Best 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Cans: Top 9 Picks (November 2026)
The best stainless steel 13 gallon kitchen trash cans include the Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can for most kitchens, the Glad Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox for odor control, and the simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can for daily pedal use.
On this page (8 sections)
- Best 13 gallon stainless steel trash cans, ranked
- How these 13 gallon stainless steel trash cans compare
- How we compared these stainless steel 13 gallon cans
- Which opening type suits your kitchen?
- How much floor space does a 13 gallon can need?
- Does the finish affect how often you clean it?
- What should you check before you buy?
- Verdict: the right 13 gallon stainless can for your kitchen
The best 13 gallon stainless steel kitchen trash can for most homes is the Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can, a 50 L touchless bin with a rectangular body that sits flush against cabinets. Pick the Glad step can if odors and spare bags matter most, or the simplehuman 50 L for the toughest pedal and quietest close.
A 13 gallon kitchen trash can in stainless steel is the size most families settle on. It holds about a week of kitchen waste for two to four people, and steel hides smudges better than plastic when you choose a brushed or fingerprint-resistant finish.
The real differences between these cans come down to how the lid opens, how the bag stays put and how much floor space the body claims.
Our scores weigh specs, features and how each can fits what you're shopping for. If you're still unsure whether 13 gallons is the right size, our guide on how big is a 13 gallon trash can walks through the real-world volume.
For a broader set of options beyond steel, see the full list of the best 13 gallon trash cans for the kitchen.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for small floor spaceCheck it - 5
Check itEKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can
Best for recycling duty - 6
Best for family kitchensCheck it - 7
Best for pedal durabilityCheck it - 8
Check itAmazon Basics 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Can
Best for simple step opening - 9
Best for easy bag changesCheck it
Best 13 gallon stainless steel trash cans, ranked
The Ninestars is the top pick because it pairs a true 13 gallon body with hands-free opening and a lid that seals odors. Every other can here wins on a narrower need, from pedal life to bag handling.
Match the opening type and footprint to your kitchen before you look at finishes.
Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can: Best for most kitchens
- 13 gal / 50 L capacity
- Motion sensor opening
- Soft-close lid seals odors in
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Runs up to 9 months on 2 D-batteries
A touchless 50 L bin with a rectangular body that tucks against a cabinet, a lid that seals odors in and a fingerprint-resistant finish.
Pros
- Hands-free motion sensor
- Rectangular shape sits flush against walls
- Soft-close lid seals odors
- Long battery life
Cons
- Needs batteries (not included)
- Lid open time is fixed by the sensor
This is the can most kitchens should start with. The Ninestars holds a full 13 gallons in a rectangular body measuring 15.24 x 11.22 x 25.04 inches, so the long side sits flush against an island or cabinet instead of jutting into the walkway.
A wave of your hand opens the lid through an infrared sensor, which keeps raw food and messy hands off the steel while you cook. The lid closes softly and the fit is tight enough to seal odors inside.
Ninestars says two D-batteries run the sensor for up to 9 months, so battery swaps stay rare.
The all-silver finish resists fingerprints and wipes clean with little effort. A removable liner ring keeps bag edges hidden and makes changes neat.
Ninestars backs the can with a two-year support program.
Its trade-off is battery dependence. If the batteries die, the lid stops opening on its own, so keep spares in the drawer.
For a kitchen where you cook daily and want clean hands, that's a fair trade.
Glad Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox: Best for odor control
- 13 gal capacity
- Odor protection on lid and frame
- Rear bag compartment
- Bag rings hold liners in place
- Soft-close lid
A step-on stainless can that Glad builds with odor protection on the lid and frame, plus a rear compartment that holds spare bags.
Pros
- Odor protection on lid and frame
- Spare bags store behind the can
- Bag rings stop liners slipping
- Soft-close lid
Cons
- Step pedal needs a free foot
- Rounder 16 in footprint
Odors are the whole story with this Glad can. Glad treats both the lid and the lid frame with Clorox odor protection for the life of the can, which targets the food smells that collect around the rim rather than just inside the bucket.
The step pedal opens a 13 gallon rectangular body sized 16 x 16 x 23 inches. A soft-close lid keeps the landing quiet, and bag rings tuck liner slack in so the bag stays up and out of view.
That matters when a thin bag slips into the can and takes the trash with it.
