How to Choose a Garbage Disposal 101

When the time comes to do the kitchen cleanup, nothing is as frustrating as dealing with pesky food waste. From scraping plates into the sink to tackling clogged drains, a good garbage disposal can keep your kitchen working (and its drains) in proper working order.

Luckily, a reliable garbage disposal can be a game-changer for many homeowners. But with a laundry list of factors to consider — like horsepower, size, and quality of components — choosing the best garbage disposal for your kitchen can be a chore of its own. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you discover how to choose a garbage disposal.

We’ll highlight features you should consider, provide some guidance on caring for your appliance, and even directly compare a few options so you have a place to start. Let’s get down to the grind (pun intended) to discover the best garbage disposals for your home.

What to Look for in a Garbage Disposal

Any good garbage disposal buying guide will tell you it’s important to be aware of the available features to make sure you don’t miss out on anything that could be helpful for your kitchen routines. Consider these key features to ensure you make an informed decision on the best garbage disposal for your kitchen.

Motor Size and Power

A motor’s power and size will play crucial roles in your disposal’s grinding capabilities. Opt for a suitable horsepower (HP) based on your household’s usage and the type of food scraps you regularly dispose of. Higher HP models (like ¾ or 1HP) offer smooth operation, finer pulverization, and fewer jams. They’re ideal for large households and frequent users. Smaller motors (like 1/3 or 1/2 HP) are suitable for occasional use and softer scraps.

Grinding Chamber Size and Material

Grinding chamber size directly affects your disposal’s capacity to handle food waste. Models with large chambers can accommodate more waste, making them ideal for busy kitchens. The material of the grinding chamber and mechanisms can also vary, but stainless steel chambers and components are typically the most durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean, lending to a longer lifespan.

Noise Levels

If you’re wondering how to pick a garbage disposal, consider how quiet you’d like it to be. You’re probably familiar with the sometimes ear-piercing noise level resulting from running a garbage disposal. Luckily, some modern models are equipped with noise reduction technology like insulated grinding chambers, sound baffles, and flexible mounting connections to reduce vibrations. These features are great if you’re concerned about the noise level of garbage disposal during operation.

Anti-Jamming Technology

Jams can occur when large or tough food scraps (or worse — silverware) get stuck in the disposal. While most homeowners are familiar with the tried-and-true method of using a wooden spoon or other long-handled item to break up the jam, modern garbage disposals reduce the need for this primitive solution. Anti-jamming features automatically detect jams and reverse the grinding direction to dislodge any clogs. A bonus: Anti-jamming technology also leads to improved garbage disposal safety.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

When choosing a garbage disposal, remember that if you don’t want to pay out of pocket for professional installation, look for models with quick-mount or EZ-mount features to simplify the installation process. You can also check if your disposal has a removable splash guard (or other removable parts) for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Garbage Disposal Cost

Another important factor when considering how to choose a garbage disposal is cost. The cost of a new disposal (not including installation) ranges from under $100 to over $1,000 — so there are plenty of options to meet your budget and requirements. Keep in mind that a more expensive disposal will likely have a significantly longer lifespan. However, if you have garbage disposal home warranty coverage from First American, we can help ensure it will serve your family as long as possible, regardless of how much you paid.

Note: Proper garbage disposal cleaning and maintenance can also help your device last longer.

Highly Rated Garbage Disposals

A few brands have been synonymous with quality garbage disposals for a long time – and they’re great options to look into when considering how to choose a garbage disposal. Here are a few models that have been proven to work:

InSinkErator Badger 500

This highly rated disposal offers ½ HP to meet the requirements of most families. Galvanized steel makes its components durable, and its compact size means it can be installed even in smaller spaces. It also comes with a three-year warranty that includes in-home service.

Moen Prep Noise Insulation Disposal

One of the best garbage disposals for noise reduction, Moen’s Prep model features powerful insulation, beloved by many homeowners with this appliance. A five-year limited warranty from the manufacturer accompanies it.

InSinkErator Septic Assist

Thanks to proprietary technology, this disposal injects microorganisms each time it’s used that help produce enzymes to break down waste — making it a great option for homeowners with septic systems.

Now that you know how to choose the best garbage disposal, learn how to install a garbage disposal.

Garbage Disposal Home Warranty Coverage

While many of the top-rated disposals on the market come with comprehensive manufacturer warranties, expanding your protection with a home warranty from First American is a good idea. Whether your manufacturer’s warranty coverage for your garbage disposal has expired or you simply want more extensive protection for your home’s appliances and systems (and your budget), learn more about what home warranties cover and get a free quote today.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.