Quietly humming away under your sink, food waste disposal units can handle your leftover food scraps, simplifying your kitchen clean-up and potentially reducing your household’s contribution to landfill waste.

However, with the diverse range of models available in the market, choosing the right food waste disposal unit can feel like a daunting task. Factors such as power, size, noise level, and grind chamber capacity can all make a significant difference in the performance and suitability of a disposal unit.

In this post, I’ll delve into the world of waste disposers, helping you navigate the various options and features, and ultimately guiding you to find the best food waste disposal unit for your needs.

Let’s get into it!

[Kitchinsider is supported by its audience through affiliate links. If you purchase through these links you won’t pay a penny more but I’ll make a small commission, which helps keep the website going. Thanks!]
Here’s how I recommend products.

In a hurry? Check out my top picks below:

What To Consider When Buying A Waste Disposal Unit

If you’re considering purchasing a garbage disposal unit, here are several factors you might want to take into account:

1. Type of Disposer: There are two types of garbage disposals – continuous feed and batch feed. Continuous feed models are the most common and operate when a switch is flipped and allows for continuous waste addition as the unit runs. Batch feed models only operate when a special cover is in place, adding a safety measure but requiring waste to be added in batches.
   
   Personally, I prefer continuous models, I think they are easier and more convenient to use. So my top picks below are all continuous models. However, it’s definitely worth knowing there are different types available. 👍
   
   
2. Power and Motor Size: Garbage disposals typically come in four sizes, approximately: 0.33 horsepower, 0.5 horsepower, 0.75 horsepower and 1 horsepower. If you plan to use your disposal frequently or for harder types of food waste, you might need a model with more power. A 0.33 or 0.5 horsepower model may be suitable for a smaller household or less frequent use.
   
   
3. Grind Chamber Capacity: This refers to the volume inside the unit where food waste is ground before it’s sent down the drain. The size of this chamber can vary from model to model. A larger grind chamber capacity means the disposal can handle a greater volume of waste at once.
   
   This can be especially beneficial for larger households or for those who cook frequently and produce a lot of food waste. However, a larger grind chamber also typically means a larger overall unit size, so you’ll need to ensure you have enough space under your sink to accommodate it.
   
   
4. Material: Disposals with stainless steel blades tend to be more durable and less prone to dulling or rusting. The grinding chamber, where the waste is processed, should also be made from a corrosion-resistant material.
   
   
5. Noise Level: Some units have insulation to reduce noise levels while in operation. If you’re sensitive to noise, you might want to consider a disposal with sound-sealing technology.
   
   
6. Septic Safe: If your home uses a septic system, it’s important to ensure that the model you choose is septic safe. Some units are specifically designed for use with septic systems and may include features to help break down the food waste more thoroughly. If in doubt, ask the manufacturer if it’s particularly designed for use with a septic system.
   
   
7. Size: Consider the physical size of the unit to ensure it will fit under your sink. If you have a dishwasher, you’ll also need a disposal unit with a dishwasher inlet.
   
   
8. Warranty: Check the length and coverage of the warranty. Some models come with warranties that last for several years or even a lifetime.
   
   
9. Cost: An obvious one here but cost is always a consideration. Think about what features you would like and what you are willing to spend to try and get the best for your buck!
   
   

You May Also Like
Should You Buy A Food Waste Disposal Unit? – Pros And Cons

The Best Food Waste Disposal Units

Here is my pick of the best food waste disposal units. I’ve chosen the 5 favourites I’ve recommended, sold and had great feedback from over the years. As you’ll see, I highly rate InSinkErator when it comes to kitchen waste disposal units! 😀

InSinkErator Model 46AS (Air Switch)

Key Features

• Type of Disposer: The Model 46AS is a continuous feed waste disposal unit, allowing for the constant grinding of waste while the unit is turned on.
  
  
• Power: With a 0.55 horsepower motor, this unit is powerful enough to handle the food waste demands of a small or single-person household.
  
  
• Grind Chamber Capacity: This unit has a large 980 ml grind chamber, ensuring it can handle a considerable amount of food waste before needing to be activated.
  
  
• Noise Reduction: The Model 46AS incorporates basic sound reduction technology, helping to keep the noise level down while it grinds your food waste.
  
  
• Dimensions: The Model 46AS is compact in size, measuring 319 mm in height and designed to fit even under the smallest sinks.
  
  
• Warranty: A full two-year warranty is included, covering both parts and labour, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
  
  

Overview

The Model 46AS is the most budget-friendly option on my list and one of the disposers I have sold the most over the years (along with it’s bigger brother the 100S).

It operates as a continuous feed waste disposal unit, which allows for ongoing grinding of waste as soon as you turn the unit on. It comes equipped with a solid 0.55 horsepower motor that’s more than sufficient to manage the food waste needs of smaller households.

