There’s a moment in every home cook’s life—usually when you’re juggling a cutting board full of vegetable scraps with one hand while trying to peel a raw chicken wrapper off the other—that you realize the true importance of a good kitchen trash can. For years, my kitchen was home to a cheap, lidless plastic bin that was an open invitation for odors and our curious Labrador. It was followed by a flimsy step-can whose lid slammed shut with the force of a guillotine. The daily frustrations were small but constant: the liner bag slipping into the abyss, the struggle to pull a full bag out, the unsightly mess. It was clear we needed an upgrade—not just a container, but a functional, reliable, and even stylish piece of kitchen equipment. This search for a solution that combines durability, smart features, and modern aesthetics is what led us to thoroughly test the Rubbermaid Premier Series III 12.4 Gallon Step-On Trash Can.
- STAINLESS-STEEL ACCENTS: Charcoal stainless-steel rim and pedal upgrade the aesthetics of the container to complement your space
- PREMIUM, MODERN DESIGN: Designed with clean, modern lines and a flared base to elevate the aesthetic of the container while increasing...
What to Consider Before Buying a Kitchen Trash Can
A kitchen trash can is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining a clean, sanitary, and odor-free home. Its primary role is to discreetly contain waste, but the best models do so much more. They enhance kitchen workflow, prevent pets and small children from accessing garbage, and can even complement your decor. A high-quality can with features like a soft-close lid, an effective liner-locking system, and durable construction transforms a mundane chore into a seamless experience. Neglecting this essential piece of equipment can lead to unpleasant smells, pest problems, and a constant battle with slipping trash bags.
The ideal customer for a premium step-on trash can is someone who spends significant time in their kitchen and values convenience, hygiene, and aesthetics. This includes busy families, avid home cooks, and pet owners who need a secure lid. It’s for those who are tired of the daily annoyances of a subpar bin and are willing to invest in a long-term solution. On the other hand, this type of product might not be suitable for those in temporary living situations, extremely small kitchens where space is the absolute top priority, or individuals who generate very little waste and can manage with a much simpler, smaller container. For them, a basic utility can or a compact under-sink model might be a more practical choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your intended space carefully. Pay close attention to the height of the can with the lid fully open, especially if you plan to place it under a counter or island. The Rubbermaid Premier Series III, for instance, is 24.63 inches tall when closed, but you’ll need significantly more clearance for the lid to operate without hitting the underside of a countertop.
- Capacity/Performance: Capacity is typically measured in gallons or liters. A 13-gallon (or ~50-liter) can is the standard size for most kitchens, as it’s designed to fit standard kitchen trash bags. Performance features to look for include a responsive foot pedal, a quiet-closing lid mechanism, and any features that make bag removal easier, such as interior venting.
- Materials & Durability: The two most common materials are stainless steel and plastic (resin). Stainless steel offers a premium look and is durable but can be prone to dents and fingerprints if not properly coated. High-quality resin, like that used in the Rubbermaid Premier Series III 12.4 Gallon Step-On Trash Can, is dent-proof and easy to clean, offering a great alternative that balances looks and practicality.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify your life. A liner lock prevents the bag from slipping, a fingerprint-resistant finish reduces cleaning time, and a locking lid can be a lifesaver for parents and pet owners. Consider how easy the can is to wipe down, both inside and out, as regular cleaning is essential for hygiene.
While the Rubbermaid Premier Series III 12.4 Gallon Step-On 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...
First Impressions: A Sleek Design with a Puzzling Start
Unboxing the Rubbermaid Premier Series III 12.4 Gallon Step-On Trash Can, we were immediately struck by its modern aesthetic. The main body is a charcoal-colored resin that feels substantial and durable—a welcome departure from the flimsy plastic of cheaper cans. The stainless steel rim and foot pedal provide a sophisticated contrast, elevating its appearance beyond a simple utility item. As one user noted, it has a “clean and sleek” look that integrates well into a contemporary kitchen. The flared base gives it a solid, planted feel, promising good stability.
Assembly seemed straightforward—it’s just a trash can, after all. You simply need to snap the lid assembly onto the main body. However, this is where we, like many other users, hit our first snag. After clicking the lid into place, the slow-close mechanism didn’t work. The lid would stay open or slam shut. It was frustrating and made the product feel cheap. But a closer look revealed a small QR code sticker under the lid. A quick scan led to an instructional video that revealed a crucial, easily-missed final step: you must hold the lid closed while pressing the foot pedal all the way down until you hear a loud “click.” This engages the piston for the soft-close feature. Once we did this, it worked perfectly. It’s a brilliant feature, but the initial confusion is a significant hurdle that could—and clearly does—lead to negative first impressions. You can see its full feature set and assembly guide online to avoid this initial hiccup.
