Whatever food we eat daily, it also creates a lot of leftovers. There was a time when one didn’t have any choice or way out to handle the food leftovers and scraps. But today, you can easily deal with it through the best garbage disposal unit.
The food waste, if not handled properly can lead to severe health problems. It makes the environment of the kitchen unhealthy. That is why a perfect disposal system in much needed in every kitchen.
In this post, we will go through with you about the little to major details on these appliances. It is not just a garbage disposal review but a quick and handy guide for you to understand the machine better.
What To Check Before Buying Best Garbage Disposal?
The garbage disposals are simple appliances. You only need to know a few technical details to nail down the right model for your kitchen.
The best garbage disposal unit can vary based on your requirement. If you have 2 members in the house then the scraps and leftovers will also be less. You don’t need a massive disposal unit.
Such details make a lot of difference. Then it all comes down to the performance of the machine. Here, we are going to discuss all the technical details of the greatest machine.
1. Power
The feature of power directly correlates to the motor strength and performance of the appliance. In this case, the power can be described in HP (horsepower).
You can find these products in four major HP. Here is a complete description on the power and efficiency of the machine.
1/3 Horsepower: The 1/3 HP is not very efficient to be honest. This is for limited use and mainly for soft food items and mushy vegetables.
The motor is not too competent, so you might find it jamming now and then. This can be highly frustrating. Also, these machines cannot serve a household of more than 2 people.
1/2 Horsepower: Admittedly, this HP is better in performance than the prior one, yet it has limited performance. This one cannot serve a household of more than 3 people.
You can tag it with stainless steel model to increase its longevity.
3/4 Horsepower: Now, the machines with 3/4 HP is suitable for a family of 5. You can find many models in such power.
Also, because of the high performance, these machines are equipped with a sound dampening feature which potentially diminishes the noise levels.
For this too, we will recommend to search for a stainless-steel grinding component as it will increase its potential.
1 Horsepower: This HP is recommended for larger families where there is a lot of food scraps to dispose. The strength of these models is exceptional, and they can also handle bones and other tough food items.
At the same time, these machines have less tendency to jam.
Buying Advice
Ideally, one should invest in the highest horsepower if you can. Of course, it serves larger families, but these machines are potentially high in performance and gives you fewer chances of disappointment.
2. Grinding Speed
The working of the garbage disposal incorporates grinding of the raw scraps and convert them into smaller particles that can easily flow through the drainage pipe.
Therefore, grinding speed of these appliances should be effective. The speed of these models is reassured in RPM (rotation per minute). Mostly, you will find these machines to generate RPM of 1725. It is the standard speed.
However, this can go up to 2800 and more also. The effectiveness of the speed will define its potential. More the grinding speed, more will be competency of the machine.
Of course, the price also increases with the increased speed of the disposal unit but if you can then make sure to invest in high-speed models.
3. Construction
A garbage disposal unit has to deal with water and scraps. That is why the making should be such that can adapt to such kind of use. Most of these machines are made with a combination of stainless-steel and PVC.
The interior is made of stainless-steel which the grinding device is constructed with plastic elements. Well, it is important that all the components of the appliance are made of high-quality materials.
4. Dimensions
You can see in the recommendations above that the appliances are available in different dimensions. These are to fit differently sized sinks.
What you can do is to take a measuring tape and take dimensions of the sink so that when you order the best value garbage disposal unit, you don’t end up ordering an ill-sized product.
5. Additional Features
These days, the devices are available with a plenty of additional features. You should invest in a model that gives you full value of money.
Grind Stages: All the disposals will offer either one, two or three grind stages. Here is how you can distinguish:
- 1-stage: In this, the food will be grinded once before pushing it through the drain pipe.
- 2-stage: The food goes through two grinders before it can finally find its way to the drain pipe.
- 3-stage: These are the most effective disposal units where the food has to go through 3 process of grinding and then goes through the plumbing.
In 3-stage grinding, users don’t have to come across jamming issues at all.
Noise Level
Certainly, you will want to bring home the quietest garbage disposal. This is an essential feature for those to whom the nasty noise of motor bugs.
The machines these days comes with advanced sound technology which reduces the noise to 30 – 60%. You can check out the disposers that come with sound insulation.
Look for features like noise-reducing sink baffles, anti-vibration tail pipes, and anti-vibration sink mounts.
6. Ease to Install
Most of the users install these appliances by themselves. So, it is essential that you look for the models that are easy to install and comes with a fully-comprehensive guides to help you with the process.
