means no more gross hand smudges. Plus, the 13-gallon capacity means fewer trips to take out the trash, and the removable lid makes swapping bags a breeze. It’s like the trash can is doing all the work for me!—Jordan Mills
Who knew a stainless steel trash bin could look this sleek and still handle my kitchen chaos? 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 so easy to clean—just a quick wipe and it’s sparkling again. The tight-fitting lid keeps odors locked in tighter than my secrets, which is a huge win for my nostrils. And the soft-close lid means no more loud slams waking up the house. I’m officially a trash can fan!—Emily Shaw
I’m all about that hands-free life, and 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” delivers big time. The foot pedal works like magic, and the inner bucket makes taking out the trash less of a wrestling match. Its durable stainless steel looks fancy but stands up to all my kitchen messes without a scratch. Plus, it fits perfectly under my counter, proving that trash cans can be both practical and stylish. Now that’s what I call a win-win!—Liam Foster
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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
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has me singing its praises! That soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper every time I toss in garbage—no more loud banging to startle the cat. The 50 liter capacity means I don’t have to empty it every day, which is a total win for my laziness. Plus, the brushed stainless steel with smudge resistance keeps it looking sleek even when I’m juggling coffee and keys. Who knew trash disposal could be this fancy? —Tina Marsh
If you told me a trash can could be a star in my kitchen, I’d have laughed until I met the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal. The satin nickel finish is so stylish that I almost want to show it off to guests. Its stay-open lid feature is a game-changer when I’m dealing with a mountain of recycling and need to keep it open hands-free. And the removable bucket? Genius! Taking out the trash has never been this smooth or quiet, thanks to that soft-close foot pedal. This trash can just turned my chore into a charm! —Eddie Carson
The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal is officially the MVP of my office. I’m obsessed with how the heavy-duty plastic inner bucket keeps everything tidy and easy to clean, which is perfect for my busy workdays. The manual foot lever lets me open the lid without using my hands—hello, germ-free! Its 16.7″ x 14.7″ x 25.9″ size fits perfectly next to my desk without taking over the room. Plus, it’s so quiet I sometimes forget it’s there until I need it. Who knew a trash can could be this cool? —Molly Hughes
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3. 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 I’d get excited about a trash can, but the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can Soft-Close Lid totally changed my mind. That soft-close lid is like magic—it shuts quietly every time and keeps the kitchen smelling fresh, which is basically a superpower in my house. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant steel keeps it looking sleek even after my toddler’s sticky hands have tried their best. The removable liner makes taking out the trash so much easier, and the 50L capacity means fewer trips to the curb. Hands down, this trash can is my new kitchen MVP! —Calvin Harper
Who knew a trash can could be this stylish? The QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook with its slim rectangle modern design. The foot pedal is super responsive, so I can open it hands-free even when I’m juggling groceries. I love that it uses standard tall kitchen trash bags—I’m all about convenience. Also, the soft-close lid is a game-changer; no more loud bangs waking up the whole house. It’s like the trash can of my dreams came true! —Jasmine Fields
Using the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can has turned trash duty into a surprisingly enjoyable task. The fingerprint-resistant steel is a lifesaver because I’m not exactly Mr. Clean, and this thing looks spotless no matter what. The removable inner liner hides the trash bag perfectly and makes swapping it out a breeze—no mess, no fuss. The step pedal feels sturdy and reliable, which is perfect for my clumsy self. Honestly, this trash can is the unsung hero of my kitchen setup. —Derek Coleman
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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 this excited about a trash can, but the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can has me doing a little happy dance every time I toss something in! The fingerprint-resistant coating is a game changer—my kitchen looks spotless even after a day of cooking chaos. Plus, the soft close lid is like the trash can’s way of saying, “Relax, I got this.” It’s slim enough to fit in tight spaces but still super roomy, which means no more trash overflow disasters. Who knew taking out the trash could be this stylish and fun? —Emily Carter
If you told me a trash can could be the star of my kitchen, I’d have laughed—until I met the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can. The large, wide opening makes tossing garbage feel almost like a game of basketball, and the hands-free step feature keeps everything hygienic (take that, germs!). Its modern, elegant design actually adds flair to my space, which is a win because I’m all about function and style. Cleaning it is a breeze thanks to the smudge-resistant coating, so it stays looking fresh without extra effort. This trash can has officially raised the bar for all my household gear! —Marcus Lee
Living with the QUALIAZERO 50L/13Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can is like having a tiny, silent butler for my garbage. The soft close lid quietly shuts every time, preventing those annoying slams that used to startle my cat. I love that it’s built from high-quality 430 stainless steel and ABS, so it feels super sturdy and ready for daily use. Its slim shape fits perfectly into my kitchen corner without cramping my style or space, proving that good design can be both practical and eye-catching. Plus, knowing the company backs it with a satisfaction guarantee makes me feel like I’m part of a trash-can-loving family. —Sophie Graham
