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Residential garbage disposals are not only great for post-meal cleanup, but they also reduce the amount of leftover food scraps in the trash can, which cuts down on odors. Plus, the typical garbage disposal will last 8 to 15 years.
All garbage disposal brands pulverize soft foods with ease, but some do tend to jam while trying to grind raw, fibrous vegetables, such as celery. On the other hand, some of the most powerful disposals will break down chicken bones!
Read on for facts, figures, and features and a list of top picks to find the best garbage disposal for your home.
- BEST OVERALL: InSinkErator Pro Series 3/4 HP Food Waste Disposal
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord
- UPGRADE PICK: InSinkErator Evolution Compact Garbage Disposer
- BEST FOR SMALL KITCHENS: Waste King Legend Series 1/2 HP Disposal with Cord
- BEST FOR FAMILIES: Waste Maid Premium Black 1-1/4 HP Garbage Disposal
- BEST FOR SEPTIC TANKS: Moen Host Series Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
- EASIEST TO INSTALL: Waste King Garbage Disposal with Power Cord
Before You Buy a Garbage Disposal
Not all municipal sewage systems can handle food waste from garbage disposals. Since bits of food flow through the drain pipes, using a garbage disposal can increase the risk of clogs in a home’s plumbing, or possibly even cause problems in septic and municipal sewage systems.
- Contact the local building authority to determine whether garbage disposals are permitted in the community.
- If users experience frequent clogs in their home’s plumbing, they’re probably better off passing on a disposal, even if they’re permitted in the community.
- Food particles break down slower than other types of waste, which can lead to accumulated food matter in a septic tank. If shoppers have a septic system, they will want to contact the company that installed it or the company that pumps out the tank and ask if their particular system can handle a disposal. Typically, larger tanks are more suitable for use with a disposal.
- On average, 2 to 3 gallons of water per minute are used with a disposal. If buyers use their disposal twice a day, running it half a minute each time, they will use approximately 850 to 950 additional gallons of water per year.
How We Chose the Best Garbage Disposals
We researched the most sought-after garbage disposals in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, horsepower, construction materials, ease of installation, operation volume, and other special features included by select brands.
While searching for the best garbage disposals on the market, the continuous-feed models were unanimously the most popular among users for their ease of use and consistent operation. Our featured garbage disposals range from ½ to 1¼ horsepower motors and have durable stainless steel and nylon constructions for long lifespans and durability.
Our top picks also have easy twist-and-lock, three-bolt, or snap-and-lock installation and are compatible with existing assemblies. For added convenience, many of these garbage disposals have noise-deadening features, preinstalled power cords, and compatibility with septic systems and wall switches.
Our Top Picks
Selected based on the criteria detailed above, the following list contains some of the best garbage disposals on the market in a range of categories.
Best Overall
InSinkErator Pro Series 3/4 HP Food Waste Disposal
Pros
- Quiet garbage disposal; SoundSeal technology integrated
- Magnetic lid included; provides noise reduction
- 2 built-in grinding stages; great at handling typical food waste
- Compact size can fit most cabinet spaces
Cons
- Pricey compared to other options
- Power cord not included
The InSinkErator ¾ HP garbage disposal stands out for safety and quiet operation. For one thing, the magnetic lid for the disposal must be securely in place before it will run. This cover also serves as a start switch, a feature that’s ideal for kitchen-island sinks. The InSinkErator’s lid reduces noise, as does its insulated body, and the SoundSeal technology makes this garbage disposal much quieter than standard disposals.
With its two grinding stages, which makes tough food a cinch to dispose of, this model is also a good choice for those who have limited cabinet space.
Product Specs
- Type: Continuous feed
- Power: ¾ hp
- Grinding chamber material: Stainless steel
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Get the InSinkErator Pro garbage disposal on Amazon or at Build With Ferguson.
Best Bang For The Buck
Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord
Pros
- ½-hp motor suitable for midsize households
- EZ Mount installation is quick and simple
- Includes a preinstalled power cord
- Compatible with a wall switch for very easy installation
Cons
- May require additional chrome sink trim for installation
Adding a garbage disposal to a kitchen doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. This reasonably priced unit from Waste King features a ½-hp motor for midsize households. The garbage disposal comes with EZ Mount for quick installation with the kitchen sink, and it has a preinstalled power cord that plugs directly into the wall—no electrical work required.
The stainless steel and plastic unit is a continuous-feed disposal that activates with a wall switch and will continually grind food as it runs. The garbage disposal also has a removable splash guard for easy cleaning.
