Best Garbage Disposals in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 5, 2024
If you want to get rid of food waste in a convenient and hygienic way, you need to buy a good garbage disposal unit. Having a garbage ...Read more
PROS

Though it's a model from a budget-friendly basic range, it comes supplied with all the necessary mounting accessories including a start button and a plastic stopper. The upper and lower bearings are permanently lubricated for maximum easy installation.

CONS

The flange might appear short for some types of sinks.

OUR VERDICT

If you have a small kitchen with strictly limited space in cabinets and drawers, the ISE garbage disposer from InSink Erator is what you need. It is one of the most compact models in the range designed to fit into tight spaces. Meanwhile, it still offers a decent chamber capacity and boasts a high-quality noise reduction system.

detailed parameters
Power

0.55 HP

Grinding Speed

1425 RPM

Chamber Volume

0.98 L

Noise Level

27 dB, Quiet sound reduction technology

Installation and Safety

1-stage grind technology, QuickLock™ mounting

Warranty

3 years 

PROS

Its powerful motor can deliver up to 2,600 RPM operating speed. Easy to install, the unit has a power reset button located on its front. Internal grinding components are made from galvanised steel for reliable and durable use.

CONS

You will need to buy a UK plug adapter separately.

OUR VERDICT

Compact and lightweight, the Waste King L-1001 garbage disposal is an excellent choice for small kitchen owners. With this device at hand, you will be able to forget about odours and reduce the amount of organic waste. The unit has a corrosion-resistant reinforced polymer grind chamber.

detailed parameters
Power

0.5 HP

Grinding Speed

2600 RPM

Chamber Volume

~ 0.98 L

Noise Level

~30 dB, Quiet sound reduction technology

Installation and Safety

1-stage grind technology, EZ Mount twist-and-lock, Removable power cord, Removable splash guard

Warranty

2 years limited

PROS

A forceful induction motor will easily crash all kinds of food garbage including small meat and fish bones to say nothing of fruit and veggie residues. In addition, an overload protection option will prolong the unit service life.

CONS

There is no air switch in the package. 

OUR VERDICT

At a fairly affordable price tag, the InSinkErator 77969 provides basic functionality and consistently high performance for regular daily use. This practical and reliable garbage shredder is a great choice for those who are on a tight budget yet seek a convenient way to dispose of food wastes.

detailed parameters
Power

0.55 HP

Grinding Speed

925 RPM

Chamber Volume

0.98 L

Noise Level

~30 dB, Quiet sound reduction technology

Installation and Safety

1-stage grind technology, QuickLock™ mounting

Warranty

2 years 

PROS

To ensure excellend grinding results time after time and year after year, the machine has a stainless steel grinding plate and a motor shaft. The waste disposal unit uses no knives or blades, only this spinning plate with lugs, and the mechanism is located out of reach.

CONS

The instructrions could be more accurate.

OUR VERDICT

The HIP Ecorush 400 is a great space-saving solution for smaller houses and flats. Equipped with an air switch, it can be safely activated and deactivated. Featuring a stylish and modern design, this air switch can be installed both under the counter and on the worktop.

detailed parameters
Power

0.5 HP

Grinding Speed

~900 RPM

Chamber Volume

~ 0.98 L

Noise Level

~30 dB

Installation and Safety

1-stage grind technology, QuickLock™ mounting, Air switch

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Safe and quiet in operation, the InSinkErator Model 46AS uses a 1-stage grind system for breaking down wastes into fine particles. Easy to install under the sink, it has a 980ml grind chamber and comes with an ergonomic air switch. 

CONS

There are many parts in the kit, so it may take some time to figure out how to install the unit.

