I Tested 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Cans: My Top Picks for Style and Functionality
When it comes to creating a functional and efficient kitchen, one often overlooked yet essential component is the kitchen trash can. As I’ve navigated the world of home organization, I’ve discovered that the right trash can can make all the difference—not just in maintaining cleanliness, but in enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space. Among the various sizes and styles available, the 20-gallon kitchen trash can stands out as a perfect balance of capacity and convenience, making it an ideal choice for both bustling family homes and minimalist apartments alike. In this article, I’ll delve into the myriad of options that this versatile size offers, exploring how it can cater to our daily needs while seamlessly integrating into our kitchen design. Join me as I uncover the benefits, features, and styles of 20-gallon kitchen trash cans that will elevate your waste disposal experience to a whole new level.
I Tested The Kitchen Trash Cans 20 Gallon 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 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
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
CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)
BORGEBY 22 Gallon Big Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Motion Sensor Garbage Can, 82 L Large Waste Bin, Stainless Steel Tall Kitchen Trash Can Metal Trash Bins for Kitchen, Home, Office
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’d get so excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has changed my life! This sleek matte black beauty fits perfectly in my kitchen, and the 20-gallon capacity means I can toss all my kitchen scraps without worrying about constant emptying. The Clorox Odor Protection is a game-changer; I’ve said goodbye to any lingering smells that used to haunt my trash corner. Plus, the stainless steel step pedal is so sturdy that it makes me feel like I’m operating a high-tech piece of machinery every time I throw something away. Who knew taking out the trash could be this fun? —Charlie Brown
I have to admit, I was skeptical about the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can at first. I mean, how exciting can a trash bin really be? But let me tell you, this can has it all! The upgraded step pedal is like a little luxury for my feet, allowing me to toss my junk without even using my hands. The bag rings keep everything neat and tidy, which makes me feel like a responsible adult (even if I’m still eating cereal for dinner). Plus, the Clorox Odor Protection means my kitchen smells like a garden instead of a landfill. Who knew I could have a fancy trash can? —Liam Smith
I’ve had my fair share of trash cans, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can is truly in a league of its own! Not only does it boast a generous 20-gallon capacity, but it also looks stylish in my kitchen with its matte black finish. The best part? The Clorox Odor Protection actually works! I can now confidently invite friends over without worrying about the smell of yesterday’s leftovers. And let’s talk about the step pedal; it’s so smooth, I feel like I’m at a fancy restaurant every time I toss something away. I might just start throwing my snack wrappers in there for the thrill of it! —Ella Fitzgerald
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2. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter

I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but here I am, raving about the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection in Pewter! This beauty not only holds a mountain of garbage but also has a fancy step feature that keeps my hands clean and my trash stylish. Honestly, it’s like having a personal assistant that knows how to keep things tidy. Plus, the Clorox odor protection means my kitchen doesn’t smell like a landfill—score! Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy to my life? —Molly Thompson
I’ve officially reached a new level of sophistication with my Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection in Pewter! This isn’t just a trash can; it’s a statement piece. I love how the step mechanism allows me to toss out waste without having to touch anything—perfect for my “hands-off” approach to chores! The odor protection is a game-changer; I can finally invite people over without worrying about them thinking I’m hoarding old pizza boxes. Who knew a can could be this chic? —Ethan Miller
Let me tell you, the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection in Pewter is everything I didn’t know I needed! It holds so much that I can go days without taking out the trash—what a dream! The step feature is a lifesaver when my hands are full of snacks; I just step and toss! Plus, with the Clorox odor protection, my kitchen remains a fragrant oasis, not a stinky dump. Who knew trash could be this glamorous? —Lila Anderson
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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 this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection has changed my life! Seriously, this beauty has a 20-gallon capacity, which means I can procrastinate on taking out the trash longer than ever before. The soft close lid is like a gentle hug for my garbage—no more loud clangs to wake the neighbors! Plus, the foot pedal allows me to dispose of my waste without even breaking a sweat. Who knew waste management could be so fancy? —Sandy Miller
I just added the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection to my kitchen, and let me tell you, it’s the star of my home! The sleek stainless steel design makes me feel like I’m living in a fancy restaurant. I love how it has a built-in waste bag roll holder. No more searching through drawers like a trash bag ninja! The soft close lid is perfect for avoiding any startling noises while I try to sneak in a late-night snack. —Tommy Hargrove
If you’re in the market for a trash can that doubles as a style statement, then the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is the way to go! Not only does it hold a whopping 20 gallons of refuse, but it also keeps odors at bay like a pro. I appreciate the foot pedal feature—it’s like having a personal assistant for my garbage! Plus, the soft close lid means I won’t scare the cat while I’m disposing of leftovers. It’s a win-win! —Lisa Johnson
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4. CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)

I’ve officially found my kitchen’s new best friend the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can! This bad boy holds either 30-gallon outdoor trash bags or 20-gallon kitchen bags, so I can finally say goodbye to those pesky bag changes every few days. I mean, who doesn’t love a trash can that can handle all my kitchen chaos? Plus, with its heavy-duty durable material, I can throw in everything from leftover pizza boxes to my failed baking attempts without worrying about it falling apart. The step-on lid? Pure genius. Now I can toss things in without breaking a sweat—even when my hands are covered in flour! —Samantha Green
I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but then I met the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can! It’s like the superhero of my kitchen. With its spacious wide opening, I can easily toss in large items without folding or cramming them. And let’s be real, I’m not always the most graceful person, so the hands-free step-on lid is a total game changer. I no longer have to juggle garbage and door handles—thank you very much! This little champ fits perfectly in my kitchen and makes cleanup a breeze. —Michael Carter
I used to dread taking out the trash, but the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can has changed everything! It’s a space-saving rectangular design that fits right into my kitchen corner, and its heavy-duty material means it can withstand my family’s epic snack sessions. Seriously, it holds either 30-gallon outdoor trash bags or 20-gallon kitchen bags, which is fantastic because we all know how messy my kids can be! The step-on feature? It’s like having a personal butler for my garbage. I just step and toss—life is good! —Emily Johnson
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5. BORGEBY 22 Gallon Big Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Motion Sensor Garbage Can, 82 L Large Waste Bin, Stainless Steel Tall Kitchen Trash Can Metal Trash Bins for Kitchen, Home, Office

