Looking for the best garbage disposal? Normally, that’s not going to be easy. There are more than 100 garbage disposal models under 30 plus brand names. Amid this large number of options, it is almost impossible to find that just one unit best for your kitchen.
So I created a small list of the best rated garbage disposals.
On this list, you can find the best unit under any category, whether it is one with the most features or the best one for money.
So believe me when I say, your search ends here.
These are the best rated garbage disposals for the year 2020;
- InSinkErator Evolution Excel
- Waste King A1SPC Knight
- Waste King L-8000
- InSinkErator Evolution Essential
- InSinkErator Evolution Compact
- Waste King L-3200
- Moen GX50C
- Waste King L-2600
- InSinkErator Badger 5
- KitchenAid KCDB250G
- General Electric GFC520V
- Waste King L-111
Here is a quick comparison of the best garbage disposals
| Horse Power, type | Noise Insulation | Warranty | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  InSinkErator Evolution Excel | 1 HP induction motor, 1725 RPM, Continuous feed | Ultra-Quiet | 7-years + 3-year extended warranty | 3 stage grinding, Stainless Steel grinding components and grinding chamber, Jam-Sensor Circuit to increase torque to break through jams, auto-reverse technology. |
  Waste King A1SPC Knight | 1 HP permanent motor, 2800 RPM, Continuous feed | Quiet | Lifetime warranty | Stainless Steel grinding components, corrosion-resistant grinding chamber, pre-installed power cord |
  Waste King L-8000 | 1 HP permanent motor, 2800 RPM, Continuous feed | None | 20-years | Stainless Steel grinding components, corrosion-resistant grinding chamber, pre-installed power cord |
  InSinkErator Evolution Essential | 3/4 HP induction motor, 1725 RPM, Batch feed | Quieter | 6-years | 2 stage grinding, Stainless Steel grinding components and grinding chamber. |
  InSinkErator Evolution Compact | 3/4 HP induction motor, 1725 RPM, Continuous feed | Quiet | 4-years | 2 stage grinding, Stainless Steel grinding components, compact design |
  Waste King L-3200 Legend Series | 3/4 HP permanent magnet motor, 2700 RPM, Continuous feed | Quiet | 8-years | Stainless Steel grind components and corrosion resistant glass filled polyester grinding chamber, Removable splash guard, pre-installed power cord |
  Moen GX50C GX Series | 1/2 HP permanent magnet motor, 2600 RPM, Continuous feed | Good | 4-years | Stainless steel grinding components and corrosion proof polymer grinding chamber, pre-installed power cord. |
  Waste King L-2600 LegendSeries | 1/2 HP permanent magnet motor, 2600 RPM, Continuous feed | Average sound insulation | 5-years | Stainless Steel grind components, glass filled polyster grinding chamber, Removable splash guard, pre-installed power cord. |
  Waste King L-111 Legend Series | 1/3 HP permanent magnet motor, 1900 RPM, Continuous feed | None | 2-years | Glass Filled Nylon Grinding Chamber. Heavy gauge Galvanized Steel swivel impellers: Stainless Steel turntable, Removable splash guard, pre-installed power cord. |
  InSinkErator Badger 5 | 1/2 HP dura drive induction motor, 1725 RPM, Continuous feed | None | 3-years | Galvanized steel grinding elements with two stainless steel 360° swivel lugs. |
  KitchenAid KCDB250G | 1/2 HP induction motor, 1725 RPM, Continuous feed | Have a sound insulator cover to reduce noise | 1-year | Galvanized steel grinding elements, SS swivel impellers, and corrosion-resistant grinding chamber. |
  General Electric GFC520V | 1/2 HP permanent magnet motor, 2800 RPM, Continuous feed | None | 1-year | Stainless steel grinding blades, corrosion-proof grinding chamber. |
Here is my detailed review of those top rated garbage disposals;
1. InSinkErator Evolution Excel
Evolution Excel is the best garbage disposal on my list.
