If you’re hoping to find the best garbage disposal on the market, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s the garbage disposal reviews!
Shopping for the best garbage disposal can be a daunting task.
The good news is that we’ve already done the hard work for you, so instead of wasting time with web searches and department store visits, all you have to do is compare and contrast these products we’ve compiled. Happy hunting!
Top Garbage Disposals: At a Glance
There are different types of garbage disposals in the market with varying features and capabilities. However, not every household garbage disposer you come across will be worth it. So, if you want to make sure that you invest in the right garbage disposer, check out our top picks.
1. InSinkErator Evolution Excel – best garbage disposal (overall)
2. Waste King L-8000 – offers great long-term value
3. Waste King L-3300 – 3/4 horsepower for 3/4 of the price
4. InSinkErator Evolution Compact – a small and stealthy 3/4 horsepower unit
5. InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control – a batch feed disposal with a magnetic cover
6. Waste King L-1001 – 1/2 horsepower unit that provides a good value for the money
7. Waste King L-2600 – a steady, reliable 1/2 horsepower garbage disposal
8. InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist 3/4 HP – a unit that works well with septic tanks
9. Waste King A1SPC Knight 1.0 HP– a powerful unit that crushes food waste in a single blow
Top Garbage Disposal Reviews
Now, let’s delve into the detailed reviews of the top garbage disposals one by one.
1. InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1.0 HP – Best of the Best
Providing three separate grind stages, the Evolution Excel combines both power and precision to offer a top-notch food disposal system.
We’re often asked about the “best” or “most popular” garbage disposals that money can buy, and while our stock answer is that every product has its strengths and weaknesses, we do have a favorite.
It comes from InSinkErator, one of the top-selling brands in food disposal management, and it’s called the Evolution Excel.
With a powerful induction motor that offers 1.0 horsepower, the Evolution Excel provides one of the highest strength levels on the market. It’s also made of high-caliber stainless steel, so its construction is built to last despite its small 9 x 9 x 13.5 inches.
InSinkErator even offers a seven-year, in-home warranty where they’ll come to you if there’s a problem. Hence, you need not worry about the product’s longevity.
What makes the Evolution Excel stand out, however, is its “tiered” grinding system.
All food put into the disposal will pass through three separate layers of stainless steel grinding chambers, and each layer will break down the food into smaller and smaller pieces. By the time these chunks pass through your pipes, they’ll be so minuscule that they’ll never present any danger of clogging.
But what about the noise, you may be asking.
Surely a product offering that much horsepower is also one that can wake the dead?
Think again!
Thanks to its patented SoundSeal technology, the Evolution Excel rates a “one” on InSinkErator’s noise scale. That stands for “ultra-silent.” You can run it in the middle of the night without hearing a thing.
That’s worth paying for, don’t you think?
Pros
– Impressive horsepower- Three separate grind stages- Very quiet
Cons
– May require professional installation- Power cord not included
What’s the bottom line?
With some of the most advanced food disposal technology on the market, it simply doesn’t get any better than the Evolution Excel. Check out the product on Amazon to learn more.
2. Waste King L-8000 Legend Series – Best for the Money
If you’re looking for a garbage disposal that will get the job done without breaking the bank, the L-8000 Legend is what you seek.
At just 9 x 9 x 14.2 inches and 14 pounds, you might be tempted to write off the L-8000 Legend as an inconsequential product. However, don’t be fooled by this small dimensions!
This garbage disposal from the Waste King Legend Series offers 1.0 horsepower with 2800 RPM that results from the Vortex permanent magnet technology that the unit features. This allows it to go toe-to-toe with other models on the market. It’s also less than half of the price of its fancy, high-tech cousins, so you’ll be getting high-quality power without a high-quality price tag.
You’ll also enjoy a very simple (“EZ”) installation with the L-8000 Legend; everything you need is right in the box, including the power cord, and the mounting system comes with detailed instructions for assembly. However, if you don’t feel confident doing it yourself, you can hire a Waste King technician to handle the installation for you, but it isn’t too complicated for most DIYers.
The one drawback of the L-8000 Legend is that it might not suit every home, especially smaller homes or trailers. It requires 115 volts and 7.0 current-amps to operate, so if you can’t meet those power requirements, the L-8000 might not be for you.
Overall, however, the L-8000 Legend is an excellent choice in garbage disposals and one that we recommend freely.
Pros
– Easy installation- Quick grinding times- Affordable price
Cons
– Might require too much power for smaller homes
What’s the bottom line?
