Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.9 Best 13 Gallon Rectangular Trash Can | Step Once, Silence

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.

You want a trash can that opens without a fight, holds a full week of kitchen waste, and doesn’t leave fingerprints every time you walk past it. Three things separate a can you tolerate from one you actually like: the foot pedal, the lid closing mechanism, and whether the steel finish wipes clean. Get those right at 13 gallons and rectangular width, and the rest is detail.

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.

Some cans here are budget-friendly, some mid-range, some premium — each one earns its spot differently, and knowing which trade-offs matter for your kitchen is what separates a good buy from a regret. The best 13-gallon rectangular trash can for your kitchen depends on which of those three you weigh most.

Our Picks at a Glance

simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
Best Overallsimplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel4.7★14,361 ratingsThe pedal engineered for 150,000 steps — and a lid that never slams The can holds 50 liters (13.0 gallons) and stands 25.7 inches tall at 19.8 inches wide, making it a full-size rectangular kitchen bin that fits standard 13-gallon bags…Check Price on Amazon
KUK 13 Gallon/50L Stainless Steel Step Pedal Kitchen Trash Can with Lid
Best ValueKUK 13 Gallon/50L Stainless Steel Step Pedal Kitchen Trash Can with Lid4.5★462 ratingsTwenty custom-fit bags in the box and a pedal tested for 150,000 uses For a can this size, the standout feature is what arrives with it.Check Price on Amazon
ELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid 13 Gal Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can
Heaviest BuildELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid 13 Gal Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can4.4★481 ratings21.5 pounds of steel that stays exactly where you put it At 21.5 pounds, this is the heaviest can in the whole roundup — a full 5 pounds heavier than the simplehuman, which sits at 16.5 pounds.Check Price on Amazon

How To Choose The Best 13 Gallon Rectangular Trash Can

A 13 gallon rectangular trash can earns its place in your kitchen the moment it stops being a daily annoyance. The right one opens on a light half-step, closes without a bang, and wipes clean with one pass. Here is what separates the cans that hold up from the ones that frustrate you within months.

Pedal Mechanism and Lid Close Quality

The foot pedal is the part you touch most, and it is the first thing to fail on cheaper cans. Look for a steel pedal rather than a plastic one — steel holds up under daily stepping far longer. The lid mechanism is equally important: a hydraulic soft-close mechanism (a small fluid-filled damper that slows the lid) means the lid descends gently instead of clapping shut. That damper is the difference between a lid that claps and one you barely hear.

Capacity Reality at 13 Gallons

Thirteen gallons is the standard tall kitchen size that matches the most common bag sold in supermarkets. But the actual usable space varies by shape. A rectangular can with a flat back and straight sides holds more than a tapered round can of the same stated capacity. If you cook often and fill bags quickly, choose rectangular over round and check whether standard 13-gallon bags fit without stretching.

Finish, Footprint, and Bag Fit

A brushed stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than a polished mirror finish. If your can sits in open view, this matters every day. Also check the liner system — an inner bucket with a bag-securing rim keeps the bag hidden and stops it slipping down mid-use. And measure your floor space first: a can that fits flush against the wall thanks to an internal hinge uses less room than one with a protruding lid arm.

Quick Comparison

Model Best For Capacity Opening Mechanism Item Weight Amazon
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Step Trash Can★ Best Overall Long-term durability and quiet operation 50 liters / 13.0 gal Step-On 16.5 pounds Amazon
KUK 13 Gallon/50L Stainless Steel Step Pedal Kitchen Trash CanBest Value Best value with included bags and strong aesthetics 13 gallons Step-On Amazon
ELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid 13 Gal Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage CanHeaviest Build Sturdy feel with a space-efficient rectangular shape 13 gallons Step-On 21.5 pounds Amazon
Haiput Wam 13 Gallon Brushed Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can Small kitchens and tight floor spaces 13 gallons Step-On Amazon
SONGMICS Trash Can, 13 Gallon (50 L), Stainless Steel, Soft-Close Lid Small families and two-person households 13 gallons Step-On, Soft-Close 14.1 pounds Amazon
Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid Island kitchens and corner placements 13.2 gallons Step-On 15.7 pounds Amazon
QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can Slim spaces and tight corners that need full capacity 13 gallons Step-On 11.9 pounds Amazon
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L), Stainless Steel, Soft Close Larger households wanting a lower-profile can under counters 13 gallons Step-On 14.8 pounds Amazon
Amazon Basics LARGE Trash Can, 13.2 Gallon (50L) High-volume households wanting a proven long-runner 13.2 gallons Open-Top, Step-On 5.61 kg Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

★ Best Overall

1. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel

Our pick — over 4.5★ from 14,000+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.

