Kitchen trash compactor: The 7 Best Trash Compactors of 2023

This particular model is great for households with children, as it includes a removable key lock. It’s available in stainless steel, black, and white finishes. There’s also a version that can accommodate a custom panel to match the rest of your kitchen cabinets.

Key Specs

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7

Best Custom Option

JennAir TC607X Panel-Ready 15-Inch Trash Compactor

7

Best Custom Option

JennAir TC607X Panel-Ready 15-Inch Trash Compactor

$1,899 at AjMadison

Pros

• Extremely powerful motor
• Has a built-in fan and filter to quash odors
• Controls are hidden

Cons

• Expensive

This modern compactor was made specifically to look like one more “cabinet” in your kitchen: It comes panel-ready, while its concealed controls keep (visible) fingerprints to a minimum. Plus, its built-in fan and charcoal filter minimize foul odors. When the unit is full, it has a convenient side latch so you can remove the bag without lifting it overhead.

Key Specs

Brandon Carte

Senior Electronics Editor

Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he’s been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he’s not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.

7 Best Trash Compactors of 2023, Tested by Experts

We’ve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

1

Best Overall Trash Compactor

KitchenAid Stainless Steel Under-counter Trash Compactor

1

Best Overall Trash Compactor

KitchenAid Stainless Steel Under-counter Trash Compactor

$1,649 at Lowe’s$1,664 at Home Depot

Credit: KitchenAid

Pros

• Has charcoal filter and fan for odors
• Hidden controls for integrated design
• Holds more than others

Cons

• Pricey

The GH Institute Lab experts test KitchenAid appliances all the time, from its dishwashers and refrigerators to stand mixers and blenders, and love the brand for its quality appliances that get the job done. So we’d expect no less from this gorgeous stainless steel-finish trash compactor.

It boasts a compaction ratio of 5 to 1, meaning it reduces trash volume up to 80% and compresses into one bag the amount of trash that would normally fit in five. A fan and charcoal filter help control odors, extra insulation helps reduce noise and a side-release bin and tilt-away basket make for easier emptying. It’s no surprise that, despite its price tag, this beautiful, integrated compactor with its towel-bar handle gets so many glowing online reviews.

Type	Built-in
Compaction ratio	5 to 1
Capacity	1.4 cu. ft.
Width	15 inches
Motor size	1/3 horsepower

2

Best Value Trash Compactor

GE Appliances Built-In Panel Ready Trash Compactor

2

Best Value Trash Compactor

GE Appliances Built-In Panel Ready Trash Compactor

$1,079 at Home Depot$1,543 at Walmart

Credit: GE Appliances

Pros

• Rear wheels make installation easier
• Has a removable on/off knob for safety around children
• Accepts custom cabinetry panels

Cons

• A bit narrower than most

For a totally seamless look, this trash compactor from GE has hidden controls and can accept custom panels to match your existing — or new — cabinetry if you’re installing it during a major kitchen renovation. It’s also available in three standard colors —black, white and stainless steel — should you want it to blend into your current kitchen no matter the aesthetic.

In our experts’ opinions, getting all of these design options at such an affordable price is a great value, even if it is on the narrow side. Like other comparable models, it has a 1/3 horsepower motor, 1.4 cubic feet of capacity and a tilt-out bin for easy unloading. Kudos for its removable drawer for easier cleaning, rear wheels for simpler installation and key lock for added safety. GE dishwashers are always top performers in GH tests, so we feel confident this trash compactor will get the job done.

Type	Built-in
Compaction ratio	4 to 1
Capacity	1.4 cu. ft.
Width	14 3/4 inches
Motor size	1/3 horsepower

3

Best Freestanding Electric Trash Compactor

Gladiator Freestanding Garage Trash Compactor

3

Best Freestanding Electric Trash Compactor

Gladiator Freestanding Garage Trash Compactor

$1,139 at AjMadison

Credit: Gladiator

Pros

• Coordinates with other workroom accessories
• Has locking rubber caster wheels

Cons

• The look isn’t compatible with most kitchens
• Comes only in one color

Those who don’t have space in their kitchen for a trash compactor should consider putting one in the basement or garage. This model has a hammered granite finish with a rugged tread design that coordinates with other garage and workroom organizing accessories. Its flat top even doubles as a work surface or provides added storage. It’s also portable: Locking rubber wheels keep it anchored but also make it easy to move around when needed. You could even move it to a spot like an RV or a boat, if you really want to.