OUR VERDICT

Well recommended for smaller properties, this practical garbage disposal unit by InSinkErator will allow you to save on your water and electricity bills. Connecting your dishwasher drain pipe to the disposal and the disposal to the drain is a breeze.

detailed parameters
Power

0.55 HP

Grinding Speed

1725 RPM

Chamber Volume

0.98 L

Noise Level

~30 dB, Basic sound reduction technology

Installation and Safety

1-stage grind technology, QuickLock™ mounting, Air switch

Warranty

2 years

Compact Yet Highly Functional

The best thing about kitchen garbage disposers is that they allow you to significantly reduce the amount of waste you usually send to a trash can. Commonly it is recommended to go for high-power appliances, capable of fine grinding all sorts of leftovers and normally featuring larger chambers. But what if you are limited in under-counter space and a larger unit simply won’t fit under your sink? Think you have to go for smaller models with lower performance? Not at all. The ISE Model 56 from a top-leading InSinkErator brand will deliver reliable and consistently high grinding performance without taking much space in your kitchen cabinet.

The Model 56 falls into a basic category of InSinkErators, which means it is more reasonably priced than premium models, yet, offers the grinding performance worth a premium class. Smaller in size than other models in the range, this unit still features a capacious grinding chamber with almost 1L of volume. Therefore, you’ll be able to install it in smaller kitchen cabinets limited in space and still enjoy fast and flawless grinding you'd get with larger models. 

On top of that, a 0.55 HP motor generates the same 1425 RPM torque, usually characteristic of more powerful motors. A generously sized-chamber paired with high-torque grinding ensures the performance you’ll hardly find in an average waste grinder. And this model will go beyond your expectations. From soft fish bones and vegetable peels to harder chicken bones, fruit cores, and dry bread crusts, it can pulverize and almost liquefy by far any food wastes. As powerful as it is, the unit will pleasantly surprise you with its quiet operation causing no discomfort whether you simply cook for your family or having fun with your friends.

Safe-to-use and Easy-to-install

Efficient grinding performance and quiet operation are not the only advantages of the InSinkErator Model 56 garbage disposal system. There is more to come.

While some disposals might appear difficult to install or even require professional installation, this appliance will take a minimum of your time and effort to be installed. And you won’t have to purchase any extra fittings. All the necessary mounting accessories come in the package along with detailed installation instructions. So, if you have a sink with a standard 90mm waste hole, you’ll fix the disposer quickly and without a hassle. Some types of sinks might need a longer flange not included in the set. However, you can purchase it separately, just make all the measurements in advance.

Other than that, instead of cutting blades, this model has a different grinding mechanism. It consists of a spinning metal plate and impellers using a centrifugal force to break foods against a grind ring. Since there are no sharp blades involved, this system is much safer to use. In addition, the Model 56 can be controlled either by a wall switch or by an air switch coming in the package. Installed on the sink top and activated by air, it allows safely turning the disposer on and off even with wet hands.

Summing up, if you're looking for a space-saving solution that would fit even the most confined drawers, and won't be a hassle to use and install, the InSinkErator Model 56 is one of the better options to consider.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £188.96
Stock In stock
ASIN B01A8HGJ90

High-Speed Motor and Compact Design

If you are looking for a garbage disposer that will efficiently process food leftovers and less tough scraps, opt for this Waste King model. Delivering 0.5 HP, its motor produces 2,600 RPM to ensure fast and powerful grinding and eliminate jamming. Recommended for medium use, the item is a great choice for a family of two to four people. To ensure excellent performance and high corrosion resistance, the item has a reinforced grind chamber and galvanised steel grinding components. The machine comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

This fast and efficient appliance has a neat and compact design, which makes it a great choice for cramped kitchens. A reset button is conveniently located on the unit's front. Measuring 324mm in height and 133mm in diameter in its widest part, the garbage disposal system will take minimum space under the sink. Note that the maximum sink thickness is 1.27 cm.

The powerful unit will help you to save time on cleaning: you will be able to scrape uneaten food into the garbage disposal unit instead of your trash bin. Moreover, it has a dishwasher inlet compatible with a 7/8" rubber dishwasher drain hose. If the hose has a different diameter, you can buy a dishwasher connector kit separately.

Safe to Use With Septic Tanks

Installing the unit is a breeze thanks to the EZ Mount twist-and-lock system and its lightweight design. The package includes a mounting assembly and a drain elbow, a sink flange, a splash guard, a power cord and a drain stopper. When the unit is assembled, the splash guard is easy to remove for cleaning.