Glad also adds a rear bag compartment. You store spare liners right behind the can and pull them from the sides without moving the bin.
For a busy family that runs through bags fast, that removes a small but constant annoyance.
The brushed pewter finish resists fingerprints, so the steel keeps its look between wipes. Glad offers a five-year warranty against material and workmanship defects.
Choose it when smell is your main complaint. A step can also frees your hands, though you do need a free foot to open it.
simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can: Best for daily pedal use
- 50 L / 13.0 gal capacity
- Steel pedal rated for 150,000 steps
- Silent close lid
- Internal hinge for wall placement
- Built-in wheels
A 50 L step can with a heavy-duty pedal, a lid that closes without a bang, an internal hinge and wheels for moving it around.
Pros
- Pedal engineered for 150,000 steps
- Silent close lid
- Internal hinge sits flush to walls
- Built-in wheels
- Fingerprint-proof finish
Cons
- Premium tier
- Custom code Q liners fit best
The simplehuman 50 L is the can you buy when the pedal has to survive a decade of use. simplehuman rates its strong steel pedal for more than 150,000 steps, which is more than 20 presses a day for 20 years. That rating is the reason this can sits near the top of the group.
The rectangular body measures 19.8 x 12.8 x 25.7 inches, and the internal hinge lets it sit right against a wall. simplehuman's lid shox technology controls the lid for a slow, silent close, and the lid stays open as long as you like for longer chores. A non-skid rubber base keeps it steady on tile.
The 50 L version adds built-in wheels, so you can roll it out for a full bag change instead of lifting 16.5 lb. A fingerprint-proof finish resists smudges, and a removable inner bucket catches drips for easy cleaning.
simplehuman designs its code Q liners to fit this can exactly, so budget for those. It's the most expensive can here, but the pedal rating and lid motion justify the step up for heavy daily use.
Bigacc Kitchen Trash Can: Best for small floor space
- 13 gal / 50 L capacity
- Infrared motion sensor
- Oval footprint
- Fingerprint-resistant coating
- Sealed lid
A touchless 13 gallon can with a slim oval footprint and a sealed lid, meant for tight spots between cabinets.
Pros
- Oval body uses less floor space
- Touchless sensor
- Sealed lid holds odors in
- Fingerprint-resistant coating
Cons
- Light 5 lb body can slide on smooth floors
- Manual buttons needed for longer lid-open jobs
Floor space is the reason to pick the Bigacc. Its oval body measures 16 x 11 x 23 inches and 5 lb, so it slides into the narrow gap between a counter and a wall where a round or wide can won't fit.
The touchless lid uses an infrared sensor and closes on its own after a few seconds. An on/off button and a front open-close button let you hold the lid up when you need longer, and the sealed lid traps odors.
The fingerprint-resistant coating wipes clean with a rag.
Bigacc says it takes standard 13 gallon bags rather than costly custom liners, which keeps running costs down. The lid is removable for bag changes, and the can runs on an electronic sensor rather than a pedal.
The light weight cuts both ways. At 5 lb it's easy to move, but it can slide on smooth floors when bumped.
Pick it for a tight kitchen or a bathroom that needs a slim steel can. For a family kitchen with heavy traffic, the heavier step cans here stay put better.
EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can: Best for recycling duty
- 13.2 gal / 50 L capacity
- Touchless motion sensor
- No-liner design
- Fingerprint-resistant brushed steel
- Runs up to 8 months on AA batteries
A slim touchless bin with a no-liner inner rim that holds a bag in place and frees up usable space inside the can.
Pros
- No-liner rim adds usable volume
- Narrow footprint
- Soft-close sensor lid
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
Cons
- Fewer lid controls than some touchless rivals
- Batteries not included
The EKO Mirage-T suits a household that sorts recyclables in the kitchen. EKO builds it as a trash can or recycling bin, and its no-liner inner rim holds the bag in place while freeing up interior room.
EKO says that no-liner design adds about 25% more usable capacity.
The brushed steel body measures 14.8 x 9.8 x 24.6 inches, one of the narrowest footprints here. A motion sensor opens the lid only when you want it to, and a soft-close feature brings it down quietly.
A touch switch holds the lid open for longer jobs.
The fingerprint-resistant finish keeps the steel looking clean. EKO says AA alkaline batteries last up to 8 months.
It takes standard 13 gallon bags, so no designer liners are needed.
