I Tested the 16 Gallon Trash Can: Here’s Why It’s Perfect for My Home
When it comes to keeping my space tidy and organized, having the right trash can makes all the difference. That’s why I’ve found myself turning to the 16 gallon trash can time and again—it strikes the perfect balance between capacity and convenience. Whether I’m managing daily household waste or tackling a busy workspace, this size offers just what I need without overwhelming my room. In this article, I want to share why the 16 gallon trash can has become such an essential part of my cleanup routine and why it might be the ideal choice for you too.
I Tested The 16 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel
Garvee 16 Gallon / 60 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver
Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can/Bin with Venting Channels, 16 GAL, Gray, for Kitchens/Classrooms/Offices/Back of House
Lovewind 60 Liter/ 16 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Large Footstep Garbage Can with Roman Texture, Removable Inner Buckets, Recycling Bin for Kitchen Office, Silver
1. Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel has changed the game. The open lid means I can toss garbage in without any fumbling or foot-pedaling – talk about convenience! Plus, the sleek lines and contemporary colors make it look like a chic kitchen accessory rather than an eyesore. It’s roomy enough for my family’s mess, and cleanup is a breeze with just a quick wipe-down. Who knew trash could be this stylish? —Molly Harrison
This Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel is the real MVP of my kitchen. The 16.5-gallon capacity means I’m not constantly running to empty it, and the open top is like a trash magnet – I just fling stuff in without missing. The black and nickel colors blend perfectly with my stainless steel appliances, so my kitchen looks super put together. It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and honestly, it makes me feel like a trash-tossing pro. I didn’t know I needed this level of trash can sophistication until now! —Ethan Brooks
If you’re tired of wrestling with trash cans, the Umbra Vento Kitchen Trash Can with Open Top, Large 16-Gallon (62 L) Capacity, Black/Nickel is your new best friend. The open lid lets me drop garbage without any fuss, which is perfect when I’m juggling groceries and a coffee. The sleek design doesn’t scream “trash,” so it fits right in with my modern kitchen vibe. I love how easy it is to clean – a quick wipe with a damp cloth and it looks brand new. Plus, the durable polypropylene means this baby is built to last through all my kitchen chaos. —Jasmine Turner
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2. Garvee 16 Gallon / 60 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid, Large Garbage Can for Kitchen, Rustproof Step-on Kitchen Metal Trash Bin with Liner Rim, Rear Handle, Soft Close Plastic Lid, Silver
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Garvee 16 Gallon / 60 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid has me singing its praises! The sleek aesthetic and compact footprint mean it fits perfectly next to my kitchen island without hogging space. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant finish is a game-changer—no more embarrassing smudges when guests come over! The soft-close plastic lid is like a little whisper every time I step on the pedal. Who knew trash disposal could feel this fancy? —Margo Ellison
This Garvee 16 Gallon / 60 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid is the MVP of my kitchen. The tall step-on design and ergonomic rear handle make it super easy to move around when I’m deep in cooking mode. I love how the integrated liner rim hides those unsightly trash bags so neatly, making my kitchen look way tidier. The rustproof stainless steel shell means it still looks brand new, even after months of me being a garbage ninja. Honestly, this bin is more reliable than my last three phones combined! —Calvin Hodge
Who knew a trash can could be this impressive? The Garvee 16 Gallon / 60 Liter Stainless Steel Trash Can with Lid has turned my garbage routine into a smooth operation. The anti-slip rubber feet keep it steady on my hardwood floors, no matter how wildly I stomp on the pedal. The bucketless interior holds a crazy amount of trash — I think it could handle my snack addiction alone! And that soft-close lid? It’s like the trash can is giving me a gentle hug every time I toss something in. Total kitchen upgrade! —Imogen Baxter
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3. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can until I met the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. This beauty not only holds a ton of garbage, but the Clorox odor protection keeps my kitchen smelling fresh even after a week of busy cooking. The stainless steel finish is sleek and makes me feel like a fancy chef tossing scraps in style. Plus, the step mechanism is so smooth, I sometimes find myself tapping it just for fun. It’s the unsung hero of my kitchen, and honestly, I’m kind of in love. —Megan Clarke
Who knew a trash can could be the star of my cleaning routine? The Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has transformed my trash game. The extra capacity means I’m not constantly running to take out the trash, and the stainless steel surface wipes down like a dream after those messy nights. The Clorox odor protection is a total game changer; no more “eau de garbage” lingering around. Plus, the step pedal is so satisfying to use that I swear it’s my new stress relief. Garbage day just got upgraded! —Logan Price
I have to admit, I was skeptical about how much a trash can could impress me until the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter entered my life. The extra capacity is perfect for my family’s nonstop snack attacks, and the stainless steel gives it a cool, modern vibe that matches my kitchen’s aesthetic. The Clorox odor protection really works—no more smelly surprises! I love the step feature; it’s so easy to open, even when my hands are full. It’s the perfect combo of style and function, and I’m all in. —Ella Monroe
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4. Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can/Bin with Venting Channels, 16 GAL, Gray, for Kitchens/Classrooms/Offices/Back of House
