Best Garbage Disposal Units – Our Top Picks In 2023

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Garbage-Disposal-Replacement

Garbage disposal makes waste disposal so convenient. All you have to do is insert your pizza crusts, banana peels, and other leftovers into the sink, turn the tap and flip a switch, and they all disappear.

They are also called garbage or waste disposal units, sink garbage disposal, garbage disposer, and garburator in Canada. While they are extensively used in the United States, they are not so common elsewhere.

These units are electrically powered and installed under the kitchen sink, between the drain and trap. Cooks consider garbage disposers their best friend as it grinds and washes away kitchen refuse at the flip of a switch.

It can shred food waste material into small pieces, less than 2mm in size. The food shreds thus easily pass through plumbing and sewer systems to be efficiently treated at the water plant. Food scraps are then reclaimed as clean water and fertilizer after recycling.

The Best Garbage Disposal Unit Summary

  1. Best overall: Waste King Legend L-8000 Series 
  2. Best compact size: InSinkErator Badger 5
  3. Best compact premium: InSinkErator Evolution Compact
  4. Best Heavy-Duty: InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1.0 HP
  5. Best Budget: The Waste King L-2600 

What are the essential features to look for when choosing new garbage disposal?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a garbage disposal. The most crucial factor is the size of the unit. You need to make sure that the unit will be able to handle the amount of waste that you generate. Another critical factor is the type of motor. There are two types of motors, continuous feed and batch feed.

Continuous feed motors are more powerful and can handle larger loads but are also more expensive. Batch feed motors are less powerful but less costly and easier to install. Finally, you must decide whether you want a manual or an automatic unit. Manual units require you to turn on the disposer and load it with waste manually. Automatic units have sensors that detect when food waste is present and turn on the disposer automatically.

Garbage disposal motor

A garbage disposal motor typically has 1/2 to 1 horsepower. The RPM (revolutions per minute) varies depending on the model but is usually around 1725. Some models may have a higher or lower horsepower rating, and some may have a different RPM. Check the specifications of the model you are considering to be sure.

Garbage disposal Internal grind material

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing garbage disposal is the type of material it is made from. The two most common materials are stainless steel and plastic. Stainless steel disposals are more durable and less likely to break down, but they are also more expensive. Plastic disposals are less costly but not as durable and may break down more easily.

When choosing a garbage disposal, it is essential to read the product reviews to see what other customers have to say about the quality of the product. It is also a good idea to consult with a plumber or other professional to get expert advice on which disposal would suit your needs.

Garbage disposal noise reduction

When choosing a garbage disposal, one of the most important factors to consider is noise reduction. Noisy disposal can be extremely annoying, especially if you have to use it early in the morning or late at night. Fortunately, there are a few ways to reduce the noise of your garbage disposal.

One way to reduce noise is to choose a model with sound insulation. This will help to muffle the noise of the disposal so it isn’t as loud. Another option is to select a lower RPM disposal (revolutions per minute). Lower RPM models tend to be quieter than those with higher RPMs.

Finally, make sure that you properly maintain your garbage disposal. Be sure to clean it regularly and avoid putting hard items, such as bones, into the disposal. Well-maintained disposals will be less likely to make noise.

By following these tips, you can choose a garbage disposal that is much quieter than other models on the market. This will help to make your kitchen much more enjoyable to use.

Best overall Garbage Disposal

Waste King Legend Series L-8000 series

Waste King Legend Series 1.0

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Feature set

  • Size: 8.5 x 8.5 x 16 inches
  • Motor Power: 1Hp
  • Motor Speed: 2800 RPM
  • Voltage: 115 Volts
  • Warranty: Lifetime Limited In-Home Warranty
  • Internal grind: Stainless Steel
  • Installation: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation

The Waste King Legend Series 1.0 garbage disposal is one of the most popular models on the market. It’s known for its powerful motor, durability, and easy installation. But what about its features? Let’s take a closer look at what the Waste King Legend Series 1.0 offers.

