I Tested the 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to keeping my space clean and organized, the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve been drawn to the 20 gallon stainless steel trash can—a perfect blend of durability, style, and practicality. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, office, or any other area, this trash can offers more than just a place to toss waste; it’s a reliable companion that stands up to daily use while adding a sleek, modern touch to your environment. In this article, I’ll share why this particular size and material have become my go-to choice for managing trash efficiently and elegantly.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash 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
Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 21 Gallon (80 L) Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB534E01
QUALIAZERO 75L/19.8Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid, Rectangle Shape (75L Rectangle)
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 has truly changed my kitchen game. The large metal kitchen garbage bin is perfect for my family’s messes, and the soft close lid is oddly satisfying to watch—no more loud slams! The foot pedal is super responsive, so I don’t even have to touch the lid with my hands. Plus, the waste bag roll holder keeps everything neat and ready to go. It’s like the trash can I always dreamed of, but didn’t know I needed! —Megan Carlisle
Who knew that a trash can could bring this much joy? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is not only stylish with its stainless steel finish, but it also keeps the kitchen smelling fresh thanks to the odor protection feature. The 20-gallon size means I’m not constantly running to empty it, and the soft close lid keeps things quiet during those late-night snack raids. The foot pedal is a lifesaver for when my hands are full, making it super easy to toss away garbage without missing a beat. I feel like I’ve upgraded my whole kitchen experience! —Derek Hensley
I’ve owned a lot of trash cans, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is hands down my favorite. The large metal kitchen garbage bin is sturdy and looks sleek in my kitchen, and the soft close lid feels like a little luxury every time I use it. The foot pedal is so smooth and responsive that I almost forget I’m dealing with trash at all. Plus, the built-in waste bag roll holder is a genius touch that keeps everything organized and easy to swap out. No more stinky kitchen for me—this bin really does its job! —Kylie Bradford
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2. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
I never thought a trash can could make me smile, but the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has done just that! The stainless steel looks so sleek in my kitchen, and the CloroxTM odor protection means I don’t have to hold my breath when taking out the trash. Plus, the extra capacity is a game changer—I can finally stop worrying about overflow on trash day. The step mechanism is super smooth, so I feel like a ninja every time I use it. Who knew garbage could be this stylish and functional? —Molly Harrison
This Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter is basically my new best friend. The pewter finish is so classy that my trash can is now the envy of the neighborhood. I love how the CloroxTM odor protection keeps the kitchen smelling fresh, even after a week of leftovers. The extra capacity means fewer trips to the curb, and the step lid lets me multitask like a pro. It’s like the trash can I always dreamed of, but didn’t know I needed. —Ethan Brooks
Who knew that the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter would become the highlight of my cleaning routine? I’m obsessed with how the stainless steel gleams and how the step feature adds a touch of fun to a chore. The CloroxTM odor protection is a total lifesaver, especially after hosting BBQs. Plus, the extra capacity means I spend less time wrestling with overflowing bags. This trash can has seriously upgraded my kitchen game without even trying. —Jenna Collins
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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 has changed the game for me. The larger capacity means I’m not running to the curb every other day, which is a win for my laziness. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel looks so sleek, I almost want to show it off instead of hide it away. The step pedal feels like it was made just for me—sturdy and smooth every single time. Honestly, my trash routine has never been this stylish or hassle-free! —Molly Pearson
Who knew a trash can could be this clever? The EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment has a secret weapon the tidy bag storage on the back. I love that I don’t have to dig through cluttered drawers for bags anymore; they’re right there when I need them, ready to roll. The whisper-quiet closing lid means no more startling my cat or waking the neighbors when I toss something away late at night. This trash can is low-key the MVP of my kitchen. —Liam Fletcher
I’m officially obsessed with my EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment. The durable stainless steel foot pedal is a beast and makes me feel like a pro every time I step on it. It’s held up to my daily trash chaos without a hitch, and the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking fresh—no smudges, just style. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a gentle hug for my garbage, preventing any slam drama. Who knew taking out the trash could actually be this satisfying? —Jenna Caldwell
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4. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 21 Gallon (80 L) Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB534E01
I never thought I’d be this excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 21 Gallon (80 L) Stainless Steel Garbage Can has totally changed my kitchen game! The spacious solution for big families means I’m not constantly running to empty it, which is a huge win for my lazy self. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, making my kitchen feel way fancier. Plus, the stay-open lid is perfect for when I’m tackling a big cleanup and don’t want to keep stepping on the pedal. This trash can is like the MVP of kitchen gear! —Derek Hamilton
