Short garbage disposal units are an excellent option for those with limited space on their kitchen counter. They offer a compact design that is perfect for smaller kitchens or apartments, but they still have the power to grind up food waste just as well as any other unit.
There are many different models available on the market today, so it can be difficult to find out which one is best suited for your needs. In this article, we will share some of our favorite short garbage disposals and help you narrow down your search!
Let’s get started!
Different types of garbage disposals
There are two different types of garbage disposals on the market: standard and low profile. Standard disposals are taller in height and require more space on your countertop, while low-profile disposals are shorter in height and take up less space.
If you’re looking for a compact option, then a low profile garbage disposal is the way to go. They come in a variety of sizes and models, so there’s sure to be one that fits your needs. Plus, they offer all of the same benefits as standard disposals – powerful grinding capacity, easy installation, and reduced landfill waste.
Batch Feed vs Continuous Feed
When it comes to garbage disposals, there are two types of feeds: batch feed and continuous feed.
Batch feed disposals require you to put food waste into the unit in batches, which is then ground up and disposed of. This can be a bit more inconvenient than continuous feed disposals, but it does have some benefits – like reduced noise levels and less chance of clogging.
Continuous feed disposals allow you to put food waste into the disposal unit continuously, so there’s no need to wait for it to grind up each batch before adding more. This type is generally faster and more convenient than batch feed disposals, but it also has a higher risk of clogging.
If you’re not sure which type of feed is right for your needs, then we recommend going with a continuous feed garbage disposal. They’re the most popular option and offer great convenience benefits that make them well worth it.
Benefits of Low profile Garbage Disposals
First and foremost, they are perfect for small kitchens or apartments. They offer a compact design that does not take up too much counter space, which is perfect if you’re short on room. Additionally, they still have the power to grind up food waste like any other unit, so you don’t have to worry about your disposer being weak.
Installation is also easy — most models come with a standard installation kit that makes it simple to get started. Plus, many disposal brands offer helpful guides online that can walk you through the process step-by-step.
Finally, choosing a low profile garbage disposal helps reduce landfill waste. Every little bit counts!
Disadvantages of compact garbage disposals
While low profile disposal units are small in size, they don’t offer the same capacity as larger models. For example, a standard garbage disposal can reduce your food waste by 30-40%, while some compact disposals only reduce landfill waste by 20%.
This doesn’t mean that you should avoid buying one altogether — it simply means that you need to be more conscious of how much water and food scraps enter the unit.
A standard model may require less attention because it has more power behind its blades (many can grind bones), but this isn’t always necessary with smaller models.
Compact disposers also use less energy than their counterparts since there’s not as much material being processed at once, so if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option then this is a great choice.
What to know before selecting short garbage disposals
So, you’ve decided that a low profile garbage disposal is the right choice for your small kitchen. Great! Now there are some other factors to consider before making your final purchase decision.
For instance, how much horsepower do you need? Disposal power ranges from ½ HP to ¾ HP and higher, depending on the model. Lower powered disposals work best in smaller kitchens or apartments with less waste since they tend to clog more easily than larger units.
Garbage disposals, as you may be aware, are positioned beneath the sink and take up between 12 and 18 inches of vertical space. Having 6 to 12 inches of additional room beneath the disposal is also recommended so that it can be installed and dismantled with ease. To install a trash disposal, you’ll need around 2 to 2.5 feet of space under your sink, which is standard.
However, not all kitchens are equipped with this feature, which is particularly important if you are employing a deep sink garbage disposal. As a result, tiny, compact garbage disposal variants are being used as a solution.
And, I just used its height as a reference point. As a result, I compiled a list of trash disposals with an overall height of no more than 13 inches. A according to my research, a compact, low-profile trash disposal is one that is no more than 13″ tall. I believe that it is reasonable since there aren’t many disposals that meet this requirement at this time.
Also keep in mind what types of food will be thrown away – grease can cause problems if it gets into the unit’s mechanism over time, so avoid throwing fatty foods down the drain whenever possible (oil and grease should never go down the sink!). When fat does get caught inside the disposer over time, it can cause the unit to smell bad.
For deep sink garbage disposals, you will need a ¾ HP or higher unit so you can get the job done. The most powerful disposals are ½, ⅝ and ¾ horsepower, which is perfect for mid-sized kitchens with regular amounts of waste.
One another problem is, Garbage disposal flange too short for farmhouse sink.
