We conducted hours of research to find the best garbage disposals, evaluating each model on its horsepower, noise, chamber material, and installation process. Our best overall pick is the InSinkErator Badger 5 Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal, because it offers 0.5 horsepower, has galvanized steel components, and is affordable. Here are the best garbage disposals to keep your plumbing clear and your sink tidy. InSinkErator is one of the best-known names in garbage disposals and has a long history of reliability and customer service. The Badger 5 is our top pick because it’s powerful, has galvanized steel components, and it’s a great fit for a variety of households. This garbage disposal has 0.5 horsepower, which is the typical recommended amount for most households. The grind components are made of sturdy galvanized steel, so you can be sure that they won’t rust or wear down quickly. This garbage disposal balances value with performance, so it’s an easy choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen. One of our favorite features of this garbage disposal is how easy it is to install, considering it is a hard-wired garbage disposal. The kit comes with assembly instructions and everything that you need for installation. If you do have problems, the company offers responsive customer service as well as a 30-day return policy. Price at time of publish: $100 The lower horsepower does mean that this garbage disposal won’t be able to handle as many large or tough jobs, so this is an ideal choice for occasional use. If you plan on running your disposal after most meals or meal prep, opting for a higher horsepower unit might be worth the higher cost. Price at time of publish: $61 You will need to purchase a power cord separately if required, which is an additional cost for an already pricey garbage disposal. The other option is to hard-wire the unit, but you will need some electrical know-how to do that yourself. Price at time of publish: $439 Price at time of publish: $63 Price at time of publish: $123 Price at time of publish: $99 This garbage disposal has a powerful 0.75 horsepower motor, ensuring that larger food pieces, including bones and fibrous vegetables, are demolished. It features sound seal technology for a quieter performance. It comes with a Quick Lock mount system that allows it to be easily installed, although you will probably want to hire a professional for electrical hookup unless you are an expert. If you need a power cord, you will have to purchase it separately. Price at time of publish: $284 An included splash guard will keep your sink’s interior sparkling and help ward off any unwanted odors. When it’s time to clean the disposal, remove the splash guard to use the cleaner of your choice. The disposal comes with an 8-year warranty standard if you have any issues. Price at time of publish: $101 Price at time of publish: $357
Horsepower
Garbage disposals come in a variety of horsepower, with the majority coming in at 0.5 or 0.75 horsepower. These will both work for most households. Low horsepower models can be rated at 0.33 horsepower, but you should be aware of the limitations of these garbage disposals when it comes to grinding up larger pieces of food. Extra high horsepower disposals (those of 1 horsepower) are most commonly found in commercial kitchens and will be more than most home chefs need.
Chamber Material
The garbage disposal chamber can be made of a strong corrosion-resistant polymer, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. All are made to work with the wear and tear of running a garbage disposal. It’s also important to know what the blade is made of to ensure that it holds up. These are often made of stainless steel.
Installation Process
Your specific sink setup may dictate what type of installation you need for your garbage disposal. Start by mounting the actual disposal under your sink. Many come with a 3-bolt mounting assembly that makes it easy to change out in the future. You will also need to set up the plumbing. Fortunately, most garbage disposals come with everything that you need. If you have an electrical outlet below your sink, look for a garbage disposal with a cord. Sometimes you can purchase a cord separately, but that will add to the overall cost. It is more common to have garbage disposals hard-wired. While it is not a difficult installation, it’s always best to work with a professional electrician if you are not experienced with electrical work.
Standout Features
Anti-Jamming
Some garbage disposals have special mechanisms that prevent larger food particles from jamming the device. These can help ensure that the garbage disposal continues to work properly, lasts longer, and prevents issues from developing with your plumbing. If you have a septic system, it is very important to get a garbage disposal that will keep your system clear and functional.
Noise Reduction
Garbage disposals can be quite loud, especially those with high-power motors. That’s why many include sound insulation or noise reduction. Choosing a garbage disposal with noise reduction technology can lower the noise of your garbage disposal so that you can even hold a conversation next to the sink while the disposal is running.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. For this roundup, Katie considered dozens of garbage disposal models, carefully evaluating each model’s horsepower, noise, installation type, and value. She also took hundreds of customer reviews and write-ups from third-party websites into account. Additional input was provided by North Carolina-based plumber Bill Richmond. For stubborn clogs, a plunger can help dislodge any large particles. You may also need to physically disconnect the disposal and remove any build-up in the unit itself or in the plumbing. Always make sure to unplug the disposal or turn off the power to the breaker, if hard-wired. If you are still unable to unclog the disposal, call a plumber to see if there is a larger issue that may be covered under your garbage disposal’s warranty. “It’s really best to call a plumber when you’re having issues,” says Richmond. “That last thing that you want is to keep running your disposal and to cause more damage.”
