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A garbage disposal is a key kitchen appliance that helps you get rid of your food waste. As food particles pass through garbage disposal units, they’re pulverized into smaller pieces to prevent pipe clogs or damage to your septic system. With the proper garbage disposal, you can crush down everything from vegetable peels, to chicken bones, to apple cores without damaging your drain.
How easily your disposal can handle food waste depends on the make and model. For example, you can find smaller, less powerful garbage disposals for $75–$126 on average. However, heavy-duty models that can handle large particles typically cost around $150–$300, with special composting models far exceeding that amount.
To help you find the best product for your specific needs, the This Old House Reviews team researched the best garbage disposals on the market. Overall, our top garbage disposal recommendation is the InSinkErator Evolution for its durable build, powerful motor, and protective LeakGuard liner. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Top 8 Garbage Disposals
Compare Top Garbage Disposals
| Product | Installation | Feed Type | Motor | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| InSinkErator Evolution Compact | Hardwired | Continuous | 0.75 horsepower | 4 years | |
| InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist | Hardwired | Continuous | 0.75 horsepower | 8 years | |
| InSinkErator Badger 5 | Hardwired | Continuous | 0.5 horsepower | 2 years | |
| Waste Maid WM-658-3B | Power cord | Continuous | 1.25 horsepower | 10 years | |
| Moen GXS75C Host Series | Power cord | Batch Feed | 0.75 horsepower | 10 years | |
| Waste King L-1001 | Power cord | Continuous | 0.5 horsepower | 2 years | |
| Waste King L-3200 | Power cord | Continuous | 0.75 horsepower | 8 years | |
| Sepura Composting Garbage Disposal | Hardwired | N/A | N/A | 1 year | |
| Product | Installation | Feed Type | Motor | Warranty |
Best Garbage Disposal Overall
InSinkErator Evolution
- $199.99
- $399.3
- 50% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners looking for a heavy-duty garbage disposal that can handle all types of scraps.
What Do People Say About the InSinkErator Evolution Compact Garbage Disposer?
Our team found that those who left positive reviews for this product said that it had a slim design, strong motor, and a quiet operation. However, we also noted that those who left negative reviews complained that it was difficult to mount under a faucet and a few had issues with the product rusting quicker than they anticipated.
“I knew that if I wanted a quieter disposal I needed to spend a little extra. This disposal is easily the finest we have ever had. It is VERY quiet and it eats up anything we put into it effortlessly with little noise. Highly recommended.” —Teeville via Amazon
“Works well, is *very* quiet, and was easy for a novice to install with a helper. My wife commented that she wished it was louder so she really knew it was on. I’m a little nervous about the rust that I’m seeing after only having it for a few weeks. I’m not sure what’s normal, but I think it’s really early to see any rusting – guess time will tell if it matters.” —David S. via Amazon
Best for Septic Systems
InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist
- $250.1
- $410
- 39% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners with septic systems that need to ensure their disposal can fully break down foods.
What Are People Saying About the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist?
We saw that customers who left positive reviews for this product often liked that it worked quietly, ground food quickly, and had a durable design. However, some reviewers found it challenging to operate, while others had issues with the bio charge pump not working properly.
“This is a well-built disposal. It does what it’s supposed to do, is remarkably quiet, and comes with excellent installation instructions. Highly recommended.” —Mike J. via Amazon“
I’m now three years in with this disposal and the biggest problem is the Bio-Charge septic component. Leaking aside, about 6 months in it completely stopped pumping the enzymes. So I’ve had the same canister in there for 2 years. Every time I try to troubleshoot it it leaks everywhere.” —Heisenberg via Amazon
Best for Shallow Sinks
IInSinkErator Badger 5
- $97.05
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Those looking for a compact design that doesn’t lack power.
What Do People Say About the InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal?
We noticed that happy customers said this product was easy to install, made of high-quality materials, and long-lasting. However, we also saw that some dissatisfied customers said it was prone to leaks.
