Best Trash Compactor

If you’re looking for the best trash compactor that not only performs exceptionally well but will also last for almost a decade, then the Broan 15BL Elite Trash Compactor might be an ideal choice for you. This best trash compactor has a very modern and stylish design combined with an exclusive Manual Advance Odor Control System and full extension drawer slides. It provides the highest compaction ratio of 6:1 that helps in reducing the quantity of trash significantly.

Broan-15BL-Elite-Trash-Compactor
Top Pick: Broan 15BL Elite Trash Compactor

The Broan 15BL Elite Trash Compactor is equipped with a 3/4 HP motor that has the power to generate 3000 pounds of continual compaction force which further minimizes the trash volume along with handling. There are certain special features in this best trash compactor that our research team really liked, such as the drop-down door for the trash bucket, compacting plate, power button with a ram status LED, and demountable key switch control. There is ample of room for alteration because of this best trash compactor’s adjustable leveling legs as well as adjustable height rollers. The Broan 15BL Elite has the capacity to accommodate at least 30 pounds of compacted trash so you might not have to take the trash out as frequently as you do now.

The company Broan has really gone out of its way to create yet another best trash compactor which is also our ultimate step-pick on the list. The Broan 15XESS Programmable Trash Compactor has a price tag and technology that are both higher than our best pick, the Broan 15BL Elite. With an increase in price comes an automatic working mechanism, which is this best trash compactor’s programmable compaction cycle that enables automatic operation. The storage capacity of 30 pounds and compaction ratio of 6:1 is same as the Broan 15BL Elite. This best trash compactor also has a pretty outstanding Advanced Odor Control System along with a useful ball-bearing gliding system, which made the cleaning process easier and more convenient. Unlike its less expensive counterpart, the Broan 15XESS Programmable is armed with a memory backup, which has proven to be helpful in bringing back your settings in case of a maximum 5-minute power blackout. This best trash compactor is well-equipped with a toe kick kit that gives you the opportunity to complete the freestanding installation process accurately. As an upgraded model, the Broan 15XESS Programmable might be the only sensible option to consider in this price range.

For a heavy-duty operation but an economical price, the Gladiator GACP15XXMG Modular Garage Trash Compactor might be the most suitable choice for you. This affordable best trash compactor has a very rugged design, unlike some other neat models on our list. It provides a capacity of 1.4 cubic foot and has the power to crush trash as well as recyclables. We tested this best trash compactor with plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and paper products. The Gladiator GACP15XXMG is armed with a pretty vigorous motor of 1/3 HP that offers 2200 pounds per square inch compression capacity along with a compaction ratio of 4:1. This does seem comparatively lower than the previous two picks (above) but it doesn’t seem so bad when it successfully reduces your trash volume by at least 75%, which means less number of trash bags used and fewer visits to the curb. This best trash compactor is well-equipped with a touch toe drawer opener along with solid rubber casters to add convenience to the whole experience. It’s a low-cost model but with the same exceptional features as any other moderately-priced unit on our list.

What is a trash compactor

To know about the many benefits and advantages that a trash compactor offers, one needs to know exactly what a trash compactor is and does with the wealth of garbage. A trash compactor is a unit designed to trample garbage waste into tiny, manageable pieces with the help of a pretty strong metal ram that can crush trash items like aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and in some higher-end models, even glass bottles. And then these small pieces are emptied in a trash compactor bag which doesn’t require as frequent changing as your wheelie bin trash bags. So you see how the best trash compactors help in reducing the quantity as well as the quality of trash reaching the landfill areas across the country.

Why you should buy the best trash compactor

We all know by now how using the best trash compactor benefits the environment but that’s not the reason why most people purchase such products. Everybody wants to buy something new and different only when it somehow makes their lives easier and more convenient. So keeping that in mind, the best trash compactors offer house members the wonderful opportunity to reduce the number of times they visit the curb in order to take out the trash. Now this is something that every family member would highly appreciate, considering the amount of arguments that arise when it comes to taking out the garbage. The best trash compactors have the capacity to crush most of the trash and reduce the volume by at least 80%. So if you make 2 trips to the curb every single day, then you’ll be very pleased to know that with the best trash compactor, you’ll be making 2 trips every 4-5 days, depending on the amount and type of trash you have in your home.

