The Best Garbage Disposals Tested & Reviewed
Garbage disposals are essential to many modern households as they help promote clean and hygienic kitchens and prevent clogs happening further down the line. But it’s tough finding the right one, given the many choices nowadays. That’s why we’ve tested the top models on the market, putting them through rigorous tasks, to gain useful insights that we now can share.
For instance, the InSinkErator Evolution 0.75HP is our top recommendation thanks to its premium build, strong performance, and efficient noise-treatment at a reasonable price. Similarly, the InSinkErator Advanced 1.0HP and its industry-leading features take the spot as our upgrade pick, offering top-quality craftsmanship and technology. However, if you’re looking for strong and reliable grinding performance, the GE Disposall 3/4-HP may be preferable.
Everything We Recommend
With the most balanced build on the market, featuring multi-stage grinding, anti-vibration technology, and durable construction, this disposal is perfect for almost anything. InSinkErator’s renown service warranty is also one of the main reasons why we recommend it.
For the best noise-insulation and construction, this latest model follows the footsteps of the legendary Evolution Excel with a few cuts here and there. The disposal’s premium build, industry-leading features, and quiet operation put it on an entirely different level in terms of quality.
We prefer this unit to the other mid-range disposals because, time after time, it delivered outstanding results in our uncooked bone scraps challenges. Its thick, stainless steel impellers and high-speed jamless motor is the perfect combo for processing food scraps.
This disposal runs on a high-speed permanent magnet motor that avoids jamming effectively, even when grinding large amounts of scraps. Its ample power and stainless steel grinding components easily take care of daily kitchen scraps while offering high durability.
Employing a space-saving design with a durable construction, the disposal is effective against common foods and has been the go-to small-size option for many homes. Although not particularly powerful, its long-lasting service and generous warranty is always appreciated.
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This is one of the best 3/4-hp garbage disposals we’ve tested so far, offering solid features in a reasonably priced package. Benefiting from quality materials and craftsmanship, it outperforms several more decorated models in terms of cost efficiency and grinding capability.
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How We Test
Our main evaluation objective is to see how each garbage disposal deals with various types and amounts of food scraps. Each unit’s performance is assessed based on the data we’ve collected through running tests, each designed to reflect aspects of practicality:
In the Scrap Mix test, the disposals’ ability to deal with common food scraps is highlighted by pitting them against 11 different types of food.
The Raw Fish Scraps test, in turn, challenges their grinding capabilities against raw salmon bones.
Finally, the Raw Chicken Scraps test further showcases the disposals’ ability to handle raw chicken thigh bones.
To inform our decisions, we draw on insights from Design and Usability examinations, focusing on the layout of the chambers, motor power, and build quality. Personal impressions on the overall user experience, including difficulties and malfunctions during installation or operation are also considered.
Check out full How We Test and Score Garbage Disposals for more information.
How We Decide
The following table shows the scores for each product that were inferred from the evaluation process and our scoring devices. However, to make sure that our recommendations are relatable and well-informed, we also take into account long-term durability, maintenance requirements, and other factors like whether the brand is reputable or provide thorough warranty service. Furthermore, cost efficiency is always a major deciding factor as we appreciate economically sound investments.
*The availability of products affects current ranking.
InSinkErator Evolution 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal
Best to Buy
With the most balanced build on the market, featuring multi-stage grinding, anti-vibration technology, and durable construction, this disposal is perfect for almost anything. InSinkErator’s renown service warranty is also one of the main reasons why we recommend it.
Things We Like
- Anti-vibration details
- Premium build
- Fine output
- Auto-reset circuit breaker
- EZ hardwire connection
- 9-year in-home warranty
Things We Don’t Like
- Heavy
- No power cord
The Advanced Evolution 0.75HP is the upgraded version of the once best-selling Evolution Compact which now has been discontinued. The Evolution Compact was beloved for its convenient anti-vibration and reliable durability for $200, and it’s one of the best disposals we’ve evaluated.
Both disposals tackle tough and fibrous food scraps with a stainless steel grinding chamber and torqueful induction motor. But, the 0.75HP is equipped with the innovative undercutter disc—one of the Advanced series’ new additions—to ensure that all foods are reduced to fine particles before being released.
