Finding the best can crusher can make recycling fun and easy. A can crusher is a manual or automated machine that quickly presses cans from top to bottom.
This process reduces their size so you can fit more items into a bag or bin for your convenience. Because an aluminum can crusher can make your life more efficient, it can also reduce the cost of bags and trips to the recycling center.
Another asset of one of these crushers is the fun that it can provide for the whole family. Turn a chore into an exciting activity by allowing kids to operate a can crusher.
Making this process easier also saves time, and it keeps your hands from hurting by doing it yourself.
A can crusher typically compacts cans into a uniform shape and size. That means you can more easily keep track of how many cans you have to recycle.
A crusher also reduces mess by essentially pressing out all air and moisture from any and every can.
Since most recycling centers require dry items, including cans, this feature can be a huge bonus. In the end, a can crusher can make taking out the trash an enjoyable task.
Need a quick and informed decision? Here are some top picks:
Best Can Crushers
1. The Crusher Pacific Precision Aluminum Can Crusher
The Crusher Pacific Precision aluminum can crusher can instantly crush up to 16oz. You can easily compress any aluminum container to approximately 1 inch without putting in much effort.
This allows for more space in your trash bin which in turn means more garbage accommodated in a small space.
This can crusher tool has an all-steel construction. Since pounding cans require requires force, having an all-metal exterior adds to the robustness of the item.
You don’t have to worry about crushing tons of empty aluminum containers left after parties. This makes it durable and reliable.
To add to the sturdiness, the tool comes with mounting screws. This lets you mount it on most vertical surfaces. Attaching the tool with screws makes it stick to the mounting area.
You could easily apply any amount of force to compress the container without having to worry about the tool detaching itself from the wall.
The sleek look sets it apart from other grinders. The high-quality metal used to create it can be visually recognized by the solid built.
Apart from the white color, it is available in many other options such as blue, yellow, or red.
The can crusher is very easy to operate. The handle comfortably fits into the user’s palm. All you have to do is insert an empty aluminum container, and pull the handle.
Before that, make sure that the can is placed perfectly as you don’t want it to pop off during the crushing process.
Highlighted Features:
- Easily crush containers that are 16 ounces or below.
- Compressed cans measure 1 inch in length.
- Needs to be vertically mounted to most solid surfaces.
- Small and does take much room to install.
- Come in a variety of vibrant colors.
2. Kitchencraft Floor Standing Foot Operated Can Crusher
The Kitchencraft is a heavy-duty can crusher that makes crushing aluminum containers a breeze. You could also grind plastic bottles and steel tins, something only a handful of pounders are capable of.
What makes this equipment unique, is that it is foot-operated. Pulling the lever is the most common action when it comes to crushers.
This, however, uses a different technique which makes pounding aluminum containers fast and effective.
To operate this tool, simply place the aluminum container horizontally on the base plate.
Then, place your foot on the footplate and gently bring it down to the top of the can. After that, push your foot down to as far as it can go.
You will hear a crunch from the aluminum container. They gently lift off the footplate and collect the crushed can.
The heavy-duty tool could easily withstand the forces from crushing the toughest aluminum containers. You could also use this equipment to crush hardy steel cans.
It comes equipped with an adjustable piercing screw and a support bar that allows you to diminish the size of even the hardest tins.
The grinder is equipped with a magnet, which will allow you to identify between aluminum and steel containers. This way you will know which items require more force to compress.
This can crusher comes with a locking mechanism located on the side of the equipment. You may lock the crusher after folding it flat.
When the tool is not in use, it could be easily folded and kept inside a cupboard. It doesn’t require much space, so storing it is easy.
Highlighted Features:
- Foot-operated makes compressing cans easy.
- Could also be used to compress plastic bottles and steel containers.
- The locking mechanism helps fold the tool for storage.
- A built-in magnet to differentiate between aluminum and steel cans.
- Strong and sturdy construction makes it durable.
3. Basic Industries International 77702 Easy Crush Aluminum Can Crusher
The can crusher from basic industries international has a rigid metal construction that can easily compress any aluminum container up to 12 ounces. It has a simple minimalistic design.
The tool consists of basic parts that make up a regular pounder such as the crushing mechanism, hinges, crushing plate, and a metal handle.
