If you like to spend time cooking in the kitchen then you are aware of the food waste that can pile up on the counter top and fill your trash can. Taking the garbage out isn’t any fun and, if you’re like me, you’ve probably let that waste linger for at least a few days.
Left unattended, discarded food can start to rot and create some pretty atrocious smells.
Before I had a garbage disposal installed under my sink I found that just the thought of cleaning up after a cooking session made the whole experience less enjoyable!
One day, a friend of mine suggested I get a food waste disposer to make the cleanup process so much easier. She raved about the unit that she had installed and, let me tell you, I am so glad that she told me about these amazing little machines!
I went online to find my very own magical food waste eliminator that same day, but quickly discovered that there are so many products to choose from. At first, I wasn’t sure which unit I would go with but after several hours of research I settled on one of the fancier models manufactured by InSinkErator.
Since it took me so much time to learn about the different features I thought it might be of some help if I wrote about what I found. If you’re also a little confused about all the options available and want some extra guidance before making a purchase then saddle up cowgirl! because you’re about to learn way more than you ever thought possible.
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Top PickInSinkErator Evolution Excel Best Performer The InSinkErator Evolution Excel will set you back a few bucks, but if you want one of the most powerful and quietest disposers then it is well worth the dough. This unit can handle lots of food waste without waking up grandma. You know how she can be when she doesn’t get her nap! Click here for additional product details » |
InSinkErator Evolution Excel Garbage Disposal
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| POWER | 1 hp |
| CHAMBER | 40 oz. |
| SOUND | Ultra-Quiet |
| FEED | Continuous |
| WARRANTY | 7-Year Limited |
If you are looking for a premium food waste disposer that is capable of handling large quantities of debris without all of the noise of an entry-level unit then you should take a look at the Evolution Excel. This machine is one of the best in the industry and will make quick work of most residential demands. It comes with a 1 horsepower motor which is the most powerful in the Evolution product line and has a large 40 oz. grinding chamber. The incorporation of three grind stages enhances its ability to handle a broad range of food waste without spending a lot of time processing. You also benefit from the most advanced SoundSeal Technology making it one of the quietest units available and it comes with one of the longest warranties offered by InSinkErator at 7-years.
While the Excel is on the higher end of the price range for garbage disposals, I think it is a great machine if you favor the InSinkErator brand and you are willing to splurge for the additional features and functionality. If you would prefer to keep costs down, but still want a quality product with an equally powerful motor and sizable grinding chamber then you should take a look at the Waste King Legend 3200 (L-3200) or the Waste King Legend 8000 (L-8000) below. These models are far more affordable than the InSinkErator disposers, but do tend to be louder and have smaller chambers.
When is it time to consider getting a garbage disposal?
If you cook at home on a regular basis or have leftovers that you don’t like placing in the trash and prefer not to compost food scraps then you would likely benefit from a garbage disposal. A food waste disposer is typically installed below the kitchen sink and has a switch that can be flipped on whenever you have waste to get rid of.
A garbage disposal makes cooking more enjoyable because there are no scraps to deal with after you’re done. Most of these units contain a spinning plate that forces debris against an outer grind ring. This is done so that the food can be broken down into small enough pieces to pass through the sewage system.
Since the food waste is broken down into tiny particles it won’t clog your drains and because it passes into the sewage system there is no rotting waste smelling up your kitchen. Just remember, you should never put fats, grease, oils, or anything that isn’t food down your drains.
As you can see, there are many benefits to having a garbage disposal. If you do decide to purchase one of these units then you’ll want to have a general understanding of their components and features so that you can pick a unit that best fits your own unique needs.
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Budget-Friendly
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Waste King Legend Series L-111 Garbage Disposal
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| POWER | 1/3 hp |
| CHAMBER | 27.3 oz. |
| SOUND | Standard |
| FEED | Continuous |
| WARRANTY | 2-Year Limited |
The Waste King L-111 food waste disposer is the weakest unit manufactured for residential use. This isn’t a bad thing, it just means that it was designed for individuals living in a small home with only 1 or 2 people or in households where cooking is a rarity. If you do not intend to use the garbage disposal all that often and you want a very affordable unit then I would recommend taking a look at this machine. Like other Waste King models, it has an EZ mount construction that should make installation fairly easy. It is compact and lightweight which makes it ideal for kitchens with limited amounts of space.
