Just think of what could happen after serving dinner to several friends and having a lot of food remains spilled all over your sink and kitchen as you wash the dishes. This sounds really bad! It is a big mess and a hustle to tidy up your kitchen, as you will have to take hours before you attain neatness. Also, the food remains might block the pipes, and you will again be required to call a plumber to fix it before you proceed. But there is no need to worry anymore as the best garbage disposal will do a good job for you by breaking down the food remains into small particles that smoothly pass through the pipes. With garbage disposal in your kitchen, you can greatly avoid this mess and keep it free from odors and other food waste.
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How to Select the Best Garbage Disposal?
The only challenge comes when picking the quality garbage disposal for your kitchen needs. There are several notable brands and models to pick from. They vary in size, horsepower, capacity, and performance. In this detailed review and guide, we proudly make your work easier by discussing all the tips, features, factors, and things you need to know before acquiring the best garbage disposal for your kitchen needs.
Summary of Contents
What size garbage disposal do I need?
Size – know what size is ideal for your kitchen. Is it too small or too large? In addition, understand if the garbage disposal you’re buying will handle all your waste. Does it take time to clear up the food remains, or does it take up less time? Know exactly what volume of waste it can handle to get the right one.
Garbage disposal with a septic tank!
Septic tank compatible – are you using a septic system? Before you purchase disposal, know if it is compatible and safe to use with your septic system. If not, don’t buy it and look for another model that is compatible.
Related: Do you want to keep neat & clean of your house? Then vacuum cleaner is the best solution for you.
Most quiet garbage disposal?
Quiet functioning – most of people prefer disposals that are quiet or with low vibration. These operate soundly without disturbing your sleeping baby or neighbor across. The noise and vibrations occur when the grinder starts to function. If it’s made with soundproof material, it will be quiet enough. Ensure your garbage disposal is quite enough for a smooth and fun operation.
Easy install garbage disposal
Installation – A good garbage disposal should be easy and quick to install. Since every new disposal comes with a manual, you shouldn’t think it’s hard to install as you can do it easily without the assistance of a plumber. Take your time and follow step-by-step to properly install it.
Most powerful garbage disposal?
Durability – you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of cash on a machine that won’t serve you long enough. Look for a disposal that is very durable and excellently constructed. One of the features to check for durability are its corrosion-resistant ability. Look for garbage disposal made of stainless steel chamber and grinding components as steel is rust-free. Another feature to look for is the jam sensor and auto-reverse grinding technology.
Best budget garbage disposal?
Budget – you can go for a lowly priced garbage disposal device and expect it to perform exceptionally in your kitchen. The disposal devices come at a bit higher cost but perform well in smashing the foods or waste in your kitchen. Work with an average budget to get good disposal.
Features of the best garbage disposal
Garbage disposal horsepower recommendation
Horsepower ratings- Consider acquiring disposal with high horsepower ratings. This will enable your device to handle both the hard stuff like bones and the soft ones too with much ease. Garbage disposals have horsepower that ranges from ½HP, ¾ Hp, and 1Hp which is the most powerful. Also, the horsepower will determine how fast you can smash the waste in your device.
Stainless steel garbage disposal
Stainless steel grinding chamber- Greatly regard using garbage disposals with stainless steel grinding chamber. This is because they are very durable and long-lasting. They are also corrosion-resistant and most of today’s disposals come with this feature.
Garbage disposal electrical cord
Electric cord- Choose a disposal that has an electric cord so that you can easily connect it to a power outlet. If the device doesn’t have an electric cord, you will be required to fix a hard-wired which might be a bit costly to you. Have this in mind as you look for your next garbage disposal.
Auto-reverse garbage disposal
Auto-reverse mode- One of the very common problems that garbage disposals undergo is the jamming of garbage inside. Look for a device with blades that can spin in reverse to clear any jammed waste. This feature as well as boosts the longevity of the unit.
Garbage disposal mount
Quick neck mount- Most o the garbage disposals come with a quick neck mount which doesn’t need much help for installation. But if you’re acquiring a ¾ HP or 1HP, these tend to weigh too much and require two people to install it properly.
