6 Best Step Trash Cans in 2026
Six foot-pedal step trash cans compared by pedal design, lid lock, soft close and capacity, from a lockable Hefty to a slim steel Glad.
At a Glance
SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Filter Holder
↓ See why we picked itA step can lives or dies by its pedal. A good one opens the lid with a light tap, closes it without a bang and keeps working after thousands of presses. A poor one demands a stomp, jams at an angle or lets the lid fall shut on your fingers. Because the pedal is the one moving part you use every day, it deserves more attention than the colour of the body.
The six cans here cover the main step designs. The Hefty 12-gallon adds a lockable lid and comes with 40 bags, the Sterilite is a four-pack with a ribbed pedal and a comfort handle, the Glad two-pack gives you a pair of 13-gallon cans, and the Glad Slim packs a soft-close lid into a narrow steel body. The KdbK and SIMPLI-MAGIC are 13-gallon steel cans, one with a damper and one with a filter holder.
We evaluated each can on the listing specs and buyer feedback themes, thinking about pedal feel, lid motion, bag handling and how well the can fits the space you have. The aim is to help you match the pedal design to the person who will use it most.
6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Step Trash Can
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Pedal feel and travel
The pedal is the part you touch hundreds of times a month, so its feel matters more than the colour. A ribbed pedal like the Sterilite gives a firmer grip for a soft shoe, and a stiff pedal on a heavy lid can be tiring. Press the pedal in a store if you can and check that it returns smoothly. A wobbly or sticky pedal often points to a future problem.
Soft-close mechanism
A lid that falls shut makes noise and can catch fingers. The KdbK uses a bi-force damper that closes the lid gently by pedal or by hand, the Glad Slim and SIMPLI-MAGIC also list soft-close lids, and the plain Sterilite and Hefty do not. If your can sits near a living area, a soft close is worth prioritizing. In a garage or laundry room, it matters far less.
Lid lock and child safety
Some homes need the bin to be difficult to open. The Hefty has a lockable lid that helps keep trash contained for homes with pets or children. Other cans rely on the weight of the lid alone. If a dog raids your bin or a toddler loves to explore, a lock is more useful than any finish.
Capacity and bag compatibility
Most step cans in this lineup hold 13 gallons or 13.2 gallons, while the Hefty holds 12 and the Sterilite 11.9. A small gap in capacity changes how often you empty the can. Check the recommended bag size, and note that the Sterilite lid accommodates standard 13-gallon liners and the SIMPLI-MAGIC fits most brands. Buy a bag that is slightly larger than the can so it covers the rim.
Odor management
The Glad cans use a lid formulated with Clorox Odor Protection, the SIMPLI-MAGIC accepts a filter holder, and the KdbK relies on a quiet-close steel lid. A closed lid reduces odors but cannot stop a bag that is days old. Empty the bag on a regular schedule and wipe the rim. If you choose the SIMPLI-MAGIC, mark a calendar date for the filter swap so the feature keeps doing its job instead of quietly expiring.
Body material and weight
Steel cans such as the KdbK and Glad Slim feel solid and wipe clean, while plastic cans such as the Hefty and Sterilite are lighter and tolerate knocks. Weight matters when you carry a full can outside. Choose steel if you want a premium look, and plastic if you need something light. A light can also tips more easily when you press the pedal on a slick floor, so a steel base like the KdbK stays put better during a hard stomp.
6 Best Step Trash Cans in 2026
KdbK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can
About this pick
The KdbK earns the top spot because its pedal and lid work together as a quiet system. Press the pedal and the lid lifts; release it and a built-in bi-force damper draws the lid shut gently, which also works if you close it by hand. That means no clatter in the kitchen, and no pinched fingers from a falling lid.
The body is brushed stainless steel with an anti-fingerprint surface, so the area around the pedal and lid does not look smudged after a week. The listing mentions ABS parts, which keeps the moving components light. A pack of 20 bags comes in the box, which is handy because bag size is one of the most common step-can purchase mistakes.
The cost of the steel is weight and the chance of dents. Compared with the plastic Glad cans, it feels heavier when you lift it, and compared with the SIMPLI-MAGIC, it lacks a filter holder. Even so, as a general-purpose step can with a lid that closes softly and a pedal that does its job, it is the most balanced option here.