Pros
- 1 horsepower, 1725 RPM
- Feature-rich
- Best among all
- 7-year-long warranty
- Excellent build quality
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Stylish and Compact design
- Premium product
- 3-bolt mounting system which reduces vibrations
- Anti-jamming, auto-reverse technology
Cons
- Pricey compared to other garbage disposals but totally worth the price
- Doesn’t come with a power cord
Who is this garbage disposal suitable for?
Evolution Excel is recommended for;
- Anyone wanting the best, top of the line garbage disposal
- those with large households (5+ people)
- Those needing some extra grinding power to dispose of hard food items like chicken bones
- Those looking for ultra-quiet grinding operation
Detailed review
Let’s take a detailed look at InSinkErator Evolution Excel.
Power, size, performance
InSinkErator Evolution Excel is the most powerful a household garbage disposal can be (That above 1HP are usually used for commercial purposes); it has a dura-drive induction motor that delivers 1 HP, powerful enough to grind almost anything. It uses a slow speed motor (1725 RPM) but the 1 HP power gives its blades ample torque to cut through tough food items.
This is a continuous feed type unit, and it has a chamber capacity of 40 oz. It uses a 3 level multi-stage grinding system to make sure that even the hardest food wastes are ground to a pulp.
It also comes with Auto-Reverse technology and Jam Sensor. These technologies help the unit to work without jamming.
Performance-wise it is hard to beat this product. If you are looking for a high performing machine add this one to your list.
Noise levels
This one is the quietest garbage disposal on my list. It uses ‘SoundSeal technology’ which consists of Anti-vibration mount, anti-vibration tailpipe mount, Quiet Collar sink baffle, and Sound Limiter insulations. The layers of insulation around the motor keep its operation quiet while the anti-vibration sink mount and tailpipe dampens all other vibrations.
Build quality
InSinkErator Evolution Excel is a premium machine made of high-quality stainless steel components. Unlike most other garbage disposals in the market its grinding components, sink mount, grinding chamber and almost all other components are made of stainless steel. This prevents corrosion and adds to its durability.
Size and ease of installation
This garbage disposal unit is big in terms of chamber capacity, it has a capacity of 40oz. Despite this large size, this unit is compact in size with only a maximum height of 13″ and width of 12″. This means it can be installed even if the space availability under the sink is small.
It is very easy to install, it uses a Quick-Lock system so it is really easy to mount and dismount the unit. What I find disappointing is that it doesn’t come with a power cord, and connecting a new power cord may prove tricky to some people.
Price and warranty
This is a premium product with top of the line features, so it is not surprising if you see a premium price tag on this. In fact, this is the priciest garbage disposal on my whole list.
The Evolution Excel is covered under a 7-year warranty. This warranty also covers labor charges.
2. Waste King A1SPC Knight – A challenge to the best
A1SPC Knight is the Waste King’s answer to Evolution Excel. Read more to know why it is one of the best garbage disposals.
Pros
- Powerful motor (1 HP, 2700 RPM)
- Feature-rich
- Quiet operation
- Stylish design
- Premium product
- Lifetime warranty
- Premium but competitively priced
Cons
- It doesn’t have multiple-grinding stages, but that’s the only con.
Who is this suitable for?
The Waste King A1SPC Knight is suitable for:
- Anyone looking to own a premium kitchen sink disposal unit at a cheaper price
- Large households with 5+ people
- those looking for an ultra-quiet garbage disposal
Detailed Review
This garbage disposal is clearly made as a challenge to InSinkErator Evolution Excel. It is hard to decide which one is better but the Excel models come with a few more features the Knight doesn’t have. But then, this one is priced much lesser. So I will leave the decision to you.
Power, size, performance
The ‘Knight’ is powered by a 1 HP high-speed motor. This is a premium unit by Waste King. It uses a permanent magnet type motor that runs at 2800 RPM. Definitely, this power is more than enough for a regular household.
Unlike its competitor ‘Knight’ doesn’t have multiple grinding stages. Instead, Waste King assures that its high speed is enough to grind any food items thrown down it. They call it ‘One pass technology’.
