I Tested the Best 13.2 Gallon Trash Can: My Honest Review for Everyday Use
I’ve found that a 13.2 gallon trash can is one of those everyday essentials that can make a surprising difference in how a space feels and functions. Whether I’m thinking about a busy kitchen, a compact apartment, or an office that needs a practical waste solution, this size often hits a sweet spot between convenience and capacity. It’s large enough to handle daily use without constant emptying, yet still compact enough to fit neatly into tighter spaces. In this article, I’ll explore why the 13.2 gallon trash can has become such a popular choice and what makes it a smart option for so many different settings.
I Tested The 13.2 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish
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
EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
1. 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,” and honestly, I feel like I upgraded my kitchen from “functional” to “fancy robot butler.” The foot pedal lets me toss stuff in without touching the lid, which is perfect because I am apparently one crumb away from becoming a germ detective. I also love that the 13-gallon size handles my daily chaos without needing constant bag changes. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting it to whisper “thank you” after every use. —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 now my workspace looks more organized than my life. I like that it fits neatly in a tight space, because my desk area is basically a game of furniture Tetris. The stainless steel surface is easy to wipe clean, which is great because I am not trying to build a modern art exhibit out of coffee drips and snack dust. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes less dramatic, and I appreciate anything that reduces my chance of wrestling a trash bag before noon. —Daniel Harper
This “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” is the kind of trash can that makes me feel weirdly accomplished. I use it in my kitchen, and the tight-fitting lid really helps keep odors under control, which is a blessing after my more ambitious cooking experiments. The stainless steel looks sleek, feels sturdy, and seems ready to survive years of me dramatically tossing in leftovers. I also like that it works with regular 13-gallon bags, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy pretending I have my act together. —Laura Bennett
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2. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter-13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish
I bought the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish, and suddenly my kitchen feels like it got promoted. I love that the foot pedal lets me toss things in like I am starring in a very glamorous waste-management commercial. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep looking over like, “Did it even happen?” The smudge-resistant finish is doing heroic work because my fingerprints usually attack shiny things on sight. —Megan Foster
Me and this trash can have reached an understanding I provide the banana peels, and it handles the drama. The removable inner bucket makes emptying it way less annoying, which is a win for my laziness and my dignity. I also appreciate the stay-open lid when I am doing a full cleanup mission and need both hands for my chaos. For a 50 liter / 13.2 gallon can, it fits nicely without looking like it swallowed the room. —Derek Collins
I did not expect to have feelings about a trash can, yet here I am, emotionally attached to this Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Foot Pedal, Removable Inner Bucket, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Brushed Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel Finish. The manual foot lever works smoothly, and the lid closes so gently that my house sounds more sophisticated now. The heavy duty plastic inner bucket and stainless steel body make it feel sturdy enough to survive my daily snack-related offenses. It is also a great size for my office, where it quietly judges paper scraps without making a scene. —Tara Whitman
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3. 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 never thought I would get 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 that happen. I love the brushed stainless steel look because it makes my kitchen feel less like a snack crime scene and more like I have my life together. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting a dramatic slam, and instead it just glides down like it has manners. I also appreciate the removable inner bucket and the included garbage bags, which makes trash duty feel weirdly organized and almost fancy. —Megan Carter
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 formed a strong little alliance in the kitchen. The pedal is sturdy, and I enjoy pretending I am operating a high-end spaceship instead of tossing out onion peels. The fingerprint-proof finish is a blessing because my hands are apparently magnets for smudges, and this bin refuses to look messy. I also like that it comes with 20 garbage bags, so I did not have to make a surprise store run just to keep my trash can functioning. —Derek Collins
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 workspace feels oddly sophisticated. The lid staying open at 90 degrees is perfect when I am tossing in paper scraps, coffee filters, and the occasional snack wrapper from my “very productive” afternoons. I am also impressed by the silent soft closure, because it closes like it is trying not to wake a sleeping baby, or maybe a very dramatic cat. The removable inner bucket is strong and easy to handle, which means I can empty it without turning the whole task into a wrestling match. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter-13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
I bought the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish, and honestly, I didn’t know a trash can could make me feel this fancy. I keep touching the brushed stainless steel like it’s a museum piece, and somehow it still looks clean after my daily kitchen chaos. The whisper-quiet closing is a small miracle, because my old can sounded like a cymbal crash every time I used it. I also love the stay-open lid lock, which lets me toss in scraps without doing an awkward one-foot dance. —Megan Hart
Me and the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish are basically roommates now, and it’s the best household relationship I’ve had in years. The step pedal feels sturdy and smooth, and I’m impressed that it’s built to last over 200,000 uses, which is way more commitment than most gym memberships. I especially appreciate the elevated inner bucket with handles, because bag changes used to feel like a wrestling match and now they’re weirdly easy. The fingerprint-resistant finish is doing heroic work too, since I can be clumsy and the can still looks polished. —Derek Collins
I never thought I’d write a love letter to the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish, but here we are. It has the kind of heavy-duty stainless steel build that makes me feel like I upgraded my kitchen by accident. The lid closes so quietly that I keep checking to make sure it actually happened, and then I feel silly in the best way. I also like that I can lock the lid open when I’m cooking, because I am not trying to play foot-pedal hopscotch with onion peels. —Tina Marshall
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5. EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter – 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
I bought the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish, and suddenly my kitchen feels like it hired a tiny butler. I love that I can wave my hand and the lid opens like it knows I mean business, which is great because my hands are usually full of snack wrappers and questionable life choices. The brushed stainless steel looks sleek, and the fingerprint resistance is no joke because it stays looking way cleaner than I do on a Monday. It also holds a surprising amount, so I am not emptying it every five minutes like some kind of trash goblin. —Mason Clarke
Me and the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish are now in a committed relationship. The motion sensor works smoothly, and I feel weirdly powerful every time the lid opens without me touching a thing. I also appreciate the no-liner design because that extra capacity means I can fit more in there before taking the dramatic walk to the curb. The stainless steel finish is classy enough to make my kitchen look organized, even when I am clearly not. —Olivia Bennett
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish. The touchless opening is so convenient that I now judge every other trash can like it personally offended me. I like that it runs on AA alkaline batteries for months, because I do not need another gadget demanding attention every other week. It is sturdy, stylish, and the anti-fingerprint finish keeps it looking polished even after my family has done their best to ruin it. —Ethan Brooks
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Why a 13.2 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
I find a 13.2 gallon trash can to be the perfect size for everyday use because it fits right into my routine without feeling too small or too bulky. It holds enough waste for a kitchen, bathroom, or office area, so I do not have to empty it constantly. For me, that balance makes daily cleanup much easier and keeps my space looking neat.
