Garbage disposals are appliances used to grind up food residue and other waste material that would otherwise go down the drain. These devices are usually found under kitchen sinks and are designed to fit into the drain opening.
When you turn on the disposal, the blades spin at high speeds, grinding the waste material into small pieces so that it can be flushed away.
Knowing which is the best unit for your kitchen is a tricky decision, especially if you know little about plumbing.
However, we have put together a list of the top waste disposals available to buy today, so that you can decide what works for your situation. We also have a comprehensive buyer’s guide to inform you about all the key elements you should look out for in your waste disposal unit.
OUR TOP PICK
Waste King Legend Garbage Disposal
EDITORS CHOICE
Moen GXS75C Horsepower Garbage Disposal
BEST VALUE
Waste Maid Economy Food Disposer
OUR TOP PICK
Waste King Legend Garbage Disposal
This Waste King L-1001 garbage disposal unit is very popular for its high quality and low price. It has a powerful motor that can handle the toughest jobs, including heavy-duty garbage disposal in your kitchen or bathroom.
The unit comes with a 2 year warranty, so you can be sure it will last! This model features a continuous feed garbage disposal function, which means that the unit runs until the sink is empty, then switches itself off. You can leave it to do its thing without having to get your hands dirty.
It is an energy efficient model because its high speed, high power motor works fast so only needs to perform short runs. Food scraps are gone in no time with this Waste King L1001 and Waste King is a highly respected company, so you know you can trust them.
We found that it requires some expert installation, but the cord is integrated so there isn’t too much complex wiring to do. And the magnet motor starts up very quickly, which helps to prevent jams from occurring.
The removable splash guard comes in very handy because it stops food particles from spraying your sink and you! For excellent waste disposal performance, Waste King has you covered.
Pros
- 1/2 horsepower high speed motor
- Durable design hardly ever jams
- Sleek and easy to mount
- Energy saving due to short powerful runs
- Splash guard stops you getting dirty
- Manual reset in the case of jams
- Continuous feed disposal function
Cons
- Some customers have had leaks
* Also available at wasteking.com
EDITORS CHOICE
Moen GXS75C Horsepower Garbage Disposal
This garbage disposal unit from Moen has an extra quiet operation so that it won’t disturb you, your family, or dinner guests every time it sets to work.
The specially designed Sound Shield means that the powerful motor works quietly even when crusting and grinding large, tough foodstuffs. Many people are put off by the loud noise that these units make, so this sound reduction really is a great innovation and makes a huge difference.
The Moen GXS75C also has an impressively powerful 3/4 horsepower motor which works very fast to clear food scraps.
Some customers have noted that it does not grind food as finely as the Waste King and therefore some smells can emanate if left for a while, however, this is rare, and we had no such smelly issues during our testing.
Most customers love how compatible this unit is with all sinks and that it has such a simple installation. The pre-installed cord means that this unit is space-saving when it comes to the under sink area, which is great for those who need every bit of cupboard space possible!
Pros
- 3/4 Horsepower motor with 2700 RPM
- Safe to use with septic tanks
- Easy installation with space-saving cord installation
- SoundShield noise reduction
- Continuous feed disposal
- 10 year warranty
Cons
- Some bad smells can emanate
Also available at moen.com
BEST VALUE
Waste Maid Economy Food Disposer
We love this Waste Maid garbage disposal unit because it has such an affordable price point yet offers premium performance. You won’t need to break the bank to have an energy efficient, environmentally friendly, powerful disposal unit in your home.
This unit operates with a 1/2 horsepower motor that has permanent magnets driving it, so its rotation is smooth and swift to start.
The stainless steel grind components are strong and durable enough to crush chicken bones and swallow fibrous vegetables in no time. You will be able to leave it to work, as long as you leave the tap running to lubricate the process.
The power cord is not integrated on this unit, however, the installation process is super easy. The three-bolt mounting system is compatible with most sinks and dishwashers, and you won’t need to get a handyman round to help you to screw it into place.
The unit is slightly heavier than the Waste King, but it is discrete and powerful, which is exactly what we want in a disposal unit.
Pros
- 1/2 horsepower motor with 2600 RPM
- Stainless steel grinding system prevents jams
- 3 bolt mounting system
- Front reset button
- Continuous feed garbage disposal
- Permanently lubricated bearings for smooth operation
- Corrosion proof
- Very Easy Installation
Cons
- Doesn’t drain water reliably
Also available at walmart.com
RUNNER UP
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Badger
InSinkErator do a wide range of different garbage disposal units, and their Badger series is a great option for those who want ease of functionality and ease of installation.
