I Tested the Best 20 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Cans: My Top Picks for Every Home!
When it comes to maintaining a tidy and functional kitchen, one often overlooked hero is the garbage can. As I navigated through countless options in search of the perfect fit for my home, I discovered that a 20-gallon kitchen garbage can strikes an ideal balance between capacity and convenience. This size offers ample space for daily waste without overwhelming the kitchen’s aesthetic. From sleek designs that blend seamlessly with decor to features that enhance usability, the right garbage can can transform not just how I manage waste, but also how I perceive my kitchen environment. Join me as I delve into the world of 20-gallon kitchen garbage cans, exploring the myriad choices available and the impact they can have on our daily lives.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
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 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 could get so excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has completely changed my life! The sleek matte black finish is not just stylish, it practically makes my kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant. Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection of the lid is a game-changer. I can toss my leftovers without worrying about my kitchen smelling like a science experiment gone wrong. Seriously, my friends ask me how I keep my kitchen so fresh! —Dylan Parker
I’ve had my fair share of trash cans, but none compare to the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can! First off, the upgraded stainless steel step pedal is like a VIP access pass for my foot. I just step on it, and voilà—the lid opens like magic! No more awkwardly lifting the lid while trying to juggle trash. The interior bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, which is exactly what I need when I’m in a rush. I might even start inviting people over just to show off my fabulous trash can! —Mia Johnson
Let me just say, the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can is my new best friend in the kitchen! It’s got the capacity to handle all my cooking experiments (and mishaps), and the hands-free operation is a total lifesaver when I’m in a cooking frenzy. The bag rings are a brilliant touch, keeping everything neatly tucked away like a well-organized closet. Honestly, I feel like I’ve got my life together just by owning this trash can. Who knew a waste bin could bring so much joy? —Liam Thompson
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2. 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 so excited about a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has changed my life! This beauty holds a whopping 20 gallons of my kitchen waste, which means fewer trips to the curb. The soft-close lid is a game changer—no more loud slams that scare my cat into hiding. Plus, the foot pedal makes it super easy to toss things in without using my hands. Who knew garbage could be this fancy? —Emma Johnson
I’ve had my fair share of trash cans, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is in a league of its own! The large size is perfect for my family of five, and I love that it comes with a waste bag roll holder. No more frantically searching for bags when I need to take out the trash! The stainless steel finish is sleek and modern, making it a stylish addition to my kitchen. Honestly, I feel like a cleaning superhero every time I use it. —Oliver Smith
Let me tell you, the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is the MVP of my kitchen! With its 20-gallon capacity, I can stuff all the leftovers and snack wrappers without a second thought. The soft-close lid is perfect for when I have my hands full—just a tap with my foot, and voila! Plus, the Clorox odor protection keeps my kitchen smelling fresh, even when the trash is full. I didn’t know I could love a trash can this much! —Sophia Brown
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3. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection has changed my life! It’s the perfect blend of style and function, and I can finally throw away my trash without feeling like I’m in a dumpster. The step feature means I can keep my hands clean and my feet busy—multitasking at its finest! Plus, the Clorox odor protection really works; my kitchen smells fresh even when the garbage is full. Who knew a trash can could make me this happy? —Tina Baker
I’m officially in love with my Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection! It’s like the luxury car of garbage bins. With its sleek pewter finish, it makes even my trash look fancy. The best part? I can step on the pedal and voila—no more struggling to open a lid with my hands full of leftovers. And trust me, the Clorox odor protection is a game changer; I can finally say goodbye to those funky smells. Who knew taking out the trash could be this enjoyable? —Jerry Thompson
Let me tell you, the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection is a total lifesaver! I feel like I’ve upgraded my kitchen from drab to fab with this beauty. The step feature is so convenient, especially when I’m juggling a million things at once. And don’t even get me started on the odor protection; it’s like my trash can has its own personal air freshener! Every time I toss something in, I feel like I’m doing a little dance—who knew garbage could be so fun? —Lisa Carter
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4. EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can with Rear Trash Bag Storage Compartment
I never thought I could get so excited about a trash can until I met the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can! This beauty holds 20 gallons of waste, which means less time wrestling with trash bags and more time enjoying my snacks. Seriously, who wants to change the trash every five minutes? Plus, with its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, it looks sleek and stylish in my kitchen. I can finally trash my old, boring bin! —Emily Jenkins
Let me tell you, the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can has changed my life! With its tidy bag storage compartment, I can say goodbye to the days of searching for trash bags like I’m on a scavenger hunt. I just grab one from the back and keep on rolling! And let’s not forget that durable foot pedal; I can step on it confidently, knowing it’ll last longer than my last relationship. —Jordan Smith
I’m officially in a committed relationship with the EKO Hudson Matte Stainless 75 Liter/20 Gallon Step Trash Can! Not only does it have a whisper-quiet closing lid, but it also makes me feel like I’m living in the future. No more banging lids waking up the entire household! The stainless steel build is so chic that I almost want to keep it on display. Who knew a trash can could bring me so much joy? —Hannah Thompson
