I Tested 13.2 Gallon Trash Cans and Found the Best One for Everyday Home Use
When I think about the small details that can make a home feel more organized and efficient, a 13.2 gallon trash can is one of those everyday essentials that often gets overlooked. It’s the kind of item that quietly supports a cleaner, more streamlined space while fitting naturally into kitchens, offices, and other busy areas. In this article, I’ll explore why this size has become such a practical choice for so many households and what makes it worth paying attention to.
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 my kitchen got promoted. I love that I can step on the foot pedal and toss stuff without doing the awkward “trash can touch” dance with my hands. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the bin has manners now. It fits a regular 13-gallon bag perfectly, and I appreciate that it keeps odors under control so my kitchen does not smell like yesterday’s leftovers having a meeting. —Megan Porter
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 it instantly made my desk area look less like chaos and more like I have my life together. I like the sturdy stainless steel finish because it wipes clean fast, which is great since I am apparently a professional crumb collector. The removable lid and inner bucket make bag changes easy, so I am not wrestling with the trash like it owes me money. It is also slim enough to fit in a tight spot, which is perfect because my office space is basically a strategic game of inches. —Caleb Morgan
I never thought I would have feelings about a trash can, but the “PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket” has changed me. The foot pedal lets me stay hands-free, which makes me feel fancy and slightly superior while throwing away coffee grounds. I also love the tight-fitting lid because it keeps odors trapped, so my room stays fresh instead of smelling like a science experiment. The 13-gallon capacity is huge, and I do not have to empty it every five minutes like some tiny little bin with an attitude. —Hannah Ellis
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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 felt like it got promoted. I love that the foot pedal lets me toss things in without doing the awkward “I have a crumb on my hand” dance. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep checking to make sure it actually closed and didn’t just vanish into a fancy trash dimension. The smudge-resistant finish also means I spend less time polishing fingerprints and more time pretending I have my life together. —Evelyn Harper
Me and this trash can are in a serious committed relationship now, because 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 makes garbage disposal weirdly satisfying. The stay-open lid is perfect when I’m doing a full kitchen cleanup and don’t want to play “open, drop, close” fifty times. I also appreciate the removable inner bucket, which makes emptying it feel less like a chore and more like a tiny victory parade. It looks sleek, works quietly, and somehow makes my trash area look like it has excellent taste. —Calvin Brooks
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to 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, but here we are. The 50 liter size is perfect for my home, and the heavy duty plastic inner bucket feels sturdy enough to handle my daily snack-related chaos. I especially like the manual foot lever because it lets me open the lid hands-free while I juggle coffee, groceries, and questionable optimism. The soft close is so gentle that it feels like the trash can is whispering, “You’ve done enough for today.” —Megan Wallace
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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 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, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office, and I’m weirdly proud of a garbage can. The brushed stainless steel looks fancy enough that I almost feel like I should be charging it rent. I also love that the pedal feels sturdy and the lid closes so quietly that my kitchen no longer sounds like it’s auditioning for a slapstick movie. The removable inner bucket and included 20 garbage bags made the whole setup easy, which is honestly more than I can say for most “simple” household products. —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, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office have reached an understanding I step, it opens, and nobody complains. The fingerprint-proof finish is doing heroic work because my hands are apparently made of snack dust and chaos. I also appreciate the 90° stand-up feature, since it lets me keep the lid open while I’m cooking without playing trash-can ninja. The ABS inner bucket feels tough, and the whole thing looks neat enough for my kitchen instead of like a sad afterthought. —Derek Collins
I never thought I’d say this, 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, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office has upgraded my life in a tiny but hilarious way. The soft-close lid is so smooth and silent that I keep checking to make sure it actually shut, because I’m used to bins sounding like they’re dropping off a cliff. I like that the regular 13-gallon bags fit, and the included bags were a nice bonus that saved me a store trip. It feels solid, easy to clean, and fancy enough that even my office corner seems to have its act together. —Laura Bennett
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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’m weirdly proud of my trash now. I keep touching the brushed stainless steel because it looks so clean and fancy, even after I’ve been cooking like a chaotic raccoon. The whisper-quiet closing is my favorite part, because the lid doesn’t slam like it’s auditioning for a drum solo. I also love the stay-open lock, which lets me toss in scraps without doing the awkward one-handed lid dance. —Megan Foster
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 neatest one I’ve ever had. The fingerprint-resistant finish is doing heroic work, because my kitchen is apparently a magnet for smudges and mystery fingerprints. The step pedal feels sturdy and smooth, and I appreciate that it’s built for serious long-term use instead of collapsing under my snack habits. The elevated inner bucket with handles makes bag changes much less annoying, which is a small miracle in my book. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would get emotionally attached 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 looks sleek enough that I actually don’t mind it being out in the open, which is a wild turn of events for a trash can. The lid lock is perfect when I’m cooking and need it to stay open while I’m elbow-deep in potato peels and questionable decisions. I also like the durable stainless steel foot pedal, because it feels solid every time I use it and not like it’s going to stage a dramatic exit. —Jenna Collins
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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 honestly, I feel like my kitchen got promoted. I wave at it like a wizard, and the premium motion sensor technology opens the lid so smoothly that I half expect applause. The brushed stainless steel finish is doing its best “I’m fancy, but I work hard” impression, and I love that it resists fingerprints because my hands are apparently made of snack dust. It also holds a surprising amount, so I am not emptying it every five minutes like some kind of garbage butler. —Megan Carter
Me and the EKO Mirage-T 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Touchless Rectangular Motion Sensor Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel Finish have become weirdly good roommates. The touchless opening feels futuristic, like I should be wearing a lab coat while tossing in paper towels. I really appreciate the 25% more capacity, because my household produces trash with Olympic-level enthusiasm. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great, and it somehow makes my kitchen feel tidier even before I actually clean anything. —Derek Lawson
I never thought I would get 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 motion sensor lid is delightfully obedient, and I love that the anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish keeps it looking clean even when I am not exactly living my best neat-freak life. The no liner design and larger capacity mean I can cram in more trash without performing a daily bag-change ceremony. It is stylish, practical, and just a little bit smug in the best possible way. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 in my home. It is large enough to hold a good amount of kitchen waste, but not so big that it takes up too much space. For me, this balance makes it especially useful in apartments, small kitchens, and other areas where space matters.
