Garbage Disposals: Reviews

Updated March 2011

Garbage disposals are a green addition to your home, allowing you to grind food waste instead of sending it to a landfill. Models differ mainly in power and ease of installation. We compared expert evaluations in review magazines to large numbers of user ratings to find models that stand out.

Waste King Legend 8000 1 Horsepower Disposer

Best garbage disposal

*Est. $150

Estimated Price

Reviewers and owners alike say the 2,800-rpm motor on the Waste King Legend 8000 is powerful enough to grind everything quickly and finely, from hard meat bones to stringy vegetables. Experts say it's not the quietest continuous-feed garbage disposal, but owners are generally happy with the noise level. The Legend 8000's EZ Mount hardware and attached power cord make it easy to install (assuming your home already has the necessary outlet and wall switch). Owners say it's important to be aware of the large under-sink space this 18-inch-tall unit requires. With a stainless-steel grinding components and a corrosion-resistant grinding chamber, the Waste King Legend 8000 carries a lifetime warranty, which covers in-home service and replacement.

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Waste King Legend 2600 1/2 Horsepower Disposer

Budget garbage disposal

*Est. $75

Estimated Price

If your kitchen doesn't need a heavy-duty disposer, the Waste King Legend 2600 1/2 Horsepower Disposer has many of the same quality features as the pricier Legend 8000 garbage disposal (*Est. $150), like stainless-steel grinding components, the EZ Mount system (for easy installation) and attached power cord. At 13.4 inches tall, it‘s a more compact disposer for those with limited under-sink space. Owners say installation is straightforward, and the 2,600-rpm motor quickly grinds food scraps. This disposer carries a lifetime warranty against corrosion, but the in-home warranty against defects is limited to five years.

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InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control 3/4 Horsepower Disposer

Safer batch-feed garbage disposal

*Est. $250

Estimated Price

Experts describe the InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control as powerful yet quieter than most other garbage disposals. Because this batch-feed model only operates after placing a magnetic cover over the drain hole, fingers can't get caught in the blades and objects are less likely to cause a jam. What's more, there's no wiring required for a wall switch. This garbage disposal's stainless-steel grinding chamber and components resist corrosion, and the InSinkErator's seven-year warranty covers in-home service. Owners posting user reviews appreciate the compact size and say the Quick-Lock Sink Mount is a breeze to install. If you have an outlet under your sink, this garbage disposal's power cord must be purchased separately.

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