Also, it doesn’t come with any particular anti-jamming features or auto-reverse. Waste King insists that’s not needed. Whatever technical jargon are used by the manufacturer, Waste King Knight has proved to be a reliable disposal machine. Its performance is on par with its main competitor.
Noise insulation
Thankfully Waste King finally decided to make a silent disposer. ‘Knight’ uses good sound insulations, they call it ‘Exclusive Silencer’ technology. But it is definitely not as silent as InSinkErator Excel.
One notable thing is that this product, unlike most Waste King models, comes with a 3-bolt mounting system. A 3-bolt system is less likely to create vibrations, so clearly, this is an attempt to make this garbage disposal as silent as possible.
Build quality
The build quality of this garbage disposal is on par with that of other top Waste King models. It uses stainless steel grinding components. However, its grinding chamber is not stainless steel but it is corrosion-proof.
Size and ease of installation
With a height of 15.9 inches, this garbage disposal unit is not exactly compact, it will definitely take a lot of space under the sink.
As mentioned before, the ‘Knight’ uses a 3-bolt mounting system. If you are replacing a garbage disposal unit that uses the same system all you need to do is twist and snap this one in place. If the installation is done for the first time it will take a few more additional minutes but that’s it.
It also comes with a preinstalled 36-inch long power cord, this makes it easy for anyone to get the disposal unit working within a few minutes.
Price and warranty
Waste King offers the longest warranties among all garbage disposal brands. The same is very true in the case of A1SPC Knight, because it is covered under a lifetime warranty!
This sink disposal unit has everything of a premium model, except the price! It is quiet, has a life long warranty so no one would expect it to be cheap, but it is!
3. Waste King L-8000
L-8000 is the 3rd best garbage disposal in my list.
Pros
- High-speed performance (1 HP, 2800 RPM)
- 20-year limited warranty
- EZ mount installation
- Affordable pricing
- Top-selling unit
- Pre-installed power cord
Cons
- premium features
Who is this best for?
Waste King L-8000 is suitable for anyone;
- who wants a reliable and popular but powerful garbage disposal unit at an affordable price
- with a large household consisting of 5+ people
- who wants a disposal unit with the best warranty
Detailed Review
Power, size, performance
It comes with a high speed, 1 HP motor that run at 2800 RPM. It is as powerful as the two garbage disposals mentioned above.
This is a continuous feed type unit. It doesn’t have any fancy features. Even so, this unit does what it is made for; grind. Its performance is pretty reliable and it is a worthy investment for a large kitchen.
Noise levels
Clearly, this is not a premium product, and so there is no significant noise reduction. But Waste King has modified this unit recently, and the new models are recognizably more silent than the older ones.
Build quality
This garbage disposal unit can be trusted to work for a lifetime without any issues. Its grinding components are made of stainless steel. The grinding chamber is made of corrosion-resistant glass-filled polymer. If you think its quality is not top-notch, just hear this; it comes with a 20-year warranty!
Size and ease of installation
This machine measures 16 inches in height and 8 1/2 inches across. So this is definitely not a compact model.
Like most other Waste King models this unit comes with an EZ mounting system that is easy to install. Since it comes with a pre-installed power cord it is pretty easy to complete the electrical side of the installation as well. It won’t take more than 30 minutes to get this disposal installed and running.
Price & warranty
The L-8000 comes with an incredibly long warranty. I already mentioned that above, but again; it comes with a 20-year limited warranty. If anything happens to your disposal within this time Waste King will repair it or replace it, all costs covered by them.
4. InSinkErator Evolution Essential
Evolution Essential is the best choice among the batch feed category.
Pros
- Best batch feed garbage disposal
- High performance with ¾ HP motor
- Quietest of all batch feed disposals
- Ample grinding chamber capacity (40 oz)
- Long term warranty of 6 years
- Modern and compact design
- Excellent build quality
- Premium product
- 3-bolt mounting system which reduces vibrations
Cons
- No power cord included
- Priced on the premium end, as expected for a premium product
Who is this best for?
