10 Best Garbage Disposals – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Garbage Disposals – Guide & Comparison

 

With such a big variety of products available on the market, it’s no wonder that you don’t know how to find the best garbage disposals. Luckily for you, we’ve gathered reviews of some of the devices that you should pay attention to for one reason or another, such as this Waste King L-8000 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord 1 HP. This model has several things that make it stand out such as the fact that it has a high-speed motor of 2800 RPM which means the garbage will be cut to pieces faster and quicker so you won’t have to wait for it to finish the job. Such a device has to be silent and the item we are talking about is sound-insulated so it’s not going to bother you. Another advantage is the fact that it’s really easy to install so that’s one less worry for you. If you can’t find this device available, the InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Evolution Compact 3/4 HP is also worth a look.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Garbage Disposals (Updated Reviews) in 2024

 

 

Maybe you’re looking for a silent garbage disposal or you’re more interested in one that does the job quickly regardless of the noise. Because we all have different expectations from such devices, we looked at various available models so you can pick the best garbage disposal for you. Read below our garbage disposal reviews for the products we selected.

 

 

1. Waste King L-8000 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord 1 HP

 

A high-speed motor is always good to have when we talk about house appliances so if you are looking for a model with this feature, look no further: the Waste King L-8000 has a speed of 2800 RPM which indeed makes it a fast one. This will make the ability to cut the garbage a very fast one as it should.

A high-speed motor sounds like it will make a lot of noise, which is not to everyone’s liking, but, fortunately, the model we are discussing is sound-insulated which means the noise coming from it is really low and as a result, it’s not going to bother you one bit. The item also has an anti-jamming design so you’re not to waste time with that activity either.

Turning it on is very simple as you only have to click on a wall switch that is connected to the device.

 

Pros

The high speed of 2800 RPM means the job is going to be done very fast.

The sound-insulated feature makes the device a silent one that you can turn on without being bothered by its noises.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that the device has an anti-jamming feature so it’s not going to give you any problems from that point of view.

In order to clean it better and faster, the device has made the splash guard removable so you can sanitize it with ease. The installation process is also very simple.

In order to turn it on you just have to click on the wall switch and the disposal process is going to start instantly.

It comes with a pre-installed power cord so no other type of electrical work will be needed.

 

Cons

Unfortunately, after some years of using it, the device may start to leak, especially if you haven’t used it with the proper care.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Evolution Compact 3/4 HP

 

This device has several advantages that you may be interested in such as the fact that it has a rather small size. Since not all homes are big enough to fit all appliances needed, the news of an almost mini-garbage disposal is going to be exactly what some of us want to hear about. Of course, this isn’t the only attractive feature on this device.

As you buy it online, there’s always the risk that the product may not fit and you’ll have to return it. Fortunately, the producers of the InSinkErator Evolution let you see if the product does fit by checking the model number. You can find this piece of information in the user’s manual.

Since noisy home appliances are avoided by many, this garbage disposal includes noise-reducing technology so you can use it at all times without bothering you, the other members of the household or your neighbors.

 

Pros

Because you are going to use this device daily or every couple of days, intense use combined with the passing of time can damage such a product. Since this one has alloy stainless steel components, you won’t need to worry about this.

You won’t disturb anybody by using this device which includes noise-reducing technology.

You have the possibility of checking if it really fits under your sink by verifying the model number.

The small size makes it interesting for those who have a small kitchen. The motor is really strong so it can deal with even the toughest scraps of food.

Also important is the typical electricity use of such a device with about 3 – 4 kW / year.

We can’t skip the fact that this is the company that created the very first garbage disposal all the way back in 1927.

 

Cons

Because it doesn’t come with a cord, you will have to search for one by yourself.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord 1/2 HP

 

Struggling to turn on a device or home appliance is highly frustrating, but you don’t have to worry about that with this item. One simple click of the switch that is placed on the wall (so it’s also within reach) will turn on this garbage disposal in a second so at least you got that part off of your hands.

The motor the Waste King L-1001 has is a high-speed one as it can reach 2600 RPM so all of your waste can be eliminated in just a couple of seconds. This item also comes with a pre-installed power cord which means there is no need for any type of electrical work to be done in order to install it.

In order for the grinding components to resist the work they have to put in, they were created to be corrosion-resistant.

 

Pros

It can be turned on easily using the wall switch so you can get rid of food scraps and other debris in a jiffy.

The item has a high-speed motor of 2600 RPM so the trash will be chopped quickly but also eliminated just as fast.

You won’t have to deal with any type of electrical work as the garbage disposal comes with a pre-installed power cord.

The grinding components were created to resist all the effort and food substances they have to deal with so they are corrosion resistant.