One of the most impressive features of the Waste King Legend Series 1.0 is its 1-horsepower motor and 2800 RPM. This bad boy can grind up just about anything you throw down the drain, making it perfect for busy families or anyone who likes to cook.

Another great feature of the Waste King Legend Series 1.0 is its sound insulation technology. This helps reduce noise levels, so your family (or your roommates) won’t be disturbed while using it.

Finally, the Waste King Legend Series 1.0 is one of the most straightforward garbage disposals to install. It comes with everything you need, and there’s no need to call a plumber. You can have it up and running in no time at all. So, there you have it! The Waste King Legend Series 1.0 is a powerful, durable, and easy-to-use garbage disposal that will make your life easier. Be sure to check it out the next time you’re in the market for a new one.

Pros

  • 1 hp high-speed motor with 2800 rpm
  • Easy to install with its fast-and-easy mount system
  • Lifetime mechanical and corrosion warranties
  • Reduced noise while working
  • It comes with mounting hardware and a power cord

Cons

  • Rude customer support
  • Its’ exposed chromium flange does not match any stainless steel sink.

Check Waste King Legend L8000 Series Price On Amazon

Best compact-size garbage disposal

InSinkErator Badger 5, 1/2 HP Food Waste Disposer

InSinkErator Badger 5, 1/2 HP Food Waste Disposer

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Feature set

  • Size: 7x7x13 inches
  • Motor Power: 1/2Hp
  • Motor Speed: 1725 RPM
  • Voltage: 115 Volts
  • Warranty: 3-Year In-Home Limited Warranty
  • Internal grind: Galvanized Steel
  • Installation: Easy swap Install

The InSinkErator Badger 5 is a food waste disposer that offers power and convenience in the kitchen. It features a 1/2 horsepower motor that grinds food waste quickly and easily, making it ideal for busy households. The Badger 5 also features a space-saving design that makes it easy to store under the sink. Additionally, this disposer includes a removable splashguard for easy cleanup.

Pros

  • Easy to install using its Quick Lock sink mount
  • It has a 3-year in-home limited warranty
  • It runs on a ½ hp dura-drive induction motor
  • Galvanized steel grind system
  • Liquefies even the toughest foods
  • It comes with a Jam Buster wrench, tailpipe gasket, stopper, tailpipe, Quick Lock Sink Mount, and installation instructions.

Cons

  • It does not come with a power cord
  • Many complaints of the unit quickly developing cracks with minimal usage, leading to eventual leakage.
  • It is made mainly of plastic and is a comparatively lower-quality garbage disposal unit.

Check InSinkErator Badger 5 1/2 HP’s latest prices On Amazon

Best compact premium Garbage Disposal

InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP 

InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Household Garbage Disposer

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Feature set

  • Size:8 x 8 x 12.13 inches
  • Motor Power: 3/4Hp
  • Motor Speed: 1725 RPM
  • Voltage: 115 Volts
  • Warranty: 3-Year In-Home Limited Warranty
  • Internal grind: Galvanized Steel
  • Installation: Easy swap Install

First, let’s look at some of the features that make the InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP stand out from other garbage disposals on the market. This model features a powerful motor that can grind up just about anything you throw into it, including chicken bones and fruit pits. It also has a sound-sealing technology that helps to reduce noise levels, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing your family or neighbors while it’s in use.

Additionally, the InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP is designed for easy installation and comes with everything you need to get it up and running quickly and easily. Plus, it comes with a warranty, so you can be confident it will stand the test of time. 

