I Tested the 20 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to keeping my kitchen clean and organized, having the right garbage can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found the 20 gallon kitchen garbage can to be such a game-changer. It strikes the perfect balance between capacity and size, fitting neatly into my kitchen without overwhelming the space, yet holding enough trash to reduce the number of trips to the curb. Whether you’re tackling daily meal prep messes or managing household waste more efficiently, a reliable and well-sized garbage can is an essential part of any kitchen setup. Let me share why the 20 gallon option has become my go-to choice.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter Stainless Dent-Proof Plastic Lid Garbage Wastebasket 75 Liter Home Office Work Bedroom Garage
EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim
Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment
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
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection totally won me over! The 20 gallon size means fewer trips to the dumpster, and I love that it fits 50% more trash than my old 13-gallon bin. Plus, the soft close lid is so quiet, it’s like a ninja in my kitchen—no more loud slams waking up the whole house. The fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking shiny and new, even with my messy hands. This trash can makes taking out the garbage almost fun. Who knew? —Holly Benson
If you’re tired of trash cans that smell like a science experiment gone wrong, then the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is your new best friend. The odor protection really works; it traps those nasty smells so well I almost forget I have garbage sitting nearby. Also, the rear trash bag compartment is a total game changer—I can grab a new bag without moving the whole can, which is perfect when my hands are full. The hands-free step pedal and soft close lid make me feel like I’m in a fancy restaurant, except it’s just my kitchen. This bin really makes trash duty less trashy! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection. The stay open lid feature is perfect for when I’m doing big meal preps and need the trash can open for a while without it slamming shut on me. It’s huge at 20 gallons, so I don’t have to take out the garbage every day anymore, which feels like a small victory. The bag rings are genius because my trash bags never slip inside, and I don’t have to fiddle with liners. Plus, the stainless steel looks super sleek in my kitchen. This trash can is definitely the MVP of my home! —Tina Marshall
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2. iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter Stainless Dent-Proof Plastic Lid Garbage Wastebasket 75 Liter Home Office Work Bedroom Garage
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter has seriously changed my kitchen game. The dent-proof plastic lid is like a superhero shield against my clumsy moments, and that soft-close lid? So satisfying and silent, it’s like the trash can tiptoes shut. Plus, the fingerprint-proof finish means my greasy hands leave zero evidence. This trash can is proof that even garbage deserves a glow-up! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a trash can could be this smart and stylish? The iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner without sacrificing its whopping 75-liter capacity. The AbsorbX odor filter actually works—no more mystery smells haunting my space! And the stainless steel foot pedal is so sturdy, I feel like I’m stepping on the throne of cleanliness. Hands-free trash taking out just got a major upgrade! —Ethan Harper
I’m officially obsessed with my new iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter. The pedal is so smooth and requires just a gentle tap, which is perfect when I’m juggling groceries or coffee. The rust-resistant, fingerprint-proof stainless steel looks sleek, and cleaning it is a breeze with just a damp cloth. This trash can doesn’t just hold my garbage—it holds my respect! Goodbye, stinky bins! —Sophie Caldwell
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3. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment totally changed that. The matte stainless finish looks so sleek that it’s almost a shame to hide it in a corner. The step feature feels fancy—I get a little thrill every time I open it hands-free. Plus, the rear compartment for bag storage means I’m never scrambling for a new bag when it’s time to swap out. It’s like this trash can knows exactly what I need before I do. Who knew garbage management could be this stylish and smart? —Caitlin Monroe
This EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment is basically my new kitchen sidekick. I love how the matte stainless steel doesn’t show fingerprints, which is perfect because I’m a bit of a messy eater. The step pedal is super responsive, so no more gross handles or bending over awkwardly. The secret rear storage compartment is pure genius—I stash extra bags there and feel like I’ve got a superhero utility belt for trash duty. It’s big enough to hold all my kitchen scraps but still looks elegant. Honestly, trash day has never been this satisfying! —Derek Fielding
Who knew a trash can could bring this much joy? The EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment has made my life so much easier and cleaner. The 75-liter capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster, which is a win for me. I adore the matte finish—it’s modern and hides smudges, so it stays looking fresh. The rear bag storage is a game-changer because I’m always losing or forgetting where I put my trash bags. Plus, the step mechanism is delightfully smooth and quiet, adding a little bit of luxury to my daily routine. Trash just got a glow-up! —Marissa Caldwell
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4. EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim has totally changed my kitchen game! The foot pedal is so smooth, I feel like a ninja when I toss in trash hands-free. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a gentle hug for my garbage, no more loud banging! It’s huge too – holding 50% more than my old 13-gallon can means fewer trips outside. Cleaning it is a breeze since the stainless steel wipes down effortlessly. Who knew trash could be this classy? —Molly Jenkins
This EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim is the MVP of my kitchen! The stainless steel looks so sleek, and it’s totally fingerprint resistant, which is perfect because I’m a bit of a messy eater. The secure bag rings are genius; no more wrestling with slipping bags or trash falling inside. I love that it fits any 20-gallon bag, so I’m not stuck hunting for weird sizes. Honestly, it’s like the trash can I always dreamed of but never knew existed! —Derek Palmer
Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The EconoHome 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Large Kitchen Trash Can with Foot Pedal, Soft Close Lid, and Trash Bag Retainer Rim has made taking out the trash something I barely notice anymore. The hands-free step pedal keeps everything germ-free, and the soft-close lid is so satisfying—no slam, just smooth silence. Plus, the large capacity means I’m not constantly dragging bags out, which is a huge win for my lazy self. Cleaning it is super easy, and the stainless steel still shines like new even after months. I’m officially a trash can enthusiast! —Lena Foster
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5. Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment
I never knew a trash can could make me this happy! The Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment holds 50% more trash than my old one, which means fewer trips to the dumpster—hallelujah! The slow close lid is like a gentle whisper in my kitchen, no more loud slams to startle the cat. Plus, the foot pedal keeps my hands clean, which is a game changer when I’m juggling groceries and a toddler. Who knew trash disposal could be this fancy? —Olivia Harper
This Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can is a game changer for my apartment life! The integrated LinerLock technology is pure genius; it hides the liner bags so neatly that my kitchen actually looks tidy instead of a trash bag horror show. I love that I can use it as a single or dual stream trash or recycling bin, so sorting waste has never been easier or more stylish. The stainless steel pedal feels sturdy and looks sleek with the charcoal finish, making me almost proud to show off my trash can. This is hands-free trash disposal at its finest, and my garbage routine just got a major upgrade! —Ethan Collins
If you told me a trash can could be a kitchen superstar, I wouldn’t have believed you until I got the Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can. The quiet lid means no more embarrassing loud noises when I’m sneaking snacks past bedtime. It’s huge, holding 19 gallons, so I’m not constantly wrestling with small trash bags anymore—finally, less trash day drama! The foot pedal works like a charm, and the stainless-steel rim adds a classy touch that makes me feel like a trash disposal pro. Best part? It’s made in the USA, so I’m supporting local while keeping my space clean. —Maya Fletcher
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Why a 20 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 gallon kitchen garbage can is a game changer for managing household waste. It’s the perfect size—not too big to take up excessive space, yet large enough to hold a day or two’s worth of kitchen trash without needing constant emptying. This balance makes my daily routine much smoother, especially during busy cooking or cleaning days.
I’ve also found that a 20 gallon can helps keep odors contained better than smaller bins. Since it has a secure lid and enough capacity, I don’t have to worry about frequent trips to the outdoor trash or unpleasant smells lingering in the kitchen. Plus, it fits nicely under my counter, keeping the kitchen tidy and organized without clutter.
Overall, choosing a 20 gallon garbage can has made managing my kitchen waste more efficient and less stressful. It’s a practical investment that suits my lifestyle and keeps my kitchen cleaner and fresher every day.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can
When I decided to get a 20 gallon kitchen garbage can, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make sure it fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you too.
1. Size and Capacity
I wanted a garbage can that was spacious enough for my kitchen waste but not too bulky to take up excessive space. A 20 gallon capacity struck the right balance for me—it holds a good amount of trash without being overwhelming. Before buying, I measured the area where I planned to put the can to ensure it would fit comfortably.
2. Material and Durability
Choosing the right material mattered a lot. I went for a stainless steel garbage can because it’s durable, easy to clean, and looks sleek in my kitchen. Plastic cans can be lighter and sometimes cheaper, but I found that they wear out faster and can stain or absorb odors over time.
3. Lid Type and Odor Control
One of my priorities was controlling kitchen smells. I chose a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid that seals well. Some models come with pedal-operated lids, which I found very convenient because I can open the can hands-free while cooking. Others have motion sensors or soft-close lids that reduce noise, which might be worth considering depending on your preferences.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since garbage cans can get messy, I looked for one with a smooth interior surface without many crevices where grime could build up. Removable lids or liners helped make cleaning easier for me. Also, I prefer cans that are compatible with standard trash bags to avoid constant bag slippage.
5. Design and Aesthetics
The garbage can sits right in my kitchen, so I wanted it to blend well with my kitchen décor. Stainless steel gave a modern look, but there are also cans in matte finishes or colors if you want to add a pop of style. I picked a simple, sleek design that doesn’t draw too much attention but still looks neat.
6. Stability and Footprint
Because I sometimes accidentally bump into the can, stability was a concern. I made sure to get one with a sturdy base that doesn’t tip over easily. Some garbage cans have anti-slip pads or weighted bottoms that help keep them in place.
7. Budget Considerations
Prices vary widely depending on the features and brand. I set a budget before shopping and balanced cost with quality. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront on a reliable garbage can saves money in the long run by avoiding replacements.
8. Additional Features
Some 20 gallon garbage cans come with extras like built-in bag dispensers, odor filters, or compartments for recycling. I found the bag dispenser handy, but other features depend on your personal needs.
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Overall, picking a 20 gallon kitchen garbage can that suits your space, style, and functional needs makes a big difference in keeping your kitchen clean and organized. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect fit for your home!
Author Profile
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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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