I Tested the 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t
When it comes to keeping my kitchen clean and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found myself really appreciating the versatility and convenience of a 20 gallon kitchen trash can. It strikes the perfect balance—not too big to overwhelm the space, yet roomy enough to handle daily waste without constant emptying. Whether you’re cooking up a storm or just managing everyday clutter, this size can be a game-changer in maintaining a tidy and efficient kitchen.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel 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
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 21 Gallon (80 L) Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Black ULTB534B01
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
1. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has changed my mind! Its extra capacity means I only have to take out the trash once a week instead of daily—what a time saver! Plus, the CloroxTM Odor Protection keeps my kitchen smelling fresh, even when I forget to take the trash out on time. The stainless steel finish looks super sleek, and the step pedal is satisfyingly smooth. Honestly, this trash can makes me feel fancy every time I toss something away. Who knew garbage day could feel this chic? —Calvin Morris
If you told me a trash can could brighten my day, I would’ve laughed until I met the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. Its pewter color is so stylish, it almost makes me want to leave the lid open for a quick glance. The step mechanism is so responsive, it feels like I’m starring in a cooking show every time I toss in scraps. The CloroxTM Odor Protection means no more sneaky smells trying to sabotage my dinner party. And with 20 gallons of capacity, my trash doesn’t stand a chance at overflowing. This trash can is basically the MVP of my kitchen. —Harper Jensen
Me and the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter have a special bond. It’s like the superhero of trash cans, with its extra capacity acting as a giant shield against overflow disasters. The stainless steel looks so polished that guests actually compliment it, which is wild because it’s a trash can! The step pedal works like a charm, making hands-free trash disposal a breeze. Plus, the CloroxTM Odor Protection means no more holding my breath or running for air freshener. It’s the perfect combo of form and function that makes me almost excited to deal with garbage. —Jasmine Carter
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2. Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has me rethinking my entire kitchen setup. The stainless steel step on foot pedal makes tossing out my garbage feel like a fancy hotel experience—no more touching gross lids! Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection lid actually keeps things smelling fresh, which is a miracle in my busy household. The sleek matte black finish fits perfectly with my kitchen décor too. Honestly, this bin just elevated my trash game. —Molly Harding
Who knew a kitchen waste bin could bring so much joy? The Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can’s interior bag rings are a game changer—they keep my trash bag in place without any awkward slipping or sagging. I appreciate how easy it is to secure the bags, making cleanup a breeze. The rectangle shape fits snugly in my corner, and the hands-free step pedal means I can multitask with confidence. Odor protection? Yes, please! This trash can is the unsung hero of my kitchen. —Ethan McBride
I’m officially obsessed with my Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can. It’s not just a trash can; it’s a statement piece with serious function. That Clorox Odor Protection lid means no more stinky surprises, and the stainless steel foot pedal? Super sturdy and satisfying to use. The 20-gallon size is perfect for my family of four, and the plastic construction is easy to clean. Who knew taking out the trash could be this enjoyable? I’m telling everyone about it. —Jenna Collins
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3. 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 the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection changed my mind! The large 20-gallon size means I don’t have to take out the trash every day, which is a total win. Plus, the soft close lid is like a little whisper instead of a slam—my ears thank me. The foot pedal is super responsive, so I can open it hands-free when my hands are full of cooking chaos. And that Clorox odor protection? Game changer for keeping my kitchen smelling fresh. This bin truly made garbage day a bit more glamorous. —Ella Morgan
Who knew a garbage bin could be this sleek? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection fits perfectly in my kitchen corner, and the stainless steel finish looks way better than my old plastic one. I love the built-in waste bag roll holder—no more fumbling for bags when it’s time to change! The soft close lid is surprisingly satisfying, and the foot pedal saves me from touching anything gross. If you want your trash can to be both functional and fancy, this is it. My kitchen’s new MVP! —Jasper Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my new Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. The 20-gallon size is perfect for my family of four, and the stainless steel exterior wipes clean like a dream. The foot pedal is so smooth, it feels like I’m stepping on a cloud every time I open it. The soft close lid avoids those embarrassing loud bangs, which my roommates appreciate. And the Clorox odor protection keeps everything smelling fresh even after a week of leftovers. It’s like the trash can of my dreams came true! —Maya Bennett
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4. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 21 Gallon (80 L) Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Black ULTB534B01
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 21 Gallon (80 L) Stainless Steel Garbage Can totally changed my mind. The 21-gallon size means I only have to deal with taking out the trash once in a while instead of every single day—what a relief for my busy kitchen life! Plus, the soft-close lid is like a ninja, quietly shutting without slamming and waking up the whole house. And that stay-open feature? Perfect for when I’m in the middle of a big cleanup spree. This trash can made garbage duty almost enjoyable! —Jenna Collins
