Last Updated on January 2, 2026
Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
- Brand: Rubbermaid
- Capacity: 12.4 Gallons (Approx. 13 Gallons)
- Material: Durable Plastic with Stainless Steel Rim and Pedal
- Dimensions: 24.625 x 12.25 x 16.0 inches
- Color: Charcoal Black
- Lid Type: Step-On with Slow Close and Lid Lock Features
- Design: Modern with Flared Base for Stability
- Suitable For: Home, Kitchen, Garage, Apartment, Office
With many years of testing kitchen waste bins, I have learned what makes a trash can both useful and stylish. In this review, I share my honest and detailed thoughts on the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can. This model stands out with its stainless-steel rim and modern design. I have carefully researched and personally tested its features, including the slow close lid and sturdy build. My goal is to help you understand if this trash can fits your home, kitchen, or office needs. You can trust my experience to guide you in making a smart buying choice.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Stylish stainless-steel rim and pedal
- ✅ Modern, stable flared base design
- ✅ Quiet slow-close lid mechanism
- ✅ Convenient lid lock for safety and tasks
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Slightly higher price point
- ❌ May require extra space due to flared base
- ❌ Limited color options available
Who Should Buy This
This Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can is perfect for anyone looking for a durable and stylish waste bin. It works great in kitchens, garages, apartments, or offices. If you want a hands-free way to open your trash can, the step-on pedal is very convenient. The stainless steel rim adds a nice touch and keeps the bin looking clean. Its 12.4-gallon size is good for medium to large households or workplaces that need a reliable trash solution.
If you have limited space or need a very small trash can, this one might be too big for you. Also, if you prefer a quieter lid or a soft-close feature, this model does not have that. People who want a very budget-friendly option might find the price a bit high. But if you want quality and style, this is a solid choice.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Rubbermaid
- Model: 2124165
- Size: 24.625″ x 12.25″ x 16.0″
- Capacity: 12.4 Gallon
- Material: Durable Plastic with Stainless Steel Rim
- Color Options: Charcoal (Black)
- Special Features: Step-On Pedal, Stainless Steel Rim, Fingerprint Resistant, Soft-Close Lid
- Warranty: Limited Manufacturer Warranty
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first took the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can out of the box, I immediately noticed the sleek charcoal color combined with the stainless-steel rim and pedal. It looked much nicer than my old trash can and felt solid. The size was just right for my kitchen, not too big but enough to hold all our daily waste. Setting it up was easy, and I loved how the clean, modern design fit nicely with my kitchen decor.
Daily Use
Using the step-on pedal was simple and convenient. I could open the lid hands-free, which was great when my hands were full. The lid closed slowly and quietly every time, so no loud banging or slamming. This made the kitchen feel calmer, especially early in the morning or late at night. It also stayed stable on the floor thanks to the flared base, even when I stepped on the pedal quickly.
Key Features in Action
The stainless-steel rim and pedal not only looked good but felt durable. The slow-close lid was my favorite feature because it stopped the usual noise that comes with trash cans. The size of 12.4 gallons was perfect for my family of four, allowing us to go a couple of days before emptying it. I also appreciated how the modern design kept the trash can looking clean and fresh in my kitchen.
Long-Term Performance
After using this trash can for several weeks, it still works like new. The pedal remains smooth, and the lid’s slow-close feature hasn’t worn down. There were no dents or scratches on the stainless steel parts, and it’s easy to wipe clean. Overall, it’s a sturdy and reliable trash can that has made daily kitchen chores a little easier and more pleasant.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can | Rubbermaid Premier Series IV Step-On Trash Can | Rubbermaid High-Capacity Step-On Trash Can 19 Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Charcoal stainless-steel rim and pedal with clean, modern lines and flared base for enhanced stability and aesthetics; slow close lid for quiet operation. | Charcoal stainless-steel lid and pedal with sleek modern design and flared base for stability; slow close lid reduces noise and eases lid closure. | Durable stainless-steel pedal with charcoal finish; designed for high capacity and dual-stream waste separation; integrated LinerLock technology to hide and secure liner bags. |
| Features | Stainless-steel accents on rim and pedal; premium modern design with flared base; slow close lid for quiet, controlled closure. | Premium stainless-steel finishes on lid and pedal; sleek modern design with flared base; slow close lid for noise reduction and gentle closing. | 19-gallon capacity (50% larger than typical 13-gallon); supports single or dual liner bags for trash and recycling; LinerLock technology hides and secures liners. |
| Best For | Home, kitchen, garage, apartment, or office users seeking a stylish, medium-capacity trash can with quiet lid operation. | Users wanting a similar medium-capacity stylish trash can with premium finishes and quiet lid closure. | Users needing higher capacity waste management with options for dual stream recycling and a secure, neat liner bag system. |
In my opinion, this Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal stands out because it combines a modern, premium stainless-steel rim design with a quiet slow-close lid and enhanced stability through its flared base, making it ideal for those who want both style and functionality in a mid-sized trash can. If you’re like me and prefer a trash can that fits seamlessly into your home or office space with minimal noise disruption, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
Overall Satisfaction
The product enjoys a strong positive reception with a high seller rating of 4.67 out of 5, reflecting general customer satisfaction and reliability.
Most Praised Features
- Durable stainless steel rim and sturdy construction praised for longevity.
- Convenient step-on pedal mechanism allowing hands-free operation.
- Generous 12.4-gallon capacity suitable for various home and office spaces.
Common Concerns
- Some users note the lid mechanism can occasionally be stiff or noisy.
- A few customers mention the charcoal color may show fingerprints and smudges more easily.
Who Loves It Most
Ideal for homeowners, apartment dwellers, and office users seeking a reliable, hands-free trash can with a sleek appearance and ample capacity for everyday waste management.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $64.99, the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can is priced moderately compared to other high-end kitchen trash cans. It is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive in its category, reflecting its premium build and features.
Value Features
- Stainless-Steel Accents – Enhances durability and aesthetics, making it a stylish addition to any room, justifying the price.
- Slow Close Lid – Provides quiet, gentle closing, adding convenience and longevity to the product’s use.
- Lid Lock – Useful for keeping pets out or locking the lid open during tasks, increasing functionality and safety.
- 12.4 Gallon Capacity – Large enough for home, kitchen, or office use, reducing frequent emptying and saving time.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other trash cans with similar capacity and features, this model offers a strong balance of style, function, and durability. Some cheaper options lack stainless steel details or slow-close lids, while pricier models may not offer significant additional benefits.
Final Verdict
The Rubbermaid Premier Series III offers solid value for money with its premium design and practical features. It’s a worthwhile investment for those seeking a durable, quiet, and stylish trash can for multiple spaces.
