Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
If you want the short answer: the iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can is the safest pick for most kitchens, because it pairs a motion-sensor lid with an odor filter and a pet-proof lock — and it has the track record to back it up. A quick note before we start: this list uses flexible, human-like matching for 13 gallon capacity, so it accepts the standard 13 gallon / 50 liter class. That means not every pick is the exact number you searched; the nearest same-type size serves the same job. Every can here is genuinely automatic — no foot pedals, no hand-push lids.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
The two things that actually decide whether you love one of these cans or resent it are the sensor’s aim and how long the motor lasts. This guide walks through both, plus every capacity, battery and bag-fit detail, so you can pick the right 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can the first time.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 13 Gallon Automatic Trash Can
An automatic kitchen can is really four separate products bolted together: a sensor, a motor, a lid, and a bin. Buyers tend to judge all four by the lid, which is a mistake — the lid is the part that breaks, and the sensor is the part that decides whether you like it day to day.
Sensor aim beats sensor speed
A sensor that fires the moment anything crosses its beam will pop open every time you walk past with an armful of groceries. A sensor aimed at the top of the can, triggered by a hand wave directly above it, stays quiet until you actually want it. When you read a listing, look for wording about where the detection zone sits, not just how fast the lid moves.
Battery type shapes the whole ownership experience
Four D cells are the old-school approach: heavy, pricey to replace, but they tend to sit quietly in a rear compartment. Four AA cells are lighter and cheap to swap but drain faster under heavy daily use. A built-in rechargeable pack charged over USB Type-C is the newest option and removes battery shopping entirely, as long as the cell itself holds up. Where the battery door sits matters too — a compartment inside the can gets grimy fast.
Bag fit and usable space are not the same as capacity
Two cans can both claim 13 gallons and hold very different amounts of actual rubbish. A can with a separate inner bucket loses space to the bucket walls; a liner-free design gets more of that volume back. Rectangular shapes also tuck bags flat against the sides, which keeps the bag from creeping down. If you buy standard 13-gallon kitchen bags already, check the listing actually says they fit.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Power | Opening Mechanism | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can★ Best Overall | Most kitchens, pets and all | 13 gallons | 4 D batteries or AC adapter | Motion-Sensor | Amazon |
| SIMPLI-Magic 13.2 Gallon / 50 Liter RectangleBest for Tight Kitchens | Tight kitchens and full hands while cooking | 13.2 gallons | 4 AA batteries | Motion-Sensor | Amazon |
| PayLessHere 13 Gallon Plastic Trash Can with LidCompact Pick | Small apartments and under-desk spots | 13 gallons | 4 AA batteries | Motion-Sensor | Amazon |
| SensorCan 13 Gallon with AbsorbX Odor Filter and Wheels | Rolling between kitchen and dining room | 13 gallons | 4 D batteries or AC adapter | Motion-Sensor | Amazon |
| Lovewind 13 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash Can | Small bathrooms and compost duty | 13 gallons | Built-in Type-C rechargeable | Motion-Sensor | Amazon |
| SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can 13 Gallon (50 L) | Quiet households and light sleepers | 13 gallons | Battery operated | Motion-Sensor | Amazon |
| iTouchless New Model 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can | Homes with dogs and toddlers | 13 gallons | 4 D batteries or AC adapter | Motion-Sensor | Amazon |
| EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless | Long stretches between battery swaps | 50 liters | AA alkaline batteries | Motion-Sensor | Amazon |
| Kraus GarbagePro Rectangular 13 Gallon | Matte black kitchens and big-item disposal | 13 gallons | 3 AA batteries | Motion-Sensor | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can with Odor Filter, Motion Sensor Stainless Steel Kitchen Trashcan
Our pick — over 4★ from 550+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The crowd favorite: a 13-gallon sensor bin owners keep rebuying when the last one finally dies.