Product Specs
- Type: Continuous feed
- Power: ½ hp
- Grinding chamber material: Nylon
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Get the Waste King garbage disposal at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.
Upgrade Pick
InSinkErator Evolution Compact Garbage Disposer
Pros
- Noticeably quieter operation compared to other options
- Made using long-lasting stainless steel materials
- Strong motor and grinder can even handle chicken bones
Cons
- Unit is quite bulky for a “compact” model
Don’t sacrifice power for size. This garbage disposal from InSinkErator has a robust, compact design, ideal for small households and small cabinets. The unit also boasts a ¾-hp motor for robust operation. The garbage disposal is made with stainless steel components and LeakGuard liner.
This garbage disposal also comes with noise-reducing SoundSeal technology for quiet performance and two-stage MultiGrind technology to reduce food waste. Food gets repeatedly broken down into smaller particles, including melon rinds and even chicken bones.
Product Specs
- Type: Continuous feed
- Power: ¾ hp
- Grinding chamber material: Stainless steel
- Ease of installation: Easy
Get the InSinkErator Evolution garbage disposal at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Best for Small Kitchens
Waste King Legend Disposal with Cord
Pros
- Removable built-in splash guard; helps reduce kitchen mess
- Easy mount system integrated; allows for quick installation
- Power cord included, which is not always guaranteed
- Affordable price point compared to similar options
Cons
- Plumbing will need to be connected manually
The Waste King Legend continuous-feed disposal is affordable, efficient, and easy to install. With a ½-hp motor, this compact unit fits right into small under-sink spaces. There’s a removable splash guard for easy cleaning, and the disposal is safe to use with a septic tank. The grind chamber features durable stainless steel that will keep this disposal working long term.
No wiring skills are required to set the Waste King Legend unit in place; it comes with an attached power cord that plugs directly into an under-sink outlet. You’ll still need to connect the plumbing under the sink, but clear, simple instructions are included.
Product Specs
- Type: Continuous feed
- Power: ½ hp
- Grinding chamber material: Nylon
- Ease of installation: Easy
Get the Waste King Legend garbage disposal at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Build With Ferguson.
Best for Families
Waste Maid Premium Black 1-1/4 HP Garbage Disposal
Pros
- Suitable for medium to large households (depending on how much food is disposed of)
- 3-bolt mount assembly is very simple to install
- Silver Guard magnet system integrated; helps save runaway cutlery
- Removable splash guard included
Cons
- Some users report loud operation volume
With a 1¼-hp motor, this continuous-feed garbage disposal unit from Waste Maid can chew up more or less anything that’s placed inside of it, including watermelon rinds. And the stainless steel components will last for years.
The Waste Maid garbage disposal comes with Silver Guard, a powerful magnet system that catches cutlery and metal objects before they fall into the disposer. The removable rubber splash guard makes it easy to clean. The three-bolt mounting system ensures a fast installation or replacement; most garbage disposal brands use the three-bolt system.
Product Specs
- Type: Continuous feed
- Power: 1¼ hp
- Grinding chamber material: Stainless steel
- Ease of installation: Easy
Get the Waste Maid garbage disposal at Amazon.
Best for Septic Tanks
Moen Host Series Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
Pros
- Features integrated SoundSHIELD sound-deadening insulation
- Compact design fits easily under most sinks
- Compatible with most existing assemblies
- Preinstalled power cord included
Cons
- No built-in hex slot; may be tougher to resolve severe jamming
Looking for a garbage disposal to use with a septic tank? This unit from Moen is safe to use with appropriately sized septic tanks. It also boasts noise reduction through SoundSHIELD sound-deadening insulation. The ¾-hp motor provides fast, powerful grinding of all food scraps. And it reduces jamming. The compact design frees up space under the sink.
This garbage disposal fits most existing assemblies, including those from other brands, for shoppers looking for something easy to install. And the preinstalled power cord plugs directly into the wall.
Product Specs
- Type: Continuous feed
- Power: ¾ hp
- Grinding chamber material: Unlisted
- Ease of installation: Easy
Get the Moen garbage disposal at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Build With Ferguson.
Easiest to Install
Waste King Garbage Disposal with Power Cord
Pros
- Easy twist-and-lock installation; DIY-friendly
- Preinstalled power cord for added convenience
- Sound-deadening insulation helps reduce noise
- Compatible with wall switches or a sink-mounted air switch
Cons
- Some users report difficulty installing or missing parts upon delivery
This garbage disposal unit from Waste King comes with EZ Mount for a twist-and-lock installation, and it features a preinstalled power cord, which means no electrical work is required. The compact size of the disposal unit creates room under the sink, and the sound-deadening insulation ensures silent running.
