We live in a time when trash and litter are one of the biggest problems we face as humankind, with municipal dumps and landfills taking more and more space every day. Resolving this problem requires a lot of changes to be made in the whole system, but also how the households manage their trash.
Almost always, the issue with junk is that it takes a lot of space to dispose of. That bottle of Coke you just drank, still takes the same amount of space even though it is devoid of any fluid in it. Luckily, there are products called trash compactors that can compress the bottle to almost four times its original size.
These inexpensive products are not just viewed as a big part of the solution for our trash problem, but they might also make your life easier. Most importantly, you will empty your garbage much less frequently with a trash compactor. For example, if you do that every day, now you might do it every third day. Big difference, isn’t it?
Then, it cuts down on costs for garbage removal, be it by the homeowner association or the city you live in. Compactors are also great for our environment, as they produce more compact trash, and encourage recycling. For example, plastic bottles or aluminum cans occupy a lot of space when empty, but a lot less when compressed with a compactor. You can really compile a lot of plastic or can trash before giving it to the recycling companies, something that also saves a lot of time and effort.
It is clear that trash compactors are helpful in many ways, but there are still differences between them. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best 5 trash compactors, and we will also answer some frequently asked questions.
Top 5 Trash Compactors 2019
• Kenmore 14733 Elite
This trash compactor is priced as a budget option, but it still offers outstanding value for money. First of all, it compresses the trash by a ratio of 5 to 1, which is the best you can get from a product in this price range. It is also very easy to use, thanks to the toe bar drawer opener and has a massive 1.4 cubic foot capacity. The interior is constructed from welded steel and zinc coating, which should prevent misalignment. The Kenmore 14733 Elite is also very quiet in its operation and doesn’t produce a lot of vibration. It comes with a 1-year warranty, which seems on the small side, but given the high-quality materials used inside, we reckon it will be good for a decade of carefree operation.
• Whirlpool GC900QPPB
Whirlpool is a well-known appliance company that produces high-quality products with high-tech solutions. The GC900QPPB trash compactor is perhaps the best in their portfolio because it offers excellent efficiency and is made of good materials. The most important thing is that it is able to compress the trash by a ratio of 4 to 1, which makes it among the best household compactors. It is also very user-friendly thanks to the computerized command console, and on top of that, it has a lovely design. The only thing that irks is that it doesn’t come with trash bags from the beginning, but you can purchase them right away. Oh, and the warranty is only 1-year long, but being a Whirlpool product, it should last a decade without any major issue.
• KitchenAid TKUCS03FTBL
KitchenAid is another staple in the American home due to its constant improvement from generation to generation, well-designed products, and high-tech solutions. The TKUCS03FTBL is their best trash compactor that is designed to be both stylish and efficient. It also comes with a 1-year warranty as to the Whirlpool, but it should still provide years of carefree operation. The advantages of this KitchenAid trash compactor are the outstanding odor control system and Whisper Quiet Plus system, both of which provide a more luxurious experience. It also compresses the trash in a 5 to 1 ratio, which is impressive. That said, it is a bit more expensive, but if you want a high-quality solution that will be both quiet and odorless, this is the one.
• Gladiator GACP15XXMG
Until now, all of the trash compactors on this list are stationary and integrated into the kitchen, while this one is portable. Despite that, it still offers excellent compressing ration of 4 to 1, and it is made of hammered granite finish that not only long-lasting, but it also gives a rugged look to the whole machine. The touch-toe drawer operation makes it easy to use, while the automatic anti-jam makes it reliable, even with a challenging load. That said you’ll need to pay extra for the portability – it is more expensive than stationary compactors with 4 to 1 compress ratio.
Until now, all of the trash compactors on this list are stationary and integrated into the kitchen, while this one is portable. Despite that, it still offers excellent compressing ration of 4 to 1, and it is made of hammered granite finish that not only long-lasting, but it also gives a rugged look to the whole machine. The touch-toe drawer operation makes it easy to use, while the automatic anti-jam makes it reliable, even with a challenging load. That said you’ll need to pay extra for the portability – it is more expensive than stationary compactors with 4 to 1 compress ratio.
• Household Essentials Trash Krusher Manual Trash Compactor
The Gladiator GACP15XXMG may be portable, but it still uses electricity for compressing the trash. The Household Essentials trash compactor, on the other hand, is not only portable, but it can be operated only using your hand. This means that it is a much greener solution than all of its competitors, but also that it is not as easy to use. With this product, you use your hands and body weight to compress the trash, something that most people will find limiting. Still, the price is much lower than electric trash compactors, and due to its simple construction, the Household Essentials should be cheaper to repair and last longer.
FAQ
Can I Put Glass in My Trash Compactor?
Some models can compress glass, so be sure to check that the compactor you’re interested in can do that before buying. Also, it is recommended to put the glass in the middle of the trash, as it can tear the bags inside.
Do Trash Compactors Smell?
Given the fact that trash compactors are fully enclosed, they have a minimal odor, especially when compared to classic trash cans.
Conclusion
A high-quality trash compactor will not only improve the way you live but also our whole environment. Just be sure that you choose one that suits your needs the most and you’re good to go. The Top 5 list provided in this article is certainly a great way to start, as it contains the three most popular types of trash compactors, all of which should serve you in the years to come.