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InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR vs GE GFC525N 1/2-HP Side-by-Side Comparison

1/2-HP garbage disposals are small and suitable for small places with infrequent cooking. If you do cook often, larger units may be better alternatives. Better yet, larger units with effective noise control.

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InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR

GE GFC525N 1/2-HP

InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR vs GE GFC525N 1/2-HP

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance60% Design25% Usability15% ScoreOverall 60%Performance 25%Design 15%Usability InSinkErator Evolut...GE GFC525N 1/2-HP7.97.38.98.46.76.07.97.4
Showing: 2/2 Items

Although the GFC525N can’t really compare to the Evolution Essential XTR, it’s a strong garbage disposal in its own right. It is one of top-performing model in our lineup of small disposals and it actually out-grind several stronger and more expensive models in performance testing.

That said, the Evolution Essential XTR is still the stronger choice here. It offers plenty of grinding power thanks to its intricately designed chamber and its solid build quality. Not to mention the disposal’s anti-vibration system. Of course, it may also cost up to 3 times the GFC525N depending on the market.

Pros & Cons

  • Noise cancelation
  • Vibration damping
  • High-torque motor
  • Strengthened chamber layout
  • High capacity
  • Stainless steel grinding components
  • Included sink top switch
  • High-speed motor
  • Affordable 
  • Easy installation
  • Heavy
  • Space-consuming
  • Small capacity
  • No noise/vibration insulation
  • Faulty details

Key Specs

Type of feed
Continuous
Continuous
Horsepower
3/4
1/2
Motor type
Induction
Permanent magnet
Averaged RPM
1478
4317
Family size
3-4 people
1-2 people
Dimensions
L6.1 x W8.6 x H12.4 inches
L5.4 x W5.8 x H12.7 inches

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$295.55
$103.13

*You help support HealthyKitchen101's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.3
6.0

Scrap Mix

6.6
5.8
InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR Scrap Mix Test
12.19 ounces of fish pin bones in mess of assorted scraps from garbage disposal on digital scale on granite-looking top.
21.46 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of assorted scraps, including fibers, bones, etc.
Almost 0 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Pieces of shredded dietary fiber.
GE GFC525N 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal Scrap Mix Test
11.67 ounces of fish pin bones in mess of assorted scraps from garbage disposal on digital scale on granite-looking top.
14.19 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of assorted scraps, including fibers, bones, etc.
0.12 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Shredded pieces of dietary fiber.
Input Load
90.0 oz (2551 g)
90.0 oz (2551 g)
Time
2 minutes
2 min 53 sec
Layer 1
12.2 oz (346 g)
11.7 oz (331 g)
Layer 2
21.5 oz (608 g)
14.2 oz (402 g)
Leftovers
0.00 oz (0 g)
0.1 oz (3 g)

Raw Fish Scraps

8.3
5.6
InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR Raw Fish Scraps Test
7.24 ounces of ground fish scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Broken fish bones among a mess of raw fibrous tissue.
3.52 ounces of ground fish scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of assorted shredded fish bones and raw fibrous tissue.
0.12 ounces of ground fish scraps from a garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded fish skin and a piece of pin bone.
GE GFC525N 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal Raw Fish Scraps Test
6.01 ounces of ground fish scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Pin bones among a mess of raw fibrous tissue.
1.89 ounces of ground fish scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of assorted shredded bones and raw fibrous tissue.
3.79 ounces of ground fish scraps from a garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded fish backbone and skin.
Input Load
49.4 oz (1400 g)
49.4 oz (1400 g)
Time
3 min
3 min
Layer 1
7.2 oz (205 g)
6.0 oz (170 g)
Layer 2
3.5 oz (100 g)
1.9 oz (54 g)
Leftovers
0.1 oz (3 g)
3.8 oz (107 g)

Raw Chicken Scraps

7.8
6.8
InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR Raw Chicken Scraps Test
3.03 ounces of ground chicken scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded soft tissue and pieces of shredded bones.
1.01 ounces of ground chicken scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded tendons and pieces of shredded bones.
0.3 ounces of ground chicken scraps from a garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of soft tissue and pieces of shredded cartilage.
GE GFC525N 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal Raw Chicken Scraps Test
0.8 ounces of ground chicken scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded soft tissues and shredded bones.
2.25 ounces of ground chicken scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded tendons and shredded bones.
0.29 ounces of ground chicken scraps from a garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of soft tissue and pieces of shredded cartilage.
Input Load
7.4 oz (210 g)
7.4 oz (210 g)
Time
3 min
3 min
Layer 1
3.0 oz (86 g)
0.8 oz (23 g)
Layer 2
1.0 oz (29 g)
2.3 oz (64 g)
Leftovers
0.3 oz (9 g)
0.3 oz (8 g)

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.9
7.9

In the Box

InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR 3/4 HP with 3-Bolt Mount assembly on top, next to its box, user manual, registration slip, sink stopper, hose clamp, elbow tube, straight tube, wrench, and bolts.
GE Disposall GFC525N 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal with EZ Mount assembly on top, next to its box, user manual, registration slip, sink stopper, elbow tube, and two sets of flanges and bolts.