Its compact dimensions, standing at only 319mm in height, allow it to fit conveniently under most sinks. However, despite its compact form, the Model 46AS boasts a sizable grind chamber capacity of 980ml, accommodating a significant volume of food waste before the unit needs activation.

The unit I like to recommend also includes a built-in air switch. (You can also buy it without the air switch). This feature provides a convenient and safe method to turn the disposal on and off without reaching under the sink.

As an added benefit, the Model 46AS is backed by a two-year warranty covering parts and labour, demonstrating the manufacturer’s confidence in the unit’s quality and durability.

At approx. £160, the Model 46AS food waste disposal unit offers impressive value given its features, making it an excellent choice for those looking to manage waste disposal more effectively in smaller households.

Pros

• Most affordable model, offering good value for smaller households or limited spaces.
• Compact design, ideal for smaller households or limited spaces.
• Includes air switch for added safety and convenience.

Cons

• 1-stage grind technology is less thorough than the multi-stage systems in other models.
• Only has a 2-year warranty, which is shorter compared to other models.
• With a 0.55hp motor, it might not be as powerful as other models for heavy-duty use.

Check price and availability at:
Amazon UK
B&Q (No Air Switch Version)

InSinkErator Model 66

Key Features

• Type of Disposer: The Model 66 is a continuous feed waste disposal unit, providing constant grinding action as soon as it’s switched on.
  
  
• Power: The unit is powered by a potent 0.75 horsepower motor, suitable for larger households or substantial food waste.
  
  
• Grind Chamber Capacity: With a 980 ml grind chamber, this model accommodates a larger volume of waste.
  
  
• Noise Reduction: The Model 66 operates 20% quieter than standard models, thanks to the “Quiet Plus” sound reduction technology.
  
  
• Dimensions: Despite its power, the Model 66 is compact, measuring 318mm in height and 184mm in width, fitting conveniently under your sink.
  
  
• Warranty: A full four-year warranty is included, covering parts and labour, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
  
  
• Additional Features: The Model 66 comes with a built-in air switch for convenient and safe operation. It also includes an auto-reverse action for extended product life and trouble-free operation. The easy-to-clean removable baffle and overload protection further enhance this unit’s value.
  
  

Overview

Moving up the scale slightly we have the InSinkErator Model 66. This model waste garbage disposal unit is particularly well-suited for medium to large households or those with a fair amount of food waste.

With its high torque Dura Drive 0.75hp induction motor and spacious 980 ml capacity grinding chamber, the Model 66 can handle all types of food waste, from small bones to fruit and vegetable scraps.

Plus, despite its strength, this model operates 20% quieter than the model 46, ensuring it won’t disrupt your household’s peace. Its compact design means it’ll fit neatly under your kitchen sink, even when you’re short on space.

Installation of the Model 66 is quick and easy, thanks to the Quick Lock assembly. Whether you’re fitting it into your existing kitchen or a new sink space, all you need is a power source and suitable plumbing.

Backed by a four-year manufacturer’s guarantee, the Model 66 is a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly addition to any kitchen.

As the top model in the InSinkErator ‘standard’ range, it offers high-performance continuous feed operation, handling large amounts of food waste with ease.

Pros

• 2-stage grind system provides more thorough grinding.
• Comes with a built-in air switch for safety and convenience.
• Has a more powerful motor (0.75 hp) compared to Model 46AS.

Cons

• With a 0.75hp motor, it is less powerful than some models in the Evolution series.
• The 4-year warranty is shorter than that of some other models.
• May be larger or bulkier compared to the compact Model 46AS.

Check price and availability at:
Amazon UK
B&Q
Appliance City

Franke Turbo Elite TE-75 Waste Disposal Unit

Key Features

• Feed Type: Continuous feed allows for easy waste disposal while the unit operates.
  
  
• Motor Speed: The TE-75 operates at a motor speed of 2700 RPM.
  
  
• Horse Power: Powered by a robust 0.75HP motor, the TE-75 handles a wide variety of food waste.
  
  
• Antibacterial Protection: The unit includes an antibacterial protection feature for effective odour control.
  
  
• Installation Requirements: For ceramic sinks, an extended flange is needed for installation.
  
  
• Dimensions: The TE-75 has a height of 371mm and a width of 200mm.
  
  
• Warranty: The product includes a 10-year guarantee from the manufacturer, ensuring your investment is protected.
  
  

Overview

Best known for their taps and sinks, Franke has become a household name in the world of kitchen design and a brand I have sold and recommended my whole career. Seriously, I can’t tell you how many Franke taps I’ve sold over the years!

