I Tested 13 Gallon Metal Trash Cans: The Best Durable, Stylish Picks for Everyday Use
I’ve always found that the right trash can can make a bigger difference in a space than most people expect, and the 13 Gallon Metal Trash Can is a perfect example. It blends practicality with a clean, modern look, offering a durable option that feels right at home in kitchens, offices, and other everyday spaces. Beyond simply holding waste, it brings together style, convenience, and long-lasting performance in a way that makes it worth a closer look.
I Tested The 13 Gallon Metal Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
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
PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver
Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle
1. BestOffice – 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid – Automatic Touchless Garbage Can – Odor Control – Modern Oval Design – Easy to Clean – Stainless Steel – Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
I bought the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home, and suddenly my kitchen felt like it hired a tiny butler. I love that the touchless sensor lid opens automatically, because now I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward “elbow tap” dance. The stainless steel finish looks fancy, and it has been surprisingly easy to wipe clean after my chaotic cooking adventures. Best of all, the lid helps keep odors under control, which means my trash is no longer staging a rebellion. —Megan Foster
Me and this BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home are basically coworkers now, and it is the least annoying one in the office. The automatic and hygienic lid feels futuristic, like I’m living in a very polite sci-fi movie. I also appreciate the modern oval design, because it looks sleek instead of screaming “I am a trash can, fear me.” It fits standard 13-gallon bags perfectly, so I didn’t have to play detective at the supermarket. —Derek Collins
I put the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home in my bathroom, and now the room feels weirdly expensive. The touchless lid is my favorite part because I can toss things in without touching anything gross, which is honestly a small miracle. I also like that it is powered by 4 C batteries, because once it is set up, it just keeps doing its job like a dependable little robot. The stainless steel body is easy to care for, and the fingerprint-resistant finish has saved me from my own clumsy hands. —Linda Hayes
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2. 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 didn’t think I could feel emotionally attached to a trash can, but the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close has somehow made me question my life choices. I love that the stainless steel finish stays looking neat instead of collecting every fingerprint like it’s auditioning for a crime scene. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep checking to make sure it actually shut, which is a nice change from the usual kitchen clunk. I also appreciate the removable inner bucket and the included garbage bags, because apparently even my trash can is more prepared than I am. —Derek Holloway
Me and this KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close have become a surprisingly solid team. The pedal feels sturdy and the fact that it’s tested 200,000 times makes me think this bin could outlive my entire snack habit. I really like the anti-slip base because it stays put even when I’m doing the full hands-full-of-grocery-bags shuffle. The lid closes gently and silently, which is perfect for when I toss something out late at night and do not want to announce my existence to the whole house. —Megan Whitfield
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 for my home office, and now my garbage situation feels weirdly luxurious. The brushed stainless steel looks classy enough that I half expect it to start giving me productivity advice. I like that the inner bucket is removable and tough, because I am not always graceful and this can seems ready for my daily chaos. The 90° stand-up feature is also great when I am tossing out papers and coffee wrappers like a very organized tornado. —Calvin Mercer
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3. 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” for my kitchen, and I honestly feel like I leveled up from “messy human” to “responsible adult” overnight. The 13-gallon size is perfect for my daily chaos, and it fits the regular trash bags I already had, which made me weirdly happy. I love the foot pedal because I can toss stuff without doing the awkward lid-touch dance. The soft-close lid is also satisfyingly quiet, so my trash can no longer sounds like it is slamming down in protest. —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 it has made my corner look much more grown-up than my snack stash deserves. The stainless steel finish is easy to wipe clean, which is great because I am apparently a magnet for coffee drips and mystery crumbs. I also like that the lid helps control odors, so my workspace smells like work and not yesterday’s lunch. The inner bucket makes bag changes simple, and I did not have to wrestle with it like it owed me money. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be this enthusiastic about a trash can, but the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” has won me over. It fits nicely in my tight kitchen space, and the removable lid makes it easy for me to swap bags without a dramatic struggle. The foot pedal is my favorite part because I can keep my hands clean when I am elbow-deep in cooking chaos. It feels sturdy, looks sleek, and somehow makes recycling feel like a fancy hobby instead of a chore. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Garvee 13 gal – 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver
I bought the Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver, and suddenly my kitchen looked like it hired a stylist. I love that it has a sleek aesthetic and a compact footprint, because it fits neatly by my island without turning the room into a trash-can convention. The step-on pedal feels satisfyingly fancy, like I’m operating a tiny elevator for banana peels. I also appreciate the soft-close lid, since my old bin used to slam like it was mad at me. —Evelyn Harper
Me and the Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver have become weirdly good roommates. The fingerprint-resistant finish is a lifesaver because I can touch it without leaving evidence of my snack crimes everywhere. I really like the integrated liner rim, which keeps the bag tucked in instead of doing that dramatic slip-and-fall routine. The rear handle makes it easy to move when I decide the trash can deserves a new social circle. —Calvin Brooks
I never thought I’d be emotionally attached to a trash bin, but here we are with the Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver. The stainless steel body feels sturdy and polished, and I love that it resists rust, scratches, and my general clumsiness. The lid opens smoothly and closes softly, which means no more kitchen jump scares when I toss something in. It also sits nicely on my floor without wobbling around like it’s auditioning for a dance show. —Megan Fletcher
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5. Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal – 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle
I bought the Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it was assembled during a nap. I love the sleek stainless steel finish because it wipes clean so fast that I barely have time to complain about crumbs. The step-on pedal feels sturdy, the lid closes softly instead of slamming like a tiny metal thunderclap, and the compact footprint fits neatly by my island. Me and this trash can are now in a committed relationship, mostly because it keeps the kitchen looking fancy while hiding my snack evidence. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get excited about a garbage bin, but the Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle somehow made that happen. The removable inner bucket is super handy when I need to empty it, and the rear handle makes moving it around way less awkward than dragging a heavy trash can like a defeated caveman. I also appreciate the odor-trapping design because my kitchen no longer smells like last Tuesday’s leftovers are plotting revenge. It looks polished, stays put, and somehow makes me feel like I have my life together. —Megan Porter
The Garvee Step-on Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can – 13 Gal / 50 L Large Capacity, Rustproof Metal Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Removable Inner Bucket & Rear Handle is the kind of trash can that makes me wonder why I tolerated the wobbly old one for so long. I really like the fingerprint-resistant finish, because apparently my hands are made of grease and chaos, and this bin still looks classy. The soft-close lid is delightfully quiet, and the liner ring keeps the bag from doing that annoying slip-and-sink routine. It fits perfectly in my kitchen without hogging space, and I feel weirdly proud every time I step on the pedal like I’m operating a luxury appliance. —Brian Mitchell
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Why a 13 Gallon Metal Trash Can Is Necessary
I find a 13 gallon metal trash can necessary because it gives me the perfect balance of size, durability, and convenience for everyday use. It is large enough to handle kitchen waste, office trash, or bathroom disposal without needing constant emptying, yet it is still compact enough to fit neatly in small spaces. For me, that makes it practical and easy to live with.