Start with the numbers that sell this can: 4.4 stars across 557 ratings. That is the highest combination of score and volume anywhere on this list, and it is the reason the iTouchless takes the top slot rather than a flashier premium pick. Owners do not describe it as clever — they describe it as still working, with repeat buyers replacing a unit that finally gave out after five years. Few products in any category earn that kind of repeat business.
What wins people over is the fit between the shape and the job. The rectangle body is 12.7 inches long and 10.7 inches wide, so it slides into a gap beside a cabinet instead of bulging into the walkway, and at 8.8 pounds it is the lightest full-width can in this group. Compare that to the PayLessHere at 13 pounds and you feel the difference every time you move it for a floor sweep. The lid opens with a hand wave and stays open long enough to scrape a whole plate, and when it closes you get a rust-resistant, fingerprint-proof stainless surface that wipes down with a damp cloth rather than needing a scrub.
Then there is the dog-proof part, which is really the headline for anyone with a beagle. A retainer ring holds standard 13-gallon bags so they do not slip down, and the motion lid means the only way a pet gets in is if it learns to wave. The one honest catch sits in the small print: power comes from 4 D-size batteries that are not included, or an optional AC adapter sold separately. D cells are the pricier battery to keep stocked, so if you plan to run this in a busy kitchen, budget for the adapter or accept a battery run every few months. The same sensor that opens for you can also fire when you walk past, so give it a spot away from your main traffic lane.
The case for it
- Rectangle footprint of 12.7″L x 10.7″W slots into tight gaps most round cans cannot use
- AbsorbX carbon odor filter ships in the box and neutralizes kitchen smells rather than masking them
- Rust-resistant, fingerprint-proof stainless wipes clean in one pass and hides smudges
- Bag retainer ring keeps standard 13-gallon liners from sliding out of sight
Where it asks for patience
- Runs on 4 D batteries (not included) or an AC adapter sold separately — nothing to plug in from the start
- The sensor can trip on passing foot traffic, so placement matters more than the spec sheet suggests
Reach for this if: you want the automatic kitchen bin with the deepest owner track record, a pet-proof lid, and an odor filter working from day one.
Look elsewhere if: you refuse to buy D batteries or a separate adapter — the rechargeable Lovewind further down removes that chore entirely.
2. SIMPLI-Magic 13.2 Gallon / 50 Liter Rectangle Kitchen Sensor Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Gray
A slim rectangle that holds slightly more than the standard 13 while taking up less floor than most.
If your kitchen aisle is narrow, the raw geometry is the selling point here. This bin measures 11 inches long and 26 inches wide against a 16-inch height, and it carries 13.2 gallons — a hair above the iTouchless at 13 gallons and the EKO at 50 liters. That extra tenth of a gallon is not the reason to buy it. The reason is that the wide, shallow, rectangular body pushes flat against a wall, so a high-traffic cooking lane stays clear.
What everyone raves about is the moment the sensor fires. Cooks with both hands full of raw chicken describe the lid opening instantly at exactly the right second, which is the whole point of going touchless. The soft-close lid then settles gently rather than announcing itself to the whole house. Standard 13-gallon kitchen bags fit properly too — the liner seats on the rim without rolling down into the bin, which is a small thing you notice only when it goes wrong.
Here is the honest part. The mechanism is the weak link. Several owners had the lid quit opening or closing within months, and one spelled it out bluntly: batteries and the compartment door fell off within two weeks. The setup is also fussy about position — the sensor reads straight ahead at the top edge, so it misses a hand waved from above or off to the side, and it can trip when someone walks past. It also ships without the 4 AA batteries it needs. Treat this as a bin for a defined spot where you approach from the front, not one you place in a corridor.
Where the money goes: a genuinely space-efficient 13.2-gallon shell, fast front-facing sensor, soft-close lid, and standard bag fit — the everyday experience is smooth while the mechanism holds.
What to weigh: 4 AA batteries are not included, and the sensor is unforgiving about angle and passing traffic.
Suits you if you cook constantly, have both hands occupied, and want the biggest usable rectangle you can tuck against a wall.