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to find the perfect short garbage disposal for your small kitchen! Here are our top 10 best low Profile garbage disposal recommendations:
Waste King L-2600
The Waste King L-2600 is a low-profile unit. Even though it has the same power rating as the L-1001 model, it has a better build quality and a wider range of options.
Food waste is no match for its permanent magnet motor’s biting power. The Waste King L-2600 has a height and width that are close to each other. There is a drain 7 inches deep. The model does not have the same low-profile as others, but it is still an excellent choice for farmhouse sinks.
The build quality of the Waste King L-1001 disposer is not as good as that of the WK L-2600 disposer due to the use of steel grinding components. It is possible for grinding components to endure regular use and long contact with water because of the steel structure.
The grinding chamber is constructed of the same high-quality plastic as the other waste king disposer types. This material has stood the test of time, so there aren’t any concerns about its quality.
Unlike the InSinkErator models, all Waste King disposals include high-quality sink flanges. It’s the same with L-2600 as well. It’s easy to install a sink mount that has a pre-installed power wire. The disposal is covered by a five-year in-home warranty. I think that this is a better value than buying an L-1001.
Waste King L-3200
Check price on Amazon
This trash disposal from Waste King is more powerful than the L-2600. Some hard food items like chicken bones are handled with a permanent magnet motor. The build quality is the same as that of the L-3100. The grinding components and the high-quality grinding chamber are resistant to rust.
The guarantee on Waste King garbage disposals is something that I appreciate. The best guarantee in the industry is provided by these products. Even though it is less expensive than InSinkErator’s Evolution Compact trash disposal, this model comes with an 8-year warranty.
The sink’s drain is 7.5 inches below the sink’s height. The biggest garbage disposal on the list. It’s easier to install this device because it comes with a pre-installed power cord.
InSinkErator Evolution Excel
If you have the money, don’t waste your time reading this page; hhe garbage disposal is the finest in the business. MultiGrind technology grinds food waste into fine particles that can be flushed down the drain.
The garbage disposal is 60% quieter than other garbage disposals.The sound of the water flowing into the sink will be the only sound made while the machine is running. The SoundSeal Plus technology has several layers of insulation surrounding the disposer, as well as anti-vibration mounts and a QuietCollar sink baffle, to decrease noise and vibrations.
In addition to MultiGrind, the JamSensor and Auto-Reverse features of this garbage disposal are worth mentioning. The motor’s torque will be raised by 500 percent thanks to Jam Sensor technology, which uses a circuit to detect jams.
It will help the blades get out of jams by giving them a pounding sound. As soon as the cutting disc is jammed, the AutoReverse technology will immediately reverse its spin. As a result of this method, there is a reduction in the wear and tear on the disposal pieces.
The InSinkErator Evolution garbage disposer is able to ground beef bones and other heavy-duty food trash.This series is finished with InSinkErator. The build quality of it is top-notch. It comes with a 10-year warranty as well. Even with all the power and technology, InSinkErator was able to keep Evolution Excel’s dimensions low.
The garbage disposer can handle 9 inches in width. The sink drain has a distance of 6.9 inches. The garbage disposal for deep sinks is small and strong.
It’s standard for InSinkErator garbage waste disposals to have a 3-bolt installation. It is possible to purchase this with or without a pre-installed power cord.
Waste King’s L- 1001
The smallest of the company’s offerings is Waste King’s L- 1001 garbage disposal. It is an entry-level disposal and has a power of half a horsepower. The permanent magnet motor is used when compared to the InSinkErator disposal versions.
This powerful garbage disposal spins at 2600 revolutions per minute because of this. As a result of the high speed of the disposer, it is able to ground food waste more quickly and efficiently. Unlike the InSinkErator variant, this model comes with an ez mounting mechanism, which can be used to attach it to the kitchen sink.
Unlike 3-bolt mounts, this has a twist and lock mechanism made of plastic. It’s a lot simpler to put it in place. This variant comes with a pre-installed power cord, which makes it easy to set up.
The Waste King L-1001 garbage disposal is built to last and features galvanised steel grinding components and a polymer grinding chamber. There is no need to be concerned about the quality of the grinding chamber material because it has been tested and used in all Waste King models.
The garbage disposal is the smallest on the market, with a width of 5.25 inches. It is the ideal choice if you are looking for a small garbage disposal for a deep sink. Parts and labor are covered by a limited warranty. People looking for inexpensive yet strong garbage disposal equipment may consider this one.
