Best Garbage Disposals Reviewed

Garbage Disposal Comparison Table

How Garbage Disposals Work

A garbage disposal unit is basically a grinder that fits under your kitchen sink, between the sink drain and the drain pipe. Its job is to grind food waste into tiny, biodegradable particles that can be washed safely down your drain and out into the sewage system.

To do so, the unit contains a grinding plate attached to a motor. When the homeowner activates the unit, electricity flows to the motor, turning the grinding plate and cutting any food waste inside into teeny-tiny pieces. Water from the sink faucet washes these pieces away when the tap is turned on, while a splash guard prevents any water or food from splashing upward.

This is a great time-saving device and is a must-have for anyone who wants to save time on washing up. It’s especially useful for large families that generate a lot of food waste.

The Value of Having Waste Disposals

Here are just a few of the key benefits of having waste disposals installed in your home:

More convenient

Garbage disposals will streamline your kitchen clean-up and save you hours every month. With a garbage disposal system, you don't have to bother clearing the leftovers off your plates into the trash before you wash them - you can do everything from the sink.

Improved Health & Hygiene

Did you know that your kitchen is one of the germiest places in your home? It’s true - your kitchen sponge actually has more germs than your toilet! Leaving food waste lying around your kitchen in the trash gives these bacteria a place to thrive, which can lead to nasty odors and potential health risks. Using a garbage disposal unit eliminates this problem by getting rid of the food waste instantly. It’s much more hygienic.

Environmental Benefits

Waste disposal units grind up your food scraps into particles that turn into fertilizers in the sewer system. This is a more environmentally friendly solution compared to putting it in the trash as it reduces the amount of food waste that goes to rot in local landfills, releasing greenhouse gas emissions in the process.

Choosing the Best Garbage Disposal Unit (Buying Guide)

To help you to choose the best garbage disposal unit for your needs, we’ve prepared this list of factors to consider:

Waste Volume

The first thing to consider is how much waste your household will generate. The more food waste, the bigger the garbage disposal unit you’ll need. Bigger units typically have stronger motors and, therefore, can handle more frequent use. If you’re living in a home of 4 or more, you’ll probably want to opt for a family-size unit.

The other thing to consider when it comes to sizing is your available space. You’ll need to make sure that the dimensions of the unit you choose will fit within your under sink cabinet.

Motor Power

The motor power is probably the best indication of a garbage disposal unit’s grinding power. It’s usually measured and listed on the product page in horsepower (HP).  Most units will range from 1/3 HP to 1 HP or more.

Typically, the larger the horsepower, the better the unit will be at grinding tough food items like bones and fibrous substances, and the more waste it can handle.

For small to medium-sized households of two to four people, 3/4 HP should be enough. For large homes of 6 or more people, aim for 1 HP or more.

Grinding Capability (RPM)

The RPM is another useful measurement to help give you an idea of a garbage disposal units power. It tells you how quickly the motor spins.  The higher the RPM, the less likely it is that tough food waste like potato peels will cause the system to bind up. On the opposite side of the coin, a high RPM also usually means the motor will emit more noise, so bear this in mind.

Material (durability)

Garbage disposal units tend to vary when it comes to durability and build quality. Cheaper units will have aluminum grinding chambers, whereas more expensive units will have a grinding chamber made from stainless steel, as this is more durable and less likely to corrode over time.

Noise Level

Waste disposal units can be noisy. If noise is something that you're concerned about, look for units that have insulated grinding chambers and smaller motors as these will usually be quieter. Noise levels are typically shown in decibels (dB). Quiet garbage disposal units will typically be around 50dB, whereas loud units can be as high as 100 dB or more.

Feed Type

Garbage disposal units are typically subcategorized based on their feed type. There are two different types to choose from: batch feed and continuous feed. We’ll talk more about the differences between these two types later.

For now, the main thing to know is that batch feed garbage disposals are safer but less convenient to use, whereas continuous feed garbage disposals are less safe but more convenient. Factor this into your decision

Installation

You should also factor in installation costs and time before buying any unit. Disposals that include an electric cord and a quick-mount neck are usually easier to install if you plan on doing it yourself.

Warranty

A final factor to consider is the warranty period. Garbage disposal unit warranties can range from 1 year to 12 years, depending on the model. Some will only cover parts, whereas others will include labor costs too. Generally, the longer the warranty, the more durable the unit is likely to be.

Batch Feed vs. Continuous Feed

Deciding whether to get a batch feed or a continuous feed garbage disposal is probably the most important decision to make. Here are the main differences between each of them in a nutshell:

Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals

These units are usually activated by a wall switch allow you to feed food into the grinding chamber while they're running. They're recommended for large households or anyone that prioritizes convenience. They're NOT recommended for homes with children.

Batch Feed Garbage Disposals

Batch feed garbage disposals can’t be turned on until a rubber stopper is inserted over the opening to the grinding chamber. This enables safer operation as there is no chance of anything slipping into the chamber while the unit is running. The downside is that food can’t be fed into it while it’s running either, it has to be filled in batches beforehand.