Think twice if you want a set-and-forget can — the lid mechanism is the part to keep an eye on.
3. PayLessHere 13 Gallon Plastic Trash Can with Lid, Black
Built for the sliver of floor nobody else can use — under a desk, inside a cabinet, against a narrow wall.
This is the shortest and narrowest-can-footprint pick here, and that is its entire reason for existing. At 15 inches long, 10 inches wide and 23 inches tall, it slips under cabinet lips and into alcoves where a full-height bin simply will not go. The best proof comes from the customers who needed exactly that: it was the only 13-gallon can at its height that fit under a cabinet overhang, so the top piece came off for clearance and the inner ring still held the bag exactly where it needed to be.
The body is polypropylene (a tough, hard-wearing plastic), which is why it weighs 13 pounds — the heaviest can in this lineup and a full comparison against the iTouchless at 8.8 pounds. That weight is not a bad thing for a can that sits still; it means the bin will not skate across the floor when you kick it shut. The simplified touch-free lid works on a hand wave, and the black brushed finish wipes down easily.
The recurring gripe is the sensor’s appetite. Owners describe it popping open constantly when anything comes within a foot, and one found the buttons effectively useless because the motion trigger overrode everything. The other thing to know is that listings for this can have confused buyers about how many bins arrive, so confirm the quantity before you commit. Sized honestly, it is a clever solution to a cramped corner.
Why it earns a spot: a 23-inch height and 15″ x 10″ footprint solve under-cabinet and under-desk spots that taller 13-gallon cans cannot touch.
The trade-off: the sensor triggers readily on nearby movement, and the polypropylene body pushes the weight to 13 pounds.
Pick this one if you have a low cabinet lip, a tight alcove, or a desk cavity and every other 13-gallon can is an inch too tall.
Walk on by if you want a can that sits quietly in a busy corridor — the sensor is tuned hot.
4. SensorCan 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can with AbsorbX Odor Filter and Wheels
The can that follows you from the counter to the dining table without a second trip.
Nobody else on this list rolls. That is the whole argument for the SensorCan: four removable wheels with a locking feature, so the bin sits beside you while you prep and gets pushed back out of the way when you are done. One owner bought it specifically for that — to wheel into the kitchen while cooking rather than walk across the room with a dripping plate.
The base is 80% stainless steel and 20% plastic, and it draws power only as needed, which is how the maker arrives at a claim of extended battery life on 4 D-size cells — a claim to hold loosely, since it depends on how often the lid actually fires. An AbsorbX natural carbon odor filter is included and swaps out when it stops working. Motion is fast and consistent on the good units, and the brushed, fingerprint-proof surface cleans with a wipe.
The caveats are specific and worth knowing before you buy. The wheels are an option that costs extra on some listings, and they can tip on smooth floors while a bag-holding rim that sits low is awkward for hands with limited grip. Support responses vary — a damaged unit or a burned-out motor got a replacement lid from the company, while others hit a warranty process that asked for payment. And the lid mechanism is the repeated failure point across the category. If wheels are the feature you actually need, this is the pick; if not, the iTouchless above is the steadier bet.
Why the wheels win it
- 4 removable locking wheels turn a fixed bin into a rolling one — rare at this capacity
- AbsorbX natural carbon odor filter included to neutralize kitchen trash smells
- Motion sensor opens and closes reliably on well-behaved units, and it runs on 4 D batteries or an optional AC adapter
What to plan around
- Wheels can tip on smooth floors and are a paid add-on on some listings
- The lid motor has been the recurring failure across buyer reports, so longevity is uncertain
Best matched to: anyone who wants the bin to come to them — a rolling 13-gallon sensor can with an odor filter built in.
Skip the wheels if: you need a rock-steady bin and would rather not deal with a motor that has a reputation for quitting early.
5. Lovewind 13 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash Can, Touchless Sensor Garbage Can, Black
The only can here that never asks you to buy a battery — charge it over USB Type-C and forget it.
