OT--Trash Compactors--I'm new here forgive me.

[iheartmaytag]

I have been lurking on your site for sometime, and just decided to join today.

Please forgive me for making my first post an off topic one, but there seems to be so many knowledgeable individuals on this site that I hope could help me.

Many years ago (1974 to be exact) we had a GE Trash compactor and it was a real workhorse, never a problem. We sold that with a house in the late 80's, rented for awhile and bought another (A Whirlpool) compactor in 1996.

Unfortunately, we were told that Whirlpool is the only one that makes a compactor now days, and I have found their quality lacking. They are very light weight, and the one we currently have broke a ram screw and needs to be replaced. Today I was on the Lowes.com website and saw they have a Broan compactor with 5,000 lbs of force and a 12-1 compaction ratio. Compared to the Whirls with a 2,300 lbs of force and a 4-1 ratio.

Does anyone know anything about the Broan compactor? Your help would be appreciated. If I could find something comparable to the GE quality of the 70's I would take it home.

 

[panthera]

Who wouldn't?

I know what you mean - we all have learned the hard way to buy new appliances for our house when we put it on the market and to take the good quality stuff with us. There just is very little of any lasting value on the market these days.
I am not familiar with Broan compactors so have no advice to give there. But why don't you check out Craig's List and ebay, set to within a short distance of your home? Lot's of contractors rip out old kitchens and usually have deals with local stores to sell the working appliances to them for a few dollars. I have found that if I call a store, the answer is always 'we don't do that'. But if I stop by and talk to the owner or parts manager, they often are happy to help. For them, you are a potential repeat customer. For the salesman on the floor, that would be lost business/he can't imagine anyone but a bum wanting 'old stuff'. Leastways, that has been my experience.
Arc can be touchy and difficult, depends who runs the back office. Savers has helped me a few times, other times no-way - again, it depends entirely on who you talk to. So if someone is difficult on one day, try another day or time. You'd be surprised what a difference it makes. I got a Maytag A108 for 35$ from the manager at Arc after it had set on the floor for several months at 150$, which is what a snotty, upscale in-duh-vi-dual had priced it at. So ask around. I always buy something first, by the way - shows sincere intent.
Ever thought of asking the folks who bought your old home if they'd be willing to sell it back to you?

Welcome to the club, by the way! Glad you're here!

 

[iheartmaytag]

I just found some additional information online. It appears that Broan is the same company that makes Nutone Central Vacs.

Their compactors are different from the others I am familiar with. They use a scissor transport for the ram instead of the screws. This must be what gives them almost twice the mechanical advantage.

 

[appnut]

IIRC, that "sissor" design ws used in Insink-Erator trash compactors too. Amazing, ours brushed gallon vodka bottles.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I am getting a little nervous

I ordered the Broan compactor from my local Lowe's, ad it should be here by 3-31, however, I have since found some very discouraging reviews on Epinions regarding this compactor.

I am now worried if I should cancel my order, or if the only reviews are from dissatisfied customers. I know the epinions for a Kirby vacuum is terrible, and I absa-f'n-lootley love mine and have for the last 33 years.

I need reassurance at this point--all are welcome

 

[dj-gabriele]

Don't think about it!
As an example I can tell you that my house is completely fitted with Indesit appliances and never had a trouble with them even if almost everybody around here (EU people I mean, I don't even know if they sell in the US) will tell you that Indesit is pure crap.

Do you feel reassured at all ?

 

[rp2813]

Epinions

. . . should be taken with a grain of salt. When I was reading up before purchasing a Duet pair, there were plenty of horror stories on Epinions. It didn't take me long to conclude that most of these bad experiences were due to user error, such as overstuffing the machine, not leaving the door open to air out the drum, etc. If you don't follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, care and maintenance it's your own fault, and situations like these appear all too often on Epinions. I wouldn't be too concerned if I were you. I think Nutone/Broan is an OK company that turns out a decent product, and your interest in how the appliance operates translates into proper use of the compactor. You should be fine.

 

[iheartmaytag]

Thanks,
I am feeling more reassured. I did buy the extended warranty just for luck though.

I always felt that epinions were more than likely disgruntal customers. I liked the one that wrote a review that she didn't like her Kirby because it did a lousy job cleaning out her fish bowl. Duh--Kirbys are a dry only vacuum.

I know how to operate a compactor,I know not to compact things that will smell in a few days because it may be there for a week or more.

I am just very dissatisfied with the Whirl-crap one I have now I just didn't want to get another lemon.

 

[jakeseacrest]

I have had my Kenmore compactor since 2003 and have never had a problem. All food goes in the disposer, so I've never had a problem with smells. I would definately get another Kenmore if this one dies.

 

[iheartmaytag]

In my panic I contacted Broan

With this message:

I was wanting to ask a question about your compactors. I recently ordered a Broan 1051L local Lowes store in Wichita, KS. to replace the Whirlpool I am disposing of.

I have been reading on Epinions that your machines tend to have difficulty with the pinion gears. Is this a problem with only the older models? Has this been addressed in your engineering?

I am concerned about the reliability now, and am thinking of canceling my order. This is a large purchase for me, and I am a little concerned I may be facing repair issues later on.

Thank You in advance for your response.

And I got this reassuring response that follows:
Below is the reply from our technical support assistant supervisor:

There are 2 pinion gears on the compactor. The smaller metal pinion gear comes meshed into a complete gearbox while the lower larger 50 toothed sprocket works with that small pinion gear to drive the main drive screw and ram mechanism into the drawer. We boast 5000 LBS compaction force. I’ve had a trash compactor in my home since 1984.

I’m not sure where the customer read that there were problems with the pinion gears on our compactors. In fact I sign the service warranty authorizations and, by percentage, the trash compactor has the fewest number of service calls of our whole warranty covered products list.

We’ve manufactured the present design for over 30 years due to its dependability.

I know because I use to work on the manufacturing line in the plant where they make the units. J

If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us again. We do hope this information is helpful!

Sincerely,

Tammy
Broan-NuTone LLC
Broan Customer Service
1-800-558-1711
[email protected]

I am at least impressed with their customer service response.

 

[rp2813]

I'm impressed with that reply too. Another example of why all companies should provide their products to employees so they can become advocates for them--providing they are satisfied with the product's performance.

I've never owned a compactor but have used other people's in the past. Like 30 years ago it was fun putting the giant sort of teardrop shaped Almaden wine bottles in there and hearing them pop.

Sounds like you got a good one. With the built-in variety of products that Nu-Tone has been manufacturing for many years, I'm sure they know they need to build to a higher quality standard since it's a hassle to replace a lot of what they make. So I suspect your compactor has been held to a higher standard than most.