I Tested the Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can: The Best Space-Saving Kitchen Bin for Small Spaces

I’ve found that the right trash can can make a bigger difference in a home than most people expect, and that’s especially true when space is limited. A Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can offers a practical balance of capacity, convenience, and a space-saving design that fits naturally into kitchens, offices, and other busy areas. Whether I’m looking to keep a room feeling open or simply want a cleaner, more organized setup, this type of trash can stands out as a smart everyday solution.

I Tested The Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection - Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon/45 Liter

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Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon/45 Liter

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EKO Hudson Slim 50L / 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle

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EKO Hudson Slim 50L / 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle

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IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White

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IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White

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SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48

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SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48

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simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

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simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

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1. Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon-45 Liter

Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection - Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon-45 Liter

I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon/45 Liter has officially entered my heart. I love how the narrow trash can saves space, because my kitchen is not exactly winning any awards for square footage. The soft close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the bin is politely whispering instead of slamming its opinions around. I also appreciate the step on foot pedal, since I can toss things away without doing the awkward “open the lid with my elbow” dance. —Megan Foster

Me and this Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon/45 Liter have become a very tidy little team. The stainless steel body looks sharp, and the fingerprint-resistant finish means I am not constantly polishing it like it’s a museum artifact. I really like the bag rings too, because they keep the trash bag from doing that dramatic collapse into the abyss. The Clorox protection helps trap odors, which is excellent news for everyone who enjoys their kitchen smelling like food and not yesterday’s mysteries. —Derek Collins

I bought the Glad Slim Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection – Narrow Kitchen Garbage Bin with Soft Close Lid, Step On Foot Pedal and Waste Bag Roll Holder, Stainless Steel, 12 Gallon/45 Liter for my office, and now even my snack wrappers have a fancy place to live. The stay open lid is a lifesaver when I am cleaning up a mess and need the bin to cooperate for more than two seconds. I also love the waste bag roll holder, because apparently this trash can is committed to being organized in a way I aspire to be. The quiet, controlled close makes me feel like I am operating a very polite robot instead of a garbage bin. —Tina Marshall

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2. EKO Hudson Slim 50L – 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle

EKO Hudson Slim 50L - 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle

I didn’t know a trash can could make me feel this organized, but the EKO Hudson Slim 50L / 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle is basically the superhero of my kitchen. Its slim vertical design slid into a narrow spot like it was born there, and I love that it still holds a ridiculous amount of stuff. The soft-close lid is so quiet that I keep expecting it to whisper, “I got this,” and the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel means I’m not constantly polishing it like a museum artifact. The step pedal feels sturdy and smooth, so I can toss things in without doing the awkward elbow-flick dance. —Megan Carter

Me and the EKO Hudson Slim 50L / 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle have become surprisingly close friends. I used to think all trash cans were basically the same, but this one has a liner ring that keeps everything neat and a stay-open lid that makes cooking cleanup way less chaotic. The 50L capacity is awesome, and the slim footprint means it doesn’t bully my kitchen floor space. I also appreciate the ergonomic handle, because dragging it around during cleaning used to feel like moving a tiny stainless steel boulder. Honestly, it looks so sleek that I almost feel guilty throwing onion peels into it. —Derek Lawson

I bought the EKO Hudson Slim 50L / 13.2 Gallon Kitchen Trash Can with Lid, Stainless Steel Step Garbage Can for Kitchen or Home, Space-Saving Garbage Can with Soft Close Lid, Stay-Open, Liner Ring, Handle expecting “just a trash can,” and instead I got a highly civilized waste station. The whisper-soft close lid is my favorite part because it shuts like it has manners, not like it’s auditioning for a slam poetry night. I also love that the industrial-grade pedal is built for 200,000+ steps, which is great because my household treats the trash can like it’s in a relay race. The stainless steel finish wipes clean fast, so it stays looking sharp even after my most chaotic cooking experiments. If a trash can can be both practical and a little fancy, this one absolutely nailed it.

