Simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can, 13-Gallon
The gold-standard kitchen trash can trusted by professional organizers and long-term owners alike, combining exceptional build quality, a whisper-quiet lid, and compatibility with standard trash bags.
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- +Quiet-close lid with stay-open function makes hands-free cooking and cleanup genuinely effortless
- +Durable brushed stainless steel construction has been proven to last a decade or more without denting or rusting
- +Accepts standard 13-gallon trash bags without requiring expensive proprietary liners, unlike many competing Simplehuman models
- +Removable inner bucket and smooth rounded interior make cleaning fast and hygienic
- −Premium price point is the highest among non-sensor step cans in this category
- −Large footprint may feel oversized in compact kitchen layouts
- −Standard bags, while functional, fit slightly less snugly than the brand's custom liners
The Simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can has earned its reputation as the benchmark against which every other kitchen trash can is judged, and after spending time with it, the reasons are immediately clear. The moment you press the wide, responsive foot pedal, the lid swings open with fluid precision and stays open without a hand anywhere near it, an underrated convenience when you're elbow-deep in food prep. The soft-close mechanism brings it back down silently, with none of the rattling or slamming that plagues cheaper models. The brushed stainless steel body is genuinely robust — professional organizers and everyday users alike report owning the same unit for eight to ten years through moves, kids, and heavy daily use without visible wear. Its footprint is compact enough to tuck against a cabinet or island, and the back-hinged lid never swings out to graze the wall. Bag changes are simpler than expected thanks to a liner rim that holds the bag edge in place, and unusually for Simplehuman, this particular model accepts standard 13-gallon bags from any brand, eliminating the need for the company's pricier proprietary liners. The removable inner bucket lifts out for straightforward cleaning, and the stainless exterior wipes clean in seconds. At $140 and up it demands a real investment, but it's one that overwhelmingly pays off over years of daily use, making it the strongest all-around kitchen trash can money can buy in 2026.
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David focuses on home appliances, kitchen tools, and outdoor equipment. He tests products in real-world conditions before recommending them.
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Simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can, 13-Gallon – FAQs
Yes, for most buyers. The Simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can, 13-Gallon stands out for: Quiet-close lid with stay-open function makes hands-free cooking and cleanup genuinely effortless and Durable brushed stainless steel construction has been proven to last a decade or more without denting or rusting. The main trade-offs are Premium price point is the highest among non-sensor step cans in this category. Check our full Home Appliances comparison for alternatives.