The best 13-gallon trash cans can take all the waste created in your kitchen. It is considered an average size to fit in most kitchens and holds normal household kitchen trash accumulates daily. These are not expensive and are available in various designs to meet your kitchen needs. The best part is that most trash liners easily fit inside these trash cans making them more convenient. If going for a bigger or smaller trash can, finding the right size of trash liners can become tricky, and you might end up going for expensive liner options. Since the right size for most kitchens for trash cans is 13 gallons, we have included a list of them for you to go through to make an informed decision. Also, there is a buying guide to help you know the factors to consider for buying trash cans.
15 Best 13 Gallon Trash Cans
1. Best Infrared-Based: ITouchless 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can – Black / Stainless Steel
You can’t mask garbage odors forever, so the best thing to do is to eliminate them. This 13 gallon trash can is now equipped with a natural carbon filter gate that uses activated carbon to effectively eliminate the toughest odors. The deodorizer is unscented, making it safe for use around children and pets. Its 12 inch wide opening allows disposal of larger pieces of garbage, and it also features the most advanced infrared sensor technology that opens the lid automatically when you are 6 inches away, and closes as you walk away. It saves battery life as it only draws power as required. Its fingerprint-proof surface is easy to keep clean, and its modern design blends with any decor. Rectangular in shape, it can fit into tight spaces and corners and doesn’t require an inner bucket, which gives 25% more capacity. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product. Pros
Optional AC adaptor available AbsorbX filters out volatile organic compounds Deodorizer has a life of 3 months Fits common 13 gallon trash bags Lid lock Non-skid base Manual open/close buttons Trash bag is held in place by retainer ring Easy bag removal
Cons
Batteries are not included
2. Best Durable: Simplehuman 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can – Rectangular Step
This classic, brushed stainless steel, rectangular step trash can features an internal hinge and a space-efficient shape so you can place it out of the way, against a wall. It features a durable steel pedal which is engineered to last upto 150,000 steps, and its lid shox technology ensures that it closes smoothly and silently. The lid opens easily but provides enough resistance to close slowly and silently. It also features a non-skid base with rubber pads that don’t scratch the floors and keep the can steady. Built-in wheels make it easy for you to move the can from one place to the other. This trash can promises to make your garbage experience as pleasant as possible. Here’s a review video to help you get a better understanding of the product. Pros
Fingerprint-proof Durable Specially designed dampers Code Q custom fit liners
Cons
Does not fit standard generic 13 gallon trash bags
3. Best Easy-To-Move: Umbra Brim Step On Trash Can – Black/Nickel
Brim brings style to your kitchen, with its smooth, flowing lines and attractive polished finish. Made of molded plastic, it features a stainless steel foot pedal that triggers the lid to open and close slowly and quietly. A retention ring holds the garbage bags in place and conceals them. The lockable, contoured lid opens wide and is designed to stay locked open for ease of the trash bag removal. Measuring 17 inches x 25.5 inches x 13 inches, it has a 13 gallon capacity and fits any standard garbage bag. Pros
Lightweight Easy to move Odorless Durable and sturdy polypropylene construction
Cons
The lid may not open fully.
4. Best With Extra-Tough Rim: Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Classic Step-On Trash Can – Black
This trash can brings an element of style to an otherwise mundane household essential with its touch-free, simple solution for your kitchen waste. The stainless steel foot pedal provides a lasting, high-end finish to complement your home, and allows a hands-free operation to reduce the spread of germs. The Linerlock bands hold the liner bags firmly in place to prevent messy spills. Though ideal for kitchen waste, it could be used for pet food or recycling as well. The seamless construction, strong resin material, and sleek design with rounded edges make the container long lasting and easy to clean. Need more information? Watch this video to make an informed decision about the product. Pros
Durable Versatile Extra tough rim Wide foot pedal
Cons
Some feel that the lid comes off easily as the plastic rods are not long enough
5. Best Space-Efficient: Simplehuman 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can – Grey Plastic
With innovative design and technology, this trash can is delightfully simple to operate. Lid shox technology controls the motion of the lid for a slow, silent close, and it features a slide lock to keep children and pets from going through your trash. The lid stays open for as long as you like, making it perfect for longer chores. It ensures that the liners don’t slip and the bag stays completely hidden when the lid is closed. The strong steel pedal is designed to last and ensures a touch-free operation. The plastic lid has specially designed dampers that open it easily and keeps it quiet so there’s no loud noise while closing it. Pros
Durable Odorless Custom fit liners Space-efficient semi-round shape
Cons
Some feel the lock mechanism could do with improvement
6. Best With Swing Lid: Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Swing Top Recycling Trash Can – Blue
This product cares for the environment as this 13 gallon, swing top trash can with a recycling logo is ideal for disposing material for recycling. Constructed with durable resin, it’s simple and convenient to clean, and is big enough to hold a good amount of material for recycling. Its swing lid makes is convenient to dispose garbage and comfortably holds a household’s garbage for recycling. This trash can makes the separation of your garbage simpler and more convenient, and makes you more environmentally conscious. Pros
Made of durable plastic Rectangular in shape ‘Brand of the Century’ winner Measures 12.1 inches x 16 inches x 24.5 inches
Cons
The lid is not attached so it doesn’t always close well.
