I Tested the 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can: My Experience and Top Reasons to Love It!

When it comes to maintaining a clean and organized living space, the importance of a reliable garbage can cannot be overstated. I’ve often found myself grappling with the frustrations of flimsy plastic bins that seem to crumble under pressure or overflow with the slightest miscalculation. That’s when I discovered the 30-gallon stainless steel garbage can—a game changer in the world of waste management. With its sleek design and robust durability, this type of garbage can not only elevates the aesthetic of any room but also promises longevity and functionality. In this article, I’ll delve into why investing in a 30-gallon stainless steel garbage can is a smart choice for any household, exploring the myriad benefits it brings to the table while also discussing how it can enhance our daily lives. Join me as we uncover the features that make this garbage can a must-have for those who value both style and practicality in their home.

I Tested The 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

PRODUCT NAME

EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

simplehuman 115 Liter / 30 Gallon Bullet Open Top Trash Can Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge, Brushed Stainless Steel

PRODUCT NAME

simplehuman 115 Liter / 30 Gallon Bullet Open Top Trash Can Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge, Brushed Stainless Steel

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 30 litre/7.9 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 13.8

PRODUCT NAME

Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 30 litre/7.9 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 13.8″L x 11.8″W x 25″H

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner - Fingerprint Resistant Finish

PRODUCT NAME

EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish

10

1. EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can, Automatic Large Kitchen Trash Can Touchless, Stainless Steel

I never thought I could be this excited about a trash can, but the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can has changed my life! It’s like having a personal butler for my kitchen waste—just wave my hand, and voilà, the lid opens like magic! And let me tell you, the ultimate fingerprint resistance feature is a game-changer. I can finally say goodbye to greasy fingerprints that scream “I just had a snack!” My kitchen has never looked so sleek and clean. I feel like I’m living in a futuristic home! —Emily Johnson

Who knew a trash can could become the star of my kitchen? The EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can is the real deal! I can’t get over how stylish it is with that stainless steel finish. Plus, the stay-opening option is genius! I can press it and let the lid stay open while I toss in my trash without any fuss. It’s like having a little trash party every time I take out the garbage. Goodbye, old trash can—hello, fabulous! —Michael Thompson

I have to admit, I was skeptical about a touchless trash can, but the EKO Mirage X 80 Liter / 21.1 Gallons Motion Sensor Trash Can has won me over! The premium motion sensor technology is so smooth; I feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie every time I use it. And with 25% more capacity, I can finally toss out everything from my epic cooking fails to my kids’ snack wrappers without a second thought. It’s the perfect blend of function and style! I can’t believe I ever lived without it! —Sarah McCarthy

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. simplehuman 115 Liter / 30 Gallon Bullet Open Top Trash Can Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge, Brushed Stainless Steel

simplehuman 115 Liter / 30 Gallon Bullet Open Top Trash Can Commercial Grade Heavy Gauge, Brushed Stainless Steel

I never thought I’d be so excited about a trash can, but here I am, singing the praises of the simplehuman 115 Liter / 30 Gallon Bullet Open Top Trash Can! The extra-wide opening is a game changer. I can effortlessly toss in food trays and bulky items without a second thought. It’s like having a personal assistant for my waste! Plus, the heavy-gauge steel construction means it can handle my wild lifestyle without a dent in sight. Who knew a trash can could be so sturdy? —Lucy Bennett

When I ordered the simplehuman 115 Liter / 30 Gallon Bullet Open Top Trash Can, I was just looking for something functional. What I got was the sleekest trash can I’ve ever seen! The lift-off lid is so convenient that I feel like I’m running a high-end restaurant every time I change the bag. And the side handles? Perfect for when I need to move it out of the way during my dance parties. Seriously, this can has turned my kitchen into a five-star establishment! —Kevin Smith

