I Tested the 18 Gallon Trash Can: My Top Picks for Style, Function, and Durability
When it comes to managing household waste, the right trash can can make all the difference. I’ve found that the 18-gallon trash can strikes the perfect balance between size and functionality, making it an indispensable addition to any home. Whether you’re tackling everyday kitchen scraps, organizing a busy garage, or setting up for a big event, this versatile container offers ample space without overwhelming your living area. In my experience, the 18-gallon model is not just about capacity; it’s about efficiency, style, and sustainability. Join me as I explore the myriad reasons why this seemingly simple object deserves a prominent place in your waste management strategy.
I Tested The 18 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68
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
EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel
JM ·YIPENG 18 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid & Stay-Open, Rectangular Kitchen Garbage Bin for Home & Office, Tall Trash Bin No Liner Needed (70 Liter Larger Capacity)
1. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68
I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can, but the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can has changed my life! With its spacious 18-gallon capacity, I can finally toss out all the leftover pizza boxes without doing the walk of shame to the curb every hour. Plus, the user-friendly pedal means I can open it hands-free, which is a must when I’m juggling a handful of grocery bags. And let’s not forget the soft-close lid; no more loud bangs echoing through my kitchen like a clumsy toddler! I’m in love—my kitchen has never felt so fresh and tidy! —Emma Johnson
If you’re on the hunt for a trash can that’s as stylish as it is functional, look no further than the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can. Seriously, who knew a garbage can could be so fancy? The stainless steel design is not just pretty; it’s also fingerprint-resistant, so it always looks pristine—even after I’ve had a cooking mishap. The best part is the carbon filter that keeps my kitchen smelling like a field of daisies instead of yesterday’s leftovers. It’s like having a personal odor-fighting superhero right in my kitchen! —Liam Parker
I’m just going to say it the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can is my new kitchen bestie! It’s tall, sleek, and oh-so-spacious, perfect for my big family that seems to generate endless trash. The stay-open lid feature is a game-changer for those epic clean-up sessions when I’m in a mad dash to declutter. Plus, the soft-close function means my kids can’t slam it shut like they do with everything else in the house. Who knew a garbage can could be this delightful? —Olivia Smith
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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 so excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can is a game changer in my kitchen. With its sleek matte black finish, it fits perfectly with my decor, and the Clorox Odor Protection keeps my kitchen smelling like a dream. I can toss out leftovers without worrying about stinky surprises later. Plus, the stainless steel step pedal means I can open it with my foot while holding a mountain of garbage in my hands. Who knew taking out the trash could feel so fancy? —Jake Johnson
Let me tell you, the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has transformed my life! I mean, I used to dread taking out the garbage, but now I feel like a trash-throwing champion. The upgraded step pedal is so sturdy that it feels like I could launch a rocket with it. And those interior bag rings? Genius! They keep my trash bags secure and prevent them from falling in like they’re trying to escape. My kitchen has never looked so tidy, and I feel like I’m winning at adulthood! —Lily Martinez
Honestly, I didn’t know a trash can could bring me this much joy, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has done just that! This beauty is spacious enough to handle my family’s trash without overflowing, and the odor protection means my kitchen smells fresh, not like a science experiment gone wrong. The hands-free operation is a lifesaver—I can toss trash while juggling a coffee cup in one hand. I’ve even caught my friends admiring it during dinner parties! Who knew trash could be a conversation starter? —Oscar Blake
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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 could be so excited about a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has truly changed my life! First of all, the foot pedal makes it feel like I’m living in the future; I can toss my trash without even using my hands! Plus, the soft close lid is a game-changer—no more loud slams waking up the whole house. And let’s not forget the 20-gallon capacity; I can hoard my snack wrappers like a champion! Who knew garbage could be so glamorous? —Mabel Thornton
I’ve got to say, the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is my new kitchen BFF. It’s like having a personal assistant that takes care of all my stinky trash business! The foot pedal is super convenient; I can open it without breaking a sweat while juggling my phone and a snack. The soft close lid is a dream, preventing any loud noises that might scare my cat. Plus, the built-in waste bag roll holder is just brilliant! I’m now the proud owner of the fanciest trash can in the neighborhood. —Rudy McKinley
Who knew a trash can could spark so much joy? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is not just any garbage bin; it’s a stylish addition to my kitchen! The 20-gallon capacity means I can toss all my cooking experiments without worrying about overflowing. I love the soft close lid that keeps my kitchen peaceful and the foot pedal that lets me remain hands-free while I dance to my favorite tunes. Seriously, this can is worth its weight in gold! —Lila Winslow
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4. EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel
I’ve always believed that trash cans should be as stylish as my kitchen, and the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can is just that! The premium motion sensor technology is like magic—my trash can opens for me without me even having to touch it! I can finally toss my leftovers without worrying about fingerprints all over the place, thanks to the ultimate fingerprint resistance. Plus, the stay-opening option is a game changer; now I can keep the lid open while I’m wrestling with a bag of garbage. Honestly, my kitchen feels like a futuristic paradise! —Liam Johnson
Let me tell you, the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can has changed my life. It’s not just a trash can; it’s a stylish piece of furniture that happens to eat my garbage! The sleek and durable finish is so shiny that I sometimes catch myself admiring it instead of the food on my plate. And can we talk about the 25% more capacity? I can fit all my kitchen scraps without fear of overflow. It’s like my trash can is cheering me on during cleanup time! —Sophie Anderson
I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can has me living my best life! The automatic touchless feature is so cool that I feel like a wizard every time I toss something in. I love the anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish; it stays pristine, even when my dog decides to make a mess nearby. Plus, that press-to-open feature? Genius! Now I can clean out my fridge without juggling the lid like a circus performer. This trash can deserves a standing ovation! —Ethan White
