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Your first decision: Do you prefer an automatic (or electric) or manual compactor?
The Spruce
Its also made from stainless steel, which ensures its durable and looks luxe.
We also love how impressively powerful this trash compactor is.
Just how effective is it?
PHOTO: Best Buy
Another feature we like is its odor management.
This compactor comes with a fan and charcoal filter, mitigating any potential smells from the build-up of trash.
We like that the step-on design allows you to toss waste in easily, even with your hands full.
PHOTO: Wayfair
It magnetically attaches to the lid.
Then, you simply detach it and push down with the handle to compress your trash to the bottom.
(As a result, this one fits two bags worth of trash in one, not five.)
PHOTO: The Home Depot
In addition to its easy-to-move design, we also like that this trash compactor has a side tip feature.
Plus, its nicely powerful and effective.
However, we find that it makes up the difference in functionality.
PHOTO: The Home Depot
We also like how feature-filled this versatile trash compactor is.
Plus, it can fit four trash bags worth of waste into one, making it highly effective.
We like the Joseph Joseph Titan Trash Can Compactor in particular thanks to its clever design.
PHOTO: Amazon
The manual compaction rig is stored and folded within the trash can.
It is less powerful than our electric options, but still pretty effective for a manual compactor.
The trash can is soft-closing and step-on, which we appreciate for added cleanliness.
PHOTO: Lowes
Your guests would never guess that behind the beautiful exterior lies a brick of waste.
Still, this stylish trash compactor is practical in equal measure.
It also has an automatic anti-jam function to handle tougher materials.
PHOTO: US Appliance
Like many others, it has a toe pedal opener so its easy to load in waste.
The sound insulation is another bonus, as well as the compactors beautiful design.
Many were selected for their ability to compress several average trash bags into one.
How to Choose a Trash Compactor
Do You Want an Automatic or Manual Trash Compactor?
Automatic models are electric.
They are quite hands-off, as you simply press a button to get it running with the included mechanism.
However, automatic trash compactors do lean more expensive, with prices starting at around $1,000 a pop.
Manual trash compactors arent as powerful; they typically feature a compaction ratio of 2:1 or 3:1.
These are also more likely to be free-standing if you dont need a built-in option.
Built-In or Freestanding: Which Works Best for Your Kitchen?
Built-in trash compactors require installation by a professional or on your own.
Convertible trash compactors offer the best of both worlds.
Or, you’re able to decide to leave it freestanding where you’ll use it most.
A typical capacity for electric compactors is 1.4 cubic feet.
The more capacity a compactor has, the less trips to the curb you have to make.
A compaction ratio refers to how many standard bags of trash can fit into one.
This is the higher end for compaction ratios, while 2:1 is on the lower end.
Simple Care and Maintenance
With trash compactors, certain features can make the applianceeasier to maintain.
For example, anti-jam mechanisms help prevent damage when dealing with tougher waste materials and high volumes.
Others have bag-locking mechanisms (like in theWhirlpool 15 in.
Why Trust The Spruce?
She has been writing for The Spruce since 2021.
We carefully evaluated each trash compactor based on these characteristicsalso checking shopper reviewsbefore landing on the final picks.
