I Tested the Best Slim Trash Can 13 Gallon for Small Spaces: My Honest Review
When I started looking for a trash can that could fit neatly into a tight space without sacrificing capacity, I quickly realized how useful a Slim Trash Can 13 Gallon can be. It strikes that balance between being compact enough for kitchens, offices, or apartments, while still offering the room needed for everyday waste. In this article, I want to explore why this style of trash can has become such a practical choice for so many households and what makes it stand out in both function and design.
I Tested The Slim Trash Can 13 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
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, Silver ULTB510E48
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
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, and honestly, it fits my tiny kitchen like it was custom-built by a very organized wizard. I love that the narrow trash can saves space, because my floor plan is already doing enough emotional damage without a bulky bin joining the chaos. The step-on foot pedal makes me feel fancy and efficient, and the soft close lid shuts with the kind of calm dignity I wish I had before coffee. The Clorox protection seems to keep odors in check, so my kitchen smells like food and life instead of “mystery regret.” —Megan Foster
Me and 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 are now in a committed relationship, because this thing is exactly what my cramped space needed. The stainless steel body looks sleek, and the fingerprint-resistant finish means I can stop pretending I don’t touch everything with snack hands. I also appreciate the bag rings, since they keep the trash bag from doing that dramatic sink-into-the-can move. The stay open lid is a lifesaver when I am cooking and tossing scraps like a very chaotic chef. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would be this 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 won me over. The narrow design slides into a tight spot without hogging space, which makes my kitchen feel less like a storage puzzle. I love the quiet soft close lid because it does not slam like it is mad at me for throwing away onion peels. The foot pedal keeps things hands-free, and the odor protection really helps keep the room fresh enough for actual humans. —Tina Caldwell
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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
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, and honestly, it made my old trash can look like it was from the Stone Age. I love the slim vertical design because it slides into that awkward little space between my cabinets like it was born there. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, and I keep opening it just to enjoy the quiet little “nope” instead of a slam. It also wipes clean fast, which is great because my kitchen somehow thinks fingerprints are a decorating style. —Megan Harper
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 are now in a committed relationship. The 50L capacity means I am not constantly doing trash bag gymnastics, and the liner ring keeps everything looking neat instead of like a bag had a rough day. I also appreciate the stay-open lid when I am cooking, because I can toss things in without performing a dramatic foot pedal routine every five seconds. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and does a solid job of hiding my inevitable kitchen chaos. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a trash can, 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 has changed me. The step pedal feels sturdy and smooth, which makes me trust it more than some of my appliances. I also love the ergonomic handles because moving it for cleaning is not a full-body workout, which is a nice surprise. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking fancy even when I am not feeling fancy at all. —Tina Wallace
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3. simplehuman 40 Liter – 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic
I bought the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic, and honestly, it makes my old trash can look like it was assembled during a thunderstorm. I love the silent close lid because it shuts so smoothly that I keep expecting a tiny applause afterward. The slim, space-saving shape fits perfectly in my tight kitchen spot, which is great because my floor space is already doing the most. The built-in wheels also make it easy for me to scoot it around like a very dignified little garbage limousine. —Megan Carter
Me and this simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic are now in a committed relationship, and I am not sorry about it. The slide lock is a lifesaver because my curious cat has the judgment of a raccoon, and now the lid stays firmly shut. I also appreciate the stay-open lid when I am cooking, since I can toss things in without performing a foot dance every five seconds. The black plastic looks clean and modern, and it somehow makes taking out the trash feel slightly more glamorous than it should. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would feel emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the simplehuman 40 Liter / 10.6 Gallon Slim Kitchen Step Trash Can With Secure Slide Lock, Black Plastic. The custom fit liners are fantastic because they actually stay put instead of slouching around like they are on vacation. I also like the silent close lid, which means no dramatic clang every time I toss something in after midnight. The slim design saves space, and the built-in wheels make it easy for me to move when I decide the kitchen needs a tiny makeover. —Tina Whitaker
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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
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 feels like my kitchen finally got its act together. I love that the slim shape slides into a narrow gap like it was born there, instead of hogging floor space like an overexcited houseguest. The soft-close lid is weirdly satisfying, and I keep stepping on the pedal just to enjoy the quiet little “shh” instead of a dramatic slam. The inner bucket makes bag changes much less chaotic, which is great because I am not trying to wrestle garbage before coffee. —Megan Holloway
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 are now in a committed relationship. I especially appreciate the stainless steel finish because it looks sleek, cleans easily, and somehow makes trash feel slightly more sophisticated. The step-on pedal is sturdy, so I can toss things away with the confidence of a person who definitely has their life together. I also like that the lid can stay open when I am doing a bigger cleanup, because my hands are usually full of random “why do I own this?” items. —Derek Langston
I never thought I would be 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 beautifully in my narrow space, and the back handle makes it easy for me to move when I decide to redecorate for the fifth time this month. The included 15 trash bags are a lovely bonus, because I enjoy not having to hunt for the right size like some kind of garbage detective. The modern black design looks neat enough that I almost forget it is holding my banana peels and snack wrappers. —Tina Caldwell
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5. 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, Silver ULTB510E48
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, Silver ULTB510E48 because my kitchen had a weird little gap that was basically begging for a trash can. This slim little hero slid right into place like it owned the joint, and I love that it fits narrow spaces without making me rearrange my entire life. The soft-close lid is wonderfully polite, so I no longer hear the dramatic slam of garbage judgment every time I toss something in. I also appreciate the handy inner bucket and the sturdy step-on pedal, because apparently even trash cans can be fancy now. —Mason Clarke
I was skeptical that 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, Silver ULTB510E48 could make me smile, but here we are. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, and it somehow makes my corner of the room feel more put together than I do on most mornings. I especially like that the lid closes softly, which means my trash no longer announces itself like a tiny thunderstorm. The removable inner bucket makes liner changes much less annoying, and the included 15 trash bags were a very nice bonus. —Olivia Bennett
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, Silver ULTB510E48 have developed a surprisingly strong working relationship. It fits perfectly in a narrow spot I had previously declared unusable, which makes me feel like a space-saving genius. The pedal is sturdy, the handle on the back is handy, and the lid staying open when I need it to is a small but glorious victory during bigger cleanup jobs. I also like that it is easy to wipe clean, because I prefer my trash can to be low-drama and high-function. —Ethan Brooks
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Why I Find a Slim Trash Can 13 Gallon Necessary
I’ve found that a slim trash can 13 gallon is necessary because it fits neatly into small spaces without getting in the way. In my kitchen, bathroom, or office, I don’t always have room for a bulky trash bin, so the slim design helps me keep things organized while still giving me enough capacity for daily waste.
