A trash can can be both plain and surprisingly significant, and in a busy kitchen, that difference shows fast.
You want a 13 gallon model that fits your space, controls odor, and holds up to daily use without getting in your way.
From stainless steel pedal bins to touchless and budget friendly plastic options, the best picks for 2026 each solve a different problem, and one of them might be better for your home than you expect.
More Details on Our Top Picks
SONGMICS 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can
[zw asin=”B0C3VC57RB” alt=”SONGMICS 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can”]Best Overall
View Latest PriceSONGMICS’ 13-gallon trash can stands out as the top all-around pick for busy kitchens. It features a sturdy stainless steel body with a sleek black finish, along with a rectangular shape that fits neatly beside cabinets. The step-on pedal feels comfortable, and the soft-close lid helps keep noise down. When you are tackling big cleanups, the stay-open feature is useful. Its carbon filter helps cut odors, while the 13-gallon capacity reduces trips to empty it. You can move it easily, clean it quickly, and rely on rust-resistant construction for everyday indoor use.
- Opening Type:Step-on pedal
- Capacity:13 gallons
- Shape:Rectangular
- Material:Stainless steel / PP plastic
- Color:Black
- Lid Style:Soft-close lid
- Additional Feature:Soft-close lid
- Additional Feature:Stay-open catch point
- Additional Feature:Carbon odor filter
Winco Waste Basket for Home and Office 10 Gallon Black
[zw asin=”B085P1HGVQ” alt=”Winco Waste Basket for Home and Office 10 Gallon Black”]Budget Pick
View Latest PriceWinco’s 10-gallon waste basket is a practical budget choice for tight spaces. It has a lightweight, open-top, rectangular design that fits neatly under desks, in bathrooms, kitchens, offices, or break rooms. Its 41-quart capacity provides ample room without taking up much space. The smooth plastic body, rolled edges, and reinforcement ribs help it stand up to daily use, while rounded corners make cleaning easier. At just 2 pounds, it is easy to move. The package includes one basket and a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
- Opening Type:Open-top
- Capacity:10 gallons
- Shape:Rectangular
- Material:Plastic
- Color:Black
- Lid Style:No lid
- Additional Feature:Rolled edge reinforcement
- Additional Feature:Rounded cleaning corners
- Additional Feature:Fits under desks
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection
[zw asin=”B0BWPRZ9R4″ alt=”Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection”]Best 2-Pack
View Latest PriceGlad’s 13-gallon trash cans make odor control easy for busy kitchens and shared spaces, especially if you want a two-pack. You get two black, rectangular plastic bins that each hold 13 gallons and measure 18 inches wide, 14.7 inches deep, and 25 inches high. Clorox Odor Protection in the lid and frame helps block smells for life. The step-on foot pedal lets you toss waste without touching the lid, and interior bag rings keep liners secure and concealed. Use them at home or in commercial settings. They include a 2-year limited warranty.
- Opening Type:Step-on pedal
- Capacity:13 gallons
- Shape:Rectangular
- Material:Plastic
- Color:Black
- Lid Style:Clorox odor lid
- Additional Feature:Clorox odor protection
- Additional Feature:Interior bag rings
- Additional Feature:Two-pack bundle
SIMPLI-MAGIC 13 Gallon Touchless Sensor Trash Can
[zw asin=”B0BG9HD7F2″ alt=”SIMPLI-MAGIC 13 Gallon Touchless Sensor Trash Can”]Best Touchless
View Latest PriceSIMPLI-MAGIC’s 13-gallon touchless sensor trash can is a practical choice for busy kitchens where hands are often full. Wave your hand over the top, and the lid opens automatically, then stays open while it detects movement. If you prefer not to use the sensor, manual mode is also available. Its tight-fitting lid helps trap odors and keeps garbage sealed away from the room. Made from sturdy, quality materials, this rectangular white bin resists deformation and stands up to frequent use. With 13 gallons of capacity, it offers reliable, long-term convenience for your kitchen, office, bedroom, or other living spaces.
