A garbage disposal is one of those kitchen tools you only think about when it stops working. Then you are on your back under the sink with a flashlight, reading a model number off a dusty label. It is worth a little thought before you buy, because the wrong size can crowd your cabinet and the wrong mount can turn a simple swap into a plumbing job.
This guide covers eight disposals from InSinkErator, Moen, Waste King, GE and Frigidaire. It explains what horsepower, feed type and mounts mean for a home kitchen, and which model fits which sink. If you are also sorting out the drain itself, start with our guide to the best sink strainer.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.
Quick verdict: which disposal to buy
For most homes, the best garbage disposal is the InSinkErator Evolution 3/4 HP with Power Cord. It has a three-stage grind, the maker states quieter running than a standard disposal, and this listing includes the cord. If you produce a lot of scraps, the Moen Chef Series 1 HP has the most power here. For a tight cabinet, take the InSinkErator Badger 5. With no wall switch or with young children at home, choose the Moen batch feed model.
Five disposals for five kinds of kitchen
Our five standout picks side by side, with the details each maker or listing states. All eight are reviewed in full below.
| Disposal | Best for | Power and feed | Warranty | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
InSinkErator Evolution 3/4 HP with Power CordBest overall
|
Most family kitchens | 3/4 HP, continuous feed | 9-year service warranty | View on Amazon |
Moen Chef Series 1 HP DisposalMost power
|
Heavy daily scraps | 1 HP, continuous feed | 10-year limited warranty | View on Amazon |
InSinkErator Badger 5 with Power CordBest for small cabinets
|
Small cabinets, plain swaps | 1/2 HP, continuous feed | Differs by source; confirm | View on Amazon |
Waste King 1/2 HP with Power CordBudget pick
|
Tight budgets, light scraps | 1/2 HP, continuous feed | Differs by source; confirm | View on Amazon |
Moen Host Series 3/4 HP Batch Feed DisposalBest batch feed
|
No wall switch, young children | 3/4 HP, batch feed | 8-year limited warranty | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Details are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best garbage disposal
These eight cover the range a home kitchen needs, from compact 1/2 HP units to a 1 HP model, with one batch feed option. Each entry says who it suits and gives one honest reason to skip it.
1. InSinkErator Evolution 3/4 HP with Power Cord – Quiet, With Three Stages of Grind
This is the disposal we would point most home cooks to first. It sits in the middle of the power range at 3/4 horsepower, which is enough for a kitchen that cooks most nights, and the listing says the three-stage MultiGrind system is built to grind tough scraps finer so they are less likely to clog the drain.
InSinkErator describes the sound as quieter than a standard disposal, using its SoundSeal technology and a removable Quiet Collar baffle that goes in the dishwasher. It does not give a decibel figure on this listing, so read that as a comparison and not as a measurement.
This Old House names the 3/4 HP Evolution its best overall choice and credits its three-stage grind, sound dampening and stainless components. The version in that guide was hardwired, with the cord sold separately. This listing includes the cord and the hardwire adapter, so you can go either way. The same guide reports that some owners had trouble mounting it under certain sinks, and that a few saw rust sooner than they expected.
Why we like it
- Three-stage MultiGrind system with stainless steel grind parts
- Power cord and hardwire adapter both included
- Removable, dishwasher-safe Quiet Collar baffle
- Named best overall by This Old House
- 12.25 x 8.25-inch body per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | EVOLUTION .75HP W/C (81224K) |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP |
| Feed type | Continuous feed |
| Motor | Dura-Drive induction |
| Grind parts | Stainless steel, three-stage |
| Size | 12.25 in tall x 8.25 in wide |
| Power cord | Included, with hardwire adapter |
| Warranty | 9-year in-home limited service warranty |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that cooks often and wants one disposal to last. You get the most complete feature set here without moving up to the 1 HP class, and the warranty covers in-home repair or replacement by an authorized dealer.
