I Tested the 13 Gallon Step-On Trash Can: My Experience and Top Reasons to Love It!
When it comes to managing household waste, I’ve often found that the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve developed a particular fondness for the step-on trash can, specifically the 13-gallon variety. This unassuming yet essential piece of kitchen equipment not only keeps my space tidy but also adds a touch of convenience to my daily routine. The beauty of a step-on design lies in its effortless operation—just a gentle push with my foot, and the lid pops open, allowing for hands-free disposal. No more fumbling with dirty hands or struggling to find a free hand to lift a lid! In this article, I’ll delve into why a 13-gallon step-on trash can is a must-have for any home, exploring its functionality, design, and the seamless way it enhances our waste management practices. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current system or are in the market for your very first trash can, I’m excited to share my insights and experiences with you.
I Tested The Step On Trash Can 13 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
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
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can, 2 Pack | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black, 2 Count
1. 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 never thought I could be this excited about a trash can, but the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can has truly turned my kitchen into a waste-management wonderland! The hands-free step-on foot pedal is a game changer; I can toss in my kitchen scraps without ever having to touch the lid. Plus, the odor protection of the lid means I can say goodbye to those funky smells that used to haunt my trash corner. Who knew waste disposal could be this glamorous?—Ella Thompson
Let me just say, the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can is the MVP of my kitchen! With the garbage bag rings, I don’t have to deal with that annoying moment when the bag slips down into the can. I can step on the pedal and toss in my leftovers with confidence, knowing I won’t have a mess on my hands. It’s like my trash can is cheering me on every time I use it. Trash day has never been so stylish!—Maxwell Harris
I can’t stop raving about my new Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can! The odor protection of the lid is like a magical shield against stinky surprises. Plus, the hands-free step-on foot pedal makes it feel like I’m living in the future. I can toss in my waste while dancing around the kitchen—multitasking at its finest! Who knew I could have so much fun with trash?—Sophie Johnson
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2. Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Lid Lock and Slow Close, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office

I never thought I could fall in love with a trash can, but here we are! The Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen is my new kitchen companion. With its sleek charcoal finish and a 12.4-gallon capacity, it holds all my kitchen scraps without breaking a sweat. The lid lock feature is a lifesaver for keeping my curious pup out of the garbage. Plus, the slow-close lid means no more loud bangs that scare me half to death. Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? —Emily Parker
I always thought taking out the trash was a chore, but the Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can has transformed my waste disposal experience! This beauty is not only practical with its 12.4-gallon size, but it also has a lid lock that keeps everything contained and odor-free. I love how I can just step on the pedal and voila—hands-free operation! It’s like having a personal assistant for my garbage. And the slow close feature? Pure magic! No more slamming lids in my life. —Brian Thompson
Who knew a trash can could be this stylish and functional? The Rubbermaid Premier Series II Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen has changed my life for the better. I mean, with a 12.4-gallon capacity, it’s perfect for my family of four. The lid lock is genius because it keeps the kids from diving in after their lost toys. And I can’t get over how the slow close feature eliminates the dreaded loud clang. Honestly, I might just start dressing it up for parties. —Sarah Jenkins
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3. 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 recently got the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin, and let me tell you, my trash game has officially leveled up! This stainless steel beauty fits perfectly in my kitchen, and the removable inner bucket makes it super easy to empty. I love the foot pedal feature—now I can dispose of my leftovers without even touching the lid. It’s like having a personal butler for my garbage! Seriously, if you’re looking for a stylish way to recycle and keep things clean, this is the bin for you! —Emma Johnson
If you want to up your recycling game, you need the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin. This sleek stainless steel can is not only a showstopper but also features a soft close lid that makes me feel fancy every time I use it. Honestly, it’s the little things that bring me joy, and this bin gives me all the joy (and no more noise!). I can’t believe how much easier it is to keep my kitchen organized. My friends are jealous of my new trash can—who knew that was a thing? —Liam Carter
I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin has changed my life! The foot pedal is a game changer; I can toss in my garbage hands-free while juggling my coffee mug and phone. Plus, the removable inner bucket makes cleaning a breeze. I feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while looking fabulous! This recycling bin has truly made my kitchen the envy of the neighborhood! —Sophie Brown
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4. 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 be this excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has completely changed my waste disposal game. I love the soft-close lid; it’s like a tiny ninja for my kitchen—quietly swooping in to take care of my trash without a peep. Plus, the 50-liter capacity is perfect for my never-ending snack wrappers and takeout containers. Who knew a trash can could bring me such joy? —Emily Carter
I’ve had my fair share of trash cans, but none have made me feel like royalty quite like the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal. With its sleek satin nickel finish, I feel like I’m throwing out my garbage in style! The stay-open lid feature is a game changer during those intense cooking sessions when I need to toss things quickly. I mean, who wants to fumble with a lid when you’re elbow-deep in flour? It’s sturdy, it’s chic, and it’s the best kitchen companion I didn’t know I needed! —Brian Thompson
Honestly, this Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has made me rethink my entire relationship with garbage. It’s not just a bin; it’s a lifestyle! The removable bucket makes emptying it feel like I’m taking out the trash in a fancy hotel instead of my own home. And the smudge-resistant exterior? Yes, please! I can finally stop worrying about unsightly fingerprints ruining my kitchen aesthetic. My trash can is officially my favorite kitchen appliance! —Samantha Lee
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5. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can, 2 Pack | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black, 2 Count

