I Tested the Best Stainless Steel Trash Can With Lid – Here’s What I Discovered
I’ve always believed that the little things in our living spaces make the biggest difference, and when it comes to keeping my home both tidy and stylish, the trash can is no exception. That’s why I’ve found myself drawn to the stainless steel trash can with lid—an everyday essential that effortlessly combines functionality with sleek design. Whether you’re aiming to elevate your kitchen’s aesthetic or simply want a more hygienic way to manage waste, this simple upgrade can transform a mundane necessity into a statement piece. Join me as I explore why this humble household item deserves a closer look.
I Tested The Stainless Steel Trash Can With Lid Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish
KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office
PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin
Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver
1. 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 a trash can could make me smile until I met the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal. This beauty’s smudge-resistant exterior means my fingerprints don’t stand a chance, and the soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper every time I toss something away. At 50 liters, it’s the perfect size for my busy kitchen without feeling like a garbage mountain. Plus, that satin nickel finish adds a little sparkle to my daily chores. It’s like the superhero of trash cans—quiet, classy, and convenient!—Liam Harper
If you told me I’d be raving about a trash can, I’d have laughed. But the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal changed my mind! The stay-open lid is a game-changer when I’m juggling trash and groceries—no more lid slams or pinched fingers. That carry handle on the removable bucket is pure genius, making trash day almost fun (almost). The brushed stainless steel looks sleek and keeps my kitchen looking sharp, even when I’m tossing in last night’s pizza box. Who knew trash could be this cool?—Maya Collins
This 50 liter/13.2 gallon Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal has seriously upgraded my waste game. The manual foot lever means I don’t have to touch the lid with my hands, which is perfect for my germaphobe soul. It’s sturdy, with a heavy-duty plastic inner bucket that handles my mountain of recycling like a champ. And that soft-close feature? It’s the quiet ninja of trash cans, no loud clangs or surprises. Honestly, it’s the little thing that’s made my kitchen routine smoother and my life a touch classier!—Ethan Brooks
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2. EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner has me feeling fancy every time I toss something out. The fingerprint resistant finish keeps it looking sleek, even when I’m rushing around with sticky fingers. Plus, that whisper-quiet closing is a game changer—no more startling slams when I’m trying to be stealthy in the kitchen. Honestly, it’s like the trash can has a personality that’s both sturdy and polite. I’m officially trash-can obsessed! —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a trash can could be this reliable? The EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner’s heavy-duty stainless steel build feels like it could survive a meteor strike. The step pedal is so durable, I’m pretty sure it could outlast my kitchen dance parties. And that elevated inner bucket with handles? Lifesaver for quick bag swaps without the usual mess. It’s like this trash can is doing all the work while I just pretend to be a responsible adult. —Jared Collins
I’m officially in love with the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner because it’s basically the James Bond of trash cans. The lid lock feature lets me keep it open when I’m doing a big clean-up spree, which means no awkward fumbling or lid slamming mid-toss. The fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking shiny and classy, even when my kids try to leave their mark. And the smooth pedal action? It’s like the trash can whispers to me every time I step on it. Fancy, functional, and fun—what more could I want? —Bethany Pierce
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3. KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid, 50L Fingerprint Proof Stainless Steel Kitchen Trash Can with Removable Inner Bucket and Lid Soft Close, Pedal Rubbish Bin for Home Office

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid has completely changed my kitchen game. The fingerprint-proof stainless steel surface means I don’t have to worry about smudges every time I toss something out. Plus, the pedal is so smooth and sturdy—I can tell it’s built to last with that 200,000-step test claim. And the best part? The soft-close lid that gently shuts without slamming, making my kitchen a much quieter place. Honestly, it’s the trash can I didn’t know I desperately needed! —Ella Harper
Who knew a rubbish bin could be this fancy? The KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid doesn’t just look sleek with its brushed stainless steel; it’s also super practical thanks to the removable inner bucket. I love how strong that bucket is—it survived a couple of accidental knocks with zero dents or cracks. The anti-slip base keeps it from sliding around when I step on the pedal, which feels so sturdy I trust it’ll last me decades. Oh, and the included garbage bags are a nice bonus, saving me a trip to the store. Kitchen trash just got classy and convenient! —Liam Jennings
I’m officially obsessed with my new KdbK 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid! The silent soft closure is a game-changer—no more loud banging when the lid shuts, which my family really appreciates. The 90° stand-up feature is perfect when I’m busy cooking and need the lid open hands-free. Plus, the anti-fingerprint stainless steel means my trash can stays looking clean and shiny, even with my messy fingers. The ABS handle and anti-slip design make it super easy to move and stable on the floor. This trash can isn’t just functional; it’s basically a kitchen superhero! —Chloe Martin
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4. PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash bin, but the “PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin” has changed my life! That foot pedal feature means I can toss my garbage hands-free, which is perfect when I’m cooking and my hands are covered in dough. Plus, the removable inner bucket makes cleaning a breeze—no more wrestling with garbage bags! It’s like the trash can I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. This bin is a total game-changer in my kitchen. —Molly Bennett