The power cord is pre-installed, no additional electrical work is required. However, it comes with a 3-pin plug, so you will need to use a plug adapter. Make sure to get one beforehand to use the machine as soon as you install it and check it for leaks. Continuous feed disposal will help you to get rid of food leftovers and scraps as quickly as possible. According to the users, the machine is comparatively quiet in operation and produces minimum vibration. What is also important, Waste King disposals can be used with septic tanks.

To wrap it up, the Waste King L-1001 is a robust and durable device that can prevent clogging the drain with bits of peelings and meals left on plates. Its high-speed motor will ensure effective grinding and its compact design will help to save your kitchen space.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £109.89
Stock In stock
ASIN B000LNIK6C

A Budget-friendly Solution

In general, garbage disposals won’t become a wrecking ball for your budget. Yet, we can’t call them cheap either. Prices for top-line models often go over £200, and even average-priced models may cost you more than £100. If you have a large household, often host parties, renovate your kitchen and want something better or plan to replace your old disposer with a newer model, a more expensive unit might be a reasonable and worthy investment. However, some people dwell in rented houses or are simply reluctant to pay that much, yet, still want to benefit from electric food disposals. If it sounds like you, turn your eyes to the InSinkErator Model 46.

The product range of this brand contains units not only for any household needs but also for any wallet. That's exactly what attracted us in the InSinkErator Model 46. Cheaper than many other disposers, it is definitely a model to match. Let's break its important features.

The 0.98-ground chamber is capacious enough to ensure consistent wastes grinding and drainage without clogs. The induction motor stands out for high-torque operation and yields the speed up to 925 RPM which, while being lower than in other models, is a decent rate. Despite 1-stage grinding technology, the blade-free grinding mechanism is able to equally well process soft, dry, and solid food leftovers, including such solids as eggshells and coffee grinds. That said, it's recommended not to grind highly fibrous foods, like banana or avocado peels, to prevent grinder malfunctions.

Similar to premium units, the Model 46 is a breeze to install. It comes fitted with a stopper and an air switch for operation safety and convenience of use. Thanks to the brand-specific noise reduction system, this model also offers comfortably quiet operation.

Costs Less Serves Longer

Despite a lower price tag, the Model 46 from InSinkErators not only does its job great abut also stands out for its long service life, which is confirmed by many positive reviews from users. The unit body is made of heavy-duty plastic, while all the grinding elements are made of galvanized steel which makes the whole construction durable, wear and damage-resistant, and long-lasting. Additionally, the Model 46 has an overload protection function to prevent overfilling the grinding chamber, which helps eliminate possible damages due to unground scraps and prolong its service life. 

All in all, this disposer is a great product for a great price.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £99.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B016MYRXWU

Stainless Steel Parts for Extra Durability

Even if you have limited space under the sink, you can easily get rid of food wastes using innovative garbage disposers that combine high motor efficiency with compact design. Boasting an advanced motor and drive system, the HIP Ecorush 400 is perfectly suited for smaller houses and flats. Besides, this innovative unit will allow you to save on your electricity and water bills because it is capable of processing food wastes in a very short time, and extra water usage usually does not exceed 6 litres per day.

To extend the service life of the machine, it is equipped with a high-quality stainless steel grinding plate and a motor shaft. Unlike less resistant galvanised steel mechanisms, they won't rust or wear out for years. Hence, you won't need to replace the unit in just a couple of years, especially if you carefully follow the manufacturer's recommendations on its use.

What is not less important, the device is absolutely safe in use. The machine has no knives or blades. Instead, it utilises lugs on the spinning plate to break wastes into tiny pieces. Sure enough, the grinding system is located out of the user's reach. We put your attention that some items, like banana skins or pineapple pulp, are more difficult to break down.

Air Switch for Added Safety

One more feature that adds to the unit's safety is the included air switch. This chrome-coated button can be installed under the counter or on the worktop (it perfectly fits standard tap holes). The air switch is connected to the main unit with a rubber pipe, so it will allow you to turn the machine on without an electric hazard, even if your hands are wet.

Just like most modern garbage disposals, this unit is easy to install; it will perfectly suit standard 90mm waste holes. Being 351mm tall and featuring 145mm maximum width, it will allow you to save more kitchen space. Equipped with a 0.5 HP motor, the item operates on 240 V and has a standard UK plug.