This may only be used on sinks that are less than 0.5 inches thick.
InSinkErator Evolution Compact
It’s InSinkErator’s top-of-the-line garbage disposal line, the Evolution series. DuraDrive induction motor with 1725 RPM powering Evolution Compact continuous feed garbage disposals. All InSinkErator waste disposals are powered by the DuraDrive induction motor. Only the trash disposal model’s power rating differs from the standard 1725 RPM.
The Evolution Compact is a powerful trash disposal designed for the ordinary home. Even difficult items like chicken bones may be ground using this machine. MultiGrind and SoundSeal technologies are included in this model. Using InSinkErator’s MutiGrind technology, food wastes are ground in two separate phases.
This technique from InSinkErator, known as “SoundSeal,” decreases disposal noise by 40%. There is a QuietCollar baffle installed in the sinkhole, which reduces the noise of garbage disposals coming out of the sink. This is the one to get if you want strong and silent trash disposal.
A 12.25-inch tall trash disposal, Evolution Compact, is one of the most compact garbage disposals with a 3/4-HP horsepower rating. A full 8.75 inches in breadth is possible. Despite its small size, this garbage disposal can handle up to 34.6 ounces of food waste.
Despite its size, the distance between the drain pipe and the sink is still exactly six inches, as it was with Badger 1 and 5 trash disposals. This higher drain height from the base is ideal for deep farmhouse-style sinks because of its greater distance from the floor.
The Evolution Compact is exceptionally well-built. Stainless steel grinding components have been used to make all of its components, including the grinding chamber. Like the other InSinkErator waste disposals on this list, it is mounted using a 3-bolt mounting system. It has a strong 8-year guarantee for its class, which is a terrific deal. And this is a good small garbage disposal for deep sink.
InSinkErator Badger 5
Another compact disposal from InSinkErator is the Badger 5. Soft food waste may be processed by the 1/2 HP DuraDrive induction motor that powers it. This is a 1725 RPM continuous feed type disposer.
With a height of 11.5 inches, the Badger 5 trash disposal may be put beneath deep sinks. Because of its narrow shape, its maximum width is only 6.315 inches.
Its exit is 6 inches from the sink, much like a Badger 1, so even if your discharge pipe is located high, this is still an appropriate height.
The mounting system for this garbage disposal consists of a three-bolt arrangement. In order to make the process of installation more convenient, this device has a twist and lock mechanism. An optional power cord is provided, which is something I personally like.
Badger 5 uses galvanised steel for its grinding components and stainless steel swivel lugs for its rotor. This is a mini garbage disposal that may be used in a two- or three-person household. The in-home warranty covers labor and parts costs for three years.
InSinkErator Badger 1
As an entry-level garbage disposal, the Badger 1 uses a 1/3 HP induction motor. This is a continuous-feed type of garbage disposal unit. It has a 1725 RPM speed and is ideal for a one-person home.
The tiniest trash disposal, the InSinkErator Badger 1, is at just 11.375 inches tall. If you’re looking for a little trash disposal that can fit beneath a farmhouse sink, this is the one for you. With the purchase of a sink flange extension, it may be installed on thicker fireclay sinks using a 3-bolt mounting system.
Because it’s an entry-level disposer, it doesn’t have any bells and whistles or brute force. Galvanized steel grinding components are used in its construction, and it comes with a 1-year warranty. Parts and labor are covered by this guarantee.
Moen GXS75C Compact Garbage Disposal
If you don’t have enough room under your sink, the GXS75C is a good option. It’s the reason we put this garbage disposal in our list of the best compact garbage disposals. This type is ideal for kitchens with a sink clearance of 20 to 22 inches.
The GX Series is powered by a 34 HP motor that can grind down both soft and hard food. The fast-acting grinding mechanism can handle anything from melon rinds to vegetable peels, and it does it in a record time. Efficient and effective waste removal can be accomplished with a permanent magnet inside the motor.
The Soundshield insulation is included in the low-profile trash type to reduce noise as much as possible. With the help of the new technology, the grinding chamber and pipes are supposed to be completely silent.
Moen’s soundproofing is superior to that of InSinkErator Badger 5, despite its lower maximum capacity. I think the price is ridiculously low.
In addition, the GXS75C is equipped with features that make it simple to set up. Both the Universal Xpress Mount and a power wire are pre-installed for ease of use. With the twist-and-lock mechanism, it may be mounted on nearly any three-bolt assembly. Lastly, the product comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer.
