When it comes to dealing with waste, the garbage compactor is an appliance that has been around for a while, but has yet to reach its full potential in modern kitchens. Despite being offered by almost every appliance manufacturer, the average lifespan of a non-professional trash compactor is between 7 and 12 years. This is mainly due to improper use or lack of maintenance. However, with proper care, some models have been known to last up to 11 years.
Whether it's headed to the landfill or the recycling bin, disposing of garbage is a task that no one enjoys. But a garbage compactor can help compress waste, meaning you won't have to take it out as often. It's a luxury item, but it's practical and worth investing in if you can afford it. Garbage disposal is an unavoidable part of life in any household; even the most eco-friendly homes generate waste.
Many people opt for a garbage compactor to make removing all trash easier. It's essentially a garbage can on steroids. Free-standing models are ideal for homeowners who have finished kitchens, as they don't require any modifications. The shredding mechanism then compresses the garbage in the compactor until it's a fraction of its original size.
As the appliance ages, it may be possible to replace it with a new unit. Most trash compactors on the market are designed to fit inside conventional kitchen cabinets. A KitchenAid trash compactor offers the same kind of reliable performance as their dishwashers. It's also important to control odors, as trash will stay in the kitchen longer than uncompacted trash. Using a garbage compactor is simple: just put your garbage in the bin and when it starts to overflow, close the container and turn on the compactor.
Installing a trash compactor for sinks is relatively straightforward, but requires some basic knowledge of plumbing and electrical circuits. You'll also need an electrical outlet behind the cabinets to plug in the garbage compactor if you opt for an integrated model. The latest models of garbage compactors come with additional safety features, such as an alarm that will sound if there's a malfunction or if the container is improperly packed. To avoid this problem, place cans flat on the bottom of the container so that the compactor can compress them without any residual liquid splashing into the compactor. Garbage compactors are especially useful if you live in an area without sidewalk garbage collection and need to take your trash to a municipal landfill. You'll reduce your trash by up to one-fifth of its original size and keep it in the compactor for much longer than in a standard container. Another great feature offered by garbage compactors is their ability to crush soda cans, storage boxes and reusable plastics for easy transport to recycling facilities.
