Garbage Disposals Buying Checklist Printable Updated March 2, 2026 Use This ChecklistPrint this checklist before shopping for Garbage Disposals. It covers everything from choosing the right type to avoiding common mistakes. Print This Checklist Research PhaseResearch the 3 types of garbage disposals availableBest Overall: InSinkErator Evolution Excel (1 HP)Best Mid-Range: InSinkErator Evolution Compact (3/4 HP)Best Budget: Waste King L-3200 (3/4 HP)Continuous FeedBatch FeedCompare prices across at least 3 brandsRead warranty terms before purchasingCheck compatibility with your existing plumbing Shopping Tips1/3 HP disposals ($50-$80) only handle soft food waste and jam frequently on anything fibrous or bony. They are not worth the savings -- start at 1/2 HP minimum, 3/4 HP recommended.Continuous-feed disposals (run while you add waste) outsell batch-feed (load, close, then run) 10-to-1. Batch-feed is safer with kids but slower to use. Choose continuous-feed unless child safety is the priority.The grinding chamber material matters: stainless steel resists corrosion and lasts 10-15 years. Galvanized steel corrodes in 5-8 years. All models on this list use stainless steel.Batch feed eliminates risk for homes with young children.Continuous feed with an air switch is more convenient than a wall switch.Both types use the same mounting system -- switching is possible without replumbing.Buy at least 1/2 HP. The $20-40 savings of 1/3 HP is not worth constant jamming.3/4 HP is the sweet spot for most families.Sound insulation is as important as HP for kitchen comfort.If the kitchen is open to living areas, invest in a premium insulated model.Higher HP models are often quieter because they grind faster and come with better insulation.Anti-vibration mounting reduces noise even on budget models.Get your septic assessed before installing any disposal.Be extra conservative -- soft scraps only, no grease, no fibrous vegetables.Increase pumping frequency by 1 year after installing a disposal.If you already have an InSinkErator and want to stay with the same brand, the mounting ring does not need to change. Same for Waste King to Waste King. Switching brands means a new mount.For quiet operation in an open kitchen, the InSinkErator Evolution Compact or Excel is worth the premium. The sound difference is dramatic in daily use.For rental properties, guest houses, or utility sinks where noise is not a concern, Waste King at 3/4 HP ($80-$120) is the best value -- strong grinding, lifetime motor warranty, and half the price of InSinkErator Evolution. Mistakes to AvoidBuying a 1/3 HP disposal to save $30. It jams on anything beyond soft food scraps and needs replacing in 3-5 years. A 3/4 HP model handles everything and lasts 10-15 years.Not considering noise. A $70 disposal in an open-concept kitchen sounds like a blender running in the living room. The $50-$100 premium for a SoundSeal or SoundShield model is worth every dollar.Assuming all disposals fit your sink. The mounting system matters -- InSinkErator uses a 3-bolt mounting ring, Waste King uses EZ Mount, Moen uses Xpress Mount (compatible with InSinkErator). Verify compatibility before buying.Assuming batch feed is inferior. Same grinding at the same HP.Not considering child safety with continuous feed.Not understanding the batch workflow is slower.Buying 1/3 HP to save $20. It jams weekly and frustrates everyone.Ignoring sound insulation. A loud 1 HP is worse than a quiet 1/2 HP.Assuming all brands at the same HP perform equally.Choosing based on HP alone without checking sound rating.Expecting any disposal to be silent. Even the best are audible.Replacing a quiet premium model with a cheap one. The difference is immediately obvious.Installing on an old or failing septic system.Treating septic-safe as permission to grind everything.Forgetting to replace enzyme cartridges on schedule.Choosing InSinkErator Badger thinking you are getting Evolution quality. The Badger line is InSinkErator's budget tier -- single-stage grinding, no sound insulation, shorter warranty. It competes with Waste King, not with Evolution.Buying based on HP alone without considering grinding stages and noise. A Waste King 1 HP is louder and produces coarser output than an InSinkErator Evolution Compact at 3/4 HP.Assuming Waste King is inferior because it costs less. At the same HP level, Waste King grinds effectively and the lifetime motor warranty outlasts InSinkErator's standard warranty. It is a value play, not a quality compromise. Installation PrepHave ready: Hose clampHave ready: ScrewdriverHave ready: Dishwasher drain hose (if not included)Assess difficulty level: EasyBudget for installation: $5-$20 materialsHave ready: Plumber's puttyHave ready: Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)Have ready: Adjustable wrench and pliersAssess difficulty level: IntermediateBudget for installation: $100-$200 DIY / $300-$600 with pro Helpful ResourcesComplete Garbage Disposals GuideEverything in one placeGarbage Disposals TypesCompare all typesCost GuidesBudget planning See AlsoBatch Feed DisposalsBest Garbage Disposals (2025)Dishwasher Drain ConnectionGarbage Disposal Installation CostHow to Reset a Garbage Disposal
