7 Best Garbage Disposals for a Cleaner Kitchen

Food scraps clogging your sink? A good garbage disposal chews through them like a champ—leaving your kitchen cleaner, fresher, and way less smelly.

I tested disposals for grinding power, noise level, and ease of installation.

These 7 garbage disposals stood out as the best of 2025, and all are available on Amazon U.S. with just a click.

InSinkErator Evolution Excel Garbage Disposal

  • 1 HP motor with 3-stage grind
  • SoundSeal technology for ultra-quiet use
  • Stainless steel components

Why I like it: This is the Cadillac of garbage disposals. It’s powerful enough to handle bones and fibrous veggies, while being whisper-quiet. If you want power + peace, this is the one.

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Waste King Legend Series L-8000

  • 1 HP motor, continuous feed
  • Stainless steel grind components
  • Lifetime limited warranty

Why I like it: Budget-friendly but still very powerful. Installation is straightforward, and the warranty is one of the best around. It’s noisy compared to InSinkErator, but unbeatable for value.

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InSinkErator Badger 5

  • 1/2 HP motor
  • Compact design
  • Galvanized steel grind system

Why I like it: A tried-and-true budget model. Small, reliable, and easy to install. Perfect for apartments or light use without breaking the bank.

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Moen GX Series Garbage Disposal

  • 3/4 HP permanent magnet motor
  • Compact, lightweight build
  • SoundSHIELD for quieter operation

Why I like it: Sleek, lightweight, and surprisingly quiet for the price. Moen’s build quality is great, and the permanent magnet motor means less jamming.

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Waste King L-2600 Garbage Disposal

  • 1/2 HP motor
  • Compact design with EZ Mount
  • Durable stainless steel grinders

Why I like it: A smaller sibling to the L-8000, this is compact, lightweight, and still plenty powerful for most households. Great for quick installs.

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KitchenAid Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal

  • 3/4 HP motor
  • Overload protection with manual reset
  • Sound-sealed design

Why I like it: KitchenAid balances strong grinding power with a relatively quiet operation. A good option for households that want reliability and brand trust.

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GE GFC520N Garbage Disposal

  • 1/2 HP motor
  • Over 2500 RPM grind speed
  • EZ mount installation

Why I like it: Reliable, affordable, and easy to mount. GE’s unit is quick-spinning, which means fewer jams and faster breakdown of scraps.

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Buying Guide – Garbage Disposals

Motor Power

1/2 HP is fine for light use; 3/4–1 HP is better for families or heavy scraps like bones and fibrous veggies.

Noise

Premium models use insulation and anti-vibration mounts. If you hate loud kitchen noise, invest in a quieter unit.

Size & Fit

Check under-sink clearance before buying. Some powerful disposals are bulky, while compact models fit tighter spaces.

Installation

EZ Mount systems make DIY installation simple. Otherwise, a pro plumber is a safe bet for first-timers.

Quick Comparison

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ProductBest ForAmazon Link
InSinkErator Evolution ExcelPowerful & ultra-quietSHOP HERE
Waste King L-8000Best value powerhouseSHOP HERE
InSinkErator Badger 5Budget compact pickSHOP HERE
Moen GX SeriesLightweight & quietSHOP HERE
Waste King L-2600Quick installsSHOP HERE
KitchenAid Continuous FeedReliable mid-tierSHOP HERE
GE GFC520NAffordable everyday useSHOP HERE

FAQs

Can I put bones in a garbage disposal?

Yes, if you have a powerful unit like a 1 HP disposal (InSinkErator Excel or Waste King L-8000). Smaller motors may jam.

What foods should I never put in?

Avoid grease, fibrous peels (like corn husks), pasta, and large pits. These can clog pipes or jam the blades.

Do garbage disposals need maintenance?

Minimal—just run cold water while grinding, avoid overloading, and clean monthly with ice + citrus for freshness.

The Bottom Line

If you want the absolute best, the InSinkErator Evolution Excel combines serious power with whisper-quiet performance. For best value, the Waste King L-8000 is unbeatable. On a budget? The Badger 5 or GE GFC520N get the job done without breaking the bank. Families who want something lighter but still quiet should check the Moen GX Series. Whatever your kitchen setup, there’s a disposal here that’ll keep your sink cleaner and your drains happier.

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