Amazon Basics Trash Can Review: Which Size Is Worth It?
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Let me cut to the chase: if you've been looking at Amazon Basics trash cans and wondering which size actually makes sense for your home, you're in the right place.
Amazon Basics sells five different trash can models ranging from a 1.32-gallon mini to a 32-gallon commercial beast. That's a lot of options. I bought the three most popular sizes and used them for three weeks in real household conditions — kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Here's what I found.
TL;DR — Pick Your Size
🥇 Best for small spaces: Amazon Basics Mini Trash Can 1.32 Gallon (B07PD3YST7)
For: Bathroom, desk, dorm | ~$11
🥈 Best all-around: Amazon Basics Medium Trash Can 7.9 Gallon (B07PBV75T2)
For: Bedroom, office, small household | ~$23
🥉 Best for kitchen: Amazon Basics Large Trash Can 13.2 Gallon (B07PCXYSY8)
For: Kitchen, large family | ~$50
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Model | Capacity | Dimensions | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini (B07PD3YST7) | 1.32 gal / 5L | 8.3"×6.7"×10" | Soft-close lid, smudge-resistant | $10-15 |
| Medium (B07PBV75T2) | 7.9 gal / 30L | 11"×8"×17" | Foot pedal + soft-close, removable bucket | $22-27 |
| Large (B07PCXYSY8) | 13.2 gal / 50L | 15"×9.5"×25" | Foot pedal + soft-close + smudge-resistant + removable bucket | $48-55 |
All three share one important feature: brushed stainless steel with a smudge-resistant coating. Regular stainless steel shows every fingerprint, but this coating stays cleaner longer — especially important in a kitchen environment.
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Detailed Breakdown
Amazon Basics Mini Trash Can — 1.32 Gallon
Bottom line: Good for tight spaces, not for actual trash duty.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.32 gallons (5L) |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel, smudge-resistant coating |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Lid | Manual lift |
| Inner bucket | Non-removable |
What actually works:
- Smudge-resistant coating holds up well even with greasy fingers
- Compact size fits under a bathroom sink or next to a desk
- Soft-close lid doesn't slam — good for light sleepers
Real downsides:
- **Too small for real use**: Fills up in 3-4 days max, useless for kitchen duty
- **No foot pedal**: You need a free hand or your elbow to open it
- **Non-removable inner bucket**: Dumping means tilting the whole can
Who it's for: Dorms, bathrooms, bedside tables. Not as a primary household trash can.
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Amazon Basics Medium Trash Can — 7.9 Gallon
Bottom line: Solid mid-range option, but kitchen use is pushing it.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 7.9 gallons (30L) |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel, smudge-resistant coating |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Lid | Foot pedal + soft-close |
| Inner bucket | Removable PP bucket |
What actually works:
- Foot pedal is responsive and doesn't require much force
- Removable inner bucket makes emptying much easier
- Soft-close lid is quiet even when you're in a rush
Real downsides:
- **Still not enough for kitchen**: A family of three fills it in 2 days, starts smelling by day 3
- **Bulky for small kitchens**: Takes up noticeable floor space
- **Pedal spring is stiff**: Harder to operate with slippers or heels
Who it's for: Bedroom, office, single person or couple household. Go large if it's going in the kitchen.
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Amazon Basics Large Trash Can — 13.2 Gallon
Bottom line: The kitchen workhorse. If you only buy one, make it this.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 13.2 gallons (50L) |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel, smudge-resistant coating |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Lid | Foot pedal + soft-close |
| Inner bucket | Removable PP bucket with handle |
What actually works:
- **Actually big enough**: A family of four can go 4-5 days between empties
- Foot pedal + soft-close combo means zero-contact use every time
- Smudge-resistant coating handles kitchen grease well — still looks clean after 2 weeks
- Removable bucket with handle makes disposal easy
Real downsides:
- **Takes up real estate**: 25 inches tall, may block outlets or cabinet doors in small kitchens
- **Price jump**: $50 vs $23 for the medium, double the cost
- **Pedal placement**: Center-positioned pedal is harder to hit when pushed against a wall
Who it's for: Kitchen primary can, large households. For 3+ people, just get this one.
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Quick Decision Guide
Use case Recommended
─────────────────────────────────────────
Dorm / bathroom / desk → Mini (5L)
Bedroom / office / couple → Medium (30L)
Kitchen / family of 3+ → Large (50L)---
Bonus: Amazon Basics Toilet Brush + Plunger Set (B07FM3HHWT)
While we're on the topic of bathroom cleaning tools — the Amazon Basics Nested Toilet Brush and Plunger Set (B07FM3HHWT) matches the trash cans' brushed stainless finish. Same aesthetic, cheaper bundle price. Often on sale during Prime Day or holiday events.
I'm working on a detailed bathroom tools comparison — follow the site if you want to be notified.
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FAQ
Q: Is the brushed stainless steel worth it over regular stainless?
A: Absolutely. After one month of daily use, regular stainless cans are covered in fingerprints and grease smudges. The smudge-resistant version just needs a quick wipe-down. Check the product description — not all Amazon Basics models have this coating.
Q: Does the foot pedal mechanism break easily?
A: The large model has the most durable pedal spring. The medium model has some reported cases of spring loosening over time. If long-term reliability matters, go with the large model — it has a heavier-duty mechanism overall.
Q: Can these be used outdoors?
A: The smudge-resistant coating helps with moisture, but these are not rated for outdoor use. UV exposure and rain will degrade the finish. Outdoor use needs dedicated weather-resistant cans.
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The Verdict
If you want one trash can that actually works for most households: get the 13.2-gallon large model. It's the most durable, has the best feature set, and the capacity means you won't be emptying it every other day.
If you're buying for a specific small space, the medium is the better value than the mini — the foot pedal and removable bucket are worth the extra $12.
👉 View all Amazon Basics Trash Cans >>
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📌 This article was AI-assisted generated and human-reviewed | TechPassive — An AI-driven content testing site focused on real tool reviews
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