A best garbage disposals list only matters if it solves the same problem you keep noticing, that stubborn sink odor that hangs around even after you wipe everything down.
Disclosure: As an independent reviewer, we may receive an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This helps support our research and testing team at OASTHAR. Learn more about our testing process.
Most of the time, the smell comes from old food bits sitting in the drain and disposal area. The right unit helps you grind scraps fast, keep water moving, and cut down on gunk that feeds odors.
This 2026 guide walks you through seven strong picks, plus what to look for so you buy the right one the first time.
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Best garbage disposals at a glance
- Best Overall: GE Disposall Continuous Feed
- Best Compact: Moen Prep Series PRO GXP50C
- Most Durable: InSinkErator Badger 5
- Best for Small Kitchen: Waste King Disposer L-111
- Best for Beginners: Waste Maid 058
- Best Premium Quiet: InSinkErator Evolution Advanced Series
- Best Budget: Moen GXS75C Host Series
Learn more about how we test garbage disposals
Your disposal choice isn’t just about horsepower. It’s about how the whole setup behaves in a real kitchen, after a busy dinner, with a half-full sink and someone trying to rinse plates fast. To build this list, you’re getting a review that reflects what shoppers keep reporting again and again across major online retailers and product pages.
Price and customer reviews
You get a clearer picture when you compare a model’s promise to what owners say after months of use. We read large sets of customer reviews across major shopping platforms, then track repeated themes, like jamming, leaking, noise, and install surprises. We also weigh value, because a slightly pricier unit can cost less over time.
Grinding power and speed
A disposal can have decent horsepower and still struggle if it doesn’t maintain speed under load. We focus on motor type (induction vs permanent magnet when listed), RPM claims, and what users report grinding successfully (peels, fibrous scraps, leftovers, small bones). Consistent grinding reduces clogs and helps control odors.
Noise and vibration control
Noise is a daily quality-of-life issue. So, we look for insulation features (sound seals, collars, shields) and review patterns that mention rattling, shaking, or harsh grinding sound. Quiet models matter more in open kitchens, apartments, and homes where the sink sits near living space.
Installation and compatibility
The best-performing disposal can still be a bad buy if it’s a pain to mount or wire. We prioritize units with common mounting systems, included hardware, and clear notes on whether a power cord is included. We also call out dishwasher inlet plug details, because that mistake shows up constantly in owner feedback.
Durability signals and warranty coverage
You can’t fully “test” longevity in a short window, but you can spot patterns. Materials like stainless or galvanized components, corrosion claims, and longer warranties tend to match better long-term outcomes. We also track review complaints tied to rust, internal wear, and early motor failure.
Fit under the sink and daily usability
A disposal has to live with your plumbing, trash can, cleaning supplies, and sometimes a pull-out bin. We consider stated dimensions when available and favor compact builds for most kitchens. We also note daily usability basics, like continuous-feed convenience and any mention of external unjam controls (or the lack of them).
Rating: 4.8/5
This is the “fast and steady” pick, the one that feels ready for everyday chaos. The standout superpower is speed under pressure. With a 3/4-horsepower motor spinning over 2,700 RPM, it hits full speed quickly and grinds before scraps have time to bounce around and jam.
In real kitchen terms, that means you can clear plates without babying the switch. Vegetable peels, fruit pits, and small bones are all within the kind of workload it’s built to handle. It also uses a 32-ounce grind chamber, so you’re not forced to feed tiny amounts at a time.
Setup stays fairly straightforward because it uses a three-bolt mount and ships with most of what you need. The main catch is power. This model is non-corded, so you may need to buy a compatible power cord separately. Also, it can run a bit loud during heavy grinding, and there’s no external unjam button, so you’ll want to avoid forcing problem foods through.
Motor: 3/4 HP | Speed: 2,700+ RPM | Chamber: 32 oz | Feed Type: Continuous feed | Cord: Not included
Reasons to Buy:
- Strong grinding speed
- Big grind chamber
- Solid everyday reliability
- Common three-bolt mounting
Reasons to Avoid:
- Power cord sold separately
- Can be loud when loaded
- No external unjam button
Who should buy it: If you want one disposal that “just works” for a typical 2 to 4-person household, this fits the job. It’s also a good match when you cook often and hate lingering sink funk caused by leftover bits that never fully clear.
Rating: 4.6/5
This model wins on balance. Its superpower is doing the basics really well without feeling cheap. You get a 1/2-horsepower motor at 2,600 RPM, which is plenty for light to moderate daily scraps, including veggie peels and fibrous bits like celery that can trip up weaker units.
Moen’s “vortex” style design focuses on moving waste through quickly, which helps reduce clogs. That matters because clogs are where smells start to build. You also get a compact, lightweight body, so it’s less likely to steal your under-sink storage.
