How big is a trash compactor?#
A built-in trash compactor is a base-cabinet appliance, 12 or 15 inches wide and 34 to 36 inches tall, that slides in beside the sink. The table below lists the 15-inch, compact 12-inch, and convertible freestanding versions.
Trash compactor dimensions by configuration#
| Configuration | Width (in) | Height (in) | Depth (in) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in trash compactor (15-inch) | 15 | 34–35 | 24 | a base-cabinet gap beside the sink |
| Compact trash compactor (12-inch) | 12 | 34–35 | 24 | a narrow cabinet run |
| Convertible freestanding compactor | 15 | 35–36 | 24–26 | a kitchen with no cabinet to spare |
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Installation clearances for a trash compactor#
- Rough opening width: 12–15 in in of base-cabinet gap a built-in trash compactor slots into between the cabinets.
- Rough opening height: 34–35 in in from floor to the counter underside a trash compactor needs to clear.
- Drawer pull: 24–26 in in of front room a trash compactor drawer needs to roll out and load.
- Outlet and switch: A trash compactor plugs into a switched outlet in the sink cabinet or wires to a wall switch.
Will your trash compactor fit? Clearances and door swing#
A compactor drops into a base-cabinet gap like a dishwasher, so match the rough opening to the unit. Plan a 12 to 15 inch cabinet gap for the width and 34 to 35 inches from the floor to the counter underside for the height. The loading drawer rolls straight out, so leave 24 to 26 inches of clear floor in front for it to open fully and take a bag. Behind the cabinet you only need room for the cord and a switched outlet in the adjacent sink cabinet, or a wire to a wall switch. A convertible freestanding model comes with a finished top and sides so it can stand at the end of a run where there is no cabinet to recess it into. Measure the base gap and the drawer swing before ordering.
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Trash compactor sizes by type: built-in trash compactor (15-inch), compact trash compactor (12-inch), convertible freestanding compactor#
The three versions suit different cabinet layouts. The 15-inch built-in is the standard size, filling a 15-inch base-cabinet gap beside the sink and taking the most trash per cycle. The 12-inch compact model narrows to a tight cabinet run where 15 inches is not available, at the cost of a smaller drawer. The convertible freestanding compactor keeps the 15-inch width but adds a finished top and side panels so it can stand on its own at the end of a counter in a kitchen with no cabinet to give up. Pick the width your cabinets allow, then decide built-in or freestanding.
Trash compactor dimensions: common questions#
What is the rough opening for a trash compactor?#
A built-in compactor needs a 12 to 15 inch base-cabinet gap and 34 to 35 inches of height from the floor to the counter underside. Match the opening to the model width.
How tall is a built-in trash compactor?#
A built-in compactor is 34 to 35 inches tall so it slides under a standard counter. A convertible freestanding version is a touch taller at 35 to 36 inches with its finished top.
How wide is a trash compactor?#
Compactors come in 12 and 15-inch widths. The 15-inch size is standard, while the 12-inch model fits a narrower cabinet run.
How much room does the compactor drawer need to open?#
The loading drawer needs 24 to 26 inches of clear floor in front to roll fully out. Keep that aisle clear of an island or opposite cabinet.
How deep is a trash compactor?#
A trash compactor is about 24 inches deep, the same as a dishwasher, so it sits flush in a standard base cabinet. A freestanding model runs 24 to 26 inches.
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