A garbage disposal may not be a flashy kitchen appliance, but it’s an indispensable addition to any kitchen. Indeed, dumping your food scraps and leftovers in a standard can outside gets rid of the mess, but you never really eradicate the stench in doing so. Don’t forget the amount of effort needed in towing the waste around the house. This job can be simplified by a garbage disposal. By installing the unit under your kitchen sink, you can feed it with all sorts of biodegradable waste, which it shreds and flashes down the drain pipe. It makes for easier and quicker cleaning in the kitchen, because you will no longer have food scraps lingering around.
A garbage disposal is an eco-friendly approach of disposing of waste – the shredded food scraps end up at wastewater plants, where they are recycled into fertilizers. Waste that goes to landfills, on the other hand, ends up rotting and creating methane – and you don’t need us to tell you about its effects on our atmosphere.
Now let’s find the best garbage disposal unit for your kitchen. It starts with looking at garbage disposal features such as horsepower, grinding speed, chamber capacity, appliance height and warranty. We’ve devoted a considerable amount of time to market research, so that article covers everything you need to consider in choosing the right garbage disposal – all of which is outlined in a comprehensive buying guide further below. Check the table below for a quick brief, and read on to learn more from the in-depth reviews of our select models with the InSinkErator Evolution Excel Garbage Disposal as our top pick.
Extra features: SoundSeal technology delivers ultra-quiet performance, jam-sensor circuit and auto-reverse grind system
The InSinkErator Evolution Excel is without a doubt one of the quietest garbage disposals. It makes use of SoundSeal technology, which includes enhanced level insulation, anti-vibration connections, and a unique quiet-collar sink baffle that blocks out the noise coming from the grinder.
This waste destroyer has three stages of breaking down waste, reducing scraps to the finest pulp. The resultant tiny particles are easy to wash down, meaning lower the chances of clogging up the drain pipe in the process. The Evolution Excel will power through veggies, fruits, peels, and even small bones with ease.
Speaking of power, the unit is equipped with a 1HP induction motor that runs at 1725rpm for crushing the toughest waste. InSinkErator includes two anti-jamming devices: a Jam-Sensor circuit, which increases power to prevent jams from happening, and an Auto-Reverse Grind System that reverses direction when something is about to clog up the grinder.
This unit is one of the easiest to install thanks to its Quick Lock mounting system. The system allows existing InSinkErator models to “twist out” and a new one to “twist in”, and it can also replace old garbage disposals from other brands.
An impressive addition to this unit is an inlet that allows direct connection to a dishwasher. Also supplied with the device is a stainless steel stopper, to cover the device’s sink opening when out of use. In addition, the model’s stainless steel components ensure great resistance to the corrosion commonly caused by water and minerals.
This unit is covered by an exclusive “We-Come-To-You” in-home 7-year limited warranty for peace of mind. It includes free house calls for parts and labor. While you can rest assured that the Evolution Excel will last for years, the initial investment is quite high.
Extra features: Bio-Shield – exclusive anti-microbial and odor protection
The Waste Maid 158 Standard is another inexpensive garbage disposal that provides remarkable performance. It runs on a 0.5 HP motor that powers through chunks of food waste with ease. It may not be the strongest horsepower available, but it’s certainly not the weakest either. The performance of this garbage disposal is best judged by its speed of 2600rpm – courtesy of TorqueMaster technology – which ensures high torque and a balanced grinding operation.
In addition to the power and speed, Waste Maid used stainless steel components in the making of this unit to ensure long-term durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. In addition, stainless steel is tougher than galvanized steel – an extra advantage over most other disposals that use the latter. Bio-Shield is another top feature of this product and hinders the growth of bacteria, thereby this preventing odor from building up inside the unit.
The chamber capacity is 32 oz and we think it’s pretty decent for disposing of a considerable amount of waste. A laser-sharp cutting ring does an effective job of grinding away food scraps and the operation is reasonably quiet. While this model may not tick all the top-of-the-range boxes, it does a solid job. A 3-year warranty ensures replacement, should there be any defects within the period.
