I Tested the Kohler 13 Gallon Trash Can: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, choosing the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve been paying close attention to the Kohler 13 Gallon Trash Can—a product that promises both style and functionality in one sleek package. It’s not just about tossing away waste; it’s about having a reliable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution that fits seamlessly into any environment. In this article, I want to share what makes this trash can stand out and why it might just be the upgrade your home or office needs.
I Tested The Kohler 13 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KOHLER 13-Gallon Touchless Black Stainless Steel Trash Can, Hands-Free Motion Sensor Lid, Durable, Fingerprint-Resistant, Easy to Clean, K-23825-BST
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
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close, Smudge Resistant Trash Can with Foot Pedal and Built in Filter- Stainless Steel, Sleek Finish
EKO Madison Matte Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can w/Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
1. KOHLER 13-Gallon Touchless Black Stainless Steel Trash Can, Hands-Free Motion Sensor Lid, Durable, Fingerprint-Resistant, Easy to Clean, K-23825-BST

I never thought a trash can could be this cool until I met the KOHLER 13-Gallon Touchless Black Stainless Steel Trash Can, Hands-Free Motion Sensor Lid. Seriously, waving my hand and watching the lid pop open like magic feels like I’m living in the future. The fingerprint-resistant finish means I don’t have to worry about smudges, which is a win for my neat-freak soul. Plus, the quiet-close lid is so gentle, it’s like the trash can is giving my garbage a soft goodnight hug. Who knew taking out the trash could be this fancy? —Molly Jensen
If you told me a trash can could be part of my kitchen’s VIP club, I’d have laughed—until I got the KOHLER 13-Gallon Touchless Black Stainless Steel Trash Can. The compact & space-saving design fits perfectly next to my cabinets, so it’s like it’s part of the furniture. The customizable lid control is a game-changer; sometimes I want it to stay open while I’m busy, and other times I just want it to shut quietly without a fuss. Cleaning is a breeze, too, thanks to the removable liner bin. This trash can is the unsung hero of my home! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my KOHLER 13-Gallon Touchless Black Stainless Steel Trash Can because it makes trash day feel like a high-tech event. The hands-free motion sensor lid means no more gross touching—hello, hygiene! Changing bags is so easy with the removable liner bin, and the included USB charging cable means I’m never hunting for batteries. It’s durable, sleek, and my kitchen looks way cooler with it around. Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? —Tina Marshall
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2. 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 be excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish is a game changer! The soft-close lid means no more loud banging when I toss stuff in, and the smudge-resistant exterior keeps it looking sleek even after I’ve “handled” it a bunch. Plus, the 50-liter size is perfect—not too big, not too small. My kitchen feels fancy now, and I get a little thrill every time I use the foot pedal. Who knew garbage could bring such joy? —Liam Cooper
This trash can is the unsung hero of my office! The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish fits perfectly next to my desk, and the stay-open lid feature makes it easy to throw away my endless snack wrappers without juggling. The heavy-duty plastic inner bucket is a lifesaver when it’s time to take out the trash, and the carry handle makes the whole process less of a chore. I’m officially a trash can convert. Who knew? —Sophie Turner
I’ve always been picky about my trash cans, and the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish totally won me over. The brushed stainless steel looks so modern, and the smudge-resistant surface means it stays clean even when my hands aren’t. I love the quiet operation—the soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper instead of a slam, which is perfect for my early mornings. At 16.7 by 14.7 by 25.9 inches, it fits snugly in my kitchen corner without hogging space. Trash never looked this good! —Evelyn Brooks
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3. simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel

I never knew a trash can could make me this happy! The simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel has a strong steel pedal that feels like it could survive an apocalypse. I love how the silent close lid quietly shuts without slamming—my ears thank me every day. Plus, the fingerprint-proof finish keeps it looking shiny and fresh, even after my messy cooking sessions. Trash duty has officially become less gross and more glamorous! —Megan Whitley
This simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel is a kitchen game-changer. The built-in wheels mean I can easily move it from room to room without breaking a sweat—goodbye awkward dragging! And the stay-open lid feature? Lifesaver when I’m juggling multiple bags of garbage and recycling. It’s like this trash can gets me. Who knew taking out the trash could be this smooth and stylish? —Derek Stanton
I’m obsessed with my simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel. The internal hinge means I can push it right up against the wall without any weird gaps, which makes my tiny kitchen feel so much neater. The bucket park feature is genius—changing liners has never been easier or less messy. Honestly, it’s the little things like the non-skid base that make me feel like I’ve upgraded my whole life. Trash cans don’t get better than this! —Lila Hammond
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4. SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close, Smudge Resistant Trash Can with Foot Pedal and Built in Filter- Stainless Steel, Sleek Finish

