Specifications
| Brand | simplehuman |
|---|---|
| Capacity Gal | 13.2 gal |
| Weight Lb | 13.2 lb |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Opening Mechanism | Open Top |
| Shape | Slim |
Pros
- Sturdy frame, no wobble
- Smooth pedal operation
- Space-saving slim shape
Cons
- No-lid design
- Limited odor enclosure
- Heavy and bulky
The Verdict
The simplehuman Slim open top bin holds 13.2 gallons and targets quick, bag-friendly trash drops in tight spaces. It earns strong convenience and a stable frame, but the open design limits odor control, and the can is heavy at about 13.2 lb when you need to move it.
Who it's for: Busy kitchens and small households that want a simple open bin and can live with smells, because fast drop-in use matters more than sealed containment.
Who should skip it: Anyone who needs a lid to keep food and pet waste odors contained, or who struggles with lifting a heavy stainless-steel can during trash days.
In-Depth Review
Build Quality
With a Build Quality score of 8.4, this simplehuman feels like a sturdy workhorse. It uses stainless steel, and the spec list calls it heavy-duty stainless construction. That matters for a can that gets pushed, lifted, and wiped down often. At 13.2 lb, it has real mass, which helps it stay planted during emptying.
The design is also simple inside. It is an open top unit, so there is less hardware than closed-lid bins. Less moving parts usually means fewer points of failure over time. The opening mechanism is listed as Open Top, which matches the easy access style. In practice, this open structure can be easier to clean and inspect than a can with a complex lid hinge.
There are no numbers for dimensions in the extracted specs, but the “slim” form factor is clearly called out in the product naming and shape spec. That combination, slim profile plus stainless steel and 13.2 lb weight, is why it tends to feel stable rather than tinny. The phrase that fits best here is “Sturdy frame, no wobble.”
Convenience
Convenience lands at 8.6, and the “Smooth pedal operation” label fits. The can is an open top model with a straightforward workflow. You drop waste in quickly, and you do not need to swing a lid open. The opening mechanism is explicitly Open Top, and the capacity is 13.2 gal, which supports daily use without constant re-bagging.
Because the can is designed as a slim model, it also helps where space is tight. The spec table lists the shape as Slim, and the mini-review context calls it narrow enough to tuck into corners. That is a real convenience factor, not just an aesthetic one. Less wasted floor footprint makes it easier to place near a prep area or along a narrow side wall.
Bag changes are where open top cans can be hit or miss, but the simplehuman layout is meant to keep access wide. The capacity is large at 13.2 gal, so bags last longer between changes. The trade-off is that you have more exposure while the bag sits open, which affects odor, not just convenience.
Odor Control
Odor Control scores 7.3, matching the “Sometimes leaks odors” template rather than a seal-first lid bin. This is a no-lid design, and the cons list is blunt about it: “Limited odor enclosure” and “No-lid design.” The opening mechanism is Open Top, which means there is no cover to trap smells when the bin is half full or you toss in food scraps.
Capacity matters too. At 13.2 gal, the bin can hold a lot of waste, including kitchen trimmings. With an open top, more waste volume also means more odor source area. Material and weight help with durability, not odor containment. Stainless steel at 13.2 lb does not block scent molecules. It mainly withstands wear.
If you want odor control, you will likely need stronger habits here. Use a tighter bag, tie it quickly, and avoid letting wet scraps sit uncovered. In this category, the can’s role stays practical and fast, not sealed and enclosed.
Size
Size scores 8.3 with the matching phrase “Smart footprint, great capacity.” The product is a slim 13.2 gal can, and that pairing is built for real kitchens where floor space matters. The capacity spec gives you the working number: 13.2 gal, which is meaningful for everyday trash. It also means you can often stretch time between bag swaps.
The footprint advantage comes from the “slim” shape spec and the product’s naming. The extracted specs list the shape as Slim. Even without dimensions provided in the table, the shape classification is consistent across sources and aligns with the intended placement. You are not trying to fit a wide cabinet-sized bin into a narrow gap. You are fitting a tall, slim cylinder-like form into the space you have.
One thing to keep in mind: there is no dimensions data in the extracted specs, so exact clearance planning depends on your space. Still, a slim profile plus 13.2 gal capacity generally creates a usable balance. That is why this lands closer to “great” than “okay.”
Value
Value scores 7.9, which lines up closest with “Affordable and durable,” with a caveat. There is no price in the extracted data, so the value call here is about what you get for the build and usability. You receive stainless steel construction, and the spec list puts the weight at 13.2 lb, which usually signals more substantial materials than a lightweight thin-gauge can.
The can also fits a clear use case. It is an open top, and that is reflected in the opening_mechanism spec as Open Top. That design supports quick drop-in disposal and simplified operation. Capacity at 13.2 gal is also a concrete number, and it supports longer intervals between bag changes compared to smaller open bins.
Where the value story gets weaker is also straightforward. The cons list includes “Heavy and bulky,” which can turn value into hassle when you need to move it for cleaning or curb pickup. And “Limited odor enclosure” is a functional limitation, not a preference. If your priority is smell control, you will likely need an alternative format. If your priority is durable open-bin convenience in a tight spot, this simplehuman slim model makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gallons is the simplehuman Slim Open Top 13.2 Gallon trash can?
It holds 13.2 gallons of waste. That capacity works well for everyday kitchen trash without constantly swapping bags. If you generate more food scraps, you may fill it faster than a larger can.
What is the weight and what material is this trash can made from?
The can weighs 13.2 lb and uses stainless steel. The metal helps it feel solid and more resistant to dents than thin plastics. Still, it is not light enough to move around frequently.
Will it fit in a narrow kitchen space since it is a slim open top can?
The design is slim to save floor space, but the exact dimensions are not listed here. Before buying, measure the gap where you plan to place it and confirm you have clearance for the opening. The open top also needs room for bag liners and everyday tossing.
Does this trash can seal to control odors?
It is an open top, so it does not enclose smells the way a lidded can does. You will likely notice odor sooner if you store it with food waste for long periods. Emptying on a regular schedule and tying bags tightly helps.
How hard is it to change the trash bag liners on the open top design?
Bag changes are straightforward because you lift and access the top directly. You do not have a lid to open or close, which can make re-bagging quick. The tradeoff is less odor containment because the opening stays exposed.
Is this trash can stable when full, and does it wobble when you toss items in?
It is built with a sturdy frame that should stay steady, with no noticeable wobble during use. The stainless steel construction and slim profile help it feel more anchored in place. Still, place it on a flat floor so it does not rock.
Final Verdict
This is a solid open top trash can for people who want a slim footprint and easy daily dumping. It feels well built, with a sturdy frame and no wobble. The main drawback is odor control, since the open lid design leaves smells and mess more exposed. It also comes across as heavy and bulky for its shape.
Choose this if you need a straightforward open top option for a tight kitchen spot and can manage odors with frequent emptying. If that matches your kitchen, this is a sound pick.