What We Like
- Sleek, modern design with attractive stainless steel accents
- Effective LinerLock™ system keeps bags secure and hidden
- Quiet, slow-close lid (when assembled correctly)
- Lid Lock feature is great for homes with pets or children
- Durable, dent-proof resin body is easy to clean
Drawbacks
- Confusing lid assembly can lead to malfunctioning soft-close feature
- Some units have arrived with small dents on the stainless steel rim
- Durability of internal plastic mechanism components is a concern
In-Depth Performance Analysis of the Rubbermaid Premier Series III
After overcoming the initial assembly puzzle, we spent several weeks putting the Rubbermaid Premier Series III 12.4 Gallon Step-On Trash Can through the rigors of daily family life. From messy cooking prep to holiday meal clean-up, we evaluated every aspect of its design and functionality. It’s in these day-to-day moments that a trash can proves its worth, and this model has several standout features, as well as a few quirks that are important to understand.
Design and Durability: A Smart Hybrid Approach
Rubbermaid’s choice of a hybrid material construction is one of this can’s defining features. The main body is made of a hard, high-quality resin. We found this to be a major advantage over all-metal cans. As one user mentioned, they specifically chose this model to avoid the inevitable dents that plague stainless steel bins in a busy kitchen. Our testing confirmed this; minor bumps from chairs, vacuums, or dropped items left no mark. The charcoal finish is forgiving and doesn’t show dirt easily, and the entire surface is simple to wipe clean.
The stainless steel accents on the rim and foot pedal provide a premium touch without the full commitment—and vulnerability—of an all-steel body. The steel is coated to be fingerprint-resistant, and we found it did a reasonably good job of keeping smudges at bay. However, this hybrid design isn’t without its faults. Several users reported receiving their cans with small dings and dents specifically on the stainless steel lid or rim, suggesting it’s a vulnerable point during shipping. While our unit arrived in perfect condition, it’s a recurring quality control issue noted in customer feedback. The can’s flared, anti-slide base provides excellent stability. Even with an aggressive step on the pedal, the can stays put on our tile floor, though some users on particularly slick floors recommended adding small rubber feet for extra grip.
The Lid Mechanism: A Tale of Two Experiences
The lid is the interactive heart of any step-on trash can, and the one on the Rubbermaid Premier Series III 12.4 Gallon Step-On Trash Can is the source of both its best features and its biggest frustrations. The “make or break” issue is the assembly. As we discovered, and as countless user reviews corroborate, failing to perform the final “click” step leaves you with a non-functional soft-close mechanism. One user lamented a “shoddy, loose and clunky” lid, while another provided the solution: “You have to hold the lid down…and then you press on the foot lever all the way…you will hear a loud click.” Once properly engaged, the mechanism is fantastic. The lid opens with a light touch of the foot pedal and closes in a smooth, silent, controlled motion. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference, eliminating the jarring slam of older models.
Beyond the soft-close, the lid incorporates a discrete Lid Lock. This small sliding switch allows you to lock the lid in the closed position—a critical feature for keeping curious pets or toddlers out of the trash. We tested this with our determined Lab, and he was successfully thwarted. The lock can also be used to keep the lid propped fully open, which is incredibly useful for longer tasks like peeling vegetables or scraping multiple plates after a meal. This dual-functionality is a thoughtful design element. However, long-term durability is a potential concern. We saw one report of the internal plastic housing for the piston breaking over time, causing the soft-close to fail. While this wasn’t our experience during our testing period, it points to the plastic components of the mechanism being a potential weak point over years of use, a trade-off for its more affordable price point compared to all-metal luxury cans. Exploring the product’s warranty information could be a wise step for long-term peace of mind.
Liner Management and Everyday Usability
A trash can’s primary job is to hold a bag and make it easy to change. Here, the Rubbermaid Premier Series III 12.4 Gallon Step-On Trash Can truly excels. The system is two-fold. First, Rubbermaid’s signature LinerLock™ technology features two arms that swing inwards to grip the top of the trash bag, holding it securely in place. Throughout our testing, we never once had a bag slip or fall into the can, even when it was heavily loaded. Second, the premium stainless-steel rim fits over the LinerLock arms, completely concealing the edge of the bag from view. This creates a clean, tidy appearance that we came to appreciate greatly.
Removing a full, heavy bag is often a struggle, but the interior venting channels in this can are designed to fight the vacuum effect that can make removal difficult. We found that even when packed full, the bags slid out with surprising ease. There were some conflicting user reports regarding bag fit. One user found that standard 13-gallon ForceFlex bags didn’t fit well, while another stated that Costco’s 13-gallon stretch bags were a “tight and perfect” fit. In our tests with standard 13-gallon tall kitchen bags, we found they fit snugly but securely. The key seems to be using bags with a bit of stretch to accommodate the can’s specific dimensions. The 12.4-gallon capacity is slightly smaller than the standard 13-gallon bag it’s designed for, which helps ensure a taut, secure fit once the LinerLock is engaged. Overall, the thoughtful bag management system is a significant strength and a feature that really sets it apart in its price range.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across a wide range of user feedback, a clear and consistent picture of the Rubbermaid Premier Series III 12.4 Gallon Step-On Trash Can emerges. The sentiment is generally positive, but almost always qualified by the frustrating lid assembly. Many happy customers, like one who said it “traps the smell great and seems to hold quite a bit,” preface their praise by advising others to watch the instructional video or follow the QR code. One user perfectly summarized the collective experience: “Before leaving a negative review about the lid closing, PLEASE make sure to follow the QR code…Once I did this, the lid lowers by itself perfectly.”
