EKO Madison Trash Can Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The EKO Madison 13.2 gallon step can suits kitchens that need a roomy, hands-free bin with a soft-close lid. Check its footprint and compare the brushed steel and matte black finishes before choosing.
On this page (9 sections)
- EKO Madison trash can review: what stands out?
- How much room does the EKO Madison need?
- How does the pedal and lid work?
- What is the inner bucket like to empty?
- Brushed steel or matte black Madison?
- How does the Madison compare with other step cans?
- Does the Madison control kitchen odors?
- Is the EKO Madison worth choosing?
- Related trash can questions
The EKO Madison 13.2 gallon step can suits kitchens that need a roomy, hands-free bin with a soft-close lid. Its brushed stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, and the raised inner bucket has handles to help with bag changes.
The Madison is a single-compartment can, so it can handle trash or recycling, but it won't sort both at once. Measure its 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 inch footprint and check clearance for the lid before choosing a spot.
EKO Madison trash can review: what stands out?
The EKO Madison pairs a 13.2 gallon capacity with a step pedal and soft-close lid. Its lid lock can hold the lid open during longer chores, and the removable inner bucket has handles.
EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can: Best for brushed steel kitchens
- 13.2 gallon capacity
- Soft-close lid
- Removable inner bucket with handles
- 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 in
A single-compartment step can with a fingerprint-resistant brushed steel finish, a lid lock and a raised inner bucket with handles. It can also serve as an office waste bin or recycling bin.
Pros
- Soft-close lid
- Lid lock keeps lid open for longer chores
- Raised inner bucket has handles
- Fingerprint-resistant brushed steel
Cons
- Single compartment
- Check the footprint against your available floor space
EKO describes the brushed steel finish as fingerprint-resistant. The rectangular shape works for a freestanding kitchen bin, but measure the floor space where you plan to put it rather than relying on capacity alone.
Who is the Madison best for?
Choose the Madison if you want a single large compartment, hands-free opening and a lid that closes softly. The locking lid can help when you are scraping plates or changing a bag.
It may not suit a kitchen where the can must separate recycling from trash. For a dual-bin setup, compare options in our kitchen trash cans with recycling guide.
How much room does the EKO Madison need?
The Madison measures 16.9 inches long, 14.3 inches wide and 25.4 inches tall. Leave enough open space for your foot to reach the pedal and for the lid to rise.
| Detail | EKO Madison |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 13.2 gallons |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 in |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Opening | Step-on pedal |
| Lid | Soft-close, with lid lock |
| Inner bucket | Removable, raised, with handles |
| Finish | Brushed stainless steel |
| Compartments | 1 |
Measure along the floor, then check how the can lines up with nearby cabinets, drawers and walkways. If it sits near a cabinet door, open that door while holding a tape measure to make sure the bin won't block it.
The lid also needs room to open. A low shelf or counter overhang may interfere, so check vertical clearance where the can will stand.
Our guide to how big a 13 gallon trash can is gives more context for this common kitchen size.
How does the pedal and lid work?
The Madison opens by stepping on its pedal, which lets you use the can without touching the lid. EKO describes the lid as using a soft-close damper to reduce slamming.
The lid lock holds it open when you need access for a longer chore. That can be useful when clearing a counter or changing a liner, then you can release it for normal use.
The pedal can suit busy cooking routines when your hands are occupied. For a wider comparison of step cans, see our kitchen trash cans with a foot pedal.
What is the inner bucket like to empty?
The Madison has a raised, removable inner bucket with handles. You can lift the bucket out to manage a full liner or clean the interior, then return it to the outer can.
A removable bucket can make bag changes simpler than reaching deep into a can, though you still need to lift the filled bucket. Avoid overfilling the liner if you want it to lift out without snagging.
EKO says the stainless steel pedal is built for over 200,000 uses. That's a manufacturer durability claim, not a guarantee of how any one pedal will perform in your kitchen.
Brushed steel or matte black Madison?
Both Madison finishes have a 13.2 gallon capacity, soft-close lid, lid lock and matching listed dimensions. Pick based on the look you want and how the finish fits with nearby appliances.
EKO Madison 13.2 Gal Step Can, Matte Black: Best for a dark finish
- 13.2 gallon capacity
- Soft-close lid
- Removable inner bucket with handles
- 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 in
This Madison keeps the same capacity and listed dimensions as the brushed version, with a fingerprint-resistant matte black powder coat. It has a lid lock and raised inner bucket with handles.
