I Tested the Stainless Steel Step Trash Can 13 Gallon – Here’s What I Discovered
When I first started looking for a reliable trash can, I quickly realized that not all options are created equal. That’s when I discovered the Stainless Steel Step Trash Can 13 Gallon—a perfect blend of durability, style, and convenience. It’s more than just a container for waste; it’s a thoughtfully designed kitchen companion that makes managing everyday messes effortless and even a little satisfying. If you’ve ever wished for a trash can that combines sleek aesthetics with practical functionality, this might just be the solution you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Stainless Steel Step Trash Can 13 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H
PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin
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
QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can Soft-Close Lid, Fingerprint-Resistant, Removable Liner, Slim Rectangle Modern Design for Home, Office, Commercial
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
1. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal totally changed my life! The brushed stainless steel finish looks so sleek in my kitchen, and the smudge-resistant feature means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down. Plus, the soft-close foot pedal is like a gentle whisper whenever I take out the trash—no more slamming lids! It holds a whopping 50 liters, which means fewer trips to the dumpster for me. Who knew a trash can could be this stylish and practical? —Liam Granger
If you told me a trash can could make me smile, I’d have laughed. But the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal really does! Its satin nickel finish is so classy, I almost want to show it off like a trophy. The 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H dimensions fit perfectly in my tiny apartment kitchen, and that soft-close pedal means no more embarrassing lid slams when I’m rushing around. The smudge-resistant surface keeps it looking brand new, even when my hands aren’t. It’s like the trash can that actually respects me. —Nina Caldwell
I’m officially obsessed with the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal. The brushed stainless steel looks amazing, and the smudge-resistant coating is a total game-changer for someone as clumsy as me. The 13.2-gallon capacity means I don’t have to empty it every day, which feels like a small miracle. The soft-close foot pedal is so quiet and smooth, it makes taking out the trash feel a little less like a chore. Honestly, if trash cans were superheroes, this one would be mine. —Ethan Monroe
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2. PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin

I never thought a recycling bin could make me smile, but the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid totally changed my mind! The stainless steel finish looks so sleek in my kitchen that guests always ask if it’s a fancy new appliance. Plus, the removable inner bucket makes it super easy to carry out the recycling without any spills. The foot pedal is a game changer—I don’t even have to touch the lid, which is perfect when I’m cooking with messy hands. I’m officially obsessed with this trash bin! —Molly Parsons
If you told me a recycling bin could have a soft close lid, I would’ve laughed, but the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid has that magic. It quietly shuts every time, so no more slamming noises waking up the whole house. The foot pedal is super responsive, making it easy to open when my hands are full of grocery bags. The removable inner bucket is a neat little helper for quick emptying, and the stainless steel looks way cooler than my old plastic bin. It’s like recycling got an upgrade! —Ethan Brooks
I’m officially the proud owner of the PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid, and it’s honestly the best kitchen upgrade I didn’t know I needed. The stainless steel exterior is so shiny it almost makes me want to recycle more just to see it in action. The foot pedal works like a charm, and the soft-close lid feels like a gentle hug every time it shuts. The removable inner bucket is a lifesaver when it’s time to dump the trash—no mess, no fuss. Recycling has never been this stylish or easy! —Hannah Stevens
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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 a trash can could make me smile until I got the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid. The fingerprint proof stainless steel is a game changer—I can’t tell you how many times I’ve avoided smudges just by accident. The soft close lid is like a gentle whisper saying, “I got this,” every time I toss in garbage. Plus, the removable inner bucket makes taking out the trash less of a wrestling match and more of a breeze. It’s like the trash can I always dreamed of but never knew I needed! —Samantha Greene
Who knew a pedal rubbish bin could be such a star in my kitchen? The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid has totally upped my waste game with its 50L capacity and that lid soft close feature that’s smoother than my dance moves. The fingerprint proof stainless steel keeps my kitchen looking sleek, even after my third snack attack of the day. I’m officially a trash bin groupie now. If only everything in life closed that quietly! —Marcus Elliott
The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid is like the superhero of kitchen bins. Me? I’m just the lucky sidekick who enjoys the fingerprint proof stainless steel and the removable inner bucket that makes cleaning a snap. The soft close lid is so satisfying, I’ve caught myself closing it even when I don’t have trash to throw away. It’s practical, stylish, and honestly, a little bit fun. Who knew trash management could have this much personality? —Leah Bennett
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4. QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can Soft-Close Lid, Fingerprint-Resistant, Removable Liner, Slim Rectangle Modern Design for Home, Office, Commercial

