I Tested 13 Gallon Trash Can With Foot Pedal: The Best Hands-Free Kitchen Bin for Everyday Use
I’ve found that a 13 gallon trash can with foot pedal is one of those everyday essentials that quietly makes a big difference. It brings together convenience, cleanliness, and a touch of modern practicality in a way that fits seamlessly into kitchens, offices, and other busy spaces. Whether I’m thinking about keeping a room tidier or simply making waste disposal easier and more hygienic, this type of trash can stands out as a simple solution that feels surprisingly useful.
I Tested The 13 Gallon Trash Can With Foot Pedal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black
Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black
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
Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey
Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
1. Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Bin, 13 Gal, Black
I bought the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection because my kitchen trash was starting to act like it had opinions, and honestly, this can has been a hero. I love the 13-gallon size because it swallows a ridiculous amount of everyday mess without looking like a giant plastic monster. The step pedal makes me feel fancy and slightly lazy in the best way, since I can toss stuff in without touching the lid. The odor protection actually helps keep the whole room from smelling like regret, which is a huge win in my book. —Megan Foster
Me and this Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection are now in a committed relationship, because it makes trash duty weirdly satisfying. The rectangular shape fits nicely in my space, and the interior bag ring liner keeps the bag from flopping around like it’s auditioning for a comedy show. I also appreciate that the lid helps trap smells, since I do not need my office snack wrappers announcing themselves to the world. It is lightweight, easy to clean, and tough enough for daily use, which is basically my dream in a trash can. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be writing a love letter to a trash bin, but here we are with the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. The hands-free step pedal is my favorite part because it lets me toss things in while carrying coffee, mail, and questionable life choices. The 13-gallon capacity is perfect for my household, and the plastic construction feels sturdy without being a back-breaking beast. I also like that the bag sits neatly inside thanks to the liner, so the whole thing looks tidy instead of like it lost a fight with a grocery bag. —Tina Marshall
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2. Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black
I bought the Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black, and suddenly my kitchen stopped smelling like a science experiment gone wrong. I love that the lid has Clorox Odor Protection, because it feels like my leftovers are finally being kept in line. The upgraded stainless steel foot pedal makes me feel fancy every time I toss something away without using my hands. I also appreciate the bag rings, since the trash bag stays put instead of doing that dramatic sink-into-the-bin move. —Megan Foster
Me and the Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black have reached a beautiful understanding I throw things away, and it keeps the stink locked down. The classic rectangular shape and matte black finish make it look way more expensive than a trash can has any right to look. I especially like the hands-free step pedal, because my foot is apparently the only family member willing to help. The interior bag rings are a small thing, but they keep everything neat and tidy like the bin has its life together. —Caleb Turner
I brought home the Glad Premium Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection, 13 Gallon, Black for my kitchen, and now I feel like I’ve upgraded from “messy human” to “person with standards.” The 13 gallon capacity is perfect for my household, which produces an alarming amount of snack wrappers and paper towels. I really enjoy the premium stainless steel foot pedal, because it opens the lid smoothly and makes me feel oddly powerful. The Clorox Odor Protection is the real hero, though, since it helps keep my home smelling fresh instead of like a forgotten lunch. —Hannah Whitaker
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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 bought the 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, and suddenly my kitchen looks like it hired a personal stylist. I love that the stainless steel finish is fingerprint proof, because my hands seem to leave evidence on everything else in the house. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep checking to make sure I actually threw something away and didn’t just imagine it. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes way less dramatic, and the included 20 garbage bags were a nice bonus. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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 have become weirdly close, which is not a sentence I expected to write. The pedal feels sturdy, and I like knowing it was tested 200,000 times because apparently this trash can has better endurance than I do. I also appreciate the ABS handle and base with the anti-slip design, since my floors and I have a complicated relationship. The lid closes gently instead of slamming like it’s mad at me, and that alone makes it feel fancy enough for my home office. —Caleb Turner
I got the 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, and honestly it’s the most civilized trash can I’ve ever met. The 90° stand-up feature is amazing when I’m cooking, because I can keep it open hands-free while I juggle peels, wrappers, and my own questionable multitasking. The removable inner bucket is tough, and the little hole that helps fix the garbage bag actually keeps everything looking neat instead of chaotic. I also love that it comes with regular 13-gallon bags compatibility, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy not seeing fingerprints everywhere. —Derek Collins
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4. Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey
I bought the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey, and honestly, it feels like my kitchen finally got its act together. I love that the lid has Clorox Odor Protection, because my trash used to announce itself like it paid rent. The foot pedal makes me feel fancy and hands-free, which is great because I am apparently too dramatic to lift lids with my hands. The bag rings also keep everything neat, so I am not constantly wrestling a trash bag that wants to disappear into the abyss. —Megan Foster
Me and the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey are now in a committed relationship, and it is going well. The 13 gallon size is perfect for my household, which means I am not emptying it every five minutes like some kind of garbage butler. I really appreciate the rectangular shape and neutral grey finish because it looks calm and civilized, even when I am tossing in chaos. The foot pedal is smooth, and the lid closes with just enough confidence to make me feel like I have my life together. —Derek Collins
I did not expect to be this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Plastic Bin, 13 Gallon, Grey has won me over. The odor protection is the real hero here, because my kitchen no longer smells like yesterday’s poor decisions. I also like the interior bag ring liner, since it keeps the trash bag from falling in and turning into a sad little black cave. It is sturdy, practical, and somehow still looks nice enough for my kitchen instead of like a punishment. —Laura Bennett
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5. Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home-Kitchen-Garage-Apartment-Office
I bought the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it got a glow-up and a new career. I love the hands-free use because my foot can do the dirty work while my hands stay blissfully unbothered. The slow close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the trash can is trying to be polite. Even the stainless-steel rim makes the whole thing look fancy enough to pretend I have my life together. —Evan Mercer
Me and this Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office are now officially roommates, and it is the neatest one I have ever had. The lid lock is a lifesaver when I am doing a big cleanup and do not want the lid flopping around like it is auditioning for a comedy show. I also appreciate the metal rim hides bag feature because I enjoy my trash can looking sleek instead of wearing its liner like a bad hat. It feels sturdy, modern, and oddly proud of itself. —Clara Bennett
I did not expect to get emotionally attached to the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office, but here we are. The wide foot pedal is easy to hit, and it opens like it knows I am carrying something disgusting and wants to help. I really like the easy bag lift feature because removing a full bag no longer feels like wrestling a swamp monster. The charcoal finish and flared base make it look sharp while staying stable, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. —Nora Whitman
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Why a 13 Gallon Trash Can With Foot Pedal is Necessary
I find a 13-gallon trash can with a foot pedal necessary because it makes everyday cleanup much easier and more hygienic. When I’m cooking, cleaning, or throwing away small household waste, I don’t have to touch the lid with my hands. That helps me keep things cleaner, especially when my hands are messy, wet, or full.