This product could easily reduce the size of any can for up to 1-inch. This is a vertical unit, so it has to be mounted on a solid surface.
It comes with mounting screws that help you secure it firmly to the wall or any other similar vertical surface. The simplistic design also makes the installation easier and could be done within a matter of minutes.
The can crusher tool is very easy to operate. First, you need to put the handle up. After that insert any empty can that has a volume of 12 ounces or less.
Then gently pull the handle down until it couldn’t go any further. This can crusher also comes with a long leveler which adds to the user’s convenience.
To make your job easier, there is a technique that allows for easier crushing. Make a dent on each side of the aluminum can and you will notice it compresses very easily.
The sturdiness of this tool is quite impressive. It is durable and should last for a long time if proper care is taken. However, since the components are made of steel, you may have to use grease on the tool.
This is to make sure the components don’t get damaged over time.
Highlighted Features:
- Ability to crush any 12-ounce cans.
- The simplistic design makes it easy to use.
- Well-built and sturdy steel construction makes it durable.
- Compress cans to 1-inch in length.
- Designed to be vertically mounted.
4. McKay 12 Oz. Metal Can Crusher Smasher
The aluminum can crusher from Mckay is a great tool for compressing standard 12-ounce cans. Upon first impressions, you will notice the sleek design of the tool.
It has an all-steel construction that could withstand external damage. The solid built quality will last for the item for years.
This product will crush any 12-ounce container to 20 percent of its original size. This allows you to stack dozens of cans in the bin.
If you want to crush them for recycling purposes, you could carry five times more in their compressed form to the recyclers.
It also features a bottle opener, which is embedded inside the tool. This will surely come in handy if you like bottled drinks. Although not as necessary, a welcoming feature to have.
The handle is another remarkable feature of this product. It is cushioned and provides a great grip on the user.
You will have full control of the compressing process, which allows going through crushing multiple aluminum containers with ease.
However, the handle is a bit large compared to other pounders. This takes space and should be noted before mounting it to any vertical surface.
When it comes to mounting, you have to drill holes in the wall or any other vertical surfaces and secure the tool with screws. This allows the crusher to attach firmly in place.
The can crusher only has two movable parts so it isn’t as complex as one might think. It is also simple to operate, as crushing any mid-sized aluminum container just takes a pull of the handle.
Highlighted Features:
- Solid all-steel construction makes it durable.
- Crush any 12-ounce can with ease.
- Reduces the size of aluminum containers to 20% of its original length.
- Consists of only two movable parts.
- Mountable on any vertical surface.
5. Dial M92 Can Crusher
The M92 can crusher from Dial is on par with the best of its kind. Unlike other aluminum container compressing tools that have a metal construction, Dials M92 is made up of strong plastic components that are securely held together with metal bolts.
The dial is a well-known brand that supplies its products to the biggest retailers. One thing is for sure, they don’t compromise on quality.
One of the key benefits you will get from using this product is how fast it flattens cans. With this product, you could stack 10 containers on top of one another.
This allows you to quickly flatten. The compressed aluminum container doesn’t have to be collected manually as it drops into the trash bin.
The tool needs to be wall-mounted for convenience. You could place it on any vertical surface at any place such as garages or in the kitchen.
By keeping the collection bin at the bottom of the grinder, you could easily collect five times more cans in the bag, compared to the uncompressed ones. This prevents you from visiting the recycling point frequently.
This hand can crusher has to be manually operated. It doesn’t have to be fitted with batteries as it doesn’t run on any kind of electricity.
Simply pull the handle, and glide through 10 aluminum containers without putting in much effort.
Dial M92 can crusher reviews have been mostly good. They provide great after-sales service.
They assure you that a replacement will be provided if you find any defect out of the box, or if the machine stops functioning properly within one year.
Highlighted Features:
- Capable of stacking 10 aluminum containers at a time.
- Crushes aluminum containers quickly and efficiently.
- Ability to crush 5 bags of uncompressed cans into a single bag.
- Wall-mounted design for convenient use.
- Comes with an obliging after-sales service.
6. Basic Industries International Multi Crush Aluminum Can Crusher
Basic industries international is well known for its durable can crushers, and the multi aluminum can crusher is no exception.