 

Cons

Installing it seems to be a rather difficult task as even plumbers seem to have had a problem with this aspect.

Many parts of it are made of plastic, including the drain and the mounting areas so it may not last as long as you’d wish since plastic can be a sensitive material.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. InSinkErator Garbage Disposal with Cord Badger 5

 

Not many people probably know this, but InSinkErator was the first company to ever produce garbage disposals with the name being a play on “incinerator” and the fact that you place the device “in” the “sink”. So it’s no wonder that in order to stay in business for almost 100 years, it came up with new models that are meant to compete with the other new ones.

A good example, in this case, is the InSinkErator Badger 5 1/2 HP Continuous Feed that has a compact design meant to help you save space. Since many of us struggle with a lack of space in our kitchens, it’s no wonder some people will prefer a small version instead of a larger one.

The installation process is a quick and fast one as you probably don’t want to spend the whole day dealing with this task only.

 

Pros

The compact design will be of use for people who don’t have enough available space in their kitchens.

This model includes a 1/2 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor which is a creation of this company for a fast and resisting motor.

It comes with rugged galvanized steel components that have the role of making the device last for a longer period of time without being affected by the daily grind.

It helps the environment as food won’t get into landfills anymore.

The Quick Lock mount lets you install this device even faster if you are replacing a garbage disposal from the same company. You only have to twist the old one off and twist in this model.

 

Cons

Some reviewers have complained about the stability of the blades.

Other reviews have complained about this model being pretty loud which could be because of the blades point we mentioned above.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Badger 5XP 3/4 HP

 

Another model from the InSinkErator company that caught our attention is this one. The item is also a compact one which will help you save space – a highly important aspect, after all, in case your kitchen is already pretty full or rather small.

The design this product has doesn’t just make it more compact, but it also helps in installing it faster and easier. Installing such devices can be hard for some people but the producers have made things as easy as possible for this one. You can still hire a plumber to install it, but at least you know it’s not going to take long for the job to be done.

This model also comes with the 3/4 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor, a creation of this company that has the goal of making this part of the device more resistant to constant use and to the passing of time which affects any device at some point.

 

Pros

The fact that this item has a compact design is good for people who want to save space in their kitchen.

The installation process is also very fast and easy so even you can do it.

In case you’re replacing a previous model from this company, the Quick Lock mount will let you do the job just by twisting the old one out and the new one it.

The Quick Lock is compatible with all other models from InSinkErator available on the market at the moment.

The components are made of galvanized steel so the device can last for a longer period of time.

You can use it every day to grind the leftover food, it shouldn’t crack under pressure.

 

Cons

After a couple of months, some people have complained that it started to make loud noises.

Some people have received the plastic tube broken, probably as the result of not being properly wrapped and the delivery being sloppy.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. Waste Maid 10-US-WM-058-3B Garbage Disposal 1/2 HP Economy

 

This item comes equipped with a ½ horsepower permanent magnet motor that reaches a speed of 2600 RPM. As a result, the product is able to do the things it is supposed to do fast enough with no need for you to wait around while the job is getting done. The 2600 RPM rating is fairly common for garbage disposals so you have a guarantee there as well.

A function that this product features is the anti-jam one. You can imagine, this is a useful thing to have as food leftovers have the unfortunate ability to jam this type of product easily. Since the Waste Maid 10-US-WM-058-3B Garbage Disposal, 1/2 HP Economy has the anti-jam feature, you will have one less thing to worry about.

This model works with 120V 60 Hz power and the power cord is not only included in the package, but it’s also attached to the device and it measures around 3 feet.

 

Pros

The model features the typical speed for such a device, meaning it can reach 2600 RPM. It includes a very useful feature, the anti-jam one so you won’t have to unclog it.

The grinding system is made of stainless steel so it can last for a long period of time. Also, the device has a power cord attached that has a length of 3 feet.

Another feature that makes the product a resistant one is the fact that it has a corrosion-proof turntable.

This model has balanced impellers which means the product is going to vibrate less so it will have a longer life as it won’t shake every time you use it.

Also worth mentioning is the bio shield included in the device that has the role of eliminating the unpleasant smells that are caused by bacteria.

 

Cons

People who used it have complained that it randomly stopped working one day.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. Moen GX50C GX Series 1/2 Horsepower Compact Garbage Disposal

 

There are several things that will get your attention when you check out the details for this product. The first one is the vortex motor technology with a permanent magnet that has the highly important role of grinding the food leftovers in a matter of seconds so, by the time you want to take some other chore, this one is already a done deal.

Installing a garbage disposal can be quite tough, but this model is noted for having an easy installation thanks to the Universal Xpress Mount. Also important is the fact that the Moen GX50C GX Series 1/2 Horsepower Continuous Feed Compact Garbage Disposal comes with the power cord preinstalled which also helps you save time with installing it.