Best for: Anyone who wants a quiet, dependable pedal and bags in the box.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 13 gallon (50L)
- Lid: Bi-force damper soft close
- Bags: 20 included
Pros
- +Damper closes the lid gently every time
- +Anti-fingerprint brushed steel body
- +Twenty bags included to start
- +Standard 13-gallon bag fit
Cons
- −Heavier than plastic step cans
- −Steel can dent if kicked
- −No filter holder or lock
Hefty 12 Gallon Step Trash Can with Lockable Lid
About this pick
The Hefty solves a problem that other step cans ignore: curious pets and children. The lid can be locked, which keeps trash securely contained and makes it a practical choice for homes where a dog or a toddler loves to investigate the bin. The pedal still gives hands-free use for everyday opening.
It also comes with 40 matching Hefty bags, so the can is ready to use out of the box. The 12-gallon capacity is a touch smaller than the 13-gallon cans in this lineup, which means a bag fills a bit sooner. The plastic body is light, easy to carry to the curb and forgiving of knocks.
What you give up is the soft-close action and the premium finish of the KdbK or Glad Slim. A lockable lid is a security feature, not a quiet-close one, and the listing does not describe an odor treatment like the Clorox-formulated lids on the Glad cans. Compared with the Sterilite four-pack, it is a single can with a lock rather than a multi-room set. For households with pets or small children, the lock is the reason to choose it.
Best for: Homes with pets or small children who go after the bin.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 12 gallon
- Lid: Lockable
- Bags: 40 Hefty bags included
Pros
- +Lockable lid keeps trash contained
- +Forty matching bags included
- +Light plastic body is easy to move
- +Step pedal for hands-free opening
Cons
- −No soft-close action described
- −Twelve gallons fills a little faster
- −No odor treatment listed
Glad 12 Gallon Slim Step Trash Can with Soft Close Lid
About this pick
The Glad Slim is the step can for people who have no spare floor space. Its slender, rectangular stainless steel body slips into narrow gaps beside a refrigerator or a cabinet, yet it still holds 12 gallons, listed as 45 liters. The finish is fingerprint resistant, and the lid is formulated with Clorox protection meant to form an airtight seal against odors.
The pedal operates the lid, and the soft-close action means it settles instead of slamming. Interior bag rings keep the liner from sliding down and hide any overhang. Together, those details make it a good match for a small apartment kitchen where noise and appearance both matter.
The narrow shape means a bit less volume than the 13-gallon cans and a bag format that may be different from the usual kitchen liner. Compared with the plastic Glad two-pack, it is heavier and steel. Compared with the KdbK, it is slimmer but has no bags in the box. If every inch of floor counts, it is the strongest pick here.
Best for: Small kitchens that need a narrow footprint and a quiet lid.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 12 gallon (45L)
- Body: Rectangular stainless steel
- Lid: Soft close, Clorox protection
Pros
- +Narrow steel body fits tight gaps
- +Soft-close lid with step pedal
- +Bag rings hold liners in place
- +Clorox protection against odors
Cons
- −Slightly less volume than 13-gallon cans
- −Narrow shape may need matching bags
- −No bags included
Glad 13 Gallon Plastic Step Trash Can 2-Pack
About this pick
Buying two cans at once makes sense when you want one in the kitchen and another somewhere else, such as a laundry room, a garage or a home office. This Glad pack delivers two 13-gallon plastic step cans in a modern black finish. The lids are formulated with Clorox Odor Protection to help block odors for the life of the can.
Interior bag rings keep the bag slack tucked inside and secure the liner, so the can looks neat even when it is nearly full. The foot pedal gives hands-free opening, and the plastic body is light enough to carry to the curb.
Nothing here is fancy. The listing does not describe a soft-close damper, so the lid drops with ordinary force, and plastic will not feel as sturdy as the KdbK. But two cans for the same job as one is a practical way to cover several rooms with matching bins. Compared with the Sterilite four-pack, you get fewer cans but a larger capacity per can and an odor-treated lid.
Best for: Households that want matching step cans in two rooms.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Quantity: 2 cans
- Capacity: 13 gallon each
- Lid: Clorox odor protection
Pros
- +Two cans cover two rooms
- +Odor-protected lid on both cans
- +Bag rings keep liners tidy
- +Light plastic is easy to carry
Cons
- −No soft-close action described
- −Plastic feels less sturdy than steel
- −Fewer cans than a four-pack
Sterilite 11.9 Gallon Step-On Wastebasket 4-Pack
About this pick
The Sterilite four-pack is about coverage rather than polish. Four rectangular step-on wastebaskets let you stock the kitchen, the office breakroom, the garage and a spare room with the same simple bin. A ribbed pedal gives a firm footing for a gentle tap, and a wide-opening lid makes tossing items in easy.