10 Best Garbage Disposals of 2021 Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. InSinkErator 74028 (Top-rated) |
|
 | 2. InSinkErator Evolution Excel (Most-powerful in Performance) |
|
 | 3. Waste King L-8000 (Best Value for Money) |
|
 | 4. Kitchen Aid 84211643 KCDB250G (Best for Small Households) |
|
 | 5. InSinkErator Essential XTR (High-end) |
|
 | 6. InSinkErator Badger (Decent-quality) |
|
 | 7. Waste King L-2600 (Lightweight) |
|
 | 8. Waste King L-3200 (Highly-efficient) |
|
 | 9. Moen GX-Series (High on Options) |
|
 | 10. General Electric GFC520V (Most-affordable) |
|
1. InSinkErator 74028 – Top-rated
- Power: 3/4 HP
- Grinding Speed: 1725 RPM
- Dimensions: 12-1/4 x 8-3/4 inches
InSinkErator is a top-tier brand in garbage disposal appliances. This model has got remarkable performance ensured by 3/4 HP motor and 1725 RPM grinding speed. It is capable of handling the toughest food scraps.
Thanks to the 2-stage grinding technology, the food goes through the grinder twice before reaching the drainage pipe. This feature keeps jamming to the minimum.
The dual-drive motor makes sure that performance delivered by this model is unbeatable. Furthermore, this appliance will also not disturb the people in the house. It comes with SoundSeal technology to ensure that no nasty noises come out of the disposal unit.
It is a 3-bolt quick lock mount with easy installation. The components are made of stainless-steel material for much-needed durability. This is a big and bulky model and might not suit every household. Check the dimensions before you buy.
Pros:
- Highly-efficient motor for great performance
- 2-stage grinding technology
- Has the potential to handle fibre foods
- 3-bolt quick lock mount for easy installation
Cons:
- Big in size so not suitable for all households
2. InSinkErator Evolution Excel – Most-powerful in Performance
- Power: 1 HP
- Grinding Speed: 1725 RPM
- Dimensions: 13 x 9 inches
The key features of Evolution Excel are similar to the prior model discussed, only with a few effective upgradations. This model comes with a high-performing 1 HP motor that runs of the speed of 1725 RPM. It is a continuous feed model for effortless usage.
Unlike the previous model, this one is benefitted with 3-stage grinding process. There is no way that food is left unattended to clog the pipes and drainage system.
The components are constructed with alloy stainless-steel with Leakguard technology to ensure that you get utmost durability. The advanced features of noise reducing insulated SoundSeal technology makes it an exclusive choice for the users.
The installation is pretty simple. However, this model is the most-expensive product in our list. You will have to spend a lot of money to afford this. Also, there is no warranty offered with this model.
Pros:
- Quick and easy installation
- Anti-rusting body of the disposal unit
- Comes with advanced features
- High-performing motor to handle toughest food items
Cons:
- This one is the most expensive model we have reviewed
- It does not come with warranty
3. Waste King L-8000 – Best Value for Money
- Power: 1 HP
- Grinding Speed: 2800 RPM
- Dimensions: 16 x 8.5 inches
This appliance definitely ranks among the finest disposal units on the market. The performance is safeguarded with 1 HP motor that generate grinding speed or 2800 RPM. You can imagine how powerful this model is.
The blades spin at such excellent speed that they effortlessly crush anything that touches them. The permanent magnet motor is sound insulated which results in less noise, and you also don’t have to worry about jamming and clogging of food.
This is a continuous feed garbage disposal and pretty high in performance. The stainless-steel components make it durable and rust-proof. It has pre-installed power cord, so there is no need of any mechanical work.
The most fantastic part is that it comes with 20-year warranty. Unfortunately, this model has 1-stage grinding mechanism, so you won’t get the perfection of 2 or 3 stage grinding. Also, the bulky size takes a lot of space.
Pros:
- Stainless-steel components are anti-rusting
- Pre-installed model for convenient mounting
- Comes with 20-year warranty
- Highly profound in performance
Cons:
- Has single stage grinding so might leave food unbroken
- This one is quite large in size
4. Kitchen Aid 84211643 KCDB250G – Best for Small Households
- Power: 1/2 HP
- Grinding Speed: 1725 RPM
- Dimensions: 11-3/8 x 6-5/8 inches
The Kitchen Aid KCDB250G can be considered suitable for small households because of its standard performance. This one is given 1/2 HP motor and spins at a rate of 1725 RPM.
It is connected to an electric switch for easy usage. The components are made of stainless-steel material which make this machine durable and long pasting.