Another benefit of the preinstalled power cord is the fact that you won’t have to waste time and money by looking for a power cord that goes with the device.

 

Pros

Thanks to the SoundSHIELD feature, the level of noise is reduced significantly. This item has a compact design so you’ll have more space under your sink.

You’ll have a very easy time installing it thanks to its design, the Universal Xpress Mount, and having the power cord already installed.

The motor can reach a high speed of 2600 RPM which is the typical speed a garbage disposal reaches.

The magnet motor included in the device is also created with the intention of reducing jamming.

You’ll notice how the food is being ground in just a couple of seconds so you can finish this task almost as quickly as you’ve started it.

 

Cons

It looks like the device has stopped working for some people after only a couple of years for various reasons.

Many reviews have complained about the fact that the device is actually pretty loud which is a turn off for some.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Whirlaway 191 1/3 Horsepower Garbage Disposal

 

While looking for garbage disposal, you are sure to bump into this model as well. The first thing you’ll notice is the fact that it doesn’t have a very smooth design, looking like it’s part of typical plumbing, but you’ll also notice the fact that it is Vortex powered by a permanent magnet motor that has the ability to create more power/pound.

To avoid wasting a lot of time with the installation process, the producers have made it so that this activity will only take a short amount of time as it has a really quick installation. It is also worth noting that this device is considered to be safe to be used for a regular-sized septic tank so there is that to be taken into consideration as well.

The buying price for the Whirlaway 191 1/3 Horsepower Garbage Disposal is somewhere in the middle when compared to other similar products.

 

Pros

The device works by using a permanent magnet motor which makes it more powerful than other devices of the same kind.

It’s safe to be used for septic tanks that have a regular size. The installation process is really easy so it won’t take much time for you or the plumber to do it.

It has an accessible price and as it’s made from steel, the product is expected to have a long-lasting life.

You won’t need to use batteries for this device as it’s powered with electricity.

 

Cons

Although it’s far from being the most important aspect, the overall design is not the most aesthetically pleasing.

The quality of the blades is not the best as they can erode after 2-3 years of use. Also, it doesn’t come with a power cord so don’t throw away the old one yet as there is a chance it could fit and you could use it for the newer device!

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. KitchenAid Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal

 

This device has some features that are sure to at least get your attention for a while such as the fact that it allows for a continuous feed of leftovers. This means that, as you clean the plates after the meal, you can do it without having to stop for one plate’s leftovers to be disposed of before reaching for the next plate. This makes the device efficient and time-saving.

In order to have a more effective grinding power, the KitchenAid Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal can reach a speed of about 1725 RPM which is efficient enough to allow for the continuous feeding of leftovers.

We also have to mention the sound seal technology that the product has since it will keep a level of quietness in your kitchen that you can only dream of when it comes to garbage disposals. The motor has the ability to reach ¾ horsepower.

 

Pros

The continuous feeding of leftovers helps you save time and it’s highly efficient. Also, this motor can reach ¾ horsepower.

It’s a very silent model thanks to the sound seal technology it comes equipped with.

As it’s made from stainless steel, the device is supposed to last for a long period of time.

It has a very elegant design which is quite surprising for these types of items.

The device is using electrical power to work (it has a voltage of 120 volts) so you don’t need any batteries to make it work. You only need to connect it to a power supply.

 

Cons

The 1725 RPM is below the usual power of these devices which usually have at least 2000 RPM.

Since it’s not very easy to clean it, some people have complained about the smells that form from it. The device is not good at cleaning itself out as some users have pointed out.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. BECBAS ELEMENT 7 Garbage Disposal 1HP 2700RPM

 

The item presented here comes with a permanent magnet DC motor which increases the grinding capacity of the device every time you use it in order to dispose of food. This type of motor is also highly useful as it’s used to reduce the possibility of jamming taking place to somewhere close to zero.

This device also has a grinding system that is made of durable stainless steel. As a result, the system is resistant to corrosion but also presents the ability to grind various types of leftovers very fast. We also should mention that the BECBAS ELEMENT 7 helps you save both money and time as it comes with a power cord already installed.

This also means there is no further need for any type of electrical work. The product comes with a series of accessories such as a multifunctional scraper, a stainless steel stopper, a splash guard that you can remove as needed and an elbow.

 

Pros

The permanent magnet DC motor has two advantages: it makes jamming close to impossible and it also makes the grinding capacity much better.

The grinding system created for the item is composed of stainless steel which makes it all the more resistant to overuse. Also important is the fact that said system is created to be corrosion-proof.

The device can grind with ease many types of leftovers in a short amount of time.