Extra features: SoundSHIELD technology provides sound deadening insulation
The Moen GX50C makes waste disposal an easy and convenient task. It comes with a 0.5HP Vortex magnetic motor that delivers super-fast grinding action up to 2600rpm. The unit features a Universal Xpress Mount system that is specially designed to fit most 3-bolt mounting assemblies for quick installation. It additionally has a compact design, with a height of 16 inches, meaning no struggle during installation under a sink. A pre-installed power cord not only eliminates the need to buy one separately, but also means the unit is ready to go once installation is done.
This disposal utilizes SoundSHIELD technology which keeps the noise level as low as possible. Continuous grinding is another benefit of this unit, meaning it breaks down kitchen waste as long as it’s powered on. Moen claim that this unit jams less often due to the 2600rpm speed. There’s even an included sink flange to drive down the pulverized scraps and water more effectively.
With a chamber capacity of 30 oz, this disposal does away with food waste in a decent amount of time. It may be miles off the InSink Erator Evolution Excel in terms of capacity, but it still saves you plenty of time.
Lastly, there’s a 4-year limited warranty plus in-home service when needed.
Extra features: comes with all the necessary hardware: power cord, splash guard, flange, stopper, hex wrench
You don’t have to spend a fortune on the best garbage disposal. The TECCPO TAGD01P can do the job for slightly less than $80. Equipped with a 0.5HP 120V motor with 1780rpm, this unit delivers 150% more efficient performance than regular disposals. The same goes for the tank capacity at 38 oz, which also has a competitive advantage over many disposals.
Thanks to its twist-and-lock design, this disposal is one of the easiest to install, and replaces an existing one within 10 minutes. In addition, it comes with the necessary hardware including a hex wrench, flange, splash guard, stopper, and, of course, a power cord (25.6 inches).
Contained inside the unit are two 430 pendulum hammers made out of stainless steel, as well as grinding teeth, which reduce food scraps to a granular form for effortless draining down the pipe. Additionally, the disposal is specially designed to automatically shut off in the event of a malfunction. It’s even easy to repair – simply rotate the basal hole using a hex wrench and press the reset button.
Another thing we like with this garbage disposal is low noise emission, at less than 60 dBA. There’s also a universal dishwasher port that allows connection to any household dishwasher. TECCPO offers a 5-year warranty for this model. To sum up, this disposal is ideal for a large family of up to six persons due to its large disposal capacity. The price is a huge bargain for such an all-round product.
Extra features: overload protector with manual reset, quick lock mount makes installation easy
The Whirlpool GC2000XE is designed to eliminate waste in an effortless and efficient manner. This model uses a continuous-feed system, allowing you to deposit food scraps constantly, without worrying about clogging. In fact, it features an overload protector with manual reset function to protect the disposal against damage. Furthermore, stainless steel impellers cut scraps into tiny particles which aren’t likely to clog up the unit. Even tougher foods such as small bones have no chance against the ½ HP motor with 1725rpm.
What’s more? This waste disposer works without creating a mess that would need cleaning again. The unit’s grinding wheel and shredder ring are made from galvanized steel for maximum durability. The sink flange with one-piece plastic stopper is another stainless steel component that won’t corrode or rust over time.
Installing the Whirlpool GC2000XE is an easy job thanks to the straightforward instructions supplied. In addition, the garbage disposal provides the option of expert installation, so that, should you find it challenging – a local professional can complete the job for you free of charge. There’s even a dishwasher hookup on this unit, in case you prefer to connect it directly to your dishwasher. If you are looking for an efficient budget-friendly garbage disposal, this one makes a decent choice.
The Whirlpool GC2000XE is designed to eliminate waste in an effortless and efficient manner. This model uses a continuous-feed system, allowing you to deposit food scraps constantly, without worrying about clogging. In fact, it features an overload protector with manual reset function to protect the disposal against damage. Furthermore, stainless steel impellers cut scraps into tiny particles which aren’t likely to clog up the unit. Even tougher foods such as small bones have no chance against the ½ HP motor with 1725rpm.
