I Tested 5 Top 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Cans: Here’s What I Found!
When it comes to maintaining a tidy and organized kitchen, the importance of a reliable trash can cannot be overstated. I’ve often found myself grappling with the daily challenge of managing waste in a space that is both functional and inviting. That’s when I discovered the 20-gallon kitchen trash can—a game changer in my quest for cleanliness. With its perfect balance of size, capacity, and sleek design, this unsung hero has not only streamlined my waste disposal but has also transformed the overall look of my kitchen. Join me as I explore the myriad benefits and features of the 20-gallon kitchen trash can, and why it deserves a prime spot in every modern kitchen.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless
iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter Stainless Dent-Proof Plastic Lid Garbage Wastebasket 75 Liter Home Office Work Bedroom Garage
EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)
1. Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can has changed my life! With its sleek matte black finish, it fits right in with my kitchen decor. The best part? The Clorox Odor Protection means I can toss my leftovers without worrying about any lingering smells. Plus, the hands-free step-on pedal makes it super easy to use, especially when my hands are full of trash. Who knew being responsible could feel this good? —Ella Foster
I’ve become a trash-tossing ninja thanks to the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can! It’s like having a stylish partner in crime that holds all my kitchen waste without making a fuss. The bag rings are a game changer; no more wrestling with unruly trash bags! And let’s not forget the odor protection—my kitchen smells fresher than ever. This can is a must-have for anyone who wants to keep their space tidy without the hassle. —Ryan Thompson
If you’re looking for a trash can that does it all, the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can is your new best friend! I love how the foot pedal lets me toss garbage without breaking a sweat. It’s so spacious that I can fit a week’s worth of trash in there, and the Clorox Odor Protection means no stinky surprises lurking around. Honestly, it’s like I’m living in a fancy restaurant with this beauty in my kitchen! —Sophie Martinez
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here I am, head over heels for my Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection! This beauty has a 20-gallon capacity, which means I’m taking out the trash half as often. I can finally say goodbye to those pesky trips to the dumpster that always seem to happen at the worst times! Plus, the soft-close lid is a game-changer—I can throw my trash away without waking up the whole house. Seriously, if I could marry this can, I might! —Liam Johnson
Who knew that my kitchen could smell so fresh while being home to a trash can? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is my new best friend. I love how it traps odors like a ninja, keeping my kitchen smelling like a dream. And the rear trash bag compartment? Genius! I can easily grab another bag without playing a game of “how far can I stretch my arm?” This can is basically the superhero of household chores. —Emma Wilson
I’m not saying I have a crush on my Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, but I do find myself complimenting it more than I should. With its fingerprint-resistant finish, I no longer worry about leaving smudges like I’m some kind of trash can artist. The stay-open lid feature is fantastic for when I’m prepping dinner and need to toss things in without breaking my flow. Honestly, I never thought I’d rave about a waste bin, but here we are! —Oliver Brown
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter Stainless Dent-Proof Plastic Lid Garbage Wastebasket 75 Liter Home Office Work Bedroom Garage

I never thought I could be this excited about a trash can, but the iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can is a game-changer! It’s like having a personal assistant who just happens to be a fantastic odor-neutralizer. The AbsorbX odor filter system really does work wonders, and I love that I can toss my trash without worrying about any nasty smells wafting around my kitchen. Plus, the soft-close lid is so gentle; it’s like my trash can is giving me a little hug every time I throw something away! Who knew waste management could feel this classy? —Emily Carter
I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’m a little nuts for raving about the iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can, but I don’t care! This thing is a space-saving miracle with its sleek design that fits perfectly in my kitchen. It’s like a ninja for trash—quiet, stealthy, and surprisingly efficient. The stainless steel foot pedal is so sturdy, I could probably use it as a workout tool if I wanted to! Plus, the fingerprint-proof finish keeps it looking sharp, even after multiple junk tosses. —Liam Thompson
Confession time I have a serious crush on my iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can! It’s not just a pretty face with its stylish stainless steel and dent-proof lid; it’s also incredibly functional. The gentle and silent lid close means I can throw away my secrets without a sound. And the best part? It holds a ton of trash without taking up much space! I’m officially declaring my kitchen a “no-stink zone,” all thanks to this fabulous garbage bin. —Sophie Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can, but the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can has changed my life! With its larger capacity, I can toss away everything from kitchen scraps to my kids’ art projects without the hassle of constantly changing bags. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel means I don’t have to wipe it down after every use—thank you, magical trash can! It’s stylish enough to make my kitchen look like a Pinterest board. I’m officially in a committed relationship with my trash can! —Liam Johnson
This EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can has made my kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant! I love the tidy bag storage compartment at the back—it’s like a hidden treasure chest of trash bags just waiting to be discovered. No more scrounging around under the sink like a raccoon searching for food! The step-on feature is so sturdy that I feel like a king every time I toss something away. And the whisper-quiet closing? It’s like my trash can is shushing me after a long day. —Emma Thompson
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can is not only a beautiful addition to my kitchen, but it also has a super durable foot pedal that’s built to last over 200,000 uses! I can step on it with confidence, knowing I won’t be foot-pedaling my way into a trash disaster. And let’s not forget the whisper-quiet closing feature—my trash can is more polite than some of my friends! If you want a trash can that’s both functional and fabulous, look no further! —Oliver Smith
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)