InSinkErator Evolution Essential XTR
Garbage disposals like the Evolution Compact and the InSinkErator Essential XTR are very similar. At 1725rpm, it is powered by a 3/4 HP DuraDrive motor. Food waste is ground into very fine pieces using its two-stage MultiGrind technology.
Food particles are smaller in size, so they are less likely to cause obstructions in the drain. Food particles that are hard to-grind food particles, such as tiny bones, can be processed with disposer technology.
The garbage disposal is 40% quieter than a regular trash disposal thanks to the SoundSeal technology and QuietCollar sink baffle. The most important aspect of any discussion is its dimensions. The Essential XTR’s dimensions are the same as the Evolution Compact’s.
The distance between the drain outlet and the sink is shorter than average. The grinding chamber is able to hold more food waste (34.6 oz) than the Evolution Compact.
The Evolution Compact comes with a power wire kit and a sink top air switch, but the Essential XTR comes with a power wire kit and a sink top air switch. This model has a nine-year warranty, one year longer than the Evolution Compact.
This machine is noticeably quieter because it uses a slightly improved version of the SoundSeal technology found in the compact disposer model.
The grinding components and chamber for Essential XTR are made of steel. The sink flange and 3-bolt mount are made of the same material as the rest of the InSinkErator models, making the connection with the sink tighter and more vibration-free. If you have a family with three to five individuals, Essential XTR is a good choice.
Waste King Knight A1SPC
In terms of price, the Waste King Knight is among the most costly alternatives. One of the reasons for this is the use of a high-speed, one-horsepower motor capable of turning the wheel at 2,800 revolutions per minute.
Because the engine is sound-insulated, your home will not have the distinct sound of a wood chipper.
The mounting system is built of metal, which allows it to be used with virtually any 3-bolt mounting system now available on the market, regardless of brand.
With the addition of a power cord, the device becomes significantly more convenient. Even while the Waste King Knight is intended to be linked to a nearby outlet in order to provide the greatest ease of use, alternative, less expensive solutions may necessitate the use of electrical knowledge.
Tips to take care of your short garbage disposal unit
Disposing of waste material in an efficient manner is important for several reasons. Not only does it keep your home clean and sanitary, it also helps prevent the buildup of odors and can even help prevent certain types of household health problems. If you have a garbage disposal unit in your kitchen or another frequently used area of your home, it is important to make sure it is working efficiently. Doing so will help keep your home clean and odor-free. Here are some tips to make sure your garbage disposal is working efficiently.
Check the Connection
The first thing you should do if your garbage disposal isn’t working properly is to check the electrical connection between the unit and the wall socket where it is plugged in. If there is no power going to the disposal, it won’t function at all. Even if there is power, but there is a bad connection, your garbage disposal may still not work properly. In this case, you should attempt to repair the connection by tightening the two wire connections that are attached to the terminal strip on the wall. If this doesn’t fix the problem, then you will need to replace the terminal strip and the faulty connection.
Change the Disposal Cleaning Cycles
Another thing you can do to ensure your garbage disposal is working efficiently is to change the cleaning cycles it uses. This is especially important if you put some uneaten food down the disposal every day. Most disposals use a three-cycle cleaning system.
This means it will use a strong chemical to clean out the disposal every three days. However, if you put a lot of food down the disposal, or if it has been a long time since the unit has been cleaned, the chemicals in the unit may start to break down.
At this point, the unit may begin to get clogged up with food particles or other waste material. When this happens, the disposal may not be able to grind up the waste material and remove it from the unit. In this case, the unit will continue to get clogged up until it is so full of waste material it can’t even operate.
At this point, you should change the cleaning cycle the disposal uses to a more frequent cleaning cycle. Doing so will help keep your garbage disposal working efficiently for a long time.
Use A Spoonful Of Salt
Another thing you can do to make sure your garbage disposal is working efficiently is to use a spoonful of salt when you put food down it. This helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria in the unit. Mold and bacteria can cause odors and household health problems. Also, using salt keeps the chemicals in the disposal fresh. This prevents the breakdown of these chemicals and ensures they are effective at removing waste material from the unit.
Final Conclusion
So far, we’ve listed 10 compact garbage disposals. If you choose a short garbage disposal, you don’t have to give up any power. If you have a room under your sink, we recommend the L3200 model of the Waste King, even though it’s an excellent choice in terms of pricing and size. The higher-end model only requires a new disposal every 10–15 years, so it’s worth the extra money.