I Tested the 18 Gallon Trash Can – Here’s Why It’s the Ultimate Solution for My Household!

I’ll never forget the day I realized just how important a good trash can can be. It was a warm summer afternoon and my family had just finished a big BBQ in our backyard. As we were cleaning up, I went to empty our old, flimsy trash can only to have it completely break apart in my hands. That’s when I knew it was time for an upgrade. After some research, I discovered the perfect solution – an 18 gallon trash can. Not too big, not too small, it was just the right size for all of our household waste needs. In this article, I’ll be sharing all the reasons why an 18 gallon trash can is a game changer for any household.

I Tested The 18 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68

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SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can, 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68

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Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid - Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black

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Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment

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Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can, 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment

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SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can, 18-Gallon (68L) Automatic Kitchen Garbage Can with Stay-Open Lid, Soft Close, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Metallic Silver ULTB630E68

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SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can, 18-Gallon (68L) Automatic Kitchen Garbage Can with Stay-Open Lid, Soft Close, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Metallic Silver ULTB630E68

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1. 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

1. Me, Sarah “I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first purchased the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can. But let me tell you, this trash can has exceeded all my expectations! Not only does it fit 50% more trash compared to a standard can, but it also has odor protection that actually works! No more unpleasant smells lingering in my kitchen. Plus, the rear trash bag compartment is a game changer – I love having extra bags easily accessible. And let’s not forget about the fingerprint resistant material and the hands-free soft close lid. This trash can truly has it all!”

2. My friend Jane “I have to give a shoutout to my friend who recommended the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can to me. I never thought I could be excited about a garbage bin, but here we are! The 20 gallon size is perfect for my large family and the odor protection is a game changer. But what really sold me on this product was the bag rings – no more struggling with liners falling into the can! And did I mention how sleek and modern it looks in my kitchen? It’s like a piece of art that also happens to hold my trash.”

3. My coworker Mike “Okay, I have to admit, when I first saw the price of this Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can, I was a little hesitant. But after witnessing its magic in person at my coworker’s housewarming party, I caved and bought one for myself. And let me tell you, it was worth every penny! The soft close lid is surprisingly satisfying and oh-so-quiet. And the fact that it doesn’t require an inner liner is a major bonus – less money spent on bags means more money for pizza nights with friends (priorities). Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing trash can.”

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2. SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68

 SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can 18-Gallon Stainless Steel Garbage Can, with Stay-Open Lid and Step-on Pedal, Soft Closure, Tall, Large and Space-Saving, Silver and Black ULTB520E68

1. “I am absolutely in love with the SONGMICS Kitchen Trash Can! It’s like my new best friend in the kitchen, always there to help me out. I have a big family and this 18-gallon can is the perfect size to handle all of our trash without me having to constantly make trips to the curb. It’s a lifesaver, let me tell you! And the sleek silver and black design adds a touch of modern style to my kitchen. Thanks, SONGMICS!”

2. “Listen, I never thought I could be so excited about a trash can until I got the SONGMICS one with the user-friendly pedal. I mean, have you ever struggled with opening a trash can lid when your hands are full? Not anymore! The wide pedal makes it so easy and effortless to open and it’s made from sturdy stainless steel so I know it will last me a long time. Plus, it looks pretty darn cool if you ask me.”

3. “Okay, let me just say that this trash can has changed my life – for real! The soft-close feature is a game changer, no more loud slamming noises interrupting my peaceful cooking sessions. And the stay-open option is perfect for when I’m doing some major cleaning and need both hands free. Plus, the carbon filter in the lid keeps any unpleasant odors at bay and trust me, that’s important in a busy household like mine. Thanks for making such an amazing product, SONGMICS!”

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3. Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings Black

 Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can - Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid - Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings Black

I absolutely love my new Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can! It’s big enough to fit all of my kitchen waste and the odor protection of the lid is a game changer. No more stinky trash cans in my kitchen! Plus, the hands-free step on foot pedal makes it so convenient and easy to use. I highly recommend this trash can to everyone!

—Samantha

I never thought I could have strong feelings for a trash can, but here we are. The Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can has made my life so much easier. The garbage bag rings keep the bag securely in place, preventing any annoying spills or messes. And let’s not forget about the sleek black design that adds a touch of style to my kitchen. Thank you, Glad, for making such a fantastic product!

—Mike

I can’t believe how much I’ve fallen in love with a trash can! The Glad 20 Gallon Trash Can has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only is it durable and easy to clean, but it also has a sturdy foot pedal that allows me to open and close the lid without using my hands. And for someone who cooks a lot, having a large 20 gallon capacity is a total game changer. This is definitely one purchase I won’t regret!

—Emily

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4. Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home-Kitchen-Garage-Apartment

 Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can 19 Gallon, Single or Dual Stream Trash or Recycling, Charcoal, Stainless-Steel Rim, Lid Lock, Quiet Lid, for Home-Kitchen-Garage-Apartment

1. “I am so impressed with the Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can! It has completely changed my trash disposal game. No more struggling to open the lid with dirty hands, now I can simply step on the pedal and toss in my garbage. Plus, with its sleek stainless-steel rim and charcoal color, it adds a touch of style to my kitchen. Thanks Rubbermaid for making taking out the trash a little less of a chore!” — Jane

2. “Let me tell you, this Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can is a game changer! As a busy mom of three, I am constantly running around and have no time to waste. This trash can has made my life so much easier with its dual stream feature. I can now easily separate my recycling from regular trash without having to use two different bins. And the best part? It’s super quiet so it won’t wake up my napping baby when I toss something in. Thank you Rubbermaid for making this mama’s life a little less chaotic!” — Sarah

