Specifications
| Brand | simplehuman |
|---|---|
| Capacity Gal | 13 gal |
| Dimensions In | 25.7 x 12.8 x 19.8 in |
| Weight Lb | 16.5 lb |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Opening Mechanism | Step-On |
| Shape | Semi-Round |
Pros
- Sturdy frame, no wobble
- Smooth pedal operation
- Reliable sealing gasket
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Proprietary liner costs
- Accessory dependence odor control
The Verdict
With a 13 gal capacity and an 8.6 convenience pillar score, this simplehuman step-on can is built for everyday hands-free use. A smooth pedal and a reliable gasket help cut odors, but the setup hinges on proprietary liners, and the 16.5 lb weight makes it harder to move for deep cleaning.
Who it's for: Busy kitchens and people who want a stable stainless step-on bin, and who are willing to buy the right replacement bags so the seal stays effective.
Who should skip it: Shoppers who hate heavy cleaning chores or want full liner flexibility, since the bin is bulky and odor control depends on specific liners and keeping the gasket clean.
In-Depth Review
Build Quality
With a Build Quality score of 8.3, this can feels Rock-solid, stays steady once you set it down. The body uses stainless steel, and the bin weighs 16.5 lb. That weight matters. It resists tipping when you press the pedal, even with a full liner.
The step-on design also shapes the feel. The opening mechanism is pedal-operated, so you get less contact with the lid than lift-top bins. The outer dimensions, 25.7 x 12.8 x 19.8 in, also suggest a narrow footprint with enough depth to keep the base planted. The overall build reads as stable, not light duty.
Durability is not only about material. It is about how the moving parts hold up over time. In this model, the sealing system and lid action go together. The product is described as having a reliable sealing gasket, and the lid closing behavior is consistent enough to be a repeatable daily routine.
Convenience
Convenience scores 8.6, which maps to Effortless bag swaps and Smooth pedal operation. The key daily interaction here is the pedal. The step-on mechanism is designed for hands-free use, so you can drop waste in without touching the lid.
The bin is also shaped to fit real kitchen habits. It is semi-round, which changes how it sits in tight spaces. At 12.8 in deep and 25.7 in tall, it is tall enough for regular bags but not so wide that it fights for clearance. The footprint works better in corners than fully round bins because the profile stays narrow.
Still, convenience has limits. The can is heavy and bulky, which means moving it for deep cleaning takes more effort. At 16.5 lb, it is not something you want to pick up often. Replacing liners also has a real-life friction point because this model relies on proprietary liners.
Odor Control
Odor Control lands at 8.1. That aligns closest to Reliable sealing gasket. The model uses a reliable sealing gasket, and the lid closes in a way meant to keep smells inside. In practice, the pedal lid helps you avoid leaving the opening open while you sort or walk away.
Odor control also depends on how well the lid seals across repeated use. This can is built around a tight, consistent seal. That matters because odor leaks often start around the lid interface. Here, the combination of the pedal-operated lid and the gasket aims to reduce gaps that let smells escape.
The trade-off is in maintenance and accessory use. One con is that odor control depends on buying the right replacement bags and keeping the gasket clean. If the gasket gets grime on it, the seal can feel less dependable. If you do not use the right liners, you can end up with a looser fit that undermines containment.
Size
With a Size score of 8.4, the right template is Smart footprint, great capacity. The capacity is 13 gal, which lands in the sweet spot for daily kitchen waste. It is large enough that frequent emptying does not dominate your week, but it stays manageable.
Space planning is where this design helps. The dimensions are 25.7 x 12.8 x 19.8 in. That width works against a wall without turning into a space hog. Depth at 12.8 in is especially useful near counters where you need clearance for door swing and cabinet space.
The semi-round shape also supports placement flexibility. A corner can hide some of the bin’s presence. It also keeps the bin from looking oddly oversized compared with more regular round cans that take up more visual and physical room in the same location.
Value
Value scores 7.9, which maps to Slightly overpriced for basics. You get a lot of the things people actually care about: a stainless steel bin, a step-on opening mechanism, and odor management built around a sealing gasket. The capacity of 13 gal is practical, and the size, 25.7 x 12.8 x 19.8 in, fits typical kitchen placement.
But you also pay in two ways that show up over time. First, the can is heavy and bulky, which affects cleaning and rearranging. Second, proprietary liner costs create dependency. If you want predictable performance from the odor seal, you cannot treat liners as a generic item.
So the value is best for people who want this style of daily use. A pedal-operated lid plus a gasket-driven seal beats the basic swing-top approach for many households. If you are okay with the trade-offs, it makes sense. If you want a no-strings liner setup and lighter handling, this one may feel like more work than you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of the simplehuman Semi-Round Step 13 gallon trash can?
It holds 13 gallons of waste. The semi-round shape helps you use the space along a wall or in a kitchen corner without making the footprint bigger than you need.
How big is this 13 gallon can and will it fit under a counter?
The dimensions are 25.7 x 12.8 x 19.8 inches. Measure your available height and clearance for the lid to open fully, since the 19.8 inch height can be tight under some cabinets.
Is the lid sealed well enough to prevent odors?
simplehuman includes a sealing gasket that helps contain smells. In everyday use, odors stay mostly contained as long as the lid closes completely and you do not overload the can.
Does the step pedal work smoothly, or does it wobble when I open it?
The pedal action feels smooth and the frame stays steady. The build quality score is strong, and common feedback is no wobble when you press the pedal.
Why is this trash can considered heavy and bulky, and is it hard to move?
It weighs 16.5 pounds, so it is not the lightest option. If you move it often for cleaning, expect it to feel bulky, especially once a bag is full.
Does this model use standard trash bags or does it require a specific liner?
It uses simplehuman liners, and you may find normal bags fit less neatly. That is one of the tradeoffs: you can end up paying for proprietary liner costs if you want the best fit and closure.
Final Verdict
Simplehuman delivers a solid step-on can with a sturdy frame that stays steady, plus a gasket that seals well. Daily use feels smooth because the pedal works cleanly. The tradeoffs are real. It is heavy and bulky to move, and the odor control relies on proprietary liners and add-ons. It fits best in busy kitchens where stability and a tight lid matter more than easy handling.
If you want a reliable, sealed step-on setup and do not mind liner-related dependencies, this is a sound pick for a dedicated kitchen location.
