For a typical kitchen, the Glad Premium 13-gallon step can with a stainless steel foot pedal is the best overall pick: 13 gallons matches the standard tall kitchen bag, the pedal keeps your hands free, and the lid plus odor feature keeps the can unobtrusive. Large households and people who take out the trash less often can step up to the 20-gallon Glad, while those who want a lockable lid and bags included will like the Hefty. A kitchen trash can with a lid is a step-pedal bin that stays closed between uses to contain odor and pests, and every pick here is judged on capacity, pedal, lid and bag fit.
Quick List
- Glad 13-Gallon Step-On Can, Black – best for a standard kitchen with tall kitchen bags
- Glad 20-Gallon Step-On Can, Black – best for large households and infrequent trash runs
- Glad Premium 13-Gallon Can with Stainless Steel Pedal – best for a more durable pedal and a polished look
- Hefty 12-Gallon Step Can with Lockable Lid – best for homes with pets or curious kids
- KdbK 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Pedal Can – best for a fingerprint-resistant metal finish and a removable inner bucket
- Glad Slim 13-Gallon Step-On Can, Grey – best for narrow spaces beside a fridge or cabinet
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| have pets or toddlers who raid the trash | Hefty 12-Gallon Step Can with Lockable Lid |
| want a metal can that resists fingerprints | KdbK 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Pedal Can |
| take out the trash only every few days in a big household | Glad 20-Gallon Step-On Can |
| want a slim footprint in a tight gap | Glad Slim 13-Gallon Step-On Can, Grey |
| want a sturdier pedal on a standard-size can | Glad Premium 13-Gallon Can |
| want a basic plastic 13-gallon can with odor protection | Glad 13-Gallon Step-On Can, Black |
Start by deciding where the can will live. A can that fits under the counter, beside the fridge or in a pantry corner has to match that space, so measure width and depth first. Then pick the capacity that suits your trash volume. Most households do well with 13 gallons, and only larger families truly need 20.
Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black | Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings
Included for '6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans with Lids (October 2026) Reviews & Picks' because the listing specifies Plastic Bin and 13 Gal, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 20 Gal, Black | Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings
Included for '6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans with Lids (October 2026) Reviews & Picks' because the listing specifies Plastic Bin and 20 Gal, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin | Hands Free with Stainless Steel Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings
Included for '6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans with Lids (October 2026) Reviews & Picks' because the listing specifies 13 Gallon and Black, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Hefty 12 Gallon Step Trash Can with Lockable Lid and 40 Trash Bags, Plastic Kitchen Garbage Can for Home, Office & Kitchen, 48 Quart, Black, 1 Pack
Included for '6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans with Lids (October 2026) Reviews & Picks' because the listing specifies Plastic Kitchen Garbage Can for Home and Office & Kitchen, details this guide uses to compare options.
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KdbK Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, 13 Gal Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can | 50L Fingerprint Pedal Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Rubbish Bin for Home Office, Silver
Included for '6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans with Lids (October 2026) Reviews & Picks' because the listing specifies 13 Gal Stainless Steel Pedal Garbage Can and Rubbish Bin for Home Office, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Glad Step-On Plastic Trash Can, Clorox Odor Protection Lid, Grey, 13 Gallon | Slim Garbage Bin with Hands-Free Pedal, Interior Bag Ring, Tall Design, for Cabinets, Home, Office & Commercial Spaces
Included for '6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans with Lids (October 2026) Reviews & Picks' because the listing specifies Clorox Odor Protection Lid and Grey, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonAll 6 Picks in Detail
The sections below follow the order of the quick list and use the specs stated in each listing. Where a listing title does not give a dimension or bag size, the section tells you to confirm it on the product page.
1. Glad 13-Gallon Step-On Can, Black – Best for a Standard Kitchen
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This Glad can is a 13-gallon black plastic kitchen waste bin with a step-on foot pedal and Clorox odor protection, as stated in the listing. Thirteen gallons is the size for which tall kitchen bags are designed, so bag fit is rarely a problem. The foot pedal opens the lid without touching it, which is practical when your hands are full of raw chicken packaging or messy scraps.
The odor protection feature is named in the listing, but how it works and whether it needs replacing is not stated in the title, so check the product page. Plastic is lightweight and easy to wipe down, though it can scratch over time.