Garbage disposal warranty
Warranty- Not all products come with a warranty. But when buying the best garbage disposal, consider choosing one with a warranty of more than 1 year. Some offer a warranty of more than 2 years and just shows how confident the manufacturer is confident with their product.
Different types of garbage disposals
There are only two types of garbage disposals in the market and they include:
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Batch feed garbage disposal
The batch model needs you to fill it with food and waste. When it is completely full, you are required to turn down the stopper so that you can activate the blades. This model is regarded as the safest for families that have kids. Some of its shortcomings include; takes a lot of time to execute the work, and it’s a bit expensive.
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Continuous feed garbage disposal
This is considered simple to use since you can add waste while it’s in operation. It is very good if you have a lot of waste and it’s also less expensive when compared to the batch feed model. The only shortcoming is that it requires running of cold water as it operates which will lead to a higher water bill.
What do you need to know before purchasing garbage disposal?
- Find out if it’s appropriate to use a garbage disposal in your area. This applies to those who use a municipal sewer system.
- Do you think it’s worth paying some extra water bills to properly get rid of your food waste?
- What’s the size of your septic tank? Is it big enough to handle the load that the garbage disposal will release?
- How efficient is your plumber? Does it clog now and then? If so, you shouldn’t add more waste to the pipes as it will continue to clog.
What are the best Garbage disposal brands?
As you start your journey of searching for quality disposal, identify the best and reputable brands that have been highly recommended by many. Below are some of the top brands from which you can choose your next garbage disposal.
- Waste King – this is a US-based company that focuses on providing energy-efficient and quality garbage disposals. They offer both residential and commercial garbage disposers and have some of the best warranties in the market.
- InSinkErator – since 1927, the company has been known for creating top-quality and well designed garbage disposers. They have a wide range of models and series to pick from.
- Kitchen Aid – this brand is famously known for creating brands that excellently fit in your kitchen. The garbage disposers that they make are meant for both residential and commercial purposes.
- General Electric (GE) – constructed in New York, USA, the GE brand is one of the best when it comes to creating durable and powerful motor garbage disposers. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty and powerful device, the GE brand is the best.
Our Recommend Top 5 Best Garbage Disposal Reviews
After 100 hours of research, we have selected a high-quality best garbage disposal list:
Best Quiet garbage disposal – Waste King disposal reviews (Our top pick)
Waste King is one of the best brands. The waste king L 8000 garbage disposal is one of the best-performing devices in terms of power and efficiency. It comes packed with features that will leave your kitchen clean by smashing all the waste into the pipes easily. It operates on a high-speed and energy-efficient 2800 RPM vortex permanent magnetic motor. With the 1 HP, this garbage disposer will grind anything that you place inside it very well. It is the best garbage disposal in 2022.
In addition, it has stainless steel swivel impellers that hugely reduce the jamming of the waste. It also comes with a sound-insulated feature that minimizes noise and vibration during operation. A splash guard can be easily removed to clean the device. With lifetime mechanical and corrosion warranties, expect the best when you purchase this garbage disposer.
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Key features:
- Insulated stainless steel.
- High speed motor.
- Stainless steel swivel.
- Removable splash guard.
- L8000 grinding chamber.
Pros:
- Built to last long with the stainless steel.
- Operates excellently with the high speed motor.
- Very easy to install.
- It is very quiet with the insulated stainless steel.
Best waste disposal – Insinkerator garbage disposal reviews
InSinkErator Badger 5 is a quality garbage disposer that every kitchen should have. This device is very simple to install once you purchase it and comes with some excellent features that will dispose waste easily. Made from one of the top brands, the Badger 5 is durably made with stainless steel to last long. It has ½ horsepower which is just suitable for crushing many wastes. It is the best garbage disposal for the money.
It as well has a one stage grinding technology that includes a grindshear ring that makes the hard to grind foods easy to crush. Other additional features that it comes with are; jam buster wrench, quick lock sink mount, stopper, and tailpipe with its gasket. Also, manufacturer offers 2 year in-home limited warranty.
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Key features:
- ½ HP dura drive induction motor.
