With a lifespan that averages 12 years, choosing a garbage disposal is a long-term investment. You don’t have to shell out the big bucks to get a sturdy, reliable garbage disposal for your kitchen. If you know what features to look for, you’ll quickly find that there are many excellent models available for less than $100 bucks.
However, if you don’t know how to differentiate subpar disposals from dependable ones, we can help. We have carefully searched through low-cost models and examined key features such as their motor, grind stage, horsepower, noise level and component materials.
From there, we sorted them by warranty, capacity and size, discarding models that didn’t meet our high-quality standards. This left us with a final list of the best garbage disposals under $100 that you can use as a guide for choosing the right disposal for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Moen GXP50C GX PRO Series 1/2 hp Garbage Disposal
If you need to replace your garbage disposal without spending a lot of time or effort on installation, try the Moen GXP50C Pro Series. It features a universal XPress mounting system that is compatible with most three-bolt assemblies.
If that’s the type of garbage disposal you have now, all you have to do to replace it is twist and lock this disposal into place. If you have an EZ mount type of disposal, the GXP50C still has a lot to offer, and it comes with a pre-installed power cord as well as a drain elbow, stopper, flange and splash guard, so you don’t have to spend extra money on parts.
With its 0.5-horsepower VORTEX motor, this garbage disposal is more than capable of grinding everyday food scraps. The permanent magnet motor rotates the galvanized-steel impellers at a rate of 2,600 revolutions per minute while the continuous-feed operation makes swift work out of cleaning the sink.
No matter how much you use the garbage disposal, the polymer grind chamber prevents corrosion while the SoundShield insulation lowers the noise output.
This garbage disposal may have a large 30.8-ounce capacity, but the unit is not bulky or cumbersome. Like other models in the GX PRO Series line, the GX50C takes many of the most sought-after disposal features and wraps them in a compact, lightweight package.
The GXP50C weighs just 8.5 pounds and measures 7.5 inches in width, so it isn’t a space hog.
This direct-wire disposal is also safe to use with a septic tank, and you can connect it to your dishwasher. In addition, you get 3 years of warranty coverage along with in-home service calls.
- PREP SERIES: Designed for those who slice, dice and peel as part of basic meal prep, and...
- POWERFUL GRINDING: 2,600 RPM, ½ horsepower Vortex motor provides fast, powerful grinding...
Whirlpool GC2000XE 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
With the Whirlpool GC2000XE, you get a dependable garbage disposal that can handle the mess created by small households. Its motor generates a respectable 0.5 horsepower, which is suitable for pulverizing small, soft food particles.
Both the shredder ring and grinding wheel are fashioned from galvanized steel, which has a long lifespan. To make sure that these moving parts have enough torque to rev up and reach 1,725 revolutions per minute, there is an internal centrifugal switch that gives the motor the oomph it needs. Once the motor stops running, the switch cuts itself off, and the motor operates on its own.
The disposal’s 26-ounce grinding chamber is made of ABS plastic, which is lightweight and lasts for years. With its size, the chamber can hold a decent amount of food particles. Before the food reaches this chamber, it goes through a one-stage grinding process.
You also get the benefit of its quick and convenient continuous feed operation, so you can finish your kitchen chores faster. To protect the disposal from malfunctions, there is a manual-reset overload mechanism and a jam-release wrench.
Plus, you are covered by a 1-year full warranty from Whirlpool should you need to repair or replace the disposal.
Since this is a direct-wire garbage disposal, you must connect it to your existing electrical system. If you have a dishwasher, you can take advantage of the included dishwasher connector. No matter how much do-it-yourself experience you have, the locked-in mounting setup makes installation simple and painless.
Once you install the garbage disposal, you can put all your belongings back under the counter – The disposal’s 11.38-inch height and 6.31-inch width leave plenty of room.
- Stainless steel sink flange with 1 piece plastic stopper
- Galvanized steel grinding wheel and shredder ring
Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal
The Waste King 1001 Garbage Disposal is part of the brand’s Legend Series, and it’s designed for the average household and daily use. Like the 2600 mode from Waste King, the 1001 has a 0.5-horsepower motor that puts out enough force to spin the propellers at a rate of 2,600 rates per minute.
However, this disposal gives you the option of connecting it to your dishwasher, so the dishwasher can pump food particles and water through a drain hose and into the disposal. As a bonus, the disposal is safe for septic systems.
With its permanent magnet motor, you’ll experience fewer jams because the no-rust stainless-steel propellers spin at a fast rate. To enhance its performance, the disposal contains lubricated sleeve bearings, which reduce friction, and the grinding chamber is made of glass-filled polyester to make the disposal durable.
It runs on a continuous feed, so the propellers spin as long as the switch is flipped to the on position. This 12.8-inch tall, 5.2-inch wide disposal does not overpower the space under the sink, so you can install it without needing to find a new spot to put all of the items stored in the cabinet.
Since it only weighs 9.1 pounds and already has a power cord, you won’t struggle with holding it as you go through the installation process. While some of Waste King’s garbage disposals are installed via a three-bolt system, the 1001 Legend is put into place with an EZ mount system.
