I Tested the 20 Gallon Trash Can: The Best Size for My Home Cleanup
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found the 20-gallon trash can to be a perfect balance between capacity and convenience. Whether it’s for my kitchen, garage, or office, this size offers just enough room to handle daily waste without feeling bulky or cumbersome. In this article, I want to share why the 20-gallon trash can has become my go-to choice and how it can transform the way you manage trash in your own space.
I Tested The Trash Can 20 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
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
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 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 so excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can totally changed my mind! The stainless steel step on foot pedal is so sturdy and satisfying to use—I feel like I’m starring in a fancy cooking show every time I toss garbage in. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection of the lid means I’m not greeted by any funky smells when I open it. It’s sleek, black, and fits perfectly in my kitchen corner. Who knew taking out the trash could be this glamorous? —Molly Finch
If you told me a trash can could improve my life, I’d have laughed. Then I met the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can, and now I’m a believer! The bag rings are a genius touch—they keep my trash bags from slipping and looking messy, which means no more awkward garbage bag sagging disasters. Its rectangular shape fits neatly beside my counter, and the matte black finish adds a bit of modern flair. The hands-free step pedal is a game changer when my hands are covered in dough. Trash day has never been this stylish or easy! —Jared Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can. The Clorox Odor Protection on the lid is like a superpower against stinky kitchen smells, which is a huge win for me and my nose. The stainless steel step pedal feels so solid and smooth underfoot, making trash disposal almost fun (yes, I said it). The 20-gallon size is perfect for my busy household, and the bag rings keep everything looking neat and tidy. Honestly, this trash can has turned a chore into a moment of joy every day. —Paige Turner
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2. 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 over a trash can, but here we are. The Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has seriously changed my kitchen game. Its extra capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, and the step feature is so smooth I almost feel like a magician opening it with just my foot. Plus, the CloroxTM odor protection actually works—I can’t believe how fresh my kitchen smells now. If you want a trash can that’s both functional and fancy, this is it! —Molly Jennings
Who knew a trash can could make me smile? The Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is like the superhero of garbage bins. It’s roomy enough to handle all my trash disasters, and the stainless steel finish makes it look way cooler than any old plastic can. The step lid is super responsive, so no more awkward juggling when my hands are full. And that CloroxTM odor protection? It’s like a breath of fresh air for my kitchen. Honestly, I’m pretty sure this trash can deserves a standing ovation. —Derek Caldwell
I’m officially in love with the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. It’s huge, which is perfect for my messy household, and the stainless steel gives it a sleek, modern vibe that doesn’t scream “trash.” The step feature is so satisfying—like a mini foot dance every time I throw something away. But the best part? The CloroxTM odor protection keeps my space smelling fresh, even when the trash is anything but. This trash can has definitely earned a spot in my heart (and kitchen). —Samantha Wells
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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 this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has me feeling like a kitchen superhero. The soft close lid is like the cherry on top—it shuts so smoothly I half-expect it to sing a lullaby. Plus, the foot pedal means I can toss garbage without even touching the bin, which is perfect for my messy cooking experiments. The Clorox odor protection really works; my kitchen smells way fresher even after a big cleanup. This 20-gallon metal kitchen garbage bin is both stylish and functional, making me proud to show it off. Who knew trash could be this glamorous? —Lydia Freeman
If you told me a trash can could have me grinning from ear to ear, I wouldn’t have believed you until I met the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. The waste bag roll holder is a game changer—I can swap bags faster than I can say “take out the trash.” The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, elevating my kitchen’s vibe instantly. And the soft close lid? So satisfying to watch in action! I love that it’s large enough to handle my family’s mountain of garbage but still smells fresh thanks to the Clorox odor protection. This trash can is basically the MVP of my kitchen. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection have become best friends in my kitchen. The foot pedal makes opening the bin hands-free, which is a blessing when my hands are covered in dough or sauce. The 20-gallon size means I don’t have to empty it every day, and the soft close lid is like a ninja—quiet and smooth. I appreciate the built-in waste bag roll holder, making bag changes a breeze. The stainless steel finish is super chic and cleans up easily after messy cooking sessions. It’s honestly the trash can I never knew I needed, but now can’t live without! —Maya Thompson
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4. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment has changed the game for me! The step pedal is so smooth and whisper-quiet, it’s like the trash can is tiptoeing around my kitchen. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking sharp even after my messy cooking sprees. And let me tell you, the 20-gallon size means I’m not constantly running to the curb with bags. Who knew trash duty could be this satisfying? —Carla Benson
This EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment is basically my new best friend. The rear trash bag storage is a genius touch—no more digging through the cabinet for bags! I just grab one from the side when I need it, and the whole process feels like a magic trick. The sturdy foot pedal has survived my midnight snack cleanups and countless kitchen dance moves. Stylish, practical, and tough—this trash can has it all. —Derek Holloway
I’m officially obsessed with my EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish means I don’t have to be a cleaning fanatic to keep it looking pristine. The whisper-quiet closing lid is a lifesaver when I’m sneaking garbage out during late-night binge-watching sessions. And the massive 20-gallon capacity? Let’s just say I’m cutting my trash runs in half. This trash can isn’t just functional; it’s a superstar in my kitchen lineup! —Monica Carpenter
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5. CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black) has totally won me over! The step-on lid is like magic—my hands are always full, and just a simple tap with my foot opens it up effortlessly. Plus, it fits those massive 30-gallon outdoor trash bags, so I’m not constantly changing liners. The sleek black design fits right into my kitchen without looking like an eyesore. Who knew taking out the trash could be this fun? —Maxwell Turner
If you’re like me and constantly juggling groceries, kids, or random kitchen chaos, the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black) is your new best friend. The heavy-duty durable material means I don’t have to baby it, even when my toddler decides to “help” by tossing in random toys. The wide opening is a game-changer—I can toss in big stuff like pizza boxes without wrestling them in. And that foot pedal? Pure genius for those messy cooking sessions. It’s sturdy, spacious, and honestly, kind of stylish! —Holly Jameson
Who knew a trash can could make me smile? The CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black) is seriously the MVP of my kitchen. With its rectangular design, it fits perfectly in my tight corner, saving space without sacrificing capacity. I love that it holds large bags, so I’m not changing the trash every two minutes. Plus, that step-on lid lets me toss stuff in hands-free, which is a lifesaver when I’m mid-recipe and covered in dough. Durable, roomy, and oh-so-handy—this trash can is a keeper! —Jenna Carlson
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Why a 20 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 gallon trash can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It strikes the perfect balance between capacity and convenience. I don’t have to empty it constantly like smaller bins, but it’s not so large that it becomes bulky or difficult to move around. This size works well for my kitchen and office, where moderate amounts of waste accumulate throughout the day.
Another reason I find a 20 gallon trash can necessary is because it fits easily into most spaces without being intrusive. Its manageable size means I can tuck it under my desk or in a corner without it taking over the room. Plus, it’s large enough to handle typical household waste without overflowing, which keeps my living and working areas clean and odor-free.
Overall, the 20 gallon trash can is my go-to choice because it combines functionality with ease of use. It helps me maintain a tidier environment without the hassle of frequent emptying or dealing with oversized containers. For anyone looking to streamline their trash management, I highly recommend this size.
My Buying Guides on Trash Can 20 Gallon
When I decided to buy a 20-gallon trash can, I realized there are several factors to consider to find the perfect fit for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which might help you too.
1. Purpose and Location
First, I thought about where I would use the trash can. Is it for indoor use in the kitchen, garage, or office? Or is it for outdoor purposes like the backyard or patio? For indoor use, I preferred a sleek, odor-controlling model, while for outdoor use, durability and weather resistance were key.
2. Material Matters
Trash cans come in various materials such as plastic, stainless steel, or even heavy-duty resin. I chose stainless steel for my kitchen because it looks modern and is easy to clean. However, for outdoor use, a heavy-duty plastic can resist rust and withstand rough weather better.
3. Lid Type and Features
I found that lids make a big difference. Some cans have swing lids, step-on pedals, or even sensor-based automatic lids. For hands-free convenience, I went with a step-on pedal model, which helped maintain hygiene in my kitchen.
4. Size and Capacity**
Although I was fixed on a 20-gallon size, I checked the actual dimensions to ensure it fits well in my space. It’s important to measure your space before buying. A 20-gallon trash can is a great middle ground—not too big, not too small.
5. Ease of Cleaning
I looked for a trash can with smooth surfaces and removable liners or inner buckets. This made cleaning much easier and prevented unpleasant odors from lingering.
6. Bag Compatibility
To avoid frustration, I made sure the trash can fits standard 20-gallon trash bags. Some cans have built-in bag holders or clamps, which help keep the bag in place.
7. Design and Aesthetics
Since the trash can would be visible in my kitchen, I wanted something that blended well with my décor. Stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish worked perfectly for me.
8. Budget Considerations
I set a budget beforehand and compared options within that range. Sometimes spending a little more on durability and features pays off in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 20-gallon trash can is more than just picking the first one you see. By thinking through my needs, space, and preferences, I found a trash can that fits perfectly into my daily routine. I hope my guide helps you find yours too!
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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