Pros
- Soft-close lid
- Matte black finish resists fingerprints and smudges
- Raised inner bucket has handles
- Lid lock holds the lid open
Cons
- Single compartment
- Matte black finish may not suit every kitchen
The matte black version uses a fingerprint-resistant powder coat, while the other Madison has a brushed stainless finish. Both are single-compartment cans with a removable inner bucket and handles.
If you prefer a dark bin, compare the matte black Madison with other black kitchen trash cans. Check the exact finish name before ordering, since the two Madison versions look different.
How does the Madison compare with other step cans?
The Madison is a good fit when its capacity, finish and dimensions match your kitchen. These alternatives add different features or use a different shape.
EKO Hudson 13.2 Gal Step Can: Best for storing spare bags
- 13.2 gallon capacity
- Soft-close lid
- Rear trash bag storage compartment
- 16.34 x 14.33 x 24.29 in
The Hudson is another 13.2 gallon step can, with a rear compartment for spare bags and a soft-close lid. Its matte black stainless steel body is slightly narrower than the Madison.
Pros
- Built-in rear storage for spare bags
- Soft-close lid
- 13.2 gallon capacity
- Fingerprint-resistant surface
Cons
- Check rear access before placing it against a wall
- Different shape and dimensions from the Madison
The EKO Hudson also holds 13.2 gallons and has a soft-close lid, but it adds a rear compartment for spare trash bags. Its stated body dimensions are 16.34 inches wide, 14.33 inches deep and 24.29 inches tall with the lid closed.
simplehuman 50 L Rectangular Step Can: Best for built-in wheels
- 50 liter capacity
- Soft-close lid
- Removable inner bucket
- Built-in wheels
A 50 liter alternative with built-in wheels, an internal hinge and a removable inner bucket. Its longer footprint and narrower width may fit a different spot than the Madison.
Pros
- Built-in wheels help with moving the can
- Internal hinge lets it sit against a wall
- Removable inner bucket
- Stay-open lid
Cons
- Longer footprint than the Madison
- Custom-fit Code Q liners are designed for this can
The simplehuman 50 liter can adds built-in wheels and an internal hinge, with a removable inner bucket and stay-open lid. Its dimensions are 19.8 x 12.8 x 25.7 inches, so compare the longer footprint with the Madison's before deciding.
For more size options, use our 13 gallon kitchen trash can guide. If you want hands-free opening without a pedal, compare the EKO Mirage X sensor can.
Does the Madison control kitchen odors?
A closed lid can help keep waste out of sight, but it doesn't make the Madison odor-proof. Food scraps and damp waste can still smell, especially when left in a warm kitchen.
Empty the can when food waste begins to smell, and clean the removable bucket after leaks. Keep the lid and rim free of residue so the can stays easier to maintain.
If odor is the main concern, our guide to getting rid of trash can smells covers practical cleaning and upkeep steps.
Is the EKO Madison worth choosing?
Choose the brushed Madison if you want a 13.2 gallon step can with a soft-close lid and a fingerprint-resistant steel finish. Pick the matte black Madison for the same size and core features in a dark finish.
Choose the Hudson if rear bag storage matters, or the simplehuman if built-in wheels and an internal hinge suit your placement better. Before buying, measure the floor and lid clearance, then check that the can's single compartment matches how you handle trash and recycling.
Related trash can questions
- What size trash can do you need for a kitchen?
- How to get rid of fruit flies around a trash can
- Pull-out vs freestanding trash can: which fits better?
Frequently asked questions
Is the EKO Madison a 13 gallon trash can?
Yes. The EKO Madison has a stated capacity of 13.2 gallons, also given as 50 liters.
Capacity alone doesn't confirm whether it fits your kitchen, so check its 16.9 x 14.3 x 25.4 inch dimensions and allow room for the pedal and lid.
Does the EKO Madison lid stay open?
Yes. The Madison has a lid lock that lets you keep the lid open during longer chores, along with a soft-close mechanism for regular use.
If the lid does not open or close as expected, see our guide to EKO trash can lid problems.
Can you use the EKO Madison for recycling?
Yes. The Madison is a single-compartment can that can be used for recycling, including cans, bottles and paper.
It doesn't separate waste into multiple sections, so choose a divided bin if you want recycling and trash sorted in one container.
What size trash bags fit the EKO Madison?
The Madison has a 13.2 gallon capacity, but that number alone doesn't tell you how a bag will fit around the rim. Check the bag's dimensions and fit guidance, then compare them with the can's inner bucket.
Our kitchen trash bag size guide explains what to measure.
