You want a 13-gallon trash can that holds a full day’s kitchen waste without forcing you to touch the lid, wrestle with a bag, or listen to a loud slam every time you drop something in. You need one that seals in smells, fits under your counter, and does not show every single fingerprint. This guide breaks down six of the most popular options by what actually matters — how quietly the lid closes, how well the pedal holds up, and whether standard 13-gallon bags actually fit without sagging.
I’m Mo Maruf — the co-founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
By the end, you will know exactly which best 13 gallon trash can matches your kitchen size, your tolerance for noise, and your patience for bag changes — without wasting money on a can that looks good but fails in daily use.
How To Choose The Best 13 Gallon Trash Can
The differences between most 13-gallon cans come down to three things: how the lid works, how the bag stays hidden, and how sturdy the steel feels. Here is what to check before you click “buy”.
Soft-Close vs. Slam Lid
A soft-close lid uses a damper (a small hydraulic or friction mechanism) to slow the lid down in the last inch of travel so it clicks shut instead of bangs. It costs a bit more, but if your kitchen is open to your living room or you take out trash after the kids are asleep, the extra expense is worth the silence. A pedal-operated can that says “quiet close” should also let you hold the lid open at a full 90-degree angle when you are doing heavy cooking — a feature called “stay open.”
Bag Fit and the Inner Bucket
Standard 13-gallon bags are roughly 24 inches by 24 inches. The problem is that the inner bucket (the removable plastic tub inside the can) varies from model to model. If the bucket’s rim is too wide, the bag slips down inside. If the bucket is too shallow, the bag hangs over the top and looks messy. Check the product’s “inner bucket” dimensions or filter customer reviews for the phrase “bag fits” — honest buyers will tell you whether standard bags actually stay put. A removable inner bucket with built-in bag hooks (small clips or slots that grip the bag handles) prevents sagging better than a bare can.
Material and Finish
Most mid-range to premium cans use 304-grade stainless steel (a food-grade alloy that resists rust and dents better than cheaper 430-grade steel). A brushed finish hides small scratches and smudges from everyday handling. A fingerprint-proof coating (often a thin clear layer baked onto the metal) keeps the can looking clean between wipes. The pedal mechanism should be steel, not plastic — plastic pedals crack around 30,000 steps, while a steel pedal rated for 150,000 uses can last for years in a family kitchen.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KUK 13 Gal | Best Overall | Best all-around balance of features and price | 150,000+ pedal uses | Amazon |
| SONGMICS ULTB547B01 | Premium Silent | Ultra-quiet kitchen with pet-resistant base | 14.8 lbs weight | Amazon |
| QUALIAZERO 13 Gal | Slim Design | Narrow spaces needing odor seal and smudge-proof finish | 11.9 lbs weight | Amazon |
| SONGMICS ULTB595B01V1 | Kid-Friendly | Homes with toddlers (inward lid design) | Soft-close lid dampers | Amazon |
| BestOffice 13 Gal | Best Value | Colorful style while staying affordable | 12 lbs weight | Amazon |
| Clorox 13 Gal Open Top | Slim Open Top | High-traffic commercial areas wanting bag concealment | 10.2″ width | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. KUK 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can
With a stainless steel pedal rated for 150,000 uses — roughly one step every 4 minutes for a full year — the KUK 13-gallon can is the top pick for any household that wants a durable, hands-free lid that seals in smells without a premium budget.
At 16.7 inches wide and 26.4 inches tall, it fits under most standard cabinets while the silent-close damping prevents that irritating lid crash. The removable inner bucket has built-in bag hooks that keep the liner from slipping, and the can arrives with 20 custom-fit garbage bags so you can start immediately. Buyers report that the “13-gallon can looks great with dark cabinets” and holds up well after three months of use.
The only real complaint is that the rim is slightly smaller than some standard 13-gallon bags, causing the bag to fall in if you do not use the included ones or hook it carefully. For the balance of price, durability, and odor control, this is the can most homes should start with.
