The Best Garbage Disposals of 2023 Tested and Reviewed

Garbage disposals are a convenient way to get rid of food waste in the kitchen. But whether you’re seeking your first-ever disposal unit or looking to replace an old one, you’re going to want the best of the best. That’s where we can help.

We’ve combed everything from customer forums to plumbers’ blogs to track down the garbage disposals real people own and love. And after many hours of research, we’ve selected the best garbage disposals for you and your family.

Read on for our top picks.

Why Should You Buy a Garbage Disposal?

Garbage disposals are just plain handy when it comes to handling, well, garbage. This includes food scraps, smelly leftovers you forgot in the back of the fridge, or even flowers kept a little past their prime. Sure, a good kitchen trash can serves a similar function just effective, but people are crazy about their disposals for other reasons.

For starters, there’s the convenience factor. Prepping and cooking often produces a lot of food discards. And each time you have to reach for the trash can, it interferes with the flow of the cooking process. If you think about it, dropping your waste down the sink is actually much more intuitive—not to mention, cleaner.

Furthermore, each food scrap you stick down the disposal is one less item you’re throwing in the trash. And with a smaller amount of waste to stink up or overflow the bin, you’ll find yourself taking out the trash a lot less frequently. In-sink garbage disposals may not eliminate the dreaded chore altogether, but it’s a step in the right direction. Plus, you may find that your bins are less appealing to pets and neighborhood critters in search of a snack. It’s another perk of putting your most edible garbage down the disposal.

Finally, using a food waste disposer to grind up food waste can actually lead to enormous potentials in renewable energy, which we’ll go into more detail below.

Are Garbage Disposals Good for the Environment?

The environmental impact of garbage disposals has long been the subject of debate. Over the years, researchers have struggled to provide a definitive answer as to whether a grinder or a landfill is the more eco-friendly option. However, recent research has brought forth evidence in favor of garbage disposals.

According to a study about food waste published on Oregon.gov, food treatment with in-sink grinding (ISG) ranks above landfill, depositing in all accounts when considering climate impact, energy concerns, and effects on soil productivity. In fact, ISG is considered to have great potential for renewable energy production.

Another study has suggested that home food waste deposited in municipal sewage systems via garbage disposals could be a very potent resource for biogas harvest. By applying biogas recovery technology to these treatment systems, organic waste by-products from anaerobic digestion could be controlled and exploited.

How to Choose the Best Garbage Disposal

What makes an in-sink garbage disposal system good or bad? There are a few basic aspects that consumers should consider prior to purchase.

How Noisy Are Garbage Disposals?

If you’re sensitive to noise, you should know that all garbage disposals produce it but some are louder offenders than others. When choosing a garbage disposal, you’ll want to carefully consider the noise levels that work best for you.

To make your choice a little easier, we’ve prepared a chart that compares some of the top models on the market at peak volume. If loud noises bother you, you might be a great candidate for the whisper-quiet InSinkErator Evolution Excel, while those with less sensitive ears might be happy with InSinkErator’s slightly louder Evolution XTR or even Badger 5 models.

However, a lower volume often requires a bigger budget. The machines with better sound insulation are often more advanced—and more expensive. The Evolution Excel is the optimal choice, but only if you have a little extra cash to spare. If you’re trying to spend as little as possible, the cheaper but noisier Waste King L-8000 or Badger 5 should suit your needs.

It’s worth noting that apart from the disposal unit itself, other factors may also affect the noise level. If you value your peace and quiet, you may want to ensure your sink is sound-insulated so as to avoid amplifying the noise of the attached disposal. These days, all the best sinks have foam-coating and deadening pads. If your sink lacks these features, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade.

How Much Food Waste Do You Produce?

A large volume of rubbish requires a powerful motor to get the disposal job done. So, before you buy a disposer, think about how much horsepower (HP) would be sufficient to deal with your daily load of garbage.

Here’s what we infer after digging around:

• ⅓ or ½ HP: for a small house or apartment with 1-3 people
• ¾ HP: for families with 4-6 people
• 1 HP: able to support a family of 7-9 people
• 2 HP: powerful enough for more than 9 people, usually used for commercial ends.