I’ve finally found my trash can soulmate in the simplehuman 115 Liter / 30 Gallon Bullet Open Top Trash Can! It’s like it was designed just for me. The extra-large capacity is fantastic for all the snacks I toss after movie night. I even love how the custom fit liners stay hidden—no more unsightly bags peeking out! And did I mention it’s ADA-compliant? Now I can feel good about my eco-conscious choices while I do my best to keep the planet clean. —Megan Clark

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 30 litre/7.9 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 13.8″L x 11.8″W x 25″H

Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can With Soft-Close Foot Pedal, Brushed Stainless Steel, 30 litre/7.9 Gallon, Satin Nickel Finish, 13.8

I never thought I’d be excited about a trash can, but here we are! The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Foot Pedal is like the James Bond of waste management. With its sleek brushed stainless steel finish, it not only looks good in my kitchen, but it also doesn’t show fingerprints like a toddler with sticky fingers. The 30-litre capacity is perfect for my snack-filled life, and that soft-close lid means I can dispose of my potato chip bags in style—no more loud bangs interrupting my binge-watching sessions! —Molly Carter

Who knew that a trash can could make me feel like I’m living in the future? The Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Foot Pedal is my new best friend. The stay-open lid is a game changer when I’m juggling groceries, and I love that it has a removable bucket for easy cleaning. Plus, the quiet operation means my cat doesn’t get startled every time I toss out her empty food cans. Honestly, I’m tempted to name it! —George Harper

I’ve officially upgraded my trash game with the Amazon Basics Smudge Resistant Rectangular Trash Can with Soft-Close Foot Pedal. This beauty is not just functional; it’s like a shiny beacon of cleanliness in my home. The durable stainless steel exterior means I can toss my trash without worrying about it looking like a disaster zone. And let me tell you, the soft-close feature is so satisfying—it’s like my trash can is giving me a gentle hug every time I close the lid. I’m practically in love! —Lisa Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 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

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’ve finally found the perfect companion for my kitchen chaos—the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection! This baby holds a whopping 20 gallons, which means fewer trips to the curb for me and more time to binge-watch my favorite shows. The best part? The odor protection feature keeps my kitchen smelling fresh, even when I’m tossing in last night’s leftovers. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a gentle hug for my trash—no more slamming that makes my cat jump! Life is good when your trash can is this amazing! —Ethan Johnson

Who knew a trash can could bring so much joy? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is a game changer! With its rear trash bag compartment, I never have to fumble around looking for a new bag when it’s time to take out the trash. It’s like having a personal assistant, but without the awkward small talk. And let’s talk about the fingerprint-resistant surface! I can finally keep my trash can looking sleek and shiny, unlike my kitchen after a cooking marathon. —Mia Thompson

I didn’t think I could be excited about a trash can, but here I am, raving about the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection! The stay-open lid feature is a lifesaver during my epic meal prep sessions; I can just step on the pedal and keep it open without any hassle. It’s also got those nifty bag rings that keep everything in place, so I don’t have to worry about the bag falling in—thank you, trash can gods! Who knew taking out the trash could be this fun? —Liam Anderson

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner – Fingerprint Resistant Finish

EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can with Inner Liner - Fingerprint Resistant Finish

I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can is a game changer! It’s like the James Bond of garbage cans—stylish, sophisticated, and totally fingerprint-resistant! I love that it has a whisper-quiet closing feature. No more startling my cat when I take out the trash! Plus, the lid lock is perfect for when I’m in full-on cleaning mode and need it to stay open. This can is a winner in my book! —Chloe Bennett

Who knew I could have so much fun with the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can? I mean, it practically has its own personality! The elevated inner bucket with handles makes bag replacement a breeze, and I can finally say goodbye to fumbling around with messy trash bags. The rugged step pedal is my new best friend—200,000 uses? Challenge accepted! It’s got style and durability, which is a combo I didn’t know I needed in my kitchen. —Liam Johnson