- Has a grind chamber with galvanized steel grind system.
- One-stage grind.
- Stainless steel construction.
Pros:
- Has a quiet operating system for lesser noise and vibrations.
- Durably made to last longer.
- Easy to install as it doesn’t need a plumber.
- Offers limited 2 year in-home warranty.
Highest rated garbage disposal – Waste king 2600 review
Waste king legend L 2600 series is just one of the many outstanding models that Waste king have. This model is durably constructed to excellently perform in your kitchen as it gets rid of all the waste. It has a ½ HP which is strong and will crush even the hard foods. It as well comprises of sound insulated materials that reduces vibration and noise levels when grinding. The Waste King has a splash guard that is removable and makes washing this machine to be very easy and extra fast. If you need top rated best garbage disposal, then buy this.
Furthermore, it has stainless steel swivel impellers which reduce jamming of waste in the unit. In addition to this, the device itself is a continuous feed and allows you to add waste as it performs. With a 5 year warranty on mechanical and a lifetime warranty on corrosion, expect this Waste king 2600 to serve the entire family.
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Key features:
- High speed motor.
- Stainless steel construction.
- Removable splash guard.
- Compact design.
- Stainless steel swivel.
Pros:
- Its excellently insulated to minimize noise and vibrations.
- Is easy to clean with the removable splash guard.
- It has a powerful motor with high speed of 2600 RPM.
- It is extremely easy to set up.
- Comes with a 5 year mechanical warranty and a lifetime corrosion warranty.
Best home garbage disposal – Insinkerator evolution compact review
The InkSinkErator evolution garbage disposer performs well for both commercial and residential uses. It comes with a soundseal technology to heavily reduce the noise and vibration levels as you grind your waste. This device is very powerful with the ¾ HP motor and will do the job within a short time. It has a quick sink mount for easy installation and thus you won’t need the services of a plumber. It is the best garbage disposal for home use.
The multi-grin technology that it has is for grinding all types of waste be it hard or soft to finer and smoother particles. It comes with other features which include; jam buster wrench, anti-vibration tailpipe mount, and quick lock sink mount in the box. Also, you are awarded a 4 year in-house warranty on purchase.
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Key features:
- ¾ HP.
- Soundseal technology.
- Multi-grind technology.
- Anti-vibration quick sink mount.
- Stainless steel parts.
Pros:
- This garbage disposer is easy to install.
- Comes with insulation features to lower noise and vibration levels.
- It has a very powerful ¾ Hp to grind any kind of hard waste.
- Offers 4 ears in-home warranty.
Best food disposal – GE garbage disposal reviews
General electric brand is among the best brands in the market. They create very powerful and highly efficient garbage disposers. This comes packed with feature that enable it be extremely efficient and very durable. It has a stainless steel jam resistant dual swivel impellers to remove all the grinded waste form the unit. It the best garbage disposal for efficient disposers.
This GE GF520V model is a large-capacity garbage disposer and can handle many wastes at the same time. It is easy to install and comes with a removable splashguard for easy installation. Other great features are; wall switch with a sink stopper, 2 level precutter, a dishwasher drain connector, and a standard sound insulation package, to just name but a few.
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Key features:
- ½ HP.
- Galvanized steel turntable.
- Stainless steel dual swivel.
- Anti-jamming grinding blades.
- Removable splash guard.
Pros:
- The garbage disposer is easy to install.
- Has a large capacity to handle a lot of waste.
- It is a continuous feed can handle may waste at the same time.
- Has a stainless steel jam resistant feature to ensure all the waste is transported after grinding.
- Has an excellent design that can easily fit under your sink.
How To Install a Garbage Disposal?
Is it your first time installing a garbage disposal or you’re experienced in this area? Whatever the case, setting up new garbage disposal isn’t a challenging thing if you follow the instructions that we are about to set out as follows:
Step 1: Switch off power and take out drain lines
Check under the sink and see whether the disposal system will fit. Then, switch off power. Take out drain lines and place a rag in the main drain to prevent leakage. After that, loosen the big nut on the bottom of the sink flange and drop it. Push the strainer body via the sink and take it out.