Why it’s great
- Steel pedal tested to 150,000 steps for years of reliable use
- Includes 20 custom-fit bags so you can start using it right away
- Odor-blocking lid and silent-close damping keep the kitchen fresh and quiet
Good to know
- Standard 13-gallon bags may sag without the included liners or careful hook placement
- At 14.8 pounds it is 24% heavier than the QUALIAZERO can, making it less portable
2. SONGMICS 13-Gallon Kitchen Trash Can (ULTB547B01)
The SONGMICS ULTB547B01 beats the KUK on quietness and stability — it weighs 14.8 pounds with non-slip base pads, making it much harder for pets to tip over. But it falls short on bag fit, as owners mention the inner bucket rim is too big for standard 13-gallon bags unless you use the included sample liners.
Customers note it “fits under a 34.75 inch counter, lid opens fully without hitting,” and the wide, non-slip pedal surface makes stepping comfortable even in socks. The lid’s manual stay-open mode (pedal first, then lift to 90 degrees) works well for extended cooking sessions, and the handle at the rear makes it easy to drag out for cleaning. One reviewer calls it the “best design, flawless, quiet lid, sturdy removable liner.”
If your household has medium or large dogs, be aware that the lid is not pet-proof — reviewers report clever pups can paw the pedal to open it. Choose this can over the KUK when your top priority is a silent kitchen and you are willing to tweak your bag choice to fit the liner.
Where it shines
- Quiet damping and stay-open lid prevent slamming and allow hands-free cooking
- Non-slip base pads and 14.8-pound weight resist tipping by pets
- Back handle makes moving the can around the kitchen effortless
Worth noting
- Standard 13-gallon bags may not fit the inner bucket rim snugly without the provided samples
- Lid is not pet-proof; medium and large dogs can open it with their paws
3. QUALIAZERO 13-Gallon Step-On Trash Can
If your kitchen has a narrow gap between the counter and the island, this can is built for you — its slim 14.76-inch length and 17-inch width let it squeeze into tight spots where the wider KUK and SONGMICS models (13.7 to 14 inches wide) would not fit. At just 11.9 pounds, it is 24% lighter than the SONGMICS ULTB547B01, so you can carry it to the bin without straining.
The fingerprint-resistant steel finish really works — one buyer admitted spending ten minutes trying to leave prints on it just for fun. The soft-close lid seals in smells well, and the removable inner liner makes bag swaps quick. Reviewers point out the can arrived well-packed, though two mention the box can arrive dented in shipping if the seller does not wrap the body individually.
Its key advantage over the other step-cans is the slim profile combined with full odor sealing, making it a strong choice for small apartments or galley kitchens where every inch counts — the only 13-gallon step-can under 15 inches wide with a full odor seal.
What stands out
- Compact 14.76-inch length fits narrow kitchen gaps other cans cannot
- Fingerprint-resistant brushed steel stays clean-looking with minimal wiping
- Soft-close lid and odor seal keep small kitchens fresh
The trade-offs
- At 11.9 pounds it is lighter and may tip if pushed hard from the side
- Some units have arrived dented when the manufacturer did not wrap the can body separately
4. SONGMICS 13-Gallon Trash Can (ULTB595B01V1)
The single number that matters most in a toddler-proof can is how the lid interacts with small hands — this SONGMICS model has an inward lid design that prevents young children from reaching in and grabbing trash. It scores high on family safety without sacrificing the soft-close silence parents need during nap time.
The catch is that the lid is plastic (ABS plastic, to be exact), and the metal shell is a thin stainless steel. One reviewer calls it an “entry-level metal can” and warns the outer body can dent if bumped hard. The removable inner bucket has side handles that make emptying easy, and the soft-close mechanism works reliably — buyers confirm the lid closes slowly and silently every time.
At 14.1 pounds and 16.4 inches wide, it is similar in footprint to the KUK but with a more thoughtful child-proof design. If you have toddlers, this is the price-to-safety trade-off that makes sense — the thicker metal of the QUALIAZERO would save dents but not tiny fingers.