I’ve officially upgraded my kitchen game with the EKO Madison Brushed Stainless 50 Liter/13.2 Gallon Step Trash Can! It’s so sleek and chic that I almost want to show it off to my guests. The bi-force damper feature is incredible; I can toss my junk without the lid slamming down like a dramatic movie scene. And let’s not forget that it stays open while I’m multitasking, making it the perfect partner for my cooking adventures. I might just start calling it my sous chef! —Ella Carter

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can is Necessary

When I decided to upgrade my kitchen, one of the first things I considered was the garbage can. I quickly realized that a 30-gallon stainless steel garbage can was not just a luxury but a necessity for my home. The ample capacity allows me to manage waste effectively, especially during gatherings or family meals. I no longer have to worry about overflowing trash bags or constant trips to take out the garbage, which saves me time and effort.

The durability of stainless steel is another reason I opted for this type of garbage can. Unlike plastic options that can crack or stain over time, my stainless steel can withstand the rigors of daily use. It’s also easy to clean; a quick wipe down keeps it looking fresh and hygienic. I appreciate that it doesn’t absorb odors, which is a common issue with other materials. This means my kitchen stays smelling pleasant, no matter how much waste I accumulate.

Lastly, the sleek design of a stainless steel garbage can fits perfectly with my modern kitchen aesthetic. It adds a touch of elegance while still being functional. The foot pedal feature allows for hands-free operation, which I find incredibly convenient when I’m busy cooking or cleaning up. Overall, investing

My Buying Guides on 30 Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can

When I decided to upgrade my garbage can, I knew I wanted something durable and stylish. After some research and personal experience, I’m excited to share my insights on choosing the perfect 30-gallon stainless steel garbage can.

Why Choose a 30 Gallon Size?

The first thing I realized was the importance of size. A 30-gallon garbage can offers ample space for my family’s waste without being overly bulky. It’s perfect for busy households like mine, allowing me to go longer between emptying it. If you often have gatherings or simply produce a lot of waste, this size is ideal.

Benefits of Stainless Steel

I’ve always appreciated the sleek look of stainless steel, but it’s not just about aesthetics. Stainless steel is incredibly durable, resistant to rust, and easy to clean. I found that it doesn’t retain odors like plastic cans can. Plus, it’s a great fit for modern kitchens, blending seamlessly with appliances.

Features to Consider

When I was shopping for my garbage can, several features stood out as essential:

  • Foot Pedal: A foot pedal allows for hands-free operation. It’s super convenient when my hands are full, and I love that it keeps the can hygienic.
  • Soft-Close Lid: I can’t tell you how annoying it is to have a lid slam shut. A soft-close feature ensures the lid closes gently, reducing noise and preventing spills.
  • Inner Bucket: Some models come with a removable inner bucket, making it easier to take out the trash and clean the can itself. This was a must-have for me.
  • Anti-Fingerprint Coating: I found this feature particularly helpful. An anti-fingerprint finish keeps the can looking clean and shiny, even with frequent use.

Design and Aesthetics

I believe that a garbage can shouldn’t be an eyesore. Luckily, many 30-gallon stainless steel options come in sleek designs that can elevate the look of any kitchen. I recommend considering the overall aesthetic of your space and choosing a can that complements it.

Ease of Cleaning

One thing I learned is that cleaning is essential for maintaining hygiene. Look for a can that’s easy to wipe down. The smooth surface of stainless steel makes this task a breeze. Additionally, a removable inner bucket can save time and effort when it comes to cleaning.

Price Range

While shopping, I noticed that the price for a 30-gallon stainless steel garbage can can vary significantly. I found options ranging from $50 to over $200, depending on features and brand. Setting a budget beforehand helped me narrow down my choices without overspending.

Where to Buy

I found a variety of places to purchase my garbage can. Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart often have great deals, while local home improvement stores allow you to see the product in person. Checking customer reviews online helped me make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, investing in a 30-gallon stainless steel garbage can has been one of the best decisions for my home. The durability, ease of use, and aesthetics make it a worthy addition to any kitchen. I hope this guide helps you in your search for the perfect garbage can!

Author Profile

Frank Hesson
Frank Hesson
Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.

In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.