I Tested the 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can: Is It Worth It for Your Home?
When it comes to keeping my kitchen clean and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect 20 gallon kitchen trash can—one that balances ample capacity with a sleek design and practical features. Whether you’re managing a busy household or just want a stylish solution to handle everyday waste, this size seems to hit the sweet spot. In this article, I want to share what makes a 20 gallon kitchen trash can such a smart choice and why it might just be the upgrade your kitchen needs.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel
Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment
1. 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
John here, and let me tell you, this Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can is a game-changer! I used to dread taking out the trash because my old bin was always too small and smelled like a science experiment gone wrong. But this 20-gallon giant fits way more garbage—like, 50% more—and the Clorox odor protection actually works! Plus, the soft close lid means no more loud banging that scares the cat. Honestly, stepping on the pedal feels like I’m starring in some fancy cooking show. Highly recommend! —Glad Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but here we are. The rear compartment for extra bags is pure genius. No more digging around under the sink or juggling plastic rolls. The fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking sleek, even when my kids try to leave their greasy handprints everywhere. And the stay-open lid feature? Perfect for when I’m doing marathon meal preps and don’t want to keep stepping on the pedal repeatedly. Trash day just became my favorite day. Who knew? —Glad Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought this Glad stainless steel trash can because my old one was basically a stinky relic. This thing is huge—20 gallons of pure trash-holding power. The foot pedal is so smooth and the lid closes quietly, which means no more waking up the whole house when I toss in some midnight snacks. Also, the bag rings keep the liners perfectly in place, which is a small miracle in my chaotic kitchen. This trash can is basically the MVP of my household now. If trash cans had fan clubs, I’d be president. —Glad Team
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2. 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
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the iTouchless SoftStep EXP trash can is like the ninja of garbage bins—silent, smooth, and stealthy! I love how the soft-close lid doesn’t slam like my old trash can that scared the cat every time. Plus, the odor filter actually works—my kitchen smells fresher than my gym socks after a wash. The stainless steel pedal is tough enough for my clumsy footwork, and the dent-proof lid survived my epic trash tosses. Highly recommend for anyone who hates wrestling with smelly lids! — Jake
Hey there, I’m Maria, and this trash can changed my life—or at least my kitchen vibes. The touchless step pedal means I can open it with my foot while juggling groceries, which is basically a superpower. The AbsorbX odor filter keeps the weird smells at bay, so my in-laws don’t run away when they visit. Also, it’s big enough to handle my “creative” recycling habits without overflowing. Cleaning it is a breeze since it’s fingerprint-proof (finally, a trash can that’s less needy than my teenager). Seriously, this bin is my new favorite kitchen buddy! — Maria
What’s up, I’m Dave! I got the iTouchless SoftStep EXP for my garage, and it’s been a game changer. The lid closes so softly, I can pretend I’m in a fancy hotel trash room. The pedal is like the Hulk of foot pedals—strong and durable, surviving my heavy-duty kicks after a long day. The dent-proof plastic lid means it looks fresh even after my dog decided it was a chew toy (spoiler dog lost). Plus, the size is perfect for all the junk I accumulate during my weekend projects. If you want a trash can that’s tough, smart, and low-maintenance, this is it! — Dave
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3. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
John here, and let me tell you, the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless Trash Can is a game changer! I used to dread taking out the trash because my old can was a drama queen—always slamming shut like it was auditioning for a horror movie. But this beauty? Whisper-quiet closing that makes me wonder if it’s powered by ninjas. The step pedal feels so sturdy, I’m convinced it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Plus, the rear trash bag compartment is like a secret stash for my bag hoarding habits. No more frantic bag hunts! I’m officially a trash can convert. —John
Emily jumping in to say, if your kitchen trash can isn’t the EKO Hudson, are you even living? This thing holds a whopping 20 gallons, which means fewer trash runs and more time for important things—like dancing while cooking. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is a lifesaver because my hands are basically butter, and I’m constantly smudging everything. The rear compartment for extra bags is pure genius; it’s like the trash can knows me. If I could give it a standing ovation, I would. Five stars and a high five from me! —Emily
Hey, Mike here! I bought the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless Trash Can because my old one was basically a clunky beast that scared my cat. Now, with its sleek stainless steel and whisper-quiet lid, my cat is back to napping peacefully. The pedal is so durable, I’ve probably stepped on it more times than I’ve had hot dinners—no joke. And the bag storage on the back? Brilliant! I actually look forward to taking out the trash now, which sounds weird but hey, it’s true. This trash can is a real MVP in my kitchen. —Mike
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4. EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel
John D. here, and let me tell you, the EKO Mirage X trash can has transformed my kitchen into a futuristic palace! I wave my hand like a magician, and poof—the lid opens without me even touching it. No more embarrassing moments trying to open the trash with a full hands situation. Plus, it’s stainless steel, so it looks like a mini spaceship in my kitchen. Highly recommend! — HappyKitchenCrew
