Need new garbage disposal -- recommendations?

13 years ago

We need to replace our garbage disposal. We use it multiple times daily. *Any recommendations as to brand and/or model?* I'd like to stick to something I can get at HD or Lowe's.

Secondary GD question... The old one made the whole sink shake when it ran. I don't know if the GD was too powerful, not powerful enough, or if the gauge of the stainless steel sink is too flimsy. Or just an installation problem. The GD is an ISE Badger 5, 1/2 HP. I'd also appreciate comments on this.

Thanks!

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Comments (12)

az88
13 years ago
My contractor recommended the Insinkerator Evolution Compact at Home Depot ($169). He said it's very quiet. It's not installed yet, but the reviews at the HD website were very positive.
Buehl
13 years ago
The Badger line of GDs is the cheapest line made by InSinErator and is prone to problems. It's the "builder-grade" GD and is not generally recommended. (It's the Badgers that give GDs a bad name b/c of their issues.)

However, if you move up to one of InSinkErator's Evolution GDs, then you will be much, much happier! They are far superior to the Badgers. Yes, the Evolution GDs are available at HD or Lowes.

Look for: At least 3/4hp, 1hp is even better
Anti-vibration
At least some sound dampening
If on a septic system, get the Evolution Septic Assist that has a "bio-charge" that helps break down waste in the septic system

Bottom line: Avoid the Badger!
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My husband and I were just discussing this the other day, if we had it to do over again, we wouldn't. I don't really cook the kind of meals that need a lot of "disposing" and my garbage is picked up twice a week. I don't think it is worth the sometimes smelly unpleasantness. It probably is more likely to smell if you hardly ever use it, as in our case. I only got it because I replaced the one that went on the fritz after 16 years. I should have just ditched it then and could have gotten a different kind of sink but that's a whole other story. I also don't like how much room it takes up under the sink.
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If you select the very quiet and powerful Insinkerator Evolution Excel, please be advised that the distance from the sink flange to disposer drain port is greater than for the earlier Insinkerator models. This only matters if the drain pipe passing into the wall is not very far below the present disposal's drain. Consult installation drawings for dimensions. The Evolution Excel is very heavy relative to some earlier models. In cramped cabinets, significant one-arm strength may be needed to hold up the disposal with necessary alignment perfection in order to tighten up the retaining ring without pinching the sink seal. Various methods of supporting the unit may be devised. My hopefully final approach (to be tested soon) is to use an inexpensive lab scissor jack for this purpose. Scissor car jacks also work but have various deficiencies as a practical approach. kas
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M Miller - Why did't I contact WasteKing? Honestly it never occurred to me. The garbage disposal had consistent issues with certain classes of waste. It chewed through anything hard and solid. That is where the power of the motor comes into play. The design of a garbage disposal is muck more than simply the motor. Just like a car and pretty much every other product. You can chose to believe me or not. Really does not matter to me. I am simply relating my experience with the 1hp Wasteking, Legend Series I got from Costco. My previous Insinkerator had its issue with raw chicken skin. I did not think to call and complain about that either. It was just a matter of using the correct tool for the job. I am glad that Wasteking works well for you. For me it did not. I was much happier with the Insinkerator and felt it was worth the additional cost. Not everyone will agree with me. That is fine. Competition is great for any industry so I am happy there are other options out there. aliceinwonderland_id - I have to disagree with you on the landfill. With the way Garbage is compacted many landfills have an issue with getting enough oxygen down to the organic waste to decompose it. If you run enough water in your disposal it will flush the waste all the way to the main pipes where additional water flow will keep it moving. At least that is my theory :) More and more cities are setup to handle the "solid" waste and make use of it. Not that I don't believe you but would you point me to a link discussing the issues with Garbage Disposals and pipes/Ph, etc?
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brickeyee
13 years ago
"Look for:

# At least 3/4hp, 1hp is even better
# Anti-vibration
# At least some sound dampening "

And a stainless steel grinding chamber.

The only place I even consider a badger is in a rental house (and them they need replacing about every 2-3 years from abuse).
kompy
13 years ago
Definitely the Evolution Series by Insinkerator! I have the 1HP model and it's amazing! You can put rib bones down it! Celery too! No problems....very quiet. Check out this youtube video about them!

Kompy

Here is a link that might be useful: Insinkerator Evolution!!!!!!!
nerdyshopper
13 years ago
We bought a Sears GD and I was told that it is a re-badged Insinkerator. It has been super reliable and relatively quiet. The cost was much less than the equivalent Insinkerator because it was so frequently a loss leader item in Sears store ads.
ladyamity
13 years ago
We've always had a half horse power disposal, never realizing the difference because, well, I didn't know how to research back then.

We had similar problems back when we had a SS sink....but our disposal literally rattled the sink wall, not just the sink.
And loud.....if I was talking to someone standing next to me while I turned on disposal, I held my hand up, as in "Stop" so they could stop talking until I turned off the disposal otherwise I couldn't hear what they said.

With this unplanned kitchen remodel, I figured I might as well get a larger disposal (six adults) so started searching.
Boy, talk about sticker shock!!!
Never realized there was so much to learn about disposals!

I found many new disposals on Craigs List but after reviewing them here and other sites like Epinions, I decided against them.

Then one day I was looking for a small iron shelving unit and didn't click the right search buttons I guess, and a garbage disposal came up in a Yard Sale Listing.
I researched it and found a few negatives but not near as many as the other disposals I had reviewed.

Disposal was still in the box, wrapped in original plastic with warranty still good.

This disposal....actually the first time we ran it I thought it was broken...it was so quiet!
And boy, does it gobble up the quap!

I've cleaned it each week with a small chunk of a fresh lemon and so far, so good, no problems and performs wonderfully.
janana2
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, everybody! Lots of great info!
Circus Peanut
13 years ago
I have the Insinkerator Evolution Cover Control and the Insinkerator Evolution Compact, and adore both of them. The smaller Compact gets most of our garbage, as things turned out, and handles it all flawlessly despite our old skinny pipes.

The 1hp Cover Control is amazingly quiet and powerful, and I really love the innovation of the cover and lack of need for a power switch. At first we wondered if it was broken, it operates so quietly. Thumbs way up!! Best garbage disposal I've ever seen or used.
jejvtr
13 years ago
Waste King 1hp has lifetime warranty

Here is a link that might be useful: WK
chillcox
13 years ago
i've gotten mine at costco, so much cheaper than any other store. decent prices online, but check out a B&M store if you're close and/or a member.
kompy
13 years ago
Amity...that's the one I have! When we first turned ours on, we thought it was amazingly quiet as well. LOVE this disposer and will sing its praises whenever I get the chance!!!!!

No brainer...best disposer out there!!!

HD seems to have this as a loss leader....their price was lower than my cost at my kitchen dealership. Even though I hate giving them my money, I did. :-(
janana2
Original Author
13 years ago
We ended up getting the Insinkerator Evolution Compact (3/4 HP); DH installed it last night. It is definitely quieter than the Badger 5 by at least half, and the sink doesn't shake any more!

Thanks again, all.

Need new garbage disposal -- recommendations?

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az88

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Need new garbage disposal -- recommendations?

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