overall
simplehuman 50-Liter Semi-Round Step Can
9.5
Check price on Amazon → Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Finding the best trash can for your home or office can be a challenge, but our top pick is the simplehuman 50-Liter Semi-Round Step Can for its durable construction and smooth operation. This guide ranks the seven best trash cans based on verified specs and aggregated owner reviews to help you make an informed choice.
| # | Product | Best for | Type | Capacity | Material | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | simplehuman 50-Liter Semi-Round Step Can | overall | Step | 13.2 gal | Stainless steel | Check Price |
| 2 | iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Touchless Trash Can | touchless | Touchless | 13 gal | Stainless steel | Check Price |
| 3 | Brabantia 13 Gallon Touch Bin with Pedal | design | Step | 13 gal | Steel | Check Price |
| 4 | Glad 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can | budget | Step | 13 gal | Stainless steel | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The simplehuman 50-Liter Semi-Round Step Can is widely praised for its robust construction and reliable step mechanism. Users report the lid closes silently and stays shut, preventing odor escape. The fingerprint-proof stainless steel finish keeps it looking clean with minimal effort. Its semi-round shape fits neatly against walls or cabinets.
Ideal for homeowners who want a premium, long-lasting step can with a sleek design.
Not for budget-conscious buyers or those needing a larger capacity for high-traffic areas.
Key specs: 13.2 gal capacity - Stainless steel - Step pedal - 26.5 x 16.5 x 26.5 in - 10.5 lbs
Why we picked it: The iTouchless 13 Gallon Touchless Can uses an infrared sensor to open the lid automatically, reducing contact with germs. It features a built-in carbon filter to control odors, and the lid closes quietly. The stainless steel body resists fingerprints and is easy to wipe down. Owners appreciate the reliable sensor and the fact that it uses standard trash bags.
Perfect for kitchens where hygiene is a priority, especially for families with young children.
Avoid if you prefer a manual step can or don't want to deal with battery replacements.
Key specs: 13 gal capacity - Stainless steel - Touchless sensor - 16.1 x 12.2 x 25.2 in - 8.8 lbs
Why we picked it: The Brabantia Touch Bin combines elegant design with practical features. Its pedal mechanism is smooth and silent, and the lid closes softly without noise. The bin is odor-proof thanks to a sealing lid, and the removable inner bucket makes bag changes easy. With a 10-year warranty, it's built to last and backed by excellent customer service.
Ideal for design-conscious users who want a stylish, quiet, and odor-free trash can.
Avoid if you need maximum capacity or are on a tight budget.
Key specs: 13 gal capacity - Powder-coated steel - Step pedal - 15.7 x 12.2 x 25.2 in - 9.5 lbs
Why we picked it: The Glad 13 Gallon Step Can offers a stainless steel finish and a quiet-close lid at a budget-friendly price. The step pedal is sturdy and operates smoothly, and the built-in odor-absorbing technology helps neutralize smells. It fits standard 13-gallon bags and is easy to clean. Owners find it a great value for the price.
Great for renters or anyone wanting a reliable step can without spending a lot.
Not for those who want premium build quality or a fingerprint-proof finish.
Key specs: 13 gal capacity - Stainless steel - Step pedal - 16.5 x 12.5 x 25.5 in - 7.5 lbs
Trash cans with sealed lids and carbon filters, such as the iTouchless 13 Gallon Touchless Can or the Brabantia Touch Bin, offer superior odor control. The iTouchless includes a built-in carbon filter, while Brabantia's lid seals tightly to contain smells.
Step cans are more reliable and don't require batteries, making them ideal for long-term use. Touchless cans offer hands-free convenience, reducing germ spread, but need battery changes and may have sensor issues. Consider your priority: durability vs. hygiene.
For most households, a 13-gallon (50-liter) can is standard for kitchen use. Larger families may prefer 20-gallon cans, while smaller kitchens or apartments can manage with 8-gallon bins. Always measure your space before buying.
Yes, stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and resists rust and odors. It also looks more modern than plastic. However, it can show fingerprints unless coated. Brands like simplehuman offer fingerprint-proof finishes that mitigate this issue.
Step cans are mechanical and reliable, while touchless cans offer hygiene but require power. Open-top cans are simplest but lack odor control. Choose based on your willingness to maintain batteries or replace pedals.
A 13-gallon can suits most kitchens, but if you have a large family or generate lots of waste, consider 20 gallons. For bathrooms or offices, 8 gallons is sufficient. Oversizing can lead to infrequent emptying and odors.
Stainless steel is premium but shows fingerprints; plastic is lightweight and cheap but may stain. Fingerprint-proof coatings add cost but reduce cleaning. For outdoor use, UV-resistant plastic like Rubbermaid Brute is best.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Lid mechanism | The lid mechanism is crucial for convenience and hygiene. Step pedals should be sturdy and quiet, while touchless sensors need to be responsive. A slow-close lid prevents slamming and noise. |
| Odor control | Built-in carbon filters or sealed lids help contain odors. This is especially important in kitchens where food waste accumulates. Some cans also offer deodorizing discs or replaceable filters. |
| Ease of cleaning | Removable inner buckets and smooth surfaces make cleaning easier. Stainless steel is non-porous and resists stains, while plastic can absorb odors over time. Look for fingerprint-proof coatings for less maintenance. |
| Durability and warranty | A sturdy construction ensures the can lasts for years. Check for warranties: Brabantia offers 10 years, while simplehuman provides a limited lifetime warranty. Commercial-grade cans like Rubbermaid are built for heavy use. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.