Installation is also beginner-friendly because it includes a pre-installed power cord. Even better, it’s positioned as a replacement option for many existing disposals, even if you’re not swapping from the same brand. It’s also listed as septic safe when your system is properly sized, which is an important line to see if you’re not on city sewer.
Motor: 1/2 HP | Speed: 2,600 RPM | Build: Galvanized steel components (as listed) | Feed Type: Continuous feed | Warranty: 5-year limited (in-home service)
Reasons to Buy:
- Strong value for the power
- Cord included for easy setup
- Compact under-sink fit
- Handles fibrous scraps well
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not meant for heavy-duty abuse
- Features vary by model year
Who should buy it: This is for you if you want a dependable disposal for everyday cooking, but you don’t want to pay premium money for extra quiet features you may not care about. It’s a smart fit for condos, starter homes, and busy weeknight kitchens.
Rating: 4.4/5
Badger models have a reputation for sticking around, and this one earns its spot by staying simple. The superpower here is proven durability with fewer frills. You get a 1/2-horsepower Dura-Drive induction motor, the type people often associate with long service life.
Inside, it uses galvanized steel components, which is one reason it’s positioned as a tough, workmanlike option. It’s also continuous feed, so you can keep feeding scraps while it runs, as long as water is flowing. That water flow is more than a habit, it helps protect the motor and pushes ground food through the plumbing.
Fit is another strength. The unit is compact, it works on standard 120V power, and if you already have InSinkErator hardware, replacement can be quick. If you want a broader look at how this model scores in lab-style evaluations, see the InSinkErator Badger 5 review details.
One practical reminder: if you’re connecting a dishwasher, you must remove the dishwasher inlet plug on the disposal. That small step gets missed a lot, and it can cause a “why won’t it drain” headache right away.
Motor: 1/2 HP induction | Internal Parts: Galvanized steel | Feed Type: Continuous feed | Power: Standard 120V | Fit: Compact body
Reasons to Buy:
- Built for daily use
- Straightforward replacement path
- Compact under-sink footprint
- Induction motor durability
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not a “quiet” focused model
- Fewer premium anti-jam extras
Who should buy it: This is the right pick if you care more about long-term dependability than luxury features. It’s also a good option when you want a simple replacement that doesn’t force you into a whole sink setup redo. For extra context on dishwasher integration in a kitchen remodel, you can also browse OASTHAR’s Top Dishwasher Reviews and Comparisons.
Rating: 4.2/5
Small households don’t need a monster disposal, but you still want something that won’t jam every time you rinse a plate. The superpower here is right-sized performance with easy install. This Waste King runs a 1/3-horsepower motor at 1,900 RPM, designed to handle everyday scraps without constant drama.
It uses a permanent magnet motor and stainless steel grinding parts, which helps with rust resistance and basic wear. It’s also continuous feed, so it stays convenient for quick cleanups.
Where it really shines is setup. The unit comes with a pre-installed power cord, so you avoid electrical work in many installs. The mounting system twists and locks into place, and a removable splash guard makes cleaning easier. For a tight apartment kitchen, that “compact and lightweight” build matters more than it sounds, because under-sink space disappears fast.
Motor: 1/3 HP | Speed: 1,900 RPM | Grinding Parts: Stainless steel | Cord: Pre-installed | Warranty: 2-year limited in-home
Reasons to Buy:
- Great fit for small kitchens
- Plug-in power cord included
- Simple twist-lock mounting
- Stainless grinding components
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not built for heavy scrap loads
- Not silent during operation
Who should buy it: If you live alone or with one other person, this is the practical choice. It keeps your sink routine smooth without taking up space or asking you to overbuy power you won’t use.
Rating: 4.1/5
If you’ve never installed a disposal, the fear is usually the same: “What if it doesn’t fit, and now my sink is out of commission?” This model’s superpower is low-stress replacement. It uses a standard three-bolt mounting system, so it’s positioned to swap in for many older units without complicated rework.
Power is reasonable for the category. You get a 1/2-horsepower permanent magnet motor spinning at 2,600 RPM, aimed at normal kitchen scraps. It also includes a stainless steel grinding system described as jam-resistant, using balanced impellers and a solid turntable to reduce vibration.
The unit is continuous feed, so you can add food while it’s running, just keep water flowing. Inside materials are stainless, which helps fight rust over time. Warranty coverage is also a confidence booster if you’re new to this. It includes a six-year warranty plus a lifetime warranty against corrosion failure (as listed).
