The Best Can Crushers
Perhaps there has never been a more important time in history for us to be recycling our aluminum cans. After all, aluminum can be recycled fairly easily, so it's a more sustainable source of packaging than single-use plastics. Better yet, recycling technologies are always improving. One piece of tech that makes recycling more convenient is an aluminum can crusher. With the simple push of a lever, you can crush your cans down to about 2 inches, making storage and portability a breeze. To help you take the next step in your recycling efforts, we researched a variety of different makes and models of can crushers. Here, we present the can crushers that really crushed the competition.
McKay 12-Ounce Metal Can Crusher
The Can-Do Attitude
Strength and durability are the two most important qualities in a good can crusher. After all, what’s the use of getting one if you still have to do all the crushing work yourself? McKay’s 12-ounce can crusher fits the bill perfectly. In fact, its all-steel construction, thick arms, and reinforced upper plate are designed to provide enough leverage to crush 16-ounce cans and plastic bottles, too. The cushioned grip makes it comfortable to use, while the four included wood screws make it easy to mount in the garage, pantry, or basement. It even includes a built-in bottle opener.
Pros:
- Comes in both 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes
- Smashes cans to approximately 1-inch in width
- Rust-resistant finish
Cons:
- Not for tin cans
- It’s helpful to squeeze the can first before crushing
Ram-Pro Aluminum Can Crusher
Crush-A-Cola Classic
Simplicity is often the best way to go. As the Ram-Pro proves, nothing beats the simplicity of the classic can crusher design. The Ram-Pro is made with high-quality, 16-gauge steel from top to bottom to ensure durable performance without breakage, deforming, or even denting. Once it’s mounted to a wall, simply place your empty can in the slot and pull down the handle to easily reduce the can to just 20% of its original size. The lever works equally well for both right and left-handed people. The Ram-Pro can also double as a handy, fool-proof bottle opener, which makes it great for placement on the patio or garage.
Pros:
- Mounts to the wall with four Phillips screws
- Fits all 12-ounce cans
- Helps make party clean-up a breeze
Cons:
- Handle pin loosens with too much lateral pressure
- Enamel can chip under handle after repeated use
The Crusher Aluminum Can Compactor
Heavy Metal
The Crusher is a name-brand can crusher that has proven to be one of the most effective ways to crush tall, 16-ounce aluminum cans. In fact, The Crusher’s solid-steel construction and heavy-leverage crushing mechanism can flatten even large cans down to 1-inch. We like the steel cover that lines the length of The Crusher, as it prevents cans from slipping out and keeps the user from being accidentally squirted with any of the liquid remaining in the can. The unit secures to the wall with three wood screws that are easily accessible for quick mounting.
Pros:
- Sleek, white design
- The handle is easy on the hand
- Cover secured by two durable bolts
Cons:
- Cans could slip at the bottom under pressure
- M0ving parts will require lubrication
Dial Industries Easy Pull Can Crusher
Yes, You Can
If they can build a better mousetrap, they can build a better can crusher, and that’s exactly what Dial Industries did. With its patented pivoting mechanical system, this can crusher is 75% easier to use than its competitors, making it ideal for the elderly or those with arm and shoulder injuries. There’s a built-in child safety stop to keep small fingers from getting pinched. In fact, there’s no need to stick your hands into the mechanism at all, since the auto-dispensing feature automatically drops cans into your recycling bin. Of course, it’s built with durable steel that holds up under strain and won’t rust or corrode.
Pros:
- No more touching sharp and sticky crushed cans
- Rotating handgrip provides comfort and ease of use
- The U.S.-based company has 50 years in business
Cons:
- Cannot crush cans larger than 12 ounces
- Attachable bin sold separately
Colibrox Aluminum Can Crusher Crush
Many Cans Make Light Work
For serious recyclers, there’s the Colibrox can crusher. Capable of crushing 10 cans in 10 seconds with no batteries or electricity required, this can crusher makes easy work of a rather mundane and potentially time-consuming job. Simply place your cans in the bin at the top and start moving the lever: the mechanism works the same as any other can crusher and only has two moving parts. At only 16 inches wide and 19 inches tall, the Colibrox won’t take up a lot of space, either.
Pros:
- Includes all the required mounting hardware
- Automatic chamber entry and ejection
- Made of rust-proof nylon
- Long-throw crushing handle
Cons:
- Holder only carries six cans at a time
- Cannot crush plastic bottles
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we package drinks in aluminum cans?
Aluminum cans were created as an alternative to tin cans. Aluminum cans are easily formed in the manufacturing process, they resist corrosion, and do not rust. Additionally, cans made from aluminum easily support the carbonation pressure required to package soda by withstanding pressures of up to 90 pounds per square inch.
Are aluminum cans more environmentally-friendly than plastic bottles?
Aluminum cans have, on average, 68% recycled content compared to just 3% for plastic in the United States. However, considering the environmental costs of aluminum production, a new 12-ounce aluminum can is responsible for as much as 1,300 grams of carbon emissions. A plastic PET bottle of the same size typically accounts for about 330 grams of carbon emissions.
How many aluminum cans does the US recycle each year?
Every minute, an average of 123,097 aluminum cans are recycled. In fact, about 65% of the country’s total aluminum can production is recycled. On average, Americans recycle two out of every three aluminum cans they use. The average aluminum can in the US contains more than 50% post-consumer recycled aluminum. Brazil, on the other hand, recycles over 98% of their aluminum.
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