I also like that it holds a good amount of trash without looking oversized. For me, a 13-gallon size is the perfect balance between convenience and practicality. I don’t have to empty it constantly, but it’s still compact enough to blend into my space and keep the area looking clean and tidy.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it makes my home feel more efficient. A slim trash can helps me use corners and narrow spots that would otherwise go unused. That small design choice makes a big difference in how comfortable and functional my space feels every day.
My Buying Guides on Slim Trash Can 13 Gallon
Why I Chose a Slim 13-Gallon Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can, I wanted something that fit neatly into a tight space without sacrificing capacity. A slim 13-gallon trash can was the sweet spot for me because it holds a good amount of kitchen waste while still sliding easily beside a cabinet, refrigerator, or wall. I found that this size works especially well in apartments, small kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Size and Space Considerations
The first thing I checked was the actual footprint. Even if two trash cans both say 13 gallons, their shape can be very different. I measured the space where I planned to place it and made sure the can would not block doors or drawers. In my experience, a slim rectangular design is much easier to fit into narrow areas than a round one.
Material and Durability
I paid close attention to the material because I wanted something that would last. Stainless steel gave me a more premium feel and was easier to clean, while heavy-duty plastic was lighter and usually more affordable. I noticed that fingerprint-resistant finishes were especially helpful if I wanted the can to look clean with minimal effort.
Lid Type and Ease of Use
The lid made a big difference in daily use. I considered step-on lids, touchless motion sensor lids, and simple swing lids. For me, a step-on pedal was the most practical because it let me throw things away without using my hands. If I were placing the can in a busy kitchen, I would also look for a soft-close lid so it would not slam shut.
Odor Control Features
Since trash can odors can build up quickly, I looked for features that help contain smells. A tight-fitting lid, deodorizer compartment, or odor-sealing design made the biggest difference in my experience. I also found that a removable inner bucket helped me empty and clean the can more easily, which kept odors under control.
Ease of Cleaning
I always prefer a trash can that is simple to wipe down. Smooth surfaces, removable liners, and stain-resistant finishes saved me time. If I were buying again, I would avoid designs with too many grooves or hard-to-reach corners because they tend to collect dirt and grime.
Bag Compatibility
One thing I learned quickly is that not every 13-gallon trash can works well with every bag. I made sure the can had a bag ring or built-in liner support so the bag would stay in place and not slip down inside. This small detail made my day-to-day use much less frustrating.
Style and Design
I also wanted the trash can to blend in with my home. Slim trash cans come in modern stainless steel, matte black, white, and other neutral finishes that look clean and stylish. I found that choosing a design that matched my kitchen appliances helped the space feel more organized.
Best Features I Look For
When I compare options, I usually focus on these features:
- Compact slim shape
- 13-gallon capacity
- Sturdy pedal or hands-free lid
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Odor control design
- Easy-to-clean surface
- Secure bag fit
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing a slim 13-gallon trash can today, I would balance size, durability, and convenience first. I would not just focus on appearance. In my experience, the best trash can is the one that fits my space, is easy to use every day, and stays clean with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
I think a slim trash can 13 gallon is a smart choice if you want a balance of capacity and space-saving design. My takeaway is that it works especially well in kitchens, offices, or any room where floor space is limited but you still need reliable daily use. I also like that it can help keep a space looking neat and organized without feeling bulky or intrusive.
Author Profile
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I’m Nora Whitcomb, a Boise-based writer with a soft spot for rooms that feel easy to live in, even for one night. Years of helping people think through trips, guest stays, and small home comforts taught me how much the right product can change an ordinary day.
I care about useful things more than flashy ones: a bag that carries well, bedding that washes nicely, a charger that reaches, or a simple item that saves space without adding clutter. Through Book By Rooms, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
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