7. Best Dual Compartment: Home Zone Living 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can – Silver
This slim and stylish, stainless steel trash can has a clear coated stainless steel finish and a dual compartment for recycling and is ideal for the kitchen, or anywhere else in the home. Its fingerprint-proof finish prevents smudges and fingerprints, making it very easy to clean. The waste compartment holds up to 8 gallons of garbage, while the recyclable compartment holds just over 5 gallons, so you can efficiently sort your garbage. It features a reinforced hinge that controls the movement of the lid to ensure that it closes softly and securely. Its slim and rectangular shape is designed to fit in small spaces, and the bag tuck band on each liner will help prevent trash bags from falling through the liner. Pros
Brushed finish Durable metal cantilever pedal Convenient to use Can be placed against the side of a wall
Cons
Some feel the lid lever could be more durable
8. Best Stainless Steel: Homelands 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can – Stainless Steel
Get rid of your trash without getting your hands dirty, with this amazing automatic trash can that uses infrared motor sensor technology. It only opens the bin lid when motion is detected 6 inches away. The sensor features a 90° swiveling sensor ball that can be adjusted for side or top activation, and there’s also the option to operate it manually. This slim and stylish 13 gallon trash can is hygienic, has an easy to clean finish, and also comes with an AC power adapter. Its butterfly lid has split doors to provide for greater clearance under low countertops. The top lid features a battery holder, power jack and switch. The retainer ring keeps the garbage bag hidden and ensures effortless bag removal. A smooth interior allows easy removal of any garbage and makes cleaning simple and convenient. Pros
Made of durable and brushed stainless steel Blends with most decors Measures 16.2 inches x 10.3 inches x 22.5 inches Choice of using cells or AC adapter Power saving feature
Cons
Some may not be satisfied with the lid closing mechanism
9. Best With Fingerprint-Proof Finish: Kohler 13 Gallon Trash Can – Stainless Steel
Crafted with functionality and thoughtful details in mind, this step trash can will simplify your daily routine. It opens with a sturdy, metal foot pedal, that allows a hands-free operation.This 13 gallon rectangular trash can has been designed to fit any brand of 13 gallon trash bags. The trash can is designed with clean lines and flush features, and has a space saving profile so that it fits snugly against a cabinet or wall. It features a hinge design that protects the cabinets and walls from scuff marks, as well as a removable plastic liner which is easy to clean. Its lid closes very slowly and gently so that you don’t have to worry about it closing with a bang. Pros
Fingerprint-proof finish Cleans well with a damp microfiber cloth Locking rim and raised liner for easy bag changes Also available in black stainless steel
Cons:
The sticker on the bin may mess up the finish while removal
10. Best Child- And Pet-Friendly: Ninestars Automatic Rectangular Trash Can – Black Trim
This 13 gallon stainless steel touch-free trash can has a sleek, rectangular, fingerprint-resistant design. This durable trash can has the most advanced sensor technology and will automatically open if you are 10 inches away or at a 130° angle from the infrared sensor. It closes automatically 3 seconds after you move away from the lid. The infrared motion sensor is water-resistant and prevents moisture from damaging the unit. Delay sensing technology preserves battery life and prevents any unnecessary opening by pets, children, or just walking by. It also features a quiet closing function. It includes a ring liner to keep the trash bag away from view for a neat appearance. Pros
Batteries last for 6 months Seals odor in Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel Can fit any standard trash bag
Cons
Batteries are not included
11. Best With Simple Button: HCB Automatic Trash Can – White
Nobody wants their hands getting dirty, and this touch-free trash can uses a high technology induction device, wherein it senses the proximity of a human hand or an object and responds by quickly opening the lid of the trash can, and automatically closes the lid within 5 seconds. Its design is not only beautiful and stylish, but also waterproof and easy to clean. Its fully enclosed design prevents the smell of kitchen waste from emanating into the rest of the house. It’s also easy to clean and maintain and clean, fingerprint-proof, and can be used in any room of the house. Pros
Made of durable stainless steel Simple button design Soundless operation Easy to change the garbage bag
Cons
Batteries are not included
12. Best Easy To Clean: Secura Automatic 13 Gallon Trash Can – Stainless Steel
This elegantly designed 13 gallon trash can features a sensor with a motion sensing lid. The lid opens automatically when you go near it. The rotating sensor can be adjusted to face upwards or the front. It’s also fitted with a filter that provides up to 3 months of odor elimination, after which it can be easily replaced. Its extra wide 12.6 inch mouth makes it easy to dispose of big pieces of garbage. 6 indicator LED lights will move counterclockwise before closing, indicating when the lid will close. The kitchen trash can is designed with a battery holder, power jack and switch and you can choose to run it with the AC power adapter or 4 AA alkaline batteries. It features smart bag retainer rings which keeps the garbage bag hidden and enables effortless bag removal, and also prevents the bag from falling into the bin. Its superior quality and modern design are what make this product the preferred choice for the kitchen or office. Pros
