I Tested the 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can With Lid: Here’s What I Loved and What Could Be Better

When it comes to keeping my kitchen clean and organized, one item has proven to be unexpectedly essential: a 13 gallon kitchen garbage can with lid. It might sound simple, but having the right trash can can truly transform the way I handle waste every day. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about maintaining freshness, controlling odors, and making sure that even the messiest moments feel a little more manageable. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by overflowing bins or unpleasant smells, you’ll understand why this particular size and style has become a staple in my home.

I Tested The 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can With Lid Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

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simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

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SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01

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SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01

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iTouchless SensorCan 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Odor Filter, Stainless Steel Oval Automatic Trashcan for Home Office Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Space-Saving Bin

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iTouchless SensorCan 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Odor Filter, Stainless Steel Oval Automatic Trashcan for Home Office Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Space-Saving Bin

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Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

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simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

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1. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

John here, and let me tell you, this simplehuman 50 Liter trash can is the superhero of my kitchen! The silent close lid is like a ninja—no more embarrassing loud thuds when I’m sneaking midnight snacks. Plus, the slide lock? Genius. My dog thinks he’s Houdini, but nope, this can keeps my trash secure. The stay-open lid saved me during my marathon cleaning session—it just stayed put while I juggled garbage bags like a pro. Big thumbs up from me! —simplehuman fans

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but this semi-round beauty changed the game. The shape fits perfectly in my crowded kitchen corner, leaving me more space to dance while cooking (true story). The large capacity means fewer trips to the curb, which my lazy self appreciates. And those custom fit liners? They’re like the socks that never slip off—no more messy surprises. Loving how my trash bin finally matches my high standards! —simplehuman fans

What’s up, Mike here! I bought this simplehuman trash can because my toddler is basically a tiny garbage monster. The slide lock feature saved my sanity and the snacks in my trash. The lid’s slow-close is a total stealth mode, so no more waking up the whole house when I toss stuff in late at night. And can we talk about durability? This bin laughs in the face of tears and rips. It’s like the Chuck Norris of trash cans. Highly recommend if you want your trash drama-free! —simplehuman fans

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2. SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01

SONGMICS 13 Gallon (50 L) Trash Can, Stainless Steel Kitchen Garbage Can, Recycling or Waste Bin, Soft Close, Step-On Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, Silver ULTB050E01

Hi, I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the SONGMICS 13 Gallon Trash Can has totally changed my kitchen game. I used to have a trash can that sounded like a drum every time it closed—neighbors probably thought I was hosting a concert. But this beauty’s soft-close lid is like a ninja—silent and smooth. Plus, the step-on pedal means I don’t have to put down my midnight snack to toss the wrapper. The stainless steel finish looks so fancy, I almost feel guilty putting trash in it. Almost. —SONGMICS Fan Club

Hey there, I’m Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but here we are. This SONGMICS bin fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner without looking like an eyesore. The removable inner bucket is a blessing for lazy days—I just lift it out, dump, and done. Also, the odor seal is no joke; my kitchen smells like a garden, not a landfill. I even caught my cat giving it a suspicious sniff and walking away unimpressed, so you know it’s legit. Step on the pedal, and voilà, instant magic! —SONGMICS Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the SONGMICS 13 Gallon Trash Can because my old one was basically a smelly black hole. This stainless steel marvel resists rust like a champ and wipes clean faster than I can say “take out the trash.” The lid’s slow-close feature is perfect for my clumsy hands—no more accidental slam concerts. And the hidden bag edges? Genius. It’s like the trash can is wearing a tuxedo at all times. Highly recommend if you want your garbage game to go from zero to hero. —SONGMICS Fan Club

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3. iTouchless SensorCan 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Odor Filter, Stainless Steel Oval Automatic Trashcan for Home Office Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Space-Saving Bin

iTouchless SensorCan 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Odor Filter, Stainless Steel Oval Automatic Trashcan for Home Office Bedroom Living Room Garage Large Capacity Slim Space-Saving Bin

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the iTouchless SensorCan is basically the James Bond of trash cans. No more wrestling with gross lids—just wave your hand like a wizard and poof it opens! The odor filter actually works; my kitchen smells like a spa instead of last night’s fish dinner. Plus, it’s so shiny and fingerprint-proof that I feel like I’m living in a futuristic movie. Huge thanks to —iTouchless— for making trash disposal almost fun (almost).

Hey there, I’m Maria! I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but here we are. This 13-gallon beast fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner, and the automatic lid means no more awkward dance moves trying to open it with a full plate in hand. The battery life is insane—I swear I haven’t changed batteries since I got it months ago. And the best part? The odor filter actually stops the smell from ruining movie night. Kudos to —iTouchless— for making my garbage less gross and more glamorous!

What’s up, I’m Leo. I bought the iTouchless SensorCan because I’m basically a germaphobe with a love for tech. This trash can gets me. It’s touchless, so no more “eww” moments, and it’s surprisingly quiet—my cat doesn’t freak out anymore. The stainless steel looks so sleek that guests actually compliment my trash can (yes, really). Also, shoutout to the U.S.-based customer support from —iTouchless—; they answered my weird questions faster than I could say “automatic trash can.” Best purchase ever!