We don’t think that ⅓ HP models are capable of meeting the average person’s garbage disposal needs and have therefore chosen to exclude them from our picks. On the flip side, 2 HP models provide more power than you’d need in an ordinary home. However, we think that ½ to 1 HP models are totally suitable for most families—just opt for the HP that matches the size of your household.

We’ve made the choice a little simpler by putting together a table that pairs each of our picks with its suggested household size, assuming a fairly ordinary family routine with three meals a day and no guests.

If your family is small but loves to throw dinner parties, feel free to go for a more powerful machine, like the InSinkErator Evolution Excel. But if you don’t cook at home that often, a lower-HP model such as the Badger 5 should do just fine. Just think about what’s right for your lifestyle.

How Strong Do You Want Your Motor?

Motor strength doesn’t simply dictate the amount of waste your disposal can tackle—it also determines how well it can actually grind everything up. Stronger motors can tackle tougher garbage, grinding it up more finely than weaker motors. This matters because the finer the grind, the less likely it will clog the drain.

That said, weaker models are quite popular among certain groups. ⅓ HP models are the weakest ones on the market, yet they sell relatively well. This might be because these models are more affordable, or simply because 45 percent of the US adult population is single and may live in small apartments or studios that do not have the space for bigger models.

½ HP models are a bit stronger and are a more ideal choice for small homes. Both the ½ and ⅓ HP motors are recommended for regular light use only and should be treated gently.

If you want your disposal to tackle garbage that the ½ and ⅓ HP motors can’t handle, you’ll want a ¾ or 1-2 HP model. ¾ HP motors have the strength and technology to deal with bones and hard, fibrous vegetables that would stump weaker models. 1-2 HP motors can withstand heavy use and even tougher food waste.

If you’re curious how our picks compare to one another when it comes to grinding capabilities, we’ve prepared a chart to demonstrate.

Weaker models like the InSinkErator Badger 5 and Waste King L1001 can’t grind anything tougher than fibrous veggies, while the stronger Evolution Excel is able to handle all sorts of food scraps in the kitchen, including meat bones..

Top Garbage Disposals Comparison Chart

Reviews of the Best Garbage Disposals in 2023

Our list includes a wide range of models spanning from high-end options that offer top-of-the-line features to budget alternatives that can satisfy basic needs.

Here’s our picks for the Best Garbage Disposals.

1. Best Overall: InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1 HP Garbage Disposal

$339 at AmazonView On Walmart

The InSinkErator Evolution Excel takes the #1 spot for its consistently strong performance and premium build quality. The garbage disposal impressed us from start to finish with how well it handled different foods and how smoothly it ran through everything.

The machine employs a strong 1-horsepower induction motor that runs at low speed but with high torque. It also spins in the opposite direction, either clockwise or anticlockwise, every time it’s switched on. Additionally, there’s a built-in sensor that boosts the motor’s torque if and when jamming occurs.

For such a big product, the Evolution Excel is surprisingly quiet. In fact, it’s the quietest garbage disposal we’ve tested (according to data from performance testing). And that is thanks to InSinkErator’s patented SoundSeal technologies. The system combines advanced insulation and anti-vibration technologies to keep things nice and steady. 

Unlike typical home in-sink disposals, the Excel employs an advanced grinding assembly in its chamber that can deal with scraps as tough as raw salmon remains. Aside from being made of stainless steel, all its working components are augmented to better break up scraps. InSinkErator calls it Multigrind Technology.

However, the disposal is not without drawbacks. Besides its rather space-consuming dimensions, at roughly 19 pounds, it’s the heaviest one in our collection of 20 products—and likely the heaviest on the market. Installing the Evolution Excel won’t be easy if you’re not handy yourself. There’s also the matter of its hefty $350 price tag.

Fortunately, this 1-hp garbage disposal delivers on all its promises, from feel to functionality. It’s fair to say the Evolution Excel gives you all the bang for your buck, including a 10-year warranty.

Read our full InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1 HP garbage disposal In-depth review.

Price at time of publish: $392.95

Key Specs

2. Best 3/4-HP: GE GFC720N Continuous Feed 3/4 HP

View On Amazon

Out of the seven 3/4-hp garbage disposals that sit in our lab, the GE GFC720N impresses us the most. Both its craftsmanship and performance are top-notch. The disposal readily handles different amounts and types of scrap food that even challenged 1-hp models.