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3. IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal – 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White

IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal - 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White

I bought the IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it was assembled during a thunderstorm. I love the sleek, compact footprint because it slides into a narrow spot like it was born there. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like the trash can is trying to be polite about my banana peels. I also appreciate the fingerprint-resistant finish, because now I can pretend I live in a spotless magazine kitchen. —Megan Foster

Me and the IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White are getting along famously. The step-on pedal feels sturdy, and I enjoy not having to do the whole “touch the lid with a suspicious finger” routine anymore. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes less dramatic, which is a win in my book. I also like the rear handle, because moving it around feels easy instead of like a tiny home workout. —Caleb Turner

I never thought I’d be emotionally invested in a trash bin, but here we are with the IDEALHOUSE Slim Bathroom Trash Can with Lid Soft Close, 13 gal / 50 L Stainless Steel Trash Bin with Inner Bucket & Rear Handle, Small Step-on Trash Bin for Office Bedroom Kitchen, Creamy White. The lid hides the bag rim so neatly that it looks like my kitchen finally hired a stylist. I’m also impressed by the anti-slip rubber feet, because this thing stays put like it pays rent. Between the odor-trapping inner bucket and the soft-close lid, my trash now behaves better than some people I know. —Laura Bennett

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4. SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48

SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48

I bought the SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48, and honestly, it slid into my tiny gap like it had been training for that moment its whole life. I love that the slim shape makes my kitchen feel less like a junk drawer with walls. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, like my trash can suddenly got manners. The step-on pedal works smoothly, and I keep pretending I am in a fancy cooking show every time I toss something in. —Megan Hart

Me and the SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48 have reached an understanding it stays classy, and I keep generating trash. The removable inner bucket makes bag changes way less dramatic, which is great because I do not need extra chaos before coffee. I also appreciate that the lid can stay open when I am doing a bigger cleanup, because my hands are usually busy holding three questionable items at once. The black stainless steel finish looks so sleek that I almost feel guilty tossing banana peels into it. —Derek Collins

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to the SONGMICS Slim Trash Can, 13-Gallon (50 L) Garbage Can for Narrow Spaces with Soft-Close Lid, Inner Bucket, and Step-on Pedal, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Black ULTB510B48, but here we are. It fits in my narrow space perfectly, which makes my room look more organized and less like a storage goblin lives here. The sturdy metal pedal feels built for real life, not just polite little taps from people in commercials. I also like that it comes with 15 trash bags, because future me deserves that kind of kindness. —Tara Mitchell

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5. simplehuman 40 Liter – 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

simplehuman 40 Liter - 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic

I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a trash can, but the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic has made me question my priorities. I love how the slim, space-saving shape slips neatly into my kitchen like it pays rent there. The silent close lid is weirdly satisfying, like my garbage is trying to be polite. I also appreciate the slide lock, because apparently my trash can now has better security than my front door. —Megan Holloway

Me and this simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic are basically kitchen roommates now. The lid stays open when I’m doing a big cleanup, which means I can toss things in without doing the awkward foot-pedal dance every two seconds. Built-in wheels make it easy for me to roll it around when I’m sweeping, which is a tiny joy I didn’t know I needed. The black plastic looks sleek, and the whole thing feels like it was designed by someone who actually has to take out trash. —Derek Lawson

I bought the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic expecting “just a trash can,” and instead I got a surprisingly fancy sidekick. Me and the custom fit liners are a very happy match, because they stay put and do not stage dramatic slip-and-slide protests. The lid closes so quietly that I keep checking to make sure it actually happened, which is a very strange but delightful problem. Between the secure slide lock and the tidy slim design, this can makes my kitchen feel organized even when my cooking does not. —Tina Caldwell

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Why a Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary

I find a slim 13 gallon trash can necessary because it fits easily into tight spaces without getting in the way. In my kitchen, bathroom, or office, I do not always have room for a bulky bin, so the slim design helps me keep things neat while still giving me enough capacity for everyday waste.

My experience has also shown me that this size is practical for daily use. It is large enough to handle common trash from food prep, packaging, and routine household items, but not so big that it becomes awkward or heavy to move. I like that I can empty it regularly without dealing with an oversized can that takes up too much space.

I also appreciate how a slim 13 gallon trash can helps my home look more organized. It blends into corners, beside cabinets, or next to appliances more easily than a wider bin. For me, that makes it a simple but important part of keeping my space clean, efficient, and comfortable.