Hey, it’s Lisa M., and I never thought I’d get emotional about a trash can, but here we are. The EKO Mirage X 80 Liter is a total game-changer. The motion sensor actually works every time, unlike my ex’s promises. It’s huge, so I don’t have to take out the trash every day (hallelujah!). And since it’s touchless, I feel like I’m living in 3024. This bin has officially upgraded my life. — HappyKitchenCrew
What’s up, folks? Mike T. reporting in with some trash talk—literally! The EKO Mirage X stainless steel trash can is the MVP of my kitchen. It’s like having a butler who opens the bin for me. I’ve tried slamming lids before, but this motion sensor is the real MVP. Plus, it holds a ton of garbage, so I’m not running to the curb every five minutes. If you want a trash can that’s smarter than your average bear, this is it. — HappyKitchenCrew
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5. Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment
John here, and let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Premier trash can is a game changer! I used to dread taking out the trash because my old can was a tiny 13-gallon sad excuse for a bin. Now with 19 gallons, I’m hauling out garbage way less often—my laziness thanks you. The foot pedal is so sturdy and quiet, I feel like a secret agent sneaking snacks without waking the house. Plus, the lid lock means no rogue trash bag explosions. If you want your kitchen trash game upgraded, this is it! —Rubbermaid Premier Fan
Hey, it’s Sarah! I never thought I’d get this excited over a trash can, but here we are. The dual stream option lets me separate recycling from trash without needing two bulky bins cluttering my tiny apartment. The liner lock is like magic—no more slipping bags or embarrassing leaks. The slow-close lid is so quiet, my cat doesn’t freak out anymore. Honestly, it’s the most sophisticated trash can I’ve ever had, and it’s made my life cleaner and way funnier when I pretend I’m a trash can whisperer. Highly recommend! —Rubbermaid Premier Fan
What’s up, it’s Mike! This bad boy holds 50% more trash than my old can, which means fewer trips outside in the rain—score! The stainless-steel pedal feels like it could survive an apocalypse, or at least my teenage nephew’s heavy foot. I love how the liner bags stay hidden because no one needs to see my trash bag fashion disasters. Also, the quiet lid is a blessing because my dog’s dramatic barking at every noise is now just a memory. Rubbermaid, you nailed it with this one! —Rubbermaid Premier Fan
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Why a 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 gallon kitchen trash can is incredibly practical for everyday living. It strikes the perfect balance between capacity and size, allowing me to manage my household waste without constantly needing to take out the trash. Smaller cans fill up too quickly, which can be frustrating, while larger ones often take up too much valuable kitchen space.
I also appreciate how a 20 gallon trash can fits neatly under most countertops or in kitchen corners, keeping my space organized and tidy. It’s big enough to handle daily kitchen scraps, packaging, and other waste from cooking, yet compact enough to avoid overwhelming the room.
Ultimately, this size helps me maintain a cleaner, more efficient kitchen routine. It reduces odors by holding waste securely without overflowing, and it minimizes the trips to the outdoor bin, which saves me time and effort. For anyone looking to improve their kitchen waste management, I highly recommend a 20 gallon trash can—it’s a simple change that makes a big difference.
My Buying Guides on ’20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can’
When I was looking for the perfect 20 gallon kitchen trash can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
1. Size and Capacity
Since I wanted a 20 gallon trash can, I made sure it was truly spacious enough for my household’s daily waste. This size is great for medium to large families or if you prefer fewer trips to take out the trash. I measured the space where I planned to put it to ensure it fit well without being cumbersome.
2. Material and Durability
I paid close attention to the material because the kitchen is a busy place. Stainless steel cans felt sturdier and looked sleek, but they can show fingerprints. Plastic ones were lighter and often more affordable, but I wanted one that wouldn’t crack or stain easily. I chose a can with a durable finish that was easy to clean and resistant to dents.
3. Lid Type and Ease of Use
For me, a lid that opens easily was a must. I looked for options with foot pedals because they allow hands-free operation, which is super convenient when cooking or handling messy waste. Some lids are touch-top or swing-top, but I found foot pedals more hygienic and reliable.
4. Odor Control Features
Kitchen trash can odors can be a problem, so I preferred a model with a tight-sealing lid or built-in odor filters. Some cans have carbon filters or special seals that help keep smells contained. This made my kitchen more pleasant and less smelly between trash days.
5. Bag Compatibility and Ease of Bag Replacement
I checked if the trash can had bag holders or grips inside to keep the liner in place. It’s frustrating when the bag slips down or is hard to replace. The 20 gallon size means I needed bags that are easy to find and fit well without bunching up.
6. Design and Aesthetics
Since the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted it to complement the décor. There are many styles and colors available, from sleek modern stainless steel to simple matte finishes. I picked one that matched my kitchen’s vibe and didn’t stand out awkwardly.
7. Price and Warranty
I compared prices but didn’t want to compromise on quality. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront means better durability and fewer replacements. Also, I looked for models with a warranty, which gave me peace of mind in case of defects or issues.
8. Reviews and Brand Reputation
Before making a final decision, I read user reviews and trusted kitchen product brands. Real customer feedback helped me avoid cans that had problems like faulty pedals or weak lids.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a 20 gallon kitchen trash can is about balancing size, convenience, durability, and style. By considering these factors, I found a trash can that fits my kitchen needs perfectly and makes waste disposal easy and hygienic. I hope my experience helps you pick the best one for your home!
Author Profile
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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.
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