Reduce Waste and Expenses with a Trash Compactor for your Home

There’s really no way to truly hide the nasty trash bin in your home. Sure, you can put it under the sink or hide it in a pantry, but once it starts to stink, or every time you open the pantry, there it is for the world to see. Trash compactors turn your waste receptacle into an elegant appliance that matches your kitchen decor. But looking great isn’t the only benefit to owning a trash compactor. They also help reduce waste, saving you money and helping the environment.

By compacting your trash — some trash compactors condense five bags worth of trash into one — you eliminate the amount of garbage bags you need to use, which saves you money, and reduces the amount of plastic that makes it out into landfills, helping the environment. It also reduces the number of trips you need to make to the outside trash can, which is just plain convenient if nothing else. And if you live in an area that charges trash as a service by volume, the reduction in waste will help you save money in those situations as well.

We know there’s a premium on kitchen space, and a built-in model might not be feasible. But thanks to freestanding and convertible garbage compactors, you now have more flexibility for placing this handy appliance in your home. There are even models that are built to work outside. With an initial investment, you can save yourself a lot of coin, and help mother Earth in the long run.

Below are our recommendations for the best trash compactors to buy right now.

1. KitchenAid 15 Inch Built-In Trash Compactor

BEST OVERALL

With the KitchenAid Trash Compactor, you can fit up to five bags worth of garbage into one. By reducing your trash volume up to 80%, you reduce the number of trips to the outside trash bin, while also saving money on garbage bags. And with a charcoal filter to contain odors, you don’t have to worry about your house getting smelly, even though you aren’t taking the trash out as much. This quiet trash compactor is pricey, but exceptional at reducing the volume of waste.

2. Whirlpool 15 Inch Built-in Trash Compactor

RUNNER UP

Compacting your trash down to a 4:1 ratio — you’ll be able to fit four bags worth of garbage into one — this trash compactor falls just behind the KitchenAid in terms of waste reduction. But convenient features like the toe-touch pedal to open the trash compactor when your hands are full, and the great looking brush-metal finish, more than make up for it. You’ll also save about $250 going with this option. Not a bad compromise considering the amount of money you’ll save.

3. Household Essentials TK10XL

BEST GARBAGE CAN TRASH COMPACTOR

You can have a trash compactor for well under $1000, even if your kitchen is small thanks to the Household Essentials TK10XL. It holds up to 13 gallons of trash and can fill about two bags worth of trash into a single load with the compacting feature. Yes, you will need to manually compact the trash, but the handle crushing device makes it convenient and keeps your hands clean. Avoid all the hassle of installation and save money with this garbage can trash compactor.

4. Whirlpool 15 Inch Convertible Trash Compactor

BEST CONVERTIBLE

Available in black, white or stainless steel, this convertible trash compactor can match a variety of kitchen styles, and can also be built into your cabinets or remain freestanding, depending on your kitchen layout. There’s a convenient toe-touch drawer to open the compactor when your hands are tied, as well as a safety key that can be removed and stored to keep the kiddos out. At just over $1,000, the price is right, too.

5. GE 15 Inch Built-in Trash Compactor

BUDGET BUILT-IN

There aren’t many differences between the GE Built-in Trash Compactor and the Whirlpool convertible model. They have the same compacting ration, motor horsepower, safety features and toe-touch drawer. Of course, GE is a built-in model while the convertible Whirlpool can also be freestanding. The other difference is a price tag that’s $200 cheaper. If you’re looking for a built-in model, and you want to save a chunk of change, the GE trash compactor is a fantastic option.

6. Gladiator 15 Inch Freestanding Trash Compactor

BEST FREESTANDING TRASH COMPACTOR

Save that valuable kitchen space and put the Gladiator Freestanding Trash Compactor in your garage. Don’t worry, it was built to be there. With heavy-duty construction, 4:1 trash reduction ratio and 2,200 pounds worth of compression force, there’s really no recycling or trash compacting task it can’t handle. It has swiveling rear casters and locking front casters so you can easily move and place it where you want, as well as a removable key to keep your kids safe.

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