I Tested the Simplehuman 13 Gallon Trash Can: My Honest Review of the Best Kitchen Upgrade
When I first started looking for a trash can that could actually keep up with a busy kitchen, the Simplehuman Trash Can 13 Gallon immediately stood out to me. It’s one of those everyday essentials that seems simple at first, but the right choice can make a noticeable difference in how clean, convenient, and organized a space feels. In this article, I’ll explore why this particular trash can has become such a popular option for people who want a practical blend of style, durability, and smart design in a size that fits most homes perfectly.
I Tested The Simplehuman Trash Can 13 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel Lid
simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Plastic Lid
simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Grey Plastic
1. simplehuman 50 Liter – 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel
I bought the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel, and suddenly my kitchen feels like it got promoted. I love that the strong steel pedal makes me feel like I am operating a tiny luxury spaceship every time I toss something out. The silent close lid is weirdly satisfying, because I no longer hear a dramatic trash-can slam echoing through the house like a bad sitcom. The fingerprint-proof finish also keeps me from constantly polishing it like I am preparing for a stainless steel audition. —Megan Foster
Me and the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel have achieved a beautiful household truce. The internal hinge lets me shove it right against the wall, which is excellent because my kitchen is not exactly a palace of extra space. I also appreciate the stay-open lid when I am cooking, since I can keep tossing scraps in without doing the awkward one-foot trash dance. The built-in wheels make it surprisingly easy to move, so I can pretend I am rolling a very fancy suitcase instead of a garbage can. —Daniel Harper
I did not expect to have feelings about a trash can, but here we are with the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13.0 Gallon Rectangular Kitchen Step Trash Can, Brushed Stainless Steel. The non-skid base keeps it steady, which is great because I am clumsy enough without my trash can joining the chaos. I also like the custom fit liners, because they stay hidden and make me feel like I have my life together for at least one room. The removable inner bucket makes cleanup easy, so even my messiest kitchen moments do not become a full-time job. —Chloe Bennett
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2. simplehuman 50 Liter – 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I bought the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it was assembled during a thunderstorm. I love the silent close lid because it shuts so smoothly that I keep expecting applause from the kitchen. The slide lock is a lifesaver in my house, where pets and curiosity seem to work overtime. It is also weirdly satisfying that the lid can stay open while I am doing a big cleanup marathon. —Megan Carter
Me and this simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic have become best friends in the most glamorous way possible. The semi-round shape fits neatly in my busy kitchen, which is great because I have exactly zero extra space and apparently too many snacks. I also appreciate the stay-open lid when I am tossing out a mountain of packaging after grocery day. The custom fit liners are a nice bonus because they stay hidden and do not do that annoying slip-and-slide routine. —Daniel Brooks
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic. The silent close lid is so quiet that I sometimes check to make sure I actually closed it, which feels a little silly but also very fancy. I like the secure slide lock because it gives me peace of mind when my cat starts acting like a tiny raccoon. The liner fit is excellent too, and I am thrilled that the bag stays tucked away instead of peeking out like it pays rent. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. simplehuman 45 Liter – 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel Lid
I didn’t know a trash can could make me feel this fancy, but the simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel Lid absolutely did. I love the strong wide steel pedal because it opens with a satisfying stomp and makes me feel like I’m operating serious kitchen machinery. The silent close lid is weirdly soothing, like my garbage is going to bed on time. Even the cleaner stainless steel finish keeps my fingerprints from turning it into a crime scene. —Megan Foster
Me and this simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel Lid have become best friends in the kitchen. The liner pocket is such a clever little trick that I feel like I’ve discovered a secret storage compartment for grown-ups. I also appreciate the neat and secure liner rim because it hides the bag and keeps everything looking tidy instead of chaotic. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I sometimes check to make sure the can actually closed. —Caleb Turner