The GFC720N runs on a high-speed permanent-magnet motor, averaging 4544 revolutions per minute (RPM). The high spin rate significantly reduces the risk of jamming. The motor type also generates very little heat, so it can grind more materials and operate for longer than most before it overheats.

The disposal’s chamber is comfortably sized at 30 fluid ounces of capacity. Inside, the stainless steel grinding assembly follows the same layout as most permanent-magnet disposals, but with a few augmented details. Specifically, the pair of impellers are thicker and stronger here with the GFC720N.

Consequently, the GE GFC720N is a bit heavier and bulkier than its peers, but it’s not heavy in general. Under the thick plastic casing lies a layer of acoustic foam for sound insulation, which is a nice touch. Unfortunately, the effect is negligible.  

The disposal is designed for hard-wiring so it doesn’t have a power cord, either pre-wired or included. It does come with a universal adapter that lets you mount the disposal to a 3-bolt system (instead of an EZ system); it should help when you’re switching models.

All things considered, the GE 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal is a worthwhile product. The cost is a little steep, but that’s partially justified by the product warranty that covers up to 5 years for replacement parts.

Read our full GE Continuous Feed 3/4-HP Garbage Disposal In-depth Review.

Price at time of publish: $150.33

Key Specs

3. Best 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal: GE 1/2 HP Disposall Green Continuous Feed

View On Amazon

When we were sweeping for potential 1/2-hp garbage disposals, the GE Disposall Green caught our attention with its popping green body and promising specifications. It was all the more intriguing when the disposal outdid several more expensive and more powerful models in the performance tests.

The disposal sports a thick protective casing made of composite plastic which is fitted nicely over the core machinery. The grinding chamber has stainless steel components and they’re powered by a high-speed permanent-magnet motor that spins the flywheel at more than 4500 RPM. And because it spins so fast, it rarely jams. 

Also, for a 1/2-horsepower model, the disposal’s grinding mechanism was highly efficient. The GE Disposall Green was the only small garbage disposal that managed a top position in our performance assessment; in fact, it’s the 8th highest-ranking model in our chart. If you only use it for common dietary scrap food, or even cooked meat scraps, the disposal is well-qualified.

Thanks to the compact design, the disposal saves a lot of space under the cabinet. It’s also why the device is as lightweight as it is. Installing the disposal is barely a chore especially if you don’t have to switch out the mounting assembly. The GE Disposall Green is compatible with all 3-bolt mounting systems.

We’re not impressed with the disposal’s noise control, despite what it says in the product description. It may be quieter than its rivals, but the difference is hardly noticeable. More critically, there’s the daunting price tag as well—usually around $150. Still, the 3-year warranty with free labor in the first year does sweeten the deal.

Read our full GE Disposall Green 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal In-depth Review.

Price at time of publish: $116.09

Key Specs

4. Best Value: AmazonCommercial 3/4 HP with Cord

View On Amazon

At first, we didn’t think much of the AmazonCommercial 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal because it belongs to a very new franchise; and the fact that it looks like a copycat Waste King garbage disposal doesn’t improve our expectations. But we were delightfully surprised when we put the disposal through our performance tests as it bested most others in our collection.

The disposal runs on the same specs as the Waste King L3200, which combines a 30-ounce chamber with a stainless steel grinding assembly supported by a 3/4-horsepower permanent magnet motor. Our speed measurements revealed that they have identical speeds too, at around 4900 RPM. The only noticeable difference is their casing, which also has the same design but the AmazonCommercial disposal wears orange instead of gray.

Interestingly, per our test results, the disposal is seven ranks higher than the L3200 in terms of performance. It kept on delivering quality results throughout the tests with little sign of struggle. That said, we do not recommend the disposal for raw meat scraps.

Similar to other models of the same designs, the AmazonCommercial is loud. Although it does have some sound insulation (a layer of acoustic foam under the case), the effect is very little. 

For what little it costs, the AmazonCommercial 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal certainly offers great values. It builds on a design that has been working for years and enhances the overall efficiency. Amazon offers a 1-year limited warranty for all models in its private garbage disposal series.

Read our full AmazonCommercial B07XFDMPNJ 3/4-HP Garbage Disposal Review.