To make a long story short, the Ecorush 400 waste disposer by HIP is an energy-efficient unit that will quickly process various food wastes. An included air button will ensure safe and comfortable use any time you need to dispose of organic trash. Thanks to its portable design, the item can be recommended for small flats and houses.

Last updated price £139.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08C7YKLQK

For Small Households

Using food waste disposals is an eco-friendly way to dispose of food waste while keeping your kitchen free from odours. Ground to fine particles inside the machine and flushed through the wastewater system, vegetable peelings and uneaten foods can be used for biogas production at wastewater treatment plants. So, instead of scraping leftovers into a trash bin, you can use the InSinkErator waste disposal for utilising them.

However, you should always check with the manufacturer, which foods can be processed with your chosen unit, and which can't. For example, this InSinkErator model will handle most food waste but for stringy and fibrous items (banana peel, for instance). That said, this is definitely one of the best garbage disposals for smaller households. Like most devices of this kind, it uses a grinding plate with lugs and a stationary grinding ring to efficiently break down wastes. Such a design adds to the unit's safety because no knives are used and the grinding element is far beneath the sink.

Thanks to the QuickLock™ mounting, installation is quite simple, though it might take you some time to figure out how to do it. To simplify this task, the manufacturer provides a comprehensive instruction manual, besides, there are helpful video guides on the InSinkErator YouTube channel.

Ergonomic Design

This elaborately designed appliance is super easy to operate. The garbage disposal system comes with an air switch that can be installed inside your cupboard or right on your kitchen worktop for comfortable and safe use. To dispose of peelings and other wastes, you just need to run cold water that will flush them away, turn on the air switch and gradually feed the scraps. Featuring a 980ml grind chamber, the unit has a handy overload protection feature that will help to prevent its overfilling.

Though the machine has a powerful 0.55 HP induction motor, it is pretty quiet in operation. If you have a dishwasher, you can easily connect it to the waste disposal unit. The purchase comes with an ergonomic chrome sink stopper.

Summing up, this compact model is ideal for flats and small houses. Though the waste disposal unit is not recommended for processing stringy and fibrous scrapes, it will allow you to quickly grind most foods and flush them away.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £140.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B016MZ9NCW

What Is a Garbage Disposal Unit?

Garbage disposal units are special kitchen appliances that are usually installed under the sink. They are powered by electric motors and have a set of sharp blades that shred food that gets on them, guiding it into the drain.

Buying a garbage disposer can benefit you in many ways. First things first, you will have less garbage and consequently fewer bills to pay for its removal, which is a good thing, right? Second, there will be less food to decay in your rubbish bin - as a result, you won't face the problem of nasty smells coming from bacteria and germs. And finally, you will not need to put a lot of effort into the process. Garbage disposal units are easy to use and maintain. Simply turn the tap, push a button, load the waste you want to get rid of, and here you go, the rest will be done by the garbage disposer.

One other appliance we'd recommend you to acquire (of course, if you don't own one yet) is a water filter. Just like garbage disposal units, a water filter system goes under the sink so that it remains hidden from sight and cleans water right from the tap. Buying these two devices will allow you to utilise your sink with maximum benefits.

What Features to Compare

Power

When choosing a garbage disposal unit, we recommend considering a few important aspects. One of them (and the most important one, in our opinion) is the power output. The more powerful the disposer is, the easier it will be for it to dispose of food trash, and the denser the waste it will be able to gulp and grind without the need to sort it. If these things are important to you, go for models yielding at least 0.5 HP and more. On top of that, high-power models are not only good in processing all sorts of food scrap but also can handle heavy workloads much faster and without clogs.

Grinding Speed

The next essential aspect to check is the grinding speed, which will indicate how quickly the unit motor operates. This parameter is measured in revolutions per minute. Just like with power output, garbage disposal units that operate at faster speeds will be more potent and let you get rid of even some solid wastes like nutshells, apple cores, etc. in a shorter time frame.

Note, though, that sometimes less powerful models can generate higher grinding speeds and in the end, they appear more efficient. So, it's always better to consider a combo of motor power and grinding speed since it is usually the final torque speed that ensures consistently fast and smooth grinding without clogs.

