Let’s be honest. Nobody daydreams about their kitchen trash can. It’s the least glamorous appliance in the most important room of the house. For years, I tolerated a flimsy, dented metal can with a lid that never quite closed. It was a constant source of low-grade frustration. Bags would slip inside, creating a disgusting mess. Unpleasant odors would escape, no matter how often I took out the trash. And the clanging sound of the lid slamming shut was the soundtrack to my morning coffee routine. It’s a problem we often ignore until we’re forced to confront it: a bad trash can makes a clean kitchen feel dirty, and a functional kitchen feel inefficient. It’s a small detail that, when flawed, has a surprisingly large impact on our daily lives, turning a simple task into a recurring annoyance.
- WASTE BIN WITH 13 GALLON CAPACITY - This 13 gallon trash can is perfect for any household and features a classic rectangular shape in a...
- CLOROX ODOR PROTECTION - Keep your household smelling fresh. This lidded trash can is formulated with Clorox Odor Protection of the lid...
Before You Buy: A Practical Guide to Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Trash Can
A kitchen trash can is more than just a container for refuse; it’s a key solution for maintaining hygiene, controlling odors, and streamlining daily chores. The right can keeps pests at bay, seals away smells, and provides a hands-free way to dispose of waste while you’re cooking. It simplifies the process of changing bags and contributes to the overall cleanliness and aesthetic of your kitchen. Without a well-designed trash can, you’re left battling slipping liners, lingering smells, and a constant eyesore.
The ideal customer for a product like the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can is someone facing these exact challenges. This includes busy families who generate a significant amount of daily waste, home cooks who need a convenient hands-free option, and pet owners who require a secure lid to keep curious noses out. It’s for anyone who values practicality, durability, and smart design without wanting to invest in a high-end, luxury-priced model. However, it might not be the best fit for those with extremely limited kitchen space who might benefit more from a compact, under-cabinet pull-out system. Likewise, users in commercial settings or those needing to dispose of very large items might require a can with a much larger capacity.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The first rule is to measure your intended space. Consider not just the footprint (length and width) but also the height, especially the clearance needed when the lid is fully open. The rectangular shape of the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can is designed to sit flush against a wall or at the end of a cabinet run, maximizing floor space compared to a round can.
- Capacity & Performance: A 13-gallon (50-liter) capacity is the gold standard for kitchens, as it perfectly matches standard-sized tall kitchen trash bags. Performance, however, goes beyond just holding volume. Key performance indicators include the reliability of the step pedal, the effectiveness of the lid’s seal for odor control, and features like bag holders that prevent slippage.
- Materials & Durability: The primary debate is often plastic versus stainless steel. Stainless steel offers a premium look but is prone to dents, fingerprints, and can be heavier. High-quality plastic, like that used in this Glad can, is lightweight, easy to wipe clean, rust-proof, and won’t show smudges, though some users worry about its potential to bulge when overstuffed.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that make your life easier. A hands-free step pedal is non-negotiable for kitchen hygiene. Interior bag rings or cinches are a game-changer for securing the liner. A smooth interior surface without deep crevices makes cleaning a simple task, ensuring the can itself stays sanitary over its lifespan.
While the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- AUTOMATIC & HYGIENIC – The touchless sensor lid opens and closes automatically, keeping your hands clean and ensuring a noiseless,...
- CONVENIENT SIZE: 50 liter / 13.2 gallon trash can for home or office
- WASTE BIN WITH 20 GALLON CAPACITY – This 20 gallon trash can is perfect for any household and features a classic rectangular shape in...
Unboxing the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can: First Look and Feel
Our Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can arrived in a single product box, a point noted by some users who were concerned about shipping damage. Fortunately, our unit was in perfect condition. There’s zero assembly required; you simply pull it out of the box and it’s ready to go. My initial impression was one of practical, thoughtful design. The matte black plastic body is sleek and unassuming, easily blending into our kitchen decor without drawing attention. It’s surprisingly lightweight at just 5 pounds, making it easy to move for cleaning.
What immediately stands out is the contrast between the plastic body and the robust, stainless steel foot pedal. This is often the first point of failure on cheaper cans, but this one feels substantial and built to last. The lid, which houses the Clorox Odor Protection, fits snugly, promising to contain even the most potent garbage smells. Overall, it doesn’t try to be a luxury item, but it presents as a well-engineered tool designed to do its job effectively, which you can see for yourself on its product page.