What’s more? This waste disposer works without creating a mess that would need cleaning again. The unit’s grinding wheel and shredder ring are made from galvanized steel for maximum durability. The sink flange with one-piece plastic stopper is another stainless steel component that won’t corrode or rust over time.
Installing the Whirlpool GC2000XE is an easy job thanks to the straightforward instructions supplied. In addition, the garbage disposal provides the option of expert installation, so that, should you find it challenging – a local professional can complete the job for you free of charge. There’s even a dishwasher hookup on this unit, in case you prefer to connect it directly to your dishwasher. If you are looking for an efficient budget-friendly garbage disposal, this one makes a decent choice.
Extra features: overload protection with manual reset
KitchenAid is one of the few brands that are respected all around the world in the kitchen appliances department. The Kitchen Aid KCDB250G is a small garbage disposal that’s built for efficiency and durability. With dimensions of 14.6 x 7.5 x 7.4 inches, this unit slots nicely into any kitchen. The build material is stainless steel and the design is pretty eye-catching, though this is rarely considered when choosing a garbage disposal.
This disposer comes with a 0.5HP motor capable of grinding waste at 1725rpm. We like the continuous feed aspect for the way it lets you add more food waste while the unit is running. It makes clean up faster after every meal. Operation is through an intuitive switch that also ensures a great deal of safety.
KitchenAid knew that noisy appliances are a nuisance in the home – so they included a polystyrene sound barrier in this unit to ensure quiet operation. A manual reset button is available to restore operation in case of a jam or overheating. The 1-year warranty could be the only downside of this unit, because some other units are much more generous in this department. In any case, this a great choice for a mid-range budget.
Extra features: DrainBoost technology, anti-jam grinding blades
The GE GFC525V is a 0.5HP disposal unit that helps take care of the mess in the kitchen. It boasts a grinding action of over 2800rpm, which reduces food scraps into tiny particles that easily wash down any properly sized septic system. An advanced insulation package ensures the grinding operation is as quiet as possible.
The EZ mounting system makes for easy installation and there’s even a dishwasher connector if you prefer to use it. This model allows continuous feed, meaning you don’t need to stop it in between loads. You will find clear instructions on how to use this, and it will become second nature once you get it right. Stainless steel, jam-resistant grinding blades ensure smooth operation and reduce potential clogs, while remaining functional for years. The unit also features a splashguard that ensures no mess at all.
The sink flange is another great attribute of this garbage disposal as it allows waste and water to flow safely through drain pipes. Furthermore, the use of DrainBoost technology combined with the large capacity of this disposal helps clear up the sink much faster. Other useful additions include a wall-switch with sink stopper in case of clogs, plus a manual reset overload protector for restoring things to normal should the unit have a jam.
In conclusion, this disposal from GE is an ideal choice if your priority lies in high torque and high rpm.
Extra features: exclusive silencer technology – same material used to sound-proof music studios
The Waste King A1SPC Knight is an exceptional unit that comes with a 1HP motor coupled with a “One Pass” grinding process. Some other models use multi-stage grinding but this one pulps food waste in one go. With a speed of 2700rpm, the Knight delivers more power per pound of waste than comparative models. This unit will dispose of nearly everything and it requires 115V, 60Hz, and 7.0 amps to run.
A major benefit of this disposer is fewer jams and mess. The model has a continuous feed disposal, allowing you to add waste while it’s still running. Integrated stainless steel swivel impellers minimize the likelihood of any debris clogging up the disposal system.
This model is also whisper-quiet in operation thanks to the use of exclusive silencer technology, whereby the grinding components are insulated to ensure the quietest operation. The same system is used in sound-proof music studios. Corrosion will also not be an issue due to the glass-filled nylon used in the grinding chamber.
