The short answerMost households should buy a 3/4 HP continuous-feed disposal with stainless steel grinding parts, for $150 to $280. One or two people who cook a few nights a week can save money with 1/2 HP at $90 to $150.
What to buy
Tight budget, light use
1/3 HP, continuous feed
Fine for one or two people who scrape plates into the trash first. It jams more often and tends to be the loudest kind.
$60 to $100
See options on Amazon →Small households
1/2 HP, continuous feed
Handles everyday scraps like vegetable peels and plate leftovers. It struggles with tough or stringy food, and basic models are noisy.
$90 to $150
See options on Amazon →Most homes
3/4 HP with stainless steel grinding parts and sound insulation
Grinds finer, jams less and runs quieter, which suits a family that cooks most nights. It's bigger, so measure the space under your sink first.
$150 to $280
See options on Amazon →Big households, open kitchens
1 HP with full sound insulation
The quietest and hardest to jam. It's large and heavy, and it's more than two people need.
$250 to $450
See options on Amazon →Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What the numbers mean
- Horsepower
- The motor's strength. 1/3 HP suits light use, 1/2 HP a small household, 3/4 HP most families, and 1 HP big households.
- Continuous vs batch feed
- Continuous feed runs from a wall switch while you push food in, and it's the common, cheaper kind. Batch feed only runs with its stopper in place, which is slower and safer around kids.
- Mount type
- The collar that holds the disposal to the sink, usually a metal 3-bolt mount or a twist-on style. Matching your old mount can save you from replacing the sink flange.
- Grinding parts
- Stainless steel resists rust and lasts longer. Galvanized steel is cheaper and wears out sooner.
- Noise
- Quieter models wrap the grinding chamber in insulation and use rubber mounts. Makers rarely publish decibel numbers, so look for sound insulation in the description.
What not to pay for
- Assuming the cord is in the box
Many disposals ship without a power cord. If yours plugs into an outlet, check the listing and add a cord kit for about $10 to $20.
- Septic-only models
A standard disposal works with a healthy, properly sized septic system. Expect to pump the tank more often, and check your local rules first.
- 1 HP for a kitchen of two
You'd pay for power and size you won't use. Put the money toward a quieter 3/4 HP.
Turn off the breaker or unplug the unit before you install it or clear a jam. Never put your hand inside. Free a jam with the hex wrench in the socket under the unit, then press the red reset button.
Questions
Can I install a garbage disposal myself?
Swapping an old one for a similar one takes about 1 to 2 hours with basic tools. If a dishwasher drains into it, knock out the plug in the dishwasher inlet first. No outlet or switch under the sink means a call to an electrician.
What shouldn't go down a garbage disposal?
Grease and oil, which clog the drain pipe further down. Also stringy things like celery and corn husks, and big loads of pasta, rice or coffee grounds. Run cold water the whole time it's grinding.
Is 1/2 HP enough for a garbage disposal?
For one or two people and soft scraps, yes. If you cook daily or feed a family, 3/4 HP jams less and is worth the extra $50 to $100.
Written by the DIY Project team. We recommend by type and spec, cheapest option that does the job first. How we check
Updated October 3, 2026. Prices are estimates.