InSinkErator Evolution Essential is recommended for those;
- looking for the best batch feed disposer
- with a medium to a large household (3+ people)
- preferring a quiet disposal
- looking for a feature-rich, top of the line, premium disposer
Detailed review
Power, size, performance
This is the only ‘batch feed type’ garbage disposal on my top 12 list. It has a 3/4 horsepower, 1725 RPM motor. This Dura-Drive induction motor is powerful enough to grind most food wastes you can expect from a household kitchen. Its chamber capacity is 40 oz, which is exactly the same as that of the Evolution Excel model. Though much similar in class with the Evolution Excel this unit uses a 2-stage grinding system instead of the superior 3-stage system.
Noise levels
This is the 2nd quietest garbage disposal on my list. Similar to the Evolution Excel this one uses Sound Seal technology and anti-vibration sink mount but it is slightly louder. I have a video here in this post that compares noise levels of some InSinkErator models, this will give you an idea about the difference in noise levels between these two models.
Build quality
‘Evolution Essential’ is yet another premium product which is made completely of Stainless Steel (I am not saying the splash guard is stainless steel, you get the idea). It is corrosion proof and the steel grinding components make this machine more durable than most others. This comes at par with the Evolution Excel in terms of build quality but this is a batch feed disposal, (and it is the best batch feed garbage disposal) if you are ever planning to buy a batch feed disposal definitely go for this.
Size and ease of installation
The InSinkErator Evolution Essential garbage disposal has the same chamber capacity as the Evolution Excel model (40 oz) but it comes with different outer dimensions; 14x10x13 inches. In terms of space, the overall height of this disposer is 14 inch which is 1” more than the previous model, so this is not as compact as the latter. But again this is a batch feed disposal, so if you are looking to buy one of that kind this is the best choice.
It has the standard ‘QuickLock’ system which allows you to easily connect the disposer with the sink mount. And as in every InSinkErator model, this one doesn’t come with a power cord.
Price and warranty
This is the only premium batch feed disposal on my list. So, definitely, don’t expect this to be cheap. But I should say this is worth the money considering all the excellent features it comes with.
The warranty offered InSinkErator is a six years in-home limited warranty. This includes house calls in case you have a problem that needs to be addressed by professionals.
5. InSinkErator Evolution Compact
Evolution Compact is the best garbage disposal for deep sinks.
Pros
- 3/4 HP, 1725 RPM
- Best compact disposal
- Reliable and efficient performance
- Quiet operation
- Multi-stage grinding system
- Excellent build quality
- Premium product
- The 3-bolt mounting system which reduces vibrations
- Affordable disposal with premium features
- 4-year warranty
Cons
- No power cord included
- I wish the warranty was a bit longer to assure the prospects of its reliability.
Who is this garbage disposal best for?
The InSinkErator Evolution Compact is suitable for those;
- looking for a powerful compact disposal unit(12.25″ height)
- with a medium to a large household (3+ people)
- who prefer a quiet disposal
- who want a premium, good looking and feature-rich disposal
Detailed Review
This is my kind of garbage disposal, not too pricey, has all the premium features, is compact and good looking too.
Power, size, performance
InSinkErator Evolution Compact garbage disposal is powered by a ¾ horsepower Dura-drive induction motor. It runs at a speed of 1725 RPM consuming around 3-4KWH per year on regular usage. It operates at 120V, 60 Hz but needs slightly more Amps 8.1A, which is more than those of the Waste King models listed here. This continuous feed type disposal unit can accommodate 34.6 ounces of food wastes at a time. The large size and continuous feeding allow you to get rid of more wastes in a short time.
Like its premium counterparts, this garbage disposal uses MultiGrind technology. In its case, it is a two-stage grinding system which includes a GrindShear Ring and Tri-action Lug System. This additional grinding stage helps to grind more solid food wastes, even small chicken bones.
Noise levels
The Evolution Compact garbage disposal has good noise insulation. It uses SoundSeal technology, which is the name of a standard technology InSinkErator use on all of their high-end models for noise reduction, to reduce any vibrations and sounds. One of its customers even claims his unit is so quiet that the sound of the water running to it is louder than the grinding noise.
