A stainless steel trash can can make everyday cleanup easier while keeping a kitchen looking tidy. The right choice depends on more than capacity: consider the can’s footprint, how its lid opens and closes, whether it holds a liner securely, and how much room the lid needs when open.
These five step-on models hold about 13 gallons, making them practical options for many kitchens. The picks below differ in finish, liner handling, included bags, and stay-open features, so you can match one to your space and routine.
| Pick | Capacity | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SONGMICS 13-Gallon Step-On Trash Can | 13 gallons | Bag-securing inner bucket and soft-close lid | Everyday use and simple liner changes |
| EKO Hudson Slim 50L Trash Can | 13.2 gallons | Fingerprint-resistant finish and reinforced pedal | Narrow spaces and frequent use |
| KdbK 13-Gallon Pedal Trash Can | 13 gallons | Includes 20 bags and a removable inner bucket | Buyers who want bags included |
| Garvee Slim 13-Gallon Trash Can | 13.2 gallons | Liner ring and odor-trapping inner bucket | Organized liner changes and tight spaces |
| SONGMICS 13-Gallon Soft-Close Trash Can | 13 gallons | Includes 15 liners and inner-bucket handles | Convenient setup and easy emptying |
Our Picks: Best Kitchen Stainless Steel Trash Cans reviews
1. SONGMICS 13-Gallon Trash Can: A Practical Everyday Pick
This SONGMICS model offers a straightforward setup: a 13-gallon stainless steel can, a foot pedal, and a removable inner bucket. Its capacity is a useful middle ground for many households, while the simple exterior is designed to fit into a range of kitchen styles.
The lid closes slowly and quietly, and you can also lift it by hand and leave it open. That can be handy when you are preparing food or doing a longer cleanup. A hole in the back of the inner bucket helps hold the bag edges in place and keep them out of sight.
The design focuses on useful daily features rather than a specialized shape or extra accessories. It is a good match if you want a standard-size step can with a hidden liner edge. If your kitchen has a particularly narrow gap, check the product dimensions before choosing, as the supplied details do not specify its footprint.
Pros:
- 13-gallon capacity suits many everyday kitchen routines.
- Soft-close lid helps avoid a loud slam.
- Lid can stay open for longer tasks.
- Inner-bucket hole helps secure and conceal the liner.
Cons:
- The supplied product details do not list its exact dimensions.
- No liners are listed as included.
Verdict: Choose this SONGMICS can if you want a no-frills 13-gallon model with a quiet lid and a simple way to tuck away the bag edge.
2. EKO Hudson Slim 50L: A Narrow-Profile Can for Busy Kitchens
The EKO Hudson pairs a 13.2-gallon capacity with a slim design, making it a candidate for kitchens where floor space is limited. Its fingerprint-resistant finish is intended to reduce visible smudges and make routine wipe-downs easier.
The product description highlights a reinforced stainless steel pedal designed for more than 200,000 open-and-close cycles. Its soft-close lid can be lifted to a 90-degree position and left open, which may be useful for food prep and liner changes. A rear handle also makes it easier to move the can when cleaning around it.
EKO includes sample Code J bags, but the supplied details do not give the can’s measurements. Confirm the width and lid clearance against your available space before buying, especially if you plan to place it beneath a counter or beside an appliance. Its focus on a slim form and pedal durability makes it distinct from the more basic SONGMICS option.
Pros:
- Slim profile is designed for narrow kitchen spaces.
- Fingerprint-resistant finish helps limit visible smudges.
- Lid stays open at a 90-degree angle for hands-free tasks.
- Includes sample bags and a rear carry handle.
Cons:
- Exact exterior dimensions are not included in the supplied details.
- Sample bags are provided, but ongoing bag compatibility should be checked for your needs.
Verdict: Consider the EKO Hudson if you need a slim 13.2-gallon can and value its fingerprint-resistant finish, stay-open lid, and reinforced pedal design.
3. KdbK 13-Gallon Trash Can: A Bag-Included Option
KdbK’s 13-gallon can has a brushed stainless steel exterior with an anti-fingerprint finish. It includes 20 bags, so you can get started without choosing a separate liner right away. The product description also says regular 13-gallon supermarket bags can be used.
The lid uses a soft-close mechanism and can stay open at 90 degrees for tasks that take more than a moment. Its removable ABS inner bucket has a small hole to help secure the bag, and the description notes that the lid can be closed manually as well. Those details make the model a practical choice for someone who wants a flexible lid and a liner-ready setup.
The included bags are a convenience, but they will not remove the need to restock later. The supplied product information does not provide exterior dimensions, so measure your intended spot if space is tight. Compared with the EKO, this pick stands out more for its included bags and removable inner bucket than for a slim-profile design.
Pros:
- Includes 20 bags and is described as compatible with regular 13-gallon bags.
- Brushed, anti-fingerprint stainless steel surface.
- Soft-close lid can stay open at 90 degrees.
- Removable inner bucket has a bag-securing hole.
Cons:
- Exact exterior dimensions are not listed in the supplied details.
- The ABS inner bucket may not suit shoppers who prefer an all-metal interior.
Verdict: Pick the KdbK if included bags and a removable inner bucket matter more to you than a clearly specified slim footprint.
4. Garvee Slim Trash Can: Detailed Liner Control for Tight Spaces
The Garvee is a 13.2-gallon slim step can with listed exterior dimensions of 18.7 inches long, 11.22 inches wide, and 24.8 inches tall when closed. The product description says it rises to 39.57 inches when open, an important clearance detail if it will sit beneath an overhang or near a cabinet.
Its liner ring is designed to hold standard bags in place, while the inner bucket and lid are described as helping trap odors. A rear handle supports moving the can, and anti-slip feet are intended to keep it steady on the floor. The brushed, fingerprint-resistant finish is designed for easy wipe-downs.
