8 Best 13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Cans of 2026

The STERILITE 10458004 Touch Can punches above its weight with a surprisingly elegant design for a budget bin. Its 13-gallon capacity makes it ideal for daily kitchen use, while the touch-top mechanism offers a sleek, modern alternative to pedal operation—just a light tap opens the lid, solving the common frustration of sticky or squeaky foot pedals. The titanium-colored latch adds a subtle premium accent, giving this plastic can a more refined look than most in its class.

In real-world testing, the touch-lid performs reliably on smooth surfaces but can be finicky on uneven floors or thick rugs, where stability becomes an issue. The all-plastic build keeps it lightweight and easy to move, but also means it lacks the durability and odor-sealing tightness of stainless steel models. It works best in low-traffic areas like breakfast nooks or home offices, though the lid doesn’t stay open hands-free, requiring repeated taps during meal prep cleanup.

Compared to pricier sensor or pedal bins, this Sterilite model is the go-to for cost-conscious buyers who still want a clean, functional look. It’s not built for heavy-duty use or germ-sensitive environments, but for basic disposal needs, it delivers where it counts. While the KdbK 13 Gallon offers soft-close silence and steel durability, the Sterilite stands out by offering stylish simplicity at a fraction of the cost.

The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can redefines quiet operation with its bi-force damper soft-close lid, delivering a luxurious, whisper-quiet glide that eliminates lid-slamming for good. Engineered for longevity, its brushed stainless steel body resists fingerprints and scratches, while the anti-slip ABS base ensures it stays put on tile or hardwood. This bin tackles two major pain points: messy bag overhang and noisy closures—both solved with thoughtful design.

During testing, the 90° stay-open lid proved invaluable during cooking marathons, keeping the bin accessible without constant foot-pedaling. The removable inner bucket is impact-resistant and features a built-in hole to anchor bags, preventing slippage. It handled heavy loads of food waste and wet paper without warping, and the included 20 durable garbage bags were a welcome bonus. However, the pedal requires a firm press, which might be tricky for young children or those with limited mobility.

Pitted against the Amazon Basics model, the KdbK matches it in soft-close performance but edges ahead with its superior fingerprint-resistant finish and included accessories. It’s the ideal pick for families wanting quiet, reliable, and low-maintenance disposal without splurging on high-tech sensors. While not as narrow as the QUALIAZERO, it offers a better balance of premium feel, performance, and value.

The Amazon Basics 13.2-gallon can is the workhorse of stainless steel trash cans, blending commercial-grade durability with thoughtful home-friendly features. Its smudge-resistant satin nickel finish shrugs off fingerprints, a godsend in busy kitchens where frequent access leaves most bins looking grubby. The heavy-duty plastic inner bucket and stay-open lid make bag changes and continuous use effortless—no more holding the lid up with your elbow while scraping plates.

In practical use, the soft-close foot pedal operates smoothly thousands of cycles without wobble, and the lid closes with a satisfying, silent descent. At 16.7 x 14.7 inches, it fits neatly between cabinets, though it’s not the slimmest option available. The bin excels in high-use scenarios—meal prep, parties, or office break rooms—but the inner bucket lacks odor-trapping features found in premium models like Garvee.

When compared to the Ninestars sensor can, this Amazon Basics model wins on simplicity and reliability—no batteries to replace, no motion malfunctions. It’s less flashy but more dependable for daily grind use. While the QUALIAZERO offers a slimmer profile, this one delivers the best balance of size, durability, and ease of cleaning for its class.

The Ninestars 13-gallon sensor can is a hygiene powerhouse, using advanced infrared motion detection to deliver truly hands-free disposal—just wave, and the lid opens silently. Its delay-sensing technology prevents false triggers from pets or passersby, a smart upgrade over cheaper touchless models that open randomly. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel base stays clean-looking, and the removable ring liner keeps bags taut and hidden for a polished look.

Real-world testing showed it performed flawlessly in high-traffic kitchens, especially during cooking or when hands were full or dirty. The quiet closing function extends motor life and avoids startling noises, while the water-resistant sensor shrugs off spills. However, it requires 2 D batteries (not included), and alkaline types are essential for long-term performance. The rectangular black lid, while sleek, can show dust over time.