- Capacity: 13 gallons (about 49 liters)
- Material: plastic, black
- Hands-free foot pedal
- Clorox odor protection per the listing
- Garbage bag ring or retainer: confirm on listing
- Exact footprint and height: confirm on listing
This is the model to pick if you want the least complicated option in the family. It does the core job, keeps the lid closed between uses and takes a standard bag, and it leaves the choice of upgrades to the other cans. For apartments and starter kitchens, a basic 13-gallon plastic can is often all that is needed, and the lower weight makes it easy to carry to the curb or chute when it is full.
Pros
- Standard size fits common tall kitchen bags
- Lightweight and easy to move for cleaning
Cons
- Plastic pedals are less durable than metal ones
- Black plastic shows dust and scuffs
It is the plainest version of the Glad range and sits below the Premium model in pedal construction.
2. Glad 20-Gallon Step-On Can, Black – Best for Large Households
The 20-gallon sibling uses the same Clorox odor protection and step-on pedal design in a bigger body. Twenty gallons is roughly 76 liters, so it holds more than half again as much as a 13-gallon can and reduces trips to the outdoor bin. It suits a large family, a home with a lot of cooking, or a household that sorts recycling into a separate can and uses this one only for garbage.
The trade-off is footprint. A 20-gallon can is tall and wide enough that it may not fit in a standard under-sink cabinet, and a full bag becomes heavy. Check the dimensions on the listing and the bag size it takes before you buy.
- Capacity: 20 gallons (about 76 liters)
- Material: plastic, black
- Foot pedal, hands-free
- Clorox odor protection per the listing
- Dimensions and bag size: confirm on listing
- Bag ring: confirm on listing
Think about the bag as well as the can. A 20-gallon bin typically needs larger bags than the common tall kitchen size, and buying the wrong bag leads to overhang and tearing. Because the can is bigger, it can also tempt people to leave food waste for longer, so empty it on a regular schedule in warm weather to keep odors in check.
Pros
- Large capacity for fewer trash runs
- Same design family as the 13-gallon
Cons
- Large footprint that suits few kitchens
- Heavy when full of wet waste
Choose it over the 13-gallon Glad only if you routinely overflow a standard can.
3. Glad Premium 13-Gallon Can with Stainless Steel Pedal – Best Upgrade on a Standard Size
Glad’s Premium 13-gallon can is a black plastic kitchen waste bin with Clorox odor protection and a stainless steel foot pedal. The metal pedal is the visible upgrade: the pedal is the part most likely to fail on a can used several times a day, so a sturdier one extends the life of the bin. The body remains plastic, which keeps it lighter and cheaper to move than an all-metal model.
For a family that opens the can dozens of times a day, the pedal alone can justify the Premium name. Confirm lid damping, bag ring and exact dimensions on the product page since the title does not list them.
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Body: plastic, black
- Pedal: stainless steel per the listing
- Clorox odor protection
- Soft-close lid: confirm on listing
- Dimensions: confirm on listing
The premium label is mostly about the parts you touch most. A stainless pedal tends to feel firmer and may resist bending over years of daily use, and a polished metal accent can blend into a stainless appliance suite more easily than all-plastic hardware. If you are deciding between this and the standard Glad, ask how many times a day the can is opened: for a busy family, the pedal is the part worth upgrading.
Pros
- Metal pedal holds up to heavy use
- Same size as the standard 13-gallon
Cons
- Body is still plastic
- Extra features are not detailed in the title
Next to the KdbK, it keeps a plastic body but a similar capacity with a simpler design.
4. Hefty 12-Gallon Step Can with Lockable Lid – Best for Pets and Kids
Hefty lists a 12-gallon (48-quart) step can with a lockable lid and 40 trash bags in black plastic, for home, office and kitchen. The lock is the point of the can: dogs, raccoons and toddlers can all flip up a basic lid, and a lockable one stops the problem without moving the can to a cabinet. The included bags give you a head start, but check the bag size they are made for against the can’s capacity.
Twelve gallons is slightly smaller than the standard 13, so confirm that tall kitchen bags fit without sagging. A lock adds a step when you take out the trash, which some users find an annoyance.
- Capacity: 12 gallons (48 quarts)
- Material: plastic, black
- Step pedal with lockable lid
- Includes 40 trash bags
- Bag size and ring: confirm on listing
- Dimensions: confirm on listing
The 40-bag allowance in the listing is helpful in the first weeks, but confirm what size the bags are, since a 12-gallon can wants bags sized for that capacity. Place the can where the lid can open fully without hitting a cabinet, and teach everyone in the house how the lock works so it does not get left unlatched. If you have a dog that is a persistent raider, a locked lid works far better than a heavier can.