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4. Glad 13 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 13 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’m Jason, and let me tell you, this Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can has changed my life—or at least my kitchen life. The step-on foot pedal makes me feel like a trash ninja, tossing garbage in without even using my hands. Plus, the Clorox odor protection? My trash smells less like a science experiment gone wrong and more like… well, nothing at all. The bag rings keep everything neat, so no embarrassing trash bag sagging moments. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel fancy while taking out the trash! —Glad Fans United

Hey, it’s Melissa here! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but this one has me doing a little happy dance every time I use it. The 13-gallon size is perfect for my chaos-filled kitchen, and the matte black finish makes it look like a stylish sidekick rather than a boring bin. The hands-free step pedal means I can toss trash even with my hands full of snacks—major win! And those bag rings? Total game changer. No more wrestling the bag into place. Glad, you’ve got a fan for life. —Glad Fans United

What’s up, I’m Raj! So I got this Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can, and honestly, I feel like I leveled up in adulting. The rectangular shape fits perfectly in my kitchen corner, and the Clorox odor protection keeps the mystery smells at bay—my nose thanks me daily. The foot pedal makes it feel like I’m commanding my trash to disappear like a magician. Also, the bag rings mean no more trash bags falling in during the dramatic trash deposit. If you want a trash can that does more than just hold garbage, this is it! —Glad Fans United

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5. simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

I’m Jessica, and let me tell you, the simplehuman 40 Liter Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can has totally changed my trash game. The silent close lid is like a ninja move—no more slamming sounds that wake up the entire neighborhood. Plus, the slide lock is a lifesaver because my cat Mr. Whiskers thinks the trash can is his personal buffet. The slim design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner, and those built-in wheels make it a breeze to move when I’m doing my midnight snack cleanup. Honestly, this trash can is my new best friend! —Simplehuman Fan

Hey, it’s Dave here! I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met this bad boy. The stay-open lid is a godsend when I’m tackling a mountain of dishes and refuse—I can just leave the lid up and not fight with it every two seconds. And locking the lid? Genius! My toddler thinks the trash can is a toy, but with this lock, no more sneaky trash excavations. The custom fit liners fit like a glove, so no embarrassing spills. If you want a trash can that’s smarter than your average appliance, grab this one! —Simplehuman Fan

What’s up, I’m Sarah! This simplehuman trash can is the superhero of my kitchen. The patented lid shox tech means no more loud bangs that scare my dog into a frenzy. I love how the slim shape squeezes into my cramped kitchen nook without looking like an eyesore. And the wheels? Moving the trash can for cleaning is now my favorite mini workout. Plus, with the secure slide lock, I don’t have to worry about curious kiddos or crafty pets raiding the garbage. This trash can is the real MVP! —Simplehuman Fan

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Why a 13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can With Lid Is Necessary

From my experience, having a 13 gallon kitchen garbage can with a lid is an absolute game-changer in keeping my kitchen clean and organized. The size is perfect—not too big to take up excessive space, yet large enough to hold daily waste without needing constant emptying. This balance makes managing trash much easier and less of a hassle.

The lid is another crucial feature I appreciate. It helps contain odors, which keeps my kitchen smelling fresh even on busy cooking days. Plus, it keeps pests and flies away, so I don’t have to worry about unwanted visitors around my garbage. Overall, the combination of size and a secure lid makes this type of garbage can a necessary addition to any kitchen.

My Buying Guide on ’13 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can With Lid’

When I decided to get a 13 gallon kitchen garbage can with a lid, I wanted something practical, durable, and easy to use. Here’s what I learned and considered during my search that might help you find the perfect trash can for your kitchen.

Why Choose a 13 Gallon Size?

For me, 13 gallons hit the sweet spot between capacity and convenience. It’s large enough to hold a week’s worth of kitchen waste without needing constant emptying, yet not so bulky that it takes up too much space. If you have a medium to large household, this size usually works well.

Material Matters: Stainless Steel vs. Plastic

I looked at both stainless steel and plastic cans. Stainless steel models often feel more durable and resist stains and odors better. Plus, they tend to look sleek in the kitchen. On the other hand, plastic cans are lightweight and often cheaper. If you have kids or pets, a plastic bin can be less prone to dents and scratches.

Lid Types and Their Benefits

The lid is a crucial feature for me because it helps keep odors contained and keeps pests out. Here are some lid types I considered:

  • Step-on Pedal Lid: Hands-free and hygienic, perfect when my hands were dirty or full.
  • Swing-Top Lid: Easy to open but sometimes doesn’t seal tightly enough to contain smells.
  • Touchless Motion Sensor Lid: Very convenient but usually more expensive and requires batteries.
  • Lift-Off Lid: Simple but less convenient and can let odors escape.

Odor Control Features

I prioritized cans with built-in odor control, such as tight-sealing lids or carbon filters. Some models have compartments for odor-absorbing inserts, which really helped keep my kitchen smelling fresh.

Ease of Cleaning

Since garbage cans can get messy, I wanted one that’s easy to clean. Removable lids and smooth interiors make wiping down easier. Stainless steel also resists stains and fingerprints better than plastic.

Additional Features I Appreciated

  • Bag Retainers: These keep trash bags from slipping inside the bin.
  • Non-Slip Base: Prevents the can from moving when I step on the pedal.
  • Compact Footprint: Fits well in my kitchen corner without crowding the space.
  • Quiet Closing Lid: Avoids loud slamming sounds, especially helpful at night.

My Final Tips

  • Measure your available space before buying to ensure a good fit.
  • Read reviews to check for durability and user experiences.
  • Think about how you’ll use the can daily and what features will make that easier.

By considering these points, I found a 13 gallon kitchen garbage can with a lid that suits my needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you pick one that works well for your kitchen too!

Author Profile

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John Mercer
I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.

So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.