Because it comes with the power cord already installed, you needn’t worry about having to buy a new one or finding one that fits this model.

The various accessories it comes with make using it even easier as you get all the bits of help that you need from them.

 

Cons

It’s much more expensive than other similar devices in this category.

It looks like some of the people who’ve used it have complained about the product leaking.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

From an eco-friendly point of view, even the best garbage disposal has things working for it and against it. The part that works for it is the fact that it makes the total quantity of garbage delivered to landfills much smaller so there will be less greenhouse gas being produced as a direct result of putting the leftovers through such a device.

The downside of this activity is the higher use of energy and water than you’d normally use and there’s also a bigger risk for strain on septic systems or sewage treatment facilities. You can try composting food and then using a disposer only when it’s not possible to compost the leftovers.

Continuous feed vs batch-type feed

While you are out there looking for the best rated garbage disposal you will notice you can pick from two types: one that has a continuous feed and one that has a batch type of feed. Don’t worry, both of them can fall under the affordable garbage disposals title, so your main concern should be which one is better.

The continuous feed one is quite simply the one that has the simplest way of using it as it comes with an open mouth and you only need to turn on a switch. This makes the continuous feed the most popular type. For a batch feed disposal, you’ll need to put the leftovers in the chamber and activate the device by closing the stopper lid.

If you fall into the bit of a clumsy type that has the tendency to drop the silverware and other items in the disposal, then you may want to take into consideration buying an affordable garbage disposal of the batch feed variety so you won’t run into any kind of problems later on while you are using the device.

 

Power and capacity

You may be tempted by the cheap garbage disposals and while there are plenty which are still great, you have to care about the power of the motor more than about the price. A small motor means it can only deal with a small quantity of food that’s also soft. A ⅓ HP motor can be useful for a single homeowner who sometimes grinds vegetables of the soft variety.

But, if you often take your meals at home and you cook using many ingredients, a 1 HP motor may be better for you as it also comes with a much smoother operation and it’s often jamless.

If you’ll check any garbage disposal review you will also see mentioned how the grinding chamber size and the material are also important aspects to check on – and they are. The bigger the HP, the larger the chamber will also be as a result of the fact that the motor can deal with a higher quantity of food at the same time.

Materials

Regarding the material, you should press to find a device that is made of stainless steel (from the chamber to the blades) so that the period in which you can use it will stretch over several years. They’re also highly efficient and simple to clean, plus, they don’t rust.

You can try to find best buy garbage disposal offers in various shops and see which ones have the cheap garbage disposal that you want with the high quality that you deserve.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: How long does a typical garbage disposal last?

Owning a garbage disposal that is placed in your kitchen is a really great way to keep the plumbing away from being clogged with debris or emanating unpleasant odors. Of course, like with almost any other home appliance, using it often and the passage of time will have an effect on it which means someday it’s going to break down.

How long can you actually use this device depends on two major factors: how it was built in the first place and how have you used it and maintained it over the years. You can find models that, because you didn’t take care of them, only lasted for 1 or 3 years, but, usually, they have a lifespan of around 8 to 15 years.

You can find some garbage disposals that come with only a one-year warranty, while others will have as much as a 12-year warranty.

Q: How do I know what size garbage disposal to get?

In order to make sure you buy the appropriate sized-garbage disposal, you’ll simply have to take out the measurement tape and check the space under the sink. You’ll have to measure three things: the length, the height, and the width. These products have different sizes so you need to find the one that fits your kitchen sink the best with no extra room left.

Don’t spend too much time measuring if you want to have a device with a lot of power, but you don’t have a lot of space, as a lot of power comes with a big motor that will take a lot of space. Basically, if you have enough space, you can buy the one with the fastest speed, while if you lack space, you’ll have to do with a small-sized one.

The number of people who live in your household also plays an important part – if there are only 2 people living there, you can do with a ½ or ⅓ HP model, but if you have 5 people living there, you’ll need to upgrade to a ¾ HP one.

 

Q: Do I need a plumber to install a garbage disposal?

Installing such a device can take as little as two hours, but also over five hours if the installation process is more difficult. These hours are influenced by whether there is an existing plumbing set that will allow for installing it quickly, if you have an outlet close to it, what the condition of the plumbing is and so on.

Because of this, there is a chance you could install it by yourself, but there’s also a possibility that you will need the help of a plumber. In case you already have a garbage disposal and you want to install a new one, some models come with a trick for which you only have to switch the old one off and the new one without any expert help.

Regarding the cost of such a change, if everything is in place, the plumber will probably have a low rate as they’ll only work for a couple of hours, but if you have things that have to be modified and replaced, it will take longer so the cost of doing it will also go up.