Rechargeable is the feature that separates this Lovewind from every other pick on the page. Instead of feeding it D cells or hunting AA packs, you plug in the included USB Type-C cable and top up a built-in battery. For a bin you wheel around or place where no outlet reaches, that removes an entire chore. It is also the lightest can in the group at 8.1 pounds, so moving it is easy.
The lid work is genuinely good when it functions. The infrared motion sensor opens the lid hands-free in 0.3 seconds as you approach, and there is a second mode — tap the button and the lid stays open for 15 minutes, which is the right call for post-dinner cleanup or a party. The dampers close the lid slowly and silently, so it will not wake a sleeping baby, and the sealed design keeps smells in and pets out.
The catch is durability, and it is the most-mentioned theme across reviews — clearly mixed, with some units still going after long use and others failing within two months, lid cracking open only partway. On top of that, some buyers found standard 13-gallon bags do not seat well, so measure your liner before you rely on it. It is a strong pick for a small bathroom, a compost corner, or anyone who hates changing batteries, and a risky pick if you want a decade-long bin.
What stands out: USB Type-C rechargeable power, a 0.3-second sensor, a 15-minute stay-open mode, and a whisper-quiet soft-close lid — all at 8.1 pounds.
The real caveat: durability is the most-discussed issue and reads mixed, with some units failing early and some 13-gallon liners not fitting cleanly.
Ideal for: small bathrooms, compost duty, and anyone who would rather charge a can than buy batteries forever.
Not for you if: you want a decade-long kitchen bin — the mixed durability record makes it a gamble over the long haul.
6. SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can, 13 Gallon (50 L), Soft-Close Lid, Ink Black
A lid that shuts at under 40 dB — quieter than a whisper, so the whole house stays asleep.
If you have ever been jolted awake by a trash lid slamming at 6 a.m., this is the spec that matters: the SONGMICS closes at under 40 dB, which is below the level of normal conversation. Combined with a brushed stainless body that is rated IPX4 (splash-resistant, so a wipe-down with a damp cloth is fine), it is built for a bedroom, a nursery hallway, or a home office where a loud lid would be genuinely intrusive. The shape is compact at 16.7″L x 10.7″W x 23.1″H while still holding a full 13 gallons — a slim profile that still fills a standard bag.
The control scheme is thoughtful. Wave a hand within 25 cm of the sensor and the lid opens automatically, closing after five seconds; or touch the front button to hold it open for 15 minutes, and tap again to close early. A bag retainer ring keeps the liner from slipping, and 15 compatible bin bags coded K come in the box, so you can start using it the day it arrives. The body is stainless and the design draws compliments — it is the appearance that wins people over most.
Know the trade-off going in: the lid mechanism itself is the most-discussed topic and it reads mixed, with reports of the lid staying half open or not closing correctly, and battery life drawing a range of feedback. The sensor also reads from straight ahead, so it opens on passing traffic and needs a steady hand position. It is a quiet, well-built bin for a light-duty spot — not the one to buy if you want a sensor tuned dead to your approach.
Where it shines: a sub-40 dB soft-close lid, IPX4 splash resistance, a 25 cm hand-wave zone with a 15-minute stay-open button, and 15 K-coded bags included.
What to note: the lid operation is the most-discussed aspect and reads mixed, so keep battery placement handy and expect to work with the sensor’s front-facing angle.
Choose it if a silent close and a slim profile are worth more to you than the fastest, most forgiving sensor.
Look past it if you want a bulletproof lid mechanism — the most-discussed aspect here is the lid itself.
7. iTouchless New Model 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can with AbsorbX Odor Filter & Pet-Proof Lid Lock
The lock is the point — a bin designed so the dog cannot get in no matter what it learns to do.
Two features make this iTouchless the one to consider if a determined dog is emptying your kitchen every night. First, an easy on/off lid lock that physically stops the bin from opening, so no amount of pawing or nose-nudging gets in. Second, a natural AbsorbX carbon odor filter that masks food smells at the source. Owners with problem pets single it out: it is great if you have animals that raid the garbage. The stainless body is brushed and fingerprint-proof, and it holds a full 13 gallons on a compact footprint, with a bag retainer ring so liners stay put.