“I used to have one from that brand and it worked pretty well, but unfortunately (since it was installed many years ago by previous home owners) it just stopped working. It was a Evolution Compact 3/4 Hp , which is more expensive, but I decided to go with this much cheaper Badger 5 and, you know, I really don’t really see any difference. It works still acceptable, quietly, and even with 1/2 HP still very powerful for my everyday needs! Since I have already installed the Insinkerator mount into my sink, it took just about 10-15 min to install the whole unit. Great fit and great performance! —Alex. via Amazon
“This is the fourth unit I have purchased. The Badger 5 works well, but it has a terrible corrosion problem which causes it to leak after a few years, even though it is still working properly. One had a motor fail, it just hummed even though it turned freely, so I think the start capacitor failed. The company needs to use better materials, stainless steel instead of metal that starts corroding the first day the unit is installed. One can get a more expensive unit with stainless steel construction, but the price is more than double of the Badger 5.” —Gregor. via Amazon
Most Durable
Waste Maid WM-658-3B
- $159.99
- $199.99
- 20% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Customers looking for a sturdy disposal that will last for years and won’t corrode.
When looking through customer reviews for this product, we noted that several customers liked that this disposal was highly durable, had a quiet operation for its size, and was easy to install. However, we also found that some reviewers found that it had weaker suction than anticipated, and others said it arrived missing parts.
“Easy to install, had everything I needed to install it. Fit without leaks, and quietly grinds up food. Well worth the money, as it’s inexpensive and does what it’s supposed to.” —Johnny via Amazon
“[…]It’s heavy & getting the collar lined up and connected while holding it is a real task, but it worked. It seems to operate fine. You really need to put the rubber baffle in, though, since it dramatically dampens the noise. The initial startup noise is unnerving, without it. Having read through the entire instruction booklet before starting, I was still mystified by the two heavy metal semicircles set into the styrofoam in the top of the box. There was absolutely no mention or illustration of them in the manual. Even a friend who was assisting couldn’t figure out what they were for, but the unit was obviously complete and operational, so he left. After he left, I was looking at them and decided to pull them out and see if I could figure out what they were for. They’re very strong magnets and as I removed them, they snapped together, breaking one of them. Now, the broken parts won’t go together as they now magnetically repel each other. I deduced they’re a collar, but it’s useless now.” —J. Knouse via Amazon
Best Brand Warranty
Moen GXS75C Host Series
- $141
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Customers looking for a high-quality garbage disposal that’s backed by an unbeatable warranty.
What Do People Say About the Moen GXS75C Host Series Garbage Disposal?
Our team noticed that satisfied customers often said the removable splash guard on this product was easy to remove for cleaning, and the chamber and motor could handle a large quantity of food. Customers liked that this product didn’t require a lot of tools for installation. However, we saw some customers that said they had to push food into the grinder manually. Other unhappy customers disliked that it was loud.
“My 1/2 HP Insinkerator failed after 8 years. Not too bad, but I wanted to get something with more power and I found this Moen 3/4 HP. The 1st thing I noticed was the great quality, it just looks nice and less like a plain electric motor. The install was easy and once hooked up, it really is a lot quieter than my previous insinkerator. Time will tell how long it lasts, but it has a 10-year warranty vs the 2 year of Insinkerator. So far it is powerful, quiet and when looking under the sink for some soap, it looks really nice too. ” —Kevin via Amazon
“I paid more specifically for a model that I thought would be quieter than my old one without any sound insulation. Unfortunately, it’s just not worth it if the primary reason you’re considering this model is the reduced noise. First, there’s this annoying clicking sound every time you start it up. Supposedly, it’s just how it works, but annoying nonetheless. Second, it’s still loud. Whatever sound insulation they put in there just doesn’t work. So it’s just a fail when it comes to my main reason for buying this.” —silly goose via Amazon
Best Value
Waste King L-1001
- $87.62
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners seeking a compact disposal that won’t break the bank.
What Do People Say About the Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal?
We found that those who were happy with this disposal said that it was quiet, featured a powerful motor, and had a compact design. However, we saw some unhappy customers who said it was difficult to install and its drain size was smaller than expected.