This unit has an all-steel construction that makes it durable and sturdy. Unlike other pounding tools, this one has a minimalistic design which is quite pleasant to look at.
You could place this on any vertical surface such as your kitchen or garage. The steel is also coated which allows you to use it as an outdoor unit.
One of the main perks of this tool is that it comes with a storage tray. This allows you to place six 12 ounce aluminum containers at once.
You don’t have to collect the compressed containers, as they automatically get ejected. Going through six aluminum containers one at a time speeds up the crushing process.
This tool crushes cans to 1 inch in size. This means that the crushed aluminum container takes 4 times less space.
You could easily collect 4 times more aluminum containers in the collection bin and take them to the recycling facility.
The automatic ejection system is another standout feature of this tool. Once you have crushed a container by pulling down the handle, it is ejected through a hole situated at the bottom of the unit.
You could put a collection bin at the bottom of the tool so that all the crushed aluminum containers fall into the bin.
If you are conscious about recycling your empty cans, then this is a very useful tool to have.
The storage tray, automatic ejection system, combined with the speed at which you crush aluminum containers could save you time and energy.
Highlighted Features:
- The storage tray allows you to stack up to 6 cans.
- Compress any 12-ounce cans with ease.
- Crush cans to 1-inch in length.
- The minimalistic design makes it visually unique.
- Compressed cans automatically eject into the container.
7. Dial Industries Easy Pull Aluminum Can Crusher
This heavy-duty can crusher from Dial Industries is a reliable tool that crushes aluminum containers with ease. It has a container that collects compressed cans.
A neat feature that prevents you from going through the effort of manually picking them up and depositing them in the bin.
One of the unique features of this tool is that it has a patented pivoting mechanism. This is only exclusive to Dial industries products and cannot be found elsewhere.
The mechanism makes crushing aluminum containers 75% easier than others, making it perfect. It also features protective measures such as child safety stops that help prevent injuries.
Operating the tool is simple. It also comes with features that make it easy for anyone to use it. It has a rotating handgrip that adds comfort when gripping the handle.
Furthermore, the collection bin is a huge time saver as you don’t have to deposit one aluminum container after the other. The tool automatically dispenses the containers into the bin.
Although the can crusher tool is made from plastic, it holds up incredibly well. It is made from quality materials that are durable and will last for a long time.
You could effortlessly turn 4 bags of uncompressed aluminum containers into 1 bag using this tool. Also, it comes with an American flag decal that makes it pleasant to look at.
This single-can crusher is a wall-mounted unit that has to be attached to a solid vertical surface. This could be mounted in your kitchen, garage, school, or any place that is convenient for you.
Highlighted Features:
- Consists of a patented pivoting mechanism.
- Compressing cans are 75% easier than others.
- Automatically dispenses compressed cans in the container.
- The product comes with an American flag decal.
- Has to be wall-mounted to any solid vertical surface.
8. Pittsburgh 62951 Multi-Load Can Crusher
The Pittsburgh Multi-load aluminum crusher is a great tool to crush your empty cans. You could effortlessly take on an entire pack of six using this tool.
It features a cage on top of the pounder. This allows you to stack 6 aluminum cans on top of each other. This means you don’t have to insert a container every time you compress one.
The aluminum containers will automatically drop and will be ready for compression. The cans get compressed to approximately 1 inch in length, which saves space.
The build quality is quite good. This multi-can crusher has a heavy-duty 16 gauge steel construction that is durable, and won’t break down after regular use.
It also has a powder coat finish that is resistant to rusting. So you could use this equipment as an outdoor unit.
Like most crushers, this has to be wall-mounted before being used. It comes pre-drilled which makes it easy to place on any solid vertical surface.
The advantage of a wall-mounted unit is that you could keep a collection bin at the bottom of the equipment. Whenever a can is compressed, it will drop into the bin which makes collecting easy.
The cushioned grip on the handle provides comfort when operating the equipment. Furthermore, the high leverage design of the tool makes recycling convenient.
If you are looking for a fast and efficient can-crushing tool with reliable build quality, then this can crusher is worth checking out.
Highlighted Features:
- 16 gauge steel construction adds durability.
