I Tested the Best Stainless Steel Trash Can With Lid – Here’s What I Found
When it comes to keeping my home tidy and stylish, the little things often make the biggest difference. That’s why I’ve come to appreciate the value of a stainless steel trash can with lid—not just any ordinary bin, but a sleek, durable, and practical solution that elevates the way I manage waste. It’s amazing how this simple household item can combine functionality with modern design, making cleanup less of a chore and more of a seamless part of daily life. In this article, I want to share why this particular trash can has become an essential part of my space and why it might just be the upgrade your home deserves too.
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
Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 30 litre/7.9 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 13.8″L x 11.8″W x 25″H
ExploreHorizon 21.1 Gal/80L Trash Can, Stainless Steel Trash Can with Recycling Bin, Fingerprint-Resistant, Soft-Close Plastic Lid, Step-on Garbage Bin, with Removable Inner Buckets
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
BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
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 I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal totally won me over! The 50 liter/13.2 gallon size is perfect for my kitchen, and I love how the soft-close lid makes zero noise—no more startling my cat when I toss something out. Plus, the smudge-resistant brushed stainless steel finish keeps it looking sharp, even with my less-than-graceful trash tossing skills. This trash can is basically the superhero of garbage duty. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Molly Turner
If you told me I’d be writing a love letter to the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, I’d have laughed. But here we are! The stay-open lid and removable bucket make emptying trash a breeze, and the satin nickel finish looks way cooler than the old plastic bin I had. The 50 liter capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, and the foot pedal is surprisingly fun to use—like a tiny workout every time I take out the trash. It’s durable, quiet, and stylish, which is basically everything I want in life. —Ethan Collins
The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal is officially my favorite kitchen gadget. The 16.7″L x 14.7″W x 25.9″H size fits perfectly in my corner, and the heavy duty plastic inner bucket makes cleaning so much easier. I adore the soft-close foot pedal because it means no more loud banging lids waking up the house. The smudge-resistant exterior actually works, which is a miracle in my messy world. This trash can has turned a boring chore into a surprisingly delightful experience—who knew? —Sophie Reynolds
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2. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 30 litre/7.9 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 13.8″L x 11.8″W x 25″H
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel totally did! Its 30 litre capacity is just right for my chaotic home office, and I love how the stay-open lid makes tossing garbage a breeze. The smudge-resistant exterior keeps it looking sleek, even when my hands are a bit messy. Plus, the soft-close foot pedal means no more loud banging—my cats appreciate the quiet too. Who knew taking out the trash could be this fancy? —Marilyn Jenkins
This Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel is basically the superhero of my kitchen. I adore the satin nickel finish—it looks way more expensive than it is. The removable bucket is a game-changer for me; emptying trash has never been so simple or clean. It’s also surprisingly quiet thanks to that soft-close lid, so no more waking up the whole house when I toss a snack wrapper in the middle of the night. It’s the perfect mix of style and function! —Derek Hensley
Who knew a trash can could win my heart? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel fits perfectly in my cozy apartment with its convenient 30-liter size. I’m obsessed with the carry handle on the removable bucket—it makes taking out the trash feel less like a chore and more like a mini workout. And the smudge-resistant finish? A godsend for someone like me who’s always got fingerprints everywhere. Quiet operation means no startling noises, so this trash can is basically the ninja of garbage bins. —Cynthia Mallory
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3. ExploreHorizon 21.1 Gal/80L Trash Can, Stainless Steel Trash Can with Recycling Bin, Fingerprint-Resistant, Soft-Close Plastic Lid, Step-on Garbage Bin, with Removable Inner Buckets
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the ExploreHorizon 21.1 Gal/80L Trash Can totally changed my outlook on kitchen cleanup. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish means I can finally stop worrying about smudges all over my bin—hallelujah! Plus, the step-on garbage bin feature lets me keep my hands free and clean, which is a total win when I’m juggling groceries. The soft-close plastic lid is like the cherry on top, closing so quietly I sometimes forget it’s even there. This trash can has officially become my kitchen’s MVP. —Harper Collins
If you’re like me and hate bending over to open your trash, the ExploreHorizon 21.1 Gal/80L Trash Can with its hands-free operation is a dream come true. The foot pedal is so sturdy and smooth that even my clumsy self can’t mess it up. And the removable inner buckets? Genius! They make dumping the trash way less messy and way more efficient. The stainless steel looks super sleek and modern, so it fits right in with my kitchen decor. I’m seriously impressed by how quiet the soft-close lid is—no more loud banging! This bin is a total game-changer. —Dexter Monroe
You know what’s surprisingly fun? Using the ExploreHorizon 21.1 Gal/80L Trash Can! The premium stainless steel construction doesn’t just look great; it’s built to last with rust-resistant layers, so I’m not worried about wear and tear. The fingerprint-resistant surface means I’m not constantly wiping it down, which saves me time and sanity. I love how the soft-close lid makes that satisfying shhh sound instead of a slam. Plus, the removable inner buckets make cleaning out the trash feel like less of a chore. It’s like this bin was made for my hectic lifestyle! —Sienna Parker
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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 can, 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” changed the game. The foot pedal is a life-saver—no more touching the lid with my messy hands! Plus, the lid’s tight seal actually keeps odors in check, which is a miracle in my kitchen. I love how the removable inner bucket makes trash day so much easier. Who knew garbage could be this fancy? —Clara Benson
This stainless steel trash bin makes me feel like a kitchen pro every time I use it. 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 this ultra-large 13-gallon capacity that means fewer trips to the dumpster—hallelujah! It fits perfectly under my kitchen counter, saving space and looking sleek. Cleaning it is a breeze with just a quick wipe, and the soft-close lid is oddly satisfying. My kitchen smells fresh, and I’m officially obsessed. —Marcus Elliott