Motor: 1/2 HP | Speed: 2,600 RPM | Mount: Three-bolt system | Grinding System: Stainless steel | Warranty: 6-year + lifetime corrosion (as listed)
Reasons to Buy:
- Beginner-friendly mounting
- Solid everyday RPM
- Stainless interior resists rust
- Strong warranty coverage
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not positioned as ultra-quiet
- May be overkill for very light use
Who should buy it: This is a safe starting point when you want an easy install and a durable-feeling build. It’s also a good fit when you’re replacing an older three-bolt unit and want to avoid surprises.
Rating: 4.0/5
If your current disposal sounds like a metal trash can full of forks, a quiet upgrade changes the whole vibe of your kitchen. This model’s superpower is quiet grinding with fine results. It uses a 1-horsepower Dura-Drive induction motor and four-stage MultiGrind technology, designed to grind tough scraps down very fine to help prevent clogs.
That fine grind can also be a plus if you have a septic system, because smaller particles tend to break down more completely. Noise control is the other headline. It uses Sound Seal technology plus a removable Quiet Collar sink baffle, which is the kind of design that aims to reduce both sound and vibration.
Install is also treated as a feature set, with lift-and-latch style help and an easier dishwasher inlet plug approach. One important note is power. The Easy Connect power cord is sold separately, so you may need an extra purchase depending on how you’re wiring it.
For brand-level details and feature comparisons across their lineup, you can use the official InSinkErator garbage disposal product hub. If you want a third-party scoring and spec breakdown, there’s also a membership-gated reference page for the InSinkErator Evolution Advanced Series review.
Motor: 1 HP induction | Grinding: Four-stage MultiGrind | Noise Control: Sound Seal + Quiet Collar | Size: Compact body (dimensions vary by version) | Cord: Sold separately
Reasons to Buy:
- Very quiet for its power
- Fine grinding helps prevent clogs
- Strong motor for tough scraps
- Install-friendly design touches
Reasons to Avoid:
- Cord may cost extra
- Higher price than basic models
- Extra features can be overkill
Who should buy it: This is for you if noise is the dealbreaker, or if you’re remodeling and want a premium disposal that feels smooth and refined. It’s also a smart step up when you cook often and want fewer clogs from tough leftovers.
Rating: 3.9/5
If you want strong performance without paying premium money, this is the budget pick that still brings real muscle. The superpower here is fast grinding for the price. It runs a 3/4-horsepower Vortex motor at 2,700 RPM, which is why it’s positioned to grind food quickly and reduce jamming with common scraps like veggie bits, fruit peels, and plate leftovers.
It also keeps your cabinet space in mind. The unit is compact at about 13 inches tall and around 7 inches wide, so you get more room under the sink for storage. Noise is also addressed with sound shield insulation to help reduce sound and vibration, which matters when you run it daily.
It’s also listed as safe for properly sized septic systems, which is worth checking if you’re not on city sewer. If you want a deeper, model-adjacent read that compares Moen’s disposal lineup and positioning, you can reference this third-party perspective on the Moen EX75C disposal review and comparisons. For lab-style scoring, there’s also a membership-based page for the Moen GX Series GXB75C review overview.
Motor: 3/4 HP | Speed: 2,700 RPM | Size: About 13 in tall, 7 in wide | Noise Control: Sound shield insulation | Septic: Safe for properly sized systems
Reasons to Buy:
- Strong RPM for the cost
- Compact under-sink size
- Noise insulation included
- Good everyday grind power
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not the quietest in this group
- Features vary by specific package
Who should buy it: This makes sense when you cook for family or guests but still want to keep the purchase practical. It’s also a good fit when you want 3/4-horsepower power without stepping into premium pricing.
All recommended disposals compared
Here’s a side-by-side view of the seven picks so you can spot the best match faster.
| Model | Motor and speed (as listed) | Noise focus | Install and power notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE Disposall Continuous Feed | 3/4 HP, 2,700+ RPM | Moderate (can be loud under load) | Three-bolt mount, cord not included |
| Moen Prep Series PRO Compact | 1/2 HP, 2,600 RPM | Quieter than older units (as positioned) | Cord included, replacement-friendly |
| InSinkErator Badger 5 | 1/2 HP induction | Not a quiet-first model | Compact, common replacement path |
| Waste King | 1/3 HP, 1,900 RPM | Moderate | Cord included, twist-lock mount |
| Waste Maid 058 | 1/2 HP, 2,600 RPM | Reduced vibration (as positioned) | Three-bolt mount, beginner-friendly |
| ADVANCED SERIES Evolution | 1 HP induction, MultiGrind | Very quiet | Cord may be sold separately |
| Moen GXS75C Host Series | 3/4 HP, 2,700 RPM | Sound insulation | Compact size, septic-safe (proper sizing) |
The simple takeaway: match power to your habits, then pick the quietest model you can afford if your kitchen is open or echo-prone.