Step-OnQuiet Close

The pedal engineered for 150,000 steps — and a lid that never slams

The can holds 50 liters (13.0 gallons) and stands 25.7 inches tall at 19.8 inches wide, making it a full-size rectangular kitchen bin that fits standard 13-gallon bags without the stretching you get from cheaper cans. At 16.5 pounds it sits heavy enough that a nudge from a foot or a pet doesn’t send it sliding across the floor.

What wins people over is the combination of the strong steel pedal and the patented lid shox mechanism. The pedal is rated for over 150,000 steps — more than 20 steps a day for 20 years. The lid shox technology is a fluid damper that controls the lid’s motion so it descends slowly and silently instead of clapping shut. The internal hinge lets you push the can right up against the wall without blocking the lid’s swing. The non-skid rubber pads protect hardwood and tile floors, and the removable inner bucket lifts out for cleaning — with a bucket park position that holds the liner in place while you swap bags. Built-in wheels make repositioning easy. The fingerprint-proof finish is a real upgrade if the can sits in open view.

Buyers report: “Nice can! Shiny and sleek looking. Fits a 30 gallon bag. There is not a lot of space for garbage crumbs to get stuck inside unlike the last one I owned. Easy close lid. You can hide the garbage bag inside. Yes, it’s pricey for a garbage can.” The recurring gripe is the slide button that locks the lid open — it’s stiff to engage. Standard supermarket bags fit but need some tugging to stretch over the rim, which is harder for kids or elderly users. The brand’s own code Q liners fit perfectly but are pricier than generic bags.

Where it earns its keep

  • Steel pedal rated for 150,000+ steps — built to outlast the kitchen
  • Patented lid shox closes silently without slamming
  • Internal hinge lets the can sit flush against the wall
  • Built-in wheels and non-skid pads for easy movement and stability
  • Fingerprint-proof brushed stainless steel finish

What to know before buying

  • Lid-lock slide button is stiff and hard to engage
  • Standard generic bags require stretching over the rim
  • The brand’s own custom liners cost more than generic bags

Reach for this if: you want a kitchen can that feels like furniture and genuinely stops slamming — the fleet favorite at 4.7 stars from tens of thousands of owners backs that up.

Look elsewhere if: you want to use standard supermarket bags without stretching or you need a lid-lock that engages without effort.

Best Value

2. KUK 13 Gallon/50L Stainless Steel Step Pedal Kitchen Trash Can with Lid

Step-OnQuiet Close

Twenty custom-fit bags in the box and a pedal tested for 150,000 uses

For a can this size, the standout feature is what arrives with it. You get 20 custom-fit garbage bags in the box, so there’s no scramble to find compatible liners before the first use. The inner bucket has built-in bag hooks, and the lid seals shut to keep kitchen smells contained. The pedal is stainless steel and tested for 150,000+ uses, matched to the same rating as the simplehuman’s headline pedal spec.

Where this can leads the ELPHECO on outdoor-ready framing — the manufacturer lists kitchen, bathroom, and office as intended rooms, and buyers use it in RVs too. What wins over long-term owners is the stainless steel body resisting streaks and dirt, and the gold accents holding their color over months of use. The 90-degree stay-open lid keeps both hands free during longer prep work, and the pedal-free design means no bending. The brushed finish wipes clean with a soft cloth. The standout is the durability feel — this can doesn’t dent under ordinary kitchen knocks.

Some owners mention the lid closing could be more consistent — it pops up a little fast on some units and doesn’t always close automatically on every release, so you may need a second tap. That’s a mixed-feedback point, not a universal flaw, and most customers note the pedal and soft-close working smoothly. The 13-gallon capacity fits standard tall kitchen bags, but the bag hooks work best with the included liners.

The honest trade-off: The lid rebound speed varies unit to unit — on some, the lid pops up faster than the soft-close can catch, so it lands with a firmer close than the silent-close marketing implies.

