It’s a dirty job, but we all have to do it—take out the trash. The last thing you want is a wimpy bag that splits open, spilling garbage everywhere. But garbage bags are expensive. Does spending more money ensure you’re not doing a messy clean‑up?
Consumer Reports has surprising answers from its latest round of trash bag testing. They put unscented 13 gallon trash bags from nine best‑selling brands through the wringer, and the findings confirmed what many shoppers have long suspected: a premium price tag doesn’t always buy you premium performance. In fact, a budget store brand tied with a high‑end specialty brand for the top spot in 2026.
🥇 Best Overall Answer: After rigorous lab testing, the Simplehuman Tall Trash Bags and Walmart Great Value Strong Flex tied as the best 13 gallon kitchen trash bags of 2026. They offer unmatched strength at vastly different price points, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to get reliable kitchen trash bags.
Whether you’re stocking up for a busy family home or looking for the perfect trash bags 13 gallon size to fit your tall kitchen trash bags setup, this guide covers everything you need. We‘ve analyzed the lab data and thousands of reviews to bring you the definitive ranking of 2026.
👉 Need help choosing the right size for your specific bin? Check out our complete guide: What Size Trash Bag Do I Need?
How Consumer Reports Tests Trash Bags
To make sure these recommendations are built on something solid, it helps to know exactly how the testing was done. Consumer Reports’ testers used a force gauge with sharp and blunt tips to measure puncture resistance. They evaluated wall and bottom strength by filling bags with water until they burst, and tested drawstring strength by lifting water‑filled bags until the string snapped. This ensures the winning trash bags 13 gallon can handle heavy, wet kitchen waste without turning your cleanup into a disaster.
At‑a‑Glance Rankings: 2026’s Top 13 Gallon Trash Bags
| Rank | Brand | Best For | Price per Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Simplehuman Tall Trash Bags | Premium Strength | ~0.25–0.25–0.30 |
| 🥇 | Walmart Great Value Trash Bags | Best Overall Value | ~0.10–0.10–0.15 |
| 🥉 | Reli. SuperValue | Budget Pick | ~0.08–0.08–0.10 |
| 4 | Hefty Ultra Strong | Heavy‑Duty Kitchen Use | ~0.15–0.15–0.22 |
| 5 | Amazon Basics Flextra | Bulk Buyers | ~0.10–0.10–0.14 |
| 6 | HDX 13‑Gallon Drawstring | No‑Frills Reliability | ~0.11–0.11–0.14 |
| 7 | Perk 13‑Gallon Kitchen | Office & Light Kitchen | ~0.09–0.09–0.13 |
The Best 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags: Expert Reviews
🥇 Simplehuman Tall Trash Bags – Best Premium Strength
Simplehuman Tall Trash Bags claimed the #1 spot in CR’s 2026 lab testing, demonstrating top‑tier puncture resistance, bottom strength, and drawstring durability. These bags feature a custom fit for Simplehuman cans but can be used with others. The extra‑strong drawstring and thick plastic resist tears even with heavy loads.
Pros: CR’s #1 rated; exceptional puncture resistance; premium drawstring.
Cons: Most expensive; optimized fit for Simplehuman cans.
Bottom Line: If you own a Simplehuman can, it‘s a no‑brainer. For others, it’s the strongest bag you can buy, but you‘ll pay a premium.
🥇 Walmart Great Value Trash Bags – Best Overall Value
Here’s the headline of 2026: Walmart‘s Great Value Strong Flex tied Simplehuman at the top of CR’s tests. This budget 13 gallon kitchen trash bags features dual‑action odor control, a strong drawstring, and a fresh citrus scent that‘s not overpowering. Customer reviews praise its great value at a low cost.
Pros: CR’s co‑#1; budget price; dual‑layer odor control.
Cons: Occasional ripping with extremely sharp objects; stock varies by store.
Bottom Line: The clear winner for most households. You get the same durability as Simplehuman at roughly half the cost.
🥉 Reli. SuperValue – Best Budget Pick
Rounding out CR‘s top performers, Reli. SuperValue was the least expensive bag that passed the tests. It uses a flap‑tie closure instead of a drawstring, which is the main tradeoff for its rock‑bottom price.
Pros: Least expensive top‑performer; reliable strength.
Cons: No drawstring; less convenient for wet waste.
Bottom Line: If per‑bag cost is your absolute priority and you don’t mind tying manually, it‘s unbeatable.
Hefty Ultra Strong – Best Heavy‑Duty Kitchen Bags
Hefty Ultra Strong features Triple Action Technology and Arm & Hammer odor neutralizer, making these tall kitchen trash bags perfect for smelly food waste. A break‑resistant drawstring grips the can and prevents slipping. They are re‑engineered to fit more cans, including Simplehuman Size J.
Pros: Excellent odor control; gripping drawstring; wide compatibility.
Cons: Pricier than Great Value; scent may be too strong for some.
Bottom Line: The go‑to for kitchens that prioritize odor control above all.
Amazon Basics Flextra – Best for Bulk Buyers
Amazon Basics Flextra offers reliable, tear‑resistant construction with Flextra technology that controls stretch. Available in 120‑ and 200‑count packs, it’s perfect for subscribe‑and‑save users. It also has a 10% post‑consumer recycled option.
Pros: Convenient bulk packs; Alexa‑enabled reordering.
Cons: Ranked lower in CR strength tests; drawstring can snap under very heavy loads.
Bottom Line: Unmatched convenience for bulk buyers, but strength is average.
HDX 13‑Gallon Drawstring – Best No‑Frills Performer
HDX 13‑Gallon Drawstring Bags deliver solid durability at an excellent value. Their 0.82 mil thickness and tear‑resistant design handle most kitchen loads securely, often outperforming pricier brands in user reviews.