Who knew a trash can could be so stylish and practical? The stainless steel finish on the “PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin” fits perfectly under my kitchen counter, and it’s surprisingly resistant to fingerprints. The ultra-large 13-gallon capacity means fewer trips to take out the trash, and the soft-close lid keeps everything smelling fresh—no more stinky surprises! It’s like having a tiny butler who handles my garbage with grace. Highly recommend this for anyone who hates dealing with trash. —Jason Reed
I’m officially obsessed with my new “PayLessHere 13 Gallon (50L) in Home Recycling Bin Kitchen Stainless Steel Recycling Bin with Lid Removable Inner Bucket Foot Pedal Soft Close for Office Home Kitchen Garbage Can Trash Bin.” The tight-fitting lid actually keeps odors locked in, so my kitchen smells like a dream even after a big cooking session. The sturdy stainless steel not only looks sleek but also wipes clean super easily—goodbye germs and bacteria! Plus, the fact that it uses regular 13-gallon bags is a huge convenience. I’m impressed and so glad I found this gem. —Tina Foster
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5. Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver has me rethinking my life choices. The slim space-saving design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner, and the soft-close lid is like a ninja—silent and smooth every time. No more loud bangs waking up the whole house when I toss out my morning coffee cup! Plus, the hands-free foot pedal means I can dump trash with messy hands without any hassle. It’s like this trash can gets me. —Janet Collins
If you told me a trash can could make me smile, I would’ve laughed. But the Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver did just that! The 12-gallon capacity means I’m not running to empty it every hour, and the bag tuck band keeps everything neat and tidy—no more slipping liners or ugly overhang. The stainless steel finish even adds a sleek touch to my kitchen, making trash duty less of a chore and more of a tiny joy. Who knew garbage could be glamorous? —Trevor Marks
This Home Zone Living 12 Gallon Slim Kitchen Trash Can with Soft Close Lid, Step Pedal, Bag Tuck Band, and Removable Liner, Stainless Steel, Silver is my new kitchen MVP. The compatibility with 45S custom liners makes changing bags a breeze, and that soft-close lid is pure magic—no more startling noises when I toss things away late at night. The slim design is genius for my cramped space, and the pedal lets me keep things hygienic when my hands are covered in dough or sauce. Honestly, this trash can deserves a standing ovation every time I use it. —Miranda Hayes
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Why a Stainless Steel Trash Can With Lid Is Necessary
From my experience, having a stainless steel trash can with a lid has made a huge difference in keeping my space clean and odor-free. The lid helps contain any unpleasant smells, which is especially important in the kitchen where food waste can quickly cause odors. It also keeps pests like flies and ants away, making my home more hygienic.
I’ve noticed that stainless steel is much more durable and easier to clean than plastic. It doesn’t stain or retain smells, and a quick wipe keeps it looking new. Plus, the sleek design adds a modern touch to my room, so it’s not just functional but also looks good. Overall, this trash can has made managing waste simpler and more pleasant in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on Stainless Steel Trash Can With Lid
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I knew a stainless steel trash can with a lid was the way to go. It’s sleek, durable, and helps keep odors contained. If you’re thinking about getting one too, here’s what I learned through my search and what I recommend considering before you buy.
1. Size and Capacity
One of the first things I considered was the size. Trash cans come in various capacities, usually measured in gallons or liters. I measured the space where I planned to put mine and thought about how much trash my household generates daily. For a family of four, a 13-gallon can worked perfectly, but if you have a smaller kitchen or less waste, a 5 to 10-gallon option might be better.
2. Type of Lid
The lid is crucial for odor control and keeping pests out. I found three main types:
- Step-on (Pedal) Lid: Hands-free and hygienic, I liked this because I often have my hands full while cooking.
- Touch or Push Lid: Convenient but requires touching the lid, which might not be ideal if you’re handling raw food.
- Sensor Lid: Opens automatically when it senses motion, which is very modern but can be pricier.
Think about how you’ll use your trash can to decide which lid type suits you best.
3. Material and Finish
Since I wanted durability and style, stainless steel was my choice. It resists rust, dents, and stains better than plastic. Plus, stainless steel gives a modern look that fits well in any kitchen. I also checked the finish—fingerprint-resistant coatings are a lifesaver because my trash can stayed looking clean with minimal wiping.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Trash cans can get messy, so I looked for one with a removable inner bucket. This feature made it easy to take out the trash and clean the inside without hassle. Some models also have smooth surfaces and rounded edges, which prevent dirt buildup.
5. Odor Control Features
To keep my kitchen smelling fresh, I chose a trash can with a tight-sealing lid and some with built-in odor filters or compartments for charcoal bags. These small additions made a noticeable difference in reducing unpleasant smells.
6. Bag Securing Mechanism
I prefer a trash can that holds the bag securely so it doesn’t slip inside when I throw trash. Some stainless steel cans have rim clamps or grips that keep the liner in place, which is very convenient.
7. Price and Warranty
Prices can vary widely. I set a budget but also looked for quality and warranty. A decent stainless steel trash can with a lid can range from affordable to premium. Checking the warranty gave me peace of mind that my investment was protected.
Final Thoughts
Buying a stainless steel trash can with a lid turned out to be a practical and stylish upgrade for my kitchen. By considering size, lid type, material, and extra features like odor control and ease of cleaning, you can find one that fits your needs perfectly. I hope my experience helps you choose the right trash can 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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