Garbage disposal machines tend to make a lot of noise, which can be a nuisance if you live in a home with young children.
If you’re looking for an effective, yet quiet, garbage disposal machine then your best options are :
- Waste King Legend Series 1 HP
- Moen GXP50C Prep Series Pro Continuous Feed
- General Electric GFC520N Disposal
- Waste King Legend Series L-2600
- InSinkErator Evolution Compact
- Waste Maid 10-US-WM-058-3B
1. Waste King Legend Series 1
The Waste King option had to be the first one on our list as it comes with pretty much all the functions you might need from a great garbage disposal machine.
It’s sleek and compact, it’s septic-system safe, and it has been built with stainless steel grinding components.
As such, it’s no surprise that the manufacturing brand has decided to back this unit with a whopping 20-year warranty.
Since it comes with a 1-HP motor, we suggest considering this model for large applications such as small offices or households with large families where a lot of food is cooked and eaten regularly.
Other notable features range from the manual reset button to the continuous feed disposal and removable splash guard.
Pros:
- 20-year limited warranty
- EZ mount system for convenient and fast installation
- The splash guard can be removed
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- The power cord is quite short
2. Moen GXP50C Prep Series Pro Continuous Feed
This budget-friendly choice has a lot of features you’ll find rather helpful.
From a compact design and powerful grinding (a ½ Hp motor and 2,600 RPM), the Moen GX50PC is a great option for most small families (2-4 individuals) that don’t cook a lot at home.
What’s interesting about the Moen model is that it comes with a design that makes it compatible with most pre-existing assemblies, even by other brands.
This makes the task of getting a garbage disposal replacement even easier for prospective buyers.
Since the amount of noise is the most important factor to consider, we’d like to note that this unit comes with the SoundSHIELD technology that effectively dampens the sounds that the motor and the grinder make.
Pros:
- It fits most small apartments, studios, and houses
- A thick-walled grinding chamber minimizes the noise this model makes
- Includes a drain stopper and a power cord
- It can be used to collect waste from dishwashers
Cons:
- Some buyers note that Moen garbage disposal machines tend to rust after 4 years of use — but the warranty protects you for 5 years
3. General Electric GFC520N Disposal
For its performance and features, we’d say that this General Electric unit is actually affordable, especially compared to some of the others we’ve found.
It works in tandem with any septic system, and it comes with everything you need for a quick and easy installation process.
Similar to some of the other models showcased here, this one comes with a splash guard, so there’s no need to worry about mess.
Since the capacity of its motor is slightly smaller (½ HP), it is quiet enough, but what you might want to know is that the garbage disposal machine is also fitted with a sound insulation system.
The quality of the materials used for manufacturing this unit has been praised time and again by many customers.
Pros:
- Comes with a drain connector
- Includes a reset button and a sink stopper
- Blades made of galvanized steel
- Can grind potato peels, beans, and cooked meats
Cons:
- The power cord is sold separately, which is a common complaint of customers.
4. Waste King Legend Series L-2600
Although it’s slightly smaller than what you’d expect from a machine in this line, the truth is that the Waste King L-2600 is more than capable of doing its job.
It has anything you need from EZ mounts to a ‘twist and lock’ system, so the setup process is going to be a piece of cake.
The blades that the machine is equipped with inside the grinder chamber are made of stainless steel, which should give you a pointer as to whether the model can last or not.
It will not rust after 4-5 years of use like some of its competitors.
What’s more important is that the Waste King L-2600 comes with sound masking technology that makes it suitable for use even in households where babies live.
The classic splash guard that you can expect from other models is included with this one, as well.
Pros:
- Quiet operation
- Easy installation thanks to its EZ mounts
- Energy-saving design
- Most components are made of stainless steel
Cons:
- Some customers note that this unit seems a bit fiddly to start
5. InSinkErator Evolution Compact Garbage Disposer
Having been manufactured by one of the most critically acclaimed garbage disposal machine brands in the United States, it goes without saying that this unit is at least worth considering.
This disposer comes with a powerful 3/4 motor so it is best suited for large families or even kitchens in small offices.
With its compact design and, more importantly, noise-reducing technology, this garbage disposal machine is made to stand the test of time.
It boasts a LeakGuard liner, and most of its components are manufactured of stainless steel.
Based on the reviews acquired by the unit, the installation process is a breeze, and it tends to fit most kitchens.
Pros:
- Compact design
- 2-stage multi-grind technology
- Powerful motor guarantees efficiency
- Easy setup thanks to the quick lock mount
Cons:
- Some customers note that this unit might not be as small as you might think, so be sure to measure out the space you have available for it.