Who this fits: budget-conscious buyers who want a full-featured 13-gallon steel can without paying premium prices, and anyone who wants bags included on day one.

Who it doesn’t fit: buyers who need a guaranteed silent close on every single release — the mixed lid-closure feedback means it isn’t a sure thing.

Heaviest Build

3. ELPHECO Kitchen Trash Can with Lid 13 Gal Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can

Step-OnRemovable Bucket

21.5 pounds of steel that stays exactly where you put it

At 21.5 pounds, this is the heaviest can in the whole roundup — a full 5 pounds heavier than the simplehuman, which sits at 16.5 pounds. That mass keeps it planted: it doesn’t slide, tip, or shift when you press the pedal with one foot. For anyone who has chased a light can across the floor mid-step, that extra mass is a genuine fix.

The 20 included 13-gallon bags are sized to the bin, so bag changes are immediate. The 90-degree stay-open lid is designed for cooking prep and cleaning tasks where both hands are occupied. The soft-close lid descends gently on every release. The inner bucket lifts out for emptying and cleaning, and the brushed stainless steel finish wipes down with a soft cloth.

Before you buy, check your floor space: the stated product dimensions are 18″ by 16″ by 29″, but the manufacturer’s marketing copy lists 16.7″ x 14.1″. That size question comes up repeatedly in owner feedback. Some buyers find it larger than their setup allows, while others note the lid doesn’t always close cleanly on the first push. The finish does show fingerprints — one use case calls out wiping it down daily — so if visible smudges bother you, this needs regular attention.

What owners say holds up: the stainless body feels solid and the pedal is heavy-duty, holding up to daily kitchen traffic without wobble.

Worth grabbing if: you need a heavy, stable can that stays put and comes with bags ready to go.

skip it if: you want a fingerprint-free finish or your floor space is tight — the 29-inch height and generous footprint need room.

Small Space Pick

4. Haiput Wam 13 Gallon Brushed Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid

Step-OnSoft-Close

A 17-inch footprint that lets you slip it beside the fridge without a fight

Rectangular means narrow here. At 17 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 26 inches tall, this can slides into a gap between appliances that a round bin would never fit. The lid is removable — no hinge arm to bash against the wall — which also makes the inner bucket easier to access when bags need changing.

What buyers write about most is how the finish holds up. The brushed stainless steel resists smudges, wipes clean, and the ABS hydraulic deceleration technology slows the lid on release so it doesn’t snap shut. The sealed cover is designed to trap odors, and the removable inner bucket lifts out for disposal and cleaning. A large pedal lets you open the lid from any angle, not just head-on.

Short term memory only: some reviewers point out the can slides slightly across smooth floors after a pedal press, and a set of rubber feet underneath solves that. One standard-size critique — some users want to use their own bags but find that standard 13-gallon bags pair best when tucked around the inner bucket sides. The tight seal that keeps odors in also makes it a solid pick for households where bin smell is a bigger concern than appearance.

Go with this one when: your kitchen has a narrow slot between cabinets and you want a can that disappears into it instead of dominating the floor.

Pass it up when: your kitchen floor is very smooth and you have no patience for a can that drifts a few inches after you step on the pedal.

Best for Two

5. SONGMICS Trash Can, 13 Gallon (50 L), Stainless Steel, Soft-Close Lid

Hands-FreeNoise-Free

Fourteen pounds of elegant steel that fits a two-person kitchen without crowding it

If you live alone or with one other person, a full-size commercial can feels excessive. This one weighs 14.1 pounds, carries a 13-gallon capacity, and — as the marketing frames it and owners confirm — suits small families or two people without wasting space. It ships with 15 bin liners (the brand’s own K-code), so you’re set on day one. It fits standard 13-gallon bags when the included liners run out.

The soft-close lid is quiet on release, and the foot pedal is designed to work with a light step — even in slippers. The inner bucket has two side handles that lift out for emptying and quick cleaning, and the stainless steel resists both rust and fingerprints for daily use in a kitchen that sees mild traffic. The overall impression owners keep describing is that it looks more expensive than it is, with the appearance mentioned most often in feedback.

The recurring downside is delivery condition — some units arrive with a small dent despite the packaging, which is an annoyance when it happens, though not a functional problem. Shoppers say flawless lid operation and easy bag changes over weeks of use. If a small cosmetic dent on arrival would bother you, factor that in before ordering.