What to look for in the best trash compactor

Size
Based on what we’ve read and tested, when deciding to buy the best trash compactor, you need to first and foremost figure out where you would want to place the unit. Size plays a very important role so make it a point to record the exact measurements before reaching a decision. Upon reviewing over 20 of the best trash compactors on the market, we have concluded that the average width and height of trash compactors are 12 to 15 inches and 34 to 35 inches respectively. So knowing that you have that kind of space in your kitchen or garage will give you a great start when buying the best trash compactor.

Performance
There are many power and performance factors that one should take into consideration when choosing the best trash compactor. They are as follows:
‘ The best trash compactors are ones that supply a generous range of 1.4 to 1.7 cubic feet.
‘ Compacting power is another important feature and it should be anywhere between 2000 to 5000 pounds per square inch. The more the force, the higher the price.
‘ The combination of compacting power and the horsepower of the motor are equally important. This is because a higher compacting force with a lower horsepower motor will yield a comparatively louder working mechanism than a higher horsepower motor with a lower compacting force.
‘ As far as power and performance of the best trash compactor are concerned, the last factor to take into consideration is the unit’s compaction ratio. An average 4:1 compaction ratio trash compactor will crush the volume of four bags and easily fit it into one. But that doesn’t mean you opt for the best trash compactor with an ever higher compaction ratio for better performance as the amount of weight that a trash compactor bag can carry also matters when you’re carrying the bag out to the curb.

Essential Features
The whole purpose of the best trash compactor is to make the entire process of taking out the trash convenient, easy to manage, and odorless, which is why it is extremely important to ensure that the best trash compactor that you choose has certain features that help you achieve these goals. One such useful feature is the simple toe bar, which, upon clicking, instantly and automatically opens the compactor. This is great when you’re holding large-sized trash items and cannot use your hands. Another great feature is an air freshener compartment or charcoal filter that helps in minimizing the foul smell. And if you have kids in your home, then a removable key-knob control feature might also prove to be highly beneficial.

Our best pick: Broan 15BL Elite Trash Compactor

Broan-15BL-Elite-Trash-Compactor
Top Pick: Broan 15BL Elite Trash Compactor

When the best trash compactor offers 3000 pounds of compacting power, you know how phenomenally well the unit is destined to perform. The Broan 15BL Elite Trash Compactor streamlines the process of trash removal and management with the capacity of holding 30 pounds of compacted trash combined with a phenomenal Manual Advance Odor Control System that eliminates the possibility of foul smell spreading all over the house. This best trash compactor is supplied with reversible, full swinging doors that open quite smoothly to expose the compartment and trash bucket. When it was time to take out the compacted trash, our testers removed the compacted bag quite easily by simply lowering the bucket front and sliding the bag forward to the floor.

This best trash compactor is built with a pretty solid component, the painted steel compacting plate that has the strength to crush cans and bottles quite efficiently. Upon reviewing this best trash compactor intensively, we found that the compactor cycle works silently and is comparatively more powerful than the rest. Since we’ve tested many best trash compactors, we feel obliged to tell you that the extra PAC provided by most of the best trash compactors is an essential feature and it has to work well, so make it a point to buy a unit that comes with this particular feature. You can have glass bottles crushed, you can store 2-3 days’ worth of trash, including jugs, containers, diapers, etc in the Broan 15BL Elite, which shows just how powerfully built it is. The price is pretty moderate and genuinely reasonable, given the amount of costlier but cheap quality trash compactors on the market.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Broan 15BL Elite Trash Compactor is a well-built, solid machine but it’s not perfect. And to be logical, no machine ever is. This best trash compactor does have a few flaws that our testers found a tad troublesome but you should also know that these are the kinds of glitches that don’t tend to interfere with the unit’s overall performance and lifetime value.

The first flaw that we found in this best trash compactor is the absence of a spring-loaded drawer. Instead of simply kicking the toe piece and having the drawer pop out, the manufacturer wanted us to manually pull out the drawer by opening the cabinet door, which required us to bend over in order to pull out the drawer.

