A garbage disposal grinds food scraps under the sink so they wash down the drain. Most kitchens can use a continuous feed model, which runs while you push scraps in with the water on. The main choices are motor power, the size of the unit under the sink, and whether it comes with a power cord.
The six disposals below range from 1/2 to 1 horsepower. Details come from the product listings, and we have not installed or used these units ourselves. Check dimensions, mounting and wiring notes on the product page, and consider having a plumber install it.
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How Much Horsepower?
| Motor | Good for |
|---|---|
| 1/3 to 1/2 HP | One to two people who cook lightly |
| 3/4 HP | Most households; a common middle choice |
| 1 HP | Busy kitchens and larger families |
A bigger motor grinds tougher scraps with less jamming, but it is also larger and heavier under the sink.
Our Six Picks
| Disposal | Motor | Notes from the listing |
|---|---|---|
| InSinkErator Badger 5 | 1/2 HP | Continuous feed, with cord |
| InSinkErator Badger 5XP | 3/4 HP | Standard Series, continuous feed, with cord |
| InSinkErator Evolution | 1 HP | Advanced Series, continuous feed, with cord |
| Moen Prep Series PRO GXP50C | Compact | Continuous feed, with cord |
| Moen L-8000 Waste King | 1 HP | With power cord |
| KRAUS WasteGuard KWD211-75MCG | 3/4 HP | Ultra-quiet motor, flange and cord included |
The 6 Best Garbage Disposals
1. InSinkErator Badger 5, 1/2 HP
A 1/2 horsepower continuous feed disposal from a leading disposer brand, sold with a power cord.
Suits: a small household and light use. Strengths: a trusted brand and a cord included. Weaknesses: the least powerful in this group. Skip it if you grind a lot of scraps.
View InSinkErator Badger 5 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal on Amazon
2. InSinkErator Badger 5XP, 3/4 HP
A 3/4 horsepower Standard Series disposal with continuous feed and a power cord.
Suits: the average family kitchen. Strengths: a middle motor size. Weaknesses: check the under-sink size. Skip it if you want a 1 HP motor.
View InSinkErator Badger 5XP 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal on Amazon
3. InSinkErator Evolution 1 HP
A 1 horsepower Advanced Series continuous feed disposal that includes a power cord.
Suits: a busy kitchen. Strengths: a large motor from a major brand. Weaknesses: larger and heavier than smaller units. Skip it if your cabinet is tight.
View InSinkErator Evolution 1 HP Garbage Disposal on Amazon
4. Moen Prep Series PRO GXP50C
A compact continuous feed disposal with a power cord, designed for kitchen sinks with limited cabinet space.
Suits: small sinks and small cabinets. Strengths: a compact body. Weaknesses: check the motor size on the product page. Skip it if you want a high-power unit.
View Moen Prep Series PRO GXP50C Garbage Disposal on Amazon
5. Moen L-8000 Waste King, 1 HP
A 1 horsepower Waste King disposal sold under the Moen name, with a power cord.
Suits: a large family. Strengths: a strong motor. Weaknesses: check size and mounting. Skip it if you want a compact model.
View Moen L-8000 Waste King 1 HP Garbage Disposal on Amazon
6. KRAUS WasteGuard 3/4 HP
A 3/4 horsepower continuous feed disposal with an ultra-quiet motor, with a flange and power cord included.
Suits: open-plan kitchens where noise matters. Strengths: a flange and cord in the box. Weaknesses: we have not measured noise. Skip it if you prefer an older, established disposer brand.
View KRAUS WasteGuard 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal KWD211-75MCG on Amazon
What Not to Put Down a Disposal
- Grease, fat and oil, which harden in the pipe.
- Stringy or fibrous foods such as celery and corn husks in large amounts.
- Bones, pits and large seeds.
- Coffee grounds and eggshells in quantity.
Installation Notes
- Check that the model fits your sink flange and cabinet depth.
- A model with a cord needs an outlet under the sink; others need hardwiring.
- Local codes may require a licensed installer.
- If you have a septic system, check the maker’s guidance first.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Running without water.
- Putting a hand into the unit while it is plugged in.
- Choosing a unit that is too tall for the cabinet.
- Ignoring odors; clean the unit regularly.
Garbage Disposal FAQ
Is 1/2 HP enough?
For light use by one or two people, yes. A larger household may prefer 3/4 or 1 HP.
Continuous feed or batch feed?
Continuous feed runs while you add scraps. Batch feed runs only when the cover is in place. See our batch feed guide.
Can I install it myself?
Some people do. If you are unsure, hire a plumber.
The Short Version
For a small household, the InSinkErator Badger 5. For most families, the Badger 5XP. For a busy kitchen, the InSinkErator Evolution 1 HP or the Moen L-8000. For a compact cabinet, the Moen Prep Series PRO. For quiet operation per the listing, the KRAUS WasteGuard.