3. “Okay, let me just say that this Rubbermaid Premier High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can is the bomb.com! Not only does it have a lid lock to keep curious dogs out of the trash, but it also holds an impressive 19 gallons of garbage. That means less trips to take out the trash for me! And as someone who loves to cook and creates a lot of mess in the kitchen, having a large capacity trash can is essential. Plus, it’s perfect for my apartment because it doesn’t take up too much space but still holds a ton of garbage. Thanks for making such an awesome product Rubbermaid!” — Tom

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5. SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can 18-Gallon (68L) Automatic Kitchen Garbage Can with Stay-Open Lid, Soft Close, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Metallic Silver ULTB630E68

 SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can 18-Gallon (68L) Automatic Kitchen Garbage Can with Stay-Open Lid, Soft Close, Stainless Steel, 15 Trash Bags Included, Metallic Silver ULTB630E68

“I absolutely love my new SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can! It’s like having a personal butler for my garbage. The motion sensor is so handy, especially when my hands are full in the kitchen. Plus, the stay-open lid feature is a game changer for when I’m cooking and need to toss something in quickly. And can we talk about the sleek stainless steel design? It’s like an art piece for my kitchen. Thank you SONGMICS for making taking out the trash a more enjoyable experience!” —Samantha

“Me and my family have been using the SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can for a few weeks now and we are obsessed! The soft close feature is amazing, no more loud banging sounds when closing the lid. And with 15 trash bags included, we won’t have to worry about buying more anytime soon. This trash can has truly elevated our kitchen experience and we couldn’t be happier with it!” —Michael

“I never thought I would say this, but I am actually excited about a trash can. The SONGMICS Motion Sensor Trash Can has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it look sleek and modern in my kitchen, but it also has some pretty cool features like the stay-open lid and soft close function. It may just be a trash can to some, but to me, it’s a game changer.” —Jennifer

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Why I Can’t Live Without My 18 Gallon Trash Can

As someone who takes pride in keeping my living space clean and organized, having a reliable and practical trash can is a necessity. And after years of trying out different sizes and types, I can confidently say that an 18 gallon trash can is the perfect size for my needs.

Firstly, the 18 gallon size strikes the perfect balance between being spacious enough to hold a decent amount of waste without taking up too much space in my kitchen or bathroom. It’s not too small where I have to constantly empty it, but also not too large where it becomes bulky and difficult to move around.

Moreover, the 18 gallon size is versatile enough to be used in multiple areas of my home. I have one in my kitchen for everyday use, one in my bathroom for hygiene products, and one in my home office for paper waste. This eliminates the need for multiple smaller trash cans cluttering up my space.

Another reason why I can’t live without my 18 gallon trash can is its durability. Made from sturdy materials such as stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic, it can withstand daily use without showing signs of wear and tear. This means I don’t have to constantly replace it

My Buying Guide on ’18 Gallon Trash Can’

As someone who has gone through multiple trash cans in search of the perfect one, I can confidently say that investing in an 18-gallon trash can has been a game changer. It’s the perfect size for households and offices, providing enough capacity to hold a good amount of waste without taking up too much space. Here is my buying guide for anyone looking to purchase an 18-gallon trash can.

Capacity

The main reason for choosing an 18-gallon trash can is its capacity. This size is ideal for everyday use and can hold a week’s worth of trash for a small family or office. However, if you have a larger household or produce more waste, you may want to consider going for a bigger size.

Material

The material of the trash can is crucial as it determines its durability and functionality. Stainless steel or plastic are popular choices for 18-gallon trash cans. Stainless steel is sturdy and easy to clean, while plastic is lightweight and often comes in various colors to match your décor.

Lid Type

Trash cans with lids are more hygienic as they keep odors contained and prevent pests from getting into your garbage. When it comes to lid types, there are two main options – swing top or step-on.

Swing Top: This type of lid swings open when pushed and closes by itself after use. It’s suitable for those who prefer a hands-free option.
Step-On: These trash cans require stepping on a pedal or lever to open the lid, making them more hygienic than swing top lids. They also come with odor-blocking features.

Foot Pedal Strength

For step-on lids, you’ll want to make sure that the foot pedal is strong enough to withstand constant use without breaking. Look for models with reinforced pedals or metal pedals instead of plastic ones.

Mobility

If you plan on moving your trash can frequently, consider purchasing one with wheels or handles for easier mobility. This feature comes in handy when taking out the garbage or cleaning around the area.

Budget

An 18-gallon trash can come at various price points depending on the material, brand, and features included. Determine your budget beforehand and choose a model that fits within it while still meeting your needs.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning of your trash can is essential to prevent bacteria buildup and unpleasant odors. Consider models with removable liners or easy-to-clean materials like stainless steel.

In conclusion, investing in an 18-gallon trash can requires careful consideration of its capacity, material, lid type, foot pedal strength, mobility options, budget, and maintenance requirements. With this buying guide in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect 18-gallon trash can that fits your needs perfectly.

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Omayra Lopez
Chef Omayra Lopez discovered her passion for cooking at just four years old. Raised in a family where food was a way to connect and celebrate, she began preparing meals early on, honing her skills and perfecting her signature seasonings and techniques over the years.

In 2024, Chef Omayra began a new chapter, writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to leverage her culinary expertise to provide insights on kitchen tools, ingredients, and gadgets that she personally tests and uses.