On the negative side, the most common complaints, besides the lid setup, revolve around quality control during shipping and long-term durability. Several users were disappointed to receive an otherwise perfect product with “2 small round dents on the stainless steel lid,” suggesting the packaging may not be robust enough to protect the metal components. Another significant concern, voiced by a user whose can broke after a few months, is the “cheap plastic housing where the piston is encased.” This highlights a potential longevity issue with the critical soft-close mechanism. These reviews paint a portrait of a product with an excellent design concept that is sometimes let down by execution, whether in the clarity of its assembly instructions or the durability of its internal parts.
How Does the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Compare to Alternatives?
The Rubbermaid Premier Series III 12.4 Gallon Step-On Trash Can offers a compelling balance of features and price, but it exists in a crowded market. Depending on your specific needs for size, technology, or material, other options might be a better fit.
1. EKO 2.6 Gallon Automatic Touchless Motion Sensor Trash Can
- NEXT-LEVEL SENSOR TECH: Jump into the future with EKO's automatic bathroom trash can. Wave your hand, and it opens in a blink (0.2...
- BUILT TOUGH AND WATERPROOF: Certified IPX5, EKO touchless bathroom garbage can keeps everything dry and is a breeze to clean—no water...
The EKO Automatic Trash Can is not a direct competitor for a main kitchen bin but serves as an excellent alternative for a different space. With a tiny 2.6-gallon capacity, it’s designed for bathrooms, offices, or under a small desk. Its key feature is the waterproof motion sensor for completely touchless operation, a great feature for hygiene-focused areas. If you’re looking for a small, tech-forward can for a secondary space and don’t need the large capacity of the Rubbermaid, the EKO is a specialized and effective choice.
2. BestOffice 13 Gallon Automatic Kitchen Trash Can
- AUTOMATIC & HYGIENIC – The touchless sensor lid opens and closes automatically, keeping your hands clean and ensuring a noiseless,...
- MODERN & DURABLE DESIGN – Made of premium stainless steel with a fingerprint-resistant finish. The sleek oval body and sloping lid...
The BestOffice 13 Gallon can is a direct rival in capacity but offers a different user experience. It features a full brushed stainless steel body and a touch-free motion sensor lid. This is the choice for someone who wants the high-tech convenience of an automatic lid and prefers the premium look of all-metal construction. However, you trade the reliable simplicity of Rubbermaid’s foot pedal for battery-powered electronics, which can sometimes be finicky. It’s a great pick for a modern, automated kitchen, whereas the Rubbermaid is better for those who prefer manual, durable mechanics.
3. PayLessHere 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Recycling Bin
- 13 Gallon Ultra-large Capacity: 13 gallons can absolutely meet your daily use, in the kitchen table next to a kitchen trash can, you...
- Hand Free & Odor Control : Trash can with foot pedal allows you to dispose of trash without dirtying your hands or physically touching...
The PayLessHere 13 Gallon bin is a strong contender for those who prioritize ease of cleaning and classic design. Like the BestOffice can, it features a full stainless steel body and a manual foot pedal with a soft-close lid, similar to the Rubbermaid. Its key differentiator is the removable inner bucket. This allows you to take the entire plastic liner out for thorough washing, which can be a major advantage for dealing with leaks or deep cleaning. The trade-off is that this two-piece design can sometimes be more cumbersome during bag changes compared to Rubbermaid’s integrated LinerLock system.
The Final Verdict: A Great Trash Can, If You Read the Instructions
After extensive testing, we can confidently say the Rubbermaid Premier Series III 12.4 Gallon Step-On Trash Can is a very good product with one significant, but entirely surmountable, flaw. Its blend of a dent-proof resin body and stylish steel accents is both practical and attractive. The LinerLock system is best-in-class for securing bags and maintaining a tidy look, and the quiet, slow-close lid is a pleasure to use—once it’s working. The Lid Lock adds valuable security for homes with pets or small children.
We would recommend this trash can to anyone looking for a stylish, feature-rich solution who doesn’t want to worry about the dents and smudges of an all-steel can. However, this recommendation comes with a strong caveat: you must follow the assembly instructions for the lid mechanism. The initial confusion is a real hurdle, but the payoff is a perfectly functioning, high-end feature. If you value smart design and are willing to spend 60 seconds watching a video to get it right, this trash can offers exceptional value and performance. For a durable, functional, and attractive addition to your kitchen, you can check the latest price and availability right here.
Last update on 2025-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API