I’ve come to appreciate just how essential a good garbage disposal is in the kitchen. It makes cleaning up after meals so much easier and keeps the kitchen smelling fresh by getting rid of food scraps instantly. When my old one broke down, I realized how much I relied on it to prevent food waste from piling up. Choosing the best garbage disposal, though, can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many options out there, from powerful models for large households to quieter ones perfect for smaller kitchens. In this article, I’ll go over some of the best garbage disposals available, so you can find one that suits your needs and keeps your kitchen running smoothly.
Best Garbage Disposals
InSinkErator EVOLUTION 3/4 HP, Advanced Series EZ Connect
The InSinkErator Evolution 3/4 HP EZ Connect Garbage Disposal is a superb choice for those seeking a quiet yet powerful disposal unit. Known for their sound dampening technology, InSinkErator has crafted this model to deliver an exceptional performance with a slightly lower-powered 0.75 HP motor, which is still more than sufficient for most household needs.
This model is equipped with several noise-reduction features, including the Quiet Collar sink baffler, anti-vibration tailpipe coupler, and an anti-vibration mount, all of which effectively minimize operational noise. The full trim shell and sound jacket further insulate the motor, ensuring a serene experience in your kitchen. Its three-stage MultiGrind mechanism finely grinds food waste, preventing clogs and making cleanup a breeze.
Installation is a straightforward process thanks to clear instructions and an efficient “quick connect” wiring system. The compact size of the Evolution model does require some caution against overfilling, but this is a minor trade-off for the performance and quiet operation it offers. While the price may be on the higher side, the durability, efficiency, and exceptional noise control make the InSinkErator Evolution 3/4 HP EZ Connect an excellent investment for any kitchen.
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Moen GXB75C 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal
The Moen GXB75C 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal is a standout option that embodies the high-quality craftsmanship associated with the Moen brand. Its sleek black housing not only looks modern but also features effective sound insulation, making it a great choice for noise-sensitive kitchens. This batch-feed model operates using a drain cover that activates the disposal when fully inserted, allowing water to flow freely while food waste is processed.
Installation is straightforward, as the unit comes pre-wired with a corded plug and clear instructions, making setup a breeze. One notable feature is the absence of a splash guard, which allows for unobstructed insertion of waste. During testing, the GXB75C effectively ground a variety of foods, including carrots, celery, and even chicken bones, achieving a particle size slightly finer than those from competing models.
However, it did require multiple cycles to fully grind a corncob, and during this process, the unit exhibited increased vibration and noise levels. Despite these minor drawbacks, the GXB75C consistently performed well, grinding food waste efficiently without any jams or clogs. For those looking for a reliable and stylish garbage disposal, the Moen GXB75C is definitely worth considering.
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Waste King 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal
The Waste King 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal stands out in the budget category, providing solid performance without breaking the bank. While you might expect compromises with a lower-priced model, this unit offers a respectable 0.5 HP motor, which is more powerful than many competitors that typically feature less than 0.3 HP. This level of power is sufficient for handling everyday food waste, making it a practical choice for average households.
One of the advantages of the Waste King is its compact design, which saves valuable space under the sink. Additionally, the inclusion of a power cord simplifies installation, allowing users without electrical experience to plug it in and start using it right away. However, attaching it to your plumbing can be somewhat challenging and may require a few tools.
Despite its affordability, the Waste King is not the quietest option on the market, producing a noise level that’s noticeable but manageable. Still, for most budget-conscious homeowners, this garbage disposal provides adequate power and performance to keep drains clear and functional. With a two-year warranty, it offers peace of mind while being an excellent choice for those looking to balance quality and affordability.
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Chooba Garbage Disposal 3/4HP
The Chooba Garbage Disposal 3/4HP stands out for its exceptional performance and quiet operation. Equipped with a 5-stage grinding system and multi-grinding blades, it thoroughly processes food waste into a fine powder, helping to prevent clogs and ensure smooth drainage. The powerful 1HP DC motor operates at 3,000 RPM, easily handling tough scraps like fibrous vegetables and small bones, making it ideal for households with diverse waste disposal needs.
One of the key advantages of this unit is its noise reduction technology. With a 5-layer noise insulation system and a thickened splash guard, the disposal operates quietly, allowing conversations to continue uninterrupted. The motor and body casing are designed to minimize sound leakage, making it one of the quieter models on the market.
Installation is user-friendly, taking approximately 20 minutes with minimal tools required. The included rubber gasket provides a better seal than traditional plumber’s putty, while the dishwasher inlet plug and adapter are well-designed for secure fitting. Although the drain elbow included with the unit may require an upgrade, replacing it with a PVC connector works effectively. Overall, the Chooba Garbage Disposal offers powerful, efficient, and silent performance, making it a great choice for any kitchen.
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InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Compact Garbage Disposer
The InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Garbage Disposer is a powerful, well-built disposal that balances performance with quiet operation. It features a robust design, with a sleek blue-gray tint and a thick plastic body that feels solid and durable. Though compact, it’s on the heavier side at 16 pounds, but this weight comes with the benefit of durability.
In terms of performance, the Compact’s high-torque motor makes quick work of food scraps. It can handle up to 90 ounces of various types of food in under 2 minutes, perfect for daily kitchen use. Noise control is a standout feature thanks to the sink baffle and anti-vibration technology, making it one of the quieter models on the market—even when dealing with tough materials like bones or ice.
The disposal is relatively easy to install, though some may find the 3-Bolt mounting system tricky if unfamiliar. The absence of a power cord means you’ll need to hardwire it or buy the corded version separately.