Pros
- Lockable lid keeps pets and kids out
- Bags included in the box
Cons
- Slightly smaller than 13 gallons
- Lock adds a step when emptying
Compared with the Glad cans, it has no stated odor feature but is the better choice for households that need a lock.
5. KdbK 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Pedal Can – Best for a Metal Finish
KdbK lists a 13-gallon (50-liter) stainless steel pedal garbage can with a lid, a fingerprint-resistant finish and a removable inner bucket. A metal body looks cleaner in a modern kitchen and resists absorbing odors better than plastic. A removable inner bucket makes it easier to lift out the whole bag, rinse the liner and keep the outer shell clean.
Stainless steel can still show water spots, and the fingerprint-resistant coating works best when wiped with a soft cloth rather than abrasive cleaners. Check the listing for lid close style and pedal details because they are not in the title.
- Capacity: 13 gallons (50 liters)
- Body: stainless steel
- Finish: fingerprint-resistant per the listing
- Removable inner bucket
- Pedal and lid design: confirm on listing
- Dimensions: confirm on listing
Removable inner buckets are underrated. When a bag leaks, you can lift the bucket out, wash it in the sink or outdoors and leave the outer shell untouched. They also make bag changes less awkward in a tight kitchen because you can stand the bucket on the counter. Look at the photos to see how the lid closes and whether it is a soft-close design, since noisy lids can be an annoyance in open-plan homes.
Pros
- Metal body looks upscale and resists odor absorption
- Inner bucket makes cleaning easier
Cons
- Heavier than plastic models
- No odor-control insert stated
It competes with the Glad Premium for the upscale slot, trading plastic for steel.
6. Glad Slim 13-Gallon Step-On Can, Grey – Best for Narrow Spaces
This Glad step-on can is plastic, grey, 13 gallons and described as a slim garbage bin with a hands-free pedal and an interior bag ring. It keeps the Clorox odor protection lid noted in the listing. A slimmer body can slide into a gap between the fridge and wall, and the bag ring keeps the liner from slipping into the can, which prevents a common annoyance.
Narrow cans are often taller, so measure vertical clearance if you plan to place it under a counter. The grey finish is a gentle alternative to black and hides smudges well.
- Capacity: 13 gallons
- Material: plastic, grey
- Slim profile per the listing
- Interior bag ring
- Hands-free step pedal, Clorox odor protection lid
- Exact width and height: confirm on listing
A slim silhouette changes how you use the kitchen. A narrow can can live beside the dishwasher or fridge where a round can would block a walkway, and the bag ring makes liner changes quick because the bag stays put. Slim cans are sometimes taller, so check overhead clearance if you plan to place it near an upper cabinet, and confirm the width on the listing before you commit.
Pros
- Slim shape suits tight spaces
- Bag ring holds the liner in place
Cons
- May be taller than a round can
- Plastic pedal like the other basic models
Choose it over the standard Glad 13-gallon if width is your limiting factor.
Specs Compared
| Product | Capacity | Body | Pedal | Lid or odor feature | Bag ring or bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glad 13-Gallon, Black | 13 gal | Plastic | Step-on | Clorox odor protection | Confirm on listing |
| Glad 20-Gallon, Black | 20 gal | Plastic | Step-on | Clorox odor protection | Confirm on listing |
| Glad Premium 13-Gallon | 13 gal | Plastic | Stainless steel | Clorox odor protection | Confirm on listing |
| Hefty 12-Gallon | 12 gal (48 qt) | Plastic | Step | Lockable lid | 40 bags included |
| KdbK 13-Gallon | 13 gal (50 L) | Stainless steel | Pedal | Fingerprint-resistant finish | Removable inner bucket |
| Glad Slim 13-Gallon, Grey | 13 gal | Plastic | Step-on | Clorox odor protection lid | Interior bag ring |
How We Chose These
This guide compares the six listed cans using what their catalog titles and descriptions state: capacity, material, pedal type, lid features and any included extras such as bags or an inner bucket. We weighted capacity and lid design first, then pedal durability, footprint and ease of cleaning. Where the title does not state a dimension or feature, we ask you to confirm it on the product page rather than assume. This is a research-based comparison built from listing information and general household-sanitation guidance, not a product-by-product evaluation, and it does not claim long-term durability results.
