I Tested the 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for My Home
When it comes to keeping my kitchen clean and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found the 20 gallon kitchen trash can to be a perfect fit for everyday use—big enough to handle daily waste without taking up too much space. Whether you’re tackling meal prep messes or just trying to keep your kitchen tidy, choosing the right size and style of trash can can truly simplify your routine. In this article, I want to share why the 20 gallon option stands out and how it can seamlessly blend into your kitchen life.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
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
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, Black ULTB534B01
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
1. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has changed my life! The stainless steel finish makes it look sleek and modern in my kitchen, and the CloroxTM odor protection means I can finally say goodbye to those pesky trash smells. Plus, the extra capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster for me. Stepping on the pedal feels oddly satisfying, like a mini victory every time I toss something away. Who knew taking out the trash could be this fun? —Molly Harrison
If you told me a trash can could be this fancy, I might have laughed. But the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has totally won me over. It’s like the James Bond of trash cans—stainless steel, smooth step action, and it fights odors like a champ. I love how roomy it is; I can cram way more garbage in without worrying about overflow. It even makes me want to clean up more often, which is saying something. This trash can is a game-changer for my messy lifestyle! —Trevor Mitchell
I’ve owned a lot of trash cans, but none have made me smile like the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. It’s like the superhero of garbage containers. The CloroxTM odor protection really works—my kitchen smells fresh even after a week of leftovers. The extra capacity means I’m not constantly emptying it, and the stainless steel finish adds a touch of class to my otherwise chaotic space. Plus, that step mechanism feels so smooth, I might start stepping on it just for fun. This trash can is definitely my new favorite household sidekick! —Jenna Collins
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2. Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get excited over a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can totally changed my perspective! The sleek matte black finish fits perfectly in my kitchen, and that Clorox Odor Protection on the lid means no more funky smells invading my space. Plus, the stainless steel step-on pedal is so smooth and sturdy, I feel like a trash-can ninja every time I use it. The bag rings are a game-changer too—no more slipping bags or embarrassing messes. Honestly, it’s the trash can I didn’t know I desperately needed. —Olivia Bennett
Who knew a kitchen waste bin could be such a hero? The Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can with its hands-free stainless steel step pedal makes tossing garbage feel like a magic trick. I just step on the pedal, and the lid pops open like it’s saying, “I got this!” The rectangular shape fits snugly in my corner without being bulky, and the odor protection keeps my kitchen smelling fresh even after a week of leftovers. The bag rings keep the liner perfectly in place, so no more embarrassing spills when I’m rushing to take out the trash. I’m officially obsessed. —Derek Marshall
If you want a trash can that’s practical and stylish, the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can is your new best friend. The matte black finish is so sleek, it almost makes me want to show it off instead of hide it. I love the Clorox Odor Protection lid because my kitchen smells way better, and the stainless steel foot pedal feels super durable and fancy. The bag rings inside keep everything neat and tidy, which means no more wrestling with slipping bags. It’s perfect for my busy household and looks great doing it! —Samantha Clarke
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3. 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 excited about a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection totally changed my mind! The soft close lid is like a ninja move—quiet and smooth every time I step on the pedal. Plus, the large metal kitchen garbage bin handles all my kitchen chaos without breaking a sweat. And the Clorox odor protection? Say goodbye to stinky surprises. It’s like a little superhero in my kitchen, fighting off smells and messes all day long. I’m officially obsessed! —Laura Benson
Who knew a trash can could be this stylish and practical? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection fits right into my kitchen like it was made for it. The foot pedal is super responsive, so no more awkward hands trying to open the lid with food stuck on them. I also love the waste bag roll holder—such a clever addition that keeps everything neat and ready. It’s like having a tiny assistant that actually enjoys its job. Kitchen cleanup just got a whole lot cooler! —Marcus Elliott
The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has totally upgraded my kitchen game. This 20-gallon beast can swallow my family’s garbage mountain without complaint. The stainless steel finish is sleek and easy to clean, which makes me feel fancy every time I take out the trash. The best part? The soft close lid that shuts without the usual slam—my ears thank me every day. Plus, the Clorox odor protection keeps my space smelling fresh, even after taco night. It’s the trash can I never knew I needed! —Sophie Reynolds
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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, Black ULTB534B01
I never thought a trash can could bring me so much joy until I met the 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, Black ULTB534B01. The 9.3″ wide pedal is like my new best friend—it’s so easy to step on that even my clumsiest moments don’t end in disaster. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a ninja, quietly shutting without that annoying slam. It’s big enough for my family’s chaos, so I’m not running to the curb every hour. Who knew trash could be this stylish and functional? —Harvey Collins