The second flaw is this best trash compactor’s bad habit of tipping forward. But we have a team of experienced testers who know their way out of any sticky situation. In this case, we simply installed a front kick plate, which won’t cost you more than $15, and that is exactly how we got rid of the bad habit.

The last flaw in this best trash compactor is one that a budget-friendly consumer will not appreciate. The Broan 15BL Elite makes use of expensive trash bags. But don’t let that dishearten you as we tried testing out some generic compactor bags instead and found them to be quite effectively, if not equally, useful.

Our upgraded pick: Broan 15XESS Programmable Trash Compactor

Broan-15XESS-Programmable-Trash-Compactor
Broan 15XESS Programmable Trash Compactor

The upgraded version of our best pick is yet another Broan product, the Broan 15XESS Programmable Trash Compactor. This best trash compactor is sold at an exorbitantly higher price, and why wouldn’t it when it’s supplied with more advanced technology? It has a programmable compaction cycle that enables automatic operation. This feature is extremely useful and is the sole reason why this best trash compactor has a fancier price. Another great feature that you might find impressive is the unit’s control panel that helped in effectively putting off the compaction cycle and it also has the capacity to hold the compaction cycle for up to 2 hours in order to use that time to help the waste preserve its shape.

We put this best trash compactor through several stress tests to scrutinize its each and every feature as well as overall stability and durability. It possesses a 6:1 compaction ratio, 30 pounds waste capacity and 3/4 HP motor, similar to the Broan 15BL Elite. While at the same time, there are a few exclusively singular characteristics that we were quite impressed with, such as this best trash compactor’s 3000 pounds compaction force. Even though it is the same as the previous pick, upon using this best trash compactor, we took the trash out to the curb comparatively less number of times. The powerful motor generated a quieter working operation, which might prove to be highly beneficial in the case of delayed compaction. For those who want to hide their best trash compactor well in the cabinetry with little to no maintenance cost and effort, this best trash compactor might just be the right choice for you.

Our affordable pick: Gladiator GACP15XXMG Modular Garage Trash Compactor

Gladiator-GACP15XXMG-Modular-Garage-Trash-Compactor
Gladiator GACP15XXMG Modular Garage Trash Compactor

The best trash compactor serves just one important purpose and that is to significantly reduce trips to the curb. And this makes our budget-friendly pick, the Gladiator GACP15XXMG Modular Garage Trash Compactor an even more favorable option as you get a superior performance at a comparatively lower price. This best trash compactor is built in such a way that you can store it anywhere you like. It has a compression power of 2200 pounds per square inch with a compaction ratio of 4:1 generated by a 1/3 HP motor, which is great because all these components combine to reduce the number of trips you make to take out the trash. Unlike some other best trash compactors on our list, the Gladiator GACP15XXMG has pretty neat mobility equipment, such as the wheeled cart with lockable front and swiveling rear casters, which enable you to conveniently use the unit to load it with garbage.

When our testers put this best trash compactor to use for a heavy-duty operation, it took less than a minute for the unit to complete one whole compaction process. And that is when we came across the valuable anti-jam feature, which does exactly what its name suggests. We put in trash and recyclables such as plastic bottles and aluminum cans along with perishables that have the tendency to smell after a short period of time. We were quite surprised when based on our results; we found that this best trash compactor is built with a durable metal cover. We really liked this feature as it made controlling the impact easier, especially in a high-traffic area. So even though this best trash compactor doesn’t come with a deodorizing system and delayed start option, we still consider its ingenuity and resilience as the winning factors in making this unit an economically best trash compactor.

Best under counter trash compactor

Electrolux-EI15TC65HS-IQ-Touch-Convertible-Trash-Compactor
Electrolux EI15TC65HS IQ-Touch Convertible Trash Compactor

The best under counter trash compactor is one that can be easily mounted under a counter in order to save space and offer the added comfort of having all your garbage compressed out of sight. The Electrolux EI15TC65HS IQ-Touch Convertible Trash Compactor is among one of the best under counter trash compactors on the market. It is also one of the most powerful models that we’ve tested so far. This best trash compactor is supplied with an automatic filtering system that minimizes bad odor along with an exclusive Luxury-Glide System that allowed us to easily and smoothly remove the basket in order to better use and clean the unit. It was able to carry out the whole compression process in well under a minute with a compacting power of 3000 pounds per square inch. This best trash compactor may be a tad expensive but it’s worth every dime.