- Stack up to 6 containers on top of each other.
- Compress cans to 1-inch in length.
- It needs to be wall mounted for ease of use.
- High leverage design for recycling convenience.
9. Ram-Pro 12 Oz Aluminum Can Crusher & Bottle Opener
The aluminum can crusher from ram pro is a heavy-duty tool that gets the job done.
This well-built and sturdy crusher can easily compress 12-ounce cans, which are 3 inches wide, and 5 inches tall.
Not only is it good at diminishing the size of containers, but it could also open any beverage bottle.
This soda can crusher is constructed using 16 gauge durable steel. It could withstand forces caused when compressing aluminum containers.
Also, the overall durability of the product ensures that it will last for years without breaking apart or deforming.
This is a mountable item. Included with the product are 4 Phillips screws that help secure the tool firmly in place to any vertical surface such as walls, tables, etc.
It is also very easy to operate. Simply pull up the lever, insert the can in the slot and gently pull down the lever to compress the aluminum container.
The handle is covered with a soft cushion material that helps you grip it properly. It is perfect for both left and right-handed users.
Using this item you could diminish a can to 20% of its original size, saving tons of garbage space. This allows you to carry 4 times more compressed cans to the recycling facility.
The tool also comes with a bottle opener. It is located directly underneath the crusher for easy access.
This allows you to easily open pop bottles, Seltzer, energy drinks, and more which makes it useful during parties, and an effective recycling tool.
Highlighted Features:
- Small yet effective in crushing.
- It could be used to easily compress 12-ounce cans.
- Has to be vertically mounted before use.
- Diminish the size of containers to 20% of their original length.
- Handle consists of a soft cushion material for comfort.
10. MasterCrush Can Recycler
MasterCrush Aluminum can crushers is one of the high-end crushers available. Unlike other can compressing tools, the mechanism MasterCrush uses is different.
This US-made pounder has features that allow for efficient grinding, which could diminish the size of even the largest containers.
Most crushing tools could compress 12 or 14-ounce aluminum containers. This, however, could compress cans up to 32 ounces which is practically the largest can available.
Apart from aluminum containers, it could also compress water bottles, which are longer in general.
The frame of this tool is made of stainless steel. The handle and the crushing mechanism of the tool are also made from stainless steel.
Compared to crushers made using plastic, this is much more durable and will last years if proper care is taken. Durability-wise, it competes with the top pounders in the market.
An interesting feature of this product is that it could be used horizontally as well as vertically.
If you are looking forward to compressing 32-ounce aluminum containers, vertically mounting the equipment is highly preferred.
This is because it requires more force to crush a 32 ounce can than a 14 ounce. Installing the tool vertically gives you more control when pressing.
The long handle is covered with foam that adds grip when controlling the grinding process. The handle is not the strongest part of the equipment.
However, it could easily crush aluminum containers and plastic water bottles without putting in much effort.
Highlighted Features:
- Quickly compress aluminum containers up to 14 ounces.
- Components are made up of durable stainless steel.
- Compress massive 32-ounce containers with ease.
- The unit has to be vertically mounted before using it.
- The foam-covered handle provides a great grip.
11. Ram-Pro Multi-Load 6 Can Crusher
The Ram-Pro Multi-load is a manual can crusher that could effectively compress aluminum containers up to 1 inch in length.
It can easily crush 12 to 16-ounce aluminum containers to 20% of their original size with a simple pull of the lever.
This tool allows you to stack 4 containers on top of another. This allows you to quickly go through the crushing process.
When a can is compressed, it drops down through a hole that could be collected by placing a trash bin underneath the tool.
The next aluminum containers are automatically loaded and ready to be crushed. This saves time and eliminates the unnecessary effort of collecting aluminum containers by hand.
This is a wall-mounted can crusher. Included with the product is a hardware pack that consists of all the essentials necessary to mount the tool on a vertical surface.
It also comes with a built-in bottle opener situated below the tool. This allows you to easily pop beverage bottles.
It is made using high-quality materials that could last for years if proper care is taken. Compressing aluminum containers will have no damaging effects on the tool.
The heavy gauge durable all-steel construction makes it durable and reliable as well.