Installation and Safety

Although garbage disposal units are rather simple in use, we recommend making sure installing it will be easy and won't require inviting a professional engineer. See what package is included and make sure it contains everything that's necessary for mounting. Most models come supplied with all basic hardware relieving you from the need to buy anything separately. Besides, they often feature smart mounting systems that make the unit installation a breeze even for those who are completely new to this sort of appliances.

Along with the package pay attention to the safety features and technologies used. Garbage disposers may feature special antimicrobial protection, making them a good choice for families that have kids, as well as boast of a different grind technology (1, 2 and 3-stage), enabling you to process various food trash.

Noise Level

Last but not least, consider the noise level. Of course, garbage disposers aren't the kind that will sound like a rocket launching but you still want it to be rather quiet in order not to bother you and your family. The best models produce about 25-35 dB of noise and include special anti-vibration components that further damp the rumble.

Did you know?

Garbage Disposal Benefits

Every day we do a lot of tasks and home chores. We wash, cook, and tidy up our houses, thus producing considerable amounts of all sorts of garbage and wastes. The kitchen is by far the major source of domestic wastes. Whether you are a real home chef or an occasional cook, you have to deal with food leftovers and packaging on a daily basis. Of course, it is impossible to get rid of all garbage and by-products, but you can certainly make your kitchen more hygienic if you replace your regular trash bin with garbage disposal. Aside from making your post-meal cleanups a lot easier, it will also provide you with many other benefits, of which you might not even have thought.

  • Less waste and trash. To get rid of organic wastes, you have either to compost it by yourself or have it taken to the landfill by a garbage pickup service (that is not free of charge). Whatever you choose, a garbage disposal unit will save you this trouble. It will effectively shred food leftovers to tiny particles and reroute them into your own septic system or to the public sewage for further treatment.
  • Going green. Less food waste means less plastic bags to dispose of those wastes as well as less methane gas emissions due to composting. Besides, once separated from water in water treatment plants, ground organic leftovers can be further used as fertilizers or as a source of energy.
  • Cleaner and better smelling kitchen. With a garbage disposal, you won’t have to put food leftovers into your under-the-sink trash container. It will help prevent stinky odours of rotting wastes from permeating your kitchen and reduce the number of bacteria as well as keep such unwanted visitors as ants, roaches, and mice at bay.
  • Affordable and budget-saving option. Garbage disposals are appliances almost any average household can afford. They don’t consume much energy and require no special maintenance. And they also can save you some money by preventing many emergency plumber repairs.

Garbage Disposal: Do’s and Don’ts

If you want your garbage shredder to serve you longer and get the most out of the unit, there are several simple rules to follow and some things to avoid.

Do’s:

  • Run your unit on a regular basis to prevent moving metal parts from rust and corrosion and avoid any obstructions.
  • Turn on the water before you start the appliance and run the water for about 15 seconds when you stop grinding to flush the unit and the drain and remove any remaining food particles.
  • Use cold water, not hot. It will help solidify the leftovers for better shredding while hot water will rather melt some ingredients and they will cling to the walls of the grinding chamber and pipes.
  • Cut large waste into smaller pieces and put only several chunks at a time to avoid cutting system breakage and malfunctions.
  • From time to time, use a special disposal cleaner to de-grease the unit and grind some citrus peels to eliminate bad odours.
  • Most waste grinders can easily shred eggshells, coffee grinds, and even tea bags (without a strap). Just feed these with a strong water flow.

Don’ts:

  • Never turn off the motor or water until you finish grinding.
  • Avoid putting too many starchy or expandable ingredients (such as potato peels, pasts, rice) into the disposer. This might cause drain pipes clogging.
  • Refrain from using drain cleaners and other harsh chemicals when cleaning your waste shredder. They can damage the unit blades and pipes.
  • Don’t grind large animal bones, cigarette butts, plastic or paper, and never pour grease, oil, or fat into the unit. Besides, try not to grind very fibrous ingredients such as celery stalks, corn husks, and onion skins. Fibres can tangle around the blades or discs and cause motor jams.

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