The 2022-model build adds two refinements: a hand-wave lid that closes slowly and quietly, and a slim body that still takes a standard 13-gallon bag fully. Power runs on 4 D batteries or an optional AC adapter. Owners who got a good unit describe it working exactly as advertised, with the lid opening fast and closing with a soft, quiet settle. At 8 pounds, it is also light to shift for floor cleaning.
The reviews are honestly split, and the split is about durability above all — the motor is the repeated failure point, and some units quit in the first year, especially when kids force the lid open by hand. The 3-star and 5-star accounts exist side by side: some have had three of these, with the previous two failing on the same cheap plastic motor after about two years. Buy it for the lock and the filter, but treat the lid gently and do not let anyone manual-handle it closed.
The feature that sells it: an easy on/off pet-proof lid lock plus an AbsorbX carbon odor filter — the one combination that keeps a determined dog out and the smell down.
The honest catch: durability is the most-mentioned theme and reads negative, with the plastic motor the usual failure point, so avoid forcing the lid manually.
Great fit for: homes with dogs or toddlers, where a locking lid and an odor filter are worth the risk on the motor.
Pass if: you want a fuss-free bin with no maintenance — the lid mechanism here demands respect to last.
8. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Matte Black
Set it, walk away for up to 8 months — the AA cells stretch further than almost anything else here.
Most sensor cans eat batteries. This EKO eats them slowly: on AA alkaline cells it runs up to 8 months of use, which is the longest stretch between swaps on this list. For anyone tired of fishing out a compartment and feeding a kitchen bin again and again, that alone earns it a slot. The 50-liter / 13.2-gallon body is a liner-free design — the maker gets 25% more usable room that way, and it shows at the bag: standard tall kitchen bags seat perfectly, with a retaining ring that holds them so the rectangle fills all the way to the corners.
The matte black anti-fingerprint finish is a genuinely nice touch — it stays clean-looking, and the metal feels solid. The sensor responds fast and holds the lid open long enough to scrape a full plate, and there is a stay-open option for longer chores. The base is rubber-weighted to stop it sliding, and the battery compartment is laid out sensibly. Owners repeatedly note the shape is compact and the profile narrow, so it tucks neatly against a wall without sacrificing the 50-liter capacity.
The one recurring annoyance is sensor placement and false triggers. The sensor reads at the top of the lid, so you sometimes have to bring your hand up close, and it can bump your hand as it opens. A few units also had battery-drain issues that replacing the cells did not fix, though that reads as the exception rather than the rule. For a money-conscious shopper who wants a large, durable, neat-looking bin, the running cost of ownership here is the lowest on the page.
Why it moves the needle: up to 8 months on AA alkalines, a 50-liter liner-free body with 25% more usable room, and a matte-black anti-fingerprint finish that resists smudges.
The small gripe: the lid sensor wants your hand up close and can knock your hand as it opens, so it takes a day to get used to.
Best for: a large kitchen and anyone chasing the lowest battery cost — charge-free for up to 8 months is real money back.
Consider the desk of it: if you want a lid that reads your hand from a distance, this one runs a little closer to the body.
9. Kraus GarbagePro Rectangular 13 Gallon Hands-Free Motion Sensor Trash Can, Matte Black, KTCS-10MB
The most polished bin here — a built-in countdown clock on the lid and a matte finish that hides fingerprints.
This is the top of the range, and it shows in the details. A digital LED display on the lid counts down from 5 seconds before the lid closes, so you always know how long you have. The sensor detects movement within 6 inches, the lid shuts automatically after 5 seconds, and a motor-operated SoftShut mechanism closes it gently and quietly. The extra-wide opening has a 13 3/4-inch diagonal, which is wide enough to take a medium-size pizza box without wrestling it in — a real convenience in a busy kitchen.
