No one enjoys bagging or disposing of their own trash — no matter whether it’s headed to a dumpster or the recycling bin — but a great trash compactor can help you cut the volume of waste you generate down to size. That's why a trash compactor is a luxurious and convenient appliance worth having if you can afford one.
We've compared all the latest options and selected the best freestanding, built-in (under-counter), and convertible trash compactors money can buy. We made sure to include both manual and automatic compactors, the former being models that rely on physical assertion on your part. Automatic models use electricity and powerful motors to condense your trash.
It may seem like a given, but the most important thing to consider when buying a trash compactor is if you have the space for it or not. Since most models are built-in, under-the-counter units, you'll likely need to cut your kitchen cabinets to make room for one — meaning you'll have to sacrifice precious cabinet space.
Be sure to measure and determine how much space you'll need before settling on a model. Our product reviews below list the dimensions of our recommended trash compactors as height by width by depth. Most of our picks are 34 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 24 inches deep.
Besides varying in size, trash compactors also differ in compacting ratios. This figure is a proportion that describes the volume of compacted waste that can be placed in the same storage space occupied by non-compacted waste. Keep in mind that compacted trash bags will be heavier than traditional trash bags! With that being said, most models come with a compaction ratio of 4:1 or 5:1.
Lastly, you need to decide what type of trash compactor you need. While most are built-in, under-the-counter units, you can also buy freestanding compactors on wheels (similar to portable dishwashers). This style oftentimes has a finished top that you can use for additional counter space. Another type of trash compactor called convertible compactors can be installed as freestanding or under-the-counter units, giving homeowners some added flexibility in case they ever want to move the appliance later down the line.
Now, go ahead and make fewer trips to the trash can with these super reliable trash compactors.
Toss your trash into this compactor's large 1.4-cubic-foot interior and watch it get reduced to almost nothing. This compactor has a 4-to-1 compaction ratio and an anti-jamming function, and it even alerts you when the bin is full. Its touch-toe drawer opener lets you conveniently open it hands-free, and you can also open it with its attractive stainless steel exterior handle.
It's a great pick for parents because it uses a lock and key to prevent curious children from using it when they shouldn't.
This attractive-looking stainless steel trash compactor is perfect for the kitchen. It offers a generous capacity that easily holds 13-gallon trash bags, a pedal for hands-free opening, and a soft-close lid.
We like that the trash can has a notch on its backside to hold the trash bag around the rim and prevent it from slipping. This option is strong enough to compress aluminum cans and plastic containers, and its lid pops out for easy cleaning. Household Essentials also sells a smaller-capacity compactor for those who are tight on space.
This super sleek paneled compactor not only flaunts gorgeous modern looks, but it's also extremely effective at keeping odors in check, thanks to its built-in fan and charcoal filter. You'll be able to reduce your trash to a fifth of its original size and leave it in the compactor for as long as you need.
This compactor comes in a stainless steel finish. There's even a “panel-ready” model for attaching your own custom panel to match the rest of your kitchen cabinets.
Dimensions: 34.2 (38 with casters) x 15 x 24.2 inches
Compaction Ratio: 4 to 1
Handle Type: Handless drawer opener
Colors: Silver tread
This portable unit is meant to live in your garage. Keep this wheeled trash compactor in place by stepping on the front casters, which instantly lock it so that it won't rattle around.
An anti-jamming system reverses the compression ram whenever you open the door during operation, so you'll never get stuck in the freezing garage trying to figure out what went wrong.
Other features include a 4-to-1 compaction ratio, a powerful compression force of 2,200 pounds, and a convenient toe-touch open drawer.
Whether you're looking to store it in a utility room or garage, this convertible machine lets you seamlessly switch between freestanding and built-in installations. Plus, it has a convenient toe-touch drawer at the bottom for hands-free access.
The compactor offers a large, 1.4-cubic-foot capacity and automatic anti-jam function that reverses the compression ram for smooth removal of compacted trash. Since it's on wheels, you can move it freely around your kitchen.
This model comes in black or white. Whirlpool sells a similar stainless steel model with a pocket handle, but the stainless steel variant is not a convertible model, and must be built into your cabinets.
This 1.4-cubic-foot built-in compactor features a powerful 1/3-horsepower motor hidden behind a sleek, modern, handle-free frame. Its removable drawer makes it simple to scrub down when needed, and it features an anti-jam mechanism to ensure it remains easy to open.
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 variant for attaching a custom panel to match the rest of your kitchen cabinets.
This modern 1.4-cubic foot compactor was made specifically to exist as one more “cabinet” in your kitchen: It comes panel-ready to perfectly match your kitchen cabinets. This model provides 2,300 pounds of pressure to save you time and keep you from taking out the trash as frequently.
Its concealed controls keep fingerprints to a minimum on its front panel, plus its built-in fan and charcoal filter minimize foul odors. Thanks to the compactor's integrated sensors and robust zinc-coated frame, jams can be kept to a minimum. When the unit is full, it has a convenient side latch so you can remove the bag without lifting it overhead.
Brandon CarteSenior Electronics EditorBrandon Carte has been the technology editor at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been covering the latest gadgets and scouring the internet for the greatest deals; His tech reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com and USA Today.
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