“[…]I haven’t had this product for months yet to determine long-term performance, but for an initial weekend of performance, I can say the L-8000 is surprisingly quiet and does not vibrate nearly as much as I expected. Have had no problems crushing small to large food particles; accidentally had a chicken bone drop in there, and figured what the heck, let’s try it out – and the L-8000 didn’t have a fuss grinding it down.” —Buy Once, Cry Once via Amazon
“I think it’s going to be fine; WK is a reliable disposal. Most difficult installation I’ve had out of maybe six. The locking nibs and ring are difficult. I used vegetable oil on the rubber ring at the top to be able to position the outlet where it needed to be after the locking ring was started. I also used a scissor jack from the car to lift the unit into level position so I could get both nubs into the little slots they had to fit into while I started the locking ring. There just isn’t room for two sets of hands to be under my sink cabinet at the same time. My old Kenmore locking ring was so easy compared to this one. —Granddad via Amazon
Best for Large Sinks
Waste King L-3200
- $137.13
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners with large sinks that are budget-conscious.
What Do People Say About the Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal?
Our research showed that those who were happy with this disposal liked its mounting system, low noise level, and easy-to-follow instructions. However, dissatisfied customers that we saw didn’t like that the stopper was made from plastic instead of more durable steel.
“Works great, fairly easy install (1 hour or less), much quieter than my Insinkerator Badger, much more powerful than the Badger (3/4HP instead of 1/3 HP), replaced 3 bolt with EZ mount without any need for an adapter kit.” —S. North via Amazon
“… I’m mostly disappointed with the quality of the drain insert. The Insinkerator was all metal while the Waste King is mostly plastic with a small metal ring around the top. The metal is so soft it actually dented from being hit with a wooden spoon. It’s also just slightly smaller in diameter than the original and I have to clean around the edges with a brush to get the any build-up. And the black gasket shows through in little spots. I adjusted it multiple times during installation but the sun insert is just too small. Next time I will spend more money on the better brand. But this one will perform if your budget is really tight. Not sure for how long though.” —EricatheGinger via Amazon
Best for Composting
Sepura Composting
- $799.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners with septic tanks and environmentally-conscious people who love the idea of a composting disposal.
What Do People Say About the Sepura Composting Garbage Disposal?
On Sepura’s website, customers raved about this product’s ability to reduce kitchen waste and the convenience of its easy setup. Several others were also impressed with its odorless operation. However, there were a couple of reviewers who said it was challenging to install and clogged the drain easily.
“Love the convenience it brings to our kitchen cleanup routine. We also live on septic which always made us apprehensive about using a garbage disposal, but Sepura seemed to be exactly what we needed. Now we wash food down the sink and know none of it goes into our septic tank because we see it in the compost bin.” —Barbara K. via sepurahome.com
“I really wanted to like this product but it just hasn’t lived up to what I was hoping for. The installation process was tricky (had to get a plumber to install sideways under my apron front sink) and connecting to wifi was challenging. Once installed I have clogged it multiple times and have had to jam a spatula down my drain to jimmy the scraps free. It has been more of a hassle than a benefit at this point, BUT I do still believe that they’re on to something. I’m going to keep using it for now as support has informed me that some of my issues can be solved by software, but I’m not totally confident in Sepura for the time being.” — Catherine J. via sepurahome.com
What To Know Before Buying a Garbage Disposal
Before deciding on the right garbage disposal for you, you should take time take time to consider the product’s dimensions, horsepower, grinding technology, and more to find the best fit. Read our buying guide below for more on the most important factors to consider when buying a garbage disposal.
Garbage Disposal Dimensions
A garbage disposal’s dimensions impact its compatibility with your kitchen sink. For example, our research shows that larger models might not fit in the cabinet under all kitchen sinks. While purchasing a compact garbage disposal removes the hassle of fitting the model under your sink, most compact garbage disposals sacrifice power for size.
Horsepower
A garbage disposal’s horsepower influences the type of food it can grind. For example, we found that a 0.25-horsepower disposal can tackle meat trimmings and other soft food, while a 0.75- or one-horsepower disposal can grind tougher particles, such as melon rinds.