One thing to note here is that the Evolution Compact is not as insulated as the Evolution Excel model which is the quietest of all. One reason is the comparably low powered motor. Since Evolution Compact uses only a ¾ hp motor the noise produced by it will be lesser than that by the 1HP motor of Evolution Excel. But in practice, you won’t find much difference. The reason I am highlighting this is that you don’t have to go for the Excel model solely because it is quieter.
Build quality
This disposer is a more economical, compact version of Evolution Essential in terms of build quality. All the grinding components and sink mount are made of Stainless Steel but the grinding chamber is made of high quality, corrosion-resistant plastic. A steel grinding chamber would have been better but still, this product is durable and lasts more years than many other economical versions. In terms of build quality, it is the 3rd best garbage disposal I came across during my whole selection process for this review.
Size and ease of installation
The Evolution Compact, as the name says, is a really compact unit made to fit in almost all kitchen sink spaces. But it also has ample chamber capacity to process large amounts of food wastes. The disposal has an overall height of 12.25 inches with an approximate width of 8.75”. Its installation is done via a 3-bolt mount. This allows for fast and easy installation especially when replacing other similar disposal units. Since no power cord is included with this garbage disposal, you will have to spend a little more time doing the wiring.
Price and warranty
This unit is covered under a warranty of 4 years. Despite having this disposal for the last 6 years without any complaints I wish its warranty is a tad longer because a longer warranty would give more confidence to buyers.
It is priced affordably though it comes with premium features. This is why it is no wonder that Evolution Compact is a favorite of many, including me.
6. Waste King L-3200 Legend Series – Best value for money
L-3200 is another good product from Waste King.
Pros
- Powerful high-speed motor with the best power per pound ratio. (3/4 HP, 2700 RPM)
- Reliable and efficient performance
- Decent noise insulation
- Simple design
- Excellent build quality
- EZ mounting system
- Priced cheap, totally worth every penny you spend.
- Power cord included
- Long 8-year warranty
- Removable splash guard
Cons
- Noisy than top-end models of competitors
Who is this apt for?
The Waste King L-3200 is the best choice for;
- Anyone looking for a powerful and reliable disposer at an affordable price
- those with medium to large households (3+ people)
Detailed Review
Let me show you why the L-3200 is one of the most selling disposals;
Power, size, performance
Waste King L-3200 Legend Series is powered by a ¾ HP high-speed motor capable of running it at 2700 RPM. The motor is ‘permanent magnet’ type and it operates at 115V, 60 Hertz, and 4.5amps. Its ¾ HP motor may not be the most powerful you find in a household garbage disposal but it produces the most power per pound.
This is a continuous feed type garbage disposal, you can add food wastes continuously while running it. This makes it easier to get rid of large quantities of food wastes in a short time.
In Waste King L-3200, food wastes undergo only a single stage of grinding. But since this is a high-speed disposal only that single stage is needed to convert any kind of food wastes to a pulp. This is one big fundamental difference between Waste King and InSinkErator brands, Waste King compensates for multi-stage grinding with a faster motor. Or maybe it is the other way around.
Noise insulation
Waste King disposals are NOT known for their quiet operation. In fact, most of the Waste King models do not attempt noise reduction, possibly to reduce costs. Among their models, L-3200 is the quietest one (other than ‘Knight’). Though not at par with the groundbreaking technologies used in top InSinkErator models this one is properly insulated and has rubber dampers on the mount to reduce any vibrations. It is not very quiet but it is quieter than many competitors including Waste king L-111, Moen GX50C or Badger 5 by InSinkErator.
Build quality
This is one of the most rugged garbage disposals. All its grinding components are made of Stainless Steel for better performance and durability. Its cutting chamber is made of glass-filled polyester, a kind of high-quality fiberglass material with good strength and hardness.
Size and ease of installation
L-3200 garbage disposal has a width of 7 ¾” and a height of 13 5/8”. This is also one of the biggest sized garbage disposals by Waste King. It uses EZ sink mount system that is very easy to install. (You can read more about Ez mount vs 3-bolt here). What I love about Waste King units is that they come with power cords. It also has a removable splash guard, so it is easier to clean.