Step 2: Take out the putty and make loose the screws
Cautiously, get rid of the putty from around the sink opening by use of a screwdriver. Ensure the sink opening is neat. Turn the mounting assembly over, and apply a screwdriver together with your fingers making loose all the mounting screws until you are able to reach the snap ring.
Step 3: Take out the snap ring
Pry the snap ring off the sink flange by use of a screwdriver. Then, separate all the sections very carefully so that you don’t damage the fiber gasket.
Step 4: Use putty
Roll a huge amount of plumber’s putty around the sink opening, and press it securely into position. Then, slip fiber gasket and metal backup ring over the sink flange.
Step 5: Slip the mounting ring on the flange
Hold the fiber gasket and backup ring in place while slipping the mounting ring over the sink flange so that it stays against the backup ring. Put a large rubber band around the flange to hold the parts in place. Ensure it’s above the snap ring groove.
Step 6: Setup the snap ring
Setup the snap ring by sliding it up the sink flange until it pops into the groove. Don’t forget to get rid of the rubber band.
Step 7: Push the plug
Knock out the plug prior to linking the dishwasher. Turn the disposal unit on its side, then utilizing a flat-head screwdriver push into the plug. Provide it some taps all the way around making the plug to down inside the unit.
Step 8: Recover the plug
Turn the garbage disposal upright and take out the gasket and ring. Turn it upside down once more and recover the plug, turn it upright, then replace the gasket and ring. Identify the electrical hole and place a wire clamp.
Step 9: Get rid of the access hole cover
Ensure the power is switched off before touching any electrical wires. Get rid of the screw that holds the access hole cover onto the bottom of the disposal system. Get rid of the cover and pull out the disposal wires.
Step 10: Link and secure the wires
Put the electrical wire in the wire clamp that was set up before. When in the access hole, link the black wire to black and white wire to white. Secure the wires using wire nuts. Then, hook-up ground wire.
Step 11: Push the wires into the access holes
The moment everything is hooked up, push the wires into the access hole and change the cover securing it using a screw. Tighten the electrical clamp.
Step 12: Mount the disposal system
Carry the disposal system and place it at the top end of the mounting gasket into the mounting assembly. Turn the lower mounting ring to the right until the mounting tabs are tight.
Step 13: Setup the drain pipes
To properly set up drain lines, connect P-trap to the tailpiece and trap arm. Put the discharge tube into the T fitting. Avoid completely tightening the slip nut. Put the other end of the discharge tube in the disposal system, then utilize a screwdriver to tighten the metal flange applying the bolt delivered with the disposal system.
Step 14: Complete the installation
Slide the disposal system’s bell above the disposal drain and clamp it. Then, the slide disposal bell forms the dishwasher over the barbed connection on the disposal system. Securely clamp the fitting by use of a screwdriver.
The garbage disposal system is now ready for use. You can find the best quality garbage disposal list above.
How To Replace a Garbage Disposal?
No matter the quality of garbage disposal, it may, at a certain time, break down. Unlike installing a new garbage disposal system, replacing an existing one is somehow easier. This is because the electrical system and drain pipes are in place. All you require are some tools and materials to get started. Some of the tools needed include a hammer, slip-joint pliers, and a flat-head screwdriver. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to replace your existing garbage disposal.
Step one: Gear up for the project
Before you begin replacing the old garbage disposal, you should ensure that you have all the necessary parts named on the instructions sheet. Switch off the power to the unit at the circuit-breaker box. For safety reasons, view the amperage of the circuit to be certain the disposal won’t overload it. Usually, the amperage is shown on the breaker circuit.
Step two: Get rid of the drain arm and tube
On your current disposal unit, disconnect the drain arm from the disposal unit. Apply pliers to loosen the spring clamp holding the dishwasher drain tube in position. Then get rid of the dishwasher drain tube from the disposal garbage.
Step three: Remove the disposal unit
Get rid of the unit by twisting it off the mounting nut. Dispose of any remaining water and debris is present. Turn the unit upside down and get rid of the plate covering the electrical connections. Take out the grounding screw and wire nuts and pull the cable out of the disposal garbage. In addition, you may be required to loosen a strain relief sleeve. Take out the present mounting assembly and drain. Then, unscrew the mounting ring and push the drain flange up rough the drain hole. Remove any plumber’s putty from the sink.