What to Look For
Capacity and Bag Fit
Kitchen cans are usually sold in 12 to 13 gallons because tall kitchen bags are made for that range. A 13-gallon can is about 49 liters, so a 50-liter label usually refers to the same size. A 12-gallon can is 48 quarts, a size sometimes used in listings. For a household of one or two, 8 to 10 gallons is enough, but a family of four commonly fills 13 gallons within two or three days. A worked example: if your household produces about one full 13-gallon bag every two days, a 20-gallon can would stretch that to three days but also weighs more each time. Always match the bag to the can: a bag that is too small slips inside, and one that is too large leaves excess plastic bunched up under the lid.
Pedal, Lid and Hinge
The pedal and hinge take the most wear because they work every time you throw something away. A metal pedal and hinge generally hold up longer than plastic, and a lid that closes softly reduces noise. A lid that sits tight prevents odors and pests. Lockable lids add protection against pets and children, but they should lock and unlock easily so you will actually use the feature. Check the pedal travel: a deep, smooth press is easier on the foot than a stiff one.
Material and Cleaning
Plastic is light, affordable and easy to wipe, though it can stain and retain odors over time. Stainless steel resists odors and looks neat but shows water spots without a fingerprint-resistant coating. A removable inner bucket makes it simple to rinse the liner and wipe the shell. Clean the can monthly with warm soapy water, then a diluted bleach or disinfectant wipe if needed, and let it dry with the lid open. Never mix cleaning products.
Odor Control and Pest Safety
Odor features vary: some cans use a lid insert, others rely on a tight seal. The simplest odor control is to empty the can often and keep wet waste in sealed bags. Food scraps should not sit for days in warm weather. Keep the can away from direct heat, stoves and heating vents, which speed bacterial growth. If you have pets, choose a lockable lid or place the can in a closed cabinet.
Hygiene and Daily Habits
A good can helps, but habits matter more. Bag wet waste such as meat trimmings and fish before it goes in, and empty the can before it is overfull, because compressing a full bag tears it. Wipe the pedal and the lid edge weekly since they pick up grime from hands and shoes. Keep a small supply of spare bags at the bottom of the can so a replacement is ready when you pull a full bag out. In summer, empty the can more often, and freeze smelly scraps such as shrimp shells until trash day.
Choosing Between Plastic and Stainless Steel
Plastic cans cost less, weigh less and are easy to replace, which suits rentals and busy family kitchens. Stainless steel cans look sleek, tolerate heat from nearby appliances better and resist staining, but they may dent and need regular polishing. If you are torn, pick the material that matches your cleaning routine: people who wipe down once a week can live with either, while people who rarely clean often prefer plastic because it can be rinsed outdoors.
Footprint and Placement
Measure the space and leave at least a couple of inches around the can for the lid to open and for the pedal to move. A round can needs diameter clearance, while a slim rectangular can fits beside a fridge or cabinet more easily. Make sure the lid does not hit the underside of a counter when it opens, which is a common issue with tall cans in under-counter spots.
Questions
What size trash can is best for a kitchen?
Most kitchens suit 12 to 13 gallons because it matches tall kitchen bags and holds a day or two of waste for a small family. Larger families may prefer 20 gallons, while single-person households can go smaller.
Do stainless steel trash cans smell less?
Stainless steel does not absorb odors the way plastic can, so it often stays fresher with regular cleaning. The tightness of the lid and how often you empty the bin matter just as much.
How do odor-protection lids work?
Designs vary, and the listing titles here name the feature without explaining the mechanism. Check the product page to learn whether it uses a replaceable element or a fixed treatment, and plan any replacements accordingly.
Will standard kitchen bags fit a 12-gallon or 13-gallon can?
Yes. Tall kitchen bags are designed for roughly 13 gallons, and they also fit 12-gallon cans with a little extra bagging. A bag ring or retainer keeps the edges from slipping inside.
How often should I clean a kitchen trash can?
Wipe the lid and pedal weekly, and wash the inside monthly or after any leak. Let the can dry fully before inserting a new bag to avoid musty smells.
Is a lockable lid worth it?
If you have pets or young children, yes. A lock prevents spills and access to sharp or hazardous items such as bones and cleaning-product packaging. Without them, a regular lid is usually adequate.
Update History
- October 20, 2026 – Initial publication; product set drawn from current catalog listings.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields for the six trash cans
- General household sanitation and kitchen-waste handling guidance
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