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GE GFC525N 1/2 HP vs GE Disposall Green 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

GE Disposall Green 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal

GE GFC525N 1/2-HP

$99.99 from Amazon
GE GFC525N 1/2 HP vs GE Disposall Green 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal

Overall Verdict

The GE Disposall Green 1/2 HP and GE Disposall GFC525N 1/2 HP are siblings from the same series. They have very similar specifications and if you strip them of their body casings, the two garbage disposals look exactly the same. But per our data from performance evaluation, the Disposall Green is actually the better-performing in-sink grinder.

In all of our tests, from processing common kitchen scraps to raw meat scraps, the Disposal Green continuously churned out impressive and better results between the two. The disposal even outperforms several stronger and more expensive models from other brands and it’s without a doubt the best 1/2-hp garbage disposal we’ve tested.

What’s interesting is that we can say the same thing about the Disposall GFC525N as it also scores better than several 3/4- and 1-horsepower units. However, the disposal’s build quality is very questionable because it’s the only out of 20 models with faulty fixings. To be fair, the disposal didn’t arrive like that, but by the time we put the bottom casing back on after inspecting its motor, two of the threaded slots had worn out. It could be that we were unlucky.

At any rate, the GE Disposall Green 1/2 HP is a more attractive option. It enjoys better craftsmanship, quality casing, durable grinding components, and consistent performance. Meanwhile, the GE Disposall GFC525N 1/2 HP offers a more basic setup with cheaper materials and perhaps looser quality control, but it costs about $50 less.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • High capacity
  • Stainless steel grinding components
  • High-speed motor
  • Affordable
  • High-speed motor
  • Affordable 
  • Easy installation
  • No noise/vibration insulation
  • Small capacity
  • No noise/vibration insulation
  • Faulty details

Key Specs

Type of feed
Continuous
Continuous
Horsepower
3/4
1/2
Motor type
Induction
Permanent magnet
Averaged RPM
1478
4317
Family size
3-4 people
1-2 people
Dimensions
L5.2 x W6.3 x H13.3 inches
L5.4 x W5.8 x H12.7 inches

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$116.09
$103.13

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.6
6.0

Scrap Mix

6.6
5.8
GE Disposall Green 1/2 HP Scrap Mix Test
12.34 ounces of fish pin bones in mess of assorted scraps from garbage disposal on digital scale on granite-looking top.
15.48 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of assorted scraps, including fibers, bones, etc.
0.06 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Shredded fish vertebrae and pieces of dietary fiber.
GE GFC525N 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal Scrap Mix Test
11.67 ounces of fish pin bones in mess of assorted scraps from garbage disposal on digital scale on granite-looking top.
14.19 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of assorted scraps, including fibers, bones, etc.
0.12 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Shredded pieces of dietary fiber.
Input Load
90.0 oz (2551 g)
90.0 oz (2551 g)
Time
2 min 13 sec
2 min 53 sec
Layer 1
12.3 oz (350 g)
11.7 oz (331 g)
Layer 2
15.5 oz (439 g)
14.2 oz (402 g)
Leftovers
0.1 oz (2 g)
0.1 oz (3 g)

Raw Fish Scraps

5.2
5.6
GE Disposall Green 1/2 HP Raw Fish Scraps Test
7 ounces of ground fish scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Few pin bones among a mess of raw fibrous tissue.
1.75 ounces of ground fish scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of assorted shredded bones and raw fibrous tissue.
3.9 ounces of ground fish scraps from a garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded fish backbone and skin.
GE GFC525N 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal Raw Fish Scraps Test
6.01 ounces of ground fish scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Pin bones among a mess of raw fibrous tissue.
1.89 ounces of ground fish scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of assorted shredded bones and raw fibrous tissue.
3.79 ounces of ground fish scraps from a garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded fish backbone and skin.
Input Load
49.4 oz (1400 g)
49.4 oz (1400 g)
Time
3 min
3 min
Layer 1
7.0 oz (198 g)
6.0 oz (170 g)
Layer 2
1.8 oz (50 g)
1.9 oz (54 g)
Leftovers
3.9 oz (111 g)
3.8 oz (107 g)

Raw Chicken Scraps

8.0
6.8
GE Disposall Green 1/2 HP Raw Chicken Scraps Test
0.84 ounces of ground chicken scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded soft tissue and few pieces of shredded bones.
2.03 ounces of ground chicken scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded tendons and pieces of shredded bones.
0.04 ounces of ground chicken scraps from a garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of soft tissue and pieces of shredded cartilage.
GE GFC525N 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal Raw Chicken Scraps Test
0.8 ounces of ground chicken scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded soft tissues and shredded bones.
2.25 ounces of ground chicken scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded tendons and shredded bones.
0.29 ounces of ground chicken scraps from a garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of soft tissue and pieces of shredded cartilage.
Input Load
7.4 oz (210 g)
7.4 oz (210 g)
Time
2 min 30
3 min
Layer 1
0.8 oz (24 g)
0.8 oz (23 g)
Layer 2
2.0 oz (58 g)
2.3 oz (64 g)
Leftovers
0.04 oz (1 g)
0.3 oz (8 g)

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.6
7.9

In the Box

GE Disposall Green 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal with 3-Bolt Mount assembly on top, next to its box, user manual, registration slip, sink stopper, elbow tube, and two sets of flanges and bolts.
GE Disposall GFC525N 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal with EZ Mount assembly on top, next to its box, user manual, registration slip, sink stopper, elbow tube, and two sets of flanges and bolts.