Skip it if you only rinse plates into the drain. A 1/2 HP model will do that job and takes less room in the cabinet.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Finer grind by design, per the maker
- Long in-home service warranty
- Cord included, hardwiring still possible
- Strong independent recommendation
Cons
- No decibel figure on the listing
- Some owners report mounting trouble under certain sinks, per This Old House
- A few reports of early rust, per the same guide
2. Moen Chef Series 1 HP Disposal – Most Power, With a Motion Light
If you trim a lot of vegetables or feed a big family, the Chef Series gives you the most motor on this page. Moen rates it at 1 horsepower and 2,800 RPM, and says the Vortex motor grinds tough scraps quickly and helps reduce jamming.
Two features set it apart. A motion-activated light brightens the cabinet when you reach under the sink, and Moen’s 360-degree Clean Rinse is meant to rinse scraps away more thoroughly to cut odors. Moen also says it fits most existing mounting assemblies, including InSinkErator’s, which helps if you are replacing an old unit.
This Old House calls it the best choice for warranty and reports that buyers saw a real step up from builder-grade units. It also says opinions on noise vary, and that some owners had a unit stop working sooner than expected. Moen lists SoundShield insulation but no decibel figure. Check the size first: This Old House gives it as 16 inches tall, the tallest stated size here.
Why we like it
- 1 HP, 2,800 RPM motor per Moen
- Motion-activated light for the under-sink space
- Fits most existing mounts, including InSinkErator’s, per Moen
- Pre-installed power cord
- 10-year limited warranty with in-home service
Key specifications
| Model | EXL100C |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 1 HP |
| Feed type | Continuous feed |
| Motor | Vortex, 2,800 RPM |
| Grind parts | Not stated |
| Size | 8.38 in wide x 16 in tall (This Old House) |
| Power cord | Pre-installed |
| Warranty | 10-year limited, in-home service |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who produces a lot of scraps and wants the extra power. The fit with existing mounts also makes it a sensible swap for a tired disposal, as long as the cabinet has the height.
Skip it if your cabinet is tight or holds a water filter, because this tall body takes up real space.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strongest motor on this page
- Useful cabinet light
- Swaps onto most existing mounts, per Moen
- Long stated warranty
Cons
- Tall body, 16 inches per This Old House
- Noise opinions vary
- Some reliability complaints, per This Old House
3. InSinkErator Badger 5 with Power Cord – Simple Swap for Small Cabinets
The Badger 5 is the plain, familiar disposal. It has a 1/2 HP Dura-Drive induction motor and galvanized steel grind parts, and InSinkErator says its compact design fits existing InSinkErator hardware, so replacing an older one can be quick.
This Old House names it the best choice for small spaces and gives the body as about 6.31 inches wide and 11.5 inches tall. Owners it cites liked the easy install, especially when replacing an older InSinkErator. They also mention noise, plus rust and leaks after long use.
The grind parts are the main trade-off. Galvanized steel is not the stainless steel of the Evolution, and InSinkErator pitches this series at buyers who put affordability first. The listing title also says septic safe, which helps if your home is not on a sewer line. The warranty is stated differently in different places: the title says five years, another field says three, and This Old House says two. Confirm the term on the listing before you buy.
Why we like it
- Compact body, per This Old House
- Fits existing InSinkErator hardware, per the maker
- Cord included on this version
- Listing title says septic safe
Key specifications
| Model | 79883A-ISE |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 1/2 HP |
| Feed type | Continuous feed |
| Motor | Dura-Drive induction |
| Grind parts | Galvanized steel |
| Size | 6.31 in wide x 11.5 in tall (This Old House) |
| Power cord | Included |
| Warranty | Differs by source; confirm |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small household, a rental or a tight cabinet where the job is light scraps and quick rinses. If you already have an InSinkErator mount, this is a low-fuss replacement.
Skip it if noise matters to you. This Old House says it runs louder than the higher InSinkErator models.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Short and narrow
- Easy swap for older InSinkErator units
- Named best for small spaces
- Cord in the box
Cons
- Galvanized steel, not stainless
- Noisier than higher models, per This Old House
- Warranty term differs by source
- Rust and leak complaints after long use
4. Waste King 1/2 HP with Power Cord – Light, Compact Entry Model
The L-1001 is the entry model on this page. It runs a 2,600 RPM permanent magnet motor at 1/2 horsepower, comes with the cord already fitted, and uses stainless steel grind parts, which you do not get on the Badger 5.