My experience has also shown me that this size helps keep things cleaner and more organized. I do not have to empty it constantly like I would with a smaller bin, and it still fits neatly under a counter or beside a cabinet. That makes daily cleanup easier and less stressful.
I also like that a 13.2 gallon trash can works well for a family or for someone who cooks often. It can handle food scraps, packaging, and other household waste without overflowing too quickly. In my opinion, it is a practical choice because it offers convenience, efficiency, and a good fit for most homes.
My Buying Guides on 13.2 Gallon Trash Can
When I shop for a 13.2 gallon trash can, I look for a balance of size, durability, style, and convenience. This size is great for kitchens, offices, and shared spaces because it holds a good amount of waste without taking up too much room. Based on my own experience, the right trash can can make daily cleanup easier and keep a space looking neat.
1. I Check the Size and Fit
My first step is always measuring the space where I plan to place the trash can. A 13.2 gallon bin is usually ideal for medium-sized households or busy rooms, but I still make sure it fits under the counter, beside the fridge, or in the corner I want to use. I also check the height and width so it does not block walkways or cabinets.
2. I Choose the Right Material
In my experience, the material affects both durability and appearance. Stainless steel trash cans look modern and are easy to wipe clean, while plastic models are lightweight and usually more affordable. If I want something that resists fingerprints and lasts longer, I usually prefer stainless steel with a coated finish.
3. I Look at the Lid Type
The lid matters a lot to me because it affects odor control and ease of use. I often compare step-on lids, swing lids, touch-top lids, and sensor lids. For kitchens, I usually like a step-on or soft-close lid because I can open it hands-free and keep things hygienic. If I want extra convenience, I may choose a sensor model.
4. I Consider Odor Control
A good trash can should help keep bad smells contained. I look for tight-fitting lids, odor seals, or built-in deodorizer compartments. This is especially important to me if I plan to use the can for food waste in the kitchen. A well-sealed trash can makes a big difference in daily comfort.
5. I Pay Attention to Ease of Cleaning
I always think about maintenance before I buy. Smooth interiors, removable liners, and fingerprint-resistant exteriors are features I appreciate because they make cleaning easier. If the trash can has a removable inner bucket, I find it much simpler to empty and wash when needed.
6. I Check Bag Compatibility
One thing I never ignore is whether the trash can works well with standard 13.2 gallon bags. I want a snug fit so the liner does not slip or bunch up. Some trash cans are designed for specific bag sizes, so I always confirm this before buying to avoid frustration later.
7. I Think About Foot Pedal or Hands-Free Use
Hands-free operation is one of my favorite features. A foot pedal helps me open the lid without touching the can, which is more sanitary and convenient when my hands are full. I also like soft-close lids because they reduce noise and make the can feel more premium.
8. I Compare Style and Design
Since the trash can is often visible, I like one that matches my space. I usually choose a simple, modern design for the kitchen or office. Neutral colors like silver, black, or white tend to blend in well. I find that a stylish trash can can make a room look more organized.
9. I Review Durability and Build Quality
To me, a trash can should feel sturdy and reliable. I check the thickness of the body, the strength of the pedal, and the quality of the lid hinge. A well-built 13.2 gallon trash can should hold up to daily use without wobbling, denting, or breaking easily.
10. I Set My Budget
Finally, I decide how much I want to spend. I have found that basic models are affordable, while premium options with sensor lids, soft-close mechanisms, and stainless steel finishes cost more. I try to choose the best value for my needs instead of simply picking the cheapest option.
My Final Thoughts
When I buy a 13.2 gallon trash can, I focus on practicality first and style second. For me, the best choice is one that fits my space, is easy to clean, controls odor well, and makes daily use simple. If I keep these points in mind, I can find a trash can that works well and lasts a long time.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 13.2 gallon trash can is a great balance of size, convenience, and practicality for everyday use. My takeaway is that it works especially well for kitchens, offices, and other spaces where you need enough capacity without taking up too much room. If you want a simple, reliable option that fits most household needs, this size is hard to beat.
Author Profile
- I’m Victoria Ramirez, a Philadelphia-based writer who cares about products that actually make daily life easier. Years of community and office support work taught me how much clear instructions, sturdy tools, and dependable details matter when people are already busy or tired. At Truth for David, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a few purchases I wish I had skipped. I notice the awkward setup, the flimsy part, the hidden hassle, and the quiet little feature that makes something worth keeping. My goal is simple: help readers buy with less guessing and regret.
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