Pros

  • It comes with a 4-year in-home limited warranty
  • Produces less noise than standard disposers with its superior insulation
  • It runs on a ¾ hp motor which grinds even tough foods
  • Comes with a sink baffle, anti-vibration tailpipe mount, jam-buster wrench, clamp, stopper, Quick-Lock Sink mount, and installation instructions.
  • Two-stage MultiGrind Technology quickly grinds even tricky food waste
  • 6 oz. grind chamber with stainless steel grind components
  • Easily installed using Quick-Lock Sink mount

Cons

  • The non-stainless steel piece under the chamber gradually rusts out.
  • No provision for preventing water and particles from reaching and rusting upper bearing
  • Rather expensive
  • Slow and tight draining of food

Check InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 Price On Amazon

Best Budget Garbage Disposal

Waste King Legend Series 1/2 HP L-2600

Waste King Legend Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Operation Garbage Disposal – (L-2600)

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Feature set

  • Size: 9x9x14.2 inches
  • Motor Power: 1/2 Hp
  • Motor Speed: 2600 RPM
  • Voltage: 115 Volts
  • Warranty: 5-Year In-Home Limited Warranty
  • Internal grind:  Stainless steel
  • Installation: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation

The Waste King L-2600 is one of the best garbage disposers on the market. It’s perfect for busy families who want to make short work of their kitchen waste. With a powerful motor and a large grinding chamber, the Waste King L-2600 can handle just about anything you throw at it. And it’s backed by a solid warranty, so you can be sure it will last for years.

Pros

  • It runs on a ½ hp motor with 2600 rpm
  • Insulated stainless steel blades reduce noise
  • It comes with mounting hardware and36-inch power cord
  • Made using corrosion-proof stainless steel and rust-free grinding parts
  • Backed by a 5-year in-home service warranty
  • Removable splash guard with space-saving design

Cons

  • The outer shell is rather flimsy
  • Unlike its jam-free claims, the Waste King can jam in 2 months
  • Difficult to unjam even with an un-jamming wrench

Check Waste King Legend Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Price On Amazon

Best Heavy-duty Garbage Disposal

InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1.0 HP Household Garbage Disposer

InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1.0 HP Household Garbage Disposer

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Feature set

  • Size:13x12x12 inch
  • Motor Power: 1 Hp
  • Motor Speed: 2600 RPM
  • Voltage: 115 Volts
  • Warranty:  Lifetime Limited In-Home Warranty
  • Internal grind: Alloy stainless steel
  • Installation: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation

If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient garbage disposer, you’ll want to check out the InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1.0 HP Household Garbage Disposer. This disposer is designed for grinding up your food waste quickly and efficiently, so you can worry less about dealing with smelly garbage.

The InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1.0 HP Household Garbage Disposer is also one of the quietest disposers on the market, so you won’t have to deal with loud grinding noises every time you turn it on. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty, so you can rest assured that it’s built to last.

Pros

  • Easy to install with its Quick Lock sink mount
  • Quick-Lock can also replace garbage disposal units from Badger
  • Minimal sounds while working because of SoundSeal Technology
  • Grinds practically all food waste with its MultiGrind Technology
  • It consists of a 40oz. stainless steel grind chamber and components and a 1 hp induction motor
  • It has a 7-year in-home limited warranty
  • Its stainless steel stopper prevents the loss of any fingers, forks, and spoons!

Cons

  • The unit hangs from a weak joint which shortens its lifetime
  • Smaller holes in the rubber fingers of the sink drain may help reduce noise but also reduces drainage speed
  • The snap ring doesn’t have any install/uninstall tool

Check InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1.0 HP Household Price On Amazon

Types Of Garbage Disposal

As you may know, there are different types of garbage disposal systems that you can use in your kitchen. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs. In this blog post, we have looked at the different kitchen garbage disposal systems and see which one is right for you.

The first type of system is batch feed disposal. This system requires you to put all your food waste into a chamber before turning on the unit. The advantage of this system is that it is very safe to use since the unit cannot be turned on unless the chamber is full. The disadvantage is that it can take a long time to fill up the chamber, and you may need to do multiple batches if you have a lot of food waste.

The second type of system is continuous feed disposal. This system allows you to put your food waste into the unit while running. The advantage of this system is that it is much faster than the batch feed system, and you don’t have to wait for the chamber to fill up before turning on the unit. The disadvantage is that it can be dangerous to use if you are not careful since your hand can get caught in the unit while running.

