Garbage Disposals Guide
Garbage disposals grind food waste for safe disposal through household drain systems. This category includes continuous-feed and batch-feed models with varying motor horsepower ratings (typically 1/3 HP to 1 HP). Key features include grinding chamber capacity, noise insulation, stainless steel or galvanized steel components, and anti-jam mechanisms. Installation considerations include mounting system compatibility (3-bolt or EZ-mount), electrical requirements (hardwired or plug-in), and drain connection specifications. Higher horsepower models handle tougher food waste and operate more quietly.
Types of Garbage Disposals 3
View All Garbage Disposals TypesExplore the different types of garbage disposals to find the best option for your needs and budget.
Batch Feed Disposals
Activated by placing a stopper in the drain opening. Processes food in batches rather than continuously. Safer for families with children.
Read MoreContinuous Feed Disposals
The most common type — activated by a wall switch and runs continuously while food waste is fed in. Convenient for large amounts of food prep waste.
Read MoreSeptic-Safe Disposals
Specially designed for homes with septic systems. Feature finer grinding and may include Bio-Shield enzymes to break down waste before entering the septic tank.
Read MoreGarbage Disposals Brands 7
View All Garbage Disposals BrandsBrowse trusted garbage disposals brands known for quality, reliability, and innovation.
Badger
The Badger Series from InSinkErator offers budget-friendly garbage disposals with rugged galvanized steel grind components and Dura-Drive induction motors. Models range from 1/3 HP (Badger 1) to 3/4 HP (Badger 15SS), all featuring continuous-feed operation, compact space-saving design, and septic-safe operation for properly maintained systems.
Read MoreFrigidaire
Frigidaire garbage disposals offer reliable food waste grinding for residential kitchens, available in 1/3 HP to 1 HP models with continuous feed operation and corrosion-resistant grinding components.
Read MoreGE
GE garbage disposals range from 1/3 HP budget models to 1 HP premium units with continuous feed, stainless steel grinding, and EZ Mount installation systems for quick, tool-free connections.
Read MoreInSinkErator
InSinkErator is the world's leading garbage disposal manufacturer with approximately 70% US market share. Their Evolution series (Excel, Essential, Compact) features SoundSeal technology, MultiGrind stages, and stainless steel components for ultra-quiet, powerful food waste grinding. The Badger series (1, 5, 500, 900) provides reliable value options. They also manufacture instant hot water dispensers (H-HOT, H-VIEW, H-CONTOUR) for instant near-boiling water at the kitchen sink.
Read MoreKenmore
Kenmore garbage disposals offer reliable food waste grinding in 1/3 HP to 1 HP configurations with continuous feed operation.
Read MoreKitchenAid
KitchenAid garbage disposals feature continuous feed operation with 1/2 HP to 1 HP motors, stainless steel grinding components, and SoundSeal Plus technology for quiet operation. Their premium models include multigrind technology that grinds food waste in multiple stages for finer particles and reduced drain clogs.
Read MoreWaste King
Waste King garbage disposals with high-speed 2800 RPM permanent magnet motors for powerful, jam-resistant grinding. Models range from 1/3 HP to 1 HP with EZ Mount for easy installation.
Read MoreCommon Garbage Disposals Problems 3
View All Garbage Disposals ProblemsCommon garbage disposals problems and how to diagnose and fix them.
Disposal Won't Turn On
Flip the switch and get nothing -- no hum, no sound? That is electrical, not a jam. Tripped reset, tripped breaker, or bad switch are all quick fixes. Burned-out motor means replacement.
Read MoreDisposal Jammed
Motor hums but nothing grinds? Something is wedged between the impeller and shred ring. Ten-minute fix with a 1/4-inch Allen wrench.
Read MoreDisposal Leaking
Disposal leaks come from three places: top (sink flange), side (discharge pipe or dishwasher hose), or bottom (internal seal failure). Where it leaks tells you whether it is a simple fix or a replacement.
Read MoreGarbage Disposals How-To Guides 3
View All Garbage Disposals GuidesStep-by-step how-to guides for garbage disposals maintenance, repair, and installation.
How to Reset a Garbage Disposal
Disposal stopped dead? Find the reset button, clear the overload, and get it running again in under 5 minutes.
Read MoreHow to Unjam a Garbage Disposal
Clear a jammed disposal safely using the Allen wrench port, remove what is stuck, and get it running again without burning out the motor.
Read MoreHow to Install a Garbage Disposal
Install or replace a garbage disposal from start to finish -- remove the old unit, mount the new one, wire the electrical, and connect the drain plumbing without leaks.