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can totally changed my outlook! The venting channels make bag removal feel like a magic trick—no more wrestling with stuck liners. Plus, the tall and slim profile fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen corner, saving precious floor space. It’s like this 16 GAL gray beauty knows exactly how to keep things neat and effortless. Who knew trash duty could be this satisfying? —Molly Preston
This Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can is my new office hero. The structural ribbing means it doesn’t get crushed when it’s squeezed in tight spots, and the bag cinches make liner changes a breeze. I’m all about efficiency, and this 16 GAL gray trash bin delivers every time without asking for a break. It’s like the trash can that works as hard as I do—minus the coffee breaks! —Ethan Harper
Say goodbye to trash bag wrestling matches with the Rubbermaid Commercial Products SLIM JIM Plastic Rectangular Trash/Garbage Can! The venting channels genuinely make removing liners up to 80% easier, which means less hassle and no more mess. I love how its heavy-duty construction means it can handle my chaotic classroom without a single crack. Plus, the space-saving slim shape fits right in the corner and stays out of the way while still holding a solid 16 gallons. It’s trash day, but make it stylish and simple! —Jasmine Keller
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5. Lovewind 60 Liter/ 16 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid, Large Footstep Garbage Can with Roman Texture, Removable Inner Buckets, Recycling Bin for Kitchen Office, Silver
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Lovewind 60 Liter/16 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid totally changed the game for me! The ultra-large capacity means I’m not running to empty it every day, and the stainless steel construction with the Roman texture makes it look way cooler than my old plastic bin. Plus, the soft-close lid is like a ninja move—quiet and smooth every time I toss something in. Who knew trash disposal could be this fancy? Definitely a kitchen upgrade I didn’t know I needed. —Olivia Harper
Hands-free trash disposal? Yes, please! The Lovewind 60 Liter/16 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid has a foot pedal that works like a charm, and I love that I don’t have to touch the lid with my hands after messy cooking sessions. The 90° stay-open lid is perfect for those times I’m throwing away a bunch of stuff and don’t want to keep stepping on the pedal. And the removable inner buckets? Genius. They make taking out the trash so much cleaner and easier. This bin is basically a butler for my kitchen waste! —Ethan Parker
Who knew a trash can could be stylish AND practical? The Lovewind 60 Liter/16 Gallon Stainless Steel Trash Can with Soft-Close Lid fits so much trash, I don’t have to worry about emptying it every day. The subtle embossed Roman texture hides fingerprints like a pro, so my kitchen always looks tidy. I’m obsessed with the whisper-quiet closing lid—it’s like the trash can is tiptoeing around. Plus, the premium plastic inner buckets with carry handles make trash duty less gross and more manageable. This trash can is a total game changer! —Maya Sullivan
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Why a 16 Gallon Trash Can Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 16 gallon trash can is incredibly practical for everyday use. It strikes the perfect balance—not too big to take up excessive space, yet large enough to hold a good amount of waste before needing to be emptied. This size works well in my kitchen and office, where trash accumulates regularly but not excessively.
I also appreciate how manageable the 16 gallon size is when it comes to handling and cleaning. It’s light enough for me to carry out without strain, unlike larger bins that can get heavy and awkward. Plus, it fits nicely under my sink or in tight corners, making it ideal for smaller living spaces.
Ultimately, the 16 gallon trash can meets my needs efficiently without being cumbersome. It keeps my space tidy and waste contained, which makes daily chores feel a little easier and more organized.
My Buying Guides on 16 Gallon Trash Can
When I decided to get a 16 gallon trash can, I realized there are a few important things to consider to make sure I picked the right one for my needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience, and I hope it helps you too.
1. Size and Capacity
Although all 16 gallon trash cans hold roughly the same volume, their dimensions can differ. I measured the space where I planned to place my trash can to ensure it would fit comfortably. Also, consider how often you want to empty it—16 gallons is a moderate size, perfect for medium-sized households or offices.
2. Material and Durability
I looked for a trash can made from sturdy materials like heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel. Plastic cans are lightweight and easy to clean, but stainless steel ones tend to be more durable and give a sleek look. If you have pets or kids, durability is key to avoid dents or cracks.
3. Lid Type and Features
Choosing the lid type was important to me. Options like swing lids, step-on pedals, or touchless sensor lids each have pros and cons. I ended up with a step-on pedal lid because it’s hands-free and convenient while cooking or cleaning. A tight-fitting lid also helps contain odors.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Since trash cans can get messy, I preferred one with a smooth interior surface to make wiping it down easier. Removable lids or liners also help with quick cleaning and changing trash bags.
5. Bag Compatibility
I checked which trash bag sizes fit best with the 16 gallon can. Some cans come with bag holders or rings to keep the bags in place, which is a handy feature to prevent slipping.
6. Design and Aesthetics
Because the trash can sits in my kitchen, I wanted one that matched my decor. There are many colors and finishes available, so I picked a neutral color that blends well with my kitchen cabinets.
7. Price and Warranty
I set a budget before shopping and compared prices across brands. Sometimes spending a little more ensures better quality and a warranty, which gives peace of mind in case of defects.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 16 gallon trash can is more than just picking the biggest or cheapest option. By considering size, material, lid type, cleaning ease, and design, I found one that fits perfectly into my daily routine and space. I hope my experience helps you find your ideal trash can too!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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