6/7
If you’re looking for the best garbage disposals for a shallow sink, you’ll want to check out the InSinkErator Evolution Compact Garbage Disposal. The Dura-Drive induction motor is powerful in smaller sinks and offers enough power to tackle small bones. Plus, its space-saving design fits easily under the sink and is a great choice for small households, apartments or those with limited space. Additionally, it comes with a three-year warranty.
Pros
- Great space-saving design
- Easy to install
- 3-year warranty
- Powerful 3/4 HP motor
Cons
- Some buyers noted some issues with the rubber baffle
7/7
There’s plenty of bang for your buck with the InSinkErator Badger 5 Standard Series Garbage Disposal. This model has long-lasting galvanized steel components to ensure a dependable grind. The compact, space-saving design fits existing InSinkErator hardware for a quick and easy installation if it’s time to replace your older disposal. You may need a new power cord (sold separately), but buyers gave it high marks for this unit’s performance and value.
Pros
- Great value
- Easy to install
- 2-year warranty
- 1/2 HP motor
Cons
- Power cord sold separately
What to Consider When Buying a Garbage Disposal
When sorting through the best garbage disposals, you’ll want to consider a few things, including sink size, price, warranty, motor horsepower, and noise. As a note, residential garbage disposals typically offer between 1/2 to 1 horsepower. Also, some have added safety features and noise-reducing technology. You’ll want to consider how much room is under your sink, as some models take up less space than others.
Finally, consider how easy the unit is to install (if you plan on installing it yourself) and whether it’s hardwired or a corded model.
Types of Garbage Disposals
- Continuous feed garbage disposals will turn on and won’t stop turning until they are turned off. You can add food scraps while they are running.
- Batch feed garbage disposals run when a stopper is placed over the disposal opening and the switch is turned on. This is a great added layer of safety for those with small children in the home.
How We Found the Best Garbage Disposals
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What is the longest-lasting garbage disposal?
If you’re looking for a garbage disposal that will last a long time, look for those made with stainless steel. Stainless steel is not only resistant to rust, but is tough on food scraps.
How much horsepower do you need for a garbage disposal?
For most homes, a garbage disposal with 1/2 to 1 horsepower is plenty. If you’re an avid cook or plan to use your garbage disposal to get rid of tough scraps such as bones and pits, look for a unit with a horsepower of 3/4 to 1.
