Mckay Heavy-Duty Wall-Mounted Can Crusher
Best for: Best for crushing aluminium cans for recycling — satisfying to use, saves enormous bin space, and includes a bottle opener.
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Our review
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a lever and watching an aluminium can compress to a flat disc with a single crunch. This McKay crusher mounts to any wall or solid surface, handles both 12oz and 16oz cans, and includes a built-in bottle opener — a nice touch for the garage or workshop.
The mechanism is simple: two moving parts, a cushioned rubber handle, and heavy-gauge steel construction. One reviewer reports a two-year-old successfully crushing a can one-handed on the first try. A maintenance tech with a serious energy-drink habit used the same crusher daily for over a year and says it still works as well as day one. Cans compress to roughly 20% of their original size, which means your recycling bin holds five times as many.
The durability picture is split. Mechanically, the crushing action stays consistent for years. But the handle retention mechanism — the part that holds the lever in the upright position — wears out over time. Multiple reviewers report the handle flopping down after several months of heavy use, requiring a bungee cord or similar fix to keep it up. The paint also chips and rusts if mounted outdoors. One long-term reviewer notes the crusher itself is 'mechanically indestructible' but warns to never apply WD-40 to the pivot, as it dissolves the friction that holds the handle up.
McKay's customer service gets good marks — they replace defective units with photos and no hassle. For the price and the sheer volume-saving impact on your recycling, it is a practical garage gadget. Just know the handle retention is the weak point.
👍 Pros
- #1 in Can Crushers — 25K+ reviews
- Crushes 12oz and 16oz cans to ~20% original size
- Built-in bottle opener
- Cushioned handle — easy enough for a child to operate
- Good customer service — replaces defective units with photos
👎 Cons
- Handle retention wears out — stops staying upright after months of use
- Paint chips and rusts if mounted outdoors
- Cannot ship to UK (US only)
- Not designed for steel or thick-gauge cans — aluminium only
Specifications
| Brand | McKay |
|---|---|
| Material | Heavy-gauge all-steel construction |
| Fits | 12 oz and 16 oz aluminium cans + plastic bottles |
| Mount | Wall, table, or countertop — hardware included |
| Extras | Built-in bottle opener, cushioned grip handle |
| Dimensions | 3.1 × 4.6 × 13.1 in |
| Colours | Black, Blue, Red, Grey, Green, Yellow, White, US Flag |
FAQ
Does it handle tall 16oz cans?
Yes — the 16oz model is designed for both standard 12oz and taller 16oz seltzer and energy drink cans. Pre-denting the can slightly before loading helps it crush more evenly.
Will the handle stay up?
Initially yes. After months of heavy daily use, the retention mechanism can wear and the handle may flop down. Reviewers fix this with a small bungee cord. Do NOT apply WD-40 — it strips the friction that holds the handle.
Can it crush steel cans (cat food, etc.)?
Not recommended. It is designed for thin-wall aluminium beverage cans. Heavier-gauge steel cans can bend the crusher plate over time.
What if mine is defective?
McKay customer service replaces defective units — contact them with photos. Multiple reviewers confirm the replacement process is hassle-free.
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