Read MoreGarbage Disposals Installation & Replacement
View All →Most garbage disposal installations take 30-60 minutes. Whether you're replacing an existing unit or installing for the first time, understanding mounting systems and electrical connections is key.
Replacing an Existing Disposal
Disconnect power, remove the old unit from the mounting ring, check if the new disposal uses the same mount (3-bolt vs EZ Mount), swap the mounting assembly if needed, and connect the new unit.
Read MoreFirst-Time Installation
Install the mounting assembly in the sink drain opening, connect the discharge tube to the P-trap, wire the electrical connection (hardwired or plug-in), and connect the dishwasher drain if applicable.
Read MoreElectrical Requirements
Garbage disposals need a dedicated 15 or 20 amp circuit. Compare hardwired vs plug-in connections, switch placement options (wall switch, air switch, toe-kick switch), and GFCI protection requirements.
Read MoreDishwasher Drain Connection
How to knock out the dishwasher inlet plug, connect the drain hose with a hose clamp, create a high loop to prevent backflow, and check for air gap requirements in your local code.
Read MoreGarbage Disposals Maintenance
View All →A well-maintained garbage disposal runs quietly, smells fresh, and lasts 10-15 years. Simple weekly habits prevent jams, odors, and premature wear.
What to Grind & What to Avoid
Safe: most fruit and vegetable scraps, small bones, ice cubes. Avoid: grease and oil, pasta and rice (they expand), fibrous vegetables (celery, artichokes), coffee grounds in large quantities, and non-food items.
Read MoreCleaning & Deodorizing
Weekly cleaning with ice cubes and rock salt scours the grinding chamber. Citrus peels freshen the smell. Baking soda and vinegar flush the drain line. Never use bleach or harsh chemical drain cleaners.
Read MoreClearing Jams
Use the hex wrench (included with most units) in the bottom port to manually rotate the flywheel. Never put your hand inside the disposal. Reset the overload protector after clearing the jam.
Read MoreWhen to Replace vs Repair
Frequent resets, persistent leaks from the bottom housing, metallic grinding noises, and foul odors that cleaning can't fix are signs the disposal needs replacement rather than repair.
Read MoreGarbage Disposals Cost Guide
View All →Garbage disposals are one of the most affordable kitchen upgrades. Even premium models with professional installation cost less than most kitchen appliances.
Disposal Prices by Tier
Budget (1/3 HP): $50-$80. Mid-range (1/2-3/4 HP): $100-$200. Premium (3/4-1 HP with insulation): $200-$400. Commercial-grade (1+ HP): $300-$500. InSinkErator and Waste King dominate all tiers.
Read MoreInstallation Labor Costs
Replacement on existing mount: $75-$150. First-time install with electrical: $200-$400. Adding a switch (wall or air switch): $50-$150 additional. Most plumbers complete the job in under an hour.
Read MoreOperating & Maintenance Costs
A garbage disposal uses about $0.50 per month in electricity. Water usage adds roughly $1-2/month. Annual maintenance cost is essentially zero — just ice, citrus peels, and the occasional hex wrench use.
Read MoreInSinkErator vs Waste King Value
Compare the two dominant brands at each price point. InSinkErator leads in noise reduction and build quality. Waste King offers better value with longer warranties (some models have lifetime coverage).
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
How long do garbage disposals last?
Most garbage disposals last 8-15 years depending on usage and maintenance. Higher horsepower models with stainless steel grinding components tend to last longer. Running cold water during and after use extends lifespan significantly.
Can I put eggshells in a garbage disposal?
Small amounts of eggshells are fine, but they don't sharpen the blades (a common myth). The membrane lining can wrap around the shredder ring. In large quantities, the ground shells can accumulate in pipes. A few shells occasionally are harmless.
Why does my garbage disposal smell bad?
Food particles trapped in the grinding chamber and splash guard decompose and cause odors. Clean weekly by grinding ice cubes and citrus peels, scrubbing the rubber splash guard with a brush, and flushing with baking soda and hot water.
Should I use hot or cold water with my disposal?
Always use cold water when running the disposal. Cold water solidifies grease and fats so they can be chopped up and flushed away. Hot water melts grease, which can then re-solidify and clog pipes downstream.
Do I need a garbage disposal with a septic system?
You can use a disposal with a septic system, but it increases the solids load and may require more frequent pumping (every 2-3 years instead of 3-5). Choose a septic-rated model like the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist, which injects enzymes to aid breakdown.
What is the difference between a 3-bolt and EZ Mount?
3-bolt (Quick Lock) is InSinkErator's proprietary mounting system — the industry standard. EZ Mount is Waste King's simpler twist-on system. When replacing, it's easiest to buy the same brand to reuse the existing mount. Adapters exist but add complexity.