The average household should probably pass on this unit in favor of one that has at least a 1/2 horsepower motor. The L-111 does do a great job for its size and price point, but it simply was not designed to handle the amount of food waste that most homes produce. That being said, this model does seem to work really well in smaller apartment buildings and might be the best option for you if you intend to live on your own for awhile.
Important features to think about before purchasing
Horsepower
The strength of the garbage disposal’s motor will usually fall within the range of 1/3 – 1 horsepower. This gives you a variety of options to choose from depending on your household size and the amount of home cooking that will be done.
If you live in an apartment or there are 2 or fewer people living in the home and you don’t plan on doing much cooking then you might want to select a unit that has a 1/3 – 1/2 horsepower motor. If there are 2 – 4 people living in your home or you intend to do an average amount of cooking then you should go with a 1/2 – 3/4 horsepower motor. If there are 4 or more people living in your home or you like to cook a lot then you will probably find a 3/4 – 1 horsepower disposer more satisfying.
Sound
If you’ve ever used a garbage disposal before then you know that they can be extremely loud. This might not be an issue for you if you live alone and don’t have neighbors living nearby, but the rest of us know how crazy and emotional some family members can become over noise. Fortunately, some companies like InSinkErator have created units that are insulated to reduce the amount of sound that is produced.
Granted, an insulated disposer will still create noise but the high-end models produce far less sound than the cheaper units that aren’t insulated. If sound pollution is something that gets under your skin or you happen to live with someone who enjoys their moment of zen when at home then you should probably go ahead and splurge on an insulated disposer.
Price
Garbage disposals will usually cost somewhere in the range of $50 – $375 depending on the size and the features included. Units with weaker motors, smaller grind chambers, and no insulation tend to be quite affordable. As the machines become more powerful and start to incorporate features such as multiple grind stages, sound insulation, more durable components, and longer warranties they understandably become more expensive.
Longevity
Most garbage disposals in the low to mid-price range contain galvanized steel grinding components while those that cost more contain stainless steel grind components. This is important because galvanized steel components have a coating that helps prevent corrosion, but they simply will not last as long as stainless steel components. If you want your disposer to last 10 or more years then you should probably choose one of the more expensive units that has the stainless steel grind chamber.
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Popular Pick
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InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| POWER | 1/2 hp |
| CHAMBER | 26 oz. |
| SOUND | Standard |
| FEED | Continuous |
| WARRANTY | 2-Year Limited |
The InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal is a widely used model that is manufactured by one of the top brands in the industry. If you are looking for an affordable disposer that works well in a small to medium sized home and that is likely to last for several years then you should definitely take a look at this option.
It is constructed with a 1/2 horsepower dura-drive induction motor with a manual reset overload. Galvanized steel has been used to increase the durability of the grinding units. It is a continuous feed model and has a 26 ounce chamber that is perfect for the average size home. In general, most homeowners will find installation to be straightforward, but should carefully review the owner’s manual before placing the unit.
You really cannot go wrong with this model. It does a great job of handling food waste as long as you do not plan on using it constantly or need to dispose of above average amounts of material. If noise is an issue then you would certainly want to consider upgrading to the evolution product line as this unit is not designed with InSinkErator’s SoundSeal technology. You would also want to upgrade to a different model if you live in a larger home or plan to dispose of a lot of food waste.
FAQ
Q. What is a garbage disposal used for?
A. A garbage disposal is a device installed below your kitchen sink that grinds food waste into small particles that are washed into your local sewage system or septic tank.
Q. How does a garbage disposal work?
A. Contrary to popular belief, a garbage disposal does not contain spinning blades that chop food waste into small particles. Instead, a garbage disposal contains a spinning plate that continuously forces waste against an outer grind ring that shreds the waste similar to how cheese is shredded. The grind ring does not move, but has sharp edges that break down the food into small particles that can travel through the waste water system.
Q. What can you put in a garbage disposal?
A. A good garbage disposal can handle most types of food waste including fruits, vegetables, meats, small bones, carry-out that you never got around to eating, furry creatures that have been growing in your fridge for months, and byproducts of food preparation. Although many people believe that eggshells and coffee grounds should not be put in a garbage disposal, it is fine to do so as long as it is done in small amounts and with a good amount of water flowing through the disposal.
