How exactly do compactors work?

You touch the start button, a flat plate powers down, compresses the trash, and lifts back up automatically. It basically does all the work for you in 45 seconds. Some are more powerful than others. How much power do I need? If you have a family that generates lots of trash, I would recommend going with the maximum amount 3,000 pounds of force so you can get the maximum amount of trash in each bag. How big are they, and how much do they weigh? They're 15 inches wide, 34 1/2 inches tall, 24 inches deep. They weigh about 150 pounds. So it doesn't have to be this big, ugly thing, standing there bulking up your kitchen. Most of them are built into cabinets, and now there's a new Broan model that's even shallower 22 1/4 inches deep. Or you can get a stainless-steel, black, or white freestanding unit and add a cutting-board top so it extends your counter space. Are they easy to install? If it's a freestanding unit, just plug it in. What about the smell? New models address that. There's a ...  more