The trade-off against the Ninestars is lid control. The Mirage-T relies on its sensor and touch switch, while some rivals add more manual options.
For recycling and everyday kitchen waste in a slim spot, the extra capacity is the win.
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can: Best for family kitchens
- 13 gal / 50 L capacity
- Stainless steel body
- Soft-close lid
- Stay-open lid
- Back handle for moving
A roomy step can in stainless steel with a lid that closes quietly, a stay-open position and a rear handle for moving it.
Pros
- Stay-open lid for long chores
- Quiet lid closure
- Rear handle for moving
- Comes with 15 liner bags
Cons
- Widest footprint here
- 14.8 lb body takes two hands to move
The SONGMICS 13 gallon can is the family-friendly step bin in this group. Its body measures 17.6 x 13.7 x 24 inches and weighs 14.8 lb, so it stays planted when kids or pets bump it.
Non-slip pads under the base add stability.
The lid closes quietly and opens without hitting the wall, which protects your paint. To keep the lid open, step on the pedal to open it, then release and manually push the lid to 90 degrees.
That stay-open position helps when you scrape a big pot or clear the fridge.
A back handle makes the can easier to move when you clean the floor. The inner bucket has built-in handles, and a bag hole secures the liner edge so it stays hidden.
SONGMICS includes 15 liner bags with the bin.
The wider footprint is its cost. In a narrow kitchen, the Bigacc or EKO Mirage-T fits better.
Choose this one when capacity and quiet family use matter more than saving floor space.
EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can: Best for pedal durability
- 13.2 gal / 50 L capacity
- Steel pedal rated for 200,000 steps
- Soft open and close lid
- Lid lock
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
A stainless step can built around a pedal rated for 200,000 presses, with a damper that opens and closes the lid without slamming.
Pros
- Pedal rated for 200,000 steps
- Soft open and close damper
- Lid lock holds it open
- Inner bucket has handles
Cons
- Taller than most touchless cans
- No spare bag holder
The EKO Madison targets the pedal itself. EKO rates the stainless foot pedal for more than 200,000 presses, the highest count in this group.
If your household opens the can dozens of times a day, that rating is the reason to pick it over cheaper step cans.
The 13.2 gallon rectangular body measures 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 inches. A bi-force damper gives a soft open and close, so the lid doesn't slam.
A lid lock holds it open for longer jobs, and the fingerprint-resistant steel resists smudges.
The raised inner bucket has handles for quick bag changes. EKO designs the Madison as a trash can or a recycling bin, so it works for either stream.
The pedal design means no batteries to swap.
The main trade-off is height. At 25.4 inches it stands taller than the Ninestars and most touchless cans here, so check clearance under an overhang.
It also skips the spare bag holder that the Glad offers. For a can that simply opens every time for years, this is the pick.
Amazon Basics 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Can: Best for simple step opening
- 13.2 gal / 50 L capacity
- Stainless steel with smudge-resistant finish
- Soft-close lid
- Removable inner bucket
- Carry handle
A plain step can in brushed stainless steel with a quiet lid and a lift-out bucket, sold at the budget end of this group.
Pros
- Soft-close lid
- Removable inner bucket
- Carry handle
- Budget tier
Cons
- Fewer extras than the top picks
- No bag storage
The Amazon Basics can covers the basics at the budget end of the group. Its 13.2 gallon rectangular body measures 16.73 x 14.65 x 25.87 inches and uses brushed stainless steel with a smudge-resistant exterior.
A foot lever opens the lid and a soft-close hinge brings it down quietly. The inner bucket lifts out with a carry handle, which makes bag changes and cleaning simpler.
The satin nickel finish blends with most kitchen hardware.
What you give up is the extras. There's no spare bag storage, no sensor and no fingerprint-proof claim beyond smudge resistance.
The plastic inner bucket is heavy duty but not the steel construction of the top picks.
For a rental, a garage or a second bin, that simple build is enough. If you want a can that just opens with a step and closes without noise, this does the job.
For a main kitchen in a busy home, the Glad or simplehuman adds features worth the step up.
SONGMICS 13 Gal Step Can: Best for easy bag changes
- 13 gal / 50 L capacity
- Stainless steel body
- Soft-close lid
- Stay-open lid
- Bag hole tucks liners in
A stainless step can with a removable inner bucket and a bag hole on the back that tucks liner edges out of sight.