Another positive attribute of this model is the no-brainer installation. With its snap and lock mounting system, the Knight easily replaces an existing garbage disposer. It fits all 3-bolt mounting systems and the unit is safe for standard sized septic tanks. The unit’s 36-inch power cord should be enough to connect to a nearby power source.
A lifetime-limited mechanical and corrosion warranty sum up the quality of this garbage disposer. Should the unit develop mechanical or material defects, it will be replaced free of charge.
Informed customers will always make the right choice when it comes to buying stuff. It’s no different to looking for the best garbage disposal. To help in your search, alongside our reviews above, below is a buying guide that goes through the features to consider.
When food waste is sitting around in your kitchen (or even in the bin outside for long), it starts to produce an unpleasant odor. The same goes for small food scraps that are washed into your sink pipe when cleaning utensils – they too start smelling after some time. A garbage disposal totally prevents this from happening. It grinds food waste and flashes it down the pipes, ensuring nothing is lingering around.
First, they ensure that people aren’t using plastic bags to dispose of the waste that normally ends up at landfills. Second, waste from a garbage disposal goes to wastewater plants for recycling into fertilizers. Both are beneficial to the environment.
Simply clean the motor with water and it’s good to go. The same applies if your disposal clogs up.
Clogged pipes require large sums of money for hiring a plumber to come and unclog them. A garbage disposal reduces the need for hiring plumbing services. Models such as the InSinkErator Evolution Excel even have free in-home service warranties.
Here’s a rundown:
Indicated in HP, this determines the power of the unit. The best models have at least 0.5HP to 1HP, while some can have up to 1.25HP. Basically, the higher this number is, the more powerful and effective the garbage disposal.
The grinding speed is equally as important as the horsepower. This speed is labeled in revolutions per minute (rpm). Decent models have a speed of 1725rpm while the fastest units such as the GE GFC525V run at 2800rpm.
Generally, the larger the chamber capacity, the faster the waste disposal.
This attribute is a time saver and easy to use. It allows you to put waste into the sink continuously as long as the garbage disposal unit is powered on. The Whirlpool GC2000XE and Kitchen Aid KCDB250G are good examples with continuous operation.
Batch feed garbage disposals are, to a large extent, safe. They usually have a cover over the grinder’s entrance to reduce the risk of injury through unwanted items accidentally falling inside.
Every inch counts when it comes dealing with valuable space under the kitchen sink. In other cases, especially if you have small cabinets, a compact unit will be of great importance. A taller unit, on the other hand, may mean larger capacity, which is significant in its own right as well. It all comes down to preference and space availability.
Every manufacturer works towards keeping the noise as low as possible. Although you will find models with varying sound reducing technologies, the basic approach to minimizing noise is through insulation. This is the method utilized in the Waste King A1SPC Knight, for instance.
If the disposer comes with a power cord, it saves you the time and money of having to buy one separately.
This is an important consideration when purchasing electric devices. Some models come with a 1-year limited warranty covering parts and labor, while others such as the InSinkErator Evolution Excel come with an incredible 7-year warranty. This includes sending a professional to your home to repair or swap a defective unit. You will also want to find out how a claim is resolved and what exactly is covered in a warranty.
We hope after reading this compressive guide, you have realized the need to install a garbage disposal in your home. You will not only have a reliable means of waste disposal, but you will also help reduce the waste that accumulates in landfills for no good reason.
One of the models we have reviewed above might be the right one for you. The InSinkErator Evolution Excel is our top choice, with more than 1,000 customer reviews attesting its quality. A 7-year warranty is a major selling point of this highly-rated unit. The Waste Maid 158 Standard is another top recommendation, and boasts some great features including a 2600rpm motor and anti-microbial and odor protection. Our budget pick went to the TECCPO TAGD01P. We like that it comes with all the necessary installation accessories and it’s backed by a 5-year warranty.
Finally, remember the points to consider when buying the best garbage disposal and you will never regret your purchase.