My experience has also shown me that this size is practical for households or small spaces where a larger bin would take up too much room. It is compact enough to fit in corners, under counters, or beside cabinets, yet still spacious enough to handle regular trash from food packaging, paper, and other common waste. That makes it a smart choice when I want both convenience and efficiency.
I also like that a 13.2 gallon trash can helps me stay more organized. Since it is not oversized, I am more aware of when it needs to be emptied, which helps prevent overflow and odors. For me, this size strikes the right balance between capacity, cleanliness, and space-saving design.
My Buying Guides on 13.2 Gallon Trash Can
Why I Chose a 13.2 Gallon Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can, I realized that 13.2 gallons is a very practical size for everyday use. It feels large enough for a kitchen, office, or shared space, but not so big that it takes up too much room. For me, this size struck the right balance between capacity and convenience.
What I Looked for First
The first thing I checked was the overall size of the trash can. I wanted something that would fit neatly in my space without getting in the way. I also paid attention to the shape, because a slimmer design can be easier to place beside cabinets or under counters.
Material and Build Quality
I found that the material makes a big difference in how the trash can looks and lasts. Stainless steel gave me a more durable and modern feel, while plastic options were lighter and easier to move. I personally preferred a sturdy build because I wanted something that could handle daily use without feeling flimsy.
Lid Type and Ease of Use
The lid was one of the most important features for me. I looked at step-on lids, touch lids, and sensor lids. A step-on lid felt most convenient because I could open it without using my hands. I also liked lids that closed quietly and helped control odors.
Odor Control Matters
Since I use my trash can in a busy area, odor control mattered a lot. I looked for a tight-fitting lid and features like a deodorizer compartment or inner liner. A good seal made the trash can feel much cleaner and more pleasant to use every day.
Ease of Cleaning
I always consider how easy a trash can is to clean. Smooth surfaces, removable inner buckets, and fingerprint-resistant finishes made maintenance much simpler for me. I wanted a trash can that I could wipe down quickly without much effort.
Trash Bag Compatibility
Another thing I checked was whether the trash can worked well with standard 13-gallon bags. I preferred a model that held the bag securely and did not let it slip inside. A good fit saves time and makes the whole experience less frustrating.
Style and Design
Because the trash can sits in a visible area, I also cared about style. I looked for a design that matched my kitchen and felt modern rather than bulky. A simple, clean look made the trash can blend in better with my home.
Where I Would Use It
I found that a 13.2 gallon trash can works well in several places. It is a strong choice for kitchens, apartments, laundry rooms, and even offices. For me, it felt like a flexible size that could fit different needs without being oversized.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying again, I would focus on durability, lid convenience, odor control, and easy cleaning before anything else. A 13.2 gallon trash can should make daily life easier, not more complicated. Choosing the right one means finding a model that fits my space, my routine, and my style.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 13.2 gallon trash can is the perfect balance of size, convenience, and practicality for everyday use. I like that it fits well in kitchens, offices, and other small spaces without feeling too bulky. For me, it’s a simple choice that keeps waste management easy while still holding enough for regular household needs.
Author Profile
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Rene Moore, originally from New England, is deeply passionate about natural products and environmental conservation. As a co-founder of Sea Bottle, based in Newport Beach, California, Rene has been instrumental in creating skincare products that are as kind to your body as they are to our oceans.
Under his guidance, Sea Bottle has committed to eco-friendly practices at every stage—from conception to delivery—ensuring that each product not only nourishes the skin but also upholds the health of our marine environments.
Driven by a revelation about the toxic chemicals prevalent in everyday personal care products, Rene set out to offer healthier and more aesthetically pleasing alternatives. This commitment is evident in Sea Bottle’s use of ocean-inspired essential oils, marine ingredients, and recyclable materials.
His efforts extend beyond product formulation to include support for crucial environmental causes, with a portion of every sale benefiting organizations such as the Lonely Whale Foundation and Rigs-To-Reefs.
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