Dimensions

GE Disposall Green 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal food disposer with mount assembly and elbow tube. Dimensions show 6.3-inch width, 13.3-inch height, 4.1-inch depth to dishwasher outlet, 6.9-inch depth to outlet, 5.2-inch distance to elbow tube.
GE GFC525N 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal with mount assembly and elbow tube. Dimensions show 5.8-inch width, 12.7-inch height, 4.1-inch depth to dishwasher outlet, 6.1-inch depth to outlet, 5.4-inch distance to elbow tube.
Length
5.2" (13.2 cm)
5.4" (13.7 cm)
Width
6.3" (15.9 cm)
5.8" (14.7 cm)
Height
13.3" (33.8 cm)
12.7" (32.3 cm)
Weight
8.4 lbs (3.8 kg)
7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Mount Assembly

3-Bolt Mount assembly for garbage disposals placed on white platform. “Disposall” engraving on rim of sink flange. Sink stopper in position.
3-Bolt Mount assembly for garbage disposals placed on white platform. “Disposall” engraving on rim of sink flange. Sink stopper in position.
Parts of 3-Bolts Mount assembly on white platform, including backup flange, mounting ring, snap ring, fiber gasket, stopper, cushion mount, sink flange with “Disposall” engravings, removable sink baffle, lower mounting ring.
EZ Mount assembly for garbage disposals placed on white platform. “Disposall” engraving on rim of sink flange. Sink stopper in position.
EZ Mount assembly for garbage disposals placed on white platform. “Disposall” engraving on rim of sink flange. Sink stopper in position.
Support ring, mounting ring, cushion mount, fiber gasket, rubber gasket, sink flange, stopper, removable sink splash guard.

Grind Chamber

7.5
6.5
Top view into chamber of GE Disposall Green garbage disposal after testing, showing layout of grinding components.
Top view into chamber of GE Disposall Green garbage disposal after testing, showing layout of grinding components.
Grind chamber of GE Disposall Green garbage disposal, showing two-level grinder ring and details on flywheel.
Grind chamber of GE Disposall Green garbage disposal, showing impellers and details of flywheel and grinder ring.
Top view of GE GFC525N 1/2 HP garbage disposal after testing, looking at layout of grinding components.
Top view of GE GFC525N 1/2 HP garbage disposal after testing, looking at layout of grinding components.
Grind chamber of GE GFC525N 1/2 HP garbage disposal, showing grater/grinder ring and details on flywheel.
Grind chamber of GE GFC525N 1/2 HP garbage disposal, showing impellers and details of flywheel and grinder ring.
Capacity
30.0 fl oz (887.2 ml)
23 fl.oz.
Verticality
6.4" (16.2 cm)
6.1" (15.5 cm)
Flywheel
4.4" (11.2 cm)
4.4" (11.2 cm)
Assembly Material
Stainless steel
Basic
Layout
Basic
Galvanized Steel

Motor

9.0
8.5
A digital tachometer is showing the measurement of a motor/flywheel of the GE Disposall Green garbage disposal in our speed test. A smartphone is running the timer app.
A digital tachometer is measuring the speed of the motor/flywheel of the GE GFC525N 1/2-HP garbage disposal in our speed test. A smartphone is running the timer app.
Horsepower
1/2
1/2
Speed
2600 RPM
2300 RPM
Real Speed
4615 RPM
4363 RPM
Voltage
115 V
120 V (60 Hz)
Current
4.5 A
4.5 A
Wattage
518 W
540 W
Heat
n/a
n/a
Reverse
No
No

Power Cord

Bottom view of GE Disposall Green 1/2 HP corded garbage disposal with type-B power cord.
Bottom view of GE GFC525N 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal corded garbage disposal with type-B power cord.
Length
34.3" (87.1 cm)
34.5" (87.6 cm)
Type
3-prong (B)
3-prong (B)

Accessories

Standard outlet/discharge set for garbage disposals on granite-looking top, showing elbow pipe, rubber gasket, flange, bolts.
Standard outlet/discharge set for garbage disposals on granite-looking top, showing elbow pipe, rubber gasket, flange, bolts.
Width
3.3" (8.3 cm)
3.3" (8.3 cm)
Length
5.3" (13.3 cm)
5.3" (13.3 cm)
Material
PVC
PVC

Build Quality

9.0
8.5
GE Disposall Green with 3-Bolt Mount assembly on top and outlet/discharge set installed.
GE GFC525N 1/2 HP garbage disposal with EZ Mount assembly on top and outlet/discharge set installed.
Noise Reduction
No
No
Vibration Reduction
No
No

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.4
7.4

Ease of Use

9.0
6.0

Installation

9.5
10

Smooth Operation

8.0
8.0

Unjam Mechanics

0.0
0.0
Inside view of permanent-magnet garbage disposal showing manual unjam mechanics with wooden stick in flywheel’s opening/gap.
Inside view of permanent-magnet garbage disposal showing manual unjam mechanics with wooden stick in flywheel’s opening/gap.
External
No
No
Auto Unjam
No
No