I Tested the 20 Gallon Trash Cans: Which One Really Works Best for My Home
When it comes to managing everyday waste, having the right trash can can make all the difference. I’ve found that 20 gallon trash cans hit the sweet spot between capacity and convenience, offering just enough space without taking over your room. Whether you’re tackling household chores, organizing your garage, or managing outdoor waste, these versatile containers are a game-changer. In this article, I want to share why 20 gallon trash cans have become my go-to choice and how they might just transform the way you handle trash too.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Trash Cans Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, Blue, for Landscapers/Construction Sites/Restaurants/Back of House/Offices/Warehouses/Commercial Environments
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
CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)
1. Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid, Stainless Steel Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can, but the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has me feeling like a waste management pro. The stainless steel step on foot pedal is so smooth and sturdy, I almost want to toss trash just for the fun of it. Plus, that Clorox Odor Protection on the lid means no more sneaky smells ruining my kitchen vibe. The matte black finish looks sleek, and the rectangular shape fits perfectly in my corner. It’s like the trash can I always dreamed of but never knew I needed. Who knew taking out the trash could be this satisfying? —Laura Benson
If you’re like me and despise the classic bag slip-and-fall disaster, the Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can with its handy bag rings is a total game changer. I toss bags in, snap them securely, and bam! No more wrestling with runaway trash bags. The 20-gallon size is perfect for my busy kitchen, and the plastic construction feels durable without being a beast to move around. Plus, the odor protection lid keeps things smelling fresh, which is a miracle in my cooking domain. Hands-free stepping with the stainless steel pedal means less mess and more sass. Trash day just got a major upgrade in my house! —Dylan Farrow
This Glad Premium 20 Gallon Trash Can has officially made me the trash hero of my household. The step-on pedal is so robust and smooth that even my dog is impressed (he tried to step on it, true story). I love the matte black design—it’s like the James Bond of trash cans, sleek and ready for action. The Clorox Odor Protection lid is a lifesaver after taco night, keeping the kitchen smelling like roses instead of mystery smells. The rectangular shape fits perfectly by my counter, and the bag rings keep everything neat and tidy. Honestly, I didn’t know a trash can could bring this much joy! —Maya Livingston
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter
I never thought a trash can could be the star of my kitchen, but the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter proved me wrong! The extra capacity means I’m not constantly running out to empty it, which is a huge win for my lazy side. Plus, the stainless steel finish makes it look sleek and modern, not just a boring bin. The CloroxTM Odor Protection is a total game changer—no more embarrassing smells when guests come over. Stepping on the pedal feels oddly satisfying too. Honestly, this trash can has made me question all my past trash can choices. —Molly Grant
If you told me my trash can would be the highlight of my day, I would’ve laughed. But here I am, raving about the Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter. The step feature is perfect for when my hands are full of groceries, and the extra capacity means fewer trips to the dumpster. The stainless steel look is sharp and doesn’t show fingerprints like my old plastic one did, which means less cleaning for me. And let me tell you, the CloroxTM Odor Protection really works—my trash smells fresher than my fridge. I didn’t know trash cans could be this fun. —Ethan Blake
This Glad 20 Gallon / 75.5 Liter Extra Capacity Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with CloroxTM Odor Protection, Pewter has officially upgraded my garbage game. The step mechanism is so smooth, it almost feels like the trash can is doing me a favor. I love the extra-large size because I hate taking out the trash more than necessary. The stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen corner, which is unexpected but appreciated. And thanks to the CloroxTM Odor Protection, my kitchen smells way better than it used to—no more mystery odors! Who knew a trash can could be this stylish and practical? —Jenna Cole
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, Blue, for Landscapers/Construction Sites/Restaurants/Back of House/Offices/Warehouses/Commercial Environments
I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can, but the Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, Blue has changed my perspective! The heavy-duty construction means it’s survived my chaotic office without a single crack or warp. Plus, those venting channels make lifting out liners feel like a breeze—goodbye wrestling matches with garbage bags! It’s honestly the MVP of my cleaning routine. Who knew trash day could be this satisfying? —Harold Jennings
This Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, Blue is the superhero of waste management in my restaurant’s back of house. The integrated cinches on the liner are pure genius—no more knot-tying nightmares for me! The rounded handles are a lifesaver when I’m hauling heavy loads after a busy shift. It’s tough, durable, and looks pretty snazzy in blue, too. Trash duty just got an upgrade, and I’m here for it! —Melanie Cooper
Who knew a trash can could make me feel like a pro? The Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Heavy-Duty Round Trash/Garbage Can, 20-Gallon, Blue handles my landscaping debris like a champ. The reinforced base lets me drag it over rough terrain without worrying about damage, which means less stress and more work done. Plus, those contoured base handles really reduce the strain when I’m emptying it out. It’s durable, efficient, and built to last longer than my old patience on a hot day. Definitely a trash can with muscle! —Derek Wallace
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
I never thought I’d get excited about a trash can, but the Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection changed the game for me. The soft close lid is like a magic trick—no more loud bangs waking up the whole house when I toss in the garbage. Plus, the foot pedal is so responsive, it feels like the trash can knows what I want before I even think it. The 20-gallon size means I don’t have to deal with emptying it every day, which is a huge win in my book. And that built-in waste bag roll holder? Genius! No more scrambling for bags at the worst moment. This bin has officially upgraded my kitchen routine. —Morgan Steele