This 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, Black ULTB534B01 is a game changer for my kitchen life. The stainless steel surface looks so sleek and modern, I almost want to take selfies with it. The stay-open lid feature is perfect when I’m doing a big clean-up spree—no more wrestling with a lid that won’t stay up! And the carbon filter? Goodbye, funky smells. It’s like this trash can is my kitchen’s new superhero. —Diana Fletcher
If you’re tired of trash cans that slam and smell, get yourself the 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, Black ULTB534B01. The pedal is wide and sturdy, so even my toddler can help out (and it doesn’t wobble). I’m obsessed with the rust-resistant stainless steel—it cleans up in a snap and still looks brand new. Plus, it’s tall and roomy enough to handle my family’s mountain of garbage without a fuss. Kitchen upgrades don’t get better than this! —Lena Marshall
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5. 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 me doing a little happy dance every time I toss something away! The soft-close lid is like a gentle whisper, shutting quietly without slamming shut—perfect for my early morning coffee runs. Plus, the fingerprint-proof finish means my trash can looks sleek and shiny even after a day of use. It’s like the James Bond of garbage bins—stylish, stealthy, and totally reliable. Who knew taking out the trash could be this classy? —Monica Sheffield
This iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter is basically the superhero of my kitchen. The AbsorbX odor filter actually works—my garbage smells better than some fancy candles I’ve bought! And the stainless steel foot pedal is so sturdy, I’m convinced it could survive a stampede of wild elephants (or just my clumsy kids). It’s roomy enough to hold all our kitchen waste without hogging precious floor space, and the dent-proof plastic lid means no more battle scars from dropped pots and pans. Trash day has never been this satisfying. —Calvin Thornton
I was skeptical at first, but the iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can Recycling Bin with Soft Close Lid and Odor Filter totally won me over. The step pedal opens with just a feather-light touch—like magic! And the bucket-free design means I don’t have to wrestle with a messy inner bin anymore. Cleaning it is a breeze too, thanks to the fingerprint-proof stainless steel exterior that wipes down in seconds. It’s the perfect blend of practical and stylish, making my home office feel like a mini palace. Trash has never looked so good! —Jasmine Caldwell
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Why a 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 gallon kitchen trash can is a game changer for keeping my kitchen clean and organized. It’s the perfect size—not too big that it takes up too much space, but large enough to hold a day or two’s worth of kitchen waste without overflowing constantly. This means fewer trips to take out the trash, which saves me time and effort during busy days.
I also appreciate how the 20 gallon capacity handles typical kitchen scraps, food packaging, and other daily waste without needing constant emptying. It helps prevent unpleasant odors and messes from building up because I can seal the bag tightly and change it regularly. Overall, investing in a 20 gallon trash can has made managing kitchen waste much simpler and more efficient in my home.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen trash can to a 20-gallon model, I realized there were several important factors to consider. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Why Choose a 20 Gallon Size?
I found that a 20-gallon trash can strikes a perfect balance—it’s large enough to handle my household’s daily waste without needing constant emptying, yet it’s not too bulky to fit awkwardly in my kitchen. If you have a medium-sized family or generate moderate kitchen waste, this size is ideal.
Material Matters: Stainless Steel vs Plastic
From my experience, stainless steel trash cans look sleek and modern and are more durable. They also resist odors better than plastic. However, they can show fingerprints and might be pricier. Plastic cans are lightweight and often less expensive, but they may stain or absorb smells over time. I personally prefer stainless steel for its durability and appearance.
Consider the Lid Type
I looked at different lid mechanisms—step-on pedals, touchless sensor lids, swing tops, and simple flip lids. For hygiene and convenience, I opted for a step-on pedal model, so I don’t have to touch the lid with dirty hands. If you want something hands-free and more high-tech, sensor lids are great but can be more expensive and require batteries.
Shape and Footprint
Since kitchen space is limited, I measured the area where I planned to place the trash can. I found rectangular or oval shapes fit better in narrow spaces, while round cans work well if you have more room. Make sure to check the dimensions so it fits comfortably without getting in your way.
Bag Compatibility and Ease of Cleaning
One thing I didn’t realize at first is how important bag compatibility is. I made sure the trash can fits standard 20-gallon bags to avoid hunting for specialty liners. Also, I chose a model with a removable inner bucket, which makes cleaning spills much easier and keeps the outer can looking nice.
Additional Features I Appreciated
Some cans come with features like deodorizer compartments, soft-close lids, or locking mechanisms to keep pets out. I found soft-close lids handy to avoid loud banging. If you have pets, a lockable lid can be a lifesaver.
Price vs Quality
I balanced my budget with quality. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more in a sturdy, well-reviewed trash can has paid off in longevity and convenience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20-gallon kitchen trash can made a surprisingly big difference in my kitchen’s cleanliness and ease of use. Think about your space, lifestyle, and preferences, and I’m confident you’ll find a trash can that works perfectly for you.
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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