Waste King is a trusted manufacturer in garbage disposals, and once you’ve tried the L-8000 Legend, you’ll understand why. Click over to Amazon and check out its product page for more information.
3. Waste King L-3300 Legend Series 3/4 HP – Best Budget Pick
Small in both construction and price, the L-3300 Legend is our recommendation for shoppers on a budget.
Clocking in at just 9.8 x 9.8 x 15.4 inches and 11.5 pounds, the L-3300 Legend is one of the smallest garbage disposals on the market. This is great if you don’t have a lot of room under the sink! The L-3300 will slide into place without forcing you to rearrange everything in your cabinets.
Installation is a breeze, too. Like many other Waste King products, the L-3300 Legend comes with a certified “EZ” installation that can be handled by anyone with a wrench and a determination to do it themselves.
Everything that you need is included with your order, and the L-3300 Legend even tosses a few extras in there, including a 36-inch power cord and a replaceable splash guard.
The big drawback of its reduced size is that it also comes with reduced power.
Unlike other Waste King products that offer 1.0 horsepower, the L-3300 Legend only offers 3/4 horsepower.
While this doesn’t affect the precision grind of its stainless steel edges, its motor can’t handle an excessive amount of food, so you’ll need to take your time when feeding large meals or whole bones through the unit.
That said, if you’re looking for a simple, affordable garbage disposal for a small home without a lot of power demands, the L-3300 Legend might be precisely what you need.
Pros
– Good grinding technology- Comes with extras- Low price
Cons
– Not the strongest product
What’s the bottom line?
While it might not offer the raw power of other garbage disposals, the L-3300 Legend is more than enough for most homes, and it’s one of the most affordable products on the market to boot. Take a look at the L-3300 Legend’s Amazon page to decide if it’s right for you.
4. InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP
As a small, soundproofed unit, the Evolution Compact will be a quiet and unobtrusive addition to your home.
This is another unit with 3/4 horsepower, so if you’re looking for ultra-strength garbage disposals, keep on scrolling. If you only need a simple disposal for simple meals, however, the Evolution Compact will more than provide.
As the name suggests, the Evolution Compact is smaller than other InSinkErator products.
It measures 8 x 8 x 12.1 inches and 19.4 pounds, and the grind chamber itself is 34.6 oz. What makes it special from the rest of its compact brethren is that it was deliberately designed for smallness and stealth.
Despite its size, the Evolution Compact was made with stainless steel impellers and grinding rings for the ultimate in pulverization operations, so it can handle any food or waste that you put into it.
As with other InSinkErator products, you’ll also enjoy a sense of quiet with the Evolution Compact.
It rates a three out of five on the InSinkErator noise scale, so while it isn’t completely silent, it’ll be much less ear-popping than your standard garbage disposal.
Pros
– Small and compact- Good value for the money- Anti-vibration pipes and rings
Cons
– Not as powerful as other disposals
What’s the bottom line?
Sometimes it isn’t about strength. Sometimes it’s about stealth. Check out the Evolution Compact on Amazon and see if you agree.
5. InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control 3/4 HP
InSinkErator prioritizes safety and precision with this batch feed garbage disposal.
Garbage disposals come in two different types: continuous feed and batch feed.
We’ve mostly been reviewing the continuous models on this list, but there’s plenty to love about batch feed models, especially when you’re looking at a high-quality unit like the Evolution Cover Control.
The Evolution Cover Control gets its name from the magnetic cover on top of its disposal unit.
Unlike continuous feeders that whirr and grind while you’re actively putting food into them, batch feeders must be loaded and closed before use, and the Evolution Cover Control provides an advanced magnetic CoverStart that works through the alignment of magnetic fields to open and close the disposal.
The great thing about the Evolution Cover Control is that you don’t need a wall switch to operate it.
It won’t even turn on until the cover is closed!
This level of safety and convenience is almost unparalleled in the world of garbage disposals, so the Evolution Cover Control is an excellent choice for parents, guardians and general worries..
The Evolution Cover Control is 14 x 11 x 14 inches and weighs 23.5 pounds.
Pros
– Small and compact- Good value for the money- Anti-vibration pipes and rings
Cons
– Not as powerful as other disposals
What’s the bottom line?
The Evolution Cover Control isn’t just “good for a batch feeder.” It can withstand scrutiny no matter what criteria you’re using in these garbage disposal reviews. For proof, go to Amazon and check out its specs, details and customer ratings.