And The Turbo Elite TE-75 is a great introduction to Franke’s line-up of waste disposal units. It’s easy to install and compact in size, designed to sit conveniently under your sink and also offers a hygienic solution to your kitchen waste, featuring antibacterial protection for odour control.

The unit’s innovative high-speed motor efficiently grinds up food particles and flushes them away, thanks to a powerful permanent magnet motor. This achieves high speed instantly, producing more torque per kilo than other similar models.

Operating the TE-75 is straightforward – it’s a continuous feed type, meaning you can add waste while the unit runs. Food waste is instantly liquefied into fine particles that are easily flushed through the existing pipework system.

For those with ceramic sinks, an extended flange will be required for installation. The Turbo Elite TE-75 comes with a generous 10-year guarantee from the manufacturer, giving you peace of mind for your purchase.

Pros

• High-speed permanent magnet motor provides efficient grinding.
• Antibacterial protection for odour control.
• Comes with a 10-year guarantee, which is the longest among the compared models.

Cons

• Most expensive model, yet has restrictions on types of food waste it can handle.
• An extended flange is required for ceramic sinks.
• Despite having a high-speed motor, it’s still at 0.75hp like some of the InSinkErator models.

Check price and availability at:
Amazon UK
Appliance City

InSinkErator Evolution 100 S 

Key Features

• Type of Disposer: The Evolution 100 S is a continuous feed waste disposal unit, allowing for constant operation as long as the switch is on.
  
  
• Power: Powered by a robust 0.75 horsepower motor, it is well-suited for tackling all types of food waste.
  
  
• Grind Chamber Capacity: It has a spacious 1005 ml grind chamber, allowing for efficient disposal of larger amounts of waste.
  
  
• Noise Reduction: With “Evolution-Quiet” technology, this unit operates 40% quieter than standard models, reducing noise pollution in your kitchen.
  
  
• Dimensions: The Evolution 100 S has a height of 312mm and a width of 222mm.
  
  
• Warranty: A full four-year parts and labour warranty is included, providing confidence in your purchase.
  
  
• Additional Features: The Evolution 100 S comes with a built-in air switch for easy operation. It also features an auto-reverse action for extended product life and trouble-free operation, and an anti-microbial removable chamber for easy cleaning. The stainless steel sink stopper and strainer basket add to its convenience and durability.
  
  

Overview

Jumping up the InSinkErator range to their ‘Evolution’ line-up, the InSinkErator Evolution 100 S is a premium kitchen waste disposal unit that combines innovation, convenience, and power.

Ideal for larger families, cooking enthusiasts, or amateur chefs, the Evolution 100 S makes easy work of clearing up after meals, grinding various food waste into fine particles. This includes chicken and fish bones, fruit, vegetables, and food peels, ensuring a fresh and odour-free kitchen environment.

With an overload protection feature and auto-reverse function, the Evolution 100 S prevents blockages and overfilling. The stainless steel sink stopper conceals the disposal unit when not in use and doubles as a standard sink plug. The chrome air switch, which provides air pressure to activate the disposer, is another convenient feature of this model. Honestly, the little air switches are great!

With the InSinkErator Evolution 100 S, you can expect less frequent trips to the bin and a more hygienic kitchen environment. This unit is backed by a standard 4-year warranty, making it a trustworthy and reliable choice.

Pros

• 2-stage grind technology ensures a finer grind.
• Quieter operation thanks to SoundSeal technology.
• Auto-reverse action for extended product life and trouble-free operation.

Cons

• Grind chamber capacity (1005 ml) is smaller than that of the Evolution 200 S.
• Comes with a 4-year warranty, which is shorter compared to the Franke model.
• It’s at 0.75hp, same as Model 66 and the Franke model but less powerful than the Evolution 200 S.

Check price and availability at:
Amazon UK
Appliance City

InSinkErator Evolution 200 S

Key Features

• Type of Feed: The Evolution 200 S is a continuous feed waste disposal unit, allowing you to add waste while the unit runs.
  
  
• Power: Equipped with a robust 0.75 horsepower motor, the Evolution 200 S is prepared to tackle a wide range of food waste.
  
  
• Grind Chamber Capacity: The spacious 1180 ml grind chamber accommodates more waste, making it ideal for larger households or frequent cooking.
  
  
• Noise Reduction: With Evolution-Quiet technology, the unit operates 60% quieter than standard models.
  
  
• Dimensions: The Evolution 200 S has a height of 344mm and a width of 234mm.
  
  
• Warranty: A full 5-year parts and labour warranty is included, ensuring peace of mind with your purchase.
  
  
• Additional Features: The unit includes a built-in air switch for easy operation, auto-reverse action for extended product life and trouble-free operation, and an overload protection feature to prevent overfilling. The stainless steel sink stopper and strainer basket offer added convenience and durability.
  