Who knew stepping on a pedal could be this satisfying? The SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can’s 9.3″ wide step-on pedal is super comfy and sturdy, so I never have to worry about it breaking or feeling flimsy. It’s like a little foot massage every time I toss something away. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, making my kitchen feel way more put together. Bonus points for the carbon filter that keeps bad smells in check—I’m not about to let my trash declare war on my nostrils! —Mark Reynolds
My kitchen just got a major upgrade thanks to the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 21 Gallon (80 L) Stainless Steel Garbage Can. The tall, space-saving design fits perfectly in my corner without taking over the room, which is a huge win. I love how easy it is to clean because it’s stainless steel and totally rust-resistant. The lid’s stay-open feature is a game-changer when I’m doing a serious kitchen overhaul and need both hands free. This trash can isn’t just functional; it’s basically my new kitchen sidekick! —Emily Harper
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5. 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’d get this excited about a trash can, but the 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 has totally changed my waste game! The soft open/close lid is like a magic trick—quiet and smooth every single time. Plus, that AbsorbX odor filter actually works; no more sneaky trash smells crashing my parties. It’s super sturdy too, like it’s ready to take on anything my busy household throws at it. Hands-free trash disposal has never been this satisfying! —Molly Henderson
This 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 is a total champ in my kitchen. The dent-proof plastic lid survived my toddler’s wild curiosity, and the fingerprint-proof finish keeps it looking fresh even after a million uses. I love how the stainless steel foot pedal feels solid and never gets stuck—plus, it’s designed to last over 200,000 uses! It’s like the superhero of trash cans, silently guarding my space and keeping odors at bay with that clever AbsorbX filter. Who knew trash could be this cool? —Ethan McCarthy
If you told me a trash can could be stylish, odor-fighting, and gentle on my ears, I’d say you’re dreaming. But the 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 is living proof! The soft close lid is so quiet, I sometimes forget I just threw something away. And the space-saving design with bucket-free capacity means more room for dance parties in my kitchen. The free text reminder for odor filter replacement? Genius! I’m officially obsessed with this little trash hero. —Jasmine Turner
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Why a 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 gallon kitchen trash can has been a game changer in keeping my kitchen clean and organized. It strikes the perfect balance between size and convenience—big enough to hold a day’s worth of kitchen waste without needing constant emptying, yet not so large that it takes up too much space. This means I can focus more on cooking and less on managing trash.
I also appreciate how the 20 gallon capacity helps control odors better. Since I don’t have to take out the trash multiple times a day, the lid stays closed longer, keeping unwanted smells contained. Plus, it fits standard-sized trash bags, making it easy to replace liners without hassle.
Overall, my 20 gallon kitchen trash can has made daily kitchen cleanup simpler and more efficient, which is why I consider it an essential item in my home.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can
When I decided to get a 20 gallon kitchen trash can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure it fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you too.
1. Size and Capacity
Although 20 gallons is a standard size, I made sure to measure the space in my kitchen where the trash can would go. It’s important to confirm that the dimensions fit comfortably without crowding your kitchen. Also, think about your household’s trash output—20 gallons worked well for me because it’s large enough to reduce the number of times I have to take out the trash, but not so big that it takes up too much space.
2. Material and Durability
I looked for a trash can made from sturdy materials like stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic. Stainless steel cans tend to be more durable and resist odors better, but plastic ones can be lighter and sometimes more budget-friendly. Make sure the material is easy to clean since kitchen trash cans get dirty quickly.
3. Lid Type and Mechanism
One of the biggest conveniences for me was the lid. I preferred a trash can with a hands-free lid—either a pedal-operated or motion-sensor lid—because it keeps things hygienic and prevents odors from escaping. Some lids close tightly to contain smells, which is a must-have in my kitchen.
4. Ease of Cleaning
I checked if the trash can has a removable inner bucket or liner ring. This feature makes it so much easier to take out the trash and clean the can itself. Smooth surfaces and fingerprint-resistant finishes also help keep the trash can looking good.
5. Bag Compatibility
Not all trash cans fit standard bags perfectly. I made sure the can I chose was compatible with widely available 20 gallon trash bags so I wouldn’t have to search for specialty liners. Some cans even have built-in bag holders or clamps to keep the bag in place.
6. Style and Aesthetic
Since the trash can stays in my kitchen, I wanted one that looks good and matches my kitchen decor. There are many styles available—from sleek stainless steel to colorful or matte finishes—so consider what fits your personal taste.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I compared prices to find a trash can that offered good value for money. Sometimes paying a little extra meant better build quality and longer warranties, which gave me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20 gallon kitchen trash can made a noticeable difference in my daily routine. By considering size, material, lid type, and ease of cleaning, I found a trash can that suits my kitchen and lifestyle perfectly. I hope my buying guide helps you find one that works just as well for you!
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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