Customer Reviews for KitchenAid 15 in. Built-In Trash Compactor in Stainless Steel

We purchased this compactor to replace our 15 year old compactor from KitchenAid. The old compactor was solid and performed well. This new model does not open automatically when you depress the foot release. It is a major flaw and I would not recommend purchasing for this reason.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Great compactor, Bought to replace a 20 yr old one exactly like this one, mechanically. All controls are hidden behind door. Looks much better.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] A really well-made trash compactor. Quiet and attractive. Although one of the rear wheels came off when I installed it but I was able to fix that. It’s a bit wider than my previous GE compactor so was a tight fit but I was able to squeeze it in. Much better construction than GE. It’s also a bit shorter even at max height than the GE so I added a piece of 2” stainless steel at the top to trim it out. It looks great.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] We bought the unit and we are very pleased with it. We did the tear out and replacement ourselves and it went very smoothly. The foot switch needs about 2” of travel to the floor but if you install on the floor it wont open all the way and the unit wont start. I modified ours to accommodate this and it works fine. Plus you csn see the foot switch. If the unit is lower than the floor, well i wont want to guess what sorts of colorful words could be found to describe the experience. Btw a wood floor over the slab would be an example. Prehaps a push switch instead of a lever switch. Overall the unit is attractive and we like it.

I just purchased the Kitchen Aid Trash Compactor. No where I. The fine print on the purchasing website doesn’t explain that the foot pedal only opens the drawer/door 3-6”. What is the point of a “foot pedal” when you have to use you hands. This “feature” is in the user manual after you open and install the unit. It is full of plastic parts. I will be switching out my 20+ year Whirlpool in my guest house.

Ordered KitchenAid compactor. Drawer door does not close all the way with a gap between door and cabinet, for something that is to hold garbage ! Requested a second one, same issue. Most expensive unit on the market.KitchenAid should be embarrassed with the build quality. Disappointed to say the least. Was satisfied with Home Depot’s help and support

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The stainless steel matches very well with my other stainless appliances. This is my second Kitchen Aid compactor; had one at my previous home and loved it so I installed one here too! Top quality and super easy to operate

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I waited a long time to have this great compactor installed in my kitchen!! Works like a dream!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Bought this to go with my other new kitchen appliances

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Just completed my Barndominium project and included the 1.4 Cu Ft. Kitchen Aid Compactor along with Kitchen Aid Frig, Range, and Dishwasher. All performing well. The Kitchen Aid Compactor is a must have for convenience, cleanliness, and efficiency in the kitchen.

KitchenAid Trash Compactor

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Just replaced this with one I had for 25 years. Kitchenaide is the best! Looks so much better than a trash can.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Installed for ten days. Installed level only to discover the door would not clear wood cabinet frame so I had to install a little off level. Opening the door using foot plate is easy. Eventually I learned I could open by lifting the handle as well. Compacting is a two step operation. Last compactor required only on step. Have to step on the foot switch once to compress and then again to retract the press plate.

The spot welds are failing on the trash bin. The cover for the charcoal filter was also broken when I received it.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] KitchenAid has done a great job of refining and continuing their decades long tradition of building great trash compactors. This particular one (we chose Panel Ready), replaced a nearly identical one that was about 20 years old and is still going strong. We cleaned it up and moved it to our other house where it is still functioning like new. This new compactor was purchased simply for aesthetics as we upgraded all of our kitchen appliances to black stainless. As such, the old compactor looked "out of place". KitchenAid (nor anyone else) offers a black stainless finish. So, we fashioned a front "panel" out of old cabinet doors to match our existing cabinets (we were smart enough to NOT throw away the old cabinet doors when we demolished then-existing cabinets for dual wine refrigerators). As for the new (and old) Trash Compactors? Top Notch ==> Reliable, durable, long-lasting, functional and aesthetically pleasing. Thanks KitchenAid!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] We just got done with the kitchen remodeling and we must say this trash compactor looks beautiful next to all of the other new appliances (Samsung). The sound and ease of operating makes this a great buy for any home remodeling.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I recently replaced all of the built in kitchen appliances in my home as part of a remodel. Out with the 15 year old Sub Zero, Bosch, Wolf and in with an entirely new suite of Kitchenaid. Half the price of the high end brands, but equal the quality and no issues ever with getting parts or repairs done. Kitchenaid is the right combination of quality, esthetics and value!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Recently purchased all new kitchen aid appliances; Refrigerator, oven, compactor: nthey work like a charm and look marvelous! KitchenAid is the best!