At around $200, the Evolution Compact is not the cheapest, but its durability, noise control, and efficient grinding make it worth the investment for most households. Overall, it’s a strong contender for anyone looking for a reliable, long-lasting garbage disposal.
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What Does A Waste Disposer Do?
A garbage disposal, easily installed under your kitchen sink, grinds up scraps and other food waste for easy disposal down the drain. Almost half of all American homes are equipped with a garbage disposal and most consider it to be an indispensable convenience.
Whether you are buying a new unit for the first time or replacing a worn-out machine, we have over 10 years’ experience helping families purchase and maintain high-quality garbage disposals. Our goal is to make sure you know as much as possible about selecting, operating, and maintaining your new garbage disposal, so you can choose the best unit for your family.
Why Do People Buy Food Waste Disposals?
Once you have installed a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you will notice immediately how much time and effort you save in after-meal clean-up. If your unit has recently broken down, you are probably finding that scraping plates into the garbage pail and constantly having to clean food waste out of the sink drainer feels like a messy and unappealing chore. Less food waste in your trash can also cut down on odors, bugs and other pests.
How to Pick the Best Disposal on the Market?
Kitchen Habits
The size of your family, and how much you cook and entertain, are important considerations when purchasing a new disposal. If you do lots of cooking, we recommend the purchase of more powerful model that can easily handle your family’s needs. Think about what kinds of foods you will be putting down the unit. Fibrous, raw vegetable matter, for example, and bones, require more power to grind up than cooked food scraps. You will definitely appreciate the convenience of having a disposal that can handle a wide variety of foods.
Local regulations
Before purchasing and installing a new garbage disposer, it’s important to check any county or municipal policies regulating home garbage disposals in your area. Some cities require new homes to be equipped with these units while others ban home garbage disposals due to insufficient water or sewage treatment systems.
Households that depend on a septic system will want to make sure their septic tank can handle the added refuse produced by a garbage disposal. You will need to check on the current storage capacity of your septic tank. Some experts discourage the use of garbage disposals with a septic system but as long as capacity is sufficient, you shouldn’t have a problem. Some units are designed to be used with septic systems, so be sure to investigate that option, if applicable.
Plumbing capacity
You will also want to be sure you choose a model that is compatible with your kitchen plumbing, including drainage pipe configuration, and the size of your sink. If your kitchen sink tends to back-up frequently, a garbage disposal may cause you more problems if not addressed ahead of time. You will have a much better outcome if you take care of existing problems before installing a new disposal. More powerful models tend to have a bigger canister, so be sure to check the amount of space under your sink before you try to install a larger unit. Manufacturer ads will list canister dimensions, important information about drain and pipe connections, and details about electrical set up.
Environmental Issues
Garbage disposals have received some mixed reviews over the years in terms of environmental impact. While decreasing the burden on local landfills and cutting down on the production of methane gas, sending refuse down the drain uses more water and electricity, and puts additional strain on your septic system or your local sewage treatment plant. As grinding efficiency has improved, however, environmental concerns have been largely put aside.
Some families maintain a home composting system or your city may offer compost collection along with weekly garbage pick-up. Families that dispose of a significant percentage of household food refuse through composting, may feel they can make do with a lower capacity unit. Even if you or your town has a compost system, some foods are not compostable, Food waste that is not composted will tend to consist of harder substances, like bones, so a machine with plenty of power is still the best choice.
Safety
If you have young children at home, safety will be your top priority when choosing a disposer. In this case, you will want to choose a batch feed garbage disposal, which is designed to prevent accidents. Since this unit type cannot be turned on until a rubber stopper is secured over the disposal opening, it eliminates the chance that a young child could reach down into the disposal while it’s running. With this model type, you will also not need to worry about utensils or other non-food items slipping down into your disposal while it’s running.
Quality and Cost
How much money you feel comfortable spending on a new unit will also help narrow your choice. The price can be from $50 to more than $600, and it comes at several levels of horsepower. Most experts warn that models with too little horsepower may not be powerful enough for most household use. An insufficiently powerful unit can even cause pipes to clog. Generally, more powerful units also come with a higher-capacity canister.
You can best gauge the horsepower you need by the number of people in your household, and how much cooking you do. For two to four people, in a household with average waste disposal demands, a 3/4 horsepower should work well. Once a household gets above six or seven people, a more powerful unit, of at least 1 horsepower, is a better choice. Manufacturers and dealers can help you make a final determination of the disposal capacity you need.
It is generally best to buy the best quality disposal you can afford. Better quality machines have a superior grinding capacity, tend to be quieter, and will last longer without experiencing problems. The two manufacturers in North America we recommend are Insinkerator and Waste King. Both offer a range of powerful models.
Maintenance Reviews and Warranties
Many smart shoppers take the time to check maintenance reviews before purchasing new home appliances. Additionally, it is also a good idea to look into the warranty that comes along with the model you are considering. Some machines come with 1-year warranties that include parts only, while other warranties may include parts and labor. Some companies offer extended warranties at a cost, which may or may not be worth it, depending on how much you paid for the disposal. It is probably not worth paying for extra warranty coverage if you purchase an inexpensive model.
In case of problems or defects with a model, you will want to make sure to keep your warranty information handy. Waste King’s warranty promises to replace or repair a defective unit within the warranty period. Insinkerator guarantees in-home servicing during the entire period of its limited warranty. Depending on the quality, units should last without trouble, from 5 years for cheaper models, to 12 years, for more expensive machines.
