Best Garbage Disposal

They're handy by design - just being able to slide meat bones, vegetable scraps and other foods from a plate down the drain is super convenient. But their biggest benefit overall, is reducing your curb trash. However, a food disposer requires a drain and electrical hook-up under the sink, so they're easier to install when replacing existing units, undertaking a kitchen renovation or factored into a new kitchen's design.

Though models vary in power, performance and operating noise, there are basically two types of garbage disposers. Continuous feed, which means that you can add while it's operating - which could be a safety hazard with young children in the home, and the safer batch feed models - you have to load the drain, plug it and press the button.

There's also another thing to consider if you have a septic system, you'll need a model built for the task, preferably one that adds an additive to break down foods and make your system work as it should. My best choices were picked based on consumer satisfaction and performance in expert tests.