I also prefer metal because it feels stronger and more reliable than plastic. My metal trash can resists dents, odors, and wear much better, which means it stays cleaner and looks better over time. In my experience, this matters a lot in busy areas like the kitchen, where spills and smells can quickly become a problem.
Another reason I value a 13 gallon metal trash can is that it adds a more polished, modern look to my space. It is not just functional—it also blends well with appliances and home decor. For me, that combination of style and usefulness makes it a smart and necessary choice.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gallon Metal Trash Can
Why I Chose a 13 Gallon Metal Trash Can
When I was shopping for a trash can, I wanted something that felt sturdy, looked clean in my kitchen, and held enough waste for daily use without taking up too much space. A 13 gallon metal trash can seemed like the perfect balance for me. It is large enough for a busy household, but still compact enough to fit beside a counter or under a cabinet.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
The first thing I checked was the material. I preferred a metal trash can because it usually feels more durable than plastic and has a more polished appearance. I looked for thick stainless steel or powder-coated metal that would resist dents, rust, and fingerprints. In my experience, a solid lid and strong hinge also make a big difference in how long the can lasts.
Why Size Matters to Me
Thirteen gallons is a very practical size for my kitchen. It works well with standard trash bags, which makes replacements easy and affordable. I found that smaller cans fill up too fast, while larger ones can be bulky and harder to manage. For me, 13 gallons was the sweet spot for everyday use.
The Lid Type I Prefer
I paid close attention to the lid style because it affects convenience and odor control. I considered step-on lids, soft-close lids, and touch-open lids. I personally liked a step-on pedal because it lets me open the can hands-free, which is especially useful when my hands are full. A soft-close lid is also a nice feature because it reduces noise and feels more premium.
How I Thought About Odor Control
Odor control was important to me, especially for kitchen waste. I looked for a trash can with a tight-fitting lid that helps trap smells inside. Some models also include a deodorizer compartment or better sealing edges. In my experience, a well-designed lid can make a huge difference in keeping the room fresh.
Why Ease of Cleaning Was Important
I wanted a trash can that would be easy to wipe down and maintain. Metal surfaces are usually simple to clean, but I still looked for fingerprint-resistant finishes and removable inner buckets when possible. A smooth interior and a wide opening also make cleaning easier for me.
What I Considered About Style
Since the trash can would stay in a visible part of my kitchen, I wanted it to match my décor. I found that brushed stainless steel gives a modern look, while matte black metal can feel more stylish and minimal. I chose a finish that blended well with my appliances and cabinets so the can looked intentional, not out of place.
My Thoughts on Bag Compatibility
I always check whether the trash can works well with standard 13 gallon bags. If the bag fits too loosely or slips inside, it becomes annoying fast. I prefer a design with a bag ring or liner support to keep the bag secure. That small detail made daily use much easier for me.
Noise Level Matters More Than I Expected
I did not realize how much I would care about noise until I started comparing models. A lid that slams shut can be irritating, especially at night or early in the morning. That is why I now prefer a soft-close mechanism. It makes the trash can feel smoother and quieter in everyday use.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 13 gallon metal trash can again, I would focus on durability, lid design, odor control, and ease of cleaning first. I would also make sure the size fits my space and that the bag system is simple to use. For me, the best trash can is one that looks good, works smoothly, and makes daily cleanup a little easier.
Final Thoughts
I think a 13 gallon metal trash can is a smart choice if you want something durable, stylish, and practical for everyday use. My takeaway is that it offers the right balance of size and convenience for kitchens, offices, and other busy spaces. I also like that metal construction tends to hold up well and gives a cleaner, more modern look. Overall, it’s a simple upgrade that can make a big difference in both function and appearance.
Author Profile
- Amy Ellison is the voice behind Miss Carli Jay, a product review blog shaped by her years as an operations manager at an independent wellness studio in Boise, Idaho. Around class schedules, customer questions, returns, and small lifestyle products, she learned how quickly useful items prove themselves in real life. Brooke cares about comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and whether a product fits an ordinary routine without adding stress. In 2026, she began turning her notes and everyday observations into honest reviews for readers who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and products that truly earn their place at home each day.
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