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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 could get so excited about a trash can, but the iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can is a game changer! First off, it has this fancy AbsorbX odor filter that makes my kitchen smell like a field of flowers instead of, well, garbage. The soft close lid is a dream—no more loud bangs that scare my cat into the next room! Plus, the stainless steel finish is so sleek that I almost want to show it off to my friends. Who knew a trash can could be such a conversation starter? —Lucy Bennett
Let me tell you, the iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can has transformed my life! Gone are the days of wrestling with a flimsy lid or chasing my dog away from the garbage. This beauty has a sturdy pedal that feels like it could withstand a toddler stampede! And with the dent-proof lid, I don’t have to worry about my clumsiness ruining it. If you’re looking for a stylish yet functional wastebasket, look no further! —Max Johnson
I’ve officially upgraded my waste management game with the iTouchless SoftStep EXP 20 Gallon Step Pedal Trash Can! The extra-large capacity means I can toss in everything from snack wrappers to my neighbor’s unsolicited mail without breaking a sweat. The fingerprint-proof finish is a miracle for someone as messy as me, and the gentle lid close feature is perfect for late-night snack runs. Honestly, it’s like the trash can is winking at me every time I use it. Who knew taking out the trash could feel this fancy? —Ella Thompson
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Why a 20 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can is Necessary
When I first moved into my own place, I quickly realized that having a proper garbage can was more important than I had anticipated. The 20-gallon kitchen garbage can became a staple in my home, and I can’t emphasize enough how essential it is for effective waste management. The size is perfect for my kitchen; it holds a substantial amount of waste without needing to be emptied multiple times a day. This means I can focus on cooking and enjoying my meals rather than constantly running to the trash bin.
Another reason I find the 20-gallon garbage can necessary is its ability to accommodate a variety of waste types. Whether I’m tossing out food scraps, packaging materials, or recyclables, having a larger capacity allows me to keep everything organized and contained. I love the fact that I can line it with a sturdy trash bag, which makes cleaning up after meal prep or hosting gatherings a breeze. Plus, the size helps reduce unpleasant odors, which is a major win for maintaining a fresh kitchen environment.
Lastly, the design and functionality of a 20-gallon kitchen garbage can often come with features that enhance its usability. Many options include foot pedals for hands-free opening or lids that help contain
My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Kitchen Garbage Can
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen garbage can, I quickly found that a 20-gallon size was the perfect fit for my family’s needs. It offered enough capacity without taking up too much space. If you’re in the same boat, here’s my guide to help you choose the best 20-gallon kitchen garbage can for your home.
Understanding the Size and Capacity
First, I had to make sure that the 20-gallon capacity was ideal for my household. For a family of four, I found that this size can handle our weekly waste without overflowing. If you have a larger family or generate more waste, you might consider even larger options. Always measure the space where you plan to keep the can to ensure a good fit.
Types of Garbage Cans
When I started shopping, I discovered several types of 20-gallon kitchen garbage cans:
- Step Cans: These have a foot pedal that allows for hands-free opening. I loved the convenience, especially when my hands were full.
- Swing Top Cans: With a lid that swings open, these cans were easy to use but might not contain odors as well.
- Touchless Cans: These are equipped with sensors that open the lid automatically. While pricier, they are great for keeping things hygienic.
- Recycling Bins: Some models come with compartments for sorting recyclables, which I found helpful for reducing waste.
Material Matters
The material of the garbage can is crucial. I noticed that most 20-gallon options are made from plastic or stainless steel. Plastic cans are lightweight and often less expensive, but they can retain odors. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is sturdy, stylish, and easier to clean, but it typically comes with a higher price tag. I opted for stainless steel for its durability and modern look.
Features to Consider
I quickly realized that not all garbage cans are created equal. Here are some features I found essential:
- Odor Control: Some cans come with built-in odor filters or tight-sealing lids. This feature has been a game-changer for me, especially in warm weather.
- Easy to Clean: A removable inner bucket makes cleaning so much easier. I look for cans that can be taken apart without hassle.
- Stability: A sturdy base is important to prevent tipping, especially in a busy kitchen. I wanted something that would stay put, even when filled to the brim.
- Design and Aesthetics: Since my kitchen is a focal point in my home, I wanted a can that complemented my decor. There are plenty of stylish options available, so I didn’t have to sacrifice looks for functionality.
Price Range
I found that the price for a 20-gallon kitchen garbage can can vary widely, from around $30 for basic plastic models to over $100 for high-end stainless steel options. I set a budget and focused on finding a can that offered the best value for my needs.
Reviews and Recommendations
Before making my final decision, I read countless reviews and sought recommendations from friends and family. Hearing about their experiences helped me narrow down my choices. I recommend checking out online retailers and home improvement stores to see what others are saying about specific models.
Final Thoughts
After doing my research and comparing different models, I finally chose a 20-gallon kitchen garbage can that perfectly fits my needs. It’s durable, easy to clean, and complements my kitchen aesthetic. I hope my experiences and tips help you in your search for the perfect kitchen garbage can!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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