What to look for in a garbage disposal
Continuous feed vs batch feed
All picks in this guide are continuous feed style, meaning you can keep adding scraps while it runs. That’s the easiest style for daily cleanup. It’s also the style most people already have, so replacement tends to be simpler.
Batch feed models exist, but they usually change your routine. If you want quick plate rinsing, continuous feed is the no-fuss choice.
Motor power that matches how you cook
Horsepower is a rough guide, not a full story, but it still matters.
- 1/3 HP: Enough for light use, small households, softer scraps.
- 1/2 HP: The sweet spot for many homes, good for daily cooking.
- 3/4 HP to 1 HP: Better for frequent cooking and tougher scraps, often less jamming.
Speed (RPM) helps too. Faster spin can grind before scraps wedge in place. That’s one reason several top picks in this list sit around the 2,600 to 2,700 RPM range.
Noise control features you’ll actually notice
Noise claims don’t always translate, but certain designs help more than others. Look for insulation and baffles, plus language that points to reduced vibration. If quiet matters most, prioritize models built around sound control, not just “high power.”
For broader third-party testing perspectives on what makes a disposal perform well, you can compare notes with outlets that do hands-on appliance work, like Popular Mechanics disposal testing and picks.
Under-sink fit and plumbing reality
A disposal can be powerful and still be a headache if it crowds your cabinet. Compact models give you room for cleaners, bins, and plumbing bends. Before you buy, measure your current unit height and check what you can realistically fit with your existing trap and dishwasher hose.
If you’re shopping in a hurry, the “compact” keyword in a model name often signals the safer bet for tight spaces, but always verify the listed dimensions.
Dishwasher connection and the inlet plug gotcha
Many disposals include a dishwasher inlet port. If you connect a dishwasher and forget to remove the plug inside that inlet, you’ll likely get poor draining and a quick panic moment. It’s a small step, but it matters.
If you want brand troubleshooting references for jams, resets, and clogs, InSinkErator keeps a solid support library, including a garbage disposal troubleshooting and support hub.
Septic system compatibility
Several models in this guide are listed as septic safe for properly sized systems. That wording matters. If you’re on septic, follow your system guidelines and avoid treating your disposal like a trash can. When in doubt, grind smaller batches and flush with plenty of cold water.
Warranty length
A longer warranty doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it often signals how confident a brand is in the product’s build. It also reduces your downside risk if the unit fails early. If you’re new to disposals, a strong warranty can be the difference between a small inconvenience and a major frustration.
For a wider view of how top models stack up across multiple brands and price tiers, you can also compare this list against editorial roundups like The Spruce garbage disposal recommendations and Food Network’s reviewed garbage disposals list.
Why Trust OASTHAR?
I’m Shashini Fernando, an associate editor who specializes in home tech and appliances, kitchen gear, and smart-home accessories. For this guide, you’re getting a shortlist built from patterns that show up when you analyze hundreds of real customer reviews in the garbage disposal market.
The goal is simple: help you buy a disposal that fits your kitchen, your tolerance for noise, and how you actually cook.
Best Garbage Disposals FAQs
What is the best garbage disposal overall?
The GE Disposall Continuous Feed is the best overall pick in this guide because it combines fast grinding (3/4 HP, 2,700+ RPM) with a roomy 32-ounce chamber and a straightforward mounting setup.
Is a 1/2 HP garbage disposal enough for most homes?
Yes, 1/2 HP is enough for many households, especially if you cook normal meals and avoid forcing problem scraps. Models like the Moen Prep Series PRO Compact sit in that sweet spot.
What should you do if your garbage disposal smells bad?
First, run cold water and grind a small batch to clear residue. Odors often come from food buildup under the splash guard and inside the grind area. Keeping water flowing during use helps move particles through and reduces the gunk that causes smells.
Do you need a power cord, or is it included?
It depends on the model. Some disposals include a pre-installed cord (Waste King, Moen Prep Series PRO Compact), while others may require a separate cord purchase (GE Disposall Continuous Feed is non-corded, and some premium models may sell cords separately).
Are garbage disposals safe with septic systems?
Some are listed as septic safe if your system is properly sized. Still, don’t overload the unit, and always use plenty of cold water so ground waste moves through instead of settling in your plumbing.
Final verdict
If you want one easy answer, go with the GE Disposall Continuous Feed for the strongest all-around mix of speed, capacity, and everyday reliability. If your budget is tighter but you still want a smart buy, the Moen Prep Series PRO Continuous Feed Compact is the value pick that covers most kitchens. For a long-life, no-drama replacement, the InSinkErator Badger 5 stays a dependable choice, while the ADVANCED SERIES Evolution is the upgrade when quiet matters as much as power.
Pick the disposal that matches how you cook, then commit to the basics, cold water while running, don’t force hard scraps, and keep the grind area clean. That’s how you keep your sink smelling like nothing at all.