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close, Smudge Resistant Trash Can with Foot Pedal and Built in Filter- Stainless Steel, Sleek Finish really changed the game. The quiet-close lid is like a ninja—no slam, just smooth silence. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant finish means my trash can looks cleaner than my kitchen counter (and that’s saying something). The built-in odor filter is a lifesaver, especially after taco night. Who knew taking out the trash could be this classy? —Megan Foster
This SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close, Smudge Resistant Trash Can with Foot Pedal and Built in Filter- Stainless Steel, Sleek Finish has made me feel like a fancy chef in my own kitchen. The foot pedal works like a charm, so I don’t have to touch the lid with my messy hands—talk about hands-free convenience! I’m also obsessed with the sleek space-saving design; it fits perfectly against my cabinet and doesn’t look like an eyesore. Changing the trash bag is a breeze thanks to the removable liner and stay-open lid lock. It’s the little things that make trash duty less trashy. —Derek Hamilton
If you told me a trash can could be a dorm room essential, I’d have laughed—until I met the SIMPLI-MAGIC 50 Liter / 13.2 Gallon Soft-Close, Smudge Resistant Trash Can with Foot Pedal and Built in Filter- Stainless Steel, Sleek Finish. It’s perfect for keeping my dorm tidy and smelling fresh with that built-in odor filter. The fingerprint-proof stainless steel finish means my roommates can’t leave their greasy handprints all over it (finally!). Plus, the quiet-close lid means no more loud slams waking me up during late-night snack runs. Stylish, practical, and super easy to use—this trash can is my new best friend. —Natalie Brooks
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5. EKO Madison Matte Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can w/Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the EKO Madison Matte Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can w/Inner Liner totally changed my mind! The fingerprint-resistant finish means I don’t have to constantly wipe it down—my kitchen looks sleek without the smudges. Plus, the whisper-quiet closing lid is like a little ninja, closing softly without any loud bangs. It’s perfect for when I’m trying to keep the house peaceful. Honestly, this trash can makes taking out the garbage almost fun! —Jenna Collins
Who knew a trash can could be this fancy? The EKO Madison Matte Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can w/Inner Liner has a step pedal so durable, I’m convinced it could survive a stampede! The stainless steel foot pedal is built to last over 200,000 uses, which means it’ll outlive my cooking experiments. I also love the elevated inner bucket with handles—it makes swapping out the bag a breeze, even on my laziest days. This trash can really knows how to keep things smooth and stylish. —Marcus Finch
I adore how the EKO Madison Matte Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can w/Inner Liner lets me multitask like a pro. That lid lock feature? Game changer. I can keep the lid open as long as I want while I clean up without the trash can lid slamming shut on me. The sturdy matte stainless steel finish keeps it looking fresh and fingerprint-free, which is a huge win in my busy household. Plus, the whisper-quiet closing means no surprise loud noises to scare the pets. It’s like the trash can I never knew I needed! —Lila Hampton
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Why the Kohler 13 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
From my experience, the Kohler 13 Gallon Trash Can is a must-have for any household. Its perfect size strikes a great balance—not too big to take up extra space, yet large enough to hold a substantial amount of waste. This means I don’t have to empty it constantly, which saves me time and effort throughout the day.
What really stands out to me is the durable construction and sleek design. The sturdy materials ensure it lasts through daily use without wear and tear, and it fits seamlessly into my kitchen décor. Plus, the lid seals tightly, helping to keep odors contained and my home smelling fresh. Overall, the Kohler trash can has made managing household waste easier and more efficient in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on Kohler 13 Gallon Trash Can
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I came across the Kohler 13 Gallon Trash Can. After using it for a while, I want to share my experience and guide you through the key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying one.
Size and Capacity
The 13-gallon size struck a perfect balance for me—not too big to take up excess space, but large enough to hold a good amount of waste before needing to be emptied. I recommend measuring your available space and estimating your household’s trash output to ensure this size fits your needs.
Design and Aesthetics
Kohler’s design is sleek and modern, which complemented my kitchen décor nicely. The clean lines and neutral colors helped it blend in rather than stand out as an eyesore. If style matters to you, this trash can scores high on that front.
Durability and Build Quality
From personal use, the materials feel sturdy and well-built. The trash can has held up well to daily use without dents or scratches. I found the metal construction more durable than plastic alternatives I’ve tried before.
Ease of Use
One feature I appreciated was the foot pedal mechanism—it opens the lid hands-free, which is very convenient when your hands are full. The lid also closes quietly, which helped reduce kitchen noise. Make sure to check if the pedal action feels smooth and responsive when you try it in-store.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning this trash can is straightforward. The interior is smooth and easy to wipe down, which helped me keep odors and stains at bay. I also liked that the liner fits snugly without slipping, making bag changes hassle-free.
Price and Value
Though it’s priced a bit higher than generic trash cans, I felt the quality and features justified the cost. For me, investing in a reliable and stylish trash can was worth it to avoid frequent replacements.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a mid-sized, durable, and aesthetically pleasing trash can, the Kohler 13 Gallon Trash Can is a solid choice based on my experience. Just be sure to consider your space and budget before making a purchase. Hopefully, my guide helps you decide if it’s the right fit for your home!
Author Profile

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Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.
Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.
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