The upsides
- Inward lid design blocks toddler access to waste
- Soft-close damping prevents loud slams that startle kids and pets
- Removable inner bucket with handles makes bag changes and cleaning simple
Keep in mind
- Thin stainless steel outer shell is prone to dents if knocked hard
- Plastic lid may feel less premium than all-metal competitors
5. BestOffice 13-Gallon Trash Can
For the price of a mid-range can, the BestOffice delivers a full stainless steel body, a soft-close foot pedal, a removable inner bucket, and a splash of color — the blue finish is rare in this category and gets consistent compliments. You get hands-free operation and odor sealing without spending premium money.
What you give up is consistency: a few buyers received units with a misaligned lid that will not close squarely, and the thin steel feels less substantial than the SONGMICS or KUK models. The included “trash can” is bare-bones — no sample bags, no bag hooks — so you will need to buy your own 13-gallon liners. One reviewer calls it the “best kitchen trash can I ever had,” while another notes the lid defect required contacting the manufacturer.
This is the pick for someone who wants a functional, attractive can at an entry-level price and is comfortable rolling the dice on quality control.
Why we’d pick it
- Stainless steel construction and soft-close pedal at a budget-friendly price
- Blue color adds personality to kitchens that usually see only black or silver
- Removable bucket makes emptying quick and hygienic
A few caveats
- Some units arrive with a misaligned lid that does not close completely
- No sample bags or bag hooks included — you need to supply your own liners
6. Clorox 13-Gallon Open Top Trash Can
This open-top can is perfect for high-traffic kitchens, break rooms, or commercial spaces where speed and simplicity matter more than hiding trash behind a lid.
What that lower price buys you is a sturdy brushed nickel stainless steel body with a hinged rim that locks the bag in place and hides the excess slack. The Clorox Protection on the rim surface adds an extra layer of antimicrobial defense, though it is the open design that really keeps things simple — no pedal to break, no soft-close to wear out. Buyers rave about the bag-hold design, with one saying “this trashcan makes putting the bag on easy.”
Choose this can over all others if your main need is a no-fuss, narrow bin for commercial or high-traffic use where speed matters more than silence. At 8 pounds and 10.2 inches wide, it is the lightest and slimmest 13-gallon can in the lineup, making it the easiest to relocate and the best fit for tight corners — just know that without a lid, odors will escape freely and the contents stay fully visible.
Strong points
- Ultra-narrow 10.2-inch width fits tight spaces no step-can can
- Hinged rim securely holds bags and hides edges for a clean look
- Open-top design means no pedal or lid mechanism to break over time
Before you buy
- Lidless design means odors are not sealed in like a step-can would
- At 8 pounds it is sturdy but may feel lightweight compared to heavier steel cans
Understanding the Specs
Pedal Mechanism and Cycle Life
The foot pedal is the part most likely to break first. Look for a steel pedal rated for at least 100,000 cycles (the number of times you can step on it before the spring or hinge wears out). Plastic pedals crack faster — a budget can might fail in under a year, while a steel-rated pedal like the KUK’s 150,000-use rating should last several years in a family kitchen.
Soft-Close Damping and Stay-Open Lid
Soft-close damping is a small hydraulic or friction piston that slows the lid as it closes so it clicks shut instead of slamming. A “stay-open” feature lets you lock the lid at a 90-degree angle by stepping on the pedal and then lifting the lid manually — useful when you are chopping vegetables and need both hands free. Without stay-open, you have to keep your foot on the pedal the whole time.
FAQ
Will a standard 13-gallon kitchen bag fit my new trash can?
How do I clean a stainless steel trash can without leaving streaks?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the best 13 gallon trash can winner is the KUK 13-Gallon because it delivers the most reliable pedal mechanism, a quiet soft-close lid, and a removable inner bucket with bag hooks at a mid-range price. If you want the absolute quietest can for a small kitchen, grab the SONGMICS ULTB547B01. For a tight corner or high-traffic area where a step-can just will not fit, get the Clorox Open Top.