Garbage Disposal Buying Guides

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Appliance Buyers Guide

Why Garbage Disposals Matter

Eco-Friendly Benefits: - Reduces food waste in landfills, curbing harmful methane emissions. - Supports wastewater plants using anaerobic digestion to create biofuel and fertilizer.

Convenience: - Quickly eliminates food scraps, odors, and critters from your home.

Impact: - EPA: Methane emissions from landfills in 2019 equaled emissions from 21.6M passenger vehicles annually.

Signs You Need a New Disposal

Leaking, louder grinding, slower performance, or frequent resets.
Try resetting via the small button on the bottom before replacing.

Types of Garbage Disposals

Continuous-Feed Models: - Pros: Convenient, runs while adding scraps, more affordable options. - Cons: Risk of injury or objects falling in; requires a switch.

Batch-Feed Models: - Pros: Safer, operates only when sealed; great for kitchen islands. - Cons: More expensive, limited options.

Horsepower and Power Needs

hp: For light use, vacation homes.
½ - ¾ hp: Adequate for most households.
1 hp: For daily, heavy-duty use (bones, tougher waste).
Ensure circuit breakers can handle the power draw and use GFCI breakers for safety.

Key Features to Consider

Power Cord: Some disposals don’t include this—check before buying.

Anti-Jamming: Auto-reverse mechanisms prevent food jams.

Stainless Steel: Resists corrosion for longer-lasting durability.

Quiet Operation: Sound insulation and anti-vibration tech minimize noise.

Multiple Grind Stages: Breaks down tough scraps for smoother operation.

Warranty: Ranges from 1-20 years depending on the brand and model.

Top Brands to Explore

InSinkErator: - Industry leader with multistage grinding tech on premium models. - Warranties: 1-10 years.

Waste King: - Budget-friendly, comes with power cords. Widely available. - Warranties: 2-20 years.

Moen: - Features like motion-activated lights and built-in power cords.

KitchenAid: - Known for multistage grind and sound-reduction features.

Joneca/WasteMaid: - Bio Shield tech prevents microbial growth inside units.

Tips Before You Buy

Check Your Plumbing: - Newer homes with PVC pipes are better equipped than older ones with cast iron.

Septic System Considerations: - Verify tank size and frequency of pumping.

Measure Under Sink Space: - Disposals range from 10-15 inches high and 5-13 inches wide.

Price Range: $50-$500
- Budget models = fewer features, shorter warranties.
- Premium models = stainless steel, quieter operation, longer warranties.

Enjoy making a waste-free and eco-friendly choice!