Pros
- Bag hole hides liner edges
- Soft-close lid
- Removable inner bucket
- Rust-resistant steel
Cons
- Heavier than the touchless picks
- No spare bag storage
The SONGMICS 13 gallon step can focuses on bag changes. Its inner bucket has a bag hole on the back that lets you tuck the liner edge in, so the bag stays put and stays hidden.
The bucket has handles for lifting it out.
The rectangular body measures 17 x 14.6 x 24.9 inches. Stainless steel resists rust, and a simple wipe keeps it clean and smudge-free.
The lid closes slowly and silently without a loud clang. Step on the pedal to open it, or open it fully by hand and the lid stays open for cleaning out the fridge.
A handle on the back helps you move the bin when you sweep or mop. It weighs 12.8 lb, so it's steady but portable.
The trade-off against the lighter touchless cans is weight and height. It also skips spare bag storage.
Pick it when tidy, secure bags are your main gripe. For a cleaner look and fewer bag slips, the bag hole is a small feature that makes a daily chore easier.
How these 13 gallon stainless steel trash cans compare
The comparison table lines up capacity, footprint and opening type, so you can see at a glance which can fits your kitchen. Opening type matters most, since touchless needs batteries while a step can needs a free foot.
Footprint decides whether the can tucks into a gap or blocks a walkway.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (L x W x H) | Opening | Our score |
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| Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can | most kitchens | 13 gallons (50 L) | 15.24 x 11.22 x 25.04 in | Motion sensor | 9.6 |
| Glad Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox | odor control | 13 gallons | 16 x 16 x 23 in | Step-on | 9.5 |
| simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can | daily pedal use | 50 L (13 gal) | 19.8 x 12.8 x 25.7 in | Step-on | 9.1 |
| Bigacc Kitchen Trash Can | small floor space | 13 gallons | 16 x 11 x 23 in | Motion sensor | 8.9 |
| EKO Mirage-T 13.2 Gal Sensor Can | recycling duty | 13 gallons | 14.8 x 9.8 x 24.6 in | Motion sensor | 8.5 |
| SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can | family kitchens | 13 gallons | 17.6 x 13.7 x 24 in | Step-on | 8.4 |
| EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can | pedal durability | 13.2 gallons | 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 in | Step-on | 8.3 |
| Amazon Basics 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Can | simple step opening | 13.2 gallons | 16.73 x 14.65 x 25.87 in | Step-on | 7.5 |
| SONGMICS 13 Gal Step Can | easy bag changes | 13 gallons | 17 x 14.6 x 24.9 in | Step-on | 7.4 |
How we compared these stainless steel 13 gallon cans
We compared the specs and features of each can and scored them against what a kitchen shopper needs. Capacity, opening type, lid motion, bag handling, finish and footprint carried the most weight, because those are the things you live with every day.
We did not test these cans in a kitchen. Our scores are based on the product data and how well each can fits the keyword's intent, so a can with a durable pedal and quiet lid ranks above one that only looks the part.
Every can here holds 13 gallons or a close 13.2. That means capacity alone won't separate them.
Look at how the lid opens, how the bag stays in place and whether the footprint fits your gap. A fingerprint-resistant finish is a bonus, but it won't matter if the can blocks your counter.
If your priority is a black kitchen trash can to match darker cabinets, our roundup of black steel cans covers that finish. And if a 13 gallon can feels too large for your space, the kitchen garbage cans 8 gallon guide covers smaller footprints.
Which opening type suits your kitchen?
A touchless can suits kitchens where your hands are messy during cooking. A step-on can suits households that want no batteries and a lid that opens every time.
Choose the opening type first, then narrow the group by footprint and finish.
When a touchless can is the better choice
Pick touchless if you handle raw meat, knead dough or cook with oily hands. A wave opens the lid without touching steel, so the finish stays clean and cross-contact is lower.
The Ninestars and Bigacc both use motion sensors and seal odors with a soft-close lid.
The cost is battery upkeep. Ninestars says its D-batteries last up to 9 months.
The EKO Mirage-T uses AA batteries and lasts up to 8 months. Keep spares nearby so the can never strands you with a full bag and a dead lid.
When a step-on can is the better choice
Pick a step can if you want a lid that opens without batteries and without a sensor's delay. A steel pedal also survives being bumped by kids and pets.
The simplehuman pedal is rated for more than 150,000 steps and the EKO Madison for more than 200,000.