Krushr-K018-Panel-Required-Compactor
Krushr K018 Panel Required Compactor

We have another best under counter trash compactor that has proven to easily fit under any counter and it can also be used as a freestanding unit due to its highly practical design. The Krushr K018 Panel Required Compactor is among those models that are equipped with the most advanced technology. Upon intensively reviewing and testing this best trash compactor, we found its motor to be extremely powerful with a crushing force that you might not achieve with most trash compactors on the market. We were quite impressed with the Krushr K018’s child lock safety and touch button operation features. These features are reasons why one doesn’t mind spending a huge amount of money on technology. This best trash compactor works silently and does a pretty swell job in reducing the number of visits to the curb. We tested it with plastic and paper items along with food packaging waste, aluminum cans, and other such food tins. And it proved to be as versatile in performance as it is in design, despite the absence of a handle on the door.

GE-GCG1580RSS-Stainless-Steel-Built-In-Trash-Compactor
GE GCG1580RSS Stainless Steel Built-In Trash Compactor

GE home appliances are known to offer a high-quality performance, as well as durability and the GE GCG1580RSS Stainless Steel Built-In Trash Compactor, is no different. This best trash compactor has a built-in under counter design that you can make use of quite conveniently in order to save space and to have your trash compressed safely inside. It has a 1/3 HP motor, which is great because it has the ability to generate a workforce of 2300 pounds per square inch. And this helps in incomparably reducing the quantity of trash without any effort from your end. We tested this best trash compactor’s exclusive anti-jam system and were quite impressed with the way it worked. It proved to be highly useful in eliminating any possibility of creating a mess. You might also like the removable drawer that comes along with the GE GCG1580RSS. What you might not like is the fact that this best trash compactor has a drive system that is made of plastic, which makes it susceptible to breakage. But, nevertheless, it is a pretty, stainless steel model built with some remarkable features with a comparatively higher price tag.

Broan-15XEWT-Programmable-Trash-Compactor
Broan 15XEWT Programmable Trash Compactor

If we were to select a single best under counter trash compactor from the many options offered on the market, then we would definitely pick a Broan model, especially the Broan 15XEWT Programmable Trash Compactor, despite its steep price. Specifically designed to be fit under the counter, this best trash compactor is as reliable as it is efficient. It has the highest compaction ratio of 6:1 combined with the standard 30-pound waste capacity; a combination that has time and again proven to be highly productive and inaudible. The Broan 15XEWT comes with a beautiful wood frontal finish that will easily blend into the natural setting of your cabinets. This best trash compactor is well supplied with full extension ball-bearing glides that our testers found to be extremely useful in easily accessing the bin and speeding up the entire process of changing back. We also liked the practical integrated storage compartment and the valuable built-in odor control mechanism that contributed in making this best trash compactor our most preferred choice for under counter purposes.

Best free standing trash compactor

Krushr-K012-Panel-Required-Recycle-Compactor
Krushr K012 Panel Required Recycle Compactor

The best free standing trash compactors are ones that are built in the most compact as well as comfortable way so they can be placed anywhere in the kitchen or the garage quite conveniently. Keeping this in mind, the Krushr K012 Panel Required Recycle Compactor gives you the wonderful opportunity to place it just about anywhere you like, thanks to its effective design. This best trash compactor runs quite smoothly and silently. It is furnished with a large removable bin, which is great because that way you have plenty of room for more trash, more compression, hence lesser visits to the curb. This best trash compactor has a very valuable energy efficient Hyper Crush mode that offers an environment-friendly approach while producing the strong compaction force. Upon reviewing the Krushr K012, we realized how useful the removable legs can be in providing a generous amount of height adjustment. We found the price to be a tad steeper compared to the quality of performance but, nevertheless, this best trash compactor faired pretty well in all our stress tests as far as portability was concerned.