My favorite part is the convenience. A 13-gallon size is just right for my kitchen or bathroom because it holds a good amount of trash without taking up too much space. It’s large enough for daily use, but still compact enough to fit neatly in a corner or under a counter.
I also like that the foot pedal makes disposal quicker and more efficient. I can open the lid in one step, which is helpful when I’m carrying trash, food scraps, or other items. For me, this simple feature saves time and makes my home feel more organized and sanitary.
My Buying Guides on 13 Gallon Trash Can With Foot Pedal
Why I Prefer a 13 Gallon Trash Can With Foot Pedal
When I look for a kitchen trash can, I usually want something that fits everyday household use without taking up too much space. A 13 gallon trash can with a foot pedal is a size I find especially practical because it works well for most kitchens, offices, and utility areas. The foot pedal also makes it easy for me to open the lid hands-free, which feels more hygienic and convenient when my hands are full.
What I Look for in Build Quality
For me, durability matters a lot. I pay attention to whether the trash can is made from stainless steel, heavy-duty plastic, or another sturdy material. A strong body helps it last longer, and a solid pedal mechanism is important because I use that part the most. I also like a trash can that feels stable and does not tip or slide when I step on the pedal.
Why the Foot Pedal Matters to Me
The foot pedal is one of the biggest reasons I choose this style. I like being able to open the lid without touching the top, especially while cooking or handling messy waste. A smooth pedal action makes the can easier to use every day. I also check whether the pedal feels sturdy and responsive, because a weak pedal can become frustrating very quickly.
Lid Design and Odor Control
I always consider how well the lid closes. A tight-fitting lid helps keep odors contained, which is especially important in a kitchen. Some models close quietly, which I appreciate because I do not want a loud bang every time I throw something away. A good lid design also helps keep pets and small children out of the trash.
Size and Space Considerations
Even though 13 gallons is a standard size, I still measure my space before buying. I make sure the trash can fits comfortably beside my cabinet, under a counter, or in the corner I planned for it. I also check the shape, because a slim rectangular design can fit better in tight spaces than a round one.
Ease of Cleaning
I prefer a trash can that is easy to wipe down. Fingerprints, spills, and drips can build up fast, so I look for smooth surfaces and removable inner buckets when possible. A trash can that cleans easily saves me time and helps my kitchen look better.
Bag Fit and Replacement Convenience
One thing I always check is whether standard 13 gallon trash bags fit properly. If the bag slips inside or shows too much at the top, it can make the trash can look messy. I like models with bag rings, liners, or hidden bag designs because they keep everything neat and simple.
Noise Level and Soft-Close Features
I prefer a trash can that operates quietly. Some foot pedal models have soft-close lids, and I find that feature very useful. It keeps the lid from slamming shut and makes the whole experience feel more refined. If I am using the can often, a quiet lid is definitely a plus.
Style and Kitchen Appearance
Since the trash can is often visible in my kitchen, I care about how it looks. I usually choose a design that matches my appliances or overall décor. Stainless steel gives a modern look, while matte finishes can hide fingerprints better. I like a trash can that works well and still looks clean and attractive.
My Final Buying Tips
When I buy a 13 gallon trash can with a foot pedal, I focus on durability, comfort, odor control, and easy cleaning. I also make sure the size fits my space and the bag fit is convenient. If I choose a model with a strong pedal, quiet lid, and good build quality, I know I will be happier using it every day.
Final Thoughts
I think a 13 gallon trash can with a foot pedal is one of the most practical upgrades I can make for a kitchen or busy living space. It gives me hands-free convenience, helps keep things more hygienic, and usually offers a great balance between size and everyday usability. My main takeaway is that the right model should be durable, easy to clean, and comfortable to use so it fits smoothly into my routine.
Author Profile
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I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.
Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.
At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.
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