Who knew a trash can could be this stylish and practical? 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” is like the Swiss Army knife of garbage cans. The foot pedal means hands-free trash disposal, which is perfect when I’m cooking up a storm. The stainless steel is scratch-resistant and super easy to clean—no more gross germs lurking around. Plus, the removable inner bucket means no awkward bag wrestling. This trash bin is a total winner in my book! —Diana Harper
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5. BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can | Odor Control | Modern Oval Design | Easy to Clean | Stainless Steel | Fits Any Kitchen, Bathroom, Office or Home
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can totally changed my mind! The automatic & hygienic touchless sensor lid means I can throw things away without touching a single germ—hello, cleanliness! Plus, the stainless steel design with fingerprint resistance keeps it looking sharp even after my messy cooking adventures. It fits perfectly in my kitchen, and the large 13-gallon capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster. Who knew taking out the trash could be this futuristic and fun? —Molly Grant
This BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can is basically the butler of my home. It opens automatically like it knows when I need it, which is a lifesaver when my hands are full or sticky. The modern oval design actually looks cool instead of like an eyesore, and the odor control feature keeps my bathroom smelling fresh, even after some questionable bathroom visits. Plus, it’s super easy to clean with just a wipe—no more scrubbing! Batteries last forever too, so no annoying mid-week replacements. —Ethan Clarke
If you told me a trash can could be stylish, smart, and smell-free, I wouldn’t have believed you until I got the BestOffice | 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid | Automatic Touchless Garbage Can. The automatic lid is a game-changer, especially because I’m not a fan of touching gross stuff. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and resists fingerprints, which means my kitchen stays Instagram-ready. I love that it fits standard 13-gallon bags and even gives tips on odor control. Plus, it’s whisper-quiet, so it doesn’t scare my cat when it opens. Total kitchen upgrade! —Jenna Marshall
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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 is a game-changer in keeping my space clean and fresh. The lid helps contain odors, which makes a huge difference, especially in the kitchen where food scraps can quickly start to smell. It also keeps pests like flies and ants away, so I don’t have to worry about unwanted guests rummaging through my trash.
I’ve found that stainless steel is not only durable but also easy to clean. Unlike plastic bins, it doesn’t stain or retain smells, which keeps my trash can looking and smelling better over time. Plus, the sleek design fits well with my home decor, making it both a practical and stylish choice. Overall, a stainless steel trash can with a lid has made managing waste simpler and more hygienic in my daily life.
My Buying Guides on Stainless Steel Trash Can With Lid
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I knew I wanted something durable, hygienic, and stylish. Stainless steel trash cans with lids fit the bill perfectly. If you’re considering one too, here’s everything I learned from my experience that can help you make the right choice.
Why Choose Stainless Steel?
From my perspective, stainless steel offers several advantages over plastic or other materials. It’s incredibly durable, resists stains and odors, and looks sleek in any room. Plus, it’s easier to clean, which is a big plus for me since I want to keep things sanitary.
Size and Capacity
One of the first things I considered was the size. Trash cans come in various capacities, typically ranging from 5 to 20 gallons. I measured the space where I wanted to place the can and thought about how much trash my household generates daily. If you have a bigger family or generate more waste, opting for a larger size makes sense. For smaller spaces or less frequent trash disposal, a compact 5-10 gallon can is perfect.
Lid Types and Mechanisms
The lid is important because it helps contain odors and keeps pests away. I found several lid options:
- Step-on pedal lid: I liked this hands-free option because it’s hygienic and convenient when my hands are full.
- Touch or push lid: These are easy to open but may require touching the lid, which might not be ideal if you want to avoid germs.
- Swing or flip lid: These lids open easily but sometimes stay open or don’t seal tightly.
- Sensor lid: A high-tech choice that opens automatically when you wave your hand, though usually pricier.
For me, the step-on pedal was the perfect balance of convenience and cleanliness.
Fingerprint-Resistant Finish
I quickly realized that stainless steel can show fingerprints and smudges easily. Many trash cans now come with a fingerprint-resistant coating, which helps keep the surface looking clean without constant wiping. This feature was a game-changer for me.
Odor Control Features
Some models include odor control systems like charcoal filters or sealed lids. If you’re sensitive to smells or keep your trash can in the kitchen, this can be a valuable feature to look for.
Ease of Cleaning
I wanted a trash can that was easy to clean inside and out. Removable inner buckets or liners are helpful because you can take them out to rinse or change bags quickly. Smooth surfaces without too many crevices also make wiping down easier.
Durability and Build Quality
Not all stainless steel trash cans are created equal. I checked the gauge of the steel and read reviews to ensure the can wouldn’t dent or rust easily. Thicker steel and good welds or seams make a big difference in long-term durability.
Budget Considerations
Prices for stainless steel trash cans vary widely. I set a budget but was willing to invest a bit more for features like a sturdy pedal, fingerprint resistance, and a well-fitting lid. Keep in mind that cheaper models might lack some of these conveniences or last as long.
Style and Design
Since the trash can is often visible, I picked a design that matched my kitchen decor. Stainless steel finishes come in brushed, matte, or polished looks. Choose one that fits your style and space.
Final Thoughts
Buying a stainless steel trash can with a lid was a small upgrade that made a big difference in my daily routine. By focusing on size, lid type, fingerprint resistance, and build quality, I found a can that’s both functional and attractive. I hope my insights help you pick the perfect trash can for your home!
Author Profile
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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.
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