They’re recommended for smaller households and those with children.

How to Use a Garbage Disposal Safely

Garbage disposal units can be dangerous if operated incorrectly, so it’s important to make sure you know how to use a garbage disposal safely.

You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions, but here are some general guidelines on how to operate a continuous-feed unit safely:

Note: NEVER stick your fingers or non-food objects into the grinding chamber while it’s running. If a non-food object falls in, turn the unit off immediately and fish it out using tongues - NOT your hand.

Installation Guide on Disposals

Installation instructions vary depending on your manufacturer and disposal model, and you should always follow those instructions before the ones in this post.

You also may be better off paying for professional installation service as, if you're not qualified, you may risk messing up the installation and voiding your warranty.

However, if you're determined to install it yourself and want some general guidelines, here are the necessary steps:

Note: It's your responsibility to make sure you know the correct installation process. Don't consider these instructions to be accurate for every installation or foolproof.

Here's a video that goes into more detail and provides a more visual walkthrough:

Food Allowed & Disallowed in Disposers

Like in any other appliance, there are do's and don'ts to follow. There are also things that shouldn't be put in a garbage disposal unit. Here is a list as a general guideline.

Septic Safe Waste Disposals

Some houses in more rural areas aren’t hooked up to a sewage line and instead, rely on septic systems. If this is you, you’ll need a specific kind of garbage disposal that breaks down the grease, soap, and food waste to help stop it from overloading your septic tank.

Some experts advise against using garbage disposals entirely if your household uses a septic system. However, you should be fine as long as you choose a unit that’s suitable for use with septic systems.

Garbage Disposal Issues and Fixes

Here are some common garbage disposal issues that you might run into and how to fix them:

Noise

If your garbage disposal unit isn’t making any noise at all, it probably isn’t running. Check to see if it’s still plugged into the power outlet as the plug may have become dislodged and if not, contact your manufacturer or an electrician to take a look.

If you notice that your garbage disposal is emitting a louder noise than usual, it’s usually caused by a jam, which is causing the motor to work harder. See below for how to remove a jam.

Jamming

If you’ve put something in the unit that the grinding plate can’t grind down, the unit can become jammed. You’ll know it’s jammed if it hums but doesn’t grind. When this happens, insert an alan wrench into the opening on the bottom of the motor housing and manually clear the obstruction.

Alternatively, if there’s no opening on your model, you can insert a long wooden spoon handle into the drain opening to try to clear it that way.

Clogging

Clogs can be caused by a buildup of debris or fibrous material in your pipes or grinding chamber. Follow the same process as above to remove any content jamming the unit first. If that fails to fix the problem, the clog may be in your drains. If so, use a plunger to unclog the drains.

Leaks

There are several potential causes of a leaking garbage disposal unit, and the correct way to fix it will depend on where the leak is. Here’s a video that will help you to troubleshoot it yourself:

Smells

A nasty odor coming from your garbage disposal usually means there are some leftover food particles or debris rotting inside.

To get rid of it, clean the unit. You can do so by following the manufacturer's guidelines, which may mean using specially-designed cleaning tablets or home solutions such as baking soda and vinegar. You can also put some small slices of lemon peel into the grinding unit and turn it on to cover up the smell.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How long does a typical garbage disposal last?

Garbage disposal units will usually last between 5 and 12 years, depending on the durability of the model. More expensive models tend to last longer.

Can I put eggshells in my food disposal system?

No, it’s best to avoid putting eggshells into your food disposal system as fibrous materials can cause the unit to become jammed.

Can I put coffee grounds down my disposer?

You should avoid putting coffee grounds into your garbage disposal as they can cause clogs in your plumbing.

Can I put lemons down my garbage disposal unit?

It’s generally safe to put lemons in your disposal unit and sometimes recommended as a cleaning method. However, you should avoid doing it too often and take care to chop it up first into very fine pieces to help prevent clogs.

Can I install these systems myself?

It’s advisable to pay for a professional to install these systems as installation can be complicated and technical, depending on the type of garbage disposal you’re using and the set up of your home. You may need both plumbing and electrical knowledge for wiring.

How much does a plumber charge to replace a garbage disposal?

Costs for removal and installation services vary depending on things like where you live, your kitchen set up, and the type of garbage disposal unit. Expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $250. Many plumbers charge by the hour, so if it takes longer, it’ll cost more.

Where is the best place to buy compact garbage disposal units?

You can often find great value-for-money units on sites like Amazon and eBay. Alternatively, you can buy units directly from the manufacturer’s online or offline stores.

Conclusion

If you managed to stick through to the end, congratulations - you’re now a garbage disposal expert! By now, you should have a good idea of what to look for in a garbage disposal system and how to take care of your unit.

All that’s left to do now is to buy one! If you’re still not sure which model is right for you, you can’t go wrong with the InSinkErator Evolution Compact Garbage Disposal, so I’d recommend purchasing that one.

Enjoy!