Ever feel like your trash can is just… there? It’s a humble household hero, quietly holding our everyday discards. But when it comes time to find a new one, especially a 13-gallon size, it can feel surprisingly complicated. So many choices! Which one fits best? Which one will last? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options, and the wrong pick can lead to annoying leaks or a can that just doesn’t work well.
That’s where we come in. Choosing the right 13-gallon trash can shouldn’t be a chore. We’re here to make it simple and smart. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for, what features matter most, and how to pick a can that perfectly suits your needs and your home. Get ready to say goodbye to trash can troubles!
Our Top 5 13 Gallon Trash Can Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 13 Gallon Trash Can Detailed Reviews
1. BestOffice
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of touching gross trash cans? The BestOffice 13 Gallon Trash Can with Lid is here to help! This automatic, touchless garbage can makes throwing away trash clean and easy. Its modern oval design looks great in any room, and it keeps smells locked away. Plus, it’s super simple to keep clean.
What We Like:
- The touchless sensor lid opens and closes by itself. This keeps your hands clean and makes using the trash can hygienic.
- It has a sleek, modern oval design made from strong stainless steel. It won’t show fingerprints easily, and it looks good in kitchens, bathrooms, or offices.
- The can holds a lot, fitting standard 13-gallon trash bags. You won’t have to change bags too often.
- The lid stays closed to help control odors, keeping your home smelling fresh.
- Cleaning is a breeze! Just wipe the stainless steel surface with a dry towel.
- It runs on 4 C batteries, which can last for over 40,000 openings. That’s a lot of trash!
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy 4 C batteries separately.
- The electronic parts might need care in very damp or hot places.
This BestOffice trash can offers a convenient and hygienic way to manage your household waste. It’s a stylish and practical addition to any space.
2. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of smelly kitchens and messy trash bags? The Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can is here to help! This black, rectangular bin offers a generous 13-gallon capacity, making it ideal for busy households. Its sleek, matte black finish looks great in any kitchen. Plus, it’s designed for easy, hands-free use, so you can toss your trash without touching a thing.
What We Like:
- Generous 13-gallon capacity fits most household needs.
- Clorox Odor Protection actively blocks unwanted smells, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- Hands-free step-on pedal makes disposing of trash hygienic and simple.
- Bag rings keep your trash bag securely in place, preventing it from slipping.
- Durable plastic construction is built to last.
- Stylish matte black finish complements any kitchen decor.
- Versatile for both home and commercial use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The foot pedal mechanism, while convenient, could potentially wear down over time.
- While odor protection is a great feature, some users might prefer a **fully sealable lid** for stronger odors.
This Glad trash can offers a practical and odor-fighting solution for your waste disposal needs. It’s a solid choice for keeping your space clean and smelling fresh.
3. Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of smelly kitchens and messy trash bags? The Glad Premium 13 Gallon Trash Can in sleek black is here to help. This bin is designed to make trash day a little less of a chore. Its generous 13-gallon size handles a good amount of waste, making it ideal for busy households. The modern rectangular shape fits nicely into most kitchen spaces.
What We Like:
- The Clorox Odor Protection built into the lid actively fights bad smells, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- A sturdy stainless steel step pedal allows for easy, hands-free opening, which is super convenient when your hands are full.
- The smart bag rings keep your trash bag securely in place, preventing it from slipping down and hiding messy bag edges for a tidier look.
- Its 13-gallon capacity is perfect for families or even small offices.
- The bin’s design is simple and functional, fitting well in any home or commercial setting.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the plastic is durable, some users might prefer a metal exterior for a more premium feel.
- The matte black finish can show fingerprints more easily than a glossy surface.
This trash can offers a solid solution for keeping your kitchen clean and odor-free. It combines practical features with a thoughtful design, making it a worthwhile addition to your home.
4. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of flimsy trash cans that break easily or look messy? The Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container is a solid solution for keeping your spaces tidy. This 41-quart (10.25-gallon) black plastic bin is designed for durability and versatility, fitting neatly under desks, sinks, or inside cabinets. Its stackable design makes storage a breeze, and the smooth surface is a cinch to clean. Whether you need it for your bedroom, bathroom, or office, this wastebasket is built to last and maintain a professional appearance.
What We Like:
- It’s made of super strong plastic that won’t dent, chip, or peel. This means it will look good for a long time.
- The rolled rims add extra strength, making it tough and easy to wipe clean.
- It’s the perfect size to fit under most standard desks.
- You can get a recycling option and choose from many different colors.
- The smooth plastic is very easy to wipe down and keep clean.
- It works great in many places like homes, offices, bathrooms, and even gift shops.
- You can stack them on top of each other, which saves space when you’re not using them.
- It’s made right here in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the plastic might show scratches over time with very heavy use.
- The “commercial” label might make some people think it’s only for businesses, but it’s great for home too!
This Rubbermaid wastebasket is a reliable and practical choice for anyone needing an efficient and long-lasting trash solution. It’s a well-made product that handles daily use with ease.
5. Ninestars Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can
Rating: 9.2/10
The Ninestars Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can is a smart and hygienic addition to any kitchen or home. Its sleek black design with a stainless steel base looks modern and fits well with most decor. This 13-gallon (50L) trash can opens automatically when you wave your hand, making it super easy to use without touching anything.
