6 Best Trash Cans in 2026

The KdbK is the most complete package in this group for a standard kitchen. It holds 13 gallons, which matches the common kitchen bag size, and the body is brushed stainless steel with an anti-fingerprint finish that wipes clean with a cloth. The listing also mentions an ABS component and a bundle of 20 bags, so you can start using it the day it arrives.

The lid is the highlight. A built-in bi-force damper closes the lid gently whether it is triggered by the pedal or lowered by hand, so there is no clang at night when you take out the last scraps. Foot operation keeps your hands clean while you are handling raw food, and the soft close helps in open-plan homes where noise carries.

As with every steel pedal can, the pedal is the part to watch over years of use, and the steel will dent if struck. Compared with the SONGMICS, which leans into a fluted decorative look, the KdbK is plainer and more practical, and compared with the Glad plastic cans it feels more solid and wipes down more easily. For most kitchens it is the sensible default.

The SONGMICS stands out for its fluted exterior, which gives the bin a more furniture-like look than a flat steel drum. The surface carries a metallic-enhanced powder coating over premium stainless steel, and the listing says it resists wear and is rust-resistant. If a trash can sits in plain sight in an open kitchen, appearance matters more than people admit.

Function does not take a back seat. You press the pedal for hands-free use, or lift the lid by hand to 90 degrees to leave it open during a longer job such as clearing out the fridge. The lid then closes softly rather than slamming. That lift-and-hold option is something the KdbK does not describe, and it is practical when you are filling the bin with a whole tray of scraps.

Two near-identical listings exist for this model, so we count it once. The fluted design does catch dust and splashes in the grooves, which means a slightly fussier wipe-down than a smooth drum. Against the SIMPLI-MAGIC, you lose the filter cartridge, but you gain a more decorative look and a lid that can be held open.

The SIMPLI-MAGIC is the pick for anyone whose main complaint is smell. Alongside a quiet-close lid and a durable metal foot pedal, it carries an odor filter cartridge, which is a feature the other steel cans in this lineup do not list. The body is smudge resistant, so fingerprints from a quick tap on the lid will not show up as badly.

Capacity is 50 liters, which the listing states as 13.2 gallons, and the maker says it fits standard 13-gallon kitchen bags. Bags are sold separately, so budget for a supply on delivery day. The styling is sleek and easy to match with a kitchen, bathroom, office or dorm.

The filter cartridge needs periodic replacement, so there is an ongoing small chore that the KdbK and SONGMICS skip. A filter slows odor from escaping when the lid is closed, but it does not substitute for emptying the bag before food waste starts to turn. If you cook often with fish, onions or other strong ingredients, the filter is a real extra. If not, a tighter sealing lid on the KdbK may be enough.

The Glad 13-gallon is the practical plastic alternative to the steel cans. Its rectangular shape slips tightly against a wall or cabinet, and the plastic body is lighter to carry out to the curb. The lid is formulated with Clorox Odor Protection, which the listing says helps block and trap smells for the life of the can.

An interior bag ring holds the liner in place and hides overhang, which keeps the can looking neat and prevents the bag from sliding in. A hands-free step pedal opens the lid. Listed use includes household, office and commercial settings, so it handles light duty in several places.

Plastic will not dent like steel, but it can stain and scratch, and it will not feel as premium as the KdbK. It also lacks a soft-close damper in the listing, so expect a firmer lid motion. Compared with the Glad 20-gallon, it takes less floor space, and compared with the SIMPLI-MAGIC, you get chemical odor protection built into the lid rather than a replaceable filter. For a plain, light, low-fuss can, it is a fair match.

The Glad 20-gallon is the biggest can in this lineup. At 20 gallons it holds well over the 13 gallons of the other step cans, so it suits busy kitchens, larger families or anyone who hates emptying the bin every other day. The listing calls it spacious and ideal for high-volume waste.

The lid is treated with Clorox Odor Protection to block odors at the source, and a built-in foot pedal opens it instantly with no touching. The rectangular shape wastes less corner space than a round bin of similar volume.

The tradeoff is footprint and bag compatibility. A 20-gallon can needs more floor space and taller clearance, and it uses larger liners than the standard kitchen bag. Because a larger can tempts you to leave trash longer, odors may still build up despite the lid treatment. Compared with the KdbK and SONGMICS at 13 gallons, the Glad 20 trades a steel finish and soft close for sheer capacity, and next to the smaller Glad 13, it is the pick when volume is the problem.

The Sterilite is the odd one out because you are buying a set of four. Each swing-top wastebasket holds 13 gallons, and the pack suits a household that wants matching cans in the kitchen, laundry room, garage and bathroom without buying separately. The square profile slides neatly against walls and cabinets.

The swing lid opens with a touch, and the listing says it stays upright when locked, which is helpful when you are dropping in a bag or sorting through a pile of items with both hands. There is no pedal, so you do touch the lid, which can matter when your hands are messy.

Because it uses a swing flap rather than a sealed lid, odor control is weaker than the Glad models with treated lids or the SIMPLI-MAGIC filter. It also does not offer a soft close. What you gain is flexibility and consistent size across several rooms. If you want one premium kitchen can, choose the KdbK. If you want several useful cans, this pack makes more sense.