There is a manual reset button on the bottom that will help if the appliance stops working surprisingly.
The bad parts are that this model cannot handle tough food items. Also, there is no warranty you get. If anything goes wrong then you have to replace the piece and pay for another one. Also, if you compare the features with the cost, you will find this product pricey.
Pros:
- Comes with durable stainless-steel material
- Continuous feed for all time cleanliness
- Motor performance is decent
- Easy and safe to use
Cons:
- Not suitable for tough food items
- Does not come with a warranty
- Price is not suitable compared to the features
5. InSinkErator Essential XTR – High-end Garbage Disposal
- Power: 3/4 HP
- Grinding Speed: 1725 RPM
- Dimensions: 12-1/4 x 8-3/4 inches
Here is another model from InSinkErator family which is also quite promising. This one comes with 3/4 HP motor and spin its blades at 1725 RPM.
This model has also got all the essential features like dura-drive induction motor and SoundSeal technology that help keeping noise to the minimum.
The components are made of alloy stainless-steel plus LeakGuard liner that prevent leakages. The size of this model is suitable for most of the kitchen sinks.
To make it more productive, it is given 2-stage grinding which convert the solid food in liquid and flushes it through the drain. With everything else right, the high-price of this model can be a dealbreaker.
Pros:
- Comes with SoundSeal technology to limit the noise
- Highly durable construction of the machine
- Size is suitable for most kitchen sinks
- 2-stage grinding mechanism
Cons:
- This model is pricier than the counterparts
6. InSinkErator Badger – Decent-quality
- Power: 1/2 HP
- Grinding Speed: 1725 RPM
- Dimensions: 13 x 7 inches
So, if you want to buy InSinkErator product but do not want to spend a lot then this is a perfect alternative. This product has some classic features of InSinkErator products.
The motor is 1/2 HP, and it spins on the speed of 1725 RPM. You can find 2-stage disposal mechanism through which it becomes easier to grind vegetables.
The continuous feed garbage disposal comes with dura-drive induction motor. The parts are made of galvanized steel which might rust after a certain period.
This model is not suitable for hard food items. It can only handle soft food. Also, it is made to serve a family of 2, not more than that.
Pros:
- 2-stage grinding mechanism
- Comes with decent quality of motor
- Easy installation of the product
- Available at pocket-friendly price
Cons:
- Not suitable for handling tough food
- The steel might rust after some time
7. Waste King L-2600 – Best Lightweight
- Power: 1/2 HP
- Grinding Speed: 2600 RPM
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 6.75”
From the most promising brand Waste King, this is another standard model that you can get on a suitable price. The motor installed in it is 1/2 HP and the grinding speed is 2600 RPM.
There is a permanent magnet motor installed in this appliance which is quite efficient. This is a continuous feed model that comes with EZ installation mechanism.
All the components are made with stainless-steel so the quality of this product is high. The best thing is that it is quite lightweight also.
It comes with 5-year warranty to safeguard your purchase. However, you will not find it as noiseless. It creates a lot of noise while working. Also, it is not as effective to prevent leakages.
Pros:
- Wonderful performance of motor
- Grinding speed is splendid
- Stainless-steel body to prevent rusting
- Lightweight and easy to install
Cons:
- Causes a lot of noise while working
- Does not prevent leakages
8. Waste King L-3200 – Highly-efficient
- Power: 3/4 HP
- Grinding Speed: 2700 RPM
- Dimensions: 13-3/4 x 8.6 inches
If only there was anything left to boost the performance of the previous model, this one from Waste King will answer all your concerns. It comes with a powerful motor of 3/4 HP and spinning speed of 2700 RPM.
The installation of this model is also pretty simple. It comes with a removable splash guard to ensure seamless cleaning. The permanent magnet motor is quite productive.
You don’t need any mechanical expertise to install this model. It is quite easy to do so. The stainless-steel exterior components leave no room for rust to develop. It comes with 8-year warranty.
Again, this model is also not as quiet as you may expect. Also, many parts are made of plastic which might not be as durable.
Pros:
- Very high in performance
- Suitable for a family of 5
- Removable splash guard to ensure easy cleaning
- Quite productive motor in this model
Cons:
- Some parts made of plastic are not durable
- Motor causes a lot of noise
9. Moen GX-Series – High on Options
- Power: 1/2, 1/3, 1 HP
- Grinding Speed: 1900 – 2800 RPM
- Dimensions: 13-3/8 x 7-1/2 inches
Moen has launched a series to answer everyone’s requirements. This series has various models in 1/3, 1/2, and 1 HP and their respective grinding speed are 1900, 2600, and 2800 RPM.