Compared to its predecessor, our mixed scraps test reveals that the disposal takes longer to grind (3 minutes for 90 ounces of food) but produces much finer output, therefore reducing the risk of clogging even more. It consistently delivers strong performance breaking down tough edible fibers, avocado pits, and even cooked chicken bones. The results are far from the best we’ve seen, but very satisfying, nonetheless, when taking into account the reasonable $200 price tag.
Furthermore, this new chamber design is apparently less effective against raw fish remains but works great against raw chicken bones, according to our testing data.
Besides its reliable performance, the product has easily the best build on the market, second only to its 1.0HP sibling, with high-quality materials and experienced craftsmanship. Moreover, the disposal enjoys premiums such as auto-reset circuit protection, EZ hardwire connection, and noise-reduction system consisting of the Quiet Collar Sink Baffle, vibration-reducing cushion mount, and noise-dampening shell.
Considering everything, the Advanced Evolution 0.75HP is the best disposal to buy in our opinion. If it’s not the industry-leading quiet performance or multi-stage grinding, then it’s InSinkErator’s quality control and the disposal’s 9-year We Come to You service warranty that should seal the deal.
Read our full InSinkErator Evolution 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal in-depth review
InSinkErator Evolution 1.0 HP Garbage Disposal
Upgrade Pick
For the best noise-insulation and construction, this latest model follows the footsteps of the legendary Evolution Excel with a few cuts here and there. The disposal’s premium build, industry-leading features, and quiet operation put it on an entirely different level in terms of quality.
Things We Like
- Anti-vibration details
- Noise-damping shell
- Premium build
- Fine output
- Auto-reset circuit breaker
- EZ hardwire connection
- 10-year in-home warranty
Things We Don’t Like
- Heavy
- Costly
- No power cord
The Evolution 1.0HP is the updated version of the once best-selling, recently discontinued Evolution Excel. The Excel is a legend in the industry for its top-end features and power. For roughly $100 cheaper, the 1.0HP employs a neater design with a trim casing and a simplified chamber that marks the end of the signature tri-action lug system. The renown 4-stage grinding system has traded the bone-breaking fins of the old system for a paddle detail that facilitates clean release and reduces clogging.
Compared to the Excel, the 1.0HP is slower when handling mixed scraps, partly explaining its lower cost. Compared to the 0.75HP’s 3-stage mechanic, on the other hand, the 1.0HP is clearly superior, dealing with various food types more easily. The disposal consistently breaks down tough edible fibers, avocado pits, and even cooked chicken bones throughout testing. Our data also shows that this 4-stage design is effective against both raw fish bones and raw chicken bones.
In addition to solid performance, the Evolution 1.0HP boasts the best configurations on the market at the moment, utilizing premium materials, craftsmanship, and innovative details. Aside from its auto-reset circuit protection and EZ hardwire connector, the disposal’s advanced noise treatment, using anti-vibration cushion, sound-dampening sink baffle—which is similar to the 0.75HP—and additional layers like the Sound Jacket and anti-vibration tailpipe coupler help keep the grinding process quiet like never before and put the disposal on another level entirely.
With everything taken into account, the Advanced Evolution 1.0HP is a worthwhile upgrade, offering next-level noise treatment and long service life. Even though $300 is not a small sum of money, the disposal’s industry-leading noise treatment, multi-stage grinding, and InSinkErator’s 10-year We Come to You warranty still make for an appealing package.
Read our full InSinkErator Evolution 1.0 HP Garbage Disposal in-depth review
GE Disposall 3/4 HP Continuous Feed
Best Performance
We prefer this unit to the other mid-range disposals because, time after time, it delivered outstanding results in our uncooked bone scraps challenges. Its thick, stainless steel impellers and high-speed jamless motor is the perfect combo for processing food scraps.
Things We Like
- High-speed, jamless motor
- Remarkable grinding capability
- Stainless steel components
- Strengthened components
- Collar adaptor included
Things We Don’t Like
- Space-consuming design
- Can be noisy
- No power cord
This one has the typical appearance but packs more than meets the eyes. Its simplistic design makes use of strong grinding components and invests primarily on the quality of materials and craftsmanship to ensure long-term functionality. On the outside, a high-quality plastic shell encases the core machinery and a layer of acoustic foam that wraps around the chamber.