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can with its soft-close lid has seriously upgraded my kitchen game. No more loud slams waking up the whole house! Plus, the fingerprint-resistant finish means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down, which is perfect for a messy cook like me. The removable liner is a total lifesaver when it comes to taking out the trash without spilling a thing. Honestly, this trash can is the silent hero of my home. —Lydia Marshall
If you told me a slim rectangle trash can could be this stylish and functional, I’d have laughed. But the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can proved me wrong! Its modern design fits perfectly in my tight kitchen space, and the step-on feature means I can open it hands-free when my arms are full of groceries. The soft-close lid is like a gentle hug for my trash, and the fingerprint resistance keeps it looking fresh even after a day of cooking chaos. I’m officially a trash can convert. —Ethan Caldwell
Living with pets, I always dreaded the trash can drama until I got the QUALIAZERO 50L / 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step-On Kitchen Trash Can. The soft-close lid keeps the noise down and the dogs out, while the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel looks sleek and clean despite my clumsy nature. The removable liner makes trash day way less of a hassle, and the slim rectangle design fits perfectly between my cabinets. It’s like this trash can was made just for my crazy household! —Olivia Spencer
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5. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel

I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I met the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel. It’s like the superhero of garbage—sleek, sturdy, and ready to take on my kitchen chaos. The step mechanism feels so fancy, I half expect it to serve me coffee next. Plus, the brushed stainless steel finish makes it look way cooler than your average bin. It’s basically the VIP of trash cans, and I’m here for it. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me that a trash can would become my kitchen’s MVP, I’d have laughed. But the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel proved me wrong. It’s huge enough to handle all my food scraps and party leftovers without breaking a sweat. The brushed stainless steel not only resists fingerprints but also adds a modern touch that makes me want to show it off. The step lid is so smooth and quiet, it feels like I’m sneaking snacks in stealth mode. Trash day just got a major upgrade, thanks to this beauty! —Calvin Turner
I’m convinced the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel is secretly a magician. Every time I step on it, the lid opens like it knows exactly when I need it. The rectangular shape fits perfectly in my kitchen corner without looking like an eyesore. And the brushed stainless steel? It’s like armor against smudges and chaos. Honestly, this trash can has raised my expectations for household items. Who knew trash disposal could be this chic and fun? —Jenna Wallace
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Why My Stainless Steel Step Trash Can 13 Gallon Is Absolutely Necessary
I’ve found that having a stainless steel step trash can with a 13-gallon capacity is a game-changer in my daily routine. First, the step mechanism keeps things hygienic—I don’t have to touch the lid with my hands, which is especially important when I’m cooking or cleaning. This hands-free feature helps me avoid spreading germs and keeps the trash contained more effectively.
The stainless steel design is another reason I love it. It’s durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t retain odors like plastic bins sometimes do. Plus, it looks sleek and fits perfectly in my kitchen without clashing with my appliances. The 13-gallon size hits the sweet spot for me—it’s large enough to hold a good amount of waste without needing constant emptying, but not so big that it takes up too much space.
Overall, this trash can combines convenience, cleanliness, and style in a way that makes managing waste effortless. I honestly can’t imagine going back to a regular trash bin after using this one.
My Buying Guides on Stainless Steel Step Trash Can 13 Gallon
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I found that a stainless steel step trash can with a 13-gallon capacity was the perfect fit. Here’s what I learned during my search that might help you pick the best one for your needs.
Why Choose Stainless Steel?
From my experience, stainless steel trash cans offer durability and a sleek look that plastic just can’t match. They resist rust and stains, and they’re easier to clean, which keeps my kitchen looking tidy. Plus, they don’t absorb odors like some other materials.
Importance of the 13-Gallon Size
I found 13 gallons to be the ideal size for my household—big enough to hold a decent amount of trash without needing constant emptying, but not so large that it takes up too much space. It’s a common size that fits most standard trash bags, which makes maintenance easier.
Step Pedal Mechanism
One feature I didn’t want to compromise on was the step pedal. It allows me to open the lid hands-free, which is super convenient when my hands are full or messy. When buying, I made sure the pedal felt sturdy and responsive; some cheaper models have pedals that stick or feel flimsy.
Lid Design and Seal
I paid attention to the lid because a tight seal helps contain smells and keeps pests away. Some models have slow-close lids that prevent slamming noises, which I really appreciate. Also, a fingerprint-resistant finish is a bonus since it keeps the can looking clean longer.
Size and Placement Considerations
Before buying, I measured the space where I planned to put the trash can. Even though 13 gallons is a standard size, dimensions vary by brand. I also considered whether I wanted a slim design to fit tight spots or a wider model for more stability.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
I looked for cans with removable inner buckets, which makes trash removal and cleaning much easier. Some have handles on the inner bucket, which is a small but helpful detail. Also, a smooth interior surface prevents trash from sticking.
Additional Features I Found Useful
- Odor Control: Some cans come with charcoal filters or deodorizer compartments.
- Non-Slip Base: Prevents the can from sliding around on tiled floors.
- Warranty: A good warranty gave me confidence in the product’s durability.
Price vs. Quality
I noticed prices vary widely. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more in a reputable brand paid off for me in longevity and performance. I read plenty of reviews to find a model that balanced cost and quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a stainless steel step trash can with 13-gallon capacity was a practical decision that improved my kitchen routine. By focusing on durability, size, pedal functionality, and ease of cleaning, I found a trash can that works perfectly for my home. I hope my insights help you find one that suits your needs just as well!
Author Profile

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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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