Price at time of publish: $77.15

Key Specs

5. Second-Best InSinkErator: InSinkErator Essential XTR 3/4 HP

$291.01 at AmazonView On Walmart

Another tempting option from InSinkErator is the Evolution Essential XTR, which offers bundles of conveniences. The disposal has a similar design to the Evolution Compact and they perform more or less the same. However, the Essential XTR comes with an air switch combo that includes a power cord kit.

The product is a capable in-sink grinder with a 32-ounce chamber that should handle your daily kitchen scraps with ease. It employs a high-torque 3/4-horsepower induction motor and a stainless steel grinding assembly with strong augmented details*. More importantly, the disposal is one of the quietest models we’ve tested, second only to our Best Overall pick, the Evolution Excel.

The disposal is not DIY-friendly when it comes to installation unless you’re particularly handy. There are several aspects that require at least some technical knowledge. Plus, as heavy and cumbersome as the thing is, it’s hard to maneuver under the sink.

Other than that, the InSinkErator Evolution Excel is a perfectly decent garbage disposal. If you enjoy peace and quiet in the kitchen, you could benefit from the product’s effective noise-control feature. The disposal is not cheap, mind you, but a portion of the cost goes into the 9-year warranty for parts and replacements.

*Compared to standard InSinkErator garbage disposal systems.

Read our full InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal Review.

Price at time of publish: $295.55

Key Specs

6. Best Moen: Moen GXS75C GX Series 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal

$111.49 at AmazonView On Walmart

If you’re looking for more affordable garbage disposals, the GX Series from Moen has some promising options. The most outstanding from the series is the Moen GXS75C Host 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal. The disposal delivers remarkable results in our performance tests in spite of its somewhat humble build.

The disposal has a modern design that looks nice and quality in any kitchen. Its protective case is well-crafted and has a reinforced structure underneath that stabilizes the disposal as well as increases protection against impact. The casing is also strategically designed to spare more space under the sink.

The core machinery includes a galvanized steel grinding assembly, which isn’t as strong and doesn’t stay sharp as long as stainless steel, and a high-speed permanent magnet motor. The Moen GXS75C averaged 4956 RPM in our speed test and is one of the fastest garbage disposals in our lineup.

Regarding noise control, the disposal is not quiet, though it does feature sound insulation. But it has become typical and acceptable for affordable options to suck at keeping things quiet since actually quiet models cost another hundred dollars or two. Other than that, the GXS75C has many attractive values—not to mention the 5-year warranty—that you should definitely keep in mind.

Read our full Moen GXS75C Host Series 3/4 HP garbage disposal review.

Price at time of publish: $124.38

Key Specs

7. Best Waste King: Waste King Legend 1 HP L-8000

$119.99 at Amazon

Waste King garbage disposals are among the most economical choices on the market. They are not the best, but they provide quick and effective help without setting you too far back financially. The Waste King L-8000 does just that and is a capable grinder, but it does take up much room under the sink.

As long as there are no raw meat scraps, the garbage disposal should be able to help out in the kitchen. The L-8000 bested the L-3200 3/4 HP or the L-1100 1/2 HP in our performance chart because it handles large amounts considerably better in regards to quickness and output quality. The L-8000 model that we assessed in the tests also has better build quality.

Even though the disposal’s motor does not even spin as fast as its 1/2-hp cousin, it’s capable of higher torque. High torques break scraps better while maintaining a low risk of jamming. The downside is that the motor has to be bigger and heavier. 

Another downside to the L-8000 is that it’s loud, especially against crunchy materials. It has a layer of insulation foam underneath the casing (we’re pretty sure Waste King garbage disposals are the first of this design) but it’s tough to tell if there’s a difference. The disposal is covered with a wobbling 20-year warranty for parts and product replacement.

Read our full Waste King L-8000 1 HP Garbage Disposal Review.

Price at time of publish: $111.07

Key Specs

How We Test Garbage Disposals

At Healthy Kitchen 101, our primary goal is to showcase how kitchen appliances work in real-life contexts to verify their claims. 