Stainless steel construction Quiet operation Easy to clean Slow motion technology for opening and closing
Cons
Some find it rather narrow so that taking out a full garbage bag is difficult
13. Best Sleek: Ninestars Open Top 13 Gallon Trash Can – Black
If you are tired of trash cans that are too small, or have pesky flip lids, clumsy designs, and can only use crazily expensive trash bags, then this is the trash can for you. This 13 gallon stainless steel trash can has a sleek design and may be used in the kitchen, pantry, living room, bedroom, or children’s room. Manufactured with high-grade T430 fingerprint-resistant material, it includes a removable garbage bag ring to keep the bag hidden from public view for a neat and clean appearance. You can use any standard trash bag or Ninestars custom trash bags NSTB-13-30. Pros
Brushed finish Easy to clean plastic top 10.5 inches lid opening Measures 12 inches x 15 inches x 26.5 inches
Cons
Some feel it dents easily
14. Best Smudge-Resistant: Qualiozero 13 Gallon Step Trash Can – Rectangle
This rectangular, heavy duty trash can is able to fit into any part of your kitchen and can be opened with the help of a pedal. It closes softly and gently on its own without any sound. Its smudge-resistant coating makes it extremely easy to clean. It features a large, wide opening so that you can dispose of big pieces of garbage too, like pizza boxes. It has a modern and stylish design that fits in with any decor. Step up your kitchen’s style statement with this functional and elegant trash can. Pros
Versatile Hands-free operation Made of ABS and high quality 430 stainless steel Fingerprint-resistant
Cons
Some feel the handles do not hold the bag properly if it’s heavy
15. Best Non-Slip Base: Meet Perfect 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can – Red
Replace your traditional step trash can with an automatic infrared motion sensor trash can for touchless disposal of your garbage. The automatic trash can is constructed of stainless steel for a modern and sleek look, and is also durable, easy to clean, and completely hygienic. The lid opens within 0.3 seconds when in range of the sensor, and the lid will automatically close after staying up for 7 seconds. You can easily set the lid to stay open by pressing the ‘open’ button, and press the ‘close’ button when done. The fully sealed body and base locks in odors and prevents their spread of odors. Pros
Mute operation Non-slip base Waterproof design Fingerprint and smudge-resistant
Cons
Batteries are not included
A 13 gallon trash can works ideally for a family of 4 or less, and after going through our review of the 15 best 13 gallon trash cans, here are a few pointers on what to look for while choosing one for your kitchen.
How To Choose The Right 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can
Step style:
These trash cans hide kitchen smells, and are also long lasting. The mechanism is very simple and can last forever if handled with care. These models are also more reasonably priced as compared to auto-lid trash cans. These trash cans receive some criticism because they tend to smack whatever is behind it when the pedal is pressed.
Auto style:
These trash cans open because of sensors on the top of the trash can that sense movement. This is rather high tech and ideal for those who dislike using the foot pedal. They usually don’t include batteries and don’t last as long as step or open trash cans.
Open style:
There are a surprising number of people who go for open trash cans as they are simple. You can throw in the trash from a distance instead of going close to the bin. Most of them are slightly covered at the top and designed to hold in the smell.
Shape:
Trash cans are usually rectangular or round in shape. Rectangular trash cans work best against a flat surface, and is ideal for boxier kitchens. Round trash bins work best if they have to be fitted between 2 pieces of furniture. This is because the round design is a good contrast to the sharp cornered furniture usually found in kitchens.
Plastic inner liner:
Some trash cans come with a plastic liner that can be removed with the trash. This enables you to take out the liner easily and clean it, and if the trash bag breaks, it won’t create a mess. It’s advisable to buy a kitchen trash can that comes with a plastic liner.
Plastic or stainless steel:
Plastic is a cheaper option and doesn’t show fingerprints. But then again, it looks cheaper too and does nothing for the aesthetics of the kitchen. Stainless steel looks good and it can fit into any kitchen. However, it does show fingerprints, even if it mentions that it’s fingerprint-proof and needs to be cleaned more often. They’re also not as budget-friendly as the plastic ones.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah, the writer of this article, is an expert reviewer of household items. He has browsed through various user reviews to compile a buying guide of the best 13-gallon trash cans to keep your home clean and clutter-free. He has also listed down the pros and cons of each product to help you make the right choice.
14 x 18.9 x 26.5 inches 14.7 x 24.8 x 17.6 inches 11.4 x 19.7 x 28 inches 10.8 x 20.2 x 27.4 inches
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