Grinding Technology
Garbage disposals are split into two different types: continuous-feed models and batch-feed models. Continuous-feed disposals run continuously once their power is turned on, making it easy for users to throw large amounts of food into their grind chambers. Most batch-feed garbage disposals we researched run only when their drain covers are in place, limiting the amount of food that can be ground at once.
Material Composition
Most residential garbage disposals have grinding chambers that we saw are made from stainless or galvanized steel.
If you can afford the extra cost, we recommend stainless steel grind components because they are more resistant to corrosion and rust. While galvanized steel has a rust-resistant coating, the metal starts to rust as soon as this coating chips.
You’ll also find plastic grinding chambers. Though affordable and corrosion-resistant, plastic eventually cracks.
Extra Garbage Disposal Features
Some high-quality garbage disposals have unique features that help them stand out from other models. Some features our research found to look for include:
Anti-Jamming
Some disposals are designed to prevent larger food particles from jamming the device. This can help your disposal last longer and allow you to put more food in at once.
Plug-In Power Cord
Some non-hard-wired disposals come with a power cord, making them easier to install and preventing you from buying your own cord. If you need to buy your own power cord, we find that it will likely cost between $15-$20 dollars.
Garbage Disposal Noise Reduction
Garbage disposals can be noisy, but some models include noise-reduction technology that can keep the noise level minimal or even whisper-quiet. Typically, disposals we’ve seen with more RPM and horsepower will have louder operations unless they are designed to reduce noise.
Warranty
The warranty of a disposal varies based on the brand and model. We find that anything with a lower than eight-year warranty is considered lower than average. Some warranties will extend well past 10 or even 15 years, giving you added peace of mind.
Garbage Disposal Brands
We noticed a few select brands dominate garbage disposal sales. Most top-selling models come from InSinkErator, Waste King, Moen, or Waste Maid. These are well-established and trusted brands.
How Do You Install a Garbage Disposal?
Installing a garbage disposal can be a simple or difficult task depending on how the area under your sink is set up. Corded disposals that come with three-bolt mounting hardware have relatively easy installation for those looking to DIY, but most disposals must be hardwired.
Contacting an electrician to help with the installation is one option. Garbage disposal installation cost varies depending on the type of disposal and overall labor costs. However, we find it typically costs around $400-500.
If you have the tools, you can try to install a garbage disposal yourself. The video below gives step-by-step instructions on how you can install your own garbage disposal.
Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts
A backed-up garbage disposal can turn a cumbersome meal cleanup into a nightmare. To get the most use out of your new disposal, here are some important tips we gathered that will help you maintain your garbage disposal.
Dos
- Do cut or tear large food particles into smaller pieces before loading them into the disposal.
- Do keep your garbage disposal clean.
- Do run your disposal regularly, as this prevents rust and corrosion.
Don’ts
- Don’t put the following items down your garbage disposal:
– Anything that isn’t food
– Anything larger than very small bones
– Fibrous vegetables
– Fruit pits
– Oils, fats, and other fluids that congeal
- Don’t overload your disposal by putting too much food down at once.
- Don’t stick your hand down the disposal to remove a jammed item without turning off the power first.
Garbage Disposal FAQs
How does a garbage disposal work?
Garbage disposals mount to the underside of your kitchen sink drain to catch solid food as it enters the drain. Once the food is in the disposal’s grinding chamber, you turn on the device to grind the food into small particles. These particles easily pass through your plumbing pipes instead of causing clogs.
How long do garbage disposals last?
We find that most garbage disposals last around ten years. If your model has difficulty grinding food, makes more noise than usual, or frequently clogs, it might be time for a replacement.
How do I use a garbage disposal?
To use a garbage disposal, we recommend running cold water in your sink before turning the disposal on. Once the device is on, gradually drop food into the drain. When you’ve finished disposing of the food, turn off the device. Leave the water on for a few more seconds to flush your pipes.
How do I clean my garbage disposal?
To clean your garbage disposal, pour ice, lemon juice, or vinegar down the drain to clean the device naturally. You can also find various cleaning products on the market that unclog and freshen garbage disposals.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of garbage disposals with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.