A 13-gallon trash can is the standard kitchen workhorse: it fits the most common bag size, sits next to the most-used counter, and gets opened more often than any other receptacle in the house. The differences between picks come down to lid mechanism, bag retention, odor control, and how long the finish holds up under daily kitchen exposure. After looking at 20 current 13-gallon models for primary kitchen use, these seven stood out for step pedal reliability, sensor responsiveness, bag fit consistency, and overall build. The lineup covers a stainless step-can for daily use, a sensor option for cooking-heavy kitchens, a pull-out cabinet model, and a budget plastic pick.
Quick comparison
| Trash Can | Lid type | Body | Bag retention | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| simplehuman Rectangular | Step pedal | Stainless | Liner pocket | 10 years |
| iTouchless Sensor 13 | Motion sensor | Stainless | Bag ring | 2 years |
| Rubbermaid Premier 12.5 | Step pedal | Plastic | Lid catch | 5 years |
| Joseph Joseph Totem 40 | Two-compartment | Stainless | Internal | 5 years |
| simplehuman Cabinet Pull-Out | Hinge top | Plastic | Liner catch | 5 years |
| Glad GLD-74507 | Step pedal | Plastic | Notch retention | 1 year |
| Toter 79213 | Open top liner | Plastic | None | 10 years |
simplehuman Rectangular Step Can, Best Overall
simplehuman’s rectangular 13-gallon step can is the long-running benchmark for residential kitchen trash cans and the build justifies the premium price. The lid uses a damper hinge that holds open at any angle and closes silently when released. The internal bag-retention pocket holds a standard 13-gallon liner tucked under the rim so the bag stays put as you fill it.
The stainless steel finish is fingerprint-resistant and the can ships with a 10-year warranty (longest in this lineup). Pedal action is rated for 150,000 cycles, which translates to roughly 20 years of daily use.
Trade-off: price. The simplehuman costs about three times the budget picks below. For a kitchen this is the primary touched surface; the spend usually pays back in lifespan.
iTouchless Sensor 13, Best Hands-Free
The iTouchless sensor 13 opens when you wave a hand over the lid, which keeps the can closed (and odor in) when you are not actively using it and keeps your hands clean during cooking. The IR sensor reads from about 6 inches above the lid and the motor opens the lid in about 1 second.
Stainless steel finish, 2-year warranty, and a battery compartment that takes 4 AA cells (about 6 to 9 months of use per set) or an optional AC adapter for a permanent power source.
Trade-off: sensor and motor add failure points. The lid mechanism is the most common point of failure on sensor cans and replacement parts are sometimes harder to source than parts for a simple pedal can. Get the optional AC adapter if you want to avoid the battery hassle.
Rubbermaid Premier 12.5, Best Mid-Tier Pedal
Rubbermaid’s Premier 12.5-gallon pedal can is the practical mid-tier pick: hard plastic body, stainless-look lid, and a pedal action that is reliable but less refined than the simplehuman.
The lid uses a true soft-close hinge (not just a damper) and the internal bag catches use a clip-and-fold mechanism that holds the bag in place during filling. The 5-year warranty is reasonable for the price point.
Trade-off: slightly under 13 gallons (12.5), which works fine with standard 13-gallon bags but leaves a bit of slack at the top of the bag.
Joseph Joseph Totem 40, Best for Recycling Households
The Totem 40 is a two-compartment trash can: 13 gallons for trash on top, 13 gallons for recycling on the bottom, in a single tower footprint. The total capacity is technically 40 liters of mixed waste, but each compartment fits a standard 13-gallon bag.
For households that recycle heavily, the integrated design saves floor space and keeps both bins out of sight. The stainless body and matte finish look good in a modern kitchen.
Trade-off: price is the highest on this list and the footprint, while smaller than two separate cans, is still 16 inches deep. Measure before buying.
simplehuman Cabinet Pull-Out, Best for Hidden Install
The cabinet pull-out is the right pick if you want the trash can completely out of sight. The 13-gallon unit mounts to a standard 18-inch kitchen cabinet door and slides out when the door opens. The lid lifts automatically as the can extends.
The mechanism uses ball-bearing slides rated for 100,000 cycles and the unit handles up to about 25 pounds of trash without binding.
Trade-off: installation requires drilling into the cabinet face frame and the mechanism takes up about 8 inches of vertical space inside the cabinet. Measure the cabinet interior before ordering.