6. Waste King L-1001 Legend Series – Our Budget 0.5 HP Disposal Pick
Perfect for the homeowner without a lot of time for food disposal, the L-1001 Legend is a quick, convenient product that you can forget about when not in use.
Do you live a busy life? Are you constantly struggling to balance the demands of work, family, school, sports, and home?
Let the L-1001 Legend take the burden from your shoulders.
As a continuous feed unit with everything from precision swivel impellers to heavy-gauge grind rings, the L-1001 Legend can take everything you throw at it. It also boasts an “EZ” installation that doesn’t require a technical degree to understand and implement.
Even if you’re only a part-time DIYer, the L-1001 Legend comes with a detailed instruction manual and customer service hotline to help answer all of your questions, so it’s quick, easy and convenient for homeowners of all types.
You might have noticed that the specs of the L-1001 Legend aren’t the greatest. While it’s true that it only offers 1/2 horsepower, it’s important to note that its strength is pretty impressive for its size.
The L-1001 Legend measures only 6.4 x 6.4 x 13.4 inches and 9.1 pounds, so it’s a very lightweight unit, and it can still pulverize tough food waste like artichokes and chicken bones. That’s something to be admired!
Pros
– Permanently lubricated- Safe for septic tanks- Power cord included
Cons
– 1/2 horsepower-Not suitable for large or high-demand homes
What’s the bottom line?
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, no-frills garbage disposal, take a look at the L-1001 Legend. Even its reviewers on Amazon can’t believe how simple and easy it is!
7. Waste King L-2600 Legend Series – Best 0.5 HP Disposer
With both longevity and affordability, the L-2600 Legend makes a strong case for itself as the best garbage disposal on the market.
The L-2600 Legend is one of the most reliable garbage disposals that money can buy. Not only does it come from Waste King, a trusted and top-selling brand, but it also boasts a five-year warranty that many customers don’t even need because it operates so safely and effectively.
The big selling point of the L-2600 Legend is its durable construction:
- Its grinding chamber is made of glass-filled nylon, so it’s naturally resistant to rust and corrosion.
- It utilizes everything from swivel impellers to galvanized turntables to ensure that all food is finely pulverized before descending into your waste system, so it prevents clogs in your pipes and jams in your garbage disposal. It also comes with a splash guard to help keep the waste inside your disposer.
All things considered, the L-2600 Legend is a tough, sturdy model that won’t die on you as soon as you install it, so it’s a high-value purchase for both the present and the future.
The L-2600 Legend measures 9 x 9 x 14.2 inches and 9.8 pounds.
Pros
– Durable construction- Resists vibrations, shocks and corrosion- Extended warranty
Cons
– 1/2 horsepower- Not the quietest
What’s the bottom line?
The L-2600 Legend will solve your garbage disposal problems for decades to come, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Check out the product on Amazon and see for yourself how customers are raving about it.
8. InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist 3/4 HP
Are you tired of choosing between your garbage disposal and your septic tank? The Evolution Septic Assist was made to bring them together.
Not all garbage disposals are compatible with all septic tanks, so when you find one that works with your septic system instead of despite it, you might want to take a closer look.
The Evolution Septic Assist is designed to help your septic system run smoothly and efficiently while keeping you ahead of the curve in food disposal management at the same time.
Not only will it crush your food debris with state-of-the-art MultiGrind Technology, but it also comes with Bio-Charge cartilage that will inject more than 300 million enzymes into your septic system with each use.
These microorganisms will help your septic system run better than ever, and you don’t have to do a thing but use your garbage disposal like normal!
As a bonus, you can count on the Evolution Septic Assist to be quiet, too. It rates a “two” on the InSinkErator noise scale, meaning that it’s not entirely silent but still a long way from loud.
The Evolution Septic Assist weighs 22.4 pounds and measures 14 x 11 x 16 inches.
Pros
– Compatible with most septic tanks- Comes with enzyme treatment system- Citrus scent eliminates odors from sink and disposal
Cons
– In the middle tier of affordability- 3/4 horsepower
What’s the bottom line?
Between its enzyme treatments and its pleasant citrus scent, the Evolution Septic Assist offers so much more than your typical garbage disposal. Read its reviews on Amazon to learn more.
9. Waste King A1SPC Knight 1.0 Horsepower Garbage Disposal
Sleek, modern and full of power, the Knight is both effective and aesthetically pleasing.
Before we finish these garbage disposal reviews, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Knight.