As the name suggests, mounting the aluminum and plastic components with this system is easier than the three-bolt system. Another feature of this disposal’s mounting system is the splash guard, which can be removed when you need to clean it. This disposal is backed by the manufacturer’s 2-year limited warranty and includes in-home service.
- Size: 10.HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 1/2 HP, 2600 RPM (115v) permanent magnet motor jams less....
- EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation,...
Waste King L-111 Legend Series Garbage Disposal
This Waste King L-111 model doesn’t have as much horsepower as the 2600 version, but don’t let that discourage you. The 111 from the brand’s Legend Series is ideal for use in small households and grinding soft foods.
It has a 0.3-horsepower motor that rotates the blades at a rate of 1,900 revolutions per minute. Like the 2600, the 111 features a permanent magnet motor, which runs faster than its induction motor counterpart. You will always get smooth-grinding performance from this garbage disposal thanks to its permanently lubricated bearings.
Its compact size and light weight make it a space saver that is ideal for kitchens that lack storage space. In the event of a clog, you can easily remove the waste elbow to clean out the obstruction. If the motor is overloaded, you can restart it with the manual reset protector.
Usually, removing the elbow or restarting the disposal fixes performance issues. However, Waste King will fix the problems that these troubleshooting methods can’t do by providing you with in-home repair service at no charge for up to 2 years after you purchase the garbage disposal.
When you are ready to install the disposal, you won’t have to clear your schedule for an entire day. The EZ mount system cuts down on installation time, and the power cord comes pre-installed. This continuous-feed garbage disposal features a galvanized steel turntable and grind ring as well as stainless steel impellers for durability and longevity.
Also, this disposal will not break down as much as low-quality disposals because it contains a glass-filled nylon chamber that stands up to everyday use.
- HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 1/3 HP, 1900 RPM (115v) permanent magnet motor jams less
- EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation,...
Waste King L-2600 Legend Series 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal
This is a garbage disposal that is easy for any fledgling do-it-yourselfer to install. The 2600 Legend Series from Waste King is a powerful disposal unit. It boasts a permanent magnet motor, which spins at 2,600 revolutions per minute.
This 0.5-horsepower motor is well-adept at quickly grinding small loads of soft and tough food. Additionally, the disposal comes with a 36-inch power cord already installed, so you don’t have to deal with any electrical work.
In order to drastically reduce wear and tear and the need to make repairs to the disposal, this model is equipped with a glass-filled nylon grinding chamber. Plus, its swivel impellers are constructed from stainless steel, which won’t corrode or degrade over time. Thanks to its noise-dampening chamber, you’ll never find yourself getting a headache while running the disposal.
To make installation simple, the 2600 Legend comes with an EZ mount kit. It also has a removable splash guard to make cleaning your sink a breeze.
Thanks to the disposal’s compact design, it doesn’t take up a ton of room under your kitchen sink, leaving plenty of room for cleaning products and kitchen supplies. To use the continuous-feed disposal, simply flip the switch until the disposal grinds all of the food particles.
If the garbage disposal becomes clogged to the point where it overloads the motor, you can easily get the disposal up and running again with the front-mounted reset button. If the reset button doesn’t solve the problem, you can get in-home service under the 5-year warranty.
- HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 1/2 HP, 2600 rpm permanent magnet motor jams less
- EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation,...
InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal
If you live alone, have a small family or don’t do much cooking, the InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal is a great cost-saving garbage disposal.
It features a 0.5-horsepower motor, which easily breaks up soft food like cooked vegetables, pasta, meat and fruit. Since it has an induction motor, you can count on this garbage disposal to last for many years.
For added peace of mind, InSinkErator offers a 2-year limited warranty on the Badger 5. With this coverage, you get complete in-home service provided by a large network of professionals trained to repair the company’s garbage disposals.
To make sure the disposal can stand up to daily use, the grind system is constructed from durable stainless steel. The 1-grind, 26-ounce chamber is able to break up food one time before allowing it to pass through the drain, making after-dinner clean up a quick chore.
As a continuous-feed disposal, operating the garbage disposal is easy – All you have to do is flip the switch, and the disposal will grind food scraps until you turn off the switch.
For streamlined installation, the disposal is equipped with a Quick Lock sink mount. Once this sink mount is in place, you only need to twist off the old disposal and twist on the new one when you replace it years from now.
While the Badger 5 is a reliable garbage disposal that provides unwavering performance, it may get clogged from time to time like any other disposal unit. To get the disposal back in working order as soon as possible, it comes with a jam buster wrench to free clogs.
- RELIABLE & EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable & functional choice when...
- DURABLE COMPONENTS: This garbage disposal features our exclusive 1/2 hp Dura-Drive...
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Final Words
The main feature to consider when you find a garbage disposal you may want to buy is its motor. What is its horsepower, and is it a magnet or induction motor? The disposal’s grind stage tells you how efficient the disposal is at pulverizing food scraps. Is it a one, two or three-stage disposal? Are the components made from galvanized steel, stainless steel or ABS plastic?
You should also consider other characteristics like sound-dampening insulation and the installation parts that come with it. Now that you’ve seen a wide sampling of budget-friendly garbage disposals, you can feel confident in your purchasing decision.
Our Recommended Garbage Disposals
If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!
Last Update: 2024-04-16 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