Glad GLD-74507, Best Plastic Pick
Glad’s 13-gallon step can is a clean, simple plastic design with a notched rim that holds the bag in place without a separate retention ring. The pedal is positioned on the front and uses a metal hinge (not all-plastic), which extends the life of the pedal mechanism past most budget plastic cans.
The body comes in three colors (white, gray, black) and the finish resists scratches better than typical plastic cans.
Trade-off: plastic body discolors over time, especially if the kitchen gets direct sunlight. Plan for replacement at the 4-to-6 year mark.
Toter 79213, Best Garage or Outdoor
Toter’s 13-gallon open-top can is the right pick for a garage, basement, or outdoor patio where odor is not the primary concern. Heavy-duty plastic body that takes scrapes and drops without cracking, and a 10-year warranty (longest in the plastic class).
No lid, no pedal, no mechanism to fail. The simple design lasts and the can fits a standard 13-gallon bag without retention issues.
Trade-off: open top is not appropriate for a kitchen where odor and pests matter. For an outdoor or storage use case, the simplicity is the feature.
How to choose
Bag fit is the most underrated feature
A can that does not hold the bag securely creates a constant battle where the bag slips inside on every use. Look for built-in bag retention (a notched rim, a pocket, a clip system) and verify with the bag brand you actually use.
Lid mechanism matched to use case
Step pedal for daily kitchen use. Sensor for cooking-heavy households. Open top only for garage or storage. Cabinet pull-out for kitchens where visual minimalism matters more than convenience.
Body material based on location
Stainless for a primary kitchen on display. Plastic for a laundry room, garage, or back hallway. Spend the premium where the can is visible; save money where it is not.
Plan for the inside getting dirty
Even the best can needs occasional cleaning. Look for removable inner buckets (the simplehuman and Joseph Joseph have this) that come out for washing. Without it, you are cleaning around the bag retention mechanism with a rag, which is slow.
For related kitchen decisions, see our breakdown of recycling bin sizing and trash compactor vs standard can. For details on how we evaluate household products, see our methodology.
The 13-gallon class is the right size for almost every primary kitchen, and the picks above cover the full range from simplehuman premium to Glad budget. The simplehuman step can is the long-term value pick if you cook daily, the iTouchless sensor is worth the premium for messy hands, and the Toter is the right call for an outdoor or garage spot. Match the lid mechanism and body material to where the can will live, and the trash problem stays solved for the next decade.
Frequently asked questions
Why is 13 gallons the standard kitchen size?+
Most household trash bag brands (Glad, Hefty, Kirkland, store brand) sell their primary kitchen bag in the 13-gallon size. A trash can that fits 13-gallon bags works with any of these without needing a custom liner or a partial-fill workaround. Smaller cans (8 to 10 gallons) need specialty bags and bigger cans (20+ gallons) use can liners sized for commercial use. The 13-gallon class is where bag availability and price meet.
Step pedal, sensor, or open top?+
Step pedal is the workhorse: reliable, no batteries, no electronics, and the lid closes silently with a soft-close hinge. Sensor lids open automatically as you approach, which keeps your hands clean during cooking, but the IR sensor and motor add failure points and batteries to manage. Open top is simplest and cheapest but lets odor escape and looks messy. For a primary kitchen can, step pedal is the default; sensor is worth the premium if you cook frequently.
Stainless steel or plastic body?+
Stainless steel hides fingerprints if you pick a smudge-resistant finish, resists dents, and lasts 10+ years. Plastic is half the price, lighter, and easier to move but scratches and discolors over time. For a primary kitchen can sitting on display, stainless is the long-term value pick. For a laundry room or garage can that lives out of sight, plastic is fine.
Will any 13-gallon bag fit?+
Most do, but the fit varies. Cans with a wide top and a narrow bottom may not fully extend a standard bag, leaving slack that bunches when you fill it. The best designs include a bag retainer ring or a notched rim that locks the bag in place. If you find your bag slipping into the can after a few uses, look for a model with a built-in retention system; this is the single most common complaint about cheap 13-gallon cans.
How often should I clean a kitchen trash can?+
Wipe the interior every 2 to 4 weeks with hot soapy water and a long-handle brush, or whenever a bag tears and leaks. Once a quarter, take the can outside, scrub with a diluted bleach solution (1 cup bleach per gallon of water), rinse, and dry completely. The lid hinge and pedal mechanism need occasional silicone spray to prevent squeaking. A clean can holds bags more securely and smells less between cleanings.
Riley Cooper
Riley Cooper writes for The Tested Hub.