Step four: Setup new hardware
Put a rubber seal on the underside of the drain flange. If your new disposal doesn’t have a rubber seal, you will require a plumber’s putty. Then, push the drain flange into position in the drain hole. Put a second rubber seal on the drain flange on the underside of the sink. Connect the metal backup ring flat side up. You can use a manual as well.
Step five: Connect the mounting ring
Connect the mounting ring loosely with three screws. Push the mounting ring up, and secure it up with a snap ring. Then, tighten the mounting screws until the assembly is tight and even.
Step six: Prepare the new disposal
For those with a unit that is needed to be linked to the dishwasher drain, apply the hammer and screwdriver to get rid of the knockout plug. Turn the disposal upside down, and shake it to get rid of anything that might remain in the unit. Take out the electrical plate, and gently pull the electrical wires away from the disposal garbage. Then, screw the strain relief sleeve into position, and push the electrical cable through the sleeve into the unit. Strongly tighten the sleeve.
Step Seven: Finish the setup
Link the electrical wires, matching black to black and white to white. Then, secure the connections using wire nuts. Link the ground wire to the green screw on the disposal and change the cover plate. After that, hang the unit by twisting it into position on the mounting nut. Rotate the unit until you make sure it is well aligned, and connect the drain arm and dishwasher drainpipe. Finally, run water through the unit for a few minutes to check for leaks.
Whether it’s upgrading to a better quality garbage disposal or just needing to replace the current one as a result of a breakdown, the process is very easy and fast. All you need are the right tools and materials to do so. And then, follow the steps that we’ve highlighted above.
How To Fix a Garbage Disposal?
Garbage disposal is an important equipment to have in the kitchen. But sometimes, it may develop a problem, and you might be forced to fix it. For instance, running the disposal unit without water or accidentally dropping items, like jewelry or metal, might cause the garbage unit to block up and cease functioning. Other things that can cause blocking include food items like potato skins and corn husks. In case of the garbage disposal motor stops working, it can overheat very fast and make the red button pop from the bottom of the disposal. This instantly halts the flow of electricity to protect the motor. In this guide, we are going to show you how to fix your disposal unit easily and quickly in the steps below.
10 steps: How to fix garbage disposal easily
- Start by switching off the disposal unit at the main switch. Then, unplug the unit from the wall outlet below the sink.
- Put a garbage disposal wrench into the center opening in the bottom of the unit. For those who don’t have a disposal wrench, utilize a quarter-inch wrench hex key. Rotate the hex key clockwise and counterclockwise to free the blockage.
- Put the end of the plunger handle into the garbage disposal via the drain opening in the faucet. Utilize the end of the handle to rotate the grinding plate on the bottom of the unit to unleash the blockage. Other disposals might have grinding walls. Push the handle against the grinding wall until it rotates.
- For another time, rotate the garbage disposal wrench or hex key to make sure that you have released all the jam from the wall or plate.
- Then, plug the garbage disposal unit back into the outlet under the sink. Switch on the cold water sink faucet to enable water to flow smoothly into the garbage disposal unit.
- Push the reset button on the bottom of the garbage unit. If it doesn’t remain in the disposal unit, turn off the water and hold it back for 10 minutes for the unit motor to cool down. Then, push the reset button on the unit.
- Put on the water at the sink. Then, turn on the garbage disposal unit at the wall switch. In case the reset button refuses to, and the device still ceases to function, turn off the switch and the water and review the circuit breaker.
- Open the door to the circuit panel. Switch off the circuit breaker in the kitchen, which supplies power to the garbage disposal. Then, turn the breaker back on to reset the breaker.
- You should view the button on the bottom of the disposal to make sure that it stays pushed into the disposal. In case the unit still fails to function after pushing in the reset button, view the wall switch again.
