Product review (4 stars): More of a trash crusher than compactor, but functions well in the 12" space
This fit the space where my former 12" GE compactor died. With some fairly easy screw leg adjustments, the height was very flexible and was able to tuck snugly beneath my countertop (to the tune of over 6"). They say to screw it into the side of the kitchen cabinets, but I wasn't about to put a hole in my cabinets for this. If you adjust the legs enough, it won't move and you don't need to make that commitment. It could probably use a removable kick plate, but it's so dark under it with my cherry cabinets, nobody notices the open space. There may be one available from the company, but the catalog was unclear. The optional door and handle is absolutely gorgeous, high end, and very up to date looking. Just stunning. It plugged into the wall with the same three-pronged plug as my old compactor. I was extremely relieved to find any trash receptacle to fit the 12" space. And it is SO QUIET! And fast. Just push the button when the door is open (nice hidden button), close the door, and it does its thing quietly, with a little beep to indicate it's done. Not at all what my old one was, with it's loud motor grinding and snaps and pops. That one, and the Broan before it, took forever. I am now spoiled.  That's the good about this trash recepticle.

Now for the not-so-good. The first door assembly arrived dented and had to be replaced. No problem...the Amazon people supported that well.  But it was an inconvenience. The cardboard packaging for the door is flimsy, the handle floated freely inside it, and I wasn't surprised the door had a small dent in it when I opened the package.  That needs to improve. And, I have no idea why it didn't come with the door factory attached in the first place. You couldn't possibly use it in your kitchen without it. All its black mechanics were exposed without it. So yes, you definitely need to order the door. And while we're on the subject of the door, the instructions were somewhat useless on how to attach it with the enclosed bracket. I got the basic gist of it from the directions, but ended up fiddling with it until it made sense, and I'm pretty good at things like that.  And what really confused things was it was missing a few attachment screws, which I had to purchase at my favorite 'big box' store. Please note they were metric screws...the Krushr company is from the UK.  It does say the door is adjustable in height, but only a little bit. And frankly it doesn't need to be. Just put it on (I'm pretty sure it was in the highest position) and adjust the legs. Done.

Customer service from Krushr is not good. Go through Amazon for sure, because had I ordered it directly from Krushr I would have gotten no response.  And the shipping charges to order it direct from the UK were OUTRAGEOUS!  I phoned Krushr numerous times, for days and days, about the vague instructions for installing the door and the missing hardware, and their voicemail box was always full. You're on your own. Amazon had free shipping and stands behind everything.

This is one expensive compactor. I weighed the pros and cons of spending that much money.  I had been looking for other options but couldn't find any, even on EBay, with someone getting rid of an old one.  But it was either get this, or convert the space to a wine cooler. I'm not much of a wine drinker, and we use a trash can every day, several times a day. Functionality won out and I bit the bullet. I was trapped in my 12" space.

Now for the functioning aspect of it. It really isn't a compactor like my two older ones.  It's more of a trash smusher. It's a much gentler push. It beats having a regular trash can there, with a lot of air and space between everything. But you're not going to get a hard compact. The bags are clear, and you can see the layers between it. But don't expect the sheer power of your old one.  I was so grateful to find anything to fit the space, I've gotten used to it. And the full bags aren't as heavy either. I also wish the bags came with long twist ties. Totally needs that.

Let's talk bag placement. You have to figure out exactly how to put them in, or they get jammed inside after you crush. There are no buttons to hook them on. It took me a few tries until I got it right, with some pulling and tugging to unjam it because I didn't do it right.  You simply tuck the bags around the four corners, making sure the bag edges are hidden and clean beneath the lip and wheels.  Then expand the bag inside the drum area.  If any edges are sticking up, they will jam. I also find that it works better to wait until I have about 3/4 load before my first crush. The bag seats better. But you will figure this out quickly...only took me two jams before I did. It is now not a problem at all.

I have some leftover plastic bags from my old compactor that I'm trying to use. They were expensive and, why not?  They'll 'work'. Barely. They're a little small, and need to be stretched to fit over the four corners of the can. And, if you try to crush it, especially when it's fairly empty, the bag jams inside the compactor and rips. I understand someone makes heavy paper bags for compactors...I have no idea whether they work or not. So yes...use up the old bags you have left over, but expect to hand crush your trash. It works best that way.  But buy the bags made for it by Krushr when you're done with the old. It's a little touchy about bag placement and you'll avoid a lot of frustrating jams.