The fit-and-finish is where the extra money goes. The matte black finish resists corrosion and is easy to wipe down, the perfect-fit lid sits flush when shut so pets cannot nose under it, and the internal smart-hinge design keeps the lid from knocking objects behind it when open. The bag-securing system has dual arms that flip up for easy changes and hold the liner firmly with no exposed bag. It runs on 3 AA batteries, so getting power to it is simple.
The honest scorecard: durability and size are the most-mentioned themes and both read mixed, with some units lasting over a year and others failing inside five months, and a handful finding the bin tight for a full 13 gallons. The bag-holding arms are also cumbersome for some owners, shrinking the opening and making a new liner more fiddly than expected. Buy this for the polish and the wide opening, and accept that the mechanism is the part that runs its own lifespan.
What you are paying for
- A digital LED countdown on the lid, so you know exactly when it will close
- A 13 3/4″ diagonal opening that swallows a medium pizza box in one pass
- Flush perfect-fit lid and a matte, corrosion-resistant finish that hides smudges
- Runs on just 3 AA batteries and closes gently with a motor-operated SoftShut
Where it asks for care
- The bag-securing arms are cumbersome for some owners and shrink the opening
- Durability and size both read mixed — the tightest usable volume of the premium picks
Worth it for: anyone who wants the most refined, best-designed bin here — countdown lid, wide opening, and a finish that stays pristine.
Reconsider if: you load heavy, awkward trash daily and want the largest usable volume for the money.
Understanding the Specs
Motion Sensor and Detection Zone
The sensor is the part you feel every day. A motion sensor (an infrared detector that spots a hand or body crossing its beam) can be aimed at the top of the lid, the front edge, or the whole room, and that aim decides whether the lid opens when you want it to or when you merely walk by. A sensor tuned to the top wakes on a deliberate hand wave; a sensor aimed broadly may trip on passing foot traffic. Speed matters too — the quickest here opens in 0.3 seconds — but a wide, forgiving zone generally beats raw speed for daily patience.
Battery Type and Runtime
An automatic lid is a motor, and every motor needs power. This list offers three approaches: 4 D cells (heavy, pricier, but usually tucked into a rear compartment), 4 AA cells (lighter and cheaper to replace but drain faster), and a built-in rechargeable pack charged over USB Type-C. The EKO claims up to 8 months on AA alkalines; some iTouchless models claim up to 2 years on 4 D cells when draw is kept low. Where the battery door sits matters too — a compartment inside the can collects grime fast, so a rear or top door is easier to live with.
FAQ
Do these bins actually open without me touching anything?
Will standard 13 gallon kitchen bags fit inside these cans?
How often will I need to replace the batteries?
Which of these is best for keeping a dog out of the trash?
Do these trash cans need an electrical outlet or a cord?
Will the lid reopen every time someone walks past?
How loud is the lid when it closes?
Do these cans have an odor filter to control kitchen smells?
Which of these has the largest usable capacity?
How long can I keep the lid open for a big cleanup?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For mostkitchens, the 13 gallon automatic trash can worth choosing first is the iTouchless 13 Gallon Dog Proof Trash Can — 4.4 stars across 500+ ratings, with an AbsorbX odor filter, a pet-proof design, and a footprint of 12.7″L x 10.7″W that tucks into a gap most round cans waste.
If space is your enemy, reach for the SIMPLI-Magic 13.2 Gallon Rectangle, which holds 13.2 gallons in an 11-inch-deep, 26-inch-wide shell that lies flat against a wall. If you hate changing batteries, the Lovewind 13 Gallon is the only can here with a USB Type-C rechargeable pack and a 0.3-second sensor. And for the lowest running cost, the EKO Mirage-T stretches AA alkalines up to 8 months, so a large liner-free bin never nags you for cells.
One honest nudge: durability is the theme that decides long-term happiness in this category, and the top pick is the one product here that balances the highest owner score with a design owners keep rebuying — so if you want one decision to make today, start there and revisit the rest only if your kitchen has a specific constraint.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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