Against the BestOffice sensor model, the Ninestars offers better build quality, longer battery life, and superior sensor accuracy. It’s the top pick for families prioritizing germ control and convenience over manual operation. While the Garvee excels in design and durability, the Ninestars justifies its cost with touchless performance that’s unmatched in busy households.

The QUALIAZERO 13-gallon step-on can is a space-savvy masterpiece, designed for kitchens where every inch matters. Its slim rectangular profile slips effortlessly into narrow gaps between appliances or cabinets, making it the go-to for apartments, galley kitchens, or island nooks. The fingerprint-resistant steel stays pristine with minimal wiping, and the soft-close lid shuts with a hushed, controlled descent—no more midnight lid slams.

In daily use, the hands-free foot pedal responds reliably with moderate pressure, and the removable inner liner simplifies bag changes without mess. The bin holds a full 13-gallon bag snugly, though the narrow width means bulky items like crumpled boxes may need flattening. It’s stable on hardwood, but the base could use more grip on slick tile.

Compared to the Amazon Basics, this QUALIAZERO model trades some inner volume for superior space efficiency and modern minimalism. It doesn’t have a stay-open lid, which the Garvee offers, but its ultra-slim footprint makes it unbeatable for tight spaces. For urban dwellers or minimalist kitchens, it delivers maximum function in a minimalist form.

The Garvee 13-gallon trash can is the undisputed champion of build quality and intelligent design, engineered to last with 410 ferritic stainless steel that resists rust, dents, and scratches. Its soft-close lid locks at 95°, staying open hands-free during intense cooking sessions, then gliding shut silently—no slamming, no noise. The custom liner ring grips standard bags securely, eliminating bunching, while the rear handle makes emptying effortless, even when full.

In rigorous testing, it handled weeks of daily use without wear: the industrial-grade pedal survived 150,000+ steps, and the ABS hinge endured over 300,000 cycles without loosening. The extended lid overhang hides bag edges perfectly, maintaining a seamless, high-end look. At 25.98 inches tall, it fits under standard countertops, and the slender footprint maximizes floor space.

Versus the Amazon Basics, the Garvee offers superior materials, better bag management, and a more premium finish—justifying its place as the best overall. While the Ninestars wins on touchless convenience, the Garvee dominates in durability, aesthetics, and daily usability. It’s the ideal fusion of form, function, and long-term value.

The Glad Premium 13-gallon can stands out with its built-in Clorox Odor Protection, a game-changer for smelly kitchen waste. The odor-inhibiting lid formulation actively neutralizes smells over time, making it the top budget pick for households battling food odors without upgrading to sealed containers. Paired with a stainless steel foot pedal, it delivers a surprisingly sturdy feel despite its plastic construction.

In real use, the interior bag rings keep trash bags taut and hidden, creating a clean, no-sag look that rivals pricier models. The matte black finish hides scuffs well, and the rectangular shape fits snugly in corners. However, the plastic body can feel hollow when kicked, and the lid doesn’t seal as tightly as steel counterparts, so strong odors may still escape over time.

Compared to the Sterilite touch can, the Glad offers better odor control and sturdier pedal performance, though it lacks soft-close features. It’s not as durable as the KdbK, but for budget-focused buyers who hate trash smells, it delivers targeted innovation. While the Garvee wins on longevity, the Glad justifies its cost with specialized odor protection in a simple, functional design.

The BestOffice 13-gallon touchless can brings sensor convenience to a budget-friendly price, using infrared motion detection to open the lid silently—just wave, and it responds in under half a second. Its oval design with sloping lid adds modern flair to any kitchen or bathroom, while the PP plastic body is waterproof and scratch-resistant, making it easy to wipe down after spills.

During testing, it handled high-traffic zones well, though the 4× C batteries drain faster than D-cell models like Ninestars, supporting around 40,000 cycles. The odor-control lid helps when closed, but lacks active neutralizers like the Glad model. It’s stable on flat surfaces, but the oval base can wobble slightly on thick rugs.

Against the Ninestars, the BestOffice offers similar touchless performance at a lower price, but with less durable materials and shorter battery life. It’s ideal for renters or secondary spaces where hygiene and style matter more than long-term investment. While the Garvee wins on build, this one delivers smart, touchless function without the premium cost.