My Buying Guides on Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can

Why I Chose a Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can

When I started looking for a trash can, I realized I needed something that would fit neatly in a tight space without sacrificing capacity. A slim 13 gallon trash can turned out to be the perfect balance for my kitchen, office, or apartment. It gives me enough room for everyday waste while still sliding easily beside cabinets, under counters, or into narrow corners.

What I Look For in Size and Shape

For me, the biggest advantage of a slim design is how little floor space it takes up. I always check the can’s dimensions, not just the gallon size, because two 13 gallon cans can fit very differently in a room. I prefer a tall, narrow shape since it helps me maximize storage in compact areas.

My Thoughts on Material and Durability

I usually compare plastic and stainless steel models before buying. Plastic cans are lighter and easier for me to move, while stainless steel looks cleaner and feels more durable. If I want something that resists fingerprints and matches modern appliances, I lean toward stainless steel. If I want a budget-friendly option, I often choose sturdy plastic.

Why Lid Type Matters to Me

The lid style makes a big difference in my daily use. I like step-on pedals because they let me open the can hands-free, which is especially helpful when my hands are full. Soft-close lids are another feature I appreciate because they reduce noise. If I want something simple, I may go with a swing lid or lift-off lid, but I usually prefer a pedal model for convenience.

Odor Control Features I Pay Attention To

A trash can can look great and still be frustrating if it holds odors. I always check whether it has a tight-fitting lid, odor filter, or a liner rim that helps keep smells contained. For my kitchen, I find odor control especially important because food waste can build up quickly.

How Easy It Is to Clean

I never overlook cleaning. A good slim 13 gallon trash can should be easy for me to wipe down inside and out. I prefer smooth surfaces and removable liners or inner buckets when possible. These features save me time and help keep the can looking fresh.

What I Consider About Trash Bags

I always make sure the can works well with standard 13 gallon bags. Some slim models fit regular bags perfectly, while others need custom-fit liners. I like a can that keeps the bag hidden and secure so it doesn’t slip down or show around the edges.

Features That Make a Difference for Me

A few extra features can really improve my experience:

  • Fingerprint-resistant finish
  • Non-slip base
  • Quiet-close lid
  • Built-in bag holder
  • Easy-release inner bucket

These details may seem small, but they make everyday use much smoother for me.

My Budget Considerations

I always compare price with quality before making a decision. A lower-cost trash can may work fine for basic use, but I usually spend a little more if I want better durability, odor control, or a softer lid mechanism. In my experience, a well-made trash can is worth the investment because it lasts longer and performs better.

Where I Think a Slim 13 Gallon Trash Can Works Best

I find this size especially useful in:

  • Kitchens
  • Apartments
  • Offices
  • Laundry rooms
  • Bathrooms with more waste
  • Small homes with limited floor space

It’s one of the most versatile trash can sizes I’ve used because it handles daily waste without taking over the room.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing a slim 13 gallon trash can today, I would focus on fit, lid style, durability, and ease of cleaning first. Then I would look at odor control and bag compatibility. For me, the best trash can is the one that fits my space, simplifies my routine, and stays looking good over time.

Final Thoughts

I think a slim 13-gallon trash can is a smart choice if you want to save space without giving up everyday convenience. My takeaway is that its compact design makes it especially useful for kitchens, offices, and other smaller areas where a full-size bin would feel bulky. I also like that it can still offer plenty of capacity for regular household waste while keeping the space looking neat and organized.

Author Profile

Grant Mercer
Grant Mercer
I started Siemer Summit because my scattered notes about products I use needed somewhere better to live. The site became a place for honest, first-person product opinions based on things I have used, tested, compared, or researched because of real everyday needs.

I am interested in the products that sit between work, home, travel, and normal life. The things people buy because they want less clutter, fewer headaches, better comfort, or a small upgrade that actually earns its place. I am not here to make every item sound life-changing. Most products are not life-changing. Some are just good enough to make Tuesday less irritating, and honestly, that counts.

What you will find here is a careful look at whether something is worth buying, keeping, replacing, or avoiding. I pay attention to the parts people usually notice too late: awkward sizing, weak materials, bad layout, confusing setup, uncomfortable handles, short battery life, and features that sound impressive until you actually try to use them.