Comparison Summary
The simplehuman 50 Liter Rectangular Step Can CW1816 is the strongest all-around choice for buyers who want a refined single-bin step can with a 10-year warranty, internal hinge and built-in wheels. The EKO Madison EK9361MT-50L is the better odor-feature specialist if the Amazon finish suffix matches the documented EKO variant. For large households, the EKO Hudson EK9168MMT-75L provides 75 liters of capacity and rear bag storage, but its 31.4-inch height needs careful placement.
The Glad GLD-74506 adds rear bag storage, bag rings and listing-described Clorox odor protection in a conventional 13-gallon format. The EKO Mirage-T EK9278TBMT-50L and Ninestars DZT-50-28SL are touchless alternatives, with the EKO using four AA batteries and the Ninestars using two D batteries. For tight floor plans, the Glad GLD-74532 is narrow from side to side, while the EKO Hudson Slim 9167-50L-MMT is shallow front to back but notably wide. The Amazon Basics GF43050L is a straightforward step-can option with a removable bucket, and the NEWBULIG ST60L is the most useful choice for separating trash and recycling in one cabinet.
Buying Guide
Sizing and Capacity
Capacity should be matched with both waste volume and available clearance. The 45-liter Glad GLD-74532 suits lower-waste homes or offices, while the 50-liter and 13.0-to-13.2-gallon models cover the common single-bin kitchen range. The 60-liter NEWBULIG ST60L is divided into two 8-gallon compartments, so its total capacity is not equivalent to one open 16-gallon cavity. The EKO Hudson EK9168MMT-75L is the high-volume option, but its approximately 31.4-inch height can interfere with low counters or shelving.
Do not compare gallons without checking the footprint. The Glad Slim is only 9.8 inches wide but extends about 19.43 inches deep. The EKO Hudson Slim is only 9.8 inches deep but is 18.7 inches wide. The simplehuman CW1816 is approximately 19.8 inches wide and 12.8 inches deep. Measure the available floor space, the path for removing a full liner and the clearance above the lid before choosing.
Feature Tradeoffs
A step pedal is usually the simpler choice for households that do not want batteries or sensor electronics. The simplehuman, EKO Madison, EKO Hudson, Glad, Amazon Basics, Glad Slim and NEWBULIG models all use pedal-based opening. Their stay-open functions are useful during cooking and bag changes, but soft-close describes lid movement rather than guaranteed odor containment or long-term mechanism performance.
Sensor cans are preferable when hands-free disposal is the priority. The EKO Mirage-T uses four AA batteries and is documented to close automatically after five seconds; the Ninestars uses two D batteries and has a stated battery interval of up to nine months. That convenience brings battery replacement and electronic-control considerations. For odor management, distinguish the hardware: Glad describes antimicrobial treatment on the lid and frame, EKO Madison documentation lists a deodorizer compartment, and several models rely primarily on a close-fitting lid. These are different approaches, not interchangeable claims.
Bag retention also changes daily use. The simplehuman depends on Code Q custom liners for its intended hidden fit. The Glad cans use bag rings, the EKO models use liner frames or rings, and the Amazon Basics has a removable inner bucket. The NEWBULIG’s two removable buckets are the clearest choice when sorting matters more than maximizing one bag’s capacity.