Like one of the famous heroes of legend rushing to the rescue in shining metal armor, the Knight will destroy any trespassers in its domain.
It doesn’t matter if it’s squishy rotten fruit or thick, leathery meat; the Knight will reduce all food waste into tiny pieces that pass harmlessly through your pipes.
Part of its strength comes from its 1.0 horsepower. Another part comes from its stainless steel swivel impellers that work seamlessly within its vast grinding chamber. It doesn’t even have a multi-grind system like other disposals; it’s strong enough that everything gets pulverized in one punishing sweep.
The real strength of the Knight is in the fact that it’s made by Waste King. A good brand trumps fancy features any day, and Waste King has proven itself a manufacturer that can be trusted.
These aren’t the only garbage disposals out there, of course, but we think they’re the ones most worth your time. More than anything else, we want our users to make smart, informed decisions when they’re buying their household appliances, and this list can help you get started with your search.
Pros
– Compatible with most septic tanks- Comes with enzyme treatment system- Citrus scent eliminates odors from sink and disposal
Cons
– In the middle tier of affordability- 3/4 horsepower
What’s the bottom line?
It doesn’t come with a sword or a horse, but the Knight is still strong enough to save the day. Browse its page on Amazon to learn more.
Best Garbage Disposal Reviews: FAQs
How long does a typical garbage disposal last?
On average, a garbage disposer is expected to last for 12 years. However, note that this lifespan is highly dependent on several factors which can include the different types of food that go down your drain and how properly you clean and maintain your garbage disposal unit.
How much horsepower do I need in my garbage disposal?
The grinding power of a household garbage disposer determines how efficient the machine is when it comes to disposing of different types of food waste. It depends on the size of your household and the common food waste you dispose of in your drain, the motor power of your food waste disposer can either be as much as 1 or more HP or as little as 1/3 HP.
A garbage disposal unit with 1 or more HP has the largest capacity, the most powerful motor, and the ability to grind hard waste. A 3/4 HP unit, on the other hand, is a more practical choice for a family of 4 to 6 members. The catch is that it is not as powerful as the first type.
If you’re not planning on draining any hard waste in your kitchen sink, then disposers with 1/2 HP or 1/3 HP motors will do. The former is a good choice for a family of two and is far more powerful than the latter. Also, note that disposers with the smallest motor usually run into problems more often and they don’t necessarily last as long as the other types.
Do I need continuous feed or batch type?
First off, you need to know the difference between the two before you can decide which type of garbage disposal unit best suits your needs.
A continuous-feed type garbage disposer is significantly more popular between the two mainly because of the convenience it offers. For one, a simple flip of a switch will run the unit continuously as you feed food waste into it. This will allow you to do other things in your kitchen while the machine is running. It also has a larger capacity, so you can dispose of more waste in one go.
However, these units are not as easy to install as the batch types and may require you to purchase a separate power cord or hire a professional. Their open filler necks make them less safe especially if you have curious kids running around the kitchen all the time. While most models include a splash guard that prevents the waste from spilling over, it can’t stop your child from sticking his or her hands inside while the unit is running.
A batch feed food waste disposer, on the other hand, can’t handle as much waste in one go but can still be as efficient as their counterpart. Another significant difference is the operation. This type requires you to cover the opening with the provided stopper before you can turn it on, making it a lot safer to use. While this type of garbage disposal unit is easy to install, it may cost more than the continuous-feed type.
If a continuous-feed type disposer is more appealing to you, a good model to consider is the Waste King Legend L-8000. However, if you’re more concerned with safety, go for a batch type disposer such as the InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Garbage Disposal?
The figures can vary depending on several factors which may include the place where you live and the prices of related materials to be used. However, your total expenses may not go lower than a pricey cost. This covers the cost of supplies and basic labor. If you are planning on installing some accessories along with your new unit, this will naturally increase the total cost. Note that the cost is calculated per disposal.
How Much Space Do I Have Under The Sink?
Knowing the available space under your sink is crucial when deciding what type of household garbage disposer to purchase. Naturally, those units with large motors take up more space, and those with small motors require less space.
Final Review of the Best Garbage Disposals
We hope you’ve found these reviews useful. We took the time to go over heights, widths, weights, horsepower, and voltage demands, and we’re confident that these nine garbage disposals represent the very best on the web.
All images are courtesy of respective manufacturers (Waste King and InSinkErator) and other free image services.
You may also read our guide on the best kitchen sinks.
Last update on 2023-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API