The 8 Best Trash Compactors of 2023

Best Overall

Jenn-Air Panel-Ready 15 in. Trash Compactor

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For high-end kitchens, choose a trash compactor that will seamlessly blend in while efficiently reducing trash volume. Our choice is the Jenn-Air TC607X. This panel-ready trash compactor is designed to be finished with a custom panel that matches your cabinetry and has concealed controls to further enhance the built-in look. It costs more than most trash compactors on the market at nearly $2,000, but it’s worth the splurge if you want a powerful compactor that reduces waste volume without sticking out.

The Jenn-Air Panel-Ready Trash Compactor is equipped with the most advanced features, like a solid pack function that achieves up to a 5:1 compacting ratio and sound dampening to ensure that the operation of the compactor isn’t a nuisance. In addition to reducing noise, this built-in trash compactor cuts back on odors by means of a fan and charcoal filter. Fully depressing the toe bar opens the 1.4-cubic-foot compactor drawer while a light tap with your foot starts the compactor. Once full, release the side latch of the compactor drawer to remove the bag—rather than pulling it up and out, which can lead to the bag ripping or tearing.

Keep in mind that the Jenn-Air TC607X is only available as a panel-ready model, which may limit its appeal for shoppers looking for a black, white, or stainless steel trash compactor. Still, it has power and capacity on its side, earning it a spot as best overall. 

Price at time of publish: $1,899

_{Dimensions: 24 x 15 x 34.125 inches | Trash Capacity: 1.4 cubic feet | Compacting Force: Not listed | Finish Material: Panel-ready}

Best Manual

Household Essentials Trash Krusher Manual Trash Compactor

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A manual trash compactor like the sleek Trash Krusher from Household Essentials gives you the ability to decrease the volume of your trash without the need to buy a pricey or built-in motorized trash compactor. We love that this model uses standard kitchen garbage bags and has the same capacity as most other trash compactors on the market—at 1.4 cubic feet. There are no special bags to buy or installation requirements to stress about. The Trash Krusher is as easy to set up as a typical kitchen garbage can. 

This freestanding trash compactor looks and functions similarly to a standard foot-pedal trash can, but the lid contains an insert that serves as a trash tamper. Grasp the handle, push down, and crush the trash in the bag below. Then, snap the tamper back into the place. The tamper can require a firm pull to secure it back into place or else it falls into the trash below. The soft close lid is a user-friendly touch, but sometimes the closing mechanism fails, resulting in the lid slamming shut. Luckily, Household Essentials backs the Trash Krusher Manual Compactor with a 10-year warranty, so as long as you retain your proof of purchase, many of these functional failures can be remedied under the warranty. 

Price at time of publish: $175

_{Dimensions: 26 x 16 x 13 inches | Trash Capacity: 1.4 cubic feet | Compacting Force: Not applicable | Finish Material: Stainless steel}

Best Budget

GE UCG1500NBB 15 in. Built-In Trash Compactor

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This built-in trash compactor from GE is priced more affordably than most other motorized options, but delivers similar results. It has a 1/3 horsepower motor that exerts 2,300 pounds of force to eliminate air and reduce volume from waste. Hidden controls keep the look of this undercounter trash compactor clean and simple, and a foot pedal provides easy access to the 1.4-cubic-foot compactor can and the control panel. 

The GE UCG1500NBB trash compactor costs just over $1,000. It reduces the volume of household trash by up to 75 percent, but it should be noted that it doesn’t have a solid pack feature, which keeps the compactor ram in place for maximum compression. Still, it offers a 4:1 compaction ratio that is on par with most household trash compactors. You can count on using fewer trash bags, although the manufacturer recommends you use heavy-duty bags that are specially designed for use with 15-inch trash compactors.

This model is constructed of heavy duty steel and finished in black, white, or stainless steel. Alternatively, you can order a panel-ready version if you want a more custom look for the front of your trash compactor. 

Price at time of publish: $1,199

_{Dimensions: 35 x 14.875 x 24 inches | Trash Capacity: 1.4 cubic feet | Compacting Force: 2,300 pounds | Finish Material: Black, white, stainless steel, panel-ready}

Best Amenities

KitchenAid 15-Inch Built-In Trash Compactor

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The KitchenAid KTTS505ESS 15-in. Built-in Trash Compactor is a solid option for most households. For one, this appliance is fully loaded. It boasts an impressive 5:1 compaction ratio, which is like reducing the contents of five trash bags into a single bag! Wow! It’s able to compress your trash by up to 80 percent using KitchenAid’s Solid Pack Control, which keeps the ram used for compaction in a downward position—preventing waste from springing back up. This model is also equipped with sound-dampening technology to keep noticeable noise to a minimum.

The KitchenAid KTTS505ESS trash compactor can hold up to 1.4 cubic feet of trash before it needs to be emptied. Even with compacted trash in the bin, odor reduction features like a fan and charcoal filter keep smells under control. In short, it minimizes the volume of your trash, along with the stench that may be associated with using a conventional trash can. You will, however, hear some operational noise from the fan, but that's a small price to pay for just a few seconds of noise.