Our testing process for garbage disposals revolves around inspecting the products’ details (casing, grind chamber, motor, etc.), devising/perfecting testing procedures, and conducting performance tests for data. These tests include the Scrap Mix Test, the Raw Fish Scraps Test, and the Raw Chick Scraps Test. 

The performance tests help us determine whether a garbage disposer is effective against certain types of discarded food such as vegetable scraps, cooked meat scraps, or raw meat scraps. For each run, we assess the run time (How quick is it?), the quality of the output (How drain-safe is it?), and how much of the input is unprocessed (How efficient is it?).

Once the data is in, we rate the selected products on different aspects spanning across build quality, usability, and performance. We repeat the process to expand the data pool when necessary, improving accuracy. Everything, including the final procedures and results, is subject to future changes as we regularly update our product ratings.

Side Notes before Buying Food Disposals

Besides all of the above, there is still something of concerns that many owners have experienced and we recommend attention towards.

Leaking Garbage Disposals

Plumbing is prone to leaking—that’s just how it is. And it’s even more likely to occur with an appliance that is used daily, like a garbage disposal.

While you shouldn’t expect it, leaking can occasionally occur in new disposal units. Keep an eye out for leaks in the following locations:

The Sink Flange/Mounting Assembly

This is where leaks occur in most cases, and typically it means there’s a problem with the seal. To seal the connection properly, there are a few tips that most experienced users and plumbers recommend:

• Use the putty and not the rubber gasket to seal the flange. Don’t be afraid to use as much putty as it takes, either— the excess amount can always be retrieved and reused.
• Refer to the manual to make sure you’re aware of the number and order of the gaskets that go underside of the sink when setting up the mounting assembly.

The Wastewater Outlet

The outlet is another common spot for leaks to appear. It is the exit route where ground waste and water frequently travels. When connecting the wastewater outlet, remember to use the rubber gasket and tighten the screws until snug (but not too tight).

The Dishwasher Inlet

The inlet is designed to be compatible with various types of hoses and tubes, which sometimes makes for a less-than-perfect connection. To secure the inlet fitting, always use a hose clamp and tighten it with a screwdriver.

Cracks/Loose Interior Seals

Garbage disposals can also leak from cracks on the housing case or loose interior seals. Normally, this kind of leakage happens after you’ve been using the machine for at least five years, but it’s a serious issue that can occur after a shorter usage period in a lower-quality device. The best way to prevent this kind of leakage is to buy a reputable model from a reputable brand.

What Size Should Your In-Sink Garbage Disposal Be?

Garbage disposals come in a number of different sizes. However, it seems that in many cases, the bigger the size of the disposal, the stronger and more advanced the machine. Why? Well, only a big case has enough room for a big motor with strong torque.

Small garbage disposals with a compact design, like the Badger 5, are clearly not spatially suitable to handle a 3/4 or 1 HP motor. Plus, big motors make a lot of noise, which means that soundproofing layers are necessary. This can contribute to the size of the overall frame.

Therefore, a bigger machine is stronger and/or quieter. Regardless, if you want a disposal unit in your kitchen, you’ll need to check the under-sink cabinet to ensure it has enough room to accommodate one.

If you are a big family with a small sink cabinet, you might want to consider remodeling your kitchen counter.

What is the Best Garbage Disposal Brand?

Many companies have their own lines of garbage disposals. The following brands, however, seem to be at the top of the market.

InSinkErator

Founded by John W. Hammes, the inventor of garbage disposal, InSinkErator has been among the top brands ever since it was first established. InSinkErator’s residential garbage disposal collection ranges from ⅓ HP models to 1 HP, with technologies that enhance the performance of the machine and the experience of the user. They are also known for excellent customer service.

Waste King

After approximately 50 years in the industry, Waste King has developed a multitude of best sellers that satisfy numerous households. The company builds its machines with usability, affordability, and power in mind, producing products that embody all three.

For home solution, food waste disposers from Waste King have both the 3-bolt and EZ mount version while casing motors from ⅓ HP to 1 HP of strength. In general, these products from the company are made to serve in the lower price range, compared to InSinkErator models.

Moen

Even though Moen is new to food waste disposal solutions, the company is still a big name with a reputation to keep. While a foray into garbage disposals might be a risky move, their offerings thus far have been more than adequate.