What We Like:
- Touch-free operation: Wave your hand, and the lid opens. This keeps your hands clean and stops germs from spreading.
- Keeps odors in: The lid seals shut tightly, so bad smells stay inside the can.
- Smart sensor: The sensor is smart. It waits a moment before opening, so pets or kids walking by won’t accidentally open it. It also closes quietly.
- Easy to clean: The stainless steel base resists fingerprints, so it always looks neat. The sensor is also waterproof.
- Neat trash bags: A special liner ring holds your trash bag in place so it doesn’t sag or hang over the edge.
- Great warranty: It comes with a two-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Batteries not included: You’ll need to buy 2 D batteries separately. Alkaline batteries are recommended.
This Ninestars trash can makes throwing away trash simple and clean. Its smart features and durable design make it a great choice for a modern home.
Your Guide to the Perfect 13-Gallon Trash Can
A 13-gallon trash can is a workhorse for any home. It’s the ideal size for kitchens, fitting most standard trash bags. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the best 13-gallon trash can for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a trash can, keep these important features in mind.
1. Lid Type
Lids keep odors contained and pests out. They come in a few main types:
- Open Top: Simple and easy to use. Good for areas where odor control isn’t a big concern.
- Hinged Lid: Lifts up and stays open for easy disposal. Some have a foot pedal to open.
- Swing Lid: A weighted lid that swings open when you push it. Quick and easy.
- Touch-Top Lid: You push a button to open it. Keeps hands clean.
- Motion Sensor Lid: Opens automatically when it senses your hand. Very convenient and hygienic.
2. Shape and Size
While it’s a 13-gallon can, the actual dimensions can vary. Measure your space. Some cans are tall and skinny, others are wider. Make sure it fits where you want to put it.
3. Liner Lock / Bag Securing System
This feature holds your trash bag in place. It stops the bag from slipping down into the can when you throw trash away. This makes taking out the trash much cleaner.
4. Odor Control Features
Some cans have special filters or tight-fitting lids to trap smells. If odor is a problem for you, look for these.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Smooth surfaces and removable inner buckets make cleaning easier. You want a can that doesn’t have too many nooks and crannies for dirt to hide.
Important Materials
The material of your trash can affects its durability and appearance.
- Plastic: Most common and affordable. Look for strong, thick plastic that won’t crack easily.
- Stainless Steel: More durable and looks sleeker. It can be fingerprint-resistant. Some stainless steel cans have plastic lids and bases.
- Other Materials: Some designer cans use wood or other decorative materials. These are often more for looks than heavy-duty use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a trash can great or not so great?
- Good Quality:
- Sturdy construction that doesn’t wobble.
- Smooth-working lids, especially foot pedals.
- A liner lock that actually works and is easy to use.
- Durable materials that resist dents and scratches.
- Lower Quality:
- Flimsy plastic that feels like it could break.
- Lids that stick or don’t close properly.
- No way to secure the trash bag, leading to messy changes.
- Cheap hinges or moving parts that feel like they will break quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your trash can matters.
- Kitchen: This is the most common spot. You need a can that can handle food scraps and general waste. A hands-free option (like a pedal or sensor) is very useful here.
- Bathroom: A smaller, covered trash can is good for bathrooms to keep odors down and out of sight.
- Office/Bedroom: For smaller amounts of waste, a simple open-top or swing-top can works well.
- Garage/Workshop: A durable plastic can is best for this area, as it can handle dirt and is easy to clean.
A 13-gallon trash can is a smart choice for many homes. By considering these features and materials, you can find one that makes your chores easier and your home tidier.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About 13-Gallon Trash Cans
Q: What is the main advantage of a 13-gallon trash can?
A: The main advantage is its size. It’s perfect for most kitchens and fits standard trash bags, so you don’t have to buy special sizes.
Q: How do I know if a 13-gallon trash can will fit in my kitchen?
A: Measure the space where you plan to put the trash can. Check the dimensions listed by the manufacturer to make sure it will fit comfortably.
Q: Are stainless steel trash cans worth the extra cost?
A: Stainless steel cans are usually more durable and look nicer. If you want something that lasts longer and has a modern look, they can be worth it.
Q: What is a liner lock, and why is it important?
A: A liner lock is a feature that holds your trash bag firmly in place. It stops the bag from falling into the can when you add trash, making cleanup much neater.
Q: Which lid type is best for controlling odors?
A: Lids that fit tightly, like swing lids or touch-top lids, help control odors. Some cans also have special filters for extra odor control.
Q: How easy is it to clean a 13-gallon trash can?
A: Plastic cans are generally easy to clean. Cans with removable inner buckets or smooth surfaces are the easiest to keep tidy.
Q: Can a 13-gallon trash can be too big for a small kitchen?
A: While 13 gallons is standard, the actual width and depth can vary. A tall, narrow can might fit better in a small kitchen than a wide one.
Q: What are the benefits of a foot pedal trash can?
A: A foot pedal allows you to open the lid without using your hands. This is very hygienic, especially in the kitchen where your hands might be dirty.
Q: How often should I empty a 13-gallon trash can?
A: This depends on how much trash you create. For a kitchen, you might empty it every few days. For a bathroom, it could be once a week or longer.
Q: What should I do if the lid on my trash can breaks?
A: Check the manufacturer’s warranty. Some companies offer replacement parts. If not, you might need to replace the whole trash can.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.