The third type of system is septic tank disposal. This system is typically used in homes not connected to a sewage system. The advantage of this system is that it is very efficient and will not clog your septic tank. The disadvantage is that it can be expensive to install, and you will need to have your septic tank cleaned out more often.

Now that you know the different kitchen garbage disposal systems, you can decide which is right. If you have a lot of food waste, you may want to consider a continuous feed system. If you are worried about safety, a batch feed system may be a better option. And if you have a septic tank, a septic tank disposal system may be the best choice.

Benefits Of Using Garbage Disposal Units

Reduce household waste

A kitchen garbage disposal grinds food scraps and other organic matter, making it easy to compost or dispose of these items instead of throwing them in the trash. This can help reduce the amount of waste your household produces overall.

Prevent plumbing problems

A garbage disposal can help prevent clogs in your plumbing by grinding up food scraps and other organic matter. This can extend the life of your plumbing and avoid costly repairs.

Save money

A garbage disposal can save you money on trash bags and other disposal costs. Additionally, by preventing clogs, you can avoid costly plumbing repairs.

Convenient

A kitchen garbage disposal is a convenient way to reduce waste in your home. It eliminates the need to throw away food scraps and other organic matter, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Tips For Choosing Best Affordable Garbage Disposal Units

With so many garbage disposers in the market, you must make sure you buy the right one for your specific requirements. The search is easier if you know the units’ features to look for.

  • Plumbing compatibility

Your plumbing system should be able to handle a garbage disposal unit. So check the fixtures to ensure which unit matches your plumbing and sewer system. An electrical point should also be under the sink to plug the unit. If there’s no switch, you need to wire it to an existing circuit and connect a switch.

  • Local laws

Find out if the local laws let you have a garbage disposal unit before buying one. While this is not important if you are replacing an existing unit if it’s the first time you are using a garbage disposal unit you need to find out if your area permits its use. Some areas don’t allow the use of garbage disposals because of their increased strain on sewer lines.

  • Size of motor

Most units have a 1/3 hp motor, which should suffice if you are alone in an apartment. However, if you are a family, you need a unit with a bigger motor, like ½ hp, which will be able to handle your family’s garbage. 

You may even consider a unit with a 1hp motor if you live in a big house with many people. Though it’s expensive, it is reliable, can handle large amounts of food waste, and perform tough jobs like grinding bones and hard food scraps.

The larger motored garbage disposers have a longer life as they go through less wear and tears from food than a lower-powered unit. So basically, you have to choose the strength of your motor based on the number of family members and your daily usage.

  • Blade material

Choose garbage disposal units with stainless steel blades as they are hard, sharp, and last longer. They grind food more finely and faster, so there’s no worry of dealing with clogged pipes. Cheaper units may not have stainless steel blades and may thus wear out sooner.

  • Attachment for dishwasher

Dishwasher owners need a dishwasher attachment with their garbage disposal unit. The attachment is a tube that flushes food remnants from the dishwasher into the garbage disposer to be ground and rinsed away.

  • Anti-jamming capabilities

Some lower-end disposals tend to jam in the grinding process, which will take some time to fix using a jam wrench. There’s no point in buying a garbage disposal that ends up clogged every time you use it. Instead, look for a model with anti-jamming capabilities to prevent this unnecessary hassle and inconvenience.

  • Warranty

Check the manufacturer’s warranty. While most garbage disposals have a warranty ranging from a year to 5 years, if you avoid clogging the unit with fibrous foods like celery, eggshells, coffee grounds, and potato skins, it can last many years or even a lifetime.

This warranty may cover material defects, mechanical defects, or in some brands and models, also protect against corrosion. The low-powered ones usually have a 1-2 year warranty, and the more powerful ones have a five or more years warranty. It’s better if the unit has an in-home service warranty where the manufacturer replaces or repairs the faulty item at home for free within the warranty period.

