Investing in a trash compactor for your home can be one of the best decisions you make to reduce waste and keep your kitchen clean. With the right compactor that meets your needs, you’ll take out the trash less often while freeing up valuable space in your home. This comprehensive buying guide takes you through all the key considerations for purchasing the best trash compactor for your home situation.
Why Buy a Trash Compactor?
Before diving into the specifics of selecting a home trash compactor, let’s first go over why you may want to purchase one in the first place:
- Reduce waste volume – Compactors reduce the volume of your waste by up to 75%, which means fewer trash bags overall. You’ll make fewer trips to take out the garbage.
- Free up space – Compacting your waste allows your existing garbage bin to hold much more before it needs to be emptied. This frees up precious space in your kitchen.
- Prevent odors and mess – Compacted waste takes up less space and leaves less air pocket room for odors to escape. Reducing the frequency of taking out trash also minimizes any leakage from bags.
If reducing waste volume sounds appealing, then read on to learn what to look for in a reliable home trash compactor.
Choosing the Right Size and Type
Trash compactors for home use typically fall into three main configuration categories:
- Built-in compactors – Designed to fit snugly into your cabinetry with only the door exposed. Often the same height as your lower cabinets.
- Freestanding compactors – Standalone units that can be installed anywhere without needing dedicated cabinet space. Require more floor space.
- Under-counter compactors – Compact size allows them to slide under counters and low cabinets while still being freestanding.
When deciding on size and type, first measure the space where you plan to put the compactor. Make sure to leave clearance on all open sides for ventilation and utility connections.
Here is a comparison of the size ranges for each type:
| Type | Typical Width | Typical Depth | Typical Height |
| Built-In | 15 – 18 inches | 22 – 24 inches | 32 – 35 inches |
| Freestanding | 15 – 18 inches | 22 – 25 inches | 32 – 35 inches |
| Under-Counter | 15 inches | 22 – 25 inches | Under 34 inches |
Under-counter and built-in units often have the best aesthetics for low-profile kitchen designs, while freestanding models offer the most flexibility.
Key Features and Specs
Once you’ve determined available space, the next step is identifying must-have functionality and specifications:
- Compaction ratio – The most important metric to examine is compaction ratio, which measures how much volume reduction the compactor provides. Ratios range from 4:1 (75% reduction) up to 6:1 for more powerful home models.
- Capacity – How much waste can the compactor hold before it requires emptying? Typical values are 1-1.5 cubic feet. Larger capacity needs less frequent emptying.
- Pressure – Compaction pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Home compactors range from 2000 to over 5000 PSI. More pressure equals greater compaction.
- Safety features – Look for units with advanced safety mechanisms like auto-reversing drawers, child safety locks, and emergency stop buttons. These minimize injury risk.
- Insulation – Multi-layer insulation blocks noise for quieter operation. It also contains odors inside the compactor unit for a cleaner kitchen.
- Antimicrobial protection – Special antimicrobial coatings on bins and drawers help resist germs and bacterial growth. This maintains hygiene.
Use the feature list above like a checklist while comparing different compactor models. Finding the right balance of functionality and price is key.
Installation Considerations
Trash compactors aren’t portable appliances; they must be securely installed according to local electrical codes before use. Here’s what to factor in regarding installation:
- Electrical requirements – Standard household 120V, 15-amp grounded circuits are typically sufficient to power compactors. Electrical connections are straightforward.
- Ventilation needs – Space should be left on all sides of built-in units for airflow. Freestanding models require a few inches clearance behind and on sides. Proper ventilation prevents overheating.
- Utility connections – For freshest operation, look for units that allow hookups for running water and drain lines. This facilitates cleaning and draining liquid waste.
- Toe kick dimensions – Built-in compactors require proper toe kick dimensions for integration with cabinetry. Leaving exact measurements for your cabinets ensures seamless installation.
While basic installations are usually manageable as DIY projects, you may want to enlist professional help to hook up utilities or modify cabinetry dimensions.
Special Compactor Types
Up to this point, we’ve focused on the most common single-bin household trash compactors. However, there are a few specialty compactor types that are also options:
- Dual-bin compactors – Offer separate bins for recycling and waste in one unit. More expensive but provides added sorting functionality.
- Commercial-grade compactors – Much higher capacity and compaction power than residential models. Overkill for homes but great for businesses.
- Vertical compactors – Unique design with trash loaded from above and compressed into a chamber below. Takes up less floor space.
While those specialty styles have niche appeal in some households, the standard freestanding or built-in single bin compactor likely makes the most sense for broadly reducing home waste volumes.
Cost Considerations
Home trash compactors definitely represent an upfront investment, but can save money over time through:
- Reduced tip fees – Paying for fewer overall trash pickups or dump trips since bags take longer to fill up.
- Lower bag costs – Using 2-3X fewer trash bags per month due to higher compaction rates trims this expense over time.
- Rebates eligibility – Some utility companies and municipalities provide rebates on compactors supporting sustainability initiatives.
Typical costs for home trash compactors:
- Built-in units – $700 to $2000
- Freestanding models – $400 to $1800
- Under-counter styles – $200 to $800
Remember to account for potential plumbing, electrical, and cabinetry work during installation. In the right situation, a compactor can more than pay for itself over 5-7 years of ownership.
Top Home Trash Compactor Brands
Several manufacturers have distinguished themselves by reliable performance and customer satisfaction:
| Brand | Notable Features | Price Range |
| Whirlpool | Advanced odor control, antimicrobial bins, quiet operation | $$$ |
| GE | Industry-leading compaction ratios, durable steel construction | $$$ |
| KitchenAid | Sleek built-in designs, high capacity, toe-kick interface | $$ |
| Gladiator | Fast compaction cycles, stainless bins, value pricing | $ |
While those represent some of the best-known national brands, quality regional manufacturers exist as well. The key is sticking with established companies that stand behind their trash compactors with multi-year warranties.
Final Takeaways on Selecting a Trash Compactor
Here are the key conclusions from our home trash compactor buying guide:
- Carefully measure available space first before choosing built-in, freestanding or under-counter configurations
- Seek out high compaction ratios (4:1+) and capacities over 1 cubic foot
- Consider useful features like antimicrobial bins, noise insulation, and safety locks
- Account for installation needs – electrical, ventilation, utility hookups
- While more expensive initially, compactors can yield cost savings over time
We hope these details give you confidence in finding the just-right trash compactor model to reduce waste while keeping your kitchen tidy. Taking time to understand your needs and compare options leads to smart, informed purchasing decisions.