Garbage disposals can be a huge time in the kitchen, from making cleaning dishes easy (no more standing over the trash to scrape your plate), to avoiding the dreaded clogged pipes that come from food accidentally falling down the drain.
While most new build homes now come with garbage disposals built into their sinks, owners of older homes must add disposals themselves. This can be a costly venture, but we’ve found three great garbage disposals that are easy to install and can tackle just about any food scraps you throw down them.
Like any garbage disposal, it’s recommended to never put bones or non-food items in the units. Garbage disposals are meant to get rid of small food scraps, like the food left on a plate after a typical meal. When it comes to cleaning a garbage disposal, using a small amount of dish soap and running it through the disposal is the easiest method, we also recommend cutting up small pieces of lemon wedges and placing them in the disposal for a clean, citrus scent.
Garbage disposal units have come a long way. Water and energy usage from garbage disposal units are negligible, accounting for approximately 1 percent of a household’s daily water use. A great step towards conservation, garbage disposals are affordable, helpful, and as you’ll see with our three models below, easier than ever to add to any home.
1. Moen GXP50C GX PRO Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
For a disposal that is compact and powerful, try the Moen GXP50C GX PRO Series 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal. The Moen has an easy-to-install universal express mount that fits all Moen and most mounting assemblies that use three bolts. Designed with a vortex motor, the Moen has a 1/2 hp high-speed permanent-magnet motor that quickly grinds most food scraps. A sound shield helps to reduce noise and a power cord is already included, saving users time. The Moen comes with a sink flange and a polished stainless drain stopper. It’s also safe to use with appropriately sized septic tanks.
Pros: The Moen boasts a 2,600-rpm motor, which reduces the occurrence of jams and finely grinds food.
Cons: Even with the SoundShield, the Moen is still fairly loud.
2. GE GFC525V .5 Horsepower Continuous Feed Disposal
Grind food quickly and efficiently with the GE GFC525V .5 Horsepower Continuous Feed Disposal. The GE is easy to install even in tight spaces thanks to its compact design and EZ-mount installation, which includes fewer parts than most disposals. A splash guard and stopper are included to keep the area above and under the sink areas clean and clear. Stainless steel blades will last for years, easily grind food and have an anti-jam design. The large capacity galvanized steel turntable makes it possible to grind even large food items. Drain Boost technology keeps the pathway through the main drain clear to ensure water can easily move through pipes without getting clogged.
Pros: The GE boasts a heavy duty permanent magnet motor with 2,800 rpm grinding action, the highest of all the models on our list.
Cons: The GE is noisy and the rubber gasket that is used to ensure utensils don’t fall down the disposal can sometimes slow the flow of water.
3. Waste King L-111 Garbage Disposal
For an affordable, lightweight and compact disposal that is ideal for apartments or small homes, try the Waste King L-111 Garbage Disposal. The L-111 has a 1,900 rpm permanent magnet motor that is designed to reduce the occurrences of jams. The L-111 can be turned on using a wall switch and connects to a 1.5-inch drainpipe. A splash guard is also included to help to cut down on cleaning.
Pros: The L-111 has an EZ-mount design that allows users to quickly install the unit. The L-111 comes with a pre-installed power cord and no electrical work is required.
Cons: The L-111 is designed for light use in homes with one to two people and isn’t appropriate for users who want to be able to put meat, fish or large pieces of food down their disposal.