The unit is compatible with existing InSinkErator hardware, making the switch over to this new disposal unit very easy indeed. What is more, the Badger has a compact design that doesn’t take up too much of your precious under sink space.
The component parts are made from galvanized steel, which is hard wearing and durable. Even the toughest of food wastes are no match for its powers and will be incinerated in the ample grinding chamber.
Sure, it is in a high price range compared to some of the other garbage disposal units on our list, but the performance it delivers is worth it.
You will be able to turn your old food wastes into renewable energy and even into fertilizer with this unit. This means you can spread old food onto flower beds and lawns and save yourself money and a trip to the garden store!
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Easy to install with existing InSinkErator hardware
- 1/2 horsepower dura-drive motor
- Galvanized steel components
- Can turn food into fertilizer and renewable energy
- Continuous feed garbage disposal
- Heavy duty, robust design
Cons
- Premium price point
Also available at insinkerator.emerson.com
RUNNER UP
Waste King L-8000 Garbage Disposal
And finally, we have another brilliant waste disposal unit by the experts at Waste King, and this time it’s their L-8000 model. This model is more expensive than the L-1001, however, it has some premium features which really do make it a cut above the competition.
The most notable of these is the 1 horsepower motor with 2800 RPM which is seriously strong, speedy, and durable.
This unit has a pre-installed power cord meaning that it has a super easy installation process that even a novice could handle, and the EZ mount makes it even more foolproof.
We love that Waste King has added sound insulation into the grind chamber to reduce disturbance to your household, and the incredibly efficient stainless steel grind components are capable of taking on even the toughest of food types.
Pros
- Sound insulation for quieter running
- Pre-installed power cord
- EZ mount for quick and easy installation
- 1 horsepower motor with 2800 RPM
- Lifetime guarantee
- Stainless steel components are durable
- Continuous feed disposal
Cons
- EZ mount doesn’t seal well on an SS sink
Also available at ebay.com
Buyer’s Guide
So now that you know all about the different types of garbage disposals out there, let’s talk about how to choose one.
Continuous Feed
First off, if you’re looking for a garbage disposal unit for your kitchen, then you should definitely consider buying a continuous feed model. These models work best when used with a sink that has a built-in strainer (such as a Kohler or KitchenAid). They also tend to be easier to install, so they’re ideal for first-time buyers.
Single Stage
If you’re not sure whether you need a continuous feed model, then you may want to opt for a single stage model instead. Single stage models usually come with a manual control panel, whereas continuous feed models have automatic controls.
You’ll find that single stage models are cheaper than continuous feed models, but they don’t offer quite the same level of convenience.
Dual Stage
If you’re thinking of installing a garbage disposal unit in your bathroom, then you might want to go for a dual stage model. Dual stage models are great because they allow you to use both the top and bottom stages simultaneously. However, they’re slightly trickier to install, especially if you don’t already own a garbage disposal unit.
Brand Reliability
When choosing between various brands, always look for a reputable brand name like InSinkErator. Garbage disposal units need to be tough bits of gear to do their job well over long periods of time, and if you buy from a company that isn’t known for quality products, you may get stung.
Also, look for a product that comes with a lifetime guarantee – this way, you can rest assured that you will never have to worry about replacing your garbage disposal unit again. Brands such as Waste King and Moen are also top choices.
Horsepower
The amount of horsepower refers to the strength of the motor inside a garbage disposal unit. Higher horsepower means that the motor runs faster and therefore the garbage disposal works better. Most units have a maximum horsepower rating of around 1 horsepower, although some models have 2 horsepower motors.
Speed
The speed of the motor determines how quickly the garbage disposal unit operates. The lower the number, the slower the garbage disposal unit works. Most garbage disposal units run anywhere from 600 to 900 RPM, although some models have speeds up to 1200 RPM.
Durability
Garbage disposal units are made from stainless steel, which makes them very durable. Stainless steel is also corrosion-resistant, so it lasts longer than other materials. If you’re looking for a high-quality garbage disposal unit, then you should definitely invest in one that uses stainless steel parts.
Installation
One of the most important things to think about when selecting a garbage disposal unit is installation. Some people prefer to hire professionals to do the job, while others feel more comfortable doing it themselves.