- Opening Type:Touchless sensor
- Capacity:13 gallons
- Shape:Rectangular
- Material:High-quality materials
- Color:White
- Lid Style:Sensor lid
- Additional Feature:Touchless motion sensor
- Additional Feature:Manual mode option
- Additional Feature:Automatic close delay
happimess Connor 13-Gallon Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid
[zw asin=”B0CPRLSJTL” alt=”happimess Connor 13-Gallon Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid”]Best Style
View Latest Pricehappimess’s Connor brings sleek style to busy kitchens and offices. You get a rectangular 13-gallon bin in Pistachio Gelato that blends modern minimalism with practical function. Its rustproof stainless steel body and fingerprint-resistant brushed finish help it stay looking clean, while the soft-close lid keeps noise down. You open it with the steel pedal, which should hold up through daily use. Connor includes a free matching 5-liter mini can, so you can coordinate smaller spaces too. It is a smart pick for your home, kitchen, office, or bathroom whenever you want style and convenience.
- Opening Type:Step-on pedal
- Capacity:13 gallons
- Shape:Rectangular
- Material:Stainless steel
- Color:Pistachio Gelato
- Lid Style:Soft-close lid
- Additional Feature:Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Additional Feature:Matching mini trash can
- Additional Feature:Steel pedal durability
STERILITE 10458004 Touch Can White 13 Gallon
[zw asin=”B00COEB0SQ” alt=”STERILITE 10458004 Touch Can White 13 Gallon”]Best Press-Top
View Latest PriceSTERILITE 10458004 Touch Can gives your kitchen a sleek, press top trash solution. It is a 13 gallon white bin with a polished finish and a titanium colored latch that looks clean in modern spaces. Its rectangular shape lets you tuck the long side against a wall, so you save floor space. The touch top opening makes disposal easy, and the crack resistant plastic helps it stand up to daily use. At 3.6 pounds, you can move it without hassle. Sterilite includes the Touch Can itself, and you can use it confidently in your kitchen.
- Opening Type:Touch-top
- Capacity:13 gallons
- Shape:Rectangular
- Material:Plastic
- Color:White
- Lid Style:Press-top lid
- Additional Feature:Press-top opening
- Additional Feature:Crack resistant
- Additional Feature:Space-saving wall fit
Sterilite Wastebasket SWINGTOP BLK 13GA 10899004
[zw asin=”B09Z78CNVH” alt=”Sterilite Wastebasket SWINGTOP BLK 13GA 10899004″]Best Swing Lid
View Latest PriceShould you want a tidy, easy swing kitchen or garage bin, this Sterilite 13 gallon wastebasket fits the bill. It has a durable plastic body with a polished black finish and a swing lid opening that keeps trash covered while still making disposal easy. Its 13 gallon capacity, 15.75 inch length, 12.25 inch width, and 28.25 inch height make it a practical fit for everyday use. At just 4 pounds, it is easy to move. You can wipe it down and sanitize it quickly, so it stays clean in your kitchen, garage, or workspace.
- Opening Type:Swing lid
- Capacity:13 gallons
- Shape:Rectangular
- Material:Plastic
- Color:Black
- Lid Style:Swing lid
- Additional Feature:Swing-lid opening
- Additional Feature:Easy to sanitize
- Additional Feature:Garage workspace use
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 13 Gallon Trash Can
When you choose a 13-gallon trash can, consider how much capacity you need and how much floor space you have. You should also compare lid opening styles, material and durability, odor control features, and how easy it is to clean. Finding the right balance of these factors helps you choose a can that fits your space and daily routine.
Capacity and Footprint
A 13-gallon trash can gives you enough capacity for a busy household without forcing you to empty it constantly, but the real fit depends on its footprint as much as its size. You should measure the floor space first, since many rectangular models run about 15 to 18 inches long and 11 to 15 inches wide. That size helps you tuck the can under a counter or beside appliances without crowding the area. Height matters too: most cans stand 23 to 28 inches tall, so check the clearance in cabinets or beneath counters. Match the interior volume to 13-gallon bags, or 12 to 14.5 gallon liners, so they do not slip or bunch. In tight spots, a tall, narrow rectangular can usually works better than a round one.
