A trash compactor was one of those things we inherited when we moved last summer, and one of those things we thought we'd get rid of when we remodeled the kitchen. But after a year of using the compactor, it's hard to imagine life without it.
We reduced our weekly trash output to one bag. We don't have a smelly, perpetually overflowing trash bin sitting in the kitchen. Best of all, we've finally found a trash receptacle that our 11-year-old beagle can't raid when no one's looking.
Our 10-year-old appliance still works well. But if we were looking for a new compactor, we'd start with Broan's new 15" XE automatic compactors. The model shown features a stainless door, the most popular appliance color these days. It's also available in black and white, with curved or flat doors.
The reversible door swings open to reveal the working part of the compactor. The trash bucket glides out on ball bearing slides. A drop down front allows for easy bag changes. The digital control panel can be programmed to start the compactor automatically. (Although it's hard to imagine why you'd need your compactor to work when you're not home to fill it with trash).
An "odor-reduction disc" automatically rotates to provide a fresh deodorizer each month. A light signals when the six-month disc needs replacing.
The XE compactors can reduce six bags of trash to one with a 3/4 horsepower motor delivering 3,000 pounds of compaction force. The insulated door helps keep noise down. A child lock with removable key protects against accidental starts by curious toddlers.
The 1.55 cubic foot trash bucket holds 30 pounds of compacted trash.
Product Reviews 
