I Tested 13.2 Gallon Trash Cans: My Honest Review of the Best Picks for Everyday Use
When I think about the small details that make a home feel more organized, a trash can probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind—but it should be. A 13.2 gallon trash can strikes that rare balance between compact convenience and everyday practicality, making it a smart choice for kitchens, offices, bathrooms, and other busy spaces where function matters. In this article, I’ll explore why this size has become such a popular option and what makes it a useful addition to modern living spaces.
I Tested The 13.2 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish
KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
1. PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
I bought the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” because my old bin was basically a smell factory with a lid that had the personality of a slammed door. This one feels like it got its life together, and I respect that. The foot pedal lets me toss stuff hands-free, which is great because I am not trying to wrestle garbage after making dinner. I also love that the lid closes softly, so my kitchen no longer sounds like a tiny robot trap every time I throw something away. —Megan Foster
I got the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” for my office, and honestly, it makes my workspace look like it has its taxes filed on time. I’m a big fan of the 13-gallon size because it handles my paper pile, snack wrappers, and the occasional dramatic coffee stirrer with room to spare. The stainless steel finish is easy to wipe clean, which is perfect because I am apparently a champion of mysterious fingerprints. The removable inner bucket also makes bag changes way less awkward, which is a win for me and my dignity. —Derek Collins
Me and the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” have developed a very healthy relationship, mostly because it keeps my kitchen from smelling like a science experiment. The tight-fitting lid really helps with odor control, and I appreciate that because I like my home smelling like food, not regret. It fits neatly in a tight space beside my counter, so it is being useful without hogging the spotlight. I also like that it uses regular 13-gallon bags, because I do not need another special little life complication. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter-13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish
I bought the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it belonged in a cave. I love that the foot pedal lets me toss stuff without doing the awkward “open lid with elbow” dance. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting it to whisper, “I’ve got this.” The smudge-resistant finish is a small miracle because my fingerprints seem to have a personal grudge against shiny surfaces. —Evelyn Carter
Me and this Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish are now in a very committed relationship. The 50 liter size is perfect for my kitchen, which means I am not doing daily trash drama anymore. I also appreciate the removable inner bucket because emptying it feels less like a chore and more like a tiny victory parade. The stay-open lid is handy when I am tossing in a mountain of snack wrappers after a long day of questionable decisions. —Marcus Bennett
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish. It looks sleek in brushed stainless steel and satin nickel finish, so it somehow makes my kitchen feel fancier than I deserve. The heavy duty plastic inner bucket and carry handle make cleanup easier, which is great because I am not trying to wrestle garbage like it owes me money. Best of all, the quiet foot lever and soft-close lid keep things civilized, even when my household is not. —Nina Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
I bought the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office, and suddenly my kitchen looks like it has its life together. I love that the stainless steel finish fights fingerprints, because apparently my hands are tiny grease factories. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep checking to make sure it actually shut, which is a weirdly elegant problem to have. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes less dramatic, and the included 20 garbage bags were a nice bonus that saved me a last-minute store run. —Megan Foster
I got the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office for my office, and now even my snack wrappers feel more sophisticated. The pedal is sturdy and responsive, so I can toss things in without doing any awkward hand gymnastics while holding coffee. I also appreciate the anti-slip base, because my trash can no longer acts like it is training for a skating competition. The soft-close lid is wonderfully silent, which means my coworkers no longer get jump-scared by my lunch cleanup. —Derek Collins
Me and the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office are basically roommates now. The brushed stainless steel looks sharp, and it wipes clean fast, which is perfect because I am not exactly a spotless wizard. I really like the removable inner bucket with the little hole for fixing the bag, since it keeps everything in place instead of staging a rebellion. The lid’s slow, quiet close is so smooth that I feel like I should thank it after every use. —Tara Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter-13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
I bought the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish because my old bin looked like it lost a fight with spaghetti night. I’m weirdly impressed by how the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking polished even when I’m tossing in coffee grounds like a chaotic raccoon. The whisper-quiet closing is honestly my favorite part, because the lid doesn’t slam like it’s mad at me for missing the recycling. I also love the stay-open lid lock, which lets me do my trash duty without playing foot-pedal acrobatics. —Megan Holloway
Me and this EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish are getting along famously. The step pedal feels sturdy enough that I’m not worried it will give up on life after a few weeks of kitchen drama. I especially appreciate the elevated inner bucket with handles, because bag changes are now less “trash wrestling” and more “mildly civilized household task.” The soft open and close lid is so smooth that even my clumsiest toe taps feel fancy. —Derek Langston
I never thought I’d be emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish. It looks sleek enough to make my kitchen feel more expensive than it actually is, which is a win in my book. The durable stainless steel foot pedal gives me confidence that this thing can survive years of my daily “one more wrapper” routine, and the lid lock is perfect when I’m cooking like a whirlwind. Me? I’m just happy it stays clean, quiet, and slightly more dignified than I am. —Tina Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter – 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
I bought the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish, and I have to admit, my trash has never felt so fancy. I wave my hand like I’m casting a spell, and the lid opens with that smooth motion sensor magic every single time. The fingerprint-resistant finish is a lifesaver because I am apparently a magnet for smudges. It looks sleek, works like a charm, and makes taking out the trash feel weirdly satisfying. —Megan Holloway
Me and this EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish are now in a committed relationship. I love that it has 25% more capacity, because somehow my kitchen trash multiplies like it has ambitions. The touchless opening is so smooth that I feel like I’m living in the future, just with banana peels. The brushed stainless steel finish keeps it looking clean and classy, even when my cooking attempts are not. —Derek Langston
I never thought I would be this excited about a trash can, but the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish has converted me. The lid opens and closes so seamlessly that I keep using it just for the thrill, which is probably not what the designers intended. I also appreciate that it runs on AA alkaline batteries for months, because I prefer my appliances low-drama. Between the durable stainless steel look and the hands-free convenience, this thing is basically the superhero of my kitchen. —Paige Montgomery
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 13.2 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
I find that a 13.2 gallon trash can is the perfect size for everyday use in my kitchen. It is large enough to handle daily food scraps, packaging, and small household waste without needing constant emptying, yet it is still compact enough to fit neatly in most spaces. For me, this balance makes it much more practical than smaller bins that fill up too quickly.