This Old House names it the best budget choice and gives the body as about 5.25 inches across and 12.75 inches tall. Owners it cites liked the motor, the compact size and the quiet running. Some found mounting awkward and needed changes to deal with a smaller drain connection than they expected, so look at your plumbing before you order.
The EZ Mount system and removable splash guard are stated on the listing, and a guard that comes out makes cleaning simpler. The warranty is the thing to check. The feature list says five years, while the title and This Old House say two. Amazon’s title also carries the Moen name alongside Waste King, so do not be surprised to see both.
Why we like it
- Stainless steel grind parts at the entry level
- Pre-installed cord, no electrical work per the maker
- Removable splash guard
- Named best budget by This Old House
Key specifications
| Model | L-1001 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 1/2 HP |
| Feed type | Continuous feed |
| Motor | Permanent magnet, 2,600 RPM |
| Grind parts | Stainless steel |
| Size | 5.25 in across x 12.75 in tall (This Old House) |
| Power cord | Pre-installed |
| Warranty | Differs by source; confirm |
Why we recommend it
It suits a first disposal, a guest kitchen or a small household on a budget. You give up grinding power compared with the larger picks, but you keep stainless parts.
Skip it if you grind a lot of peels every day. This Old House lists lower grinding power as its main drawback.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stainless grind parts
- Small and light
- Plugs in with no wiring
- Removable splash guard
Cons
- Less grinding power than bigger models
- Drain connection surprised some buyers
- Warranty term differs by source
5. Moen Host Series 3/4 HP Batch Feed Disposal – Runs Only With the Stopper In
Nearly every other disposal here runs from a wall switch. This one runs from its stopper: load the scraps, put the stopper in and the grinder starts. Moen says no wall switch is needed, which makes it the simple answer for a sink with no switch wired nearby.
This Old House explains the trade-off. Batch feed adds safety because the unit runs only with the stopper in place, and Richard Trethewey of This Old House recommends it for homes with young children or no wall switch. It also handles smaller amounts at a time, so it is less handy if you cook often.
The motor is a 3/4 HP, 2,700 RPM permanent magnet unit, and Moen lists SoundShield insulation but gives no decibel figure. The listing says it measures about 15-5/8 inches high and 7-1/2 inches wide, is built for a sink up to 1/2 inch thick, and fits Moen and most existing three-bolt mounts.
Why we like it
- No wall switch required, per Moen
- Runs only with the stopper in place
- Removable pre-installed cord for optional hardwiring
- Fits most existing three-bolt mounts, per Moen
- Sink flange, elbow and mount in the box
Key specifications
| Model | GXB75C |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP |
| Feed type | Batch feed |
| Motor | Vortex permanent magnet, 2,700 RPM |
| Grind parts | Not stated |
| Size | 7-1/2 in wide x 15-5/8 in tall |
| Power cord | Pre-installed, removable |
| Warranty | 8-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home with small children, or a kitchen with no wall switch at the sink. This pick rests on Moen’s listing and on This Old House’s general advice about batch feed, which does not cover this model by name.
Skip it if you scrape plates all through dinner prep, because each load has to wait for the stopper.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Starts only with the stopper
- No wall switch needed
- Fits common three-bolt mounts
- Cord can come off for hardwiring
Cons
- Smaller loads at a time
- Tall body at over 15 inches
- No decibel figure stated
6. GE Disposall 3/4 HP with Power Cord – Sized for Two to Four People
GE sells its disposals by household size, which is a helpful way to think about it. The listing recommends this 3/4 HP model for homes of two to four people, and it names vegetable peels, fruit pits and small bones among the foods it grinds.
The listing gives over 2,700 RPM and a 32-ounce grind chamber, and says you can use the classic three-bolt mount or the EZ Mount system. That gives you two ways to install it, depending on what is under your sink now. GE’s product page gives the size as 14.5 inches high by 8.5 inches wide and shows a 10-year warranty, though it does not spell out the terms there.
Our search for an independent review of this model brought up store pages, so this pick rests on GE’s own details and the Amazon listing. Neither states a decibel figure, an insulation type or the material of the grind parts. Read the manual first if those details matter to you.