Despite this relative portability, the appliance has a compaction ratio of 4 to 1, making it just as efficient as the majority of other models available. It also has added safety features parents will appreciate. A dial on the outside allows for easy access when your arms are full, but for safety around children, the controls can be locked and the dial removed.

Type	Portable
Compaction ratio	4 to 1
Capacity	1.4 cu. ft.
Width	15 inches
Motor size	1/3 horsepower

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4

Best Manual Trash Compactor

Household Essentials Trash Krusher Trash Can

4

Best Manual Trash Compactor

Household Essentials Trash Krusher Trash Can

$171 at Amazon$171 at Walmart$171 at Wayfair

Credit: Household Essentials

Pros

• Affordable
• Uses regular trash bags
• Has a fingerprint-resistant black stainless steel finish

Cons

• Requires manual crushing of trash

When installing a built-in trash compactor is not an option in your kitchen, a trash can with a manual compacting device can be an alternate solution for managing mounds of trash. Like with most trash cans, this one from Household Essentials has a foot pedal to open the lid and a removable plastic liner. But there’s also a removable “pusher” — held in the lid with magnets — that you pop out to manually crush and compress the trash to fit more inside. Keep in mind that you are doing the work here, so the harder you push, the more it crushes the trash. It can be a bit messy as your arm does go down into the bag and the pusher will likely need wiping before snapping it back in place.

It comes in two sizes and this larger one uses standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bags, which is a less expensive alternative to having to buy special bags.

Type	Manual
Compaction ratio	2 to 1
Capacity	50 liters
Width	14.6 inches
Motor size	N/A

5

Best Panel-Ready Trash Compactor

JennAir 15 in.

1.4 cu. ft. Trash Compactor

5

Best Panel-Ready Trash Compactor

JennAir 15 in. 1.4 cu. ft. Trash Compactor

$1,900 at pcrichard.com

Credit: JennAir

Pros

• Accepts a custom panel for a sleek look
• Hidden controls for integrated design
• Higher compaction ratio than most

Cons

• Pricey

If you’re designing a high-end kitchen and considering a trash compactor, chances are you’ll want a panel-ready option to blend in with the rest of your decor. This one accepts any custom panel, plus has hidden controls for a totally seamless look. Though you’ll pay for this customization, there’s plenty of functionality to further justify the cost. It’s one of the most efficient models on the market, with a compaction ratio of 5 to 1, so you can get by without taking out the trash for even longer.

It’s equipped with all kinds of advanced features, too — sound dampening, a fan and charcoal filter to minimize odors and a special two-point drive system to prevent jams (a common problem with trash compactors).

Type	Built-in
Compaction ratio	5 to 1
Capacity	1.4 cu. ft.
Width	15 inches
Motor size	1/3 horsepower

6

Best Convertible Trash Compactor

Whirlpool Convertible Trash Compactor

6

Best Convertible Trash Compactor

Whirlpool Convertible Trash Compactor

Now 10% Off

$1,078 at AjMadison

Credit: Whirlpool

Pros

• Can be used freestanding or installed
• Comes in black, white and stainless steel
• Has a storage compartment for extra bags

Cons

• Lacks a built-in odor control system

If you are looking for a trash compactor that you want to use right away and maybe build into a kitchen remodel at a later date, this Whirlpool offers a solution. It can be used freestanding right out of the box or installed more permanently into a cabinet.

Its smooth upfront control panel is easy to access and wipe clean. Like others, it has a side-empty bin, toe-touch pedal opening and sound insulation. Rear wheels make repositioning and installation easier, and the front panel can even be upgraded with a trim kit to accommodate a matching cabinet door and decorative handle for a more custom installation.