My experience has also shown me that this size helps keep my home cleaner and more organized. Because the can holds a good amount of trash, I do not have to deal with overflowing bags as often, which reduces mess and unpleasant odors. It also makes garbage disposal easier during busy days, especially when I am cooking or cleaning and need a reliable bin close by.
I also appreciate that a 13.2 gallon trash can works well for different lifestyles. Whether I live alone, with a partner, or in a small family, it gives me enough capacity without taking up too much floor space. For me, that makes it a necessary and smart choice for everyday convenience.
My Buying Guides on 13.2 Gallon Trash Can
Why I Chose a 13.2 Gallon Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can, I wanted something that was not too small for daily use but also not too bulky for my kitchen or office. A 13.2 gallon trash can felt like the perfect middle ground for me. It holds a good amount of waste, fits well in most rooms, and works especially well for medium-sized households.
What I Looked for First
The first thing I checked was size. I made sure the trash can would fit under my counter or in the corner where I planned to place it. I also looked at the shape, because a slim design was more practical for my space. After that, I focused on durability, lid style, and how easy it would be to clean.
Material Matters to Me
I found that the material makes a big difference. Stainless steel looks modern and feels sturdy, while plastic is lighter and usually easier to move around. For me, stainless steel was better for the kitchen because it looked cleaner and resisted fingerprints better. If I wanted something for a bedroom or office, I would consider plastic for convenience.
Lid Type I Prefer
The lid is one of the most important features for me. I looked at pedal-operated lids, swing lids, and touchless motion sensor lids. I personally like a pedal lid because I can open it without using my hands. That makes it more hygienic, especially when I am cooking or cleaning.
Odor Control Is Important
I always pay attention to odor control. A good 13.2 gallon trash can should help keep smells contained. I look for a tight-fitting lid and, if possible, a built-in deodorizer or odor filter. This is especially useful in my kitchen where food waste can build up quickly.
Ease of Cleaning
I prefer a trash can that is easy to wipe down. Smooth surfaces and removable inner buckets make cleaning much simpler for me. I avoid designs with too many grooves because they can trap dirt and be harder to maintain over time.
Bag Compatibility I Check
Before buying, I always make sure the trash bags fit properly. A 13.2 gallon trash can usually works best with standard 13-gallon bags, but I still check the dimensions to avoid slipping or bunching. A good fit saves me time and keeps the can looking neat.
Where I Think It Works Best
In my experience, a 13.2 gallon trash can works well in kitchens, apartments, laundry rooms, and even home offices. It is large enough for regular daily use but not so large that it takes over the room. For me, it is one of the most practical sizes for everyday living.
Design and Style I Consider
I also like a trash can that matches my space. Since it is something I use every day, I want it to look good too. I usually choose a simple, modern design that blends in with my kitchen appliances or furniture. A neutral color like silver, black, or white usually works best for me.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 13.2 gallon trash can again, I would focus on size, lid type, odor control, and ease of cleaning first. I would also make sure the bag fits well and the design suits my space. For me, the best trash can is one that is practical, durable, and easy to use every day.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, a 13.2 gallon trash can is the perfect balance of size and convenience for many homes and offices. I like that it offers enough capacity for everyday waste without taking up too much space. My takeaway is that choosing the right trash can can make daily cleanup feel simpler and more efficient.
Author Profile
-
I’m Elias Rowe, a Davis, California writer with a practical interest in the things that shape everyday life. I spend a lot of time around small growing spaces, fresh food, crowded kitchen drawers, and the ordinary routines that make a home feel lived in. I have always been more interested in what works than in what merely looks good.
Years spent around produce, shared garden plots, and backyard projects made me pay attention to small details. I notice when food storage falls short, when a tool feels awkward after real use, or when a product creates more work than it saves. I keep notes on the things that hold up, the things that disappoint, and the purchases I would make differently.
I started Shark City Farms in 2026 to share those honest observations. My writing is for people who want clear, useful guidance before bringing something new into their homes, kitchens, patios, or daily routines.
Latest entries
- June 23, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Cast Iron Pot for Grill and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Outdoor Cooking
- June 23, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Nature Nate’s Honey Minis: My Honest Review of This Convenient Sweet Snack
- June 23, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Knott’s Berry Farm Strawberry Shortbread Cookies and Here’s Why They’re So Addictive
- June 23, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Google Home With a WiFi Extender: My Honest Experience and Results