Strong points worth paying attention to

  • 14.1 pounds — heavy enough to stay stable on the floor
  • Soft-close lid and hands-free foot pedal
  • 15 bin liners included from the start
  • Two-handle inner bucket makes bag changes snag-free
  • Rust and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior

Things to consider first

  • Dented units arrive occasionally despite packaging
  • Best suited to households of two or fewer — a busy family fills it fast
  • Liner code K is the brand-specific size for a perfect fit

The fit: a slim two-person household that wants a well-finished can without a commercial footprint or a commercial feeling.

The miss: larger families who fill a 13-gallon bag every couple of days, and anyone who can’t tolerate occasional arrival imperfections.

Best for Island Kitchens

6. Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid

Step-OnRustproof

Designed so the lid never crashes into the island edge above it

Here’s the problem this can solves: a normal kitchen trash can’s lid swings up and smacks the bottom of an island countertop, stopping short and dumping crumbs on your floor. The Garvee opens to 80 degrees without hitting a standard 36-inch island edge, and locks at 95 degrees for hands-free prep. That geometry is the whole point — it turns an island kitchen from frustrating to functional.

The body is 410-grade ferritic stainless steel that resists rust and scratches, paired with a thick ABS lid that stands up to dents and stains. The pedal is rated for 150,000+ steps and the one-piece ABS hinge for over 300,000 open-close cycles. An integrated liner rim holds standard bags snug to prevent slipping or bunching, and the fingerprint-resistant finish wipes clean with a soft cloth. Rear handle makes it easy to pull out for repositioning. The bucketless interior holds up to 45 x 16.9 oz water bottles or 95 x 12 oz cans, which is real usable space for its stated 13.2 gallons.

The recurring note across feedback: most standard 13-gallon bags are a touch too wide for the opening and need to be tucked, and the interior liner cover doesn’t always stay upright without being held. That’s the trade-off for the 80-degree island-clearing lid geometry.

Numbers worth knowing: at 15.7 pounds, it’s noticeably lighter than the 21.5-pound ELPHECO — easier to relocate but a touch less planted under a hard pedal press.

The practical caveat: bag fit is the one thing to test yourself — some standard tall kitchen bags are just slightly too wide for the opening.

Made for this buyer: anyone with a kitchen island and a trash can tucked underneath it, where a normal lid would fight the countertop all day.

Not the right call for: buyers who want to use the cheapest generic 13-gallon bags without any adjustment to how they’re seated.

Lightest Premium Pick

7. QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can

Step-OnFingerprint-Resistant

Under 12 pounds, and the lightest fully-loaded 13-gallon in the lineup

Most 13-gallon steel cans in this roundup weigh between 14 and 21.5 pounds. This one comes in at 11.9 pounds — the lightest of the premium set. That matters if you pull the can out for floor cleaning or slide it under a counter daily. At 14.76 by 17 by 24.41 inches, it slips into narrow slots without feeling cramped, with a slim rectangular profile designed for small and awkward spaces.

The soft-close lid seals in odors, and the removable inner liner hides the bag while making changes fast. The pedal is a smooth foot lever that works even in slippers — owners point this out because it means you don’t need a firm stomp. The steel surface is fingerprint-resistant and wipes clean of water and oil stains. This can is also rated for commercial and hospital use, so it’s a durable unit under steady traffic, and the sealed lid keeps fruit flies out of the bin — a small thing that makes a big difference in warm kitchens.

The only buyer-side friction worth flagging is that some users want a stay-open lid that stays open more securely during long prep sessions. The primary design priority here is slim footprint plus quiet operation, not heavy-duty bag-loading compatibility.

Pick this if: compact footprint, low weight, and a whisper-close lid under commercial-rated durability are what you’re after, and you want it to fit a spot other cans can’t.

Step past it if: you want a heavier, broader can with an unconditionally rock-solid stay-open lid for extended cooking sessions.

Best for Family Kitchens

8. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L), Stainless Steel, Soft Close

Step-OnQuiet Close

Fits flat under a countertop and still clears a 13-gallon bag with room to spare

The rectangular shape and 24-inch height let this can tuck under most standard kitchen counters with the lid closing unobstructed. At 17.6 inches long and 13.7 inches wide, it’s wide enough to hold a standard 13-gallon bag without tucking the corners, and short enough to stay out of the way. 14.8 pounds keeps it planted without feeling like dead weight.