Like most other crushers, this too is easy to operate. Simply load the empty aluminum cans on the cage. Make sure the lever is upright.
Compress them by pulling the lever and repeating the process for other cans. The cushion grip makes handling easy, so you won’t have problems when pulling the lever.
Highlighted Features:
- Crushes aluminum containers up to 16 ounces.
- Compressed size 1 inch in length.
- This pop crusher has a built-in bottle opener.
- Made up of high-quality components.
- Holds up to 6 aluminum cans.
12. Squatch USA Can Crusher
No products found.Squatch is a US-based brand that makes high-end products. They use the same engineering principles that are used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Their container crushers aren’t on the same page as regular crushers.
These are top-of-the-line metal can crushers meant to handle anything you throw at it. With an expensive price tag, expect top-quality performance.
This heavy-duty stainless-steel unit can be mounted on any solid vertical surface. The frame, as well as the components, are made entirely out of metal. It could crush any aluminum container, no matter the size or thickness with ease.
Operating it is simple, just insert the empty aluminum containers and pull the lever down. Your compressed will be ready for recycling.
This tool could resize any aluminum container to 20 percent of its original length. This allows room for four times more compressed can in the collection bin.
Since you could easily carry a large volume of compressed containers, you don’t have to take multiple trips to the recycling facility to deposit them. This saves time and energy.
If you are looking for a crusher that will last you forever, then look no further. The crushers are extremely well built and are CNC machined. This is best used for large-scale purposes.
Given the rigid nature of the equipment, it could also be used to compress thicker containers such as tins made from steel or thick-walled aluminum containers.
You don’t have to buy any other heavy-duty can crusher ever again.
Highlighted Features:
- Made using high-grade materials.
- The crushers are CNC machined.
- Ability to crush any aluminum or metal cans with ease.
- Has to be mounted on any solid vertical surface.
- It surpasses all other crushers in terms of quality and durability.
Best Aluminum Can Crusher Buying Guide
Type
Can crushers come in two types? Those that have to be loaded and crushed one at a time, and the other that has the capability of stacking multiple aluminum containers.
A multi crusher makes the process super-fast as you don’t have to load one empty can after another. Single crushers also have their perks.
Such as it is small and easy to install. Look for the type that best fits your needs.
Durability
You need a can crusher that will last a long time. All-Metal construction is preferred in this case as it is resistant to damage.
The overall build quality ensures that the components of the tool don’t break apart and stay reliable for the length of its lifespan.
Easy to Operate
Operating the can crusher shouldn’t be complex. It has to be designed in a way that makes the crushing process as easy as possible. It has to be easy enough to be operated by the elderly as well as children.
After placing the empty aluminum can, a simple pull of the handle should be all that’s required. Also, a handle with a good grip provides great control.
Volume
Another factor to consider when buying a container can crusher is the volume of the compressed container. This tool aims to reduce the volume to approximately 20 percent of its original size.
Effective tools can exceed that mark. The more compressed the can, the better you will ample space to fit in more of them.
What is a Can Crusher?
A can crusher is a tool that crushes metal cans, usually the ones made up of aluminum, for easy recycling.
You might be wondering ‘Why to go through the effort of pounding them when I could just toss them in the bin?’
You can do that, but there is a problem. Empty aluminum containers take space, a lot of space. This causes problems during disposal and as a result, you end up having no space when getting rid of other stuff.
This is where can crushers come in handy. Yes, you could go through the exhausting process of crushing them with your hands or feet, but why go through all that when you can just compress them without putting in much effort?
Compressing containers come with a range of benefits. You will be surprised to know how a simple tool can be so useful! Below are some of the benefits that will amaze you.
Benefits of Using a Can Crusher
1. Easy to install: Whether you are using a can crusher for your home, school, or any public place, you can place them anywhere. Most variants of the tool can be mounted for convenient access.
2. Fast recycling: Using a ponder, compressing cans is faster than any other method. No matter what type of container crusher you use, compressing aluminum containers will be fast and efficient.
3. Environmental impact: Recycling has a positive effect on the environment. First of all, it saves energy. Recycling aluminum can means fewer of them are produced from scratch.
In this way, precious energy is conserved. Furthermore, it also decreases greenhouse gas emissions as recycling them reduces waste.