Step on the pedal of the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 21 Gallon (80 L) Stainless Steel Garbage Can, and you’ll instantly know what effortless means. The 9.3″ wide pedal gives my foot plenty of room, so no awkward toe gymnastics here. I love how the lid softly closes without that annoying slam—it’s like the trash can has a gentle soul. The carbon filter is a game-changer too; my kitchen smells fresh even after I toss out the leftovers from my questionable cooking experiments. It’s tall, it’s large, and it’s totally space-saving—kudos to the design! —Nina Collins
Who knew a garbage can could be so stylish and functional? The SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 21 Gallon (80 L) Stainless Steel Garbage Can adds a modern vibe to my kitchen with its quality stainless steel build. It’s rust-resistant, which means I’m not stressing about spills or scrubbing too hard. The stay-open lid feature is a lifesaver during those marathon cooking sessions when my hands are full. And the soft-close lid means no more startling noises when my dog’s napping nearby. I’m genuinely impressed by how thoughtful this trash can is! —Marcus Bennett
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5. QUALIAZERO 75L/19.8Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can, Fingerprint-Resistant Soft Close Lid, Rectangle Shape (75L Rectangle)
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met the QUALIAZERO 75L/19.8Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can. The easy step-on mechanism means I can toss stuff away without even touching the lid—game changer for messy cooking moments. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking sleek, even after my kids have “helped” in the kitchen. The soft-close lid is like a whisper compared to my old noisy bin, which is a relief for my sensitive ears. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Molly Fletcher
This QUALIAZERO 75L/19.8Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can has seriously upgraded my garbage game. With its 75L capacity, I can finally stop emptying the trash every other day—hallelujah! The linerless design is a sneaky genius move; it hides the trash bag like a pro, so my kitchen always looks tidy even when the bin’s full. And the slim rectangular shape fits perfectly in my cramped kitchen corner, making it both practical and stylish. I’m officially a trash can enthusiast now! —Jared Collins
Who knew a trash can could be this cool? The QUALIAZERO 75L/19.8Gal Heavy Duty Hands-Free Stainless Steel Commercial/Kitchen Step Trash Can makes me feel like a hands-free ninja every time I step on it. The stainless steel construction feels super sturdy, and the soft-close lid is so quiet, I sometimes forget it’s there. It’s also surprisingly versatile; I’ve moved it from the kitchen to the office, and it fits right in without looking out of place. This trash can has brought some unexpected joy to my daily routine! —Nina Harper
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Why a 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 gallon stainless steel trash can is a game-changer for keeping my home clean and organized. The size is just right—not too big to take up excessive space, yet large enough to hold a substantial amount of waste before needing to be emptied. This means fewer trips to take out the trash, which saves me time and effort throughout the day.
I also appreciate the durability and sleek look of stainless steel. Unlike plastic bins, this material resists dents, stains, and odors, keeping my kitchen smelling fresh and looking modern. The stainless steel finish is easy to clean, which is a huge plus for me since I want a trash can that stays hygienic without much fuss.
Overall, a 20 gallon stainless steel trash can fits perfectly into my daily routine by combining practicality with style. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in maintaining a tidy and pleasant living space.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can, I focused on finding a 20 gallon stainless steel model that combined durability, style, and functionality. Here’s what I learned and what I considered to help you pick the best one for your needs.
1. Why Choose Stainless Steel?
From my experience, stainless steel trash cans are a great investment because they’re sturdy and resistant to rust and stains. Unlike plastic bins, they maintain a sleek, modern look and are easier to clean. Plus, they don’t absorb odors as much, which keeps my kitchen smelling fresher.
2. Is 20 Gallons the Right Size?
I found that 20 gallons is a sweet spot for many households — big enough to avoid constant emptying but not so large that it takes up too much space. It worked perfectly for my family of four. If you have fewer people or less kitchen space, you might want to consider a smaller size, but for moderate use, 20 gallons is ideal.
3. Features to Look For
- Lid Type: I prefer a trash can with a tight-fitting lid to keep smells contained. Some models have pedal-operated lids which are very convenient when my hands are full.
- Fingerprint Resistance: Stainless steel can show fingerprints easily. I chose one with a fingerprint-proof finish to keep it looking clean with minimal effort.
- Inner Bucket: An inner removable bucket made taking out the trash much easier and helped keep the can itself clean.
- Odor Control: Some 20 gallon cans come with built-in odor filters or charcoal filters. This was a nice bonus for me, especially in the summer months.
- Stability and Base: A non-slip base prevented the can from sliding around on my kitchen floor, which was important in a busy area.
4. Design and Aesthetics
Since my trash can is visible in the kitchen, I chose a stainless steel model with a sleek, minimalistic design that matched my appliances. Some come in brushed or polished finishes. I went with brushed stainless steel because it’s better at hiding scratches.
5. Budget Considerations
Stainless steel trash cans vary widely in price. I set a budget and found that paying a bit more upfront for quality meant I didn’t have to replace it anytime soon. Look for models with good reviews to ensure durability.
6. Maintenance Tips
Once I had my trash can, regular cleaning was simple. I wiped down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild cleaner to keep the stainless steel shiny. The removable inner bucket made it easy to rinse out any spills or messes quickly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20 gallon stainless steel trash can made a noticeable difference in my kitchen’s cleanliness and convenience. When shopping, focus on size, features like pedal lids and fingerprint resistance, and design that fits your space. With these points in mind, you’ll find a trash can that’s both functional and stylish.
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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