6. Waste Maid 10-US-WM-058-3B
If you’re on a tight budget and there’s no way of going about things other than buying an affordable garbage disposer, this unit should be right up your alley.
This WasteMaid model comes with everything you might need, from a Torque Master grinding system and stainless steel balanced impellers to a powerful 1/2 HP motor with 2,600 RPM.
The machine is durable, stable, and quiet, at least based on the user feedback we came across in this sense. It doesn’t even vibrate as much as other models.
Another aspect to note here is that it even boasts Bio Shield Antimicrobial Odor Protection, meaning that you don’t have to worry about any nasty smells in your kitchen.
Pros:
- Continuous feed disposal
- It comes with everything you need for easy setup – power cord & 3-bolt mounting system
- Includes a removable splash guard
- Rustproof turntable
Cons:
- Besides the working parts, most of the unit is made of plastic
What To Look For In A Quiet Garbage Disposal Machine
If you’re looking for a quiet garbage disposal machine then you need to think about the following factors:
Noise levels
Since you’re in the market for the quietest unit currently available, this has to be the first factor you need to look at.
While a universal noise system to measure various products and brands doesn’t yet exist, you can at least look at the number of decibels.
But the truth is that most products aren’t marketed based on their decibel number, so you will have to go on the manufacturer’s website and look for every model’s technical sheet to find it out.
You’ll also have to read several user reviews to understand how loud or quiet each unit is.
High-quality and large garbage disposal units tend to be quieter compared to smaller and lower-priced models.
This is also due to the construction of the model.
Although you might think that a bigger one is going to make more noise, the truth is that it can also come with several layers of material that can dampen the sound of the machine.
Another piece of advice we have for you is to consider a unit that’s either outfitted with extra insulation placed around the grinding chamber or that comes with a sound baffle.
Grinding chamber
The material that the grinding chamber is made of and its size are two factors you should look at before making up your mind on a product.
The reason for this is that larger grinding chambers are synonymous with powerful machines as they require more torque action and a better motor, too.
Bigger is better, right? But that’s not always the case — at least not in this situation.
You have to choose the size of the grinding chamber in accordance with your lifestyle.
If you tend to eat at home a lot and you have a large family (so there’s a lot of waste), a large stainless steel grinding chamber is what you want your unit to be equipped with.
Power Output
Motor performance is measured in horsepower (HP).
When it comes to how powerful the motors of garbage disposal machines can be, their capacity can range from 1 HP (the highest) to 1/3 (the lowest).
If you know that you plan on using the unit for large amounts of waste and on a regular basis, it might make sense to consider a 3/4 or 1 HP one.
On the other hand, if you don’t have as large of a family, you should know that a 1/2 HP model is more than capable of handling typical household waste.
Do consider that the grinding chamber of smaller machines is not capable of doing its job if you constantly throw in large amounts of waste — so you’ll have to do your best to chop them up first.
Auto-reverse
Every garbage disposer is going to get clogged at one point or the other, and if you want to easily solve the issue, you need an auto-reverse feature on your model.
This feature is also helpful for preventing overheating and overloading, which can effectively make your machine’s life longer, reduce wear and help prevent units from becoming noisier over time.
Continuous Feed vs. Batch Feed
This is one of the essential aspects that make the difference between the garbage disposal machines available on the market today.
Both of these feed types come with pros and cons. For example, continuous feed models basically do their job until you stop them.
Batch feed units require you to put the drain stopper in its right position before turning them on.
Some consumers argue that the first kind is far easier to use than the second, while others note that the second type is much safer by comparison.
In any case, both of these types of models can be quiet, so you have to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Any extra features?
Additional features can always come in handy, but you should correlate your needs with the characteristics of the machine you want to spend your hard-earned cash on.
Some garbage disposers come with anti-splash baffles or removable splash guards, which can make everyone’s life a lot easier.
Even though there is a never-ending debate as to whether it works or not, you can get a model that comes with antimicrobial properties. At least it will minimize odors.
This feature can be particularly important for people living in your home that are known to have allergies or whose immune systems might be less capable than that of healthy adults (people with autoimmune diseases, children, or seniors).
The Top Pick
The quietest model is the Waste King Legend Series 1-HP Garbage Disposal.
It’s quiet, easy to install, and even easier to operate since it comes with a manual reset button.
Besides, its noise-dampening capabilities are praised by many users across the world, but in the United States in particular.
Best of all, it’s backed by a 20-year warranty.
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