  • Price and performance

Depending on the brand or model, garbage disposers range from a hundred to a few hundred dollars. Most buy disposals costing $150-$200. They are popular and sufficient for most households. You need to emphasize performance and not price while looking for the best unit for your home.

Things To Avoid Putting In A Garbage Disposal

garbage-disposal-care-infographic

Source:http://plumbingsupply.com

There are a few things you should never put down your garbage disposal unit, as they can cause severe damage. Here is a list of what not to put in your garbage disposal unit:

1. Bones – They may seem small, but bones can quickly get stuck in the blades of your garbage disposal unit and cause severe damage. If you have any scraps of meat or bone, throw them in the trash instead.

2. Coffee grounds – Coffee grounds can clog up your pipes over time if constantly going down the drain. It’s best to compost them or throw them away.

3. Egg shells – Egg shells may seem harmless, but they can cause your garbage disposal unit to jam. If you have egg shells, either compost them or throw them away.

4. Fruit pits – Fruit pits can damage the blades of your garbage disposal unit, so it’s best to avoid putting them down the drain. If you have fruit pits, either compost them or throw them away.

5. Grease can harden over time and cause clogs in your pipes. It’s best to pour grease into a container and let it solidify before throwing it away.

6. Pasta can expand in water and cause clogs in your pipes. It’s best to throw pasta away in the trash.

7. Rice can also expand in water and cause clogs in your pipes. Just like pasta, it’s best to throw the rice away in the trash.

8. Stringy vegetables, such as celery can wrap around the blades of your garbage disposal unit and cause damage. It’s best to compost these types of vegetables.

9. Metals can damage the blades of your garbage disposal unit, so it’s best to avoid putting them down the drain. If you have small metal objects, such as nails or staples, throw them in the trash instead.

10. plastic – Plastic can also damage the blades of your garbage disposal unit, so it’s best to avoid putting it down the drain. If you have small plastic objects, such as straws or packaging, throw them in the trash instead.

How To Install The Unit

If you’ve never installed a garbage disposal unit before, don’t worry – it’s not as difficult as you might think. With a little know-how and the right tools, you can do it yourself in just a few simple steps.

To start, you’ll need to gather your supplies. You’ll need a new garbage disposal unit, plumber’s putty, a hacksaw, and some essential hand tools. Once you have everything you need, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power to your garbage disposal unit at the breaker box. This is important for safety reasons – you don’t want to turn on the unit while working on it accidentally.

2. Use the hacksaw to cut through the discharge pipe connected to your unit. You’ll need to make a clean, straight cut to reconnect the pipe later easily.

3. Disconnect the power cord from the unit. If your unit is hardwired, you’ll need to remove the junction box cover and disconnect the wires.

4. Use a wrench to loosen the mounting bolts that hold the unit in place. Once the bolts are loose, carefully remove the unit from its position.

5. Clean up any old plumber’s putty or debris around the sink flange. This will help ensure a tight seal when you install your new unit.

6. Apply a generous amount of plumber’s putty to the underside of the new unit. Carefully lower the unit, ensuring it’s properly seated on the sink flange.

7. Use the wrench to tighten the mounting bolts, then reconnect the discharge pipe and power cord (if applicable).

8. Turn on the power to your garbage disposal unit at the breaker box. Test it out by running water down the drain and flipping the switch to turn the unit on. If everything is working correctly, you’re all done!

Installing a garbage disposal unit is a relatively easy task for most homeowners. You can get the job done in no time with just a few simple steps and the right supplies.

What are the common issues with garbage disposal units?

Clogs

The most common issues with garbage disposals are clogs. If you have a clog, you may notice that your sink is backing up, water is draining slowly, or an unpleasant smell is coming from the disposal. You can try clearing the clog yourself using a plunger or a plumber’s snake. However, you may need to call a plumber if the clog is severe.

Leaks

Another common issue with garbage disposals is leaks. If you see water leaking from the unit, it could be due to a cracked housing or a loose connection. You should turn off the power to the disposal and call a plumber to fix the leak.

