GE Garbage Disposal Brand Review (5 Best Models)

by DisposingAndy

Extra Large Capacity

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Top of the Range

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GE is an American company that makes a variety of home electrical products, including garbage disposals. GE is a reliable company that has been helping homeowners live their best lives for more than 125 years. The company is dedicated to offering high-quality products with a variety of options. GE has a full line of garbage disposals available today.

Comparison Table - GE Garbage Disposal

Image

Model

Dimensions
(HxWxD -inches)

Feed Type

Horsepower

Buy Now

No products found.

GE GFC525V

12.69 x 5.5 x 5.19

Continuous

½ HP

No products found.

General Electric GFC320V

12.7 x 5.2 x 5.2

Continuous

⅓ HP

No products found.

General Electric GFC720V

14.5 x 8.5 x 8.5

Continuous

¾ HP

No products found.

General Electric GFC530V

13.5 x 7.5 x 7.5

Continuous

½ HP

No products found.

GE GFC535V

13.5 x 7.8 x 7.8

Continuous

½ HP


Why Choose General Electric?

General Electric first came into existence in 1892 as a part of a merger. The Edison General Electric Company and the Thomson-Houston Electric Company merged to form the General Electric Company, or GE.

One of GE's first big wins as a company was its work with aircraft turbosuperchargers. GE was responsible for working with superchargers that were used during World War I. This was a new field at the time, and GE was one of the first companies to make progress with the latest technology.

GE has always been interested in cutting edge technology and innovation. GE has created several garbage disposal products all designed to meet homeowner's needs; with deluxe continuous feed disposals to batch feed disposals and a variety of horsepower options. Their garbage disposals are effective and reliable, as well as an excellent choice for homeowners who want custom options.


Unique Features of GE Garbage Disposers

  • Universal Xpress Mount System: The Universal Xpress Mount System allows GE garbage disposals to work with most assembly systems including Moen and InSinkErator sink brands. This system connects easily with all 3-bolt mounting assembly products, which makes the installation process seamless.
  • Permanent magnet motor: Permanent Magnet Motors keep your garbage disposal from jamming because the magnet motor gets to full speed and full torque after the first twist. Induction motors have a slow start-up that involves grinding, and often jams occur during this start-up period. With permanent magnet motors, full torque is achieved immediately, and there isn't a waiting period required before tossing food into the disposal.
  • Corrosion-proof Glass Grinding Chamber: The corrosion-proof glass grinding chamber is treated with an antimicrobial layer that protects against odors. The glass adds a level of durability and power.

Choosing the Right GE Garbage Disposal For Your Home

Materials

GE garbage disposals are made out of two different options: the high-end stainless steel option, which includes glass chamber components for added durability. Compared to the more affordable option, which is made out of galvanized steel and plastic. The GE garbage disposal is a high-quality, long-lasting product.

Motor Power (HP)

Ranges from ½ horsepower to super capacity ¾ horsepower.

Speed (RPM)

2600 RPM — 3500 RPM grinding action, many brands cannot reach over 2000 RPM, so GE offers superior speed to break down food in large batches quickly.

Septic System Compatibility

EZ mount installation can connect with most sink systems, and the intense grinding action ensures only the smallest pieces make it through to the septic system. GE garbage disposals are compatible with all septic systems as long as non-biodegradable food items are not put down the disposal (think food packaging, bones, or fruit pits).

These items will create sludge and clog your septic system, requiring treatments to clean out. Biodegradable food, however, will easily be chopped and sliced, ground and processed into tiny pieces that will quickly move through your septic system without a problem.

Food Waste Volume and Type

The GE garbage disposals are an ideal fit for homeowners with large volumes of food because the high-end options reach 3500 RPM with a 34-ounce grind chamber capacity. Smaller GE garbage disposals still can reach 2600 RPM with a 27-ounce grind chamber capacity. These appliances make sense for families and couples with large volumes of food waste.

Feed Type

GE offers both a batch feed and continuous feed system in their garbage disposals. Continuous feed systems offer convenience, but occasionally require additional installation assistance because they lack a power cord.