The cost is a free foot. When your hands are full, you'll set something down to open the lid.
A stay-open position on the Glad, SONGMICS and Madison helps when you need both hands for longer.
How much floor space does a 13 gallon can need?
A 13 gallon stainless can needs about 15 to 20 inches of length and 10 to 15 inches of width in most cases. The exact footprint depends on the body shape.
A rectangular or oval can sits flush against a cabinet and uses less walkway than a round one.
Check three numbers before you buy. Measure the gap between the counter and the wall, the clearance under any overhang and the path to the door.
The Ninestars, at 15.24 x 11.22 inches and 25.04 inches tall, is a good fit for a flush wall spot. The SONGMICS 13 gallon step can, at 17.6 x 13.7 inches, needs more room.
If your kitchen is short on floor space, look at the 8 gallon kitchen garbage cans instead. A smaller can fits tighter gaps and empties more often.
For most families, though, 13 gallons means fewer trips to the outside bin.
Does the finish affect how often you clean it?
A fingerprint-resistant or smudge-resistant finish cuts cleaning time, and most cans here have one. Stainless steel with a brushed or satin finish hides marks better than a polished or mirror finish.
A quick wipe with a soft damp cloth handles daily smudges.
The Ninestars, Glad, simplehuman and EKO Madison all resist fingerprints. The Amazon Basics uses a smudge-resistant exterior.
The Bigacc adds a fingerprint-resistant coating over its brushed steel. The SONGMICS 13 gallon step can wipes clean and resists rust.
Avoid abrasive pads and cleaners on any of these. They dull the brushed grain and leave scratches that hold grime.
Mild soap and water is enough. A microfiber cloth dries the steel without streaks.
What should you check before you buy?
Check bag fit, lid clearance and the return terms before you order. A 13 gallon can should take standard 13 gallon bags unless the maker designs its own liner.
The simplehuman is the one here that fits best with its code Q liners, so plan for that cost.
Lid clearance matters more than most shoppers expect. A touchless or step lid needs room above and in front to open fully.
Measure from the floor to the underside of your upper cabinets and compare it with the can's open height.
Also decide whether you want a spare bag holder. The Glad puts one behind the can.
Most others don't. If you buy bags in bulk and hate walking to a closet mid-change, that compartment earns its keep.
Verdict: the right 13 gallon stainless can for your kitchen
For most kitchens, buy the Ninestars 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can. It gives you a true 13 gallon stainless steel body, hands-free opening and a lid that seals odors, all in a rectangular shape that sits flush against a cabinet.
That mix fits the daily routine of most households.
Pick the Glad Stainless Steel Trash Can with Clorox for odor protection and spare bag storage. Pick the simplehuman 50 L if the pedal needs to last 20 years of daily use.
Pick the Bigacc or EKO Mirage-T when floor space is tight, and the SONGMICS or EKO Madison when a step pedal and quiet lid matter more than batteries.
Whichever 13 gallon kitchen trash can stainless steel model you choose, match the opening type to how you cook and the footprint to your gap. A can that opens easily and stays put will do more for your kitchen than a shinier finish.
For more steel options in a darker tone, the best black kitchen trash can roundup is the next stop.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What size bag fits a 13 gallon stainless steel kitchen trash can?
A standard 13 gallon kitchen bag fits most cans in this group. Some 50 L cans, like the simplehuman, fit best with the maker's own liner size.
Check the can's bag guidance before you buy a bulk box.
Are stainless steel trash cans hard to keep clean?
No, as long as the finish resists fingerprints. Most cans here use a brushed or smudge-resistant coating, and a soft damp cloth handles everyday marks.
Avoid abrasive pads, which dull the finish.
Is a touchless or step-on trash can better for a kitchen?
A touchless can suits kitchens where your hands are often messy while cooking. A step can needs no batteries and never misses a wave.
Pick touchless for cooking prep and step-on for reliability and lower upkeep.
How much floor space does a 13 gallon stainless steel trash can take up?
Most 13 gallon cans here stand about 23 to 26 inches tall and use a footprint between 15 and 20 inches long. A rectangular or oval body against a cabinet saves more walkway than a round bin.
Can a 13 gallon can work as a recycling bin?
Yes. EKO designs both the Mirage-T and the Madison to work as a trash can or a recycling bin.
Use one bin per stream so paper and bottles do not mix with food waste.