Q. What not to put down a garbage disposal
A. While most food waste can go into the garbage disposal, there are a few types of waste that should never ever be put down the garbage disposal. These include fats, oils, grease, and anything that isn’t food.
Q. Where does the garbage disposal go?
A. The garbage disposal is most commonly installed below the kitchen sink. This is the most convenient place to discard food waste and allows for a direct connection to the waste water system.
Q. What size garbage disposal do I need?
A. A home that consists of only 1 – 2 people where little cooking is done will do just fine with a disposal that has only a 1/3 horsepower motor. A household of 2 – 4 people where little cooking is done tends to do well with a food waste disposer that has at least a 1/2 horsepower motor. If a family of 2 – 4 people does a lot of cooking then the homeowner should consider installing a unit that has a 3/4 horsepower motor. Homes with more than 4 people where a lot of cooking is done should have a machine that has a 1 horsepower motor.
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Popular Pick
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Waste King Legend 8000 Garbage Disposal
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| POWER | 1 hp |
| CHAMBER | 32 oz. |
| SOUND | Insulated |
| FEED | Continuous |
| WARRANTY | Lifetime Limited |
The Legend 8000 is the most powerful food waste disposer that Waste King manufactures for residential use. It is similar to the InSinkErator Excel in that it has a 1 horsepower motor and is designed to be quieter than other models. However, it does have a smaller grinding chamber. It is significantly cheaper than the Excel and might be the best option if you are looking to purchase a powerful unit on a tighter budget. Like other Waste King products, the Legend 8000 contains a permanent magnet motor as well as stainless steel grind elements. Unlike other models, it is insulated to reduce the amount of noise produced. If sound is an issue for you then you may want to fork over the extra cash for this unit.
I think this machine does a great job at a very reasonable price and it comes with a lifetime limited warranty in case you encounter any issues along the way. Some people say that the warranty may be reduced to 20 years so you should definitely review the owner’s manual and all other documentation that comes with your purchase. These should also outline any exclusions that exist so that you have a clear understanding of what is and is not covered.
Q. How to install a garbage disposal
A. As with any appliance or home device, it is very important to read the manufacturer’s installation guide and carefully follow the steps that are provided. The general steps listed here should not be used as a replacement for those outlined in the owner’s manual.
In order to install most garbage disposals, you will need to first make sure the electrical circuit for the disposer is turned off. If you are replacing an old unit, you will need to make sure it is unplugged before disconnecting the dishwasher hose and drain tap. After the dishwasher hose and drain tap have been disconnected, you should be able to rotate the old disposal and remove it from the sink mount. You should now be ready to install the new garbage disposal.
If you are connecting the new unit to a dishwasher then you will need to remove the dishwasher plug from the new unit. The disposer can then be aligned with the mounting assembly and the mounting ring can be locked into place. Once the new disposal unit is securely attached to the mounting assembly, you will need to align and reconnect the discharge tube with the drain tap and connect the dishwasher discharge pipe. The power cord can then be plugged in and the electrical circuit turned back on.
Before operating the new disposer, it is always a good idea to run some water through it in order to check the plumbing for any leaks. If you are installing the garbage disposal on a sink where there has not been one previously then you will need to install the mounting assembly. You may also wish to replace the mounting assembly of an old unit with the new assembly. The owner’s manual should provide the details for installing a new or replacing an old mounting assembly. Again, it is very important to review and carefully follow the steps outlined in the owner’s manual. InSinkErator has also created both a replacement and a new installation video that may prove useful.
A. Let’s face it some of the worst smells in the kitchen come from around the sink where the most food waste lives. In order to keep your kitchen smelling fresh, you will definitely need to clean your garbage disposal from time to time. Fortunately, it isn’t as difficult as you might think. One of the best ways to clean the disposer and eliminate any offensive smells is to grind some citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons. Simply cut the fruit into wedges and grind them one at a time with a healthy dose of cold water. You should also make sure that you remove and clean the baffle since nasty food particles will often accumulate there over time. One additional tip is to mix some baking soda with some water in your sink and then run the disposer as the sink drains. It’s also worth reviewing your owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer has included any recommendations.