They also leave an opening for children to possibly stick their hands in and so families with young children will want to be careful. Batch feed systems come with included power cords and can be installed independently; however, they are more challenging to use. They require several steps to get the unit running.

Noise Level

GE disposals include sound reduction technology for a quiet experience.

Ease of Installation

If you want to install your own garbage disposal, GE has models with an option of an included power cord.

Warranty

Yes! GE garbage disposals have a fantastic warranty. Full warranties are described below for each product, but most GE garbage disposals include a limited 1-year labor warranty and a limited 5-year parts warranty for the whole appliance.


5 Best GE Garbage Disposals Reviewed

1. GE GFC525V

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Best ½ HP Model

Horsepower

½ HP

Speed

2800 + RPM grinding action

Dimensions (HxWxD)

12.69 x 5.5 x 5.19 Inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

EZ Mount

Voltage

120v

Wattage

4.5 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

3/4 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

3/4 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Optional

Cord Length

48 Inches

The GE GFC525 V is the best ½ HP model from GE with a continuous feed disposal and power cord attached. This is our favorite model for homeowners who want an affordable option without sacrificing quality. This model includes a cord for easy home installation. With this model, homeowners also get EZ mount installation and stainless steel components, including dual-swivel impellers and sink flange.

The turntable, however, is made out of galvanized steel. The disposal is continuous, which makes it possible to continue feeding food waste into the disposal even after

One Amazon reviewer said, “This disposal was simple to install and offers quiet, efficient operation.” Another Amazon reviewer noted, “Perfect size as others at twice the width take valuable under counter space.”

The compact size of this model makes it a great choice for homeowners with small kitchens and apartment renters who lack space under the sink. The attached power cord and clear instructions make it easy to install at home.

Other Amazon reviewers pointed to the fact that after a few years, the galvanized steel pieces could rust and corrode causing leaks. Homeowners with big budgets may wish to opt for the GE models made entirely with stainless steel and glass components for greater durability.

The power and components of the  GE GFC525V are slightly inferior to other GE models. In other GE garbage disposal models, the turntable is made out of stainless steel rather than galvanized steel, and the grinding power is closer to 3500 RPM rather than 2800 RPM. For the homeowner who has a moderate food disposal needs and can give up a bit of power; however, the GE GFC525V is a steal. We highly recommend this model for homeowners with moderate food disposal needs that are looking for an affordable garbage disposal.


2. General Electric GFC320V

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Best 1/3 HP

Horsepower

⅓ HP

Speed

2500 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

12.7 x 5.2 x 5.2 Inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

EZ Mount

Voltage

120v

Wattage

4 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

3/4 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

3/4 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Optional

Cord Length

48 Inches

This is the most inexpensive GE model available and the best for strapped budgets. Often found at under $70 on Amazon, this GE garbage disposal features all of the basics while still beating out other brand’s top-of-the-line garbage disposal options.

One of the best reasons to purchase the GE GFC320V is if you need a garbage disposal that will fit in a cramped, tight space. The GE GFC320V is 12.7 inches long, comparable to the GFC525V (#1 on this review list), but is slightly more narrow at 5.2 x 5.2 inches deep and wide.

One reviewer from Lowes wrote, “Had to special order this small diameter garbage disposal” and continued, “I needed a small diameter garbage disposal due to piping interfering with island installation.”

Another Lowes reviewer said he needed an emergency replacement and the GE GFC320V, “takes up less space under the sink than the old one but is also a lot quieter.” If you need a small garbage disposal on a budget, then this GE model is a perfect choice.

This GE garbage disposal model includes the standard GE components: EZ mount installation, direct wire power connection with an attached cord, splash guard, continuous-feed disposal, and a sound installation component to keep things quiet. Homeowners with food waste from 5-8 people will want to consider the next model on our list: premium high-capacity model GE GFC720V.


3. General Electric GFC720V

No products found.

Best ¾ HP Model

Horsepower

¾ HP

Speed

3100 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

14.5 x 8.5 x 8.5 Inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

EZ Mount

Voltage

120v

Wattage

6 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

3/4 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

3/4 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Optional

Cord Length

48 Inches

The GE GFC720V is the best ¾ HP model for homeowners. This particular model is a jump up from the previous two models with 3100 RPM for fast grinding action and can handle a busy household with lots of food waste. The 2-level pre-cutter is a step up from the prior two models in this review (GE GFC320V and GE GFC525V). This helps tear up, crush, and grind down even the biggest pieces of food.