Price and warranty
Waste King disposals are known for their cheap pricing and long term warranties. Compared to the topline InSinkErator models, this one is much cheaper. But when compared to other Waste King models this may be a bit pricier as well. Even so, it is worth every penny because of all the great advantages it has over the others. To top this up, it has an eight years in-home warranty. The fact that it has such an extended warranty period shows that it is a quality product. It also offers a lifetime corrosion warranty, and this is part of the reason why you should choose this product.
7. Moen GX50C GX Series
Moen GX50C is among the best garbage disposal units for many good reasons.
Pros
- High-speed motor with ½ hp power
- Decent noise insulation
- Eye candy design
- Built to last long
- 4-year in-home warranty
- Affordable pricing
- Pre-connected power cord
Cons
- The warranty could be longer
Who is this suitable for?
Moen GX50C is a good choice for those;
- Looking for an affordable and reliable disposer
- with a small to medium-sized household (1-4 people)
Detailed review
Power, size, performance
The GX50C by Moen is equipped with a 1/2 HP, 2600 RPM motor. This is a Vortex permanent magnet type motor, which is similar to those in Waste King disposals. Consuming only 4.5 amps it operates at 115V and 60Hz. Note that the Amps rating is less when a permanent magnet type motor is used.
This is a continuous feed type disposal.
Unlike InSinkErator’s top-end models, this disposal has only one grinding stage. But the lack of multiple grinding stages is compensated with the high cutting rate of the high-speed motor. This high-speed rotation also reduces jams.
Noise insulation
The GX50C uses SoundShield technology to shield the noise of the motor running. It is not as quiet as the top InSinkErator models or the L-3200 but it has decent noise insulation. Some customers mention regular noise and some compare it with Badger 5 in terms of running sound but I think it is more because people had higher expectations from such a beautifully designed product, not because it is actually noisy.
Build quality
Its build quality is similar to Waste King’s L-3200 garbage disposal but with better looks. The grinding components of GX50C are made of stainless steel which is durable against corrosion. Its grinding chamber is made of a high-quality polymer which is also corrosion-resistant. Overall this disposal is built well to boast of a long lifetime.
Size and ease of installation
The height of this garbage disposal is about 13-3/8” with a width of approximately 7 ½”. It is compact and fits perfectly. It uses a 3-bolt mount system. In addition, it uses ‘universal express mount’ technology that involves a simple twist and lock procedure (this is basically the quick-lock system of InSinkErator under another name). In addition, it comes with a fitted power cord so it is simply ‘plug and play’ once the installation is complete.
Price and warranty
The Moen GX50C is competitively priced. It has a four years limited warranty and comes with in-home services. If you are looking for a low-cost garbage disposal with good looks and good performance this is an ideal choice.
8. Waste King L-2600 Legend Series
L-2600 is the best choice under the 1/2 HP category.
Pros
- High-speed motor (1/2 HP, 2600 RPM)
- 5-year long warranty
- Good build quality
- EZ mount installation
- Pre-installed power cord
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- It lacks premium features; then again this is not a premium product.
- Not a heavy-duty disposal
Who is this disposal suitable for?
Waste King L-2600 is suitable for those;
- Looking for a reliable and affordable 1/2 hp disposal
- who have a small to medium-sized household (1-4 people)
Detailed Review
Power, size, performance
Made by Waste King, the L-2600 series runs on a 1/2 HP motor that delivers enough power for a normal household. Even with single-stage grinding its 2600 RPM high-speed motor easily grinds a continuous stream of any kind of disposal friendly food wastes within seconds. Its motor is ‘permanent magnet’ type which is standard across all Waste King disposals.
Noise levels
It has better noise insulation than the L-111 legend series. In this garbage disposal, Waste King provides insulation for the grinding components which succeed in reducing noise to a certain level. In my experience though, it makes the same level of sound as a Badger 5, its competitor.