Type	Convertible
Compaction ratio	4 to 1
Capacity	1.4 cu. ft.
Width	15 inches
Motor size	1/3 horsepower

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7

Best Undercounter Trash Compactor

GE Appliances Stainless Steel Undercounter Trash Compactor

7

Best Undercounter Trash Compactor

GE Appliances Stainless Steel Undercounter Trash Compactor

$1,199 at Lowe’s$1,079 at Home Depot

Credit: GE Appliances

Pros

• Hidden controls
• Comes in white, black and stainless steel
• Has rear wheels for easier installation

Cons

• Lack of a handle may make opening more difficult

Looking for a trash compactor that no one will ever know is a trash compactor? Then this GE model is the one to choose. This sleek, unobtrusive model comes with fronts in stainless steel, white or black to match your kitchen color scheme. The controls are hidden and there’s no handle, so all you do is step on the foot pedal to release the drawer.

But it’s not all about aesthetics. This trash compactor is just as powerful as most other models out there. It has a 4 to 1 compaction ratio and a capacity of 4 cubic feet to limit how often you need to take out the trash. Its side-open, removable drawer makes cleaning inside the compactor easier, too. For added safety, the control knob can be removed to keep the compactor from starting unintentionally. Without a handle, we wish it had a fingerprint-resistant finish, but it doesn’t seem to, unfortunately.

Type	Built-in
Compaction ratio	4 to 1
Capacity	1.4 cu. ft.
Width	14 3/4 inches
Motor size	1/3 horsepower

How we chose the best trash compactors

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our engineers, scientists and product experts test hundreds of kitchen appliances every year, including top dishwashers, gas ranges and French door refrigerators, spending thousands of hours assessing performance, ease of use, quality and efficiency.

Though the GH Cleaning Lab has not gotten hands-on with these specific trash compactor models, they do have years of experience testing hundreds of cleaning appliances like front- and top-loading washing machines and clothes dryers from all the major appliance brands — the very same brands that make built-in and portable trash compactors. To inform their recommendations for the best trash compactors, our experts relied on their firsthand knowledge of the quality of the appliances and kitchen tools they have tested from these brands, and also considered buyer reviews and comments.

What to look for when shopping for a trash compactor.

Automatic trash compactors are offered by only a few major appliance brands so you won’t have unlimited choices when selecting a model — and they all will be similar in size, capacity and horsepower of the motor. Where you will see a difference is around these features:

✔️ Built-in vs. freestanding: If you’re remodeling or building a new home, installing a built-in trash compactor will create the sleekest, most custom look in your space. If you’re just looking to add a trash compactor to your home without any cabinet renovations, consider a freestanding model on wheels that you can tuck into a nearby closet or alcove or in the garage or basement.

✔️ Compaction ratio: This indicates how much the compactor compresses the trash and how much more trash you’ll be able to get into the bag. A ratio of 4-to-1 is pretty standard and 5-to-1 is better, meaning that when compacted, you’ll get four or five times the amount of trash in each bag. The more trash in the bag, though, the heavier it will be to carry out, so decide if the extra compaction is something you can handle. On the other hand, manual compactors that require your muscle to compress the trash have compaction ratios of about 2-to-1, meaning you’ll get twice as much trash in one bag.

✔️ Odor management: If you’re someone who cooks a lot of seafood or anything that has a pungent smell, look for a trash compactor with odor control features. This typically will be in the form of a fan with an activated charcoal filter to help remove any unpleasant smells.

✔️ Sound insulation: If your trash compactor is installed in an open kitchen or area adjoining other gathering spaces in your home, look for one with noise dampening features to minimize the sounds of the motor and crushing glass that some consumers find objectionable.

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What does a trash compactor do?

Trash compactors reduce the number of times you have to take out the trash and change out your trash bag. Unlike regular trash cans, they use force from either a motor — or in the case of manual compactors your arm — to compress the garbage to give you more room in the trash bag. Many automatic ones also have features like odor-reducing fans and charcoal filters to help minimize unpleasant odors in your kitchen, extra insulation to help reduce noise when they are running and control locks for safety in homes with children.

Are trash compactors worth having?

Trash compactors are typically more expensive than traditional trash cans and while installing a built-in model means you don’t have a can taking up kitchen floor space, you do have to give up cabinet space that could be used for other storage. Also, most trash compactors require that you buy and use special bags.

That said, they can help you save money and time by decreasing the number of trash bags you go through and the number of times you have to take out the garbage. If you’re renovating and have the extra space, a trash compactor is worth considering.

What can and can’t go into a trash compactor?