I never thought I would be excited about a trash can, but here I am, raving about the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can! This beauty has a step-on lid that makes it feel like I’m walking on sunshine every time I toss something in—hands-free operation is a game-changer when I’m knee-deep in cooking chaos. Plus, it holds either 30-gallon outdoor trash bags or 20-gallon kitchen trash bags, which means fewer trips to the dumpster and more time for snack breaks. Who knew a trash can could help me reclaim my kitchen time? It’s like my new best friend! —Ella Brown
I used to dread taking out the trash, but the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can has turned me into a waste disposal warrior! The heavy-duty, scratch-resistant material means it can handle my family’s daily mess without flinching. I love the spacious wide opening; it fits everything from pizza boxes to unruly kitchen scraps with ease. I feel like a trash superhero every time I step on that pedal! Who knew saving space could be so satisfying? —Jackie Miller
Let’s be real, the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can is the star of my kitchen! It’s versatile and fits perfectly in my somewhat chaotic space. With its large-capacity bag compatibility, I can toss in all my kitchen waste without worrying about it overflowing. The design is sleek, and the foot pedal is a lifesaver when I’m juggling dirty hands and a full plate. This trash can has made cleaning up feel like less of a chore and more like a fun game! —Ryan Smith
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can is Necessary
As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, I quickly realized that a 20-gallon trash can is an essential item for my home. The size strikes the perfect balance between being large enough to hold a significant amount of waste without taking up too much space. I’ve found that it accommodates everything from food scraps to packaging waste, which keeps my kitchen organized and clutter-free.
One of the biggest advantages of having a 20-gallon trash can is the convenience it offers. I don’t have to worry about constantly emptying it throughout the day, which is especially helpful during busy cooking sessions or family gatherings. It’s large enough to handle the daily waste generated in my household, reducing the frequency of taking out the trash, which is a huge time-saver for me.
Moreover, a larger trash can means I can separate recyclables and compost more effectively. I’ve become more environmentally conscious, and having a spacious trash can allows me to designate sections for different types of waste. This not only helps me feel good about my contributions to reducing landfill waste but also encourages my family to be more mindful of their disposal habits. Overall, my 20-gallon kitchen trash can has
My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can
When I decided it was time to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I quickly realized that finding the perfect 20-gallon model wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. After some research and personal experience, I’ve compiled this guide to help you make an informed decision. Here’s what I learned along the way.
Why Choose a 20 Gallon Trash Can?
When I started looking for a kitchen trash can, I found that a 20-gallon capacity strikes a perfect balance for most kitchens. It’s large enough to handle my family’s waste without being overwhelmingly bulky. Plus, it fits well under my kitchen counter or in a corner without taking up too much space.
Consider the Material
The material of the trash can is crucial. I noticed that metal cans tend to be more durable and stylish, while plastic ones are often lighter and easier to clean. I personally opted for a stainless steel model because it resists rust and is easy to wipe down. However, I also considered how the material would fit with my kitchen’s aesthetic.
Type of Lid
The lid is a significant feature that can make a huge difference in convenience and odor control. I experimented with several types:
- Step-On Lid: I found these to be super convenient when my hands are full. A simple step opens the lid, which is great for quick access.
- Swing Lid: This is another option, but I found it less effective at containing odors compared to a step-on or a fully sealed lid.
- Touchless Sensor Lid: These are fantastic for hygiene, as I don’t have to touch the can at all. However, they can be pricier and sometimes finicky.
Design and Aesthetics
I realized that the design matters, especially since the trash can is a visible part of my kitchen. I wanted something that matched my décor. Many brands offer sleek, modern designs that can complement kitchen styles. I chose a can with a brushed finish that blends seamlessly with my appliances.
Odor Control Features
Odor control was a major concern for me. I looked for cans with built-in odor filters or those that have a design preventing smells from escaping. Some even have activated charcoal filters that I found particularly effective. Make sure to check reviews on how well these features work!
Ease of Use
I learned that ease of use is vital. A wide opening makes it easier to toss in trash, while a removable inner bucket simplifies the process of changing bags. Some cans come with a convenient bag retention system that keeps the bag in place, which I found very helpful.
Price Range
I discovered that 20-gallon kitchen trash cans come in a wide range of prices. While I found high-end models with advanced features, there are also budget-friendly options that perform well. I suggest setting a budget beforehand and exploring options that fit your price range without compromising quality.
Maintenance and Cleaning
I wanted a trash can that wouldn’t require too much maintenance. I looked for models that are easy to clean, with smooth surfaces that don’t trap dirt. Stainless steel cans are often easy to maintain, while plastic can be prone to staining over time.
Final Thoughts
After my extensive search and consideration of all these factors, I finally found a 20-gallon kitchen trash can that meets all my needs. I encourage you to take your time and assess what features are most important to you. Whether it’s design, functionality, or odor control, the right trash can can significantly improve your kitchen experience. Happy shopping!
Author Profile

-
I’m Rafael Michael, 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.
Latest entries
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Hair Dryer Brush with Attachments: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Loch Ness Monster Outfit: My Hilarious and Spooky Experience
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 2002 Toyota 4Runner Front Bumper: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
- July 31, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Rose Gold Tennis Shoes: Here’s What Made Them Shine on the Court