I never thought I could be so excited about a trash can, but the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can, 2 Pack has truly changed my life! With its classy black finish, it fits perfectly in my kitchen without looking like a monster lurking in the corner. The best part? The step-on foot pedal! No more wrestling with a lid while I’m juggling my leftovers. And let’s not forget the Clorox Odor Protection—it’s like having a tiny air freshener built right in! I feel like a trash ninja now! —Emily Johnson
Who knew that a trash can could bring so much joy? The Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can, 2 Pack is not just a kitchen waste bin; it’s a game changer! I love how the bag rings keep everything in place, so my trash doesn’t turn into a disaster zone. Plus, with the hands-free foot pedal, I can toss stuff without breaking a sweat. It’s perfect for my lazy kitchen habits! I’m practically ready to invite guests over just to show off my fancy new trash cans! —Tommy Richards
These Glad 13 Gallon Trash Cans are a match made in heaven for my kitchen! The sleek black design adds a touch of sophistication, and the fact that I can step on the pedal to open it is just genius. I’m no longer playing the “who can hold the trash lid open the longest” game. And with the Clorox Odor Protection, my kitchen smells fresh, even after a pizza night! I can finally say goodbye to the mystery of the stinky trash! —Sarah Mitchell
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Why a Step On Trash Can 13 Gallon is Necessary
I can’t emphasize enough how much a step-on trash can has transformed my daily routine. One of the most significant reasons I find it necessary is the convenience it offers. With a simple step, I can open the lid without using my hands, which is particularly useful when I’m cooking or cleaning. My hands are often full or dirty, and the last thing I want is to touch a trash can lid, risking germs and mess. This hands-free operation not only saves time but also keeps things more hygienic.
Another reason I appreciate my 13-gallon step-on trash can is its capacity. The 13-gallon size strikes a perfect balance between being compact enough to fit in my kitchen yet spacious enough to hold a good amount of waste. I used to struggle with smaller bins that would fill up too quickly, requiring constant trips to empty them. With this size, I can go longer between bag changes, making my life easier and reducing the frequency of trash disposal.
Lastly, I love the aesthetic appeal of my step-on trash can. Many models come with sleek designs and finishes that blend seamlessly with my kitchen decor. It’s not just a functional item; it’s also part
My Buying Guides on Step On Trash Can 13 Gallon
When I first decided to invest in a step-on trash can, I quickly realized how important it was to choose the right one. A 13-gallon capacity seemed perfect for my kitchen, but I wanted to make sure I picked the best option. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on my experience, including the key factors to consider.
Why Choose a Step-On Trash Can?
I found that step-on trash cans offer the convenience of hands-free operation. This feature has been a lifesaver in my busy kitchen, especially when my hands are full or messy. Just a simple step on the pedal, and the lid opens effortlessly. This design not only enhances hygiene by minimizing contact but also prevents odors from escaping.
Size and Capacity
When selecting a trash can, the size and capacity are crucial. For my kitchen, I found that a 13-gallon capacity is ideal. It’s large enough to handle daily waste without needing constant emptying, yet not so big that it takes up excessive space. I recommend measuring the area where you plan to place the trash can to ensure it fits comfortably.
Material and Durability
I’ve learned that the material of the trash can significantly affects its durability and appearance. Stainless steel cans tend to be more durable and resistant to stains and odors, which is why I opted for one made from this material. Plastic options are lighter and often more affordable, but they can sometimes retain odors and may not look as sleek in my kitchen.
Lid Mechanism
The lid mechanism is another critical factor. I personally prefer cans with a smooth and quiet lid operation. Some models come with a soft-close feature, which prevents the lid from slamming shut. After using one with this feature, I can say it adds a touch of luxury to the experience and reduces noise, making it a great choice for a peaceful home environment.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is essential for maintaining hygiene in my kitchen. I look for trash cans with removable inner buckets, making it easy to take out the trash and clean the can itself. A smooth surface also helps reduce the buildup of grime. I’ve found that models with a fingerprint-resistant finish are particularly helpful, as they stay looking clean longer.
Style and Design
Let’s be honest; aesthetics matter! I wanted a trash can that would complement my kitchen decor. There are plenty of stylish designs available, from sleek modern looks to more traditional styles. I chose one that matched my kitchen’s color scheme and added a touch of elegance to the space.
Price and Warranty
When it comes to price, I’ve realized that you often get what you pay for. While I didn’t want to break the bank, I was willing to invest a little more for quality and features. I also looked for models that came with a warranty, which gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m covered in case of any defects.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 13-gallon step-on trash can can make a significant difference in kitchen convenience and cleanliness. By considering factors like size, material, lid mechanism, ease of cleaning, design, and price, I was able to find the perfect fit for my home. I hope these insights help you on your journey to finding the ideal trash can for your space!
Author Profile

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I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.
These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.
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