Best For, Avoid If
| Profile |
Recommended Product |
Why It Fits |
Avoid If |
| Buyers wanting the strongest all-around single-bin kitchen can with a pedal, wall-friendly hinge and long warranty. |
simplehuman 50 Liter Rectangular Step Can CW1816 |
The CW1816 combines 50-liter capacity, internal hinge placement, stay-open operation, wheels, non-skid feet and a 10-year warranty. |
You want to use ordinary liners without depending on simplehuman’s Code Q custom-fit system. |
| Odor-sensitive kitchen users who want a pedal can with a deodorizer-related feature and removable liner. |
EKO Madison 50L Step Can EK9361MT-50L |
EKO documentation lists a deodorizer compartment, removable inner liner, soft-close and stay-open functions. |
You cannot verify that the Amazon EK9361MT-50L finish suffix matches the EKO variant you intend to buy. |
| High-volume households that want one large indoor bin and convenient rear storage for spare bags. |
EKO Hudson 75L Step Can EK9168MMT-75L |
The 75-liter / 20-gallon Hudson offers substantially more single-bin capacity than the standard 13-gallon models and includes a movable liner frame. |
Your kitchen has limited vertical clearance or you need a compact, easily hidden footprint. |
| Cooks who frequently dispose of waste with wet, sticky or occupied hands. |
EKO Mirage-T 50L Touchless Can EK9278TBMT-50L |
The Mirage-T provides motion-sensor opening, soft-close and stay-open functions with documented four-AA battery requirements. |
You prefer a simpler pedal mechanism without battery replacement or electronic controls. |
| Small-space users who need the narrowest side-to-side footprint among the selected standard kitchen cans. |
Glad Slim 45L Step Can GLD-74532 |
The Glad Slim is listed at only 9.8 inches wide and adds bag rings, stay-open operation and odor-related lid protection. |
Your available space is shallow front to back, since the can extends approximately 19.43 inches deep. |
| Households that want trash and recycling separated inside one freestanding unit. |
NEWBULIG 60L Dual-Compartment Can ST60L |
The NEWBULIG ST60L uses two removable 8-gallon buckets with a pedal lid that opens to approximately 80 degrees and stays open at 90 degrees. |
You need one uninterrupted 13-gallon-or-larger cavity for bulky waste. |
Key Specs to Compare
Check these specifications before ordering:
- Exact model and suffix: confirm that the Amazon listing’s model matches the manufacturer information, especially for the EKO Madison EK9361MT-50L, EKO Hudson EK9168MMT-75L and EKO Mirage-T EK9278TBMT-50L.
- Body dimensions: compare width, depth and height rather than relying on the gallon label. Also check lid-open clearance above and behind the can.
- Capacity format: distinguish 45 liters, 50 liters, 60 liters split into two compartments and 75 liters of single-bin capacity.
- Opening method: pedal, motion sensor or touchless operation determines whether batteries are required and how the lid responds to hands-free use.
- Bag system: look for a custom-liner requirement, liner ring, bag ring, removable bucket, movable frame or the EKO Mirage-T’s listed no-liner design.
- Odor hardware: identify whether the product information describes a deodorizer compartment, antimicrobial lid treatment or only a close-fitting lid.
- Power requirements: the EKO Mirage-T uses four AA alkaline batteries, while the Ninestars DZT-50-28SL uses two D batteries; neither should be treated like a pedal can.
Setup and Handling Considerations
Place the can where the lid can open without hitting a cabinet, counter edge or wall. This is especially important for the tall EKO Hudson 75L and for sensor lids that need clear detection space above the opening. A wall-adjacent position is easier with the simplehuman CW1816 because its internal hinge is designed for close placement.
Think about how a full liner will be removed, not only how the empty can fits. Rear bag storage on the EKO Hudson 75L and Glad GLD-74506 keeps spare liners nearby. The simplehuman’s wheels, the EKO Hudson Slim’s rear handle and the Amazon Basics removable bucket address different handling needs. For repeated food preparation, a stay-open lid on the EKO Madison, Glad, Glad Slim or NEWBULIG can be more useful than a marginal capacity increase.
Touchless operation changes placement and power planning. Keep the EKO Mirage-T or Ninestars where the sensor can detect normal hand movement without constant traffic passing in front of it. If you prefer to avoid batteries, a pedal model remains the more direct fit.
Maintenance and Longevity
Stainless steel reduces the visual impact of everyday wear, but fingerprint-resistant and smudge-resistant finishes are not the same as being mark-proof. Wipe the exterior according to the product’s care guidance and avoid treating a finish claim as proof that the surface will never show fingerprints or dents.
Removable buckets and liner rings make spill management and bag changes more straightforward. The Amazon Basics GF43050L has a removable inner bucket, the EKO Madison documentation identifies a removable inner liner, the NEWBULIG has two removable buckets and the Glad cans use bag-retention rings. Sensor models add battery checks: the EKO Mirage-T requires four AA batteries and the Ninestars requires two D batteries. Odor features also have limits. A deodorizer compartment, antimicrobial lid treatment and a tight-closing lid may help with different odor sources, but none replaces regular liner changes or proper disposal of wet waste.
Reliability Signals
Look for a combination of construction details rather than one impressive number. The simplehuman CW1816 includes a 10-year warranty and a pedal engineered for more than 150,000 steps. EKO publishes pedal testing above 200,000 steps for the Madison and Hudson models, while the NEWBULIG listing describes testing above 150,000 steps. These are manufacturer or listing claims that can help compare intended durability, not guarantees of identical results in every home.