Dimensions

InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR 3/4-hp food disposer with mount assembly and elbow tube. Dimensions show 8.6-inch width, 12.4-inch height, 3.4-inch depth to dishwasher outlet, 6.6-inch depth to outlet, 6.1-inch distance to elbow tube.
GE GFC525N 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal with mount assembly and elbow tube. Dimensions show 5.8-inch width, 12.7-inch height, 4.1-inch depth to dishwasher outlet, 6.1-inch depth to outlet, 5.4-inch distance to elbow tube.
Length
6.1" (15.5 cm)
5.4" (13.7 cm)
Width
8.6" (21.8 cm)
5.8" (14.7 cm)
Height
12.4" (31.5 cm)
12.7" (32.3 cm)
Weight
16.0 lbs (7.3 kg)
7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Mount Assembly

3-Bolt Mount assembly for garbage disposals placed on white platform. “food waste disposer” and “InSinkErator” engraving on rim of sink flange. Sink stopper in position.
3-Bolt Mount assembly for garbage disposals placed on white platform. “food waste disposer” and “InSinkErator” engraving on rim of sink flange. Sink stopper in position.
Parts of 3-Bolts Mount assembly on platform, including backup flange, mounting ring, snap ring, fiber gasket, stopper, cushion mount, sink flange with “food waste disposer” and “InSinkErator” engravings, removable sink baffle, lower mounting ring.
EZ Mount assembly for garbage disposals placed on white platform. “Disposall” engraving on rim of sink flange. Sink stopper in position.
EZ Mount assembly for garbage disposals placed on white platform. “Disposall” engraving on rim of sink flange. Sink stopper in position.
Support ring, mounting ring, cushion mount, fiber gasket, rubber gasket, sink flange, stopper, removable sink splash guard.

Grind Chamber

8.5
6.5
Top view through collar of InSinkErator Essential XTR 3/4-hp garbage disposal into grinding chamber after testing. Highlighting layout of grinding components, showing swivel impellers, flywheel, and grater/grinder ring.
Top view through collar of InSinkErator Essential XTR 3/4-hp garbage disposal into grinding chamber after testing. Highlighting layout of grinding components, showing swivel impellers, flywheel, and grater/grinder ring.
Inside view of Evolution Essential XTR 3/4-hp garbage disposal, highlighting design of GrindShear grater ring by InSinkErator, partially showing details of flywheel.
Inside view of InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR 3/4-hp garbage disposal after testing, highlighting design of impellers, partially showing details of flywheel and grater/grinder ring.
Top view of GE GFC525N 1/2 HP garbage disposal after testing, looking at layout of grinding components.
Top view of GE GFC525N 1/2 HP garbage disposal after testing, looking at layout of grinding components.
Grind chamber of GE GFC525N 1/2 HP garbage disposal, showing grater/grinder ring and details on flywheel.
Grind chamber of GE GFC525N 1/2 HP garbage disposal, showing impellers and details of flywheel and grinder ring.
Capacity
32.0 fl oz (946.4 ml)
23 fl.oz.
Verticality
5.4" (13.7 cm)
6.1" (15.5 cm)
Flywheel
5.3" (13.3 cm)
4.4" (11.2 cm)
Assembly Material
Stainless steel
Basic
Layout
Strengthened
Galvanized Steel

Motor

8.0
8.5
A digital tachometer is measuring the speed of the motor/flywheel of the GE GFC525N 1/2-HP garbage disposal in our speed test. A smartphone is running the timer app.
Horsepower
3/4
1/2
Speed
1725 RPM
2300 RPM
Real Speed
1482 RPM
4363 RPM
Voltage
120 V (60 Hz)
120 V (60 Hz)
Current
8.1 A
4.5 A
Wattage
972 W
540 W
Heat
N/A
n/a
Reverse
No
No

Power Cord

Bottom view of InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR 3/4-hp with two pre-cut electrical wires and no power cord. (Unscrewed) cover plate and screw to the sides.
Bottom view of GE GFC525N 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal corded garbage disposal with type-B power cord.
Length
NaN" (NaN cm)
34.5" (87.6 cm)
Type
n/a
3-prong (B)

Accessories

Hose clamp and elbow discharge/outlet tube for garbage disposals displayed on granite-looking top.
Standard outlet/discharge set for garbage disposals on granite-looking top, showing elbow pipe, rubber gasket, flange, bolts.
Width
3.3" (8.3 cm)
3.3" (8.3 cm)
Length
5.3" (13.3 cm)
5.3" (13.3 cm)
Material
n/a
PVC

Build Quality

10
8.5
InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR 3/4 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal, with 3-Bolt Mount assembly on top and outlet/discharge set installed.
GE GFC525N 1/2 HP garbage disposal with EZ Mount assembly on top and outlet/discharge set installed.
Noise Reduction
Yes
No
Vibration Reduction
Yes
No

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.4
7.4

Ease of Use

9.0
6.0

Installation

7.0
10

Smooth Operation

10
8.0

Unjam Mechanics

5.0
0.0
Bottom view of InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR disposal, showing jam buster wrench in manual unjam slot.
Inside view of permanent-magnet garbage disposal showing manual unjam mechanics with wooden stick in flywheel’s opening/gap.
External
Yes
No
Auto Unjam
No
No

Behind the Comparison

Headshot of Be Nguyen
Be NguyenReviewer

Be Nguyen is a writer and product reviewer. Being naturally curious about technology and its real-world applications, Be spent several years in university studying engineering before joining the team at HealthyKitchen101 where he disassembles, tests, and rates household appliances.

Headshot of Lap Vo
Lap VoTest Lead

Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.

Headshot of Nguyen Ntk
Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.

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