  

Overview

Climbing up one step further and almost at the top of the range is the InSinkErator Evolution 200 S. The premium and quietest unit in InSinkErator’s range.

Ideal for large busy households or even professional settings, the Evolution 200 S addresses all your kitchen disposal needs and promises an end to the frustrating and time-consuming process of dealing with waste food and leftovers.

Equipped with a high-torque Dura-Drive induction motor and a large 1180 ml waste chamber, this model will quickly and efficiently grind your food waste into tiny particles, which are easily flushed away down your kitchen drain.

The Evolution 200 S also showcases a three-stage grind technology along with an auto-reverse feature, enabling it to tackle the toughest of food scraps and peels. Whether it’s chicken bones, fish bones, corn on the cob, nut shells, fruit pits, or even avocado skin and banana peel, this waste disposal unit can handle it all.

Despite its power, the Evolution 200 S operates 60% quieter than standard models, allowing you to maintain a peaceful kitchen environment. The sleek, compact design fits unobtrusively under most kitchen sinks, with easy installation thanks to our Quick-Lock mounting system. All you need is a power source and standard plumbing.

With overload protection, you can rest assured that you won’t accidentally overfill your disposer, and the convenient air switch, finished in premium chrome, can be placed on your worktop or inside a kitchen cupboard as per your preference and activates the disposer using air pressure.

Backed by a 5-year warranty, the InSinkErator Evolution 200 S is a reliable and efficient choice for managing kitchen waste, promising an end to smelly bins and messy food scraps.

Pros

• 3-stage grind technology, the most thorough among the compared models.
• Large grind chamber capacity (1180 ml) for more waste.
• Quieter than standard models and comes with a 5-year warranty.

Cons

• The size might be too large to fit under some sinks.
• More expensive due to its premium features. The most expensive model in the InSinkErator range.
• Despite the 3-stage grind technology, some waste types may still not be suitable.

Check price and availability at:
Amazon UK
Appliance City

Best Waste Disposal Units Comparison Table

Product	Approx Price Range (£)	Power (hp)	Grind Chamber Capacity (ml)	Size (Height x Diameter, mm)	Warranty (Years)
InSinkErator Model 46AS	£160 – 200	0.55	980	318 x 185	2
InSinkErator Model 66	£250 – 300	0.75	980	318 x 185	4
Franke Turbo Elite TE-75	£400 – 450	0.75	Not specified	371 x 200	10
InSinkErator Evolution 100 S	£375 – 450	0.75	1005	312 x 222	4
InSinkErator Evolution 200 S	£420 – 550	0.75	1180	344 x 234	5

You May Also Like
Kitchen Sink Ultimate Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Can You Fit A Waste Disposal Unit To Any Sink?

Most modern sinks can be fitted with a garbage disposal unit, but there are some factors to consider.

Firstly, the design of the sink itself is important. The sink needs to have a standard drain hole to accommodate the installation of the garbage disposal. However, if the sink is made from particularly heavy materials, such as cast iron, additional support may be required due to the weight of the disposal unit.

You’ll also need to consider the compatibility with your home’s plumbing and sewer system. Your plumbing and sewer system need to be capable of handling the additional output that a garbage disposal introduces. For homes that utilize septic systems, it’s worth noting that you may need a garbage disposal unit specifically designed for such systems.

The physical space under the sink is another crucial factor. There needs to be sufficient room to house the garbage disposal unit. This includes space not only for the unit itself but potentially also for any necessary plumbing alterations. Remember, the size of the disposal unit will vary depending on the model and the power of its motor.

In terms of power supply, garbage disposals require electricity to operate. Consequently, there needs to be a power outlet under the sink or at least in close proximity. If there’s no available outlet, you would likely need to hire a professional electrician to install one.

Lastly, but importantly, local regulations must be taken into account. Some municipalities or apartment complexes prohibit the use of garbage disposals. These restrictions are usually due to concerns about the impact on the local waste management system. Therefore, it’s always advisable to check local regulations before deciding to install a garbage disposal unit.

If you’re unsure about any of these factors or if your kitchen can accommodate a garbage disposal unit, it’s best to consult a professional plumber or kitchen installer.

Final Thoughts…

There you have it! My personal picks for the best waste disposal units for your kitchen.

I’ve included a range of options at varying prices, power, capacity and features so there’s hopefully, something here for everyone!

And don’t forget, if you want to learn a bit more about waste disposal units you should definitely have a read of my post Should You Buy A Food Waste Disposal Unit? – Pros And Cons 👍

DISCOVER MORE

• 
  Venting Hob Installation Info – Everything You Need To Know
• 
  Cooker Hood Dimensions & Installation Factors – A Complete Guide
• 
  Undermount vs Drop-In Sink – Which Is Best For Your Kitchen?