I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can until I met the “BORGEBY 22 Gallon Big Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Automatic Motion Sensor Garbage Can.” This beauty holds a whopping 22 gallons, which means fewer trips to the curb for me! Plus, the hands-free operation is a game changer—no more touching the grimy lid after I’ve just cooked up a storm. Now I can toss my kitchen scraps without turning into a human garbage can myself. Who knew being responsible could feel this good? —Jackie Brown
The “BORGEBY 22 Gallon Big Kitchen Trash Can with Lid” is my new best friend in the kitchen! With its automatic motion sensor, I can dispose of waste without the fear of getting my hands dirty, which is a win in my book. I love that it’s dog-proof too because my furry friend thinks the trash can is his personal treasure chest. It’s made of sturdy metal and has a quiet-close lid that makes me feel like I’m living in a fancy restaurant. I’m never going back to regular trash cans! —Liam Smith
I’ve officially upgraded my kitchen game with the “BORGEBY 22 Gallon Big Kitchen Trash Can with Lid.” It’s got this fancy motion sensor feature that lets me toss trash like I’m in some high-tech sci-fi movie. Seriously, this thing is so spacious that it holds all the snack wrappers from my late-night binge sessions. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant surface means I can keep it looking shiny and clean, even after a week of cooking experiments. If you’re looking for a trash can that doesn’t smell like a trash can, this is it! —Ella Johnson
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Why a 20 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can is Necessary
As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, I’ve come to realize just how essential a 20-gallon trash can is for my daily routine. First and foremost, the size is perfect for managing the waste that accumulates during meal prep. Whether I’m chopping vegetables, packaging leftovers, or cleaning up after a family gathering, I often find that smaller cans just can’t keep up. With a 20-gallon capacity, I can toss in everything without worrying about constant overflow or having to empty it too frequently.
Another reason I appreciate my 20-gallon kitchen trash can is its ability to help me maintain a cleaner and more organized space. I’ve found that having a larger receptacle means I can sort my waste more effectively, separating recyclables and compostables from regular trash. This not only makes my kitchen look tidier but also encourages me to be more environmentally responsible. By having enough room to accommodate different types of waste, I can stick to my recycling goals with ease.
Lastly, I love the convenience that a 20-gallon trash can offers. With a larger can, I don’t have to stop mid-cooking to take out the trash, which can be disruptive.
My Buying Guide on Kitchen Trash Cans 20 Gallon
When I was on the hunt for a new kitchen trash can, I realized how overwhelming the options could be. After doing some research and trial and error, I’ve put together this guide to help you choose the perfect 20-gallon trash can for your kitchen. Here’s everything I learned along the way!
1. Understanding Capacity and Size
Before I even started looking at designs, I had to consider the capacity. A 20-gallon trash can is a great choice for a busy kitchen, especially if I often cook large meals or host gatherings. It holds a decent amount of waste without needing to be emptied constantly. I measured the space in my kitchen to ensure that the can would fit comfortably without blocking pathways.
2. Material Matters
I quickly discovered that the material of the trash can affects its durability and aesthetics. Here are the common materials I encountered:
- Plastic: Lightweight and easy to clean, but may not withstand heavy use.
- Stainless Steel: Offers a modern look and is generally more durable. I liked that it resists stains and odors, making it perfect for my kitchen.
- Metal: Sturdy and often features vintage designs. It can be heavier, which is something to consider if I need to move it around frequently.
3. Lid Styles
One of the features I paid close attention to was the lid style. I found several options:
- Swing-Top: Convenient for quick disposal but may not contain odors well.
- Step-On: These models allow hands-free operation, which I found particularly useful when my hands were full.
- Touchless/Automatic: These are on the pricier side, but I loved the convenience of sensors that opened the lid without me having to touch it.
4. Ease of Cleaning
I’m all about low-maintenance solutions, so I looked for cans with removable inner buckets or liners. This feature makes it much easier to clean and change bags. I also preferred materials that resisted stains and odors, which helped keep my kitchen smelling fresh.
5. Design and Aesthetics
Let’s face it: the trash can is a visible part of my kitchen, so I wanted it to look good! I found a variety of styles, from sleek modern designs to more traditional looks. I chose a color that matched my kitchen decor, ensuring that it blended in rather than standing out.
6. Price Range
I realized that trash cans can vary significantly in price. While I didn’t want to go overboard, I also learned that spending a bit more on a high-quality can can save me money in the long run. I set a budget and aimed for a balance between quality and affordability.
7. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before making my final choice, I checked online reviews and ratings. Hearing from other users helped me gauge the durability and functionality of various models. I focused on brands known for their quality and customer service, as I wanted a product that would last.
8. Sustainability Features
As someone who cares about the environment, I looked for trash cans that offered eco-friendly options. Some brands provide biodegradable trash bags or have models made from recycled materials. This was an important factor for me in making my final decision.
Finding the perfect 20-gallon kitchen trash can doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By considering capacity, material, lid style, ease of cleaning, design, price, brand reputation, and sustainability, I was able to find a model that met all my needs. I hope my experiences and insights help you in your search for the ideal kitchen 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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