Regardless of what type of installer you decide on, make sure he or she knows exactly where everything goes before starting the project.
Sound Insulation
Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a garbage disposal unit is sound insulation. This is particularly important if you like to keep the kitchen windows open, or you’re working opposite shifts to your cohabitants.
Making sure that the garbage disposal unit is well insulated means you won’t be waking each other up all the time or disturbing the neighbors.
Stainless Steel Grind Components
Stainless steel grind components are an essential part of any garbage disposal unit. They help prevent clogs by grinding food down into smaller pieces. Look for grind components that are easy to clean and replace. Make sure that they fit securely in place, and are sturdy enough to withstand the pressure of the water.
Grind Wheels
Another important component of a good garbage disposal unit is the grind wheels. These are used to grind food down into small food particles. Look for grind wheels that are easy to remove and replace.
Make sure they fit securely in place and are strong enough to handle the pressure of the water moving through the unit. Corn husks, chicken bones, and fibrous vegetables should all be able to be broken down by these wheels.
Power Cord
A power cord is another essential element of a garbage disposal unit. It’s used to connect the unit to an electrical outlet. Make sure that the cord is long enough to reach the necessary areas of your home. You’ll need at least 10 feet (3 meters) of cord for every sink in your house.
Storage Space
If you plan on storing your garbage disposal unit, make sure there’s plenty of room. This will allow you to easily access the unit if needed. Many garbage disposal units come with storage drawers underneath the sink. However, if you want extra space, you can purchase a separate cabinet for the unit.
Generally, garbage disposals with a compact design are preferable as they do not take up so much storage space.
Warranty
If you’re buying a new garbage disposal unit, you may be wondering whether or not it has a warranty. All InSinkErator garbage disposals come with a limited lifetime warranty. This means that if anything happens to the unit within its first year of use, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs.
Septic System
When purchasing a garbage disposal unit, you might be interested in knowing whether or not it comes with a septic system. A septic system is a sewage treatment system that takes waste away from your home and sends it to a local wastewater treatment plant.
Most septic systems are installed underground, but some homeowners choose to install above ground models instead.
You want to make sure that your garbage disposal unit is compatible with your septic system. Otherwise, you could run into some problems you’d be wise to avoid.
Ease Of Use
The last thing you want is a garbage disposal unit that’s too difficult to operate. The best way to find out how easy or hard it is to use a particular model is to read reviews online. If people who’ve had experience using the product seem happy with their choice, then it’s probably worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Install A Garbage Disposal Unit?
The best place to install a garbage disposal unit is under your kitchen sink. Make sure that you remove any existing plumbing before you start drilling holes in your countertop. Once you’ve drilled holes for the pipes, you’ll need to attach them using stainless steel screws.
Then you’ll need to run the pipes through the wall into your bathroom. Finally, connect the drainpipe to the garbage disposal unit.
Once everything is connected, turn on the water supply to test the system. If everything works correctly, then you’re ready to enjoy a clean kitchen!
How Do You Use A Garbage Disposal Unit?
Now that you’ve got a garbage disposal installed, you’ll need to learn how to use it properly. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
First of all, make sure that you only dispose of food scraps and other waste items in the garbage disposal unit. Never put anything else down the drain!
Next, make sure that you keep the blades sharp by turning the unit on, running the cold water, and dropping ice cubes in once every few months. This will ensure that they cut up whatever you throw down the drain without jamming up.
Finally, remember to rinse your garbage disposal unit after each use. This will prevent build-up from occurring inside the unit.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Garbage Disposal Unit?
A garbage disposal unit can save you time in several ways. For example, you no longer have to empty the trash can when you finish eating dinner. Instead, you can toss your leftovers directly into the garbage disposal.
You also don’t have to worry about washing dishes anymore. That job is now taken care of automatically.
Another benefit of having a garbage disposal is that it helps reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. It’s estimated that Americans generate around 40 pounds of solid waste per day. By disposing of this waste in the garbage disposal, you’ll be doing your part to help preserve our planet.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why you should buy a garbage disposal unit.
First of all, it makes cleaning up after meals much easier.
Secondly, it saves you money because you won’t have to pay someone to take away your trash.
Thirdly, it keeps your home cleaner since there’s less trash lying around.
And finally, it reduces the amount of waste ending up in landfills.
So if you’re looking for a convenient way to get rid of unwanted waste, then a garbage disposal unit may be exactly what you need.
