Choose a 13-gallon step-on trash can with a stainless steel body and pedal if you want longevity, a soft-close lid for quiet use, and a liner-lock system that holds standard tall kitchen bags securely.
Walking into the kitchen aisle, every 13-gallon step can looks roughly the same from ten feet away. The differences hide in the pedal, the lid hinge, and how the bag stays put. Those details decide whether you replace the can in two years or twenty. Here’s what separates a can that serves you for years from one that fights you daily.
Materials: Stainless Steel vs. Plastic Builds
The body material drives most of the buying decision. Stainless steel models, like the simplehuman CW1816, use brushed stainless for the body and pedal, resist rust, and handle years of daily stomping without cracking. Manufacturers market these finishes as fingerprint-resistant on many models.
Plastic or resin builds are lighter, easier to move when full, and cost notably less. The Rubbermaid 13-gallon step can pairs a durable steel pedal with a plastic tub, giving you the hands-free step mechanism without the premium price tag. Plastic won’t dent if you bump it, but it can stain or absorb odors more readily than stainless.
Some cans build with a steel pedal and plastic liner or base, splitting the difference. For most kitchens, stainless steel wins on durability and looks; plastic wins if you move the can often or want to keep the budget low.
Pedal Durability and Lid Behavior
The pedal gets stomped hundreds of times per year, so its build matters. A solid steel pedal with a smooth hinge mechanism is worth prioritizing over cheaper plastic linkages that snap or stick.
Soft-close or slow-close lids prevent the lid from slamming and keep noise down. Some models include stay-open features so the lid holds while you load a full bag. If you have pets or children, check for a lid lock; that feature is not universal across 13-gallon cans, so you need to verify it exists on the specific model you pick.
Bag Retention Systems and Fit
A bag that slips into the can mid-week is a small daily annoyance. Liner-lock rings and bag arms grip the bag at the rim so it stays put and makes swaps cleaner. Rubbermaid’s liner lock securely fits standard tall kitchen trash bags.
Before buying, confirm the can accepts standard tall kitchen trash bags rather than proprietary liners. If you want the freedom to grab any brand of bag off the shelf, check the listing for compatibility language before you commit.
Shape, Footprint, and Odor Control
Rectangular step cans, like the simplehuman 13-gallon model, sit flush against walls and cabinets, saving floor space in tight kitchens. Semi-round options work better for corners. Measure the spot before you order; a 13-gallon can runs roughly 25-30 inches tall, so confirm your under-counter clearance.
Several 13-gallon models incorporate odor filters or deodorizing systems in the lid. These help, but they are replacement-filter consumables, so factor that ongoing cost into your decision. If odor control matters most, you can also just empty the can more often, which costs nothing.
For a detailed comparison of tested models with specific measurements, see our tested roundup of the best 13 gallon step cans.
| Feature | What Strong Models Offer | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Body material | Brushed stainless steel | Resists rust and looks premium |
| Pedal build | Durable steel pedal | Survives high-frequency stomping |
| Lid behavior | Soft-close with stay-open option | Reduces noise and slamming |
| Bag retention | Liner lock or bag arms | Keeps bags from slipping inside |
| Bag fit | Standard tall kitchen bags | No proprietary liner costs |
| Shape | Rectangular profile | Sits flush against walls |
| Odor features | Lid filter or deodorizer | Reduces odor escape between empties |
Price varies widely across the category. The Rubbermaid 2-pack with steel pedal and plastic tub offers a budget-friendly route to the same hands-free convenience. Both accept standard tall kitchen bags, which keeps your liner costs low over time.
A quick checklist before checkout: steel pedal, soft-close lid, liner lock, standard bag compatibility, and a fingerprint-resistant finish if the can sits in high-traffic view. Match those to your kitchen’s space and your tolerance for premium pricing.
References & Sources
- Home Depot. “simplehuman 13 Gallon Rectangular Step Kitchen Trash Can, CW1816.” Documents brushed stainless build, soft-close lid, and 150,000-step pedal claim.