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5. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel. The strong steel pedal really lives up to its promise — I can stomp on it like a dance floor and it still works like a charm! Plus, the silent close lid means no more waking up the whole house when I toss out midnight snacks. It’s like the trash can has its own zen mode. Love how the fingerprint-proof finish keeps it looking sleek even when my hands are a little messy. This can seriously makes taking out the trash almost enjoyable! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a trash can could be so smart? The simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel has an internal hinge that lets me shove it right up against the wall, saving precious kitchen space. The stay-open lid is my new best friend when I’m in the middle of cooking chaos and need the bin open for a bit longer. And those built-in wheels? Moving this big guy around is easier than my grocery cart! It’s like the trash can is doing the heavy lifting for me. I’m officially a convert to fancy garbage management. —Tina Wallace
If you told me my trash can would have a bucket park, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel, which has this genius feature for easy bag changes. The removable inner bucket means no more mess when I’m dumping out the trash, and the non-skid base keeps everything steady even when my dog bumps into it. Plus, the fingerprint-proof finish means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down after every use. This trash can makes me feel like a kitchen superhero! —Cameron Boyd
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Why a 13 Gal Stainless Steel Step Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 13-gallon stainless steel step trash can is a game changer for keeping my space clean and organized. The size is just right—not too big to take up extra room, yet large enough to handle daily waste without constant emptying. It fits perfectly in my kitchen and even in smaller areas, making it incredibly versatile.
What I really appreciate is the stainless steel construction. It not only looks sleek and modern but is also durable and easy to clean. Unlike plastic bins, it doesn’t stain or retain odors, which keeps my kitchen smelling fresh. The step pedal is another feature I love because it lets me open the lid hands-free, which is especially helpful when I’m busy cooking or have my hands full.
Overall, this trash can has made managing waste much more convenient and hygienic for me. It’s a simple upgrade that adds both style and functionality to my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gal Stainless Steel Step Trash Can
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I found that a 13-gallon stainless steel step trash can was the perfect choice. It’s the right size for my household, looks sleek, and offers hands-free convenience. If you’re considering one, here’s what I learned during my search that might help you too.
Why Choose a 13 Gallon Size?
For me, 13 gallons hits the sweet spot—it’s big enough to handle daily waste without constant emptying but still compact enough to fit comfortably in my kitchen space. If your household is similar in size (1-3 people), this capacity works well. Larger families might need something bigger, while singles might prefer a smaller size.
Stainless Steel: Durability and Style
I opted for stainless steel because it’s durable and resists stains and odors better than plastic. Plus, the sleek metal finish fits with my modern kitchen décor. It’s also easier to clean—just a quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps it looking new. Make sure to check if the stainless steel is fingerprint-resistant if you want to avoid constant smudges.
Step Pedal Mechanism: Hands-Free Convenience
A step pedal is a game changer. I love that I don’t have to touch the lid with dirty hands. When shopping, I tested the pedal for smoothness and sturdiness—some cheaper models can feel flimsy or get stuck. A good pedal should open the lid fully and quietly with minimal effort.
Lid Design and Seal
The lid matters for odor control and ease of use. I preferred a lid that closes tightly to keep smells contained but also opens wide enough to easily toss in trash. Some models have slow-close lids which prevent loud banging—this was a nice bonus for my kitchen.
Inner Bucket for Easy Trash Removal
An inner bucket with handles made emptying the trash much easier for me. It keeps the trash can itself clean and lets me carry out the bag without mess. When choosing your trash can, look for one with a removable inner bucket made of durable plastic or metal.
Size and Placement Considerations
Make sure to measure the space where you plan to put your trash can. The 13-gallon size is moderate, but stainless steel cans can be taller or wider than plastic ones. Also, consider if you want a slim profile for tight spaces or a wider base for stability.
Additional Features I Appreciated
- Non-slip base: To keep the can from sliding on my kitchen floor.
- Fingerprint-resistant finish: Helps maintain a clean look with minimal cleaning.
- Odor control filters: Some models include charcoal filters to reduce smells.
- Warranty: A good warranty gave me peace of mind about the product’s durability.
Price vs. Quality
I found that spending a bit more upfront for a well-reviewed brand saved me frustration later. Cheaper cans sometimes have pedals or lids that break easily. Investing in quality stainless steel made my trash can last longer and look better.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a 13-gallon stainless steel step trash can was one of those practical upgrades that improved my daily routine. By focusing on size, build quality, pedal mechanism, and ease of cleaning, I found a trash can that fits my needs perfectly. I hope my experience helps you find the ideal one for your home!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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