Trash Compactors
While cooking and eating are both enjoyable for most people, throwing out trash may not be especially when they start smelling under the closets or inside garbage bins. Another least favorite chore of most households is routinely lugging the garbage down to the driveway every morning for the garbage people to pick up. Well, one this is certain, garbage will always smell but probably you can lug garbage less frequently when you have a trash compactor.
For a price of around $400-$600, trash compactors do only one task – they crush garbage into a flat mass. As a result, you add a few more days before trash compactor bags become full, which is the time you lug it to the driveway.
Most trash compactors are powered using a motor, which when switched on, forces a gear-like system to lower a steel ram. The steel ram pushes garbage into a metal basket where it is then crushed. Trash compactors can reduce garbage volume by as much as 75%.
A kitchen trash compactor can contain just about any household trash except for any flammable and explosive items, aerosol cans, oily rags, or anything poisonous, which can either cause the compactor to explode or fail to function. Bottles may be crushed in trash compactors, but you must wear gloves when handling the garbage bag afterwards as splinters can poke through it.
Whether you find trash compactors as purely a necessity or not, these machines are manufactured in sleek designs and as freestanding compactor, under-the-counter compactor, convertible compactor, and manual or portable trash compactor.
Freestanding trash compactors, with finished tops, can be good additions to your pantry or garage, and can serve as extra counter space where to place non-breakable items. Under-the-counter compactors have designs that fit in between cabinets. Their tops are not polished but trim kits can be purchased separately in designs that match to your kitchen. Convertible trash compactors, as the name suggests, can be installed as an under-the-counter or freestanding unit to make it appear inconspicuous. Meanwhile, the manual trash compactor, also called portable trash compactor, is the quietest and most inexpensive compactor among the four. They solve your camping trash, and perfect to use on yachts, RVs, and in other mobile operations. According to consumer reviews, the latter is not ideal for home use due to power insufficiency that may be unable to crush heavy perishable items.
Important Compactor Features
Trash compactors have almost similar features, and usually vary in compacting force and size. Common features of compactors include 1/3 HP motor, 1.4 cu. ft. capacity, removable key knob control, anti-jam system and tilt sensors, toe bar drawer opener, bag caddy-use paper or plastic bags, a built-in compartment containing air freshener or charcoal filter, noise insulation, rollers at the rear for ease of installation, tilt away trash basket, an on/off switch, and compacting ram force (at 2000, 2300, or 5000 pounds).
Is There Enough Room For The Compactor?
As mentioned, trash compactors come in varying sizes. To make sure one fits the space you intend it for, be sure to take the dimensions of the available space that should include the trim kit, in case you prefer to install the under-the-counter compactor. Compactor sizes range from 12" to 15" in width, 34 1/8" to 35" high, and 24" to 24 ¼" in depth.
Full standard trash compactor bags can weigh as much as 50 lbs. Thus, always carry the full bag by the neck (or use a bag caddy) and dray it away from your body.
Major Manufacturers
Broan trash compactor and Whirlpool trash compactor are two of the leading brands this machine. You can also look for information on GE compactors, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, and Viking.
Trash compactors are not very popular in many countries, and may not be available at all. You may be able to find use for them or not, but these machines can significantly add to your energy consumption and expenses. Nonetheless as they say, if you can afford them, then why not?