Best 13 Gallon Trash Cans for the Kitchen: Top 8 Picks (October 2026)
The best 13 gallon kitchen trash cans include the simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can for wall-side placement, the EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can for flexible bin use, and the iTouchless 13 Gal Pet Lock Sensor Can for touch-free use.
On this page (4 sections)
The simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can is the best 13 gallon trash can for most kitchens because its internal hinge suits wall-side placement, and its stay-open lid helps during cleanup. For touch-free use, choose the iTouchless sensor can; for a flexible trash or recycling bin, consider the EKO Madison.
A 13 gallon capacity is a common size for kitchen waste, but outside dimensions, lid movement and bag design affect how well a can fits your room. Measure the available floor space and nearby cabinets before you choose.
If you are still comparing capacity, start with our guide to how big a 13 gallon trash can is. For a broader look at shapes and lid styles, see our guide to the best trash cans for the kitchen.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for wall-side placementsimplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
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3
- 4
Check itiTouchless 13.2 Gal Step Can with AbsorbX
Best for odor-filtered step use - 5
Check itEKO 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Stainless
Best for a matte finish - 6
Check itSIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Step Can
Best for a stay-open step lid - 7
Check itSONGMICS 13 Gal Stainless Step Can
Best for included starter bags - 8
Check itAmazon Basics 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Can
Best for a removable bucket
How we chose 13 gallon kitchen trash cans
We compared capacity, dimensions, opening style, bag changes and useful features for kitchen cleanup. Our score weighs specs and features against what you need from a 13 gallon kitchen trash can.
A removable inner bucket can make it easier to lift out a full bag or clean drips. A sensor lid may suit messy food prep, while a step pedal keeps opening simple without sensor controls.
The comparison table highlights stated capacity, dimensions and opening type. Check the floor footprint and lid clearance against your kitchen before settling on a model.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Dimensions | Opening | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can | wall-side placement | 50 L / 13.0 gal | 19.8 x 12.8 x 25.7 in | Step-on | 9.1 |
| EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can | flexible bin use | 13.2 gal | 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 in | Step-on | 8.3 |
| iTouchless 13 Gal Pet Lock Sensor Can | touch-free use | 13 gal | 12.7 x 10.8 x 27.3 in | Motion sensor | 8.0 |
| iTouchless 13.2 Gal Step Can with AbsorbX | odor-filtered step use | 13.2 gal | 16.9 x 14.5 x 26.4 in | Step-on | 7.9 |
| EKO 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Stainless | a matte finish | 50 L | 15.5 x 10.6 x 24.6 in | Motion sensor | 7.9 |
| SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Step Can | a stay-open step lid | 50 L / 13.2 gal | 18.7 x 15.35 x 26.35 in | Step-on | 7.8 |
| SONGMICS 13 Gal Stainless Step Can | included starter bags | 13 gal | 15.9 x 13.2 x 24.6 in | Pedal or manual lift | 7.6 |
| Amazon Basics 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Can | a removable bucket | 13.2 gal | 14.8 x 16.7 x 25.9 in | Step-on | 7.5 |
The best 13 gallon trash cans for different kitchens
The right pick depends on where the can will sit and how you prefer to open it. These 8 options are ordered by score, from a wall-friendly step can to sensor and soft-close alternatives.
simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can: Best for wall-side placement
- 50 L / 13.0 gal capacity
- Internal hinge
- Stay-open lid
- Removable inner bucket
An internal hinge lets the can sit close to a wall, while its stay-open lid and removable bucket help with longer cleanup tasks and bag changes.
Pros
- Internal hinge
- Stay-open lid
- Removable inner bucket
Cons
- Uses simplehuman code Q custom-fit liners
The simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can is the strongest fit when you want a full-size bin close to a wall. Its internal hinge lets the can sit right up against the wall, and the rectangular shape can make placement easier beside cabinets.
The lid stays open for longer chores, such as scraping plates or changing a bag. The removable bucket lifts out for cleaning, and the bucket park position holds it tilted toward you during a bag change.
A steel pedal opens the lid, while the lid shox mechanism controls a slow close. Built-in wheels help move the can, and its fingerprint-proof finish resists smudges.
This can uses simplehuman code Q liners designed to fit and stay hidden. Choose it if those features suit your kitchen; compare its 19.8 x 12.8 in footprint with the spot you have available.
EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can: Best for flexible bin use
- 13.2 gal capacity
- Stay-open lid lock
- Raised inner bucket with handles
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
The single compartment can hold kitchen trash or recyclables. Its lid lock and handled inner bucket help with sorting and bag changes.
Pros
- Can serve as a trash or recycling bin
- Stay-open lid lock
- Inner bucket has handles
Cons
- Single compartment
The EKO Madison suits a kitchen that needs one bin for either trash or recycling. Its single compartment can serve as a kitchen waste bin or a dedicated container for cans, bottles and paper.