The compactor was a replacement of an older compactor by an unknown manufacturer. Despite some issues navigating HD online and delivery service, it arrived on the scheduled date. A family member took delivery while I was at work. When I arrived home later, I discovered a leveling adjustment wheel was completely missing. Figured I was out of luck because we didn't notice it before the delivery guys left. I ordered a new wheel and fixed the issue. Overall it really isn't too different from my last compactor. I was disappointed that it's just as loud as my last one. Figured after 15 years they'd figure out to make them run quieter. If you are not used to a compactor you may find it loud. The air filter works nicely, but the fan is loud. You can shut it off, but why even have it if you don't use it? I gave it a three partly because of my experience of having parts missing upon delivery. Secondly it is not any better or worse than my old compactor (before it died).

(This review was collected as part of a promotion.) Second house we’ve had a trash compactor. Purchased same kitchenaide item. Can’t!!

This is our third compactor in the last 20 years. We have used it for about 1 month and are extremely satisfied. Some of the reviews I read indicated that the compacting plunger moves either up or down, but not both ways during the compaction process. This is false! There is a switch on the inside panel that, when set in the "off" position, will compact the trash and then return to the normal position. When the switch is set to the "on" position, the compactor only moves in one direction, allowing for solid compacting during the night, if you wish. To release the compaction, press the foot switch and the compaction will return to the normal position. Then set the with to the "off" position to resume normal operation. The noise level is lower than our previous 2 compactors. I also like the clean look and design of the compactor by putting the controls on the inside of the compactor. There is nothing that I dislike about this compactor. It has exceeded our expectation.

I love my compactor. We remodeled our kitchen and decided to try a compactor. We were using a large 55 gallon trash can in a huge closet. We eliminated the closet and had a cabinet made for the compactor. We had to empty the trash can ever 3 days, if not daily. Only used the compactor for 2 days, but it's only half full at this time. It looks great, it's easy to use and it is quiet. It installed easily. My only regret is that we waited so long to do this.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Just placed this in our kitchen a week ago. I am amazed at how much it holds! The "solid pack" feature helps keep what has been compacted from springing back up and filling the available space. Love!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Trash compactor is on the right side of the kitchen, left of stove.

This trash compactor is absolutely amazing! Since we purchased it about a year ago I have only had to take the trash out four times. The average trash bag will literally go about THREE MONTHS before needing to be replaced. For full disclosure, we do recycle so that does funnel a fair amount of cereal boxes, milk jugs, junk mail, etc. to the recycling bin rather than into the compactor. We also compost and have a garbage disposal so old food ends up either of those locations rather than the compactor which minimizes any odors coming from the trash. I am fairly confident even a person that does not recycle or compost could go a month or two before having to take out the trash. Because of how well this unit performs. There is a feature call "Solid Pack" that will keep the ram down when the power button is kicked not raise it until it is kicked a second time. This allows it to more tightly compact the trash and is how we can fit three months worth of trash in a single bag. The other great thing about this compactor is that you can operate it with just your feet so if your hands are full or covered in filth you can still open the trash, throw away the garbage, push it shut with your knee, and start the compactor all without every having to use your hands! If you are on the fence about buying a compactor just go ahead and get this one. You will absolutely love it and never know how you lived without one before!

I had a Whirlpool trash compactor for over 30 years and was sad to see it finally die. I researched and decided on this kitchen aid unit. It is awesome. Works smoother than my other unit and is all stainless steel which is attractive. Is very quiet when it compacts. The only thing negative I could say is that the handle is unnecessary. Everything is operated with your foot. People who don't know the unit tend to grab the handle to try and yank it open possibly causing harm to the unit. It would be more attractive without it too!

Bought this about a month ago and it's been working great

I have always wanted a trash compactor. I think that the kitchen looks great without those plastic tied up trash bags. It is a new experience for me I have only had it for one month. I think it is one of the best purchases I have made for my household. It is very effective and very attractive. Our KitchenAid trash compactor is a part of daily routine cleaning and controlling trash and garbage. It really is an aid in my kitchen.

We remodeled our kitchen after 20 years living in our dream home. I was tired of having a trash can sitting around in the kitchen and didn't want the looks of an overflowing trash bag to take away from my new kitchen. I researched brands for a good month before deciding on a Kitchen Aid compactor in brushed stainless steel. It looks incredible! Modern and function coming together perfectly. It's efficiency amazes me as I have gone from 3-4 plastic bags of trash to just one compact bag every week. No more messy look or odors to be concerned about either. Just open, close and compact. The noise is not a distraction either, actually quieter than my dishwasher! I love all of my Kitchen Aid products and definitely would recommend the Kitchen Aid brand to anyone