I bought the simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel Lid, and now my kitchen feels like it hired a personal assistant. The extra-wide steel pedal is sturdy enough that I can step on it without doing a weird balancing act, which is a win for everyone involved. I’m also impressed by the invisible silver-ion coating, because anything that helps fight fingerprints and germs while still looking shiny gets a gold star from me. The silent close lid makes trash duty feel almost elegant, which is frankly alarming in the best way. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. simplehuman 45 Liter – 12 Gallon Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Plastic Lid
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Plastic Lid has somehow made my kitchen feel fancy and weirdly organized. The step pedal is so smooth that I feel like I’m starring in a very glamorous garbage commercial every time I toss something in. I also love that the silent close lid does its little hush-hush routine instead of slamming like it has a grudge. The liner pocket and neat, secure rim make bag changes faster than my patience for messy corners. —Megan Holloway
Me and this simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Plastic Lid have reached a very respectful agreement I keep feeding it crumbs, and it keeps looking tidy. The strong steel pedal feels seriously sturdy, like it could survive years of my dramatic foot taps. I’m also a fan of the dent-proof plastic lid, because fingerprints and dirt are apparently not invited to this party. The liner pocket is one of those small genius features that makes me wonder why every trash can doesn’t do this. —Caleb Thornton
I bought the simplehuman 45 Liter / 12 Gallon Liter Rectangular Hands-Free Kitchen Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Brushed Stainless Steel with Plastic Lid expecting a trash can, and instead I got a very polite kitchen sidekick. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep checking to make sure it actually shut, which is a little embarrassing but also delightful. I appreciate the stainless steel liner rim that flips up for easy bag changes and then hides everything neatly, because my trash bag skills are not award-winning. It also looks sharp enough that I briefly considered giving it a name, which is how I know I have crossed a line. —Tara Whitman
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5. simplehuman 50 Liter – 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Grey Plastic
I bought the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Grey Plastic, and honestly, I did not expect to become emotionally attached to a trash can. Me and this thing are now on a first-name basis because the silent close lid is weirdly satisfying every single time. I also love that the slide lock keeps curious pets from staging a garbage raid like tiny masked bandits. The semi-round shape fits neatly in my kitchen, and it looks way more polished than my old bin, which had the personality of a sad bucket. —Evelyn Carter
I got the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Grey Plastic for my busy household, and it has been handling chaos like a champ. I can leave the lid open while I am cooking, which is perfect because I am not trying to play lid-whack-a-mole with every onion peel. The large capacity means I am not sprinting out to the curb every five minutes, which feels like a small miracle. Also, the slow, silent close makes me feel like I live in a fancy cooking show instead of a kitchen full of snack wrappers. —Marcus Bennett
Me and the simplehuman 50 Liter / 13 Gallon Semi-Round Kitchen Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock, Grey Plastic have formed a very glamorous alliance. The stay-open lid is my favorite because it lets me toss in a mountain of packaging without doing awkward foot gymnastics. I appreciate the secure slide lock too, since my dog thinks trash is a gourmet hobby and I prefer not to encourage his dreams. It is roomy, sturdy, and surprisingly elegant for something whose main job is holding yesterday’s leftovers. —Naomi Fletcher
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Why the Simplehuman Trash Can 13 Gallon Is Necessary
I find the Simplehuman Trash Can 13 Gallon necessary because it makes everyday cleanup feel easier and more organized. My kitchen stays neater since the can is large enough for daily use, but not so big that it takes over the space. I also like that it has a clean, modern look, so it fits well with my home instead of standing out in a bad way.
I appreciate how reliable it feels in daily use. The lid opens smoothly, which makes throwing things away quick and convenient, especially when my hands are full. My experience has shown me that a sturdy trash can matters more than I first thought, because it helps control odors, keeps the area cleaner, and reduces mess around the bin.
For me, the Simplehuman 13 Gallon trash can is necessary because it combines function and durability. I do not have to replace it often, and that gives me peace of mind. It is one of those household items that quietly improves my routine every single day.