Broan-15XEBL-Programmable-Trash-Compactor
Broan 15XEBL Programmable Trash Compactor

Upon reviewing many Broan models, we would recommend the Broan 15XEBL Programmable Trash Compactor as a freestanding unit. This yet another Broan-produced best trash compactor comes with a similarly powerful motor and compression capacity and power as the other Broan models on our list. The only difference here is that this particular model, the Broan 15XEBL might be the most fitting unit for a freestanding situation. Like the others, this also has the highest compaction ratio of 6:1 with the same 30-pound trash capacity. To name a few unique features, this best trash compactor has a pretty remarkable built-in odor management system that works like no other Broan model. It also has a programmable timer and memory backup to provide the operator with some fresh features and an enhanced user experience in order to highlight the fact that though it may be similar to other Broan models in certain characteristics and features, the Broan 15XEBL still somehow manages to outperform its counterparts and emerge as the true winner when it comes to buying the best free standing trash compactor on the market. The only drawback is the absence of a spring that would have automatically pushed the bin out as soon as the door opens. But this particular flaw didn’t seem to hinder the unit’s performance so it was easy for us to dismiss it completely.

Electrolux-E15TC75HPS-Stainless-Steel-Trash-Compactor
Electrolux E15TC75HPS Stainless Steel Trash Compactor

After reviewing some ordinary trash compactors on the market, you tend to be able to differentiate the good ones from the bad. And that is exactly what happened while testing the Electrolux E15TC75HPS Stainless Steel Trash Compactor. This best free standing trash compactor offers a pretty remarkable automatic operation that, upon thoroughly testing, helped in keeping all the spongy trash pressed flat. We used meat casings to test this best trash compactor’s highly rated odor system and were not at all disappointed with the results. That particular trash item was kept inside the unit for over 3 days without producing a foul smell. One element that we didn’t quite appreciate is that our tester had to make use of both her hands to open the door, which might prove to be a tad troublesome when both your hands are full. But you should also know that once you incline this best trash compactor slightly ahead with its leveling feet, the bin will rightfully extend on its own as soon as the door opens. The compaction system works in a flawless manner until you add some wet, messy trash, which causes the unit to function a tad less efficiently. This best trash compactor has reversible doors and quiet working mechanism, two features that you normally don’t find in best free standing trash compactors. Basically, the Electrolux E15TC75HPS is an automated trash reduction machine that knows how to get the job done right.

Krushr-K024-Panel-Required-Compactor
Krushr K024 Panel Required Compactor

Another Krushr model that is selected as one of the best free standing trash compactors on our list is the Krushr K024 Panel Required Compactor. It is comparatively more compact than its counterpart, the Krushr K012. And the design is also shorter and wider than most of the best free standing trash compactors on the market. As far as performance is concerned, this best trash compactor is packed with an energy efficient motor that proved to be extremely powerful in compressing plastic, paper, and food packaging waste. Like any other best free standing trash compactor, this one too is well-equipped with some exceptional features, such as child lock safety, touch button operation, and can crusher. We tested the can crusher feature to determine its efficiency and were quite satisfied with the results. This best trash compactor has four separate compartments, which is great because that way you can divide the garbage based on the different types of materials. Our testers used this feature to their advantage by placing wine bottles in the additional storage drawers and food cans in the large central compartment. And the outcome was pretty neat and marvelous. Despite the many advantages provided by this best trash compactor, we still found the price to be unreasonably higher than the rest. So if you’re willing to shell out that kind of money, then this best trash compactor might be the right choice for you.

Wrapping it up

You should keep in mind that the best trash compactors are machines designed to perform the sole purpose of compaction. So organic waste must not be thrown into the unit; consider using other means of garbage disposal for organic crap. And another important fact to understand is that the best trash compactors are used to form a healthy habit of compressing trash in a very neat, hassle-free, organized, and most importantly, out-of-sight manner. So keeping this mind, we can now safely state that every large garbage bin needs a companion like our best pick, the Broan 15BL Elite Trash Compactor. So if you’re a homeowner who doesn’t want the large wheelie bin to be the center of attention in the kitchen, then this might be an ideal choice for you.