Why we like it
- Household-size guidance from the maker
- 32-ounce grind chamber per the listing
- Three-bolt or EZ Mount install
- Cord included
Key specifications
| Model | GFC765W |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP |
| Feed type | Continuous feed |
| Motor | Over 2,700 RPM |
| Grind parts | Not stated |
| Size | 8.5 in wide x 14.5 in tall (GE) |
| Power cord | Included |
| Warranty | 10-year (GE page and listing); terms not spelled out |
Why we recommend it
It suits a couple or small family who want the mid-size power class from a familiar appliance name, with a choice of mounting method.
Skip it if quiet running is your first concern, since GE’s details give no sound information and the Evolution’s do.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear household-size guidance
- Large stated grind chamber
- Two mounting options
- Cord included
Cons
- No sound details stated
- Grind part material not stated
- Rests on maker and listing details
7. InSinkErator Power Series 3/4 HP – Two Grind Stages, Mid-Range Choice
The Power Series sits between the Badger and the Evolution. It keeps the 3/4 HP Dura-Drive induction motor and uses a two-stage MultiGrind system where the Evolution has three. For many kitchens that will be plenty, and the listing title calls it septic safe.
InSinkErator’s title claims it is 55 percent quieter than the Badger 5. That is the maker’s comparison with its own basic model, not a figure we can check, and the listing does not give a decibel number. It has a removable baffle for cleaning and is about 12 inches high by 8.25 inches wide.
Mind the cord. This one comes with the hardwire adapter, and the listing says the EZ Connect power cord is sold separately. If your cabinet has an outlet and no wiring, buy the cord too, or choose the Evolution listing above, which includes one. This pick rests on the maker’s listing.
Why we like it
- Two-stage MultiGrind per the maker
- Dura-Drive induction motor
- Removable baffle
- Lift and Latch mount
- 6-year in-home service warranty
Key specifications
| Model | POWER 0.75HP (80019-ISE) |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP |
| Feed type | Continuous feed |
| Motor | Dura-Drive induction |
| Grind parts | Two-stage; material not stated |
| Size | 12 in tall x 8.25 in wide |
| Power cord | Sold separately; hardwire adapter included |
| Warranty | 6-year in-home limited service warranty |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone replacing a Badger who wants more grinding and less noise, and who can use the same maker’s mounting style.
Skip it if you want a plug-in unit ready to go out of the box, because the cord is an extra purchase.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact for 3/4 HP
- Maker says it is much quieter than a Badger 5
- Septic safe per the title
- In-home service warranty
Cons
- Cord sold separately
- One fewer grind stage than the Evolution
- Quieter claim is the maker’s own
8. Frigidaire 3/4 HP Corded Disposal – Magnetic Ring Catches Stray Metal
Anyone who has run a disposal with a teaspoon in it knows the sound. The feature that earns this Frigidaire a place is its Silver Guard, a magnetic ring that the listing says captures most metal objects before they reach the grinding chamber. Most does not mean all, so still check the drain before you run it.
The listing also describes a fully insulated sound shell, a grinding system called Torque Master, and a BioShield feature meant to help with odors from food residue. It says it grinds coffee grounds, produce scraps and small bones. It fits any three-bolt mount and comes with a flange if you need one.
This listing is thinner than the others. It does not give dimensions, RPM or the material of the grind parts, and our search for an independent review turned up store pages we could not use. So measure the space under your sink and read the manual first. The listing shows a 10-year warranty.
Why we like it
- Magnetic ring to catch metal, per the listing
- Fully insulated sound shell, per the listing
- Fits all three-bolt mounts, per the listing
- Corded, with a flange provided
Key specifications
| Model | FF75DISPC1 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 3/4 HP |
| Feed type | Not stated on the listing |
| Motor | Torque Master; RPM not stated |
| Grind parts | Not stated |
| Size | Not stated |
| Power cord | Corded |
| Warranty | 10 years (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a busy family kitchen where cutlery ends up in the sink, and where a three-bolt mount is already in place.
Skip it if you want full specifications before you buy. Too many details are missing here, and the size is one you need.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Magnetic ring is a feature no other pick here lists
- Insulated sound shell
- Three-bolt fit
Cons
- Dimensions not stated on the listing
- Rests on listing details alone
- Grind parts not stated
How to choose a disposal for your sink
Match horsepower to your cooking. A 1/2 HP model is fine for light scraps in a small household. A 3/4 HP model suits a home that cooks most nights, and GE recommends that size for two to four people. A 1 HP model makes sense if you cook a lot. Horsepower here is the maker’s stated rating.