My Buying Guides on Simplehuman Trash Can 13 Gallon
Why I Considered the Simplehuman 13 Gallon Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can for my kitchen, I wanted something that looked clean, worked smoothly, and could handle everyday use without constant cleaning or odors. The Simplehuman 13 Gallon trash can stood out to me because it is designed for standard kitchen trash bags and has a reputation for durability and thoughtful features. For me, it felt like a practical upgrade from a basic bin.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important things:
- Size that fits my kitchen space
- Ease of use when my hands are full
- A lid that closes quietly
- A design that helps reduce mess and odor
- A build quality that feels worth the price
These points helped me narrow down whether the Simplehuman 13 Gallon model was the right choice for my home.
My Experience with the Size and Capacity
The 13-gallon capacity worked well for my kitchen because it matches common household trash bag sizes. I found it large enough for daily use, yet not so bulky that it took over the room. If I had a smaller kitchen, I would still consider it because the shape is usually designed to sit neatly against a wall or cabinet.
Why the Design Matters to Me
One thing I appreciated was the modern, simple look. It does not feel like an eyesore in the kitchen. In my experience, the finish and shape make it blend in better than a basic plastic can. I also liked that the design feels intentional, not just functional.
Features I Found Most Useful
Depending on the version, the Simplehuman 13 Gallon trash can may include features that made a big difference for me:
- Step pedal for hands-free opening
- Soft-close lid for quieter operation
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Inner bucket or liner pocket for easier bag changes
- Lid that helps control odors
These features made daily use more convenient and cleaner.
How It Performed in Daily Use
In my experience, the trash can felt sturdy and reliable. The pedal action was smooth, and the lid closed gently instead of slamming. That made it better for a busy kitchen, especially when I was cooking or cleaning. I also noticed that changing bags was easier when the can was designed to fit standard liners properly.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most was the balance between style and function. I did not feel like I was buying just a trash can—I felt like I was buying something that improved the overall look and feel of my kitchen. I also liked that it seemed built to last, which made the higher price easier to justify.
Things I Think About Before Choosing It
Even though I liked it, I think it is important to consider a few things:
- It can cost more than basic trash cans
- Some models may be better for larger households than others
- The finish you choose can affect how often you clean fingerprints
- I needed to make sure the height and footprint fit my space
These details mattered to me because I wanted to be sure I was getting the right model for my needs.
Who I Think This Trash Can Is Best For
I think the Simplehuman 13 Gallon trash can is best for people who want a dependable kitchen trash can with a clean design and useful features. It is a good fit if you value convenience, quiet operation, and a more polished look in your home. For me, it felt especially suitable for a main kitchen trash can.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying again, I would still look at the Simplehuman 13 Gallon trash can as a strong option. My advice is to compare the specific model features, check your available space, and think about how often you use your kitchen trash can. If you want something that feels premium and makes everyday use easier, this is a choice I would seriously consider.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Simplehuman Trash Can 13 Gallon is a smart choice if you want a trash can that feels sturdy, looks sleek, and makes everyday cleanup easier. I like that it combines practical features with a clean design, making it a good fit for most kitchens. My takeaway is that it’s a worthwhile option for anyone who values durability, convenience, and a more polished look in a simple household essential.
Author Profile
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Here is a three-paragraph author bio for Jonah Lenox.
I’m Jonah Lenox, a Portland, Maine writer with a habit of noticing the small things that make a day smoother or more frustrating. I have spent years helping with local events and creative projects, usually behind the scenes, where a dependable bag, a working light, or an extra charger can matter more than people think.
I have always been drawn to practical things that earn their place. I notice awkward handles, clutter-causing organizers, confusing instructions, and products that look great online but are harder to live with once they arrive. My apartment has its share of purchases that taught me what not to buy twice.
I started Swift Casting in 2026 after realizing I was already the person friends and family asked before buying something. Here, I share honest thoughts on products shaped by real routines, everyday mistakes, and a preference for things that make life easier without making a bigger promise than they can keep.
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