Home » Kitchen » What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of all your waste, you’re probably thinking about investing in a garbage disposal unit for your kitchen. This is a great choice. Not only will you become a little more environmentally friendly, but it’ll save you time.

What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?


This website is supported by readers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

There are plenty of things to consider when you’re thinking of adding a garbage disposal to your kitchen, and one of the most common questions people ask themselves is what size garbage disposal do I need? If you’re wondering the same thing, we’re here to bring you some answers.

What sizes of garbage disposal are available to me?

There are 4 common types of garbage disposal: 1/3 HP motor, ½ HP motor, ¾ HP motor, and 1 HP motor. Of course, the size of the motor is directly linked to how hard your garbage disposal will work.

Moen GXP50C
Moen GXP50C

So for instance, a 1 HP motor is fit for a very busy household – they’re the most powerful (and therefore most expensive choice) and are often used by businesses that need to get rid of a lot of waste. This would be the perfect choice for a larger family in a larger home, for instance.

Moving down the scale, there’s the ¾ HP motor, which is in fact the most common choice for most households. There’s enough power to tackle harder foodstuffs, and will work fine even in busier kitchens. Then there’s the ½ HP motor. This one needs to be treated well, as it has a little less power in it than the ¾ and 1 HP models. You’re most likely to find the ½ HP motor in an apartment.

Finally, there’s the 1/3 HP motor, which is the least powerful of the 4 and most commonly used in small apartments. They’re the most affordable choice, but they do need to be handled with care, and they can’t take on heavier or harder foodstuffs.

Waste King
Waste King

Related Tower Fan Articles

Buying Guides
Best Garbage Disposals Under $100
Best Waste King Garbage Disposal Units
Best Garbage Disposal for Septic System

Info Articles
What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

Size matters

There are a few things to consider when you’re trying to decide which model of garbage disposal you want to go for.

Firstly, think about how many people you’re living with. Naturally, if there’s only you, or you and a partner or housemate, you only need to go for the 1/3 or ½ HP model. These will be the most affordable choices that’ll still do a good job.

If you’re living with a family, or have a bigger home, choosing a ½ or ¾ HP model is going to be your standard choice. These have more power, and can take on much bigger loads of food and waste that you want to get rid of.

Garbage Disposal Size

Also take your sink size into consideration. You’ll need to measure the height, width and length of your sink to determine which size garbage disposal will fit without you having to buy a brand new one to take it on! Garbage disposals get larger the more HP they have, which is a great place to start once you’ve measured your sink.

Our Recommended Garbage Disposals


Best of the Best!
Also Great
Budget Pick
InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal,...
Waste King L-2600 Legend Series 1/2 HP...
Waste King 1/3 HP Garbage Disposal with Power...
InSinkErator Badger 5
Waste King L-2600
Waste King L-111
• 14 pounds
• 7 x 7 x 13 in
• 7.8 pounds
• 6.8 x 6.8 x 13.5 in
• 7.5 pounds
• 5.2 x 5.2 x 12.8 in
The InSinkErator Badger 5 features our exclusive 1/2 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor and long lasting galvanized steel components to ensure a dependable grind for everyday food scraps.
The Waste King L-2600 Garbage Disposal has an easy plug-in installation - no need for electrical wiring or a separate power cord. This powerful disposal is the perfect addition to help keep your kitchen and sink clean
The Waste King L-111 is a 1/3 horsepower garbage disposal with pre-installed power cord and sound insulation. It has an energy efficient permanent magnet motor and stainless steel swivel impellers help reduce jamming.
Best of the Best!
InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal,...
InSinkErator Badger 5
• 14 pounds
• 7 x 7 x 13 in
The InSinkErator Badger 5 features our exclusive 1/2 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor and long lasting galvanized steel components to ensure a dependable grind for everyday food scraps.
Also Great
Waste King L-2600 Legend Series 1/2 HP...
Waste King L-2600
• 7.8 pounds
• 6.8 x 6.8 x 13.5 in
The Waste King L-2600 Garbage Disposal has an easy plug-in installation - no need for electrical wiring or a separate power cord. This powerful disposal is the perfect addition to help keep your kitchen and sink clean
Budget Pick
Waste King 1/3 HP Garbage Disposal with Power...
Waste King L-111
• 7.5 pounds
• 5.2 x 5.2 x 12.8 in
The Waste King L-111 is a 1/3 horsepower garbage disposal with pre-installed power cord and sound insulation. It has an energy efficient permanent magnet motor and stainless steel swivel impellers help reduce jamming.


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!


Subscribe to Brasq Deals

* indicates required

Last Update: 2024-04-19 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

Leave a Comment