Product-Review-Crew
Best Kitchen Trash Can for Most Households

Kohler 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can

A sleek, highly rated stainless steel step can from a trusted kitchen brand, delivering premium odor containment, easy bag changes, and broad compatibility at a more accessible price than the top-tier competition.

Kohler 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can – buy now
4.5(794 reviews)
$160 - $195

via Amazon.com

Check Price at Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Pros
  • +Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior stays presentable with minimal wiping between cleanings
  • +Accepts any standard 13-gallon trash bag, eliminating the cost and hassle of proprietary liners
  • +Internal locking rim secures bag edges firmly in place, preventing slippage and bag fall-through
  • +Quiet-close, stay-open lid and a flat-back design allow flush placement against walls or cabinetry
Cons
  • Some users report that the quiet-close mechanism can develop noise after extended use
  • Heavier than plastic alternatives, making it less convenient to move for cleaning underneath
  • Available color options, while varied, may not match every kitchen finish perfectly
See how this compares to similar productsFull Comparison →

Forbes Vetted named the Kohler 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can the best kitchen trash can for most households in their August 2026 update, and the reasoning holds up under scrutiny. Kohler has brought the same design sensibility that defines its plumbing and kitchen hardware to this trash can, and it shows in the details. The fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless steel is noticeably easier to keep looking clean than polished alternatives, and the flat-back profile means it sits flush against a wall or cabinet without wasting a millimeter of floor space. The foot pedal is wide and smooth, requiring minimal pressure to open the lid fully, and the slow-close mechanism brings it back down without any slamming or rattling. Inside, a removable plastic bucket with a built-in locking rim grips bag edges firmly, a feature reviewers consistently single out as one of the best bag-management systems in the category. Critically, it works with any standard 13-gallon bag rather than requiring a proprietary liner, a practical and cost-saving advantage that matters over months and years of use. Users across Home Depot, Crate and Barrel, and Walmart give it ratings above 4.5 stars across thousands of reviews, with praise focused on its combination of sleek aesthetics, solid durability, and genuine value. At $70 to $100, it offers most of what the Simplehuman achieves at a meaningfully lower price, making it the smart choice for households that want premium quality without a premium outlay.

Last updated:

David ParkHome & Kitchen Specialist

David focuses on home appliances, kitchen tools, and outdoor equipment. He tests products in real-world conditions before recommending them.

Kohler 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can – FAQs

Yes, for most buyers. The Kohler 13-Gallon Stainless Steel Step Trash Can stands out for: Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior stays presentable with minimal wiping between cleanings and Accepts any standard 13-gallon trash bag, eliminating the cost and hassle of proprietary liners. The main trade-offs are Some users report that the quiet-close mechanism can develop noise after extended use. Check our full Home Appliances comparison for alternatives.