Garbage Disposals: Expert and User Reviews

Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org tests 13 continuous-feed garbage disposals and two safer batch-feed garbage disposals for speed and fineness of grinding as well as noise level during operation. After grinding up beef ribs, potatoes, celery and other table scraps, editors recommend three continuous-feed garbage disposals and one batch-feed model.

Our AssessmentApproximately 25 models of garbage disposals have accumulated some owner-written reviews at Amazon.com. Some models get a good number of comments, so you can get an idea of what users think about installation, noise and performance. The Waste King Legend Series, which comes in 1/3 to 1 horsepower, maintains a very high rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from the most reviewers. The majority of the reviews are for the Legend 8000 and Legend 3300. Homeowners say they are quiet and easy to install as a replacement. The more expensive InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 Horsepower Disposer receives a similar rating from about 100 owners, who say the anti-vibration components really work. The InSinkErator Badger 5 and InSinkErator Badger 1 both have much lower ratings, primarily due to the housing becoming cracked.

Our AssessmentMembers can post opinions about types of garbage disposals or specific brands at this forum. This is a good place to find out what owners like about their garbage disposals and specific issues they might have. One topic that's discussed extensively is the pros and cons of continuous-feed vs. batch-feed garbage disposals. All of the postings are from 2008.

Our AssessmentHomeDepot.com sells several InSinkErator and Maytag garbage disposals. The InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control 3/4 Horsepower Disposer receives a nearly perfect average overall rating from about 15 owners, who agree it's easy to install and powerful but quiet. The InSinkErator Badger 5 receives a much lower rating from about 50 owners. The main complaint is cracks in the plastic housing.

Our AssessmentEditors provide information about the most popular brands of garbage disposals, including Waste King, InSinkErator, Whirlaway, KitchenAid, Viking and Sinkmaster. We give it a lower ranking because editors don't test or recommend specific models. This lengthy article also explains how to install, clean and repair a garbage disposal, so it's helpful as far as general information.

Our AssessmentMariette Mifflin selects five garbage disposals as "best picks" but no justification is given for choosing these models. She doesn't perform her own testing on the models selected in the article, so we give this review a lower ranking. The Waste King Legend 8000 1 Horsepower Disposer is the best garbage disposal overall, while the InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control 3/4 Horsepower Disposer is said to be best for a small space under the sink. The GE Disposall 1/2 Horsepower Disposer GFC530F is the best budget-priced garbage disposal, and she chooses the Waste King Legend 8000TC 1 Horsepower Disposer as the best batch-feed garbage disposal. The InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist 3/4 Horsepower Disposer is her pick for those with septic tanks.