What We Like
- Generous size effectively uses the full capacity of a 13-gallon bag
- Clorox Odor Protection in the lid genuinely traps and neutralizes smells
- Durable stainless steel step pedal provides confident, hands-free operation
- Clever interior bag rings hold liners securely in place, preventing slippage
- Lightweight and easy-to-clean plastic construction
Drawbacks
- Plastic walls can bulge outward when the can is very full, sometimes impeding the lid mechanism
- The lid does not open to a full 90-degree angle, which can be awkward
- Step pedal can feel stiff and requires a firm press to open fully
A Deep Dive into the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can’s Performance
A trash can is used dozens of times a day, so its performance can’t just be good on paper—it has to excel in real-world, messy situations. We put the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can through weeks of rigorous testing in a busy family kitchen, focusing on its core features: its construction, its hands-free operation, its bag management system, and its overall capacity and design. Here’s our detailed breakdown of how it performed.
Design and Durability: A Closer Look at the Materials
The choice of a plastic body is a deliberate one, trading the premium heft of stainless steel for practicality. We found the matte black finish to be a major advantage, as it completely resists the fingerprints, smudges, and water spots that plague our other steel appliances. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth. This sentiment was echoed by users who celebrated moving on from hard-to-clean metal cans. The plastic is thick and feels durable enough for everyday household use.
However, we were able to confirm a concern raised by some users: when the can is packed to the brim, the flexible plastic walls can bulge outwards slightly. In our tests, this occasionally caused the internal mechanism for the lid to catch, requiring a jiggle to open properly. It’s a minor issue and one that’s avoided by not over-compacting your trash, but it’s a notable difference from a rigid metal can. The star of the show is the stainless steel foot pedal. It’s wide, comfortable to use, and feels incredibly solid. After hundreds of depressions, the mechanism shows no signs of wear or weakness, suggesting it will hold up for the long haul. One user noted the non-flat interior bottom, worrying about bags tearing. While we see the point, in our testing with standard kitchen bags, we never experienced a single puncture or tear caused by this design. The thoughtful balance of materials makes it a reliable kitchen companion.
Everyday Functionality: The Step Pedal and Odor-Control Lid in Action
Hands-free operation is the primary reason to buy a step can, and the Glad model delivers a confident, if firm, experience. We found, as some users did, that the pedal has a certain stiffness to it. It requires a full, deliberate press to open the lid completely. This isn’t a flaw, but rather a consequence of a strong spring mechanism that ensures a swift close. The lid itself doesn’t open to a full 90-degree vertical position, stopping at around 75-80 degrees. This can be slightly awkward when scraping a large cutting board, but for tossing in everyday items, it provides more than enough clearance.
Where the lid truly shines is its odor control. The Clorox Odor Protection is formulated directly into the lid material, and its effect is immediately noticeable. We tested it with notorious offenders: onion skins, fish scraps, and old coffee grounds. With the lid closed, there was virtually no detectable odor, even when standing right next to the can. The seal is tight and effective. For bigger jobs like peeling a large batch of potatoes, the can also includes a manual lock to keep the lid open. You simply push the lid back past its normal stopping point, and it clicks into a stay-open position, a handy feature that some users were delighted to discover. This robust odor-fighting and pedal system is a huge upgrade over basic trash cans.
The Bag Ring System: Genius or Gimmick?
Perhaps the most critical feature for preventing daily frustration is the bag management system. The Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can uses two large interior “bag rings.” To install a new bag, you lift the rings, drape the top of the bag over the can’s rim, and then press the rings down to lock the bag in place. This system serves two brilliant purposes. First, it holds the bag securely, completely eliminating the chance of it collapsing into the can, even with heavy, wet garbage. We tried tossing in heavy items and pushing the trash down, and the bag never once slipped.
Second, it hides any excess bag material, creating a perfectly clean and tidy look from the outside—no more ugly bag overhang. Some users expressed frustration, stating the bag wouldn’t stay down on one side or that gaps were left. We found this only occurred with improper installation. The key is to ensure you pull the bag taut and evenly around the rim before pressing the rings down. When done correctly, the fit is snug and gap-free. This system is, in our expert opinion, a genius-level feature that solves one of the most common trash can annoyances and is a major reason to consider this model.
Capacity vs. Footprint: Maximizing Your 13 Gallons
One of the most frequent points of praise, which we can wholeheartedly confirm, is the can’s surprisingly generous volume. While it’s rated for standard 13-gallon kitchen bags, its dimensions (16″ L x 20.25″ W x 25″ H) are larger than many competitors. One user who moved from an RV noted the difference, exclaiming that this can allows a 13-gallon bag to expand to its absolute fullest. We found this to be completely true. With our old can, bags were often only three-quarters full when we had to take them out. With the Glad can, every bag we removed was packed to its maximum capacity, meaning we took out the trash less often and got more value from every single liner.
This efficient use of space is a significant real-world benefit. The rectangular shape is also a space-saver, allowing it to tuck neatly against a wall or island without protruding awkwardly into walkways. Despite its large capacity, it doesn’t feel overwhelmingly big in the kitchen. It strikes an ideal balance between holding a substantial amount of waste and maintaining a reasonable footprint, a feature that makes it a top contender for any family kitchen. You can check the exact dimensions to see how it would fit in your space.