Decide on continuous or batch feed. Continuous feed runs from a wall switch and lets you add scraps as you go. This Old House calls it the most common type. Batch feed runs only with the stopper in place, which adds safety, but takes smaller loads. Keep your hands out of the opening either way.
Measure the cabinet. Stated heights on this page run from about 11.5 to 16 inches. Measure from the bottom of the sink to the cabinet floor, and allow for a filter, a trash pull-out or anything else sharing the space. Our guide to the best under sink organizer can help you win back the rest.
Check the mount. A replacement is much simpler when the new unit fits the mount you already have. InSinkErator uses its own Lift and Latch style on the models here, Waste King uses EZ Mount, and Moen, GE and Frigidaire list three-bolt fit. Moen says the Chef Series fits most existing assemblies, including InSinkErator’s. Look up your current mount before you order.
Check the power. Some units have a cord and need an outlet under the sink. Others are hardwired or come with an adapter. The Power Series listing sells the cord separately. If you are not sure about wiring, ask an electrician, and shut off the power at the breaker before you work on one.
Read noise claims with care. None of the listings we read gives a decibel figure. Words such as quiet and quieter are the makers’ own comparisons. Treat them as a guide and not a measurement.
How we picked these eight disposals
We read each maker’s listing, the This Old House buying guide to disposals, GE’s product page and InSinkErator’s own advice on what to keep out of a disposal. That guide covers the Evolution, Chef Series, Badger 5 and L-1001. The batch feed Moen, the GE, the Power Series and the Frigidaire rest on maker and listing details, and we say so in each entry. Consumer Reports keeps its ratings behind a membership, so we did not use them.
We kept to established makers and to products plainly in stock with a new offer when we wrote this, which ruled out several Evolution and Moen listings that showed limited stock. We also checked the saferproducts.gov recall database by brand. Our kitchen has not used these disposals, so this is a guide to specifications and published reports, not a test.
Garbage disposal questions, answered
Have any garbage disposals been recalled?
Yes. In April 2017 the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall by Anaheim Manufacturing and Moen of about 146,000 3/4 and 1 HP disposals sold from December 2015 through March 2017, across brands including Waste King, Moen, Frigidaire, Kenmore and Franke. A metal part could break off and come out during use. None of the eight models on this page is on that list, though the names can be close: the recalled Moen GX75C is a different model from the GXB75C above. The Waste King L-8000 is on the list for certain serial numbers, and we left it out rather than guess which units are covered. If you own an older disposal from those brands, check its label against the CPSC notice.
What should never go in a kitchen sink disposal?
InSinkErator says never to put fats, oils or grease in a disposal, or down any sink drain, because they collect in the pipes. Coffee grounds and eggshells will not hurt the unit, it says, but too much at once can clog a drain, so add them gradually with a strong flow of cold water. What a unit can grind varies by model, so check your manual. A countertop compost bin can take the rest.
Is a bigger motor always better?
No. Past the size your kitchen needs, you are mostly giving up space under the sink. A small household with light scraps has little reason to move beyond 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP.
Can I use a garbage disposal with a septic tank?
Some makers say so. The Badger 5 and Power Series titles state septic safe, and Moen says its Prep Series is safe with properly sized septic tanks. Other listings here do not say. Check the maker’s guidance for your model, and ask whoever services your tank.
Can I install a disposal myself?
Many listings are written for do-it-yourself installs, and a swap onto the same mount is usually the easy case. A new installation may need an outlet, a switch or changes to the drain. Follow the manual and local code, and call a plumber or electrician if any part of it is new to you.
Our last word on sink disposals
Buy the Evolution if you want one good answer. Choose the Chef Series for the most power, the Badger 5 for a small cabinet, the L-1001 for a low-cost start, and the batch feed Moen if the stopper suits your home better than a switch. Whichever you pick, measure first and look up your mount.
A disposal is only part of the sink. See our guides to the best 33 inch kitchen sink and the best kitchen faucet. On the nights you would rather leave the sink alone, call to order at (346) 546-8283.