Q. How long should a garbage disposal last?
A. There is no easy answer as to how long your garbage disposer will last, but most of the major manufacturers offer at least a 2 – 7 year warranty depending on the model you purchase. It seems safe to assume that most units will last at least 4 – 5 years, but many people find that they do not need to replace or repair the unit for 10 or more years. You should certainly check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to find out the average lifespan for the garbage disposal you are considering.
Q. How do you fix a garbage disposal?
A. That would be difficult to answer without knowing what kind of problem you are having with the unit. Your best bet is to look through the troubleshooting section of the owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer has included a fix for the problem. You may also want to search online or on YouTube to see if anyone has posted information about a fix. If you still cannot come up with a solution or are unable to resolve the issue then you will want to consider contacting the manufacturer directly.
Q. How to remove a garbage disposal
A. Removing a garbage disposal is usually a straightforward task that includes turning off the electrical circuit, disconnecting the dishwasher hose and drain tap, and uncoupling the disposer from the mounting assembly. You may or may not want to remove the mounting assembly depending on whether or not you are planning to install a newer garbage disposal. The video links in the installation section above often prove to be helpful and you should be certain to check the owner’s manual for additional details.
Q. How to replace a garbage disposal
A. Replacing a garbage disposal is simply a matter of removing the old unit and installing the new one. Please see the removal and installation sections above for greater detail. As with any appliance or device, you should be sure to review the owner’s manual and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help you properly replace your old disposer and hopefully avoid any issues.
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Popular Pick
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Waste King Legend Series L-2600 Garbage Disposal
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| POWER | 1/2 hp |
| CHAMBER | 27.3 oz. |
| SOUND | Standard |
| FEED | Continuous |
| WARRANTY | 5-Year Limited |
The Waste King Legend 2600 garbage disposal is a very popular alternative to the InSinkErator Badger 5 model. It is about 20 – 25% cheaper than the Badger 5 and also does a great job of processing food waste for a small to medium sized household. The significantly lower price point coupled with a much longer limited warranty makes this unit a highly appealing option for those who are on a budget or who are not brand loyal.
It also has a 1/2 horsepower permanent magnet motor that is supposed to reduce the number of jams. It is constructed with stainless steel grinding elements and comes with the power cord pre-installed. This is a noteworthy difference to the Badger 5 as it does not come with the power cord. It is also a continuous feed disposer with a 27.3 ounce grinding chamber. The installation should be fairly simple although you will need to change the mounting assembly if you are converting from a Badger 5 unit.
The Legend 2600 is a great option for homeowners who want to save a little money, but still have a unit that will get the job done and last for several years. The motor on this model works well for the average sized home, but if you have a larger family or plan on cooking more than most then you might consider purchasing one of the larger Waste King units. They manufacture several different models including the batch feed options that may be more appropriate for your own unique situation.
Q. How to reset garbage disposal
A. If your garbage disposal has stopped running you might be able to get it going again by resetting it. After you have checked to make sure the switch is in the off position, look on the bottom of the disposer for a red button. Simply push this button in and check to see if it stays in. If the red button stays in then you should be able to run some cold water and begin using the unit again. If the red button does not stay in after a couple of attempts then you should consider contacting the manufacturer or supplier to see if the garbage disposal can be repaired or replaced.
Q. What is the best garbage disposal brand?
A. There are a half dozen or so companies that manufacture and sell a wide range of both consumer and commercial garbage disposals. Some of the garbage disposals you will see are sold by large companies that you probably recognize such as GE, KitchenAid, and Whirlpool while others are sold by lesser known companies such as InSinkErator, Waste King, and Moen. InSinkErator and Waste King are the most popular options, but many people report positive results with the other brands as well. If we were to favor one brand over the others it would be InSinkErator.
Q. Which is the best rated garbage disposal?
A. For most small to medium sized households an InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposal will likely satisfy. This model is the middle unit in the Badger product line and is one of the more affordable options. If you are looking for a unit that gets the job done and you aren’t concerned about having the quietist or the most powerful disposer on the market then we would recommend taking a look. If you are looking for a more powerful unit and don’t care about the noise then you can simply upgrade to the top end Badger model known as the 5XP. If you want a quieter disposer then we would suggest taking a look at the InSinkErator Evolution product line.