Warranty and support language can also matter. The Glad Slim listing states a five-year warranty, and the Ninestars listing describes a two-year support program. A removable bucket, liner frame or carry handle can be as important as pedal-cycle language because those parts affect liner changes, spills and repositioning. For sensor cans, battery type and the absence of a pedal are material reliability considerations because operation depends on both power and electronics.
How to Compare Reviews
Read comments for the exact model number and finish suffix, not only the brand name or gallon size. For the EKO Madison, confirm that comments refer to EK9361MT-50L rather than a visually similar Madison variant. For the EKO Hudson, separate the 50-liter slim model from the 75-liter EK9168MMT-75L because their footprints and capacity are very different.
Match review topics to your use case. On the EKO Mirage-T, look for comments about four-AA battery replacement, sensor response, automatic five-second closing and stay-open behavior. On the Ninestars DZT-50-28SL, check comments involving two D batteries, the odor-sealing lid and manual operation. For step cans, prioritize reports about pedal feel, lid alignment, liner security and whether the inner bucket or ring makes bag changes easier. Treat comments about noise, odors or fit as household-specific observations rather than universal performance measurements.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is assuming every 13-gallon can fits the same space or uses every tall kitchen bag equally well. Width, depth, lid clearance and bag retention can vary substantially. A second mistake is confusing odor language: Glad’s antimicrobial lid treatment, EKO Madison’s documented deodorizer compartment and a tight-fitting lid are not the same feature.
Do not treat soft-close as proof of odor sealing or long-term reliability, and do not assume a fingerprint-resistant finish will remain mark-free. Check whether the can uses custom liners, bag rings, a removable bucket or a movable liner frame before buying. Do not choose the 75-liter EKO Hudson without measuring vertical clearance, and do not choose a dual-compartment can if each 8-gallon side would fill too quickly. Finally, verify the exact model suffix and battery type for touchless products before comparing prices or reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will ordinary 13-gallon kitchen bags fit every can on this list?
Not necessarily. Bag rings, liner rings, removable buckets and body dimensions affect fit. The simplehuman CW1816 is designed around Code Q custom liners, while the other models use different retention approaches. Check the exact model and the bag system before assuming a generic tall-kitchen bag will stay hidden and secure.
Is a step can better than a sensor can?
A step can is usually the simpler choice because it avoids batteries and electronic controls. A sensor can is more convenient when hands are messy or occupied. The EKO Mirage-T requires four AA batteries, and the Ninestars DZT-50-28SL requires two D batteries, so touchless convenience comes with power and electronics considerations.
How much clearance should I leave around a stainless steel garbage can?
Measure the full body width, depth and height, then allow room for the lid to open and for a full liner to be removed. The EKO Hudson EK9168MMT-75L is approximately 31.4 inches tall, while the Glad Slim is narrow but approximately 19.43 inches deep. Nominal capacity alone does not reveal whether a can will fit.
Do odor-control claims mean the can has a replaceable filter?
No. The selected products use different descriptions and hardware. Glad describes antimicrobial protection on the lid and frame, EKO Madison documentation lists a deodorizer compartment, and other models emphasize a close-fitting or odor-sealing lid. The listings do not make these features interchangeable with a replaceable filter system.
How can I confirm that I am comparing the right product variant?
Match the Amazon model number, capacity, finish and dimensions with the manufacturer’s published information. This is particularly important for EKO models: the Madison listing identifies EK9361MT-50L, the Hudson high-capacity model is EK9168MMT-75L and the Mirage-T is EK9278TBMT-50L. Similar names can represent different footprints, capacities or operating methods.
Final Recommendation
The simplehuman 50 Liter Rectangular Step Can CW1816 is the best stainless steel garbage can for most buyers because it combines a practical 50-liter capacity with an internal hinge, stay-open lid, non-skid base, built-in wheels, controlled lid movement and a 10-year warranty. Choose the EKO Hudson 75L Step Can EK9168MMT-75L instead if your household produces much more waste and has room for its 31.4-inch height. Choose the EKO Mirage-T 50L Touchless Can EK9278TBMT-50L when hands-free disposal matters more than avoiding batteries and electronics.