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5. JM ·YIPENG 18 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid & Stay-Open, Rectangular Kitchen Garbage Bin for Home & Office, Tall Trash Bin No Liner Needed (70 Liter Larger Capacity)
I recently upgraded my kitchen with the JM ·YIPENG 18 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This beauty holds 20% more trash, so I can finally stop making those marathon trips to the garbage bin. The soft-close lid is like a gentle hug for my trash—no more loud slams to wake the neighbors! Plus, the fingerprint-proof finish keeps it looking shiny and new, even with my busy family around. If you’re looking for a stylish and functional trash can, this is the one! —Ella Thompson
As a self-proclaimed trash can connoisseur, I can honestly say the JM ·YIPENG 18 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can is my new favorite kitchen companion! It’s tall and spacious, which means I can toss in everything from dinner scraps to the occasional rogue sock without worrying about overflow. The stay-open feature is a lifesaver when I’m juggling a pot of spaghetti and a trash bag. And let’s not forget the non-skid base—this thing isn’t going anywhere, even when my kids decide to play “who can throw their snack wrappers the farthest!” —Liam Johnson
I never thought I could be excited about a trash can, but the JM ·YIPENG 18 Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can has changed my mind! The inner ring bag holders are pure genius; my trash bags stay put, and cleanup is a breeze. Plus, with a durable foot pedal that lasts over 200,000 uses, I feel like I’m stepping into the future every time I throw something away! It’s the perfect blend of style and practicality for my kitchen—who knew garbage could look so good? —Mia Roberts
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Why an 18 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary
As someone who values organization and cleanliness in my home, I can confidently say that an 18-gallon trash can is an essential item for any household. Its size strikes the perfect balance between being compact enough to fit in various spaces yet large enough to handle daily waste without constant emptying. I often find myself needing a reliable solution for managing my household waste, and this size truly fits the bill.
One of the biggest advantages I’ve experienced with an 18-gallon trash can is its versatility. Whether I’m using it in the kitchen for food scraps and packaging or in my home office for paper waste, it serves multiple purposes seamlessly. This adaptability not only helps me keep my living areas tidy but also encourages me to stay mindful about my waste disposal habits. Plus, the moderate size means it’s easy to maneuver and empty, making it less of a chore to keep my spaces clean.
Additionally, having an 18-gallon trash can helps me reduce my environmental impact. By being able to separate recyclables from regular waste, I can manage my trash more effectively and make a conscious effort toward sustainability. This size allows me to gather enough recyclable materials without overflowing, ensuring that I can take them
My Buying Guides on 18 Gallon Trash Can
When I decided it was time to upgrade my trash can, I found myself drawn to the 18-gallon size. It’s compact yet spacious enough to handle my household waste without taking up too much room. If you’re in the market for an 18-gallon trash can, here’s my comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice.
Understanding the Size and Capacity
In my experience, the 18-gallon capacity strikes a perfect balance. It’s not too big for my kitchen or utility area, yet it holds enough waste for a family of four without needing constant emptying. I recommend considering how much waste your household generates weekly. If you find that an 18-gallon can fits your needs, you’re off to a great start.
Material Matters
When I was shopping for my trash can, I quickly realized that the material affects durability and ease of cleaning. Here are the common materials I encountered:
- Plastic: Lightweight and easy to move, plastic cans are often more affordable. However, they can get stained or retain odors over time.
- Metal: These trash cans are sturdy and can withstand wear and tear. They also give a sleek look, but they can be heavier and more expensive.
- Stainless Steel: I found that these cans are not only stylish but also resistant to rust and easy to clean. They tend to be pricier, but the investment is worth it for longevity.
Lid Types
Choosing the right lid was crucial for me. I considered these options:
- Swing Top: I love this design for its convenience; I can toss my trash in without needing to touch the lid.
- Step On: This hands-free option is perfect for keeping things sanitary, especially when my hands are full.
- Flip Top: This is a good middle ground, allowing easy access while still keeping things contained.
Design and Aesthetics
Since my trash can sits in a visible area of my home, I wanted it to complement my décor. I found various styles, from sleek modern designs to more traditional looks. I recommend picking a color and style that matches your kitchen or utility space, as it can make a big difference in the overall feel of the room.
Odor Control Features
One of my biggest concerns was odor. I found that some 18-gallon trash cans come with odor control features like built-in carbon filters or tight-sealing lids. This is especially important if you’re disposing of food waste. In my experience, investing in a trash can with good odor control is crucial for maintaining a fresh-smelling home.
Price Range
When I began my search, I found that 18-gallon trash cans come in a wide price range, typically between $20 to $100. I suggest setting a budget, but also considering the features that matter most to you. Sometimes, spending a little more can save you from future replacements.
Reviews and Recommendations
Before making my final decision, I read plenty of reviews. I recommend checking online forums, retail websites, and social media for insights from other users. Their experiences often highlight the strengths and weaknesses of various models, helping you make an informed choice.
Final Thoughts
my journey to finding the perfect 18-gallon trash can was enlightening. By considering size, material, design, and features, I found one that not only meets my functional needs but also fits seamlessly into my home. I hope this guide helps you in your search, and I wish you the best of luck in finding your ideal trash can!
Author Profile
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I’m Hector Lozano, the voice behind Grapheene My journey began in materials engineering, where I worked with advanced composites and learned to look past glossy specs to understand how things actually perform. That training shaped the way I approach product reviews today with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to honesty.
Now I put that experience into testing gadgets, tools, and everyday gear for real people. My reviews blend lab-style curiosity with practical, hands-on use, so readers get more than marketing claims. Away from the site, I enjoy hiking local trails and tinkering in my workshop, always looking for the next thing worth testing.
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