The continuous feed is similar to other models, but GE upgrades with several steel components including cold-rolled carbon-steel shaft material, stainless steel sink flanges, stainless steel dual-swivels impellers, and a stainless steel turntable. This model does not come with an attached power cord, but a power cord can be purchased for an additional around $10 on Amazon.

Installation for this model is easy with the EZ Mount, and one Amazon reviewer noted, “Installation went straight forward and took me about 1 hour to take off the old one and replace it.” This GE garbage disposal model is best for homeowners with 5-8 people who want a high-quality, high RPM durable disposal.


4. General Electric GFC530V

No products found.

Extra Large Capacity

Horsepower

½ HP

Speed

2800 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

13.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 Inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

EZ Mount

Voltage

120v

Wattage

4.5 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

3/4 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

3/4 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Optional

Cord Length

48 Inches

This extra-large capacity garbage disposal model from General Electric is perfect for homeowners with 5-8 people or those homeowners who generate large amounts of food waste.

Although the GFC720V is a larger motor with 3100 RPM, the GFC530V still generates 2800 RPM and is more than enough grinding power to tackle large amounts of food waste. Stainless steel parts and EZ mount installation make this unit durable and easy to install. This model is a more affordable version of the GFC720V.

The GE GFC530V does not come with an attached power cord so it works best for homeowners who already have their own functional cord or who won’t mind purchasing an additional piece of equipment.  

One Amazon reviewer said, "This is just the disposal you need if you are going to be environmentally responsible" because the model is smaller than other high capacity units but continues to output a high RPM (2800!). The continuous feed allows homeowners to quickly push food down the disposal as they clean up after a meal.


5. GE GFC535V

No products found.

Top of the Range

Horsepower

½ HP

Speed

2800 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

13.5 x 7.8 x 7.8 Inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

EZ Mount

Voltage

120v

Wattage

4.5 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

3/4 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

3/4 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Optional

Cord Length

48 Inches

The GE GFC535V is the most expensive General Electric garbage disposal on our list, at just over $200. It has the largest capacity of all the models we've reviewed although it's 2800 RPM speed is slightly below the GE GFC720V (3100 RPM).

The unit includes stainless steel features, DrainBoost technology, and sound reduction technology. The turntable is stainless steel with this model, and the stainless steel material upgrades are what elevates this product. The additional sound reduction technology is improved and this unit, as well as the GFC720V, are the quietest units that GE offers.

One reviewer on the GE website wrote, “This is so much more quiet than the 12 year old mulcher we had before.” Another Amazon reviewer said, “I do not like the new ones that bolt to the bottom of the sink, this is a much nicer unit.” If you want a smaller unit that offers exceptional RPM and can handle a large volume of food waste, then the GE GFC535V is a great purchase.


Comparisons with other Brands

General Electric Vs. Waste King:

One of the most significant differences between General Electric and Waste King is that Waste King specializes in making garbage disposals, whereas GE makes many different kinds of products. 

Both brands offer models that range from 2500 RPM to 3500 RPM as well as EZ Mount installations. Both brands also offer five-year limited warranties for parts; however, Waste King also offers models with 20-year lifetime warranties such as the Waste King I-8000. This is the most extended warranty available for garbage disposals.

If you plan to purchase a heavy-duty garbage disposal, Waste King will offer better warranties for your investment. If you want an affordable garbage disposal with primarily stainless steel parts, both General Electric and Waste King are excellent choices.

General Electric Vs. InSinkerator:

InSinkerator disposals do not all come with permanent magnet motors while General Electric units typically all have permanent magnet motors. The permanent magnet motor gives stronger grind action and torque power that can help dispose of food more efficiently. 

InSinkErator uses induction motors that reduce RPM and make the disposal less powerful. The warranties vary between the two brands with most GE garbage disposals offering five-year limited parts warranties and InkSinkerator offering two years parts warranties for their inexpensive line and three to seven-year warranties for the more expensive line.

