Hot Stuff in the Kitchen

If your garbage disposal sounds like the Tasmanian Devil on a rampage, the new Evolution series from InSinkErator may be just what you need. Sound-damping insulation and antivibration mounts make these up to 60 percent quieter than other models. And like Taz, they'll devour just about anything you throw at them, from corncobs to rib bones. A special "septic assist" model automatically adds a dose of enzymes to help break down food waste. $200 to $400; insinkerator.com