Moen’s food waste disposal collection isn’t particularly broad as of yet, but it’s a solid start for the established brand. The line features motors ranging from ⅓ HP to 1 HP, and with exclusive technologies that are full of promise.

What Problems Should You Expect?

Machines are prone to malfunction, and garbage disposals are no exception. Here are some of the ways in which your disposal could give you trouble:

Noise

Your noisy disposal might seem okay at first, but once you’ve seen what quieter food waste disposers can do, the sound might start to bother you

⅓ and ½ HP units are the most likely to worry your ears. They are manufactured to be affordable, which often means they lack the sound insulation found in higher-end models

Jamming

Over time, it’s likely that these machines could get jammed. Even top-tier models designed to be jam-free can still sometimes act up. So you can imagine what might happen with the low- or medium-priced units.

Luckily, fixing jam is not overly difficult. And if you follow the user’s manual thoroughly and refrain from reckless usage of your disposal, there should not be too much trouble.

Clogs

Garbage disposals are part of the kitchen sink drain pipes. And from time to time, the sink clogs.

Clogs are often in the drain pipes, rather than in the disposal itself, making the issue harder to fix than your average jam. But before you call for help, there are a few extra steps to try on your own.

Instructions And Suggestions From Manufacturers

Garbage disposals are built to work with running cold water. Don’t ever forget that. Water helps lubricate the plate and impellers, ensuring the ground food flows straight through the chamber and the pipes.

Typically, running the cold water is the first step in using your disposal. Afterwards, you run your disposal, insert the food waste slowly into the machine, and turn off the disposal when grinding is complete. Be sure to run the water for a few additional seconds to flush the drain line.

To keep your disposal functional, refrain from pouring fat or grease down the disposal. You should also be careful to run only cold water when the device is in use. Do your best to avoid grinding eggshells, bones, and fibrous materials unless you’re sure your machine can handle it.

Maintenance Instructions

After a few months, food particles may build up in the chamber of your garbage disposal and cause a nasty odor. If you detect an unpleasant smell from the drain, it’s time to clean the disposal’s interior.

It’s a good rule of thumb to use the cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer. However, water and baking soda is often an effective cleansing agent. To use this method, fill the sink halfway with warm water and mix in ¼ cup of baking soda. Then, turn the disposer on and remove the stopper at the same time.

Once in a while, you can try scouring the disposal’s grinding chamber by grinding hard materials such as small bones or ice. Doing so will dislodge any potential remains from the grind ring and impellers. Plus, ice helps solidify certain substances, which makes it easier to flush them out with water.

Why Trust Us

At Healthy Kitchen 101, we pride ourselves on intuitive approaches towards product testing. All of our procedures and scoring parameters were drawn from the needs and perspectives of home cooks. To keep our reviews credible and trustworthy, we establish our process on three core values:

• Unbiased: We do not procure sponsorship and have no stake in the reputation of the products.
• Verifiable: Our procedures are data-driven, rigorous, and transparent. We detail the process, provide the data, and present evidence.
• Objective: Our tests are collaboratively developed. We establish most testing procedures in house and consult outside experts when necessary.

Our Expertise

Be Nguyen started his research on garbage disposal back in 2019, when he was preparing for some of his newest technical reviews. In 2022, sorting through dozens of different models, he, Luna, and Healthykitchen101’s test team began examining and testing the 20 most promising food disposers in the market.

With 200+ pounds of common kitchen leftovers (fruit, vegetables, etc.) and 140+ pounds of raw meat scraps (chicken bones, salmon remains, etc.) processed, after 20+ hours spent in preparation and 40+ more in running tests, the team was able to collect crucial data regarding each product’s performance and usability. Working with garbage hasn’t been the most pleasant experience, but thanks to the shared efforts, the team has put together strongly informed reviews on every product as well as helpful recommendations.

• Updated Mar 1, 2023:

  Removed Waste King L-1001, Badger 5, InSinkErator Essential XTR, InSinkErator Septic Assist. Updated hands-on reviews for InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1 HP,  Waste King L-8000 1 HP, Moen GXS75C 3/4 HP. Added hands-on reviews for GE GFC720N 3/4 HP, AmazonCommercial 3/4 HP.

• Updated Feb 13, 2023:

  Product ratings are updated following new test results for garbage disposals.