Build quality
L-2600 is one of the most sold garbage disposals on Amazon and on other similar e-commerce platforms. It is a strong competitor to Moen GX50C at all levels. It is made of a premium quality material that makes it durable and long-lasting. Its grinding components are all stainless steel and the grinding chamber is glass-filled polyester. Its build quality is not as good as the L-3200 but it gets the job done without any problems.
Size and ease of installation
Waste King L-2600 has a width of 6.8” and a height of 13.5”. It is not that big and you will have no trouble installing in any under-sink spaces.
It uses EZ-mount system that makes the mounting easy. And it comes with a long, 36-inch power cord.
Price and warranty
This is a pocket-friendly garbage disposal, it is cheaper than the L-3200. It comes with a 5-year warranty, and also a lifelong corrosion warranty. That means if this disposal leaks, ever, you can get it replaced or repaired for free.
9. Waste King L-111 Legend Series
Pros
- 1/3 HP, 1900 RPM
- Low prices
- Good for a small household
- Pre-installed power cord
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Warranty could have been longer
Who is this for?
Waste King L-111 is suitable for anyone;
- looking for a cheap but reliable disposal
- with a small household (1-2 people)
Power, size, performance
It runs on a ‘Vortex’ powered permanent magnet type motor just like the one in L-3200 series but it has only 1/3 HP of power. This is one of the least powered garbage disposals which are useful for light, occasional uses. It operates at 115V, 60 Hz, and 4A and runs at 1900 RPM. This is a continuous feed type garbage disposal so you can feed wastes without waiting for the first batch grinding to be completed. Like all Waste King disposals, this one uses a single stage grinding. This may be the least powerful disposal from Waste King but this is pretty much enough for a small household.
Noise levels
L-111 is one of the cheapest garbage disposals. To make it affordable no measures are taken for noise reduction, but please note that I am comparing this with the rest of my 9 picks, this is not actually that noisy. Generally speaking, this is one of the quietest among low-end disposals. In the opinion of several customers, this disposer is quieter than their older units.
Build quality
During my review, I found that Waste King L-111 goes one step down in terms of build quality. Its grinding components are made of Galvanized Steel which is not as durable as its stainless steel counterpart. But the swivel impellers, which are used to smash food, are Stainless Steel. The grinding chamber, like the L-2600 and 3200 series, is made of corrosion-resistant glass-filled polyester.
Size and ease of installation
The dimensions of this product are 13.44” in height and 6.38” in width. This has the same chamber capacity as the L-2600 model but it is more compact. The difference is mostly due to the bigger motor the L-2600 has. The mounting system used is the EZ type, and it is very easy to install and does not require a lot of time.
Price and warranty
This garbage disposal is cheaper when compared to the rest of the Waste King products listed here. It also comes with a 2-year warranty, which is not bad considering its price.
10. InSinkErator Badger 5
Badger 5 is the most popular choice under the 1/2 HP category.
Pros
- 1/2 HP, 1725 RPM
- One of the most popular disposals
- Reliable and efficient for small households
- Affordable price
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- The warranty should have been longer
- Power cord needs to be bought separately
Who is this disposal suitable for?
InSinkErator Badger 5 is suitable for anyone;
- looking for a reliable and cheap 1/2 HP disposal
- with a small to medium household (1-4 people)
Detailed review
Power, size, performance
The Badger 5 series by InSinkErator has a power of ½ HP which is in the same league as the L-2600 model by Waste King. But this one runs at a slower speed, which is 1725 RPM. In fact, this is the standard running speed for all InSinkErator machines. It operates in 120V, 60Hz, and 6.3A. It is a single-stage machine with a chamber capacity of 26oz.
Noise levels
The Badger 5 is a quite popular sink disposer with hundreds of positive reviews on different online marketplaces. It doesn’t use any noise insulation but during my review, I found that it isn’t noisy like hell either.
Build quality
Badger 5 is InSinkErator’s answer to L-111 by Waste King. Both units match in popularity as well as build quality. Same as its competition the Badger 5 garbage disposal’s grinding components are made of Galvanized steel, the swivel lugs made of stainless steel and the cutting chamber of a corrosion-resistant polymer.