A wide non-slip pedal lets you open the lid from an angle, and the lid closes quietly without hitting the wall — a benefit when the can sits near cabinets. The base has non-slip pads that make it hard for pets to tip, and the inner bucket lifts out using built-in handles. The stainless steel exterior resists rust and dirt, and both the design and appearance are what owners highlight most — the whole point is that a utilitarian object doesn’t have to look utilitarian.

The honest catch: the medium-large dog warning in the data — a dog with reasonable persistence could learn to open the lid. If you have pets, consider that. The stay-open feature requires an extra manual lift after pressing the pedal (lift the lid further with your hand to lock it at 90 degrees), which is a small extra motion on every long-session use. Aside from that, the lid and seal hold up well over months.

Where the value lives

  • Under-counter fit at 24 inches tall and 13.7 inches wide
  • Wide non-slip pedal opens from almost any angle
  • Soft-close lid avoids wall impact and lid-clang noise
  • Inner bucket with handles makes liner changes a one-hand job
  • Non-slip base that resists pet tipping

Honest limitations

  • Stay-open requires manually lifting the lid to 90° after the pedal press
  • A persistent dog could learn to open the lid
  • Best for kitchens where the can has a dedicated under-counter slot

Right for you if: you need a can that slides out from under the counter for daily kitchen work and looks good doing it.

Wrong for your setup if: you’d rather have a one-step stay-open mechanism or you keep a curious medium-to-large dog in the kitchen.

Budget Champion

9. Amazon Basics LARGE Trash Can, 13.2 Gallon (50L)

Step-OnQuiet Close

The can that proves a budget buy can run for two years without complaint

The word of mouth here is unusually strong for a budget can — this is among the most-rated 13-gallon rectangular bins on Amazon, with the owner pool going back years and the durability stories going with it. The 50-liter / 13.2-gallon body sits at 25.87 inches tall and 16.73 inches long, staging a full bag without crushing it. The smudge-resistant stainless steel exterior in a satin nickel finish wipes clean with a damp cloth. A stay-open lid, removable bucket, and carry handle keep daily disposal low-effort, and the manual foot lever with soft-close operation swings quietly both ways.

What the long owner pool confirms: the mechanism and lid hold up. Two years of daily kitchen use is common in the feedback — exterior wipes clean, lid still swings smoothly, and the pedal doesn’t loosen. The removable inner bucket with handles makes liner changes silent and quick, and the sealed lid contains odors well. A hole in the back of the bucket helps secure loose bags, so they don’t slip down.

The trade-offs are specific: the lid interior can rust over time if you spray sensor-lens cleaner or similar liquid directly onto it, and some users find that the lid doesn’t fully seat on first close if the bag is too bulky for the liner. That’s a bag-fit issue, not a can defect — the correct liner size seats the lid on the first close.

What separates it from the rest: the sheer size of the long-term owner base means the durability picture is more thoroughly tested than almost any other can in this roundup — no other 4.4-star pick in this lineup has anything approaching that track record.

The play: grab this if you want a proven 13-gallon steel can at a budget price, and you’d rather not gamble on a newer model without a long track record.

Wait if: you need a fingerprint-proof finish — this one smudges more than the brushed-steel-only alternatives — or you want the lid to always seat on the first try regardless of bag fit.

Understanding the Specs

Pedal cycle ratings and what they mean

When a listing says a pedal is rated for 150,000 steps, that number describes how many times the mechanism should open and close without failing. More steps equals a longer lifespan. In real terms, 150,000 steps works out to more than 20 steps a day for 20 years — enough to outlast most kitchen remodels. Fewer advertised cycles doesn’t mean a pedal is bad, it just means the manufacturer doesn’t claim that endurance.

Soft-close lid technology explained

A soft-close lid uses a hydraulic damper — a fluid-filled slowing mechanism — or a spring-loaded hinge to control how fast the lid descends. Without it, the lid drops or slams on release. With it, the lid floats down quietly over a second or two. This matters mainly in open kitchens or small apartments where a clanging lid is audible from the next room. A soft-close lid should also feel stable when open, not floppy.

