Best Garbage Disposals Consumer Reports in 2027

The InSinkErator Badger 5XP with cord leads our ranking. InSinkErator is the biggest disposal brand in American homes, and the Badger 5XP steps up to a 3/4 HP Dura-Drive induction motor, more power than the basic 1/2 HP models that handle only soft scraps.

It has a single grind stage with stainless steel grinding parts, which handles everyday food waste but is not as fine as the multi-stage models below. It comes with the power cord already fitted, plus all the flanges, gaskets and bolts, so you can plug it into an under-sink outlet without wiring. The Twist-On, Twist-Off Quick Lock mount makes swapping out an older InSinkErator fast, and Lift and Latch helps you hold it in place while mounting.

It is 12.63 in tall and 6.31 in wide, compact enough to leave room under the sink, is septic safe, and has a 4-year warranty. For most households replacing an old disposal, it is the best choice on this page. Run cold water while grinding and for a few seconds after, and avoid grease, bones and fibrous peels.

Second in our ranking, the Waste Maid Economy Series disposal pairs a 1/2 HP, 2600 RPM permanent magnet motor with the longest warranty on this page: 8 years.

Its anti-jam Torque Master stainless steel grinding system delivers high torque to cut through waste, and permanent magnet motors start at full speed quickly. It is a continuous feed model, so you can add scraps while it runs, and a power cord is included.

It uses a standard 3-bolt mount, a direct replacement for most brands that use the same system, which makes swapping an old non-InSinkErator unit simpler. Waste Maid notes that horsepower claimed on packaging may vary. At 1/2 HP it suits light to moderate use, such as a small household that mostly rinses plates. For buyers who want a long warranty and an easy swap, it is a strong value. Run cold water before, during and after grinding, and feed scraps a little at a time instead of all at once so the motor does not stall.

The InSinkErator Evolution 3/4 HP ranks third, and on grinding it is the most advanced model here. Its 3-Stage MultiGrind technology, the most grind stages on this page, breaks tough scraps down finer to help prevent clogs.

It uses a 3/4 HP Dura-Drive induction motor and Quiet SoundSeal technology, which InSinkErator says makes it quieter than standard disposals, useful in open-plan kitchens. It is assembled in the USA, septic safe and continuous feed.

The EZ Connect Hardwire Adapter, EZ Grip handles, a removable dishwasher inlet plug and Lift and Latch make installation easier for DIYers. It is 12.25 in tall and 8.25 in wide, and at 18.4 lb it is the heaviest here, partly due to sound insulation. A power cord is not included, so buy one separately unless your kitchen is hardwired. For households that cook a lot and want a quieter, finer grind, it is the top performer. Check the space under your sink, since its wider body needs room.

Fourth in our ranking, the InSinkErator Power Series 1 HP has the most powerful motor on this page. Its 1 HP Dura-Drive induction motor and 2-Stage MultiGrind technology grind scraps finer to help prevent clogs.

InSinkErator says it runs with reduced noise compared with standard disposals, and its space-saving design fits under most sinks at 12.25 in tall and 8.25 in wide. It is continuous feed, septic safe and assembled in the USA.

Like the Evolution, it comes with the EZ Connect Hardwire Adapter, a removable dishwasher inlet plug and Lift and Latch for installation, but no power cord. Weight and warranty are not listed in our data. For large households or cooks who put heavy loads through the disposal, it offers the most power. Grind with a strong flow of cold water, avoid grease and stringy peels such as celery, and run it regularly so the grinding parts do not seize. Remove the dishwasher plug if you connect a dishwasher drain.

The InSinkErator Badger 5XP completes our top five. It is the same 3/4 HP Dura-Drive induction motor as our top pick, and InSinkErator describes the Badger series as a reliable, functional choice when affordability is the main concern.

It uses long-lasting galvanized steel grinding components, has a compact, space-saving body, and is continuous feed and septic safe. InSinkErator points out that more American-built InSinkErator disposals are in US homes than all other brands combined, which also means parts and mounts are easy to find.

This version is listed without a cord, so it suits kitchens with a hardwired disposal circuit, or you can add a cord kit. It weighs 16 lb, and our data does not list its warranty. If your outlet is under the sink, the corded version at the top of this page saves a step. For owners replacing a hardwired Badger, it is a direct, affordable swap. Turn off the circuit breaker before disconnecting the old unit.