The stay-open lid lock helps when you are sorting items or handling a larger cleanup. A raised inner bucket with handles makes bag replacement more straightforward, and the fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless finish helps limit visible smudges.
Its dimensions are 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 in. Compare the 14.3 in depth and the lid's path with the available spot, especially if the can will stand near a cabinet door.
Choose the Madison if flexible bin use and a handled inner bucket matter most. If you need separate trash and recycling compartments, see our guide to kitchen trash cans with recycling bins.
iTouchless 13 Gal Pet Lock Sensor Can: Best for touch-free use
- 13 gal capacity
- Motion-sensor opening
- Manual pet lock
- Built-in AbsorbX carbon odor filter
A sensor opens the lid without a pedal, and a manual pet lock disables opening. It has no inner bucket, which leaves more of the stated volume available.
Pros
- Touch-free sensor opening
- Manual pet lock
- Built-in odor filter
Cons
- No inner bucket
The iTouchless Pet Lock Sensor Can suits cooks who want to open the lid without touching a pedal. Its motion sensor lifts the lid, and the manual pet lock disables opening when you want to keep pets from triggering it.
The design has no inner bucket, which iTouchless describes as leaving more room for waste. It also includes an AbsorbX carbon odor filter and a soft-close lid.
At 12.7 x 10.8 in, its listed footprint is narrower than several step cans here, though it stands 27.3 in tall. Check the height and lid clearance in your kitchen, and account for its sensor power needs.
Choose it for hands-free opening and the pet lock. If sensor trouble is your concern after choosing a model, our guide explains what to check when a simplehuman sensor can won't open.
iTouchless 13.2 Gal Step Can with AbsorbX: Best for odor-filtered step use
- 13.2 gal capacity
- AbsorbX odor filter
- Removable inner bucket
- Flat-backed design
This step can pairs a removable bucket with an AbsorbX filter compartment. Its flat-backed shape is designed to sit flush against a kitchen wall.
Pros
- Removable inner bucket
- Odor filter included
- Flat-backed design
Cons
- Wider than the sensor pick
The iTouchless step can combines a foot pedal with an odor filter and removable bucket. Its flat-backed design is made to sit flush against a wall, which can help keep the bin out of the way.
The AbsorbX filter compartment includes a starter carbon filter. The removable inner bucket is designed for standard 13 gallon tall kitchen bags, and the maker describes the lid close as quiet and controlled by an air damper.
It measures 16.9 x 14.5 x 26.4 in, so compare its depth and lid clearance with the space you have. The bucket also gives you a separate piece to lift out when changing a liner or cleaning the interior.
Pick this model if you want a pedal can with an odor filter and removable bucket. For other ways to manage smells, read our guide to getting rid of kitchen trash can odor.
EKO 13.2 Gal Sensor Can, Matte Stainless: Best for a matte finish
- 50 L capacity
- Motion-sensor opening
- Matte stainless finish
- No-liner design
A matte stainless finish and sensor opening suit a touch-free setup. The no-liner design is described as providing more room than standard bins.
Pros
- Motion-sensor opening
- Matte stainless finish
- No-liner design
Cons
- No inner bucket
The EKO sensor can is a touch-free option with a matte stainless finish. Its motion-sensor opening removes the need to step on a pedal, and the no-liner design is described as providing more room than standard bins.
The can measures 15.5 x 10.6 x 24.6 in. Its narrower depth may work where a deeper step can would be awkward, but leave enough space for the lid to open and for you to reach the bin comfortably.
EKO describes the finish as fingerprint resistant. The can uses AA alkaline batteries, with the brand stating they can last up to 8 months of use.
Choose it if you prefer a matte appearance and sensor opening. If you want to compare other hands-free options, see our guide to the best sensor trash cans for a hands-free kitchen.
SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Step Can: Best for a stay-open step lid
- 13.2 gal capacity
- Metal foot pedal
- Soft-close lid
- Removable plastic liner
The removable liner and stay-open lid lock help with bag changes and longer kitchen chores. Its footprint is among the larger ones in this group.
Pros
- Stay-open lid lock
- Removable plastic liner
- Built-in odor filter holder
Cons
- Larger footprint than several picks
The SIMPLI-MAGIC step can fits kitchens where a stay-open lid and removable liner matter during cleanup. Its lid lock keeps the top open as needed, and the removable plastic liner can come out for bag changes.
The can has a metal foot pedal and a soft-close lid. A built-in filter holder is included, though no filter cartridge is included.
At 18.7 x 15.35 in, it has one of the larger footprints in this group. Measure the full space, including the route you use to open nearby cabinets and drawers.
Choose it if you want a step can with a stay-open lock and removable liner. For a tighter footprint, compare it with the best narrow kitchen trash cans.
