[Top 5] Best Garbage Disposal In 2024 - What Is Your Perfect Choice?

• InSinkErator Evolution Compact Garbage Disposer - Best Overall

• InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal - Best For Shallow Sinks

• Moen GXS75C Host Series Garbage Disposal - Best Warranty

• Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal - Best For Value

• Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal - Best For Large Sinks

The types of garbage disposals are sorted based on their operation and utility. Here are some common categories you should consider when choosing a garbage disposal. 

Batch Feed Garbage Disposal

The batch feed garbage disposal is designed for grinding and disposing of food in small portions and scraps. When you put the waste into the device’s container, there’s a stopper on top to cover the unit’s opening.

This feature makes the batch feed garbage disposal much safer to operate. The stopper on top will prevent children from messing with the device, or you accidentally put something inside.  

Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal

Another popular type of garbage disposal is continuous feed. As the name suggests, this device will continuously grind the waste using strong power until it is completely dissolved. 

For this feature, the continuous feed garbage disposal is ideal for large food waste, which is common in eateries and restaurants. There is a power button to turn on and turn off the device with a single press. 

Some continuous feed garbage disposals come with advanced features like auto-reverse and special circuitry. This category is generally more affordable than the batch feed.

Undercounter Garbage Disposal

The under-counter garbage disposal is installed right below your sink. You can conveniently wash down the dirty plates and food without getting the sink stuck with waste. 

The under-counter garbage disposal operates automatically whenever the food scraps get down the sink. This application has become a requirement in many kitchens and high-end cooking facilities. 

Manual Garbage Disposal

The manual garbage disposal is the opposite of the under-counter products, which require users’ activation to operate. You can turn on the water and switch up the device, then put the food waste inside the unit to grind. 

The device will shred the food scraps into tiny particles (around 2mm), so they can be washed down the sink easily. Some products have premium features like sound reduction or a stainless steel grinding chamber.

So, how to choose the best garbage disposal for your kitchen? What are the first steps to consider when purchasing a garbage disposal? Follow this buying guide, and I will show you!

Is There Enough Space Under The Sink? 

Many people purchase garbage disposal and realize that the space underneath the sink is not large enough for installing the device. Always measure the size under your cabinet carefully and choose a model that perfectly fits the space. 

It should have around 10 to 15 inches in height, 5 to 8 inches in width, and 6-12 inches in depth. This space can accommodate the majority of standard garbage disposals. 

Is The Septic Tank Big Enough?

Most garbage disposals are safe when paired with the septic system. However, you have to ensure that the device matches the septic tank in size. If the septic tank is too old, a garbage disposal can break down the system. 

You can hire a professional septic system inspector to conduct a check on your septic tank before installing the garbage disposal. 

Are My Pipes Up Functioning Well?

A garbage disposal can help reduce the food clogs, but not for the old cast-iron drain pipes. If you’re using new plastic drainpipes, the powerful garbage disposal will grind the food that prevents the waste jam. 

However, the food clogs still happen even after grinding due to the old cast-iron drain pipes with deteriorating quality. In this case, you should have it replaced before installing the garbage disposal. 

How Much Power Do You Need?

If you cook daily for a family of 4+ people, choose the garbage disposals with at least 1 hp in power. They are suitable for grinding food wastes like small animal bones, fruit pits, soft food, raw meat, and cooked left-over food. 

Meanwhile, garbage disposal with ¾ hp in power is sufficient for smaller households of 2-4 people. Its capacity is not inferior to the 1-hp device, but the price is significantly lower. 

If you only cook for yourself or one more person a couple times a week, choose garbage disposal with ½ to ⅓ hp to optimize the budget. However, they are not powerful enough to grind hard materials and animal bones. 

Garbage Disposal Features To Consider

Depending on the device’s price and brand, you may get a bonus with extra safety features. Some great features to consider are the anti-jamming function, which will automatically grind in reverse whenever a good jamp happens. 

Quiet operation is necessary if you live in a quiet neighborhood or you don’t want to disturb the other family members after the meal. Also, prioritize devices with a stainless steel blade for more durability.

How Do I Know Which Garbage Disposal To Buy?

The first and crucial step is identifying the suitable motor power depending on the amount of food waste. Then move on to consider chamber size and the device's materials, which should be made of premium stainless steel. 

What's The Best Garbage Disposal For The Money?

For the budget pick, I recommend you choose the Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal with less than $70 in price. In exchange, you'll get great value for money with a beautiful design, a powerful motor, and advanced safety features. 

Do All Garbage Disposals Fit All Sinks?

All the under-cabinet garbage disposals can be used for all kitchen sinks since they come in a standard size of 3.5 to 4 inches. You can install the device between the trap and the drain.

Do I Need A 1/2 Hp Garbage Disposal Or 3/4 Hp?

Garbage disposal with a ½ to ¾ hp engine is ideal for households of 3 to 6 people. If your family has more people and the amount of food waste is higher, choose garbage disposal with at least ¾ hp in power. 

For families with more than 8 people, choose models with at least 1 or 2 hp.

What Shouldn’t Be Put In A Garbage Disposal? 

The garbage disposal is designed for grinding food, not all types of objects and liquids. You should not put in the unit too tough materials like hard objects, fruit skin, or fibrous food scraps.

The hard objects can damage the disposal's blade, while the fibrous materials will cause clogs and jams.  

I hope the buying guides and top suggestions provided in this post can help you pick your favorite garbage disposal. The InSinkErator Evolution is an excellent choice if your family consumes a lot of food daily. 

Its powerful motor and premium material can accompany your kitchen in years to come without deteriorating in quality. For a more affordable pick, the Waste King L-1001 gives you excellent comfort and utility for its tempting price. 

For houses with shallow sinks, I recommend the InSinkErator Badger 5 to optimize your convenience and prevent food jams. Thank you for reading!