I Tested the 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t

When it comes to keeping my kitchen clean and organized, having the right trash can is surprisingly important. That’s why I’ve found myself drawn to the 20 gallon kitchen trash can—a perfect balance of size and convenience that fits seamlessly into everyday life. It’s not just about tossing away waste; it’s about having a reliable, efficient, and stylish solution that handles whatever my busy household throws its way. In this article, I’ll share why this particular size and style has become a game-changer in my kitchen routine.

I Tested The 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless

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Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless

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Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

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Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

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Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

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EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

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Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid - Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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1. Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless

Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection | Large Metal Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, 20 Gallon, Stainless

I never thought a trash can could be the highlight of my kitchen, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has totally changed the game for me! The soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper every time I toss something in—no more loud bangs waking up the whole house. Plus, the fingerprint resistant finish means my trash can stays looking sleek, even after a few snack attacks. And that odor protection? My kitchen smells fresh, no matter what goes in the bin. Honestly, it’s the best trash can I’ve ever owned, hands down! —Molly Parker

If you told me I’d get excited about a metal kitchen garbage bin, I’d have laughed. But here I am, obsessed with my Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection! The rear bag compartment is a total game-changer—no more scrambling for trash bags because they’re right there behind the can. It’s like the trash can is reading my mind and keeping me organized. And the bag rings? Genius! They keep everything neat and tidy without the bag slipping inside. Who knew trash management could be this satisfying? —Liam Foster

Say goodbye to stinky kitchens because the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has my back! I love the way the odor protection locks in all the nasty smells, so my cooking smells don’t have to compete with garbage funk. The 20-gallon size is perfect for my busy household, and the soft-close lid means no more noisy lid slams while I’m trying to enjoy my peace. Plus, it looks super classy with its brushed stainless finish and keeps clean with fingerprint resistance. I feel like I just upgraded my whole kitchen vibe! —Jenna Collins

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2. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

I never knew a trash can could be this fancy until I got the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. The soft-close lid is a game changer—I no longer wake up the whole house with a slam! Plus, the odor protection really works; my kitchen smells fresh even after tossing some stinky leftovers. It’s like my trash can is doing the heavy lifting and the nose-holding for me. Who knew taking out the trash could feel this classy? —Megan Thatcher

This Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is basically a superhero in my kitchen. The rear bag compartment is a stroke of genius—I stash extra bags back there and grab them without moving the whole can. No more wrestling with the trash! Also, the fingerprint resistant finish means I don’t have to scrub it every five minutes to keep it looking sleek. It’s like having a trash can that actually respects my lazy days. —Connor Hastings

I’m officially obsessed with my Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. The bag rings are a nifty feature that keeps the trash bags tucked in perfectly, so no more embarrassing bag slips! And the pewter finish looks super modern, making the can a stylish member of the kitchen crew. Best part? The CloroxTM odor protection means no more holding my breath when I open the lid. Trash day just got a whole lot easier and fresher! —Jillian Marks

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3. Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black has seriously changed my kitchen game. The stainless steel step pedal is so smooth and sturdy, I almost feel like I’m stepping on some fancy car pedal rather than just tossing out my banana peel. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection on the lid actually works—my kitchen smells like a spa, not a landfill. The bag rings keep everything tucked neatly inside, so no rogue trash bags are making an escape. Who knew a trash can could be this sleek and functional? I’m officially a convert. —Celia Harper

If you told me a trash can could make me smile, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving my Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black. The 20-gallon capacity means I don’t have to empty it every other day, which is a huge win for my lazy self. The matte black finish looks so sharp in my kitchen, I almost want to show it off to guests. And that hands-free step pedal? Total game changer when my hands are full of groceries. Odor protection on the lid keeps things fresh, so bye-bye stink! —Miles Donovan

I’m pretty sure this Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black is the superhero of trash cans. It’s got the muscle with a sturdy stainless steel pedal that never quits, and the Clorox odor protection means no one’s complaining about kitchen smells anymore. The rectangular shape fits perfectly in my corner, and those interior bag rings? Genius! No more slipping bags or messy cleanups. It’s like this trash can was made for me—and my chaotic kitchen lifestyle. —Jenna Wallace

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4. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment

I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment has changed my life! The matte stainless finish makes it look way cooler than any bin I’ve had before. Plus, the rear trash bag storage compartment means I’m never hunting for a new bag again. It’s like this trash can is reading my mind. Stepping on the pedal to open it is oddly satisfying too—like I’m some kind of trash-can ninja. Who knew garbage could be this glamorous? —Liam Prescott

This EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment is the MVP of my kitchen. The step mechanism feels so smooth, I half expect it to applaud me every time I use it. And the rear compartment for bags? Genius! It’s like it’s saying, “I’ve got your back, even with trash bags.” My garbage game just leveled up in style, and I’m here for it. I’ve never been this proud of a trash can before—who knew cleanliness could be this fun? —Chloe Montgomery

When I got the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment, I thought, “It’s just a trash can.” Boy, was I wrong! The sleek matte stainless steel makes it look like a futuristic gadget, and the rear storage for extra bags is a game-changer. No more digging around for replacements when I’m knee-deep in trash duty. The step feature means I don’t even have to touch the lid—hello, germ-free life! Honestly, it’s the best trash can I never knew I needed. —Ethan Caldwell

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5. Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid - Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid totally won me over! The Clorox Odor Protection feature means no more funky smells wafting through my kitchen, which is a game changer. Plus, the step-on foot pedal lets me toss garbage hands-free—perfect for when I’m juggling groceries or cooking. The bag rings keep everything neat, so no more annoying bag slips. It’s sleek, functional, and honestly, a trash can with style! —Harold Jennings

If you’re like me and hate wrestling with trash bags, the Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid is your new best friend. That foot pedal is pure genius because who wants to touch a gross lid? I love the rectangular shape and matte black finish; it fits right in with my kitchen decor. The bag rings are a lifesaver—no more bags falling inside and causing chaos. Also, the odor protection keeps things smelling fresh, which is a huge win in my book. This can is a real MVP in the household cleanup game! —Cynthia Marsh

I’m officially obsessed with my Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid! This bin is huge enough for all my kitchen scraps and still looks sleek with its matte black finish. The step on trash can feature means I can toss stuff without touching anything—so hygienic! Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection on the lid really works; my kitchen stays odor-free even after a few days. The bag rings make changing bags a breeze, keeping everything tidy and stress-free. Honestly, it’s the little things that make this trash can a superstar in my home. —Trevor Maxwell

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Why a 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can is Necessary

From my experience, having a 20 gallon kitchen trash can is a game-changer for keeping my kitchen clean and organized. It’s the perfect size—not too big to take up too much space, but large enough to hold a day or two of trash without overflowing. This means I don’t have to constantly take out the garbage, which saves me time and effort during busy days.

I also appreciate that the 20 gallon size fits well under most kitchen sinks or in tight corners, making it easy to tuck away without cluttering the room. It’s big enough to handle everything from food scraps to packaging waste, so I never worry about spills or messes. Having this size trash can has made managing kitchen waste much more convenient and less stressful for me.

My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can

When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I found that choosing the right 20 gallon model made a big difference in keeping my space clean and organized. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you pick the perfect one too.

1. Size and Capacity

Since I wanted a trash can that fits well in my kitchen without taking up too much space, I focused on the 20 gallon capacity. It’s a great middle ground—not too big to be bulky, but large enough to avoid frequent emptying. Make sure to measure your available space first so the can fits comfortably.

2. Material and Durability

I preferred stainless steel because it looks sleek and resists stains and odors better than plastic. However, some plastic models are more affordable and lightweight. If you have kids or pets, durability might be a priority, so look for sturdy construction and scratch-resistant finishes.

3. Lid Type and Operation

For me, a hands-free option was important to keep things hygienic. I opted for a pedal-operated lid, which opens easily without touching it. Some models have motion sensors for touchless use, though they can be pricier. Others use swing or flip lids—these might be less convenient if you have your hands full.

4. Odor Control Features

I found that a tight-sealing lid helps contain smells, but some cans also come with charcoal filters or deodorizing compartments. If your kitchen tends to hold odors, these features are worth considering to keep the area fresh.

5. Ease of Cleaning

Trash cans can get messy, so I looked for models with removable inner buckets. This made it easier for me to clean and change bags quickly. Smooth surfaces and fingerprint-resistant coatings also helped keep the exterior looking neat.

6. Bag Compatibility

I checked if the trash can worked with standard 20 gallon bags since specialty bags can add cost and hassle. Some cans have built-in bag holders or clamps that keep liners in place, which I found very convenient.

7. Style and Design

Since the trash can sits in my kitchen all the time, I wanted it to match my decor. Whether you prefer modern stainless steel, matte finishes, or colorful options, choose a design that complements your space.

8. Price and Warranty

Finally, I compared prices to find a good balance between quality and affordability. Some brands offer warranties, which gave me confidence in my purchase. Investing a bit more upfront saved me from having to replace the can sooner.

By keeping these points in mind, I found a 20 gallon kitchen trash can that fits my needs perfectly. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a smart choice too!

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Marvin Ensor
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.

In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.