Size and ease of installation
The size measures a height of approximately 13” and a width of 7”. This is a smaller unit than all the above, and it has a chamber capacity of 26oz. It is installed using a 3-bolt mounting assembly just like all other InSinkErator units.
Price and warranty
This is an affordable garbage disposal. As compared to the rest of the disposers on our list, this is the most cost-effective. It also has a three-year part and in-home warranty.
11. KitchenAid KCDB250G
KitchenAid has many garbage disposal models but this is the most popular one among them.
Pros
- 1/2 HP, 1750 RPM
- Affordable
- Decent noise insulation
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Shorter warranty period compared to competing products in the same price range.
Who is this disposal suitable for?
This KitchenAid garbage disposal is suitable for anyone;
- with a small to medium household (1-4 people)
- looking for a low-cost solution.
Detailed Review
Power, size, performance
The KCDB250G series garbage disposal by KitchenAid has a ½ HP motor. It runs at an RPM of 1725 which is the same as that of the InSinkErator garbage disposals I reviewed above. I searched their product manual and some online stores to see how much amps it takes to work but couldn’t find that info anywhere. It definitely works at 115-120V and 60Hz but I have no idea how much electricity it requires. Like the Badger 5 series, this disposal is also a continuous feed type disposal with single-stage grinding.
Noise levels
It comes with some noise insulation. I should say it is as good as the Moen GX50C or maybe even better. The older units didn’t have noise insulation so the manufacturer added a sound insulator cover, and that does a good job too.
Build quality
Its components are made of high-quality stainless steel material. It has a shredder ring that is made of galvanized steel. The grinding wheel and chamber are also made of the same material.
Size and ease of installation
It has a compact design with a total height of 11 3/8” and a width of 6 5/8”. This one doesn’t come with a power cord so you will need to buy a new one or use that of the existing garbage disposal. It also has a simple mounting system, and the instructions are easy to follow giving you a smooth installation experience.
Price and warranty
It is cheap, even so, it has some very quality features that are impressive. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
12. General Electric GFC520V Garbage Disposal
This one is not as popular as the others in my list but it comes with so much good customer feedback so I am compelled to include this one in my list.
Pros
- 1/2 HP, 2800 RPM
- Cheap pricing
- Suitable for a small household
Cons
- Short warranty period
Who is this disposal most suitable for those?
This GE disposal is suitable for;
- wanting a cheap and reliable 1/2 HP disposal
- with a small to medium household (1-4 people)
Detailed review
Power, size, performance
GFC520V is powered by a 1/2 HP motor running at a speed of 2800 RPM. Its motor is a ‘permanent magnet’ type which reduces the electricity consumption to 4.5A. This appliance churns out enough power to grind most household food wastes. Its grinding chamber accommodates up to 27 ounces of food wastes. This garbage disposer uses only a single-stage grinding.
Noise levels
This GE product doesn’t have any insulation, but like the Badger 5, this too is not unbearably noisy.
Build quality
The grinding components of this garbage disposal are built with stainless steel to make it durable and resistant to corrosion. Its impellers are also made of stainless steel, and the grinding chamber is made of corrosion-resistant material.
Size and ease of installation
This product is not as big as the other garbage disposals I reviewed but it is large enough. It has a height of 12 11/16” and a width of 5 3/16”. It uses an EZ mount system for easy installation. Like the InSinkErator models, this one too doesn’t come with a power cord so you will have to do a bit of wiring as well.
Price and warranty
As far as price is concerned, this product is cheap, it is on par with the KitchenAid garbage disposal. Even so, this does not imply that it is substandard.
The warranty given for this product is a one-year limited replacement and another additional one-year limited parts warranty.
Conclusion
In the end, selecting a garbage disposal is a personal choice. What I think is the best may not be the best for you. My best list above will definitely reduce the amount of research you need to do but feel free to check my other reviews as well, or definitely use the disposal finder tool I created just for this.