4. Save space: By crushing cans, you are effectively reducing the volume by almost 4 times. For instance, a 12-ounce aluminum container could be compressed to approximately 1 inch in length. This saves space and allows room for more garbage to be disposed of.
5. Makes it playful: Using this tool compressing containers is a breeze. Most of these tools require a simple pull of a lever. This simple activity can amuse children as they would find satisfaction in crushing a used can.
How to Use a Can Crusher
The process of crushing an empty aluminum can by using a crusher is very simple. It requires next to no effort and gets the job done efficiently.
1. Installing The Tool -Almost all container crushers are meant to be wall-mounted units. This allows you to install inconvenient places of your school, kitchen, or wherever you may wish to place it.
These tools have to be mounted using a driller so that it stays firmly in position. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of drilling holes in your wall, there are always portable crushers that you could use out of the box.
2. Loading The Cans – the next step is to load the empty aluminum containers. Depending on the type of tool you have, you could place a single can or multiple.
Most crushers facilitate single containers of different sizes because they are small and easy to operate. With the ones that are designed for multiple cans, simply stack them up on top of one another.
3. Pull The Lever -This is the fun part. After placing them, simply pull the handle and it will compress the container. The more force you apply, the smaller the can gets.
As it doesn’t take much force, you could quickly go through an entire stack of aluminum containers within no time.
4. Disposal – After the can has been compressed, collect it and dispose of it in the collection bin. Some pounders come with a collection bin underneath them.
This allows you to quickly crush it without needing to collect them one by one. Whichever tool you use, you have made the recycler’s work much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Does Recycling Cans Help The Environment?
Cans made from aluminum are 100 percent recyclable. Recycled aluminum containers take 95 percent less energy than making a new can from scratch. This also means that manufacturers decrease production emissions by 95 percent.
Can crushers for recycling aluminum containers help you to reduce the effects of global warming?
Furthermore, It also provides many economic benefits, and most importantly, saves precious energy.
2. How Do You Mount The Equipment?
Mountable crushers come with screws. The screws are used to attach the tool firmly to the wall. First, you need to drill holes on any hard vertical surface.
Make sure to use the holes on the crusher as a guideline for the driller. After that, align the tool with the holes made and use the screws to secure it sturdily to the wall.
3. Could Regular Crushers Be Used To Crush 24-ounce Cans?
A 24-ounce container is way larger than an average 16 or 12-ounce can. As a result, it won’t fit in most crushers. Container crushers usually have a specific range of volumes that they could crush.
Make sure you purchase the one for your required purpose.
4. What Will Be The Size Of Crushed Cans?
The compressed size is usually 1-inch in length. However, this will vary between different brands.
It also depends on how much force you exert on the handle. Pulling the lever all the way down usually gives the best results.
5. Does The Product Come Assembled?
A can crusher’s mechanism is usually made of multiple parts. This usually includes the frame, handle, compressing plate, hinges, and steel bolts. All these parts come assembled to complete the mechanism.
If the unit is wall-mounted, all you have to do is secure in any hard vertical surface and you are ready to go.
6. Is It Able To Compress Metal Cans?
No. Compared to aluminum containers, their metal variants are much stronger. As a result, they are harder to grind using this tool.
They also require a considerable amount of force to compress which may break the tool entirely.
7. Should I Wear Eye Protection When Using This?
Any type of protective gear is always recommended when performing this sort of action, just to be on the safer side.
However, you are dealing with something that is not as dangerous as one might think it is. Operating a can crusher is safe and risk-free!
8. Does It Require a High Amount of Force?
Not really. A high-quality can crusher is designed to be operated as easily as possible. Although certain containers, which are large may require a bit more force.
With this tool, aluminum containers could be pounded in an instant and don’t require much effort.
Final Verdict
Recycling containers have huge benefits that most of us don’t realize. Every time we crush a can, we are benefiting our environment and Mother Nature in many ways.
Initially, the cost of buying the best can crusher may seem a bit expensive. However, the long-term benefits you will get from using this tool are immeasurable.
Whether you are conscious about the environment, or an avid beverage drinker who doesn’t want to overflow their trash can, the products on this list are suitable for anyone who loves their canned beverages.