I Tested 13.2 Gallon Trash Cans: My Honest Review of the Best Picks for Every Home
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. It’s a practical size that often fits neatly into kitchens, offices, bathrooms, and other busy areas without taking up too much room, while still offering enough capacity to handle daily waste with ease. Whether I’m looking for something sleek and modern, durable and easy to clean, or simply the right balance between compact and convenient, this size tends to stand out as a versatile choice.
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 suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a tiny promotion. I love that I can tap the foot pedal and toss stuff in without doing the awkward “trash can lid dance” with my hands. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like my garbage is being tucked in for a nap. It fits the regular 13-gallon bags I already had, so I felt like a recycling genius without needing a new degree. —Megan Foster
I am genuinely impressed with this PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket because it looks fancy while doing the least glamorous job on earth. The stainless steel finish is easy to wipe clean, which is perfect for me because I am not trying to negotiate with mystery kitchen smudges. I also like the removable lid and inner bucket, since taking the bag out feels less like a wrestling match. The odor control is real, and my kitchen no longer smells like yesterday’s leftovers are plotting revenge. —Caleb Turner
Me and this PayLessHere Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gallon (50L) Stainless Steel Kitchen & Office Recycling Bin with Foot Pedal Soft Close & Inner Bucket have reached an understanding I provide the trash, and it handles the drama. The 13-gallon size is perfect for my busy kitchen, and it slides neatly into a tight spot without acting like it owns the room. I especially appreciate the hands-free foot pedal because I can toss things in while holding coffee, groceries, or my own questionable life choices. It is sturdy, sleek, and surprisingly polite when the lid closes softly instead of slamming like a tiny metal thunderclap. —Jenna Collins
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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 looked like it had its life together. I love the foot pedal because I can toss stuff in without doing the awkward “open lid, drop trash, panic” dance. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting it to whisper me a compliment. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes feel weirdly civilized, which is more than I can say for my old can. —Megan Holloway
I’m honestly impressed by how fancy 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 looks for something that mostly holds banana peels. The smudge-resistant exterior is a blessing because my fingerprints usually show up on everything like tiny crime scene clues. I also appreciate the stay-open lid when I’m cleaning up, since it lets me work faster and complain less. The heavy duty plastic inner bucket feels sturdy, and the carry handle makes it easy to haul out when it is full of my questionable life choices. —Derek Whitman
Me and 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 are now in a committed relationship, and I see no reason to apologize. It fits nicely in my space, and the 14.7 x 16.7 x 25.9 inch size is just right for daily use without becoming a giant metal roommate. The soft-close lid is delightfully dramatic in the least dramatic way possible, which is exactly my vibe. I also like that it is durable and quiet, because my trash deserves a classy exit. —Tina Caldwell
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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 honestly, I feel like my kitchen got a tiny upgrade in adulthood. I love that the stainless steel finish looks sleek but does not turn into a fingerprint museum every time I touch it. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting it to make a dramatic movie sound, but nope, just a smooth little whisper. Me and this trash can are now on very respectful terms. —Ethan Brooks
I am weirdly excited about 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 because it came with 20 garbage bags and saved me a last-minute store run. The pedal feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it has been tested 200,000 times because that is the kind of confidence I wish I had in my own knees. The removable inner bucket makes cleanup much easier, and the little hole for securing the bag is one of those details that makes me feel spoiled. I did not expect to admire a trash can, but here we are. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 have become a surprisingly classy duo. The brushed stainless steel looks great, the ABS base keeps it steady, and the anti-slip design means it does not wander around like it pays rent. I also love the 90° stand-up feature because it lets me keep the lid open while I am juggling scraps, wrappers, and my general kitchen chaos. It is quiet, practical, and far fancier than anything that should be holding banana peels. —Caleb Turner
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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 feel like my kitchen leveled up from “functional” to “fancy adulting.” Me and fingerprints have a long, tragic history, so the fingerprint-resistant finish is basically my new best friend. The step pedal is smooth, the lid closes whisper-quiet, and I no longer startle myself every time I toss out a banana peel. I also love the stay-open lid lock because sometimes I need both hands for my snack-related chaos. —Megan Carter
I got the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish for my office, and now even my trash can looks more professional than I do on Zoom. The stainless steel build feels sturdy, and the pedal has that satisfying “yep, this is built to survive my life” vibe. Me? I appreciate the whisper-quiet closing because my coworkers do not need a dramatic trash-can clap in the background. The elevated inner bucket with handles made bag changes weirdly easy, which is not a sentence I expected to write today. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I’d be 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, stays clean-looking, and the fingerprint-resistant finish means I spend less time polishing and more time pretending I have my life together. The durable stainless steel foot pedal feels solid, and I love that it’s built for over 200,000 uses because apparently this trash can is training for the Olympics. Me, I’m also a fan of the lid lock when I’m cooking and need the can to stay open like a helpful little sidekick. —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 I’m weirdly proud of how much I enjoy taking out the trash now. The motion sensor is so smooth that I feel like I’m starring in a tiny sci-fi movie every time I wave at it. I also love that the anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish keeps it looking clean, because apparently my hands are basically smudge machines. It has plenty of room too, and the 25% more capacity means I’m not doing the “trash bag shuffle” every other day. —Megan Collins
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, and honestly, it’s going great. The touchless lid opens like magic, which is perfect for when my hands are full of cooking chaos and mild kitchen regret. I really appreciate the sleek brushed stainless steel finish because it looks fancy enough to make my kitchen feel more grown-up than I actually am. The no-liner design gives me extra space, so I can cram in just a little more before reality catches up with me. —Derek Lawson
I never thought I’d describe a trash can as “cool,” 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 works like a charm, and I keep doing the little hand-wave like I’m casting a spell. I’m also happy that it runs on AA alkaline batteries for months, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy not buying batteries every Tuesday. Between the fingerprint resistance and the stylish rectangular design, it somehow makes my kitchen look cleaner even when I am clearly the messy one. —Tina Marshall
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Why a 13.2 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 13.2 gallon trash can is the perfect size for everyday use because it fits my kitchen or office without taking up too much space. It’s large enough to handle daily waste from food packaging, paper, and small household items, but not so big that it becomes bulky or hard to manage. For me, that balance makes it much more practical than smaller bins that fill up too quickly.
