The Best Trash Compactors on the Market in 2022

Trash compactors are the perfect solution for homeowners looking to reduce their household waste. And with so many different options on the market, deciding which one is best for you can be a daunting task. That is if you are unfamiliar with what you should be looking for.

That’s why Atlanta Appliance shares with you the top 6 trash compactors that will transform your weekly trash trip into a monthly chore. Plus, we walk you through everything you need to know when finally deciding which model you will purchase. 

Read on to discover what today’s trash compactors have to offer and what you’ll need to consider when shopping for your ideal unit.

1 | KitchenAid 15 in. Built-In Trash Compactors

Although it costs a pretty penny, you won’t be disappointed with this incredible model. Unlike any other trash compactor, this KitchenAid unit reduces your household waste by 80%. Its high-powered motor is the top in today’s market.

Plus, the appliance’s design is sleek and seamless, making it a luxurious option for those willing to pay the extra cash.

Price: About $1,800

Compression Ratio: 5-to-1

Finish Options: Silver stainless steel and panel-ready

Special Features: 

• Noise-reduction technology
• Odor management system with fan and charcoal filter
• 1/3 Horsepower motor

2 | Whirlpool 15-Inch Undercounter Trash Compactor

Reduce trash volume by 75% with the Whirlpool Undercounter unit. Recognized by many as one of the best trash compactors for its price, you can’t go wrong with this model. That is if you have the budget for it.

You can expect to spend at least $1,000 on this product. However, with various features, Whirlpool truly checks every box, making it ideal for those looking for one of the best trash compactors on the market.

Price: About $1,350

Compression Ratio: 4-to-1

Finish Options: stainless steel

Special Features: 

• 1/3 horsepower motor
• Capacity of 10.5 gallons
• Anti-jam technology
• Easy-to-empty drawer
• Hand-free foot pedal

3 | GE 15-Inch Built-In Trash Compactor

This GE trash compactor is one of the most flexible in design. Compared to the one or two options offered by other trash compactors, this model allows you to choose from four different finishes, including panel-ready, for seamless integration into your kitchen.

Not to mention, the unit reduces household waste by 75%, making it competitive with pricier models.

Price: About $1,100

Compression Ratio: 4-to-1

Finish Options: White, black, stainless steel, and panel-ready

Special Features: 

• 10.5-gallon storage capacity
• Removable drawer
• Rear wheels
• Foot pedal for hands-free use

4 | Joseph Joseph Intelligent Waste Titan Trash Can Compactors

This affordable model is hand-operated and reduces 66% of household trash. Automatic trash compactors can be pretty expensive due to high-powered motors and other technologies. The Joseph Joseph trash compactor offers similar hassle-free features while keeping the price low with manual operation.

It makes for the perfect option for those on a tight budget and in limited space, like a small home or apartment.

Price: About $175

Compression Ratio: 3-to-1

Finish Options: Stainless steel

Special Features: 

• Odor control
• Strong custom liners
• Holds up to 16 gallons of trash
• Foot pedal for hands-free use

5 | Whirlpool 15-Inch Convertible Trash Compactors

Whirlpool never fails to impress, and this trash compactor is no exception.

This innovative model allows for under-the-counter installation just as well as freestanding. Its convertible design makes the switch easy, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who plan to redesign their kitchen in the future.

Price: About $1,150

Compression Ratio: 4-to-1

Finish Options: White and black

Special Features: 

• Foot pedal for hands-free use
• Capacity of 10.5 gallons
• Touch controls
• Noise-reduction technology
• Anti-jam technology

6 | Household Essentials TK10XL-1 Trash Krusher

Easy to use and highly affordable, the Trash Krusher is a great option for homeowners looking for the ultimate deal. Although it’s a manual model, this trash compactor offers many of the same convenient features as its motor-powered counterparts. It only reduces waste by 50%. However, the price makes up for the less impressive impact.

Price: About $150

Compression Ratio: 2-to-1

Finish Options: Brushed stainless steel

Special Features: 

• Fingerprint-resistant
• Soft-touch foot pedal
• Slow-closing lid

How to Pick the Right Trash Compactor for Your Home

Now that you know what the top trash compactors have to offer, it is time to determine what you need and want for your own. And when it comes to these unique appliances, much of your decision will be based purely on preference.

In the following paragraphs, we walk you through all the essential considerations to keep in mind while shopping for your brand-new trash compactor.

Considering the Cost

Trash compactors range in price significantly. For some units, you may only need to pay less than $200. Yet, for others, you’ll need to shell out over $1,000. So, it is essential to consider what you are willing to spend on a trash compactor before beginning your search.

Whether you are looking for a deal or a long-term investment, you’ll have no trouble finding a trash compactor that fits your unique budget.

Automatic or Manual?

If you’re hunting for a trash compactor on a tight budget, a manual unit may be the right choice for you. These trash compactors are hand-operated, however, most products require only a little elbow grease to compress the waste. They are designed without a motor to cut costs yet still prioritize ease of use by making the task of manually crushing trash almost effortless.

On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending a little extra cash, consider purchasing an automatic unit. Using a high-powered motor, these trash compactors typically reduce household waste more significantly than their manual counterparts. Plus, several models come equipped with noise-reduction technology, making the compression practically silent.

Choosing the Right Finish

Many models come with multiple finish options, allowing you to match your choice with the rest of your kitchen’s design. In general, trash compactors can be white, black, stainless steel, and panel-ready. Although, some units offer more unique options like fingerprint-resistant brushed stainless steel or durable hammered granite.

You’ll want to find a model that comes in a finish that will match the rest of your home’s appliances. For example, if most of your appliances are black, you’ll want to select a trash compactor that has a black finish choice.

How Important is Compression Ratio?

The compression ratio describes the reduction in volume that the unit offers. Some trash compactors have a lower compression ratio, like many manual models. For example, a 2-to-1 ratio is lower than what other units provide.

The top compression ratio on the market is 5-to-1. In other words, the model compresses the volume of trash from five gallons to one gallon.

The importance of a trash compactor’s compression ratio will solely depend on your needs and wants. The higher the ratio, the fewer trips you’ll take to the dumpster or curb. So, take some time to determine what ratio is necessary to attain your household trash reduction goals.

Atlanta Appliance Repair Installs Trash Compactors

Atlanta Appliance Services is pleased to offer a wide range of appliance repair services, including new appliance installation. Our experienced team can handle most modern appliances and are familiar with the current brands and trends. 

Because the last thing you want is your brand-new trash compactor to be incorrectly installed and cause problems. Plus, our team double-checks everything to ensure the machine is working correctly before calling the job complete.

Reach out to Atlanta Appliance to install your trash compactor- or any other appliance– today.