Updated: June 8, 2015

Trash Compactor Reviews:

Purchasing a trash compactor is a great way to eliminate all that unwanted kitchen trash and stop having to take the trash out so often. Modern trash compactors are capable of eliminating 75% of your trash volume. Trash compactors are small enough to fit into almost any kitchen (or boat). When deciding on which model to buy, you need to consider if you want a freestanding or under the counter model. Under the counter trash compactors will not have a finished top but it can be conveniently installed between cabinets saving on space requirements. To get that "flush" look from the unit, consider an aftermarket trim kit. Freestanding compactors, unlike the under the counter models, have finished tops and therefore offer extra counter space. Most compactors are 24" to 24 1/4" deep, 12 to 15 inches wide and from 34 1/8 to 35 inches high Standard features on almost all trach compactors are 1/3 horsepower motors, 1.4 cu. ft. capacity, noise insulation, 2000, 3000, or 5000 lbs of compacting force, anti-jam capabilities, paper or plastic bags, air freshener compartments, trash baskets that tilt away, and reversible panels.
trash compactor


Buying Guide - You'll want to get a trash compactor with quality safety features like removable key knob control, tilt sensors, and anti-jam systems so the trash compactor doesn't jam. Keep aerosal cans, explosive chemicals, flammable materials, and poisonous chemicals out of the compactor. Children should always stay away from the compactor. With many trash compactor bags holding up to 50 lbs of compressed trash when full, you will need to either empty the bag more often or make sure someone is around to carry the bags that weigh too much. Although many of the trash compactors we reviewed can compact glass, we recommend not using them for that purpose since glass splinters can poke through the bads and cause unnecessary injuries/cuts when you go to through out the bag. One feature that owners appreciate is that the vast majority of trash compactors require little maintenance. If you do decide to clean your trash compactor, wear gloves, unplug the unit, and remove the bag. You can wash the interior or exterior with soap and water and then make sure it is thoroughly dry before putting in a new bag and closing the drawer up. Some people like to vacuum out their trash compactors every once in a while, which is fine, but make sure you replace the charcoal filter often enough to keep odors away. The top brand names for home trash compactors are GE, Kitchen Aid, Broan, Whirlpool, Viking, and Kenmore. Stores like Sears, Home Depot, or Lowes sell trash compactors and they range in price from the low $400's up to $2000 for the high end Viking models. RECOMMENDED - We suggest checking online at Amazon.com for pricing of brands like KitchenAID, Broan, and other. You can browse their top selling trash compactors online here.

Best Trash Compactors:

Looking for one of the best trash compactors on the market, then consider the Broan Trash Compactor 1050L ($420) - this 12 inch trash compactor has 1.4 cubic foot of capacity and can handle up to 5000 pounds compaction. There are 4 adjustable leveling legs, a reversible door panel that is without a food pedal. It is offered as a built in or freestanding unit and the door panel is either black or almond. Although this one is at the low end of pricing it still performs as well as higher priced GE and Whirlpool models. Broan trash compactors also come in the 1050, 1051, and 1052 models which are all comparable and just a little more expensive. The KitchenAid Trash Compactor KUCS02CRSS ($699) a 15 inch model that is a built in trash compactor. with a 1/3 HP motor and an odor control fan. The stainless steel finish looks great in any modern kitchen and the Solid Pack feature will reduce your trash to approximately 25% of its original size. Owners say this model is the quietest model available and the handy drawer foot pedal lets you open the compactor even when your hands are full. Another feature that consumers like is the convenient bag removal from the side of the unit instead of lifting it straight out and risking spills. Other top Kitchen Aid trash compactors are the KUCS02CRBK, KUCP02IRBK, KUCP02IRBS, KFCP02IRWH, and the KUCS02CRSS. The GE Trash Compactor GCG1580SS ($700) is another built in compactor with hidden controls, a removable key lock, and a 1 year warranty. The sleek design from the GE Profile series is unmistakably stylish and is the best 15 inch compactor per many sites we visited. Consumer reviews consistantly rated the GE as having excellent volume reduction and few repair issues. We have several friends who own Whirlpool trash compactors (under counter) and have only good things to say about them. The Whirlpool Trash Compactor GACP15 ($500) is a top seller built with heavy duty solid rubber casters, a touch toe drawer opener, automatic anti-jam, and a hammered granite cabinet finish. We had a hard time finding reviews on the Whirlpool models, but we always feel like "friends opinions" are often worth more than what experts say and consider Whirlpool trash compactors worth the money. The most powerful home trash compactor on the market is the Viking 18" DUC180 Designer Series Graphite Gray Trash Compactor ($2099). It delivers up to 3000 trash-crushing pounds, the largest capacity trash drawer on the market, and designer styling. The activated charcoal filter and fan will eliminate any odor, the breakaway trash basket is easy to empty and clean, and the Viking 1/2 HP, high torque motor is the most powerful in a residential compactor. Certainly Viking appliances are well made and durable, but unless you have the extra $1000 to through away, go with one of the cheaper models.