A 13-gallon stainless steel trash can varies widely in real footprint and features, so match dimensions, lid mechanism, power needs, bag fit, and cleaning demands to your kitchen before buying.
The number on the box barely tells you whether a can will slide into your cabinet gap. Two models both labeled 13-gallon can differ by a couple of inches in every direction, and those inches decide whether the lid clears your drawer or bangs the wall. Measure the spot first, then let the mechanism, power source, and bag size follow.
Why Doesn’t “13-Gallon” Mean One Standard Size?
Listed capacity runs from 13 to 13.2 gallons, while the physical body changes shape with the lid design, so capacity alone tells you nothing about fit. A rectangular step can and a rounded sensor can hold nearly the same volume and occupy very different floor space.
Measure the full envelope of the location, not just the width of the gap:
- Baseboard and wall clearance behind the can
- Cabinet-door swing and drawer pull that could hit the lid
- Height with the lid fully open, not just closed
- Clearance to lift and remove the inner bucket
Write those four numbers down and compare them to the published height, width, and depth on every product page. A can that fits the width but not the lid travel is one you will resent daily.
Which Lid Mechanism Fits How You Cook?
A foot pedal needs no batteries and keeps your hands off the lid, while a motion sensor cuts contact but depends on power. Neither is wrong — it depends on what sits near the can.
- Step pedal: simple, no power, but the pedal needs floor clearance and the hinge style affects wall placement.
- Motion sensor: hands-free, seals odors after closing, but needs batteries or an adapter and adds height when open.
- Open top: fastest access, weakest odor and pest containment — a poor fit for a kitchen that handles food scraps.
For a can that collects food waste, a closing lid earns its keep. Sensor lids seal after the cycle finishes, which matters more than the touchless novelty.
How Do Power, Bags, and Cleaning Change the Decision?
Sensor models often run on four D batteries, and an AC adapter is frequently sold separately, so factor that ongoing cost and cord placement into the price. Keep the electronics away from the sink and any spot where a spill could reach the base.
Bag fit is the quiet dealbreaker. Several 13-gallon cans are specified for standard 13-gallon bags, but a bag retainer ring or inner liner bin can change which bags stay put. Check the bag size the manufacturer names, then confirm your usual brand matches.
Stainless steel shows every fingerprint. A fingerprint-resistant finish cuts visible smudges, and KOHLER specifies cleaning its can with a microfiber cloth and no chemical or abrasive cleaners — abrasives dull the brushed surface over time. Skip the spray bottle and use the dry cloth.
| Model | Key Specs | Listed Price |
|---|---|---|
| simplehuman CW1816 rectangular step can | 13.2 gal, brushed stainless, soft-close step lid, 25.7 × 19.8 × 12.8 in | $149.99 |
| simplehuman rectangular step can (Target) | 13.2 gal, stainless, internal hinge, built-in wheels, 21.6 lb | $149.99 |
| KOHLER K-23825-STW touchless can | 13 gal/49 L, motion sensor, USB charging cable, removable liner bin | $195.49 (list $260.65) |
Prices are retailer snapshots and can move, so treat them as a starting point. For a shortlist already screened for fit and lid type, this roundup of the best 13 gallon stainless steel trash cans compares tested picks side by side before you commit.
What Should You Check Before Paying?
Warranty length varies by model and seller, so compare terms alongside the can rather than assuming a premium price buys a longer guarantee. Confirm coverage and any cleaning restrictions in the manufacturer’s documentation before checkout.
KOHLER’s product page for its 13-gallon touchless can is a useful reference for how a sensor model specifies bag sizing and cleaning care. KOHLER’s 13-gallon trash can specifications list dimensions, the USB charging cable, and the removable liner bin in one place.
Run through this before you buy:
- Confirm the can’s closed and open height against your countertop overhang.
- Verify the battery count or adapter requirement and where the cord lands.
- Match your bag size to the manufacturer’s stated bag spec.
- Read the cleaning instructions and buy a microfiber cloth if you don’t own one.
- Check warranty terms on the product page, not the search result.
Get those five right and the can disappears into your routine instead of becoming the appliance you argue with every morning.
FAQs
Can I use regular 13-gallon bags in a sensor can?
Usually yes, and several sensor models are designed for any brand of 13-gallon or 49-liter bag. Some cans also include a removable liner bin or retainer ring that affects how a bag sits. Check the manufacturer’s stated bag spec and confirm your usual brand matches before buying.
Do touchless cans need batteries or a cord?
Most sensor cans run on batteries — often four D cells — and an AC adapter is frequently optional and sold separately. A few models charge by USB cable instead. Confirm which power source the can uses and keep electronics away from the sink and spills.
How do I keep a stainless can looking clean?
Choose a fingerprint-resistant finish to cut visible smudges, and wipe with a soft microfiber cloth. KOHLER specifies no chemical or abrasive cleaners on its brushed stainless can, since abrasives can dull the surface. Skip sprays and use the dry cloth regularly.
References & Sources
- KOHLER. “13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can, K-23825-STW” Supplies capacity, motion-sensor, USB charging, bag sizing, cleaning, and price details.
- The Home Depot. “simplehuman 13-Gallon Rectangular Step Kitchen Trash Can, CW1816” Provides the 13.2-gallon capacity, dimensions, finish, and listed price.
- Target. “simplehuman 13-Gallon Rectangular Step Kitchen Trash Can” Confirms dimensions, weight, internal hinge, wheels, and price.