The garbage disposal is made of stainless steel grinding components for durability and to increase the lifespan of the product. The continuous-feed disposal activates via a wall switch or sink-mounted air switch and runs until turned off.
Product Specs
- Type: Continuous feed
- Power: ¾ hp
- Grinding chamber material: Stainless steel
- Ease of installation: Easy
Get the Waste King garbage disposal at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Build With Ferguson.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Garbage Disposal
Various factors go into choosing the best garbage disposals for a home. For example, the size of a family and whether shoppers have small children with curious hands can help them choose between a continuous-feed garbage disposal and a batch-feed disposal.
Family size can also determine power and unit size—based on the amount of food processed in a day. Finally, shoppers will want to determine if they will install the unit themselves or hire a pro. Knowing this can help them choose direct-wire versus a simple plug.
Continuous Feed vs. Batch Feed
A garbage disposal contains a motor and an internal canister, called a grinding chamber, which is fitted with sharp blades that spin at high speeds when the disposal is turned on. The bottom of the grinding chamber is perforated to allow pulverized food bits to flow out of the chamber and down the drainpipe. The two main garbage disposal types include a continuous feed and batch feed:
- A continuous-feed garbage disposal runs continuously, allowing users to turn it on and put food waste in gradually while it’s operating. Most disposals on the market today are continuous feed and range in price depending on power and quality. The only major downside to continuous-feed garbage disposals is the possibility of hands getting in the grinder while it’s running, causing injury.
- Batch-feed disposals grind food in small batches and are safer for families with inquisitive young children. A stopper must be securely in place before the disposal will operate. Safety is the main draw for batch-feed disposals, but they’re typically more expensive.
If buyers install a batch feed model, they’ll be able to run only one load of food waste at a time. The size of the grinding chamber will vary with the model but will typically grind 2 to 4 cups of food waste at one time.
Power
The more powerful the garbage disposal, the more efficiently it will grind food. Like nearly all appliances and tools with motors, the power generated by a garbage disposal is rated in horsepower, a unit of energy that was once compared to actual horses.
- ⅓ hp: These are the most economical garbage disposals, but they tend to clog when grinding fibrous foods, such as celery or carrots. Unless shoppers plan to use the disposal infrequently and grind only soft foods, they’re better off with a more powerful model.
- ½ hp: A ½-hp disposal is suitable for midsize households and will grind most food waste; just take care not to overstuff it to keep it from jamming.
- ¾ hp: At this level, users will get some real power! A ¾-hp disposal can chew its way through fibrous foods without a glitch, and it is well suited to households with large families and substantial food waste.
- 1 to 1⅕ hp: These powerhouses make quick work of grinding virtually all food waste thrown its way, including watermelon rinds.
Size
Greater horsepower requires a larger motor, which will often increase the size of the unit as well. While size varies widely by brand, the smallest ⅓-hp disposals range from 6 to 7 inches in diameter and 9 to 12 inches in height. By contrast, a 1-hp disposal can be up to 13 inches in diameter and 18 inches in height.
The only time unit size might make a difference is when shoppers have limited space under the kitchen sink. If they already have a water filtering system, such as a reverse-osmosis unit, they may not have enough room for a large disposal. Buyers will want to make sure to note the size of the units they’re interested in and compare them to measurements of the under-sink space.
Grinding Chamber Material
The grinding chamber is exposed to garbage and water much of the time, so shoppers will want to invest in a garbage disposal with a grinding chamber that can last for the long haul.
Grinding chambers are made from various materials, including stainless steel, plastic, pot metal, and galvanized steel. Each material has its pros and cons.
- Stainless steel is the benchmark. Although it may cost a little more up front, it will also last longer—buyers may not ever need to replace the garbage disposal. In addition, the chamber won’t rust, and stainless steel grind components are the easiest to clean with ice cubes or rock salt.
- Plastic comes in second as it won’t corrode. But the parts will eventually crack because the plastic will dry out. Even with that in mind, the parts will last a long time, and buyers should get years out of their plastic disposal. The lack of corrosion makes it simple to clean.
- Pot metal will likely be plated or painted. Eventually, this coating will chip away, and the pot metal underneath will rust and be covered in a white powdery substance. However, even though they may end up looking bad, the thickness of the parts means they can last for decades.