Additional Garbage Disposal Reviews
3/4 Horsepower Units
The average sized household tends to do just fine with a 1/2 horsepower garbage disposal, but the 3/4 hp models might be a better option for those who like to cook more often. The additional power will make it easier to process the extra food waste and these products tend to be cheaper than the 1 hp disposers.
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Moderate to Active Kitchen
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InSinkErator Badger 5XP Garbage Disposal
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| POWER | 3/4 hp |
| CHAMBER | 26 oz. |
| SOUND | Standard |
| FEED | Continuous |
| WARRANTY | 3-Year Limited |
The InSinkErator Badger 5XP garbage disposal is a step higher than the Badger 5 on the upgrade ladder. The main difference is the size of the motor. The 3/4 horsepower motor included with the 5XP makes it the more appropriate option for a larger home or for individuals who plan to produce an above average amount of food waste. If this is you then I would recommend skipping over the other Badger models in favor of the 5XP. You might also decide to go this route if you simply want to give yourself some room to be flexible with your cooking routine and do not mind spending a bit more money.
In addition to a larger motor, the Badger 5XP has a slightly longer limited warranty. This could come in handy if you encounter any issues with the unit early on. As before, if you want a larger grinding chamber or a quieter machine then you will need to take a look at the InSinkErator Evolution product line as those are the disposers that have the SoundSeal technology built-in albeit at significantly more expense. These include Compact, Essential XTR, Cover Control Plus, Septic Assist, and Excel models.
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Moderate to Active Kitchen
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Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| POWER | 3/4 hp |
| CHAMBER | 30 oz. |
| SOUND | Standard |
| FEED | Continuous |
| WARRANTY | 8-Year Limited |
The Waste King Legend 3200 food waste disposer serves as a great alternative to the InSinkErator Badger 5XP as well as the Essential XTR. If you are on a budget then you should consider going this route since the L-3200 has the same size motor as the 5XP and Essential XTR which means it should work well in medium to large households and in kitchens where an above average amount of cooking is done. As with other Waste King units it is constructed with a permanent magnet motor and an EZ mount twist-and-lock assembly that makes installation simple.
The L-3200 does a great job of processing food waste and does not break the bank. Its stainless steel components do seem to be quite durable and with an 8-Year limited in-home warranty you have a little more time to deal with any issues that might arise than you would with an InSinkErator product. If noise is an issue for you and you are willing to spend a little more for a quieter machine then I would recommend taking a look at the Waste King L-8000 below.
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Moderate to Active KitchenInSinkErator Essential XTR Average Size Household The InSinkErator Essential XTR is unlike the other two 3/4 hp disposers above because it has the SoundSeal technology that makes it quieter. This is a great machine if you want something more powerful than the 1/2 hp products and you prefer that it makes less noise than standard disposers. Click here for additional product details » |
InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR Garbage Disposal
| PRODUCT SPECS | |
|---|---|
| POWER | 3/4 hp |
| CHAMBER | 34.6 oz. |
| SOUND | Quiet |
| FEED | Continuous |
| WARRANTY | 6-Year Limited |
The Essential XTR food waste disposer is actually the 2nd rung on the Evolution product line upgrade ladder after the Compact model, but I feel like it is the better choice if you care about the amount of noise that the unit produces. The XTR and the Compact are essentially the same machine except for the fact that the XTR is designed to be much quieter and comes with a 6-Year warranty rather than the 4-Year warranty that comes with the Compact. It is primarily these two differences that compel me to just skip over the Compact and fork over the extra cash for the XTR. You might feel differently if you are on a budget.
There are big differences between the garbage disposals in the Evolution product line and those reviewed above. For starters the motor is 3/4 horsepower rather than 1/2 and the grinding chamber is larger at 34.6 oz. compared to the 26 – 27.3 oz. models above. In addition, the Evolution disposers include SoundSeal Technology which has been engineered to make them quieter than entry-level models. As you move up the upgrade ladder you will also benefit from a progressively longer warranty.
The Essential XTR could be considered the entry-level disposer for medium to large households and homes where a lot of cooking happens. The higher powered motor along with the larger chamber really will improve your experience with the unit and make you a much happier homeowner. If noise is a big issue for you or you want the largest grinding chamber available then you should consider upgrading to the Excel; otherwise, I think you will be quite content with the XTR. If you are on a budget and do not have extra cash for the XTR then I would recommend the Compact model.