This popular model of trash compactor is intended for built-in installation. It fits underneath your countertop with a hidden control panel for a seamless look and a foot pedal for controlling most functions. The addition of a pull handle is largely aesthetic, which may be confusing but is a small quirk to overcome. The KitchenAid KTTS505ESS is only available in a stainless steel finish, which works in many modern kitchens but may not be the best match if you have existing black or white appliances. Alternatively, you can pick the panel-ready version if you want a trash compactor with a custom look to match the appearance of your existing cabinets.

Price at time of publish: $1,665

_{Dimensions: 34.13 x 15 x 24 inches | Trash Capacity: 1.4 cubic feet | Compacting Force: Not listed | Finish Material: Stainless steel}

Best Freestanding

Whirlpool GC900QPPB Convertible Trash Compactor

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The Whirlpool Convertible Trash Compactor can be used as a freestanding trash compactor in your kitchen or garage, without the need for permanent installation. This model looks and functions like most undercounter trash compactors, but it has a finished top and the option to use it in any location that is accessible to an outlet. 

This Whirlpool mode offers a 4:1 compacting ratio, although it doesn’t have a solid pack function like some advanced trash compactors. Noise from the compacting ram is inevitable, but this freestanding model does include sound-dampening technology to minimize the noise level of the compactor. 

Touchpad controls activate the compactor and are easy to use, but a hidden key control knob also safeguards the compactor against accidental operation by a child. Fans of a sleek, built-in appearance might wish for a hidden control panel, but that feature is hard to find on freestanding trash compactors. If you can overlook the visibility of the controls, you’ll find that the touchpad is fast and simple to wipe clean, because it doesn’t have any switches or dials to become soiled and dirty. You can pick between black, white, and stainless steel finishes, so you can match it with the rest of your kitchen appliances.

Price at time of publish: $1,199

_{Dimensions: 34.19 x 15 x 24.38 inches | Trash Capacity: 1.4 cubic feet | Compacting Force: Not listed | Finish Material: Black, White, Stainless steel}

Best for Garages

Gladiator 15-Inch Freestanding Trash Compactor

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The Gladiator GACP15XXMG is designed with durability in mind and makes an ideal pick as a trash compactor for garages. While kitchen trash compactors typically prioritize a sleek appearance and quiet operation, this model from Gladiator is right at home in garages, workshops, or other similar settings. It has a diamond-plate wrap to reduce dents and dings, while giving the compactor an industrial-look that is appropriate for a garage or working environment. A toe-touch bar opens the 1.4-cubic-foot compactor bin and makes it easy to dispose of trash or shop supplies, even when your hands are full. The controls to run the compactor are simple and straightforward by using the removable key knob, but there isn’t a control pad with buttons like you’ll find on most household trash compactors.

One advantage of this freestanding trash compactor is its heavy-duty rubber caster wheels. Four swiveling wheels give you the ability to easily move and reposition the compactor as needed; locking mechanisms on the front two wheels keep the unit stationary. Otherwise, this trash compactor functions in much the same way as a kitchen trash compactor. It uses a 1/3 horsepower motor to power a compaction ram that exerts 2,200 pounds of force. While other models of trash compactors have more powerful ratings for compacting force (2,300 to 2,500 pounds is typical), the difference is not significant enough to overlook the Gladiator GACP15XXMG. 

Price at time of publish: $1,078

_{Dimensions: 38 x 15 x 24 inches | Trash Capacity: 1.4 cubic feet | Compacting Force: 2,200 pounds | Finish Material: Diamond-plate} 

Best Compact

Joseph Joseph Titan Trash Can Compactor

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This manual model from Joseph Joseph may be known as the Titan for its sturdy design, but its small dimensions make it our choice for the best compact trash compactor. It measures only 12 inches wide and 13.5 inches deep and stands 27 inches tall. It has a 5-gallon capacity, although using the manual compactor means you can pack more waste into the bin. The manual compactor has about a 3:1 compacting ratio according to the manufacturer, but this will depend on the type of materials you fill the bin with, and how much force you exert on the compactor. Keep in mind that large items, like a pizza box, may not fit inside this small trash compactor because of its limited width.  

One unique feature of this compact model is the design of its manual compactor paddle—it never comes in contact with your trash. Instead, the compactor paddle pushes down the garbage bag to eliminate air gaps and reduce trash to a smaller size. The benefit of this design is the fact that you never end up with a dirty compactor paddle that needs to be cleaned. One drawback is that the compactor sometimes pulls the bag out from the grips designed to hold it in place, especially if you don’t use the Joseph Joseph brand of trash bags made for the Titan Trash Can Compactor. 

The compact dimensions of the Joseph Joseph Titan Trash Can Compactor make it a great pick for apartment dwellers, full-time RVers, or anyone with a small kitchen. Fit it underneath your sink, in a utility closet, or in any other nook of your kitchen or garage. Aside from not taking up too much space, we recommend this as the best small trash compactor for its attractive appearance. It has a stainless steel finish and modern design that won’t make it an eyesore. 

Price at time of publish: $127

_{Dimensions: 27 x 12 x 13.5 inches | Trash Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet | Compacting Force: Not applicable | Finish Material: Stainless steel}