The listing says the lid accommodates standard 13-gallon liners, which is convenient because you can buy one bag size for the whole house. An integrated comfort handle gives you a place to hold the can when you carry it. Each can is 11.9 gallons, slightly smaller than a 13-gallon bin.
It does not offer odor-treated lids, soft close or bag rings in the listing, so it is a plainer tool than the Glad cans. Compared with the Glad two-pack, it gives you more cans but less odor control. Compared with the KdbK, it is much lighter and lower in refinement. For a household or office that simply needs many reliable bins, it is a sensible choice.
Best for: Offices and homes that need several simple step bins.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Quantity: 4 cans
- Capacity: 11.9 gallon each
- Pedal: Ribbed
Pros
- +Four cans cover many rooms
- +Ribbed pedal gives secure footing
- +Wide opening makes tossing easy
- +Integrated handle helps carrying
Cons
- −No odor-treated lid listed
- −No soft-close action described
- −Slightly under 13 gallons each
SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Filter Holder
About this pick
The SIMPLI-MAGIC suits people who want a step can that works well against a wall. The listing describes an efficient footprint with clean lines and flush features, so the bin can sit against a wall or cabinet without wasting space. A soft-close lid and a smudge-resistant finish round out the exterior.
The key extra is an odor filter holder. Instead of relying on lid treatment alone, you can fit a filter to help with smells, which is useful in a kitchen that sees strong ingredients. The listing says the can fits most brands of trash bags, so you are not locked into one bag type.
Filters wear out and need replacing, which adds an ongoing chore that the KdbK does not have. The listing also does not mention bags in the box. Compared with the Glad Slim, it is wider and lacks a stainless-steel slender profile, but it offers filter flexibility. If odors are your main worry and you want a flush, tidy step can, it is a good match.
Best for: Kitchens where odors are the main complaint.
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Capacity: 13.2 gallon (50L)
- Lid: Soft close
- Odor control: Filter holder
Pros
- +Filter holder adds odor control
- +Soft-close lid avoids slamming
- +Flush design sits against walls
- +Fits most brands of trash bags
Cons
- −Filter needs periodic replacing
- −No bags mentioned in the box
- −Wider than the Glad Slim
How We Evaluated These Step Trash Cans
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Pedal and lid action
We looked at how each listing describes its pedal and lid behaviour, from the ribbed pedal on the Sterilite to the damper on the KdbK and the soft-close lids on the Glad Slim and SIMPLI-MAGIC. We treated these as maker statements.
Security and household fit
We considered whether a can suits homes with pets or children. The Hefty is the only lockable lid in the group, so it stood out for that scenario.
Capacity and bag handling
We compared stated capacities, from 11.9 gallons on the Sterilite to 13.2 gallons on the SIMPLI-MAGIC, and noted bag rings, included bags and bag compatibility.
Odor features
We recorded each odor approach, including Clorox-formulated lids on the Glad cans and the filter holder on the SIMPLI-MAGIC.
Lineup positioning
We positioned the picks against each other: the KdbK for balance, the Hefty for security, the Glad Slim for space, the Glad two-pack and Sterilite four-pack for multiple rooms, and the SIMPLI-MAGIC for odor flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Step Trash Cans
By Household Situation
Match the can to who is using it and where it sits.
| Situation | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dog or toddler gets into the bin | Hefty 12 Gallon Step Trash Can with Lockable Lid | Lockable lid |
| Tight kitchen gap | Glad 12 Gallon Slim Step Trash Can with Soft Close Lid | Narrow steel body |
| Quiet open-plan kitchen | KdbK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can | Damper closes the lid gently |
| Strong cooking odors | SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Filter Holder | Filter holder |
| Cans for several rooms | Sterilite 11.9 Gallon Step-On Wastebasket 4-Pack | Four matching cans |
By Budget
These are relative tiers; check live listings for prices.
| Budget tier | Recommended pick | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Glad 13 Gallon Plastic Step Trash Can 2-Pack | Two cans with odor-treated lids |
| Entry to mid | KdbK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can | Steel, soft close, bags included |
| Mid | Hefty 12 Gallon Step Trash Can with Lockable Lid | Lock and 40 bags |
| Upper mid | Sterilite 11.9 Gallon Step-On Wastebasket 4-Pack | Four cans |
| Premium | SIMPLI-MAGIC 13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Filter Holder | Filter and flush design |
Tiers can shift as listings change.