What Other Users Are Saying
After compiling our own findings, we delved into a wide range of user experiences to ensure a balanced perspective. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing pleasant surprise at the product’s quality for its price point. One user declared it the “BEST purchase of the year,” highlighting how its ample size allows a standard 13-gallon bag to be filled to its maximum potential, a sentiment we strongly agree with. Another reviewer who replaced a high-tech, battery-operated can was “happily surprised to see the large size” and appreciated the simple, reliable manual operation.
However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, and the criticisms are consistent. The most common complaint, which we also observed, relates to the thin plastic walls bulging when the can is overfilled, which can interfere with the pedal mechanism. As one frustrated user of over a year put it, “the front of the can bulges & the foot lever can’t open the trash can.” Another recurring critique is that the lid doesn’t open to a full 90 degrees, with one person stating, “you going to have to push it open with your hand.” These critiques are valid and represent the primary trade-offs for the can’s lightweight design and affordable price.
How the Glad Premium Stacks Up: A Competitive Showdown
The Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can exists in a crowded market. To understand its true value, we compared it against three distinct alternatives, each catering to a different user need.
1. Rev-A-Shelf RV-18KD-18C S 35 Qt Double Pullout Trash Can
- Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Waste Container: Keep your kitchen waste and recycling container hidden but easily accessible with this double...
- Trash Can Specifications: Dimensions (W x D x H): 14.21"W x 22"D x 19.25"H; Designed for base cabinets with a cabinet opening width of...
The Rev-A-Shelf represents a completely different approach to waste management. This is not a standalone can but a hardware system designed to be installed inside a kitchen cabinet, hiding your trash and recycling bins completely out of sight. Its primary advantage is aesthetics and space-saving, creating a seamless, integrated look. However, it requires installation, sacrifices cabinet space, and typically has a smaller combined capacity than a large standalone can. Someone who prioritizes a minimalist, clutter-free kitchen design and is willing to undertake a small installation project would prefer the Rev-A-Shelf. In contrast, the Glad can offers greater capacity and placement flexibility with zero installation.
2. simplehuman 55L Rectangular Hands-Free Step Trash Can
- NEAT AND SECURE - Stainless steel liner rim flips up for a quick and easy liner change, then closes over the liner to hold it tightly...
- LINER POCKET - Keep liners where you need them. Dispense them one by one — no perforations or unraveling — from inside the can for...
The simplehuman can is the premium alternative. It targets a user who prioritizes high-end materials, sophisticated design, and luxury features. Constructed from brushed stainless steel with a fingerprint-proof finish, it boasts a patented soft-close lid that prevents slamming and often includes features like a built-in liner dispenser. The trade-off is a significantly higher price tag. The Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can competes on value and practicality. While it lacks the whisper-quiet lid and metal construction, it offers many of the same core benefits—hands-free operation, odor control, and bag security—at a fraction of the cost, making it the smarter choice for budget-conscious consumers.
3. United Solutions 23 Gallon Slim Waste Container
- Space Saving Profile - The Highboy bin is perfect for tight or compact spaces; its narrow tall design and sleek shape make it ideal for...
- Easy Bag Removal - This indoor or outdoor trash can with lid was designed with a tapered shape and vented sides to make it simple to...
The United Solutions Highboy is all about raw capacity. With its massive 23-gallon volume, it’s built for those who produce a large amount of trash and want to change the bag as infrequently as possible, such as in a garage, workshop, or a very large family home. Its design is purely functional, featuring a simple swing lid and a slim profile. What it gains in volume, it sacrifices in features. It lacks the hands-free step pedal, the secure lid seal for advanced odor control, and the bag-securing rings of the Glad can. The Glad model is the far superior choice for a kitchen environment where hygiene, convenience, and odor containment are top priorities.
The Final Verdict: Is the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can Right for Your Kitchen?
After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the Glad Premium 13 Gallon Step Trash Can is a standout performer in the world of kitchen essentials. It masterfully balances smart features with an accessible price point, making it an exceptional value. Its greatest strengths are its impressive capacity utilization, which lets you get the most out of every trash bag, and its highly effective combination of a tight-sealing lid and Clorox Odor Protection. The sturdy steel pedal and ingenious bag ring system solve two of the most common points of failure and frustration in lesser trash cans.
It is not without its minor flaws; the plastic body can bulge when overstuffed, and the lid’s opening angle could be wider. But these are small compromises for a can that gets so much right. We wholeheartedly recommend it for families, pet owners, and anyone seeking a reliable, low-maintenance, and highly functional trash can that simply works. If you’re tired of fighting with slipping bags and lingering odors, this is the upgrade your kitchen deserves. You can check the latest price and see all the features for yourself right here.
Last update on 2025-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API