All the models are quite interesting. They have a Vortex motor which is one of a kind. It comes with Universal Xpress mount that fits most of the kitchen sinks.
For noise reduction, it comes with SoundShield technology that ensure that it works in peace and quiet. All the models are prepared to serve various households. If you are a family of two then pick a model with 1/3 HP and go on accordingly.
There is very limited warranty with these products. Also, there is only 1-stage grinding mechanism which may leave food not as seamlessly grinded as desired.
Pros:
- SoundShield technology to prevent noise
- Available in 3 versions so that everyone can buy
- Vortex high performing motor
- Universal Xpress mount fit
Cons:
- Limited warranty with these products
- Comes with single grind mechanism which is not as effective
10. General Electric GFC520V – Most-affordable
- Power: 1/2 HP
- Grinding Speed: 2800 RPM
- Dimensions: 12.69 x 5.5 inches
So, if you want to make the most pocket-friendly purchase then this is a fine option. It has amazing performance that comes from 1/2 HP motor which generate grinding speed of 2800 RPM.
The permanent magnet motor makes sure that this product performs effortlessly. It is a continuous feed product with EZ mount installation and removable splash guard for quick cleaning.
The capacity is suitable and this model is constructed with galvanized steel. The steel might start to rust after some time. There are stainless-steel dual-swivel, and anti-jam grinding blades. This model is effective but not as durable.
Pros:
- High-performance ensured by the motor
- Available at most affordable price
- Stainless-steel, dual-swivel blades
- EZ mount installation, hassle-free
Cons:
- The steel might rust after some time
- This model is not as durable
Common Garbage Disposal Problems
While these appliances are extremely helpful to get rid of the food waste, they also come with a fair share of problems.
1. Jamming
Since the food is trimmed in smaller pieces to run through the drainage, it is not unusual for it to jam the pipes. You can fix that easily. Simply listen to the hum which will tell if something has got struck in the impellers and shredding ring.
You should disconnect the appliance from the power supply and take an offset wrench to spin it clockwise and anticlockwise to dislodge jam.
Please make sure that you don’t put your hand inside the disposal. Once the jam is cleared, push the reset button once and turn on the water.
2. Leakage
Well, water is the prime component used in the cleaning process, leakage is also quite evident. You can start by turning off the disposal unit and see which part of the appliance is causing the leak.
If the top flange is causing the problem, you can remove the disposal by turning it clockwise from the bottom.
At the same time, if the mounting bolts are the culprit then you should replace the plumber’s putty with a new one and add a silicon caulk instead. Always check the disposal unit for leakage again before turning it on.
3. No Power
These are electrically powered appliances. To use them, you have to make sure uninterrupted supply of power. Or else, it will not work. If at some point you find your appliance not working then don’t forget to reset it.
4. Clogged Drain
Clogging in the drain pipe is more common than you know. If such a problem arises, make sure to disconnect the drain trap and clean it before putting it back on. You can also exchange the pipe to ensure seamless working.
5. No Working of Disposal Blades
If the disposal blades go fritz in you then start by checking the flywheels. While doing this, make sure that the disposal unit is turned off.
Then locate the hex hole of the machine and using a wrench, detach it. Look for the debris in the impellers. Clean it and put it to work. If required, you should also sharpen the blades to avoid future clogging.
Conclusion
We hope that our garbage disposal review was helpful to you. Don’t forget to read about the features that you can get in these machines.
These appliances are quite purposeful. They ensure that you readily get rid of the food scraps and prevent the kitchen from contamination that might be caused due to the leftover food.
From the list suggested on the best garbage disposal, these are the models that have proved their mettle in the market. Check them out and buy the best model that you like.
In this post:
- What To Check Before Buying Best Garbage Disposal?
- 10 Best Garbage Disposals of 2021 Reviewed
- 1. InSinkErator 74028 – Top-rated
- 2. InSinkErator Evolution Excel – Most-powerful in Performance
- 3. Waste King L-8000 – Best Value for Money
- 4. Kitchen Aid 84211643 KCDB250G – Best for Small Households
- 5. InSinkErator Essential XTR – High-end Garbage Disposal
- 6. InSinkErator Badger – Decent-quality
- 7. Waste King L-2600 – Best Lightweight
- 8. Waste King L-3200 – Highly-efficient
- 9. Moen GX-Series – High on Options
- 10. General Electric GFC520V – Most-affordable
- Common Garbage Disposal Problems
- Conclusion