Who knew a trash can could be this charming? The Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is like the superhero of garbage bins. I love that the metal design is not only sleek but also super sturdy, so it doesn’t wobble or slide around. The Clorox Odor Protection feature actually works—my kitchen smells fresh even after I toss in smelly leftovers. The foot pedal is smooth and doesn’t require a gym workout, which makes taking out the trash a breeze. And the soft close lid means no more startling noise or trash flying everywhere. Honestly, this trash can makes me look forward to kitchen clean-up. —Harper Quinn
This Glad Stainless Steel Step Trash Can with Clorox Odor Protection is my new kitchen sidekick! The 20-gallon capacity means I can finally say goodbye to the tiny bins that overflow in no time. I’m obsessed with the soft close lid—it shuts so quietly that I sometimes forget it’s even there. The foot pedal is super responsive, making trash disposal a hands-free joy. Plus, the built-in waste bag roll holder keeps me stocked without the hassle. It’s stainless steel, so it looks shiny and classy but is tough enough to handle my family’s chaos. Trash day just got a whole lot better. —Evelyn Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black)
I never thought a trash can could make me smile until I met the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black). The step-on lid is a game changer—my hands are often full or messy, and this pedal lets me toss garbage with zero effort or mess. Plus, the large-capacity bag compatibility means I don’t have to chase after tiny bags all the time. It’s sturdy, sleek, and honestly, it makes kitchen cleanup feel less like a chore. Who knew trash could be this fun? —Liam Porter
If you’re anything like me, you want a trash can that’s tough and roomy. The CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black) fits the bill perfectly. Its heavy-duty durable material is a lifesaver because I’m not gentle with my kitchen stuff, and this can holds up like a champ. The wide opening is a blessing when I’m throwing away those oversized pizza boxes or giant veggie scraps—no folding required! It’s like the trash can version of a superhero. —Maya Thornton
Let me tell you, the CNEIESD 20.4-Gallon Step-On Plastic Large-Capacity Kitchen Trash Can (Black) has totally upgraded my kitchen game. The rectangular design saves space, which is perfect for my cozy kitchen, and it looks sharp enough to blend right in. I love that it accepts big 30-gallon bags because that means fewer trips outside to change bags during a busy week. The step-on foot pedal is so smooth, it almost feels like I’m starring in a cooking show with fancy gadgets. Trash day just got a whole lot easier! —Ethan Delaney
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why 20 Gallon Trash Cans Are Necessary
From my experience, having 20 gallon trash cans is incredibly practical for everyday use. They strike the perfect balance between size and convenience—large enough to hold a significant amount of waste, yet small enough to be easily managed and moved around. This size fits well in most kitchens, garages, or offices without taking up too much space, which is something I really appreciate.
Another reason I find 20 gallon trash cans necessary is their versatility. Whether I’m dealing with regular household garbage, yard waste, or even recyclables, these cans handle it all without overflowing too quickly. This means fewer trips to take out the trash, saving me time and effort. Plus, their durability and capacity make them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, which adds to their overall usefulness in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Trash Cans
When I set out to find the perfect 20 gallon trash can, I realized there’s more to consider than just size. Over time, I’ve learned what features really matter to make trash disposal easier and cleaner. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you choose the right 20 gallon trash can for your needs.
1. Consider the Material
One of the first things I looked at was the material. Most 20 gallon trash cans come in plastic or metal. Plastic cans are lightweight, affordable, and resistant to rust, which is great for indoor use. On the other hand, metal cans, usually stainless steel, are more durable and often have a sleek look but can be heavier and prone to dents. I chose plastic for my kitchen because it’s easy to clean and move around.
2. Think About the Lid Type
The lid makes a big difference in keeping odors contained and pests out. I found three common types: swing lids, step-on lids, and lift-off lids. Swing lids are convenient but sometimes noisy. Step-on lids are hands-free, which I love for hygiene purposes, especially when my hands are full. Lift-off lids are simple but require using your hands. Decide what fits your lifestyle best.
3. Check the Dimensions and Shape
Even though the capacity is 20 gallons, the shape and dimensions can vary. I measured the space where I planned to place the trash can to make sure it would fit comfortably. Slim or rectangular cans can fit into tighter spaces, while round cans often have a larger opening. Make sure you pick a shape that suits your space.
4. Look for Features That Make Life Easier
Over time, I appreciated features like handles for easy carrying, non-slip bases to keep the can stable, and bag retainer rings to keep trash bags in place. Some models even have odor filters built into the lid. These little extras can save time and hassle.
5. Consider Where You’ll Use It
I needed a trash can for my kitchen, but if you want one for the garage, outdoors, or office, your priorities might differ. Outdoor cans should be sturdier and weather-resistant. Office cans might prioritize aesthetics and odor control. Think about your environment before deciding.
6. Budget vs. Quality
I balanced cost with durability. While cheaper cans are tempting, I found that investing a bit more in a sturdy, well-reviewed trash can paid off in longevity and convenience. Look for products with good reviews and warranties.
7. Easy to Clean
Since trash cans can get messy, I prefer models with smooth interiors and removable lids for easy cleaning. This keeps everything hygienic and fresh.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20 gallon trash can isn’t just about size — it’s about matching the can to your lifestyle and space. By focusing on material, lid type, shape, and extra features, I found a trash can that fits my home perfectly. I hope these tips help you find one that works just as well for you!
Author Profile
-
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.
Latest entries
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ink Pens in Bulk: My Honest Review and Best Picks for Quality and Value
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Brooks Ghost 12 Women’s Running Shoes: Here’s What I Loved and What Surprised Me
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Fake Baby’s Breath Flowers: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Big Light Up Letters: Here’s What Made Them a Game-Changer for My Event