SONGMICS 13 Gal Stainless Step Can: Best for included starter bags
- 13 gal capacity
- 15 matching liner bags included
- Detachable inner bucket
- Pedal and manual lid opening
This step can includes 15 matching liner bags and has a detachable inner bucket. The lid can also be lifted manually and held open for longer tasks.
Pros
- 15 matching bags included
- Detachable inner bucket
- Pedal or manual opening
Cons
- Keep at least 2 in from the wall
The SONGMICS can suits buyers who want a few matching bags ready for the first changes. It includes 15 liner bags and a detachable inner bucket with handles.
The lid opens by pedal or can be lifted manually to stay open for longer tasks. Its soft-close design lowers the lid slowly, and the fluted stainless-steel body comes in ink black.
It measures 15.9 x 13.2 x 24.6 in. The brand advises keeping the back of the can at least 2 in from the wall so the lid does not hit it when opened.
Choose this model if the included bags and two opening options fit your routine. If a pedal is your main priority, compare more options in our guide to kitchen trash cans with foot pedals.
Amazon Basics 13.2 Gal Soft-Close Can: Best for a removable bucket
- 13.2 gal capacity
- Soft-close lid
- Stay-open lid
- Removable inner bucket
A stay-open lid, carry handle and removable bucket cover everyday bag changes and disposal. Its rectangular stainless-steel body has a smudge-resistant exterior.
Pros
- Removable inner bucket
- Stay-open lid
- Carry handle
Cons
- Wider and deeper than the narrow sensor picks
The Amazon Basics can offers a stay-open lid and removable inner bucket for everyday bag changes. Its carry handle adds another way to move the can when cleaning the floor or changing its position.
A foot pedal opens the lid, which closes softly. The stainless-steel exterior is smudge resistant, and the dimensions are 14.8 x 16.7 x 25.9 in.
Compare its depth and width with your kitchen path before choosing it. The listed dimensions make it a fuller rectangular option than the narrower sensor models.
Choose it for a straightforward step can with a bucket and carry handle. If you are weighing size against cost and added features, our guide explains why some kitchen trash cans cost so much.
How should you choose a 13 gallon kitchen trash can?
Start with the space where the can will stand, then choose the opening and bag setup that match your routine. A can that fits the capacity you want may still block a drawer or sit too far into a walkway.
How much floor space does a 13 gallon can need?
Check the stated width and depth, then add room for the lid to open and for you to remove a full bag. A wall-friendly hinge or flat back can help in some layouts, but nearby cabinets still need clearance.
For a more detailed capacity comparison, use our guide to what size trash can a kitchen needs. It can help you decide whether 13 gallons fits your waste volume and emptying routine.
Do you want a pedal or sensor lid?
A pedal can is simple to open with your foot, while a sensor can opens without touching the lid. Think about where your hands are during food prep and whether you prefer a model that uses batteries.
For a step can, a stay-open feature can help while you scrape plates or change a bag. For a sensor can, a lock can be useful if you want to disable the lid temporarily.
Do you need an inner bucket?
A removable bucket gives you a separate liner holder that can lift out for bag changes or cleaning. A no-inner-bucket design can leave more of the stated capacity available, but the bag setup may feel different from a traditional bin.
Check how each model holds the bag and whether it uses standard liners or a brand-specific size. Our guide to kitchen trash bag sizes covers fit and capacity questions.
Which 13 gallon trash can should you choose?
Choose the simplehuman if you want a stay-open lid, removable bucket and internal hinge for wall-side placement. Pick the EKO Madison if you want a 13.2 gallon can that can also serve as a recycling bin, or the iTouchless sensor model if touch-free opening and a pet lock fit your kitchen.
Before deciding, measure the can's footprint and lid clearance, then check the bag style that works with it. For a wider comparison of shapes and features, return to our guide to the best trash cans for the kitchen.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
Best for wall-side placement
simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
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3
Frequently asked questions
Is a 13 gallon trash can big enough for a kitchen?
A 13 gallon can suits many kitchens that use standard tall kitchen bags and have room for a full-size bin. The right capacity depends on how much trash your household makes and how often you want to empty it.
Measure the spot and check the can's outer dimensions before choosing.
Are 13 gallon and 13.2 gallon trash cans the same size?
They are close in stated capacity, but the exact number and usable space can vary by design. A no-inner-bucket model may leave more of its volume available than one with a removable liner.
Compare the outside dimensions and bag fit as well as the gallon figure.
What size bags fit a 13 gallon kitchen trash can?
Standard 13 gallon tall kitchen bags fit many cans in this roundup, but liner needs differ by model. The simplehuman pick is designed for code Q custom-fit liners, while several others describe compatibility with standard bags.
Check our kitchen trash bag size guide for fit tips.
Should I choose a sensor or step trash can?
Choose a sensor can if you want the lid to open without touching a pedal. A step can gives you a foot-operated lid and does not rely on sensor controls.
Think about placement, power needs and whether you want an inner bucket before deciding.