Soft Close vs Plain Lid
The lid action is the biggest daily difference between step cans.
Soft-close cans
The KdbK, Glad Slim and SIMPLI-MAGIC list soft or quiet closing, so the lid settles instead of dropping. They suit open kitchens, bedrooms and homes with sleepers. The mechanism adds a part that could wear, but the quiet is worth it for many people.
Plain-lid cans
The Hefty, Glad two-pack and Sterilite four-pack do not list a damper in the supplied copy. They are simpler and lighter, and they suit garages, laundry rooms and workplaces where noise does not matter. Choose them if you value cost and coverage over quiet.
Single Can vs Multi-Pack
Packs make sense only if you need the extra cans.
| Preference | Recommended pick | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| One best can | KdbK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can | Balanced steel can |
| Two matching cans | Glad 13 Gallon Plastic Step Trash Can 2-Pack | Two 13-gallon cans |
| Many rooms or an office | Sterilite 11.9 Gallon Step-On Wastebasket 4-Pack | Four cans |
| One can with a lock | Hefty 12 Gallon Step Trash Can with Lockable Lid | Lockable lid |
For Pet-Proofing Specifically
A step pedal alone does not stop a determined dog.
Look for
A lid that locks or is hard to nudge open, a heavy base that does not tip, and a pedal that does not open easily from a nose bump. Place the can where it is hard to reach.
In this comparison
The Hefty 12 Gallon Step Trash Can has a lockable lid, which makes it the best match. The steel KdbK is heavier and harder to tip, though it relies on its lid weight rather than a lock.
When to Spend More
Extra features should solve a real problem.
| Spend more if | Save if |
|---|---|
| You want the KdbK damper and anti-fingerprint steel | The plastic Glad two-pack will do |
| You need the Glad Slim to fit a narrow gap | You have room for a standard 13-gallon can |
| You want the SIMPLI-MAGIC filter holder for strong odors | You empty the bin daily |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good step trash can?
A good step can has a pedal that opens with a light tap, a lid that closes gently and a body sized for your bags. The KdbK is a strong example with its damper and included bags. Check the pedal feel and the lid action above all. Finish and colour come last, because they never affect how the can behaves on the fiftieth use of the week.
Do step cans last?
The pedal is the most likely part to wear, since it moves with every use. Steel cans with sturdy hinges tend to feel more durable, but a plastic can can also last if you treat the pedal gently. Look for a warranty on the current listing. Pressing the pedal near its centre, rather than the edge, spreads wear and helps it last longer.
Is a lockable lid worth it?
If you have a dog, a cat that jumps or a toddler, yes. The Hefty lockable lid keeps trash contained in those homes. Otherwise a plain step can is enough.
How do I pick the right bag size?
Match the bag to the can capacity, and choose one slightly larger so it covers the rim. The Sterilite lid accommodates standard 13-gallon liners, and the SIMPLI-MAGIC fits most brands. A bag that is too small keeps falling into the can.
Will a soft-close lid really be quieter?
Yes. The KdbK, Glad Slim and SIMPLI-MAGIC list soft or quiet closing so the lid slows as it lowers. In a quiet home, you will notice the difference every night. If a family member sleeps lightly near the kitchen, this feature alone can justify choosing one of those three over the plain-lid cans.
How do I clean the pedal area?
Wipe the pedal and lid with a damp cloth, and clean the base when crumbs collect. Keep water out of the hinge area. Stainless steel needs a soft cloth, and plastic tolerates a gentle scrub.
Is a slim can big enough?
The Glad Slim holds 12 gallons, close to a standard 13-gallon can. It suits one or two people, or a small household. For a larger family, a 13-gallon can like the KdbK offers a bit more. Think about how often you cook at home, since a kitchen that sees daily cooking fills a bag faster than one that mostly reheats meals.
Bottom Line
best overall: KdbK 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can - best overall step can pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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