This model provides more fit information than the other picks, which helps if you are measuring a narrow gap. Still, the open-lid height deserves careful attention: its slim footprint does not mean the lid will clear nearby counters or shelves. The listed inner-bucket dimensions can also help you judge whether the usable space fits your routine.
Pros:
- Lists both closed and open heights, plus exterior dimensions.
- Liner ring is designed to reduce bag slipping and bunching.
- Inner bucket and lid are described as helping trap odors.
- Rear handle and anti-slip feet add practical handling features.
Cons:
- At 39.57 inches tall with the lid open, it may not suit spaces with low overhead clearance.
- The many fit details still need to be checked against your own kitchen layout.
Verdict: Choose the Garvee if you want a slim can with a liner ring and published dimensions, and you have enough room for its open lid.
5. SONGMICS Soft-Close Trash Can: A Convenient Setup with Liners Included
This 13-gallon SONGMICS model combines a stainless steel exterior with a foot pedal and soft-close lid. Its description says the finish resists rust and fingerprints, making it a useful option if you want a metal can that is intended to be simple to maintain.
The removable inner bucket has handles on both sides, which can make it easier to lift out for emptying or cleaning. The can also comes with 15 liners and is compatible with SONGMICS 13-gallon bags marked with liner code K. That specific bag compatibility is worth noting if you want to keep using the intended liners after the included supply runs out.
Compared with the first SONGMICS pick, this version highlights inner-bucket handles and included liners rather than a bag hole for tucking the edges. The supplied details do not mention a stay-open lid feature, so it may be less convenient than the other models for longer tasks that require the lid to remain raised.
Pros:
- Includes 15 liners for a ready-to-use setup.
- Removable inner bucket has two side handles.
- Soft-close lid and hands-free foot pedal.
- Finish is described as rust- and fingerprint-resistant.
Cons:
- Compatible SONGMICS bags use a specific liner code.
- The supplied details do not mention a stay-open lid position.
Verdict: This SONGMICS is a good fit if included liners and handles on the inner bucket are your main priorities.
How to Choose a Kitchen Stainless Steel Trash Can
Match capacity to your household routine
All five picks hold about 13 gallons, which is a common size for a kitchen bin. Think about how often you want to take out the trash and how much packaging or food waste your household creates. A larger capacity can mean fewer trips to empty the can, but it also needs more floor space and can hold a full bag that is heavier to lift.
Measure the footprint and lid clearance
Check the width and depth of the spot where the can will sit, then account for the space needed to step on the pedal. If the lid opens beneath a counter, shelf, or island overhang, measure the available height with the lid raised. Garvee lists an open height of 39.57 inches; for the other models, consult the product listing for dimensions before you commit.
Consider the finish and daily cleanup
Stainless steel gives these cans a metal exterior, but finishes vary. Some are described as fingerprint-resistant or smudge-proof, while SONGMICS describes its stainless steel as resistant to rust and fingerprints. These features can make routine care easier, but a wipeable surface still benefits from regular cleaning.
Choose the lid action that suits your routine
A foot pedal lets you open the lid without using your hands, which can be useful during cooking. Soft-close lids are designed to lower more quietly than a lid that drops shut. If you often prep food or clean out the refrigerator, look for a can with a lid that stays open; several picks in this list specifically offer that feature.
Check how the liner stays in place
A bag that slips into the bin or hangs over the rim can be frustrating. These models use different approaches: SONGMICS includes an inner-bucket hole on one version, KdbK includes a bag-securing hole, and Garvee uses a liner ring. The other SONGMICS model has a removable bucket with handles and specified compatible bags. Decide whether concealed edges, secure fit, easy removal, or included liners matter most to you.
Look at the inner bucket and moving features
A removable inner bucket can make emptying and cleaning more convenient. Handles on the bucket may help when lifting it out, while a rear handle can help you move the full can or shift it during floor cleaning. If you expect to relocate the bin often, compare these details rather than choosing on appearance alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 13-gallon trash can large enough for a kitchen?
It can suit many households, but the right size depends on how much waste you produce and how often you want to empty the bin. These picks are all around 13 gallons, so compare their footprints and liner details as well as capacity.
Are stainless steel trash cans fingerprint-proof?
Not necessarily. Some models in this list describe their finish as fingerprint-resistant or smudge-proof, which is intended to reduce visible marks, but it does not mean the surface can never show fingerprints.
What is a soft-close lid?
A soft-close lid is designed to lower slowly and quietly instead of dropping shut. Several cans here include that feature, which can help reduce the noise of everyday use.
Can I use regular 13-gallon bags?
The KdbK description says regular 13-gallon supermarket bags can be used. The SONGMICS model with included liners specifies SONGMICS bags with liner code K, and EKO includes sample Code J bags. For other bags or models, check the listing’s size and fit information.
Which model is best for a narrow space?
The EKO Hudson and Garvee are both described as slim. Garvee provides specific exterior dimensions, which can help you compare the can with your available space. Remember to account for lid clearance as well as the closed footprint.
Do these trash cans have stay-open lids?
SONGMICS’s first model can be opened by hand and left open, while EKO, KdbK, and Garvee describe lids that can stay open for hands-free tasks. The supplied details for the other SONGMICS model do not mention a stay-open position.
Final Recommendation
For a balanced everyday pick, the SONGMICS 13-gallon step can offers a soft-close lid, a stay-open option, and a simple way to secure and conceal the liner. Choose the EKO Hudson if a slim design and fingerprint-resistant finish are higher priorities, or the Garvee if published dimensions and a liner ring will help you plan a tight fit. The KdbK and second SONGMICS model are worth considering if included bags are especially convenient for your setup.