- Finally, Hold a noncontact voltage detector against the wall switch with the switch in the on state. If there is electricity at the switch, the detector will be forced to beep and flash. Let the switch remain on the on state and hold the detector against the outlet below the sink. In case the detector doesn’t sense the presence of power at the outlet, then the switch might have failed completely, and electricity can no more get to the unit motor. This will force you to have the wall switch replaced with a new one. And the unit will have been fixed.
If it still doesn’t work, then now it’s time to buy a new but best garbage disposal.
Garbage disposal gets jammed if not properly used or if the wrong items get into the disposal unit. If this occurs, you can easily fix the disposal unit by applying the steps we’ve discussed above. For longevity of the garbage disposal unit, you need to generally maintain well your disposal unit.
How To Unclog a Garbage Disposal?
There is nothing more disgusting than having a clogged garbage disposal. Every homeowner feels good when their kitchen and sink are in order. Many wish to unclog their sink but are usually afraid of the smell and dirt that comes with it. To free your clogged garbage disposal, you should be ready to get dirty and go under the sink. What many individuals think to be clogged disposal is usually a clogged pipe below the unit. To unclog your garbage disposal unit effectively, follow the steps below. The tools to use include white vinegar, baking soda, a plunger, a flashlight, pliers or metal tongs, lemon, and a hand clamp. If your disposal has other problems, you should read this article, ” How to fix the garbage disposal ” article.
Here is the step-by-step details on how to unclog garbage disposal:
- Start by pouring a quarter cup of baking soda into the drain. Follow it with a half cup of white vinegar. Give room for the contents to fizz for a few minutes. Then, run the sink with extremely hot water over the drain for around two to three minutes. Repeat the same procedure if need be. In case the drain is still clogged, move to the next step.
- For safety reasons, switch off and unplug the disposal unit from the electrical outlet. Also, you will prevent any injury or accidents that may occur. You can read these garbage disposal replacement tips to know more details.
- Look down the drain using a flashlight. Depending on the items that you will see in the drain, they will determine which kind of tool to use to remove them. It can be a bone or some other item. Pull the object from the drain using a pair of needle-nose pliers or tongs.
- Manually turn your blades to attempt breaking up clogged substances. When the disposer is clogged under your sink, you will need to manually run it to get rid of the clog. If you manually turn the blades on your disposer, it will assist you in knowing where the clog is. It may as well assist you in breaking up some debris. Use a wrench to manually turn the blades. Check your manual if you want to manually turn the blades.
- Put the disposal on and observe if the drain runs clear and the unit functions well. In case the drain is still clogged, move on to the next step.
- Bend under the sink and identify the dishwasher drain pipe that links to the garbage disposal unit, i.e. if you have one. Then, clamp the end of the dishwasher drain line where it enters the unit by putting the hand clamp over the disposal nozzle. The clamp will prevent the dishwasher drain hose from popping off the disposal nozzle as you plunge the sink drain.
- Put the toilet plunger directly over the sink drain so the plunger bell covers the drain basket. Let the faucet run so that the lip of the plunger is covered with around half-inch of water. Thoroughly plunge the drain up and down for around 20 seconds.
- Airlift up the plunger and run the kitchen faucet to see if the drain is clear. Then, run the faucet with hot water to clear any debris or residue that may be left behind.
- In order to get rid of any bad odors left behind after clearing the drain pipes, you can apply or drop several slices of lemon or lime in the garbage disposal unit. The bad odor will go away and leave a fresh, natural smell.
After looking at the 8 steps on how to unclog a disposal unit, you shouldn’t feel any difficulty clearing your faucet and disposal unit. If it still doesn’t work properly, you should consider new garbage disposal. The process is simple as long as you are ready to get dirty. Always perform the process cautiously.
Bottom line
Garbage disposal plays a vital role in helping keep our kitchen clean and free from food remains. And have lots of benefits. They save on cash spent calling plumbers to fix blocked pipes and are as well eco-friendly. As you choose the best garbage disposal, make sure you pick one that satisfies your requirements. Avoid selecting the ones branded as the best or highly priced. This doesn’t mean they will perform well in your home. Look for the ones within your budget and with the features you prefer most. I hope our review has helped you a great deal and you will make the best choice.