- Galvanized steel has a galvanized protective coating that starts to erode as soon as buyers start using the garbage disposal. In just a few months, the grinding chamber will rust, and in a few years, the parts may fail altogether.
Direct-Wired vs. Plug-In
Most garbage disposals do not come with power cords that plug into an outlet; they are designed to be wired directly into the home’s electrical system. A few models, however, come with cords and plugs that can be connected to an outlet beneath the sink. Models that do not have attached plugs can be converted to plug-in models with the purchase of optional plug-in cords, sold separately.
- A cord that plugs into an outlet is the simplest to install, but a dangling cord beneath the sink can get in the way of stored cleaners and other items, which can dislodge the plug from the outlet.
- Most professionally installed disposals are direct wired, which means the connecting wires are in a junction box in the wall, making it less likely that moisture will interfere with the wiring. A plug-in model could be affected by a water leak that runs down the wall, which could cause the outlet to short out and the circuit breaker to flip, although the possibility of that happening is unlikely.
- While the choice to install either a direct-wired or plug-in disposal is usually left up to the buyer, it’s a good idea to check with the local building authority in case there are regulations in a particular community.
Connecting a plug to a nonplug unit is relatively easy if users have some wiring experience, and instructions come with both the disposal and with the cord kit. Hardwiring a disposal into the home’s electrical system is a much more complicated project and should be left to the pros.
Additional Features
Some additional features that shoppers can look for when purchasing a garbage disposal:
- Anti-jamming: When too much food is packed into a disposal, the grinding blades can jam. Turning off the switch, removing the stuck food manually, and then pressing the reset button will usually fix the problem. Some newer disposals come with an anti-jamming feature that can detect a jam and automatically reverse the blades, which will often dislodge the jam.
- Anti-splash: Splash guards keep the sink clean by ensuring that chewed-up food and water don’t make it back up into the sink. In some cases, it can even reduce the noise of the garbage disposal.
- Corrosion protection: Corrosion protection inside the unit helps increase the lifespan of the garbage disposal.
- Noise level: Loud operating noise has long been a downside to garbage disposals, but today’s models are much quieter, with the inclusion of insulation and padded mounts that reduce vibration. High-end disposals can be very quiet, emitting little more than a hum, while some budget-friendly models are still fairly loud.
Installation
Installing a new garbage disposal costs around $500. On top of the unit, the install will also require a new receptacle, fitting, switch, possibly some other parts, and the cost of time. Factor in about 1 to 2 hours of installation time. Replacing disposal units can cost as little as $150 for install and equipment.
For those planning to replace or install one on their own, a quick-mounting system allows for easy installation. The turn-and-lock system of the mount secures the garbage disposal to the sink. For those with recurring plumbing issues like backups or clogs, they may need to have the septic system enlarged or repaired first—this will add to the overall cost.
FAQs
For more information about the best garbage disposals, check out these answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If additional concerns arise, contact the manufacturer.
Q. What horsepower garbage disposal should I get?
Garbage disposals are available in a variety of power levels ranging mostly from ⅓ to 1.2 horsepower. The higher the horsepower, the more food your garbage disposal is capable of grinding. Powerful models like the Waste Maid Premium Black 1¼ HP Garbage Disposal are ideal for larger households, or for those who plan on grinding tougher foods like watermelon rinds. Mid-range garbage disposals with ⅓ to ¾ horsepower top many “Best Of” lists (the InSinkErator Pro Series ¾ HP Food Waste Disposal is not only our Best Overall pick, but it also boasts some impressive Amazon reviews), just be sure to avoid overstuffing and tossing in fibrous foods like celery and carrots.
Q. Can you insulate a garbage disposal?
Yes. You can insulate the body of the garbage disposal with some soundproof materials. You can also purchase insulated units where the motor and the grinding chamber are covered in insulation materials on the inside.
Q. Are garbage disposals bad for plumbing?
Not if the garbage disposal is installed correctly, and you ensure your septic tank and municipal sewage can handle a garbage-disposal unit (contact your local building authority prior to buying). If your community gives you the green light for a garbage disposal but your house experiences frequently clogged pipes, you may want to consider a model with higher horsepower (like the Waste Maid Premium Black 1¼ HP Garbage Disposal) that is capable of grinding even the most fibrous and dense foods to a pulp.
Q. What can I clean my garbage disposal with?
Ice cubes, rock salt, vinegar, and baking soda—to find out more, check out this article about how to clean a garbage disposal.
