Garbage disposers

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What's behind our garbage disposer Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 14 models in garbage disposers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based on performance and noise, and other factors not shown in the Ratings, such as occurrences of stalling and ejecting of unground bones.
Speed
We judged each model's speed of grinding beef bones and vegetable scraps. The speed of grind was based on the amount of bone that was ground in one minute of operation.
Fineness
We judged each model's fineness of grinding beef bones and vegetable scraps. The fineness of grind was based on the distribution of particle size after all bones were ground to completion.
Vegetable scraps
For vegetable scraps, whole celery stalks and whole potatoes were used.
Noise
We judged noise as a combination of decibel readings while grinding bones and judgments of sound generated while grinding other table scraps.

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Recommended garbage disposers

Recommended garbage disposers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended garbage disposers

Garbage disposer buying guide

To find the garbage disposer that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy garbage disposers in a safe-shopping environment.

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Some municipalities discourage residential garbage disposers because of inadequate sewer systems or water supplies. Even if your community allows garbage disposers, using one may cost you more than you think. If you're looking for information about garbage disposers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ garbage disposer reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our garbage disposer buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and garbage disposer reviews to help you choose the best garbage disposer for your needs.

Ratings & recommended garbage disposers

Garbage disposers (14)

The Ratings rank garbage disposers by overall performance.

Garbage disposer buying guide

Besides eliminating messes and discouraging bugs and other pests, a garbage disposer shifts food waste from landfills to a wastewater treatment system.

That has prompted some cities to require disposers in new homes. Add in the many towns that charge by volume for waste removal, and it's easy to see why nearly half of American homes have a garbage disposer.

But some municipalities discourage residential garbage disposers because of inadequate sewer systems or water supplies. Even if your community allows disposers, using one may cost you more than you think. Some cities also worry that garbage disposers encourage homeowners to flush down fat, oil, and other greasy residue that can clog sewers.

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