At the heart of it all, the disposal’s 3/4-hp permanent magnet motor boasts impressive capacity, enabling the chamber for heavy-duty tasks. The technology also allows for high-speed rotation, exploiting the momentum of the foods’ own weight, and leaves very little room for tough scraps to jam the chamber. This design has proved effective, performing exceptionally well in testing with impressive input-to-output ratios.
The disposal went through our tests effortlessly as it processed 90 ounces of mixed scraps in just 2 minutes. The disposal also excelled in dealing with raw bone scraps and outperformed several more powerful and pricier models, including the ones on this list. Its thick, stainless steel impellers and high-speed motor arguably are the main contributors to such note-worthy results.
If you’re looking for durable construction and ample power, the GE GFC720N 3/4-HP is a product worth considering at around $190. It’s not the most affordable on the market, but the disposal’s high-quality build and warranty with up to 5-year for replacement parts do round up the bargain nicely.
Read our full GE Disposall 3/4 HP Continuous Feed in-depth review
Waste King L1001 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal
Best for Small Household
This disposal runs on a high-speed permanent magnet motor that avoids jamming effectively, even when grinding large amounts of scraps. Its ample power and stainless steel grinding components easily take care of daily kitchen scraps while offering high durability.
Things We Like
- High-speed, jamless motor
- Impressive grinding capability
- Affordable
- Lightweight, compact
Things We Don’t Like
- Small capacity
- Noisy
The disposal has a small chamber which only grinds a small amount of food at a time. Its high-speed permanent magnet motor is a 1/2-hp unit, and is mainly why the disposal is so compact. This configuration is loud when it runs but allows the machine to process food scraps incredibly well, especially when the quantity is moderate.
Most noticeable is how the disposal handles mixed food scraps better than larger and more expensive models. In the Scrap Mix test, the L1001 released more reassuring output quality than most of the 1/2-hp units and a handful of larger ones. Moreover, it admirably finished the raw scraps tests and delivered comparable results while several others outright failed.
With a humble plastic casing, small motor, and stainless steel grinding assembly, this Waste King disposal handled our challenges decisively. Considering how it’s not expensive, grinds like a beast, and offers a 2-year warranty, it’s without a doubt one of the best small garbage disposals on the market at the moment.
Read our full Waste King L1001 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal in-depth review
InSinkErator Badger 5 1/2-HP Disposal
Renowned Durability
Employing a space-saving design with a durable construction, the disposal is effective against common foods and has been the go-to small-size option for many homes. Although not particularly powerful, its long-lasting service and generous warranty is always appreciated.
Things We Like
- Impressive durability
- High capacity
- Compact
Things We Don’t Like
- Non-removable splash guard
- Noisy
The disposal’s space saving design utilizes a steel body frame to protect the core machinery in tight spaces. It has one of the most compact designs on the market, yet one of the largest chambers in the small disposal category. This allows for comfortable disposal of foods of various sizes and shapes that tighter chambers do not.
The disposal works fairly well against simple foods and has been the go-to affordable option for most homes. In most cases, leftover food scraps from the dishwasher or from your meals should be no trouble. Admittedly, when compared to more effective models of similar sizes, the Badger 5’s grinding power can be slightly underwhelming, but that’s only the case with tough scraps.
If you want something that lasts easily more than 5 years and fits comfortably in tight spaces, this InSinkErator’s signature disposal is famous for exactly that. Under care and proper usage, it can serve for some time before needing any repair. And if that happens in the first two years, you’re also covered by the warranty.
Read our full InSinkErator Badger 5 1/2-HP Disposal in-depth review
Moen GXS75C Host Series Garbage Disposal
Best Values
This is one of the best 3/4-hp garbage disposals we’ve tested so far, offering solid features in a reasonably priced package. Benefiting from quality materials and craftsmanship, it outperforms several more decorated models in terms of cost efficiency and grinding capability.