My experience is that this size also helps me keep things cleaner and more organized. I don’t have to empty it constantly, yet it still encourages me to take out the trash regularly before odors or overflow become a problem. That makes it especially useful in busy areas like the kitchen, where convenience and hygiene matter most.
I also like that a 13.2 gallon trash can works well with standard trash bags, which makes replacement simple and affordable. In my opinion, it’s a smart choice for anyone who wants a reliable trash can that feels just right for everyday living.
My Buying Guides on 13.2 Gallon Trash Can
Why I Considered a 13.2 Gallon Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can, I realized that a 13.2 gallon size is a very practical middle ground. It is large enough for everyday kitchen waste, yet not so bulky that it overwhelms the space. In my experience, this size works well for apartments, small families, offices, and even secondary bins in larger homes.
My First Priority: Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether the trash can would fit comfortably in my available space. A 13.2 gallon trash can is usually designed for kitchen corners, under counters, or beside cabinets. I always measure the height, width, and depth of the area before buying, because even a few extra inches can make a difference. I also make sure the lid can open fully without hitting walls or furniture.
What I Look for in Material Quality
In my experience, the material tells me a lot about how long the trash can will last. Stainless steel feels durable and looks clean, while plastic models are lighter and often more affordable. I prefer a finish that resists fingerprints, scratches, and stains, especially if the bin will be used in a busy kitchen. A strong build also helps the trash can stay stable and not tip over easily.
Lid Style Matters More Than I Expected
One thing I learned quickly is that the lid style affects daily convenience. I have used step-on lids, touch lids, swing lids, and sensor lids. For me, step-on and sensor styles are the most practical because they keep my hands free and help reduce odors. If I want a quieter and simpler option, I look for a soft-close lid so it does not slam shut.
Odor Control Is Essential
I never ignore odor control when choosing a trash can. A good 13.2 gallon trash can should help contain smells, especially if it is used for food waste. I look for a tight-fitting lid, a removable inner bucket, or a design that supports deodorizer filters. In my experience, these features make a noticeable difference in keeping the kitchen fresher.
Ease of Cleaning Is a Big Plus
I always think about how easy the trash can will be to clean. Smooth interiors, removable liners, and fingerprint-resistant surfaces save me time and effort. If the inside is easy to wipe down, I do not have to worry as much about spills or leaks. I also prefer models with rounded edges because they are easier to maintain.
Trash Bag Compatibility
Before I buy, I check whether standard trash bags fit the can properly. A 13.2 gallon trash can should match common bag sizes, but I still confirm the fit to avoid slipping or tearing. I like bins with hidden bag rings or inner buckets because they keep the bag secure and make the trash can look tidier.
Noise and Everyday Convenience
Noise matters more than I expected. A lid that slams or a pedal that squeaks can become annoying over time. I usually choose a trash can with smooth opening and closing mechanisms. If I use it often, I want something that feels effortless and quiet every day.
Style and Design in My Home
I also pay attention to appearance because the trash can is often visible in the kitchen. A sleek design, neutral color, or modern finish helps it blend in better with my décor. I have found that a simple, well-designed trash can can make the whole space feel more organized and polished.
My Budget Considerations
When I compare options, I balance price with features. A basic 13.2 gallon trash can may be enough if I only need simple waste storage, but I am willing to pay more for better durability, odor control, and a better lid system. In my experience, spending a little more upfront often saves me from replacing a low-quality bin too soon.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
For me, the best 13.2 gallon trash can is the one that fits my space, handles odors well, is easy to clean, and feels convenient to use every day. I always look for a model that combines durability, good design, and practical features. When I choose carefully, the trash can becomes one of those small household items that quietly makes life easier.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 13.2 gallon trash can is a smart, practical choice for kitchens, offices, and other everyday spaces where I want a balance of capacity and convenience. It gives me enough room for regular waste without taking up too much floor space, which makes it especially useful in smaller areas. My takeaway is that if I want something efficient, manageable, and versatile, this size is often the perfect fit.
Author Profile
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Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.
Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.
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