Although both brands offer attached power cords and home installation, GE offers more powerful units with more durable motors.


GE Food Disposer Installation and Replacement

One of the benefits of the GE garbage disposal model range is that all units come with EZ mount installation. EZ Mount installation makes it possible to install your GE garbage disposal unit yourself with a quick turn-and-lock mount approach. Homeowners can easily connect their own GE garbage disposal by following the instructions in this GE garbage disposal installation video.

Although a professional plumber is unnecessary, plumbers can install these units in ten to fifteen minutes without trouble. If you would like a plumber to install the unit for you, the process should be quick and relatively inexpensive.


Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food waste can be put down the garbage disposal?

Biodegradable food can be put down the garbage disposal, but non-biodegradable food should not be put down the garbage disposal. Biodegradable food will break down and move swiftly through your septic system without causing damage.

However, non-biodegradable food will not break down properly and can get stuck in your septic system, causing blockages over time. Examples of non-biodegradable food that you should dispose of in the trash can would be fruit pits, vegetable peels, bones, shellfish shells, grease (this can cause sludge in your system!), eggshells, and tea leaves.

How do I unclog a GE garbage disposal?

To unclog your garbage disposal, start by turning the GE disposal off via the power switch. Next, unplug the power cord under the sink. You don't want to risk the disposal accidentally turning on and injuring your hand. Then it's time to stick your hand into the disposal and see if you can feel something jamming the blades. If you can, pull that item out.

If you cannot, take a pair of long-handled tongs and reach lower into the disposal unit. If both of these methods do not work, you may need to remove the entire GE garbage disposal and snake through your sink pipes. The clog may be in your septic system and not in your garbage disposal.

What should I do if my GE garbage disposal smells?

No one wants the smell of sour eggs in their kitchen. If your garbage disposal smells, it's probably because food has been getting stuck with the grease and fat sent down your drains. There is likely sludge forming, and now the odor has made its way back up to your nose. The trick is to clean out your garbage disposal.

There are two great options for cleaning out your garbage disposal: disposal cleaner and at-home cleaner. Disposal cleaner can be picked up at your local home goods store. DIY cleaner can be made with 1 cup of dry baking soda and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Pouring those two items down your garbage disposal can help dislodge sludge as well as create a new clean scent.

If you do not have dry baking soda or distilled white vinegar, you can try running a lemon down the garbage disposal. Cut it up into four pieces and let each one go down on its own.

How much will it cost if a plumber installs the GE disposal unit?

Amazon offers home plumbing services that includes GE disposal unit installations. These garbage disposal installations are priced around $110 to $140 for home services depending on your location. Local plumbers also typically charge about $110 to $140 to install a new garbage disposal in place of an old disposal.

However, it may cost an additional $50—$150 if this is the first time you have ever had a garbage disposal installed in your home. Plumbers charge less for replacement fits rather than brand new installs. You will also want to make sure that you have mounting for your GE disposal and electrical wiring ready to go (or specify that the plumber provide this product).

Are these systems easy to self-install?

Yes! Most GE disposal units come with an EZ mount installation package. The EZ mount installation allows homeowners to simply lock the sink into place without tools. EZ mount installation instructions are provided as part of the GE garbage disposal manual.

Where is a good place to buy these systems?

Amazon is a great place to buy GE garbage disposals because they offer fast, secure shipping and the most affordable pricing of any online retailer. Amazon also allows you to bundle on any accessories you might need from additional power cords to drain stoppers and splash guards.


Conclusion

General Electric garbage disposals are great for homeowners who want an easy installation and a quality product at an affordable price. These units are also ideal for homeowners who wish to choose their own customizations with the variety of stainless steel options, RPM options, and sound insulation technology options.

The GE GFC720V is the standout from these five GE garbage disposal options with its 3100 RPM, 2-level pre-cutter, stainless steel pieces, and large capacity. For homeowners who need a smaller option and still want the best of the best, we recommend the GE GFC535V. With 2800 RPM, mostly stainless steel pieces, sound reduction technology, it’s perfect for 3-4 people homes or homeowners with smaller space constraints.


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