Things We Like
- High-speed, jamless motor
- Stainless steel components
- Space-saving design
Things We Don’t Like
- Noisy
The Moen GXS75C is a good looking disposal; its modern design saves space under the sink with clever trims on the shell casing and its streamlined details reflect the reliable quality it delivers. The thick, acoustic-treated shell protects the motor from any external disturbance while helping with controlling the vibration from its 3/4-hp permanent magnet motor.
Thanks to this high-speed, jamless motor and the stainless steel grinding components, the disposal takes on most food scraps with ease, even if it's cooked chicken bones. Moreover, it also produced notable results in our raw bone scrap challenges, which is exactly why, in the graph, it scores above so many others.
For $150 and with such impressive performance, you likely won’t find another grinder that offers the same values as this Host Series GXS75C disposal. It’s even a sweeter deal considering how well-established Moen is as a brand and the disposal’s 10-year warranty with in-home service covering.
Read our full Moen GXS75C Host Series Garbage Disposal in-depth review
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few strong picks that didn’t make the list but still left strong impressions, despite their shortcomings:
- InSinkErator Evolution Excel: A premium, dominating grinder and technology powerhouse that is now officially discontinued. This is in our opinion the strongest residential disposal that has ever existed, with bone-breaking multistage-grinding, unmatched noise/vibration treatment, and auto-reverse anti-jamming mechanics.
- Amazon Commercial 3/4-HP Disposal: An affordable 3/4-hp option that delivers impressive performance and decent build quality. It would be an appealing bargain if Amazon Commercial as a brand is more established and grants more reassuring warranties.
- GE GFC1020N 1-HP: For a $200 option, this disposal feels lacking in terms of efficiency, especially when compared to its smaller sibling, the GFC720N. Nonetheless, it’s still an incredibly powerful grinder with a highly effective grinding and sturdy construction.
- InSinkErator Evolution Compact: Another memorable disposal that takes after the Excel and XTR, featuring anti-vibration technology, multi-stage grinding, and long-lasting construction. This is the last model of the recently discontinued InSinkErator Evolution series.
- InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR: A splendid 3/4-hp disposal with quiet operation, premium build quality, multi-stage grinding, and accessory bundle including power cord and top switch. However, the disposal has recently been discontinued.
- Waste King Legend L-8000: An affordable, high-power option with a jamless 1-hp magnet motor and stainless steel grinding components. Unfortunately, the poor attention to detail and subpar grinding capability leads to its relatively low ranking on our list.
FAQ
If the disposal hums but doesn’t run when you flip the switch, there’s still power and the disposal is stuck. Find a way to rotate the chamber manually to unjam. If your disposal does not turn on, there’s either a problem with the disposal’s internal circuit, the switch, or the kitchen circuit. You can try the disposal’s reset button or check the power supply (switch, outlet, breaker, etc.)
First, set up a mounting assembly. You can use the old assembly if it fits and doesn’t leak. Next, hang the disposal onto the mounting assembly and secure it with tools. Finally, hook the disposal to the drainpipe. Connect the dishwasher if necessary. Check for leaks. You can find more detailed instructions in this article
Use a plunger to push through clogs and drain standing water. Next, remove and clean the pipes and p-trap. Use a plumbing snake to clear the waste line (into the wall or floor). Unjam and reset the garbage disposal if necessary and put everything back. Flush the line and check for leaks.
Try baking soda, vinegar, and hot water once a month or every two months for residual buildup. For regular cleaning, grind ice cubes, chopped citrus fruits (lemons, limes, etc.), and sea salt altogether to scour, disinfect, and deodorize the interior.
Our Expertise
Be Nguyen started his research on garbage disposal back in 2019, when he was preparing for some of his newest technical reviews. In 2022, sorting through dozens of different models, he, Luna, and Shouldit’s test team began examining and testing the most promising food disposers in the market.
With 200+ pounds of common kitchen leftovers (fruit, vegetables, etc.) and 140+ pounds of raw meat scraps (chicken bones, salmon remains, etc.) processed, after 20+ hours spent in preparation and 40+ more in running tests, the team was able to collect crucial data regarding each product’s performance and usability. Working with garbage hasn’t been the most pleasant experience, but thanks to the shared efforts, the team has put together strongly informed reviews on every product as well as helpful recommendations.
