Best Garbage Disposals for Denver Homes
If you're shopping for a new garbage disposal, the number of options can feel overwhelming. Walk into any hardware store and you'll see a wall of boxes with different horsepower ratings, brand names, and price points. Here's how to cut through the noise and pick the right one for your home.
Horsepower: How Much Do You Need?
Garbage disposals come in four common horsepower ratings: 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP, and 1 HP. The right one depends on your household size and how much you cook.
1/3 HP is the entry level. These are fine for a single person or couple who doesn't cook much and only puts small amounts of soft food waste down the disposal. They struggle with anything tough like bones, fibrous vegetables, or large quantities of food.
1/2 HP is a step up and handles moderate use well. This is a good fit for a small household that cooks regularly but doesn't push heavy loads through the disposal.
3/4 HP is the sweet spot for most Denver households. It can handle bones, fibrous vegetables, fruit pits, and larger loads without bogging down. If you cook frequently or have a family, this is where you want to be.
1 HP is the heavy-duty option. These are quieter, grind faster, and can handle almost anything you throw at them. They're more expensive, but they last longer and are less prone to jams.
Brands We Recommend
We install and recommend three brands: InSinkErator, Moen, and Waste King. Each has its strengths.
InSinkErator is the most widely used garbage disposal brand in the country. They make units at every price point and their build quality is consistently good. Their higher-end models are exceptionally quiet and powerful. If you're not sure what to get, InSinkErator is a safe bet.
Moen has been making disposals for a shorter time than InSinkErator, but their recent models are well-built and competitively priced. They're a solid choice in the mid-range.
Waste King offers some of the best value at the lower and mid-range price points. Their motors use a different technology (permanent magnet motors vs. induction motors) that spins faster. They're a great option if you want good performance without spending top dollar.
Continuous Feed vs. Batch Feed
Most disposals are continuous feed, meaning they run as long as the switch is on and you can keep adding food while they're running. Batch feed disposals only run when a special stopper is placed over the opening. Batch feed is safer since there's no chance of something falling in while it's running, but they're less convenient and more expensive. For most households, continuous feed is the way to go.
What to Avoid
Don't buy the cheapest disposal on the shelf just to save money. A 1/3 HP budget model might save you $50 upfront, but it will jam more often, wear out faster, and potentially need to be replaced again in just a few years. Spending a little more on a 3/4 HP unit from a reputable brand will serve you much better over the long run.
Also be cautious with online reviews. Many disposal reviews are written by people who just unboxed the unit and haven't lived with it yet. A disposal that seems great on day one might start having problems after six months of regular use. We've installed hundreds of disposals and can tell you from hands-on experience which models hold up over time.
Let Us Help You Choose
If you're not sure which disposal is right for your home, Denver Disposal can help. We'll recommend the right model based on your household size, cooking habits, and budget. Our pricing is on our site, and the cost includes the unit, installation, and cleanup. Book an appointment online or call (720) 312-3542.