Pros: Excellent value in 150‑count rolls; sturdy drawstring.
Cons: Only available at Home Depot; unscented only.
Bottom Line: A hidden gem if you have a Home Depot nearby.
Perk 13‑Gallon Kitchen – Best for Office & Light Kitchen
Perk 13‑Gallon Bags are a reliable mid‑tier option with a 0.9 mil construction. They‘re durable for everyday office or light kitchen use and come in both scented and unscented variants.
Pros: Good balance of price and durability; convenient dispensing box.
Cons: Not for extremely heavy loads; scent can be polarizing.
Bottom Line: Perfectly adequate for apartments and offices.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Simplehuman | Great Value | Hefty Ultra Strong | Amazon Basics | HDX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | ~1.1 mil | 0.9 mil | 0.9 mil | 0.9 mil | 0.82 mil |
| Closure | Drawstring | Drawstring | Break‑resistant | Drawstring | Drawstring |
| Odor Control | None | Dual action | Arm & Hammer | None | None |
| Scented Option | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pack Sizes | 60–200 | 40–120 | 40–80 | 80–200 | 150 |
| CR Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
The Bags That Didn’t Make the Cut
Our testing revealed some popular brands didn’t perform well enough to earn a top recommendation:
Glad ForceFlex – Despite its stretchy technology and Febreze scents, Glad ForceFlex ranked at the bottom of CR‘s strength tests alongside standard Amazon Basics and compostable bags. It’s a case where marketing doesn‘t match lab performance.
HoldOn Compostable Bags — If you compost, you might consider them. However, HoldOn bags cost top dollar and CR found their quality far below others. We recommend standard bags unless your municipality requires compostable liners. If you’re looking for a more durable compostable alternative, check out our wholesale compostable trash bags — they’re BPI-certified, available in custom sizes, and designed for both home and industrial composting.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in 13 Gallon Kitchen Trash Bags
Material: The Foundation of Bag Strength
Understanding plastic types is key. Most premium kitchen trash bags use LLDPE (Linear Low‑Density Polyethylene), which stretches instead of puncturing. For more details on plastic types, see our guide to recycling plastics.
Thickness: The Mil Rating
| Mil Rating | Best For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0.7–0.8 mil | Light‑duty | HDX 0.82 mil |
| 0.9 mil | Standard kitchen | Hefty, Great Value |
| 1.0–1.5 mil | Heavy‑duty | Simplehuman |
| 3.0+ mil | Contractor‑grade | Construction debris |
For daily tall kitchen trash bags, 0.9 mil is the sweet spot.
Scented vs. Unscented
If you‘re sensitive to fragrances, opt for “Fragrance‑Free” variants like Glad ForceFlex Fragrance Free. For odor control, Hefty’s Arm & Hammer technology is proven.
Eco-Conscious Considerations
For environmentally minded households, compostable trash bags are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional plastic. However, as Consumer Reports’ 2026 testing showed, not all compostable options deliver the same level of durability. If you’re considering making the switch, we’ve put together a comprehensive best compostable trash bags guide that walks through certifications to look for (BPI, TÜV OK Compost), material comparisons, and top-rated brands that balance sustainability with real-world strength.
Drawstring vs. Flap Tie
For busy kitchens, drawstring closures are worth the premium. They grip the can rim and prevent the bag from collapsing, as seen on Hefty‘s Ultra Strong design.
Fit & Compatibility
A 13‑gallon bag typically measures 24–28 inches wide by 27–31 inches tall. Most fit standard kitchen bins. If you have a special can, check our best kitchen trash cans guide.
The Final Verdict
For most households: Buy Walmart Great Value Strong Flex. It tied Simplehuman in CR’s tests at half the cost.
If you own a Simplehuman can: Buy Simplehuman Tall Trash Bags.
If odor control is your priority: Buy Hefty Ultra Strong.
If you want the absolute lowest price: Buy Reli. SuperValue.
If you buy in bulk: Amazon Basics Flextra offers unmatched convenience.
Choose any bag from this expert‑tested list, and you can be confident your 13 gallon kitchen trash bags will hold up—no spills, no rips, no disasters.
FAQ
Is a 13 gallon good for a kitchen trash bag?
Yes, 13 gallons is the ideal size for a standard kitchen trash bag. It fits the vast majority of freestanding and under-sink kitchen trash cans in the U.S., offers enough capacity for a day or two of family food waste and packaging, yet remains light enough to easily lift, tie, and carry to the curb.
What’s the difference between tall kitchen bags and regular 13 gallon bags?
Tall kitchen trash bags are designed for taller, narrower kitchen cans (25–28 inches), whereas some 13‑gallon bags may be wider and shorter. Most marketed for kitchens are tall kitchen bags.
Does Walmart sell 13 gallon trash bags?
Absolutely. Walmart sells a wide range of 13 gallon kitchen trash bags both in-store and online. In fact, Walmart’s own Great Value Strong Flex 13-gallon drawstring trash bags tied for the #1 spot in Consumer Reports’ latest lab tests, making them an excellent value pick available at every Walmart location.
How many gallons is a normal kitchen garbage bag?
A normal kitchen garbage bag is typically 13 gallons, which is the industry-standard size in the United States. This is equivalent to roughly 49 to 50 liters, providing a balance between capacity and manageability for everyday household waste.
How big is a 13 gallon kitchen bag?
A typical 13 gallon kitchen trash bag measures approximately 24 to 28 inches wide and 27 to 33 inches tall, though exact dimensions vary slightly by brand. This size is designed to comfortably line most standard tall kitchen trash cans.