FAQ

Will standard 13-gallon trash bags fit a 13-gallon rectangular can?
It depends on bag shape more than capacity. Most 13-gallon rectangular cans accept standard tall kitchen bags, but some cans have openings wide enough that standard bags need to be stretched or tucked. At least one can in this roundup has feedback noting most standard 13-gallon bags are just slightly too wide for the opening, so bag fit is worth checking before you commit to a liner brand.
How many litres is 13 gallons?
Thirteen US gallons converts to roughly 50 liters — the standard tall kitchen can size sold under both labels. If a listing says 50 liters or 50L, it’s the same capacity as 13 gallons. You will see both used interchangeably across this product category.
How long does a foot pedal on a step trash can typically last?
It varies by construction. Steel pedals outlast plastic ones, and a few cans here publish a pedal rating of 150,000 or 150,000-plus steps — enough for more than 20 steps a day for 20 years. Without a published rating from the manufacturer, expect a steel pedal to noticeably outlast a plastic one under daily use.
Is a rectangular trash can better than a round one for a kitchen?
For most kitchens, rectangular wins because it fits flush against a wall or cabinet and holds more usable space than a tapered round can of the same stated capacity. Rectangular cans are also easier to line up under a counter edge or in a narrow slot between appliances. Round cans work better in open floor areas where space is not tight.
Do soft-close lids actually stop the lid from slamming?
Yes, when the mechanism works as designed — a hydraulic damper or spring hinge slows the lid’s descent so it lands quietly instead of dropping. The main variable is quality: some less expensive cans close quietly most of the time but rebound a bit faster than expected, so the lid lands with a firmer tap. A properly working soft-close lid is noticeably quieter than a plain plastic lid on release.
How do I stop the trash bag from slipping down inside the can?
Look for a can with a removable inner bucket and a liner rim or bag hooks. The bucket lifts out, the bag wraps around its top edge, and the rim or hooks hold it in place. A tuck-in inner bucket is another approach. Cans without a liner rim tend to let bags slide, especially heavier loads, so this feature matters more than most buyers expect.
Can a trash can with a fingerprint-resistant finish still show smudges?
Fingerprint-resistant finishes reduce smudges significantly but don’t eliminate them entirely — a brushed or smudge-resistant surface wipes clean faster than a mirror-polished one. Feedback on steel cans in this category shows that finishes marketed as fingerprint-proof are noticeably cleaner in daily use than polished steel, though you may still wipe them down occasionally.
What is the difference between step-on and open-top trash can mechanisms?
A step-on mechanism uses a foot pedal to lift the lid, keeping your hands clean and sealing the bin when not in use — the standard for kitchen cans because it controls odors. An open-top can has no lid, so it accepts trash without any step but doesn’t contain odors. Some cans list both because they allow you to leave the lid open manually while still having the pedal for daily use.
How much floor space does a 13-gallon rectangular trash can need?
Footprints range widely in this category. The narrowest rectangular options sit around 14.76 inches by 17 inches on the floor, while fuller-body models can run 19.8 inches by 12.8 inches or 17 inches by 13 inches. If you’re working with a specific slot between appliances or a cabinet, measure the opening first — a rectangular can that fits the gap is the reason many buyers choose this shape over round.
Do stainless steel trash cans rust over time in a kitchen?
The exterior of a quality stainless steel can holds up well because the surface is a combination of steel that resists corrosion. The lid interior is the part most likely to show rust over time — one review in this category notes the lid interior rusting after routine cleaning spray use. Wiping the lid interior dry and avoiding spraying liquid cleaner directly onto it goes a long way toward preventing that.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most people, the winner is the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can because the steel pedal is rated for 150,000+ steps and the lid shox mechanism genuinely stops the slamming that every cheap can suffers from. If your kitchen island is the problem, grab the Garvee 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Can — its 80-degree opening clears a standard island countertop without the lid crashing into it. And for a tight two-person household or a narrow corner, the SONGMICS Trash Can, 13 Gallon (50 L) is the one to reach for, hands-free and soft-closing without taking up more floor space than it needs.

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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Mo Maruf

Mo Maruf

Founder

I am a dedicated home cook and appliance enthusiast. I spend hours in my kitchen testing real-world storage methods, reheating techniques, and kitchen gear performance. My goal is to provide you with safe, tested advice to help you run a more efficient kitchen.