The Best Kitchen Trash Can 13 Gallon, Every Budget

Our pick: KOHLER 20940-STW 13 Gallon Kitchen Step Trash Can

After several weeks of use in a busy household kitchen, the KOHLER 20940-STW 13 Gallon Kitchen Step Trash Can proves itself to be a thoughtfully engineered product that blends form and function. With its quiet-close lid, smudge-resistant surface, and hands-free operation, this trash can meets daily demands while complementing modern kitchen aesthetics. Its size is practical for typical kitchen use, and features like the stay-open lid and removable liner make bag changes hassle-free.

Pros

• Quiet-close lid operation

• Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish

• Efficient, space-saving design

• Removable liner for easy cleaning

Cons

• Foot pedal could be more responsive under light pressure

The KOHLER 20940-STW stands out as a high-quality kitchen trash can that performs reliably and looks good doing it. While the foot pedal responsiveness could be improved, it doesn't detract significantly from the overall functionality. This product is a solid choice for those seeking a durable, low-maintenance trash solution with a clean, modern look.

Also great: iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can

The iTouchless 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can delivers on its promise of hands-free convenience with a responsive motion sensor lid and a sleek, modern design. After regular use in a home kitchen, it proves to be hygienic, space-efficient, and surprisingly odor-resistant thanks to the included carbon filter. The added functionality of features like the lid lock and bag retainer ring enhances usability, making this trash can a practical and thoughtful choice for busy households or shared spaces.

Pros

• 100% touchless operation with motion sensor

• Built-in odor control with AbsorbX filter

• Sleek, fingerprint-resistant finish

• Large capacity without inner bucket

Cons

• Requires regular battery replacement

The iTouchless 13 Gallon Trash Can stands out for its hygienic, user-friendly features and spacious capacity. While the need for batteries is a minor trade-off, the touchless operation and odor control more than make up for it. It’s a smart, modern solution for anyone seeking a cleaner and more convenient waste management system at home or work.

Also great: QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can

The QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Trash Can offers a well-balanced combination of practicality and clean aesthetics. After daily use in a mid-size kitchen, it performs consistently well with a smooth, soft-close lid and hands-free pedal mechanism. Its slim profile allows it to fit neatly in tight spaces without sacrificing capacity, and the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish helps it stay looking clean with minimal effort.

Pros

• Spacious capacity in a slim design

• Durable, hands-free foot pedal

• Quiet, soft-close lid

• Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel

Cons

• Inner liner can reduce usable interior space slightly

The QUALIAZERO 13 Gallon Trash Can is a solid and stylish addition to any kitchen. Its ease of use, odor-sealing lid, and sleek appearance make it a dependable choice for everyday household waste disposal. While the liner slightly reduces internal space, it greatly simplifies bag changes—an overall smart trade-off for most users.

Source: Amazon

A 13-gallon trash bag is most commonly used with standard kitchen trash cans. These cans typically hold between 12 to 16 gallons of waste, but the 13-gallon size is the most popular because it strikes a good balance between capacity and manageability. In terms of dimensions, a trash can that uses 13-gallon bags is usually around 24–28 inches tall and 10–15 inches in diameter or width, depending on the shape. This size is ideal for everyday household waste, including food scraps, packaging, and other common kitchen disposables.

How long should a kitchen garbage can last?

The lifespan of a kitchen garbage can largely depends on the material, build quality, and how it's used. A well-made plastic or stainless steel trash can should last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. High-end models with soft-close lids, step pedals, or motion sensors may need occasional maintenance, but they are often built to withstand daily use. To extend the life of your trash can, keep it clean, avoid overstuffing bags, and avoid slamming the lid. Cheaper models might wear out faster, especially if the lid mechanism or pedal breaks.

How do you hide a 13 gallon trash can?

If you're looking to keep your kitchen looking neat and clutter-free, there are several ways to hide a 13-gallon trash can:

• Under-sink pull-out cabinet: Install a sliding trash can system inside a lower cabinet for a concealed, space-saving solution.

• Freestanding trash can cabinet: These furniture-style cabinets have a tilt-out or pull-out door that hides the trash can completely.

• Built-in island or pantry compartment: Custom kitchens often include a designated trash cabinet built directly into the kitchen layout.

• Decorative cover or enclosure: Some people use stylish covers or bins made from wood or metal that blend in with the decor while hiding the trash can.

These solutions keep your kitchen tidy without sacrificing accessibility or capacity.

How much weight can a 13 gallon trash bag hold?

The weight capacity of a 13-gallon trash bag can vary significantly depending on its thickness (measured in mils or microns) and material. Standard kitchen bags can typically hold 15 to 20 pounds, while heavy-duty or contractor-grade 13-gallon bags may support up to 30 pounds or more. For everyday kitchen waste—like food scraps, wrappers, and packaging—a regular strength bag is usually sufficient. However, if you're disposing of sharp or heavy items (like broken glass or wet waste), a thicker, tear-resistant bag is the better option to prevent leaks or breakage.

A 13-gallon kitchen trash can is the sweet spot for most households—big enough to handle daily waste without constant trips to the curb, but compact enough to fit neatly in your space. The best models combine thoughtful design with practical features like odor control, hands-free operation, and easy bag changes. Whether you’re going for a sleek stainless steel look or a more budget-friendly plastic option, there’s a 13-gallon can that checks all the right boxes. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in your kitchen’s cleanliness and flow.