Trash Compactor & Food Disposer Buying Guide
Understanding Popular Trash Compactors
Whose turn is it to take out the garbage? A question often asked without volunteers. So why not cut down on the trips to the curb (and a little aggravation) by installing a trash compactor or garbage disposal? You'll be saving your own energy and the environment by reducing the amount of waste your household sends to the landfill each week.
Compactors range in width from 12” – 15”, height from 34 1/8” – 35”, and depth from 24” – 25”. Motor sizes vary from 1/3, ½, to ¾ horsepower. The unit will require a 120-volt outlet.
There will always be garbage, but it doesn’t need to be kept in an ugly can, overflowing or smelly. A Trash Compactor condenses garbage by using compacting ram force. Depending on the model, the ram force ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 lbs., reducing trash volume by up to 80%. A 1.4 cu ft. capacity compactor with a 1/3 horsepower motor generally produces a 5:1 compaction ratio – five 13-gallon bags of trash are reduced to one bag. That’s a lot less garbage, and since most compactors come with odor-eliminating systems, the air will be kept fresh too.
Built-in Compactors
Installed between existing cabinets and are available in different finishes for an integrated, upscale appearance. This option is also a space saver for small kitchens.
Food Disposal Types
Food Disposals have two major benefits. First, it makes your life a little easier since you can wipe food scraps down the drain. Secondly, it’s Eco-Friendly as the food you place in the sink drain opening falls into the grinding mechanism, where it is shredded into fine particles that are washed away with water - no trash bag needed.
There are two types of Disposals – differentiated by how you turn them on.
Batch Feed Disposals
Continuous Feed Disposals
Horsepower for Performance
- 1/3 horsepower – occasional user, soft waste, apartment, or small family
- 1/2 horsepower – moderate user, most leftovers, the typical home
- 3/4 to 1 horsepower – heavy user, difficult foods like bones, potato peeks, large family
High horsepower motors are less likely to jam and are quieter when running. These larger units will also take up more space below the sink, so make sure you have the room needed for installation. All disposals must be hard-wired or plugged into a 120-volt outlet with a 3’ – 6’ power cord. They are connected to a drain pipe. Multiple disposal units can also be connected directly to your dishwasher to dispose of that waste as well.
Look for a stainless steel grind chamber and components for lasting durability.