Many types of household and kitchen trash, including most food scraps, paper, wrappings, metal cans and plastic and glass containers can go into a trash compactor. Depending on the regulations in your area, recyclables may need to be compacted separately from other trash for pick-up, but a compactor can still compress them. Always place bulky items in the center and cans and glass bottles on their sides to keep from stalling the ramming mechanism.

Aerosol cans of non-hazardous materials, like shaving or whipped cream can go in, but don’t put any hazardous chemicals or flammable materials, disposable diapers or raw meat into a trash compactor that may create odors or fumes. Also, it’s best to wrap or bag messy or wet trash before tossing it in or lay newspaper on top to help keep the compactor clean. Keep hands away from the compacted trash, especially if it contains shards of broken glass.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

This article was written by Jordan Goldberg, a freelance journalist who specializes in home and lifestyle content.

She worked with Carolyn Forté, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab Executive Director, who has a B.A. in Family & Consumer Sciences from Queens College, City University of New York, and is a consumer products expert. She has been testing, speaking and writing about appliances, textiles, cleaning products and more at Good Housekeeping for more than 40 years. Her experience with cleaning appliances runs deep, regularly testing dishwashers and laundry appliances, visiting appliance manufacturing facilities and working with the industry on the development of appliance testing standards. Carolyn reviewed, edited and contributed to this article.

Jordan Goldberg

Freelance Writer

Jordan Goldberg is a New York City-based freelance writer specializing in beauty, fashion and lifestyle content. In addition to writing for Good Housekeeping, her work has been featured on Well + Good, Architectural Digest and Real Simple.

Carolyn Forté

Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director

Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.

Garbage press compactor, mobile, stationary waste compactor (MSW)

Everyone knows that the problem of waste removal and disposal is now quite acute. Moreover, the difficulty lies often in the storage of accumulated waste. Increasingly, a garbage compactor is used to solve this problem. This greatly simplifies the task of storing waste.

Why compress waste?

Compacted waste is easier to store and takes up less space. Loading and unloading is also greatly simplified. Compacted waste is less flammable. Such garbage smells less. Yes, and rodents will cope with it more difficult. As you can see, the presence of a press in the enterprise eliminates a large number of problems.

Waste compactor: device

The most common option is the compactor. It consists of two parts: storage hopper and press. The parts are connected using simple mechanical elements. This allows, if necessary, to quickly dismantle the device for transfer to another location.

Compaction ratios can range from 1:3 to 1:8. It all depends on the features of the press itself, as well as its settings. The pressing process is as follows. A certain amount of garbage is fed into the hopper, which is crushed by a press sheet. Then another batch is added. The process is repeated until the hopper is completely filled. The resulting briquette is removed from the press.

Types of presses

These presses also differ in size and compactness. Here they can be divided into:

• stationary compactor;
• mobile compactor.

The latter can be transported. They are small and relatively easy to install. Stationary solid waste compactors are larger and are installed at waste processing plants. Such presses are capable of processing large volumes of waste.

Garbage can be loaded manually on mobile presses or mechanized on stationary ones. Most often, waste is fed into the bunker using special sleeves. In some cases, loading can be carried out in other ways.

Such presses are gaining popularity today. They are easy to service. There are practically no problems during installation and operation.

Household trash compactor

Households also accumulate rubbish all the time. There are many different types of waste disposal equipment on the market today.

Briquetting presses are the most popular option for the home. They can be hydraulic or mechanical. The choice depends on the amount of accumulated garbage, as well as your financial capabilities. Presses with hydraulic drive are more convenient to use, but they are noticeably more expensive. Mechanical ones are cheaper, but the operation is more complicated. Usually these are purchased with a lack of finances or for a small family.

There are also baling presses. They tamp the garbage in the bag. In fact, they are a container with a special mechanism. A package is installed in the container, garbage gets into it, which is periodically rammed by a press. This method can significantly reduce the consumption of garbage bags.

Features of domestic waste presses

They should be built into the kitchen furniture and at least not conspicuous. Often used options with vertical loading. They fit perfectly behind the sink and do not take up space. There are also options with horizontal loading. In some cases, waste shredders are installed.

Almost all major manufacturers of household appliances produce similar presses. It is optimal to install similar equipment manufactured by the same company as your other kitchen appliances.

See also:

• How to choose a food waste disposer for your sink?
• 5 main environmental problems in Moscow
• Polypropylene and polyethylene construction debris bags: which is better?

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