Lid Opening Style
Lid opening style can make a 13-gallon trash can feel easy to use or annoying fast. If you want the most hygienic option, choose a step-on pedal. You can open it hands-free, and the wide pedal gives you stable footing. Touchless sensor or wave-open lids reduce contact even more, so they are great when your hands are full, but you will need batteries or power and may have to recalibrate the sensor. Soft-close lids lower quietly, so they will not slam or wake anyone. Swing-top and flip lids let you toss waste with one hand, but they may let more odor escape. Touch-top lids stay compact for tight spaces, though repeated pressing can transfer germs unless you clean them frequently.
Material and Durability
Material matters because a 13-gallon trash can takes daily abuse. If you use it often, stainless steel usually offers the best mix of strength and longevity. It resists rust and dents, and it feels sturdier than plastic, though it weighs more. If you prefer plastic, choose a model with thicker walls, rolled edges, or reinforcement ribs so it is less likely to crack or warp. Also check the pedal, hinge, and lid hardware. Metal parts and reinforced joints handle repeated use better than thin plastic ones. Finishes matter too. Fingerprint-resistant coatings and polished surfaces stay cleaner-looking and hide scratches better. Finally, look for a tight, solid frame and a lid that helps the can keep its shape when full or bumped.
Odor Control Features
Odor control is where a 13-gallon trash can proves its worth. Prioritize lids with tight seals or fully enclosed designs so smells stay trapped inside. For extra protection, choose a model with a built-in carbon or activated charcoal filter in the lid; it helps absorb odors between emptyings. Soft-close lids and automatic sensor or hands-free lids also reduce how long garbage sits exposed, which keeps the kitchen fresher. For big cleanup jobs, a stay-open feature can help, but make sure the lid still reseals firmly afterward. Also consider non-porous stainless steel or smooth plastic, since these materials do not hold onto odors as easily as textured or corroded surfaces.
Ease of Cleaning
Ease of cleaning matters just as much as capacity, especially in a busy kitchen where spills happen often. You’ll save time if you choose stainless steel or smooth plastic with non-porous surfaces, since they resist stains and wipe down quickly. A trash can with a removable inner bucket or liner helps you empty it faster, and a bag-retaining ring keeps cleanup neater. Pick lids and pedals that you can detach or reach easily, so you do not miss grime in tight spots. Rounded interior corners and fewer seams also reduce buildup and make sanitation simpler. If you want less maintenance, look for fingerprint-resistant, smudge-resistant, and rust-resistant finishes. Those features help you keep the can looking clean without constant deep scrubbing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should a 13-Gallon Trash Can Be Cleaned?
You should clean your 13-gallon trash can weekly, and sooner if it smells, leaks, or gets messy. Wipe it out, then wash it with soap and water to help keep bacteria down.
Are 13-Gallon Trash Cans Compatible With Standard Kitchen Liners?
Yes, you can usually use standard kitchen liners with 13-gallon trash cans, and they will fit snugly. Check each can’s dimensions, though, because rim shape and height can affect compatibility.
What Materials Resist Odors and Stains Best?
You’ll get the best odor and stain resistance from stainless steel, especially fingerprint-resistant finishes, and smooth, nonporous plastic. You can also choose coated metal or antimicrobial liners, but you need to clean them regularly.
Do Touchless Models Require Batteries or Charging?
Yes, often you will need batteries, though some models plug in or recharge. If your hands are messy, you will appreciate a motion-sensor lid that opens automatically, like a kitchen hero during dinner prep.
Which Trash Can Styles Help Prevent Pet Access?
You will block pet access best with locking lids, step pedals, touchless swing lids, and heavy, narrow cans. Choose cans with tight seals and secure latches, and you will stop curious paws from prying them open.