Noise

If your garbage disposal makes strange noises, it could be due to a dull blade or something caught in the unit. You can try to clean out the unit by using a disposal brush. If the noise persists, you may need to call a technician to check the unit.

If your garbage disposal is not working properly, it could be due to several issues. First, ensure that the power is turned on and that no obstruction prevents the blades from spinning. If the problem persists, you may need to call a plumber or a technician for further assistance.

How To Avoid Garbage Disposal Repair

The best way to avoid garbage disposal repair is to avoid foods not meant for it, like bones, fibrous foods, and meta, and never overfill them. There’s no point using chemical drain cleaners to unclog any clogs, as you’ll only end up with a sink of toxic liquids.

On the contrary, you always have to run cold water while using the disposal unit, and use a drain strainer to avoid blockages. If anything gets stuck in the unit for long, and you find your sink stinking, grinding a small lemon peel with ice cubes under warm water helps make it smell better.

Don’t use hot or softened water while disposing of waste as it softens the waste, makings it sticks to the sides. Cold water is a better choice as it solidifies sustenance, making it easy for the garbage disposal unit to crush and pull it out of the channel funnel.

Keep cold water running in the disposal for 20-30 seconds before and after all the waste is discarded to ensure everything is flushed out of the channel funnel. Running some icy water and dish cleaner down the channel after crushing ice helps clean the disposal while ensuring nothing remains behind or sticks to the sides.

Occasionally throwing a few ice cubes into the disposal knocks any built-up residue on the unit’s blades. For better effects, use ice cubes made from lemon juice, vinegar, and a biodegradable cleaner to freshen up the unit. Even throwing the peel of an orange, lemon, or lime into the disposal helps clear squander in the unit and wipes off smelly odors.

Best Practice To Clean The Units

While the garbage disposal removes kitchen and food waste, some food particles get trapped in its nooks and crannies. This creates the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow, creating unhealthy odors and spores.

This is why it’s good to maintain a habit of cleaning the unit at least once a week using one of the following methods.

  • Baking soda and vinegar

When your garbage disposal starts to smell, it’s time to clean it. Luckily, there is an easy and natural way to do this with items you probably already have in your kitchen.

To clean your garbage disposal with baking soda and vinegar, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes, then turn on the disposal and let it run for a few minutes. Finally, flush the drain with hot water.

Your garbage disposal should now be clean and free of any bad smells! Repeat this process every few months to keep it fresh.

  • Bleach and water

Mix a gallon of water with a tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach in a clean container and slowly pour the solution into the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then flush the drain with water for a few minutes. The bleach kills germs and smells and also hardens the grease in drains. This is why you must flush the drain with warm water, not cold water, to loosen and not solidify the grease.

  • Ice and citrus peels

Grinding ice cubes in the garbage disposal helps clean the cutting blades. Adding citrus peels with the ice help give a bit of scent to the area.

Useful tips

  • It’s better to use hot water and detergents which break up grease while cleaning dishes. Avoid putting much kitchen grease down the drain and always run water while using your garbage disposal to keep it clean and clear.
  • Remember to disconnect the power to the garbage disposal before putting your hands in it.

Related: How Many Amps Does a Dishwasher Use?

Conclusion

Now you know how to choose a garbage disposal unit, as there are so many brands and types in the market. You may find these garbage disposal reviews helpful if you are looking for the best in the market!

Editor Notes:

It is important to note that the garbage disposal units on the list deliver different outcomes, but in the end, they’ll leave your kitchen tidy. The Waste King Legend L8000 Series is still our best pick for 2023. Even though nothing has changed, you’ll like the top motor speeds of 2800rpm, making it more effective than the others on our list with low motor speeds. The stainless steel impellers eliminate jamming, and the removable splash guard lets you clean the unit easily.

Additionally, the reduced noise, ease of installation, and lifetime warranties rank above the rest, so when investing in a reliable garbage disposal unit, this model is worth your money.

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