Best garbage disposals for kitchen sinks

Top pick: InSinkErator Badger 5XP (3/4 HP). It's the safest default for a normal kitchen sink — the brand that dominates the category, a 3/4 HP motor that handles everyday scraps without bogging down, and the strongest owner feedback of anything here. Note it ships without a power cord, so add one if your old unit's cord isn't reusable.

Who the others suit:

• GE GFC720N (3/4 HP) — a solid alternative if you want a bigger grinding chamber and a proven GE build.
• Moen EX Series 1 HP — for a busy household that cooks a lot and wants more power for the money.
• Moen Prep Series — best for a septic system; it's rated septic-safe.
• InSinkErator Whirlaway 291PC — a light-duty, budget-friendly choice for a small kitchen or a rental.
• 1/3 HP models — only for light use: coffee grounds, soft scraps, no bones or fibrous peels.

Skip anything under 1/2 HP if you cook often; the motor is the part that fails first.