Article updated by Molly on July 7th, 2022 / Added the comparison table for all four garbage disposals and made some significant updates to article formatting. All links are current and pricing is pulled live, directly from Amazon via their API.
When "garbage disposal" comes to mind you may have an image of a massive, hulking machine lurking beneath the kitchen sink.
And while the disposal itself is hard-working and tough, it's often small, compact and unassuming.
You can almost always fit one in the cabinet beneath your sink while still leaving plenty of room for additional storage. Even with the older garbage disposal we had in our sink, there was still better than ¾ of the space left for storage.
In this piece we will take a look at some of our favorite low profile disposals for tight spaces, that are particularly small and compact
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Why low profile?
Low profile is important for a couple of reasons.
First:
Who wants their disposal to take up the majority of the space under the kitchen sink?
Even if you have room to spare, why not save it for storage of other items? If you don't have much space to begin with, the need for a low profile disposal becomes even more critical. If it weren’t for the more compact disposals on the market, lots of kitchens wouldn't be able to fit one at all.
Thankfully, disposals are equal opportunity gadgets in that they can appeal to mansions and studio apartments alike. But, how can you be sure you are getting the best of both worlds if you are in the market for a low profile disposal?
How do you know for sure that the small size of your disposal means it will fit and not compromise the features that are important to you like performance and low noise level? What about a disposal that is easy to install? Does that compact version come with a more complicated mounting system?
If these are some of the questions you have, this roundup is for you. We have compiled a list to help take the guesswork out of the decision process for you.
Best Low Profile Garbage Disposals (top 4 picks)
Pic | Name | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
 | InSinkErator Evolution Compact | ||
 | Waste King L-2600 | ||
 | Moen GXP50C | ||
 | Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal |
The following is a list of four of our top choices of best low profile garbage disposals. All the disposals on this list are from known companies with years of experience in the industry and are rated highly for quality and performance. For a more comprehensive list of disposals of varying sizes and styles take a look at Dispozal’s roundup of best garbage disposals overall.
1. InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP
First on our list is the Evolution Compact 3/4 HP from InSinkErator. We’ve highlighted this disposal before for other reasons, and low profile is yet another feature that sets it apart. .
Noted for low noise and minimal vibration levels (as well as an easy installation) this disposal is an excellent choice for small spaces from the company that pioneered garbage disposals back in the 1920’s.
Pros
- Easy installation/mounting system
- Quiet
- Eight year in-home warranty
- Compact size at 8 x 8 x 12 inches
Cons
- More expensive than others in this list
- Can drain slowly with heavier workloads
2. Waste King L-2600 Garbage Disposal
With almost as much power as the Evolution, the Waste King L-2600 1/2 HP boasts a much lower price point.
This model gets high marks for ease of installation and is also relatively quiet. any reviewers compared it to InSinkErator’s Badger line and were happy with the choice to go with Waste King.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Low noise level
- Five year warranty
- Stainless steel components
Cons
- No wrench included to free jams
3. Moen GXP50C Garbage Disposal
From Moen, he GXP50C is a sleek disposal housing a 1/2 HP motor inside Moen’s patented SoundShield technology, which keeps your clean up process quiet.
The three-bolt system used by Moen for installation is also compatible with other brands like InSinkErator. A 2600 RPM rating (motor speed) makes this low profile disposal unlikely to jam or clog up.
Moen includes a two-year in-home warranty with the GXP50C, which is good, but we’d prefer to see something over five years, which competing brands typically offer.
Pros
- Power cord included
- High RPMs make seizing up unlikely
- Easy installation
Cons
- Warranty is on the low side
- Not as quiet as InSinkErator and Waste King models
4. Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal
The L-1001 is the most narrow of our low profile disposals at 5.2 x 5.2 x 12.8 inches, and also the most affordable.
It’s well-liked for easy installation and low noise levels.
The Waste King L-1001 houses a 2600 RPM motor that speeds up immediately when switched on instead of needing time to gather speed.
It makes quick work of kitchen scraps while ensuring the motor isn’t likely to jam.
Pros
- Lowest price point
- Lowest profile
- Stainless steel components
Cons
- Chrome sink trim included must be used
When is a low profile garbage disposal helpful?
A low profile garbage disposal can be helpful in a couple of scenarios.
First, in super small spaces or where there isn’t a lot of “wiggle room”. In other words, if the space under the sink is limited because of storage you may prefer to get a smaller disposal. In this case, it’s important to look closely at the dimensions of the disposal compared with the space you have to work with.
Another reason to consider purchasing a low profile model is simply because you prefer the look.
Even if you don’t have to conserve the space, sometimes it can be nice to free up extra room so that not every square inch is taken up, while showing off a compact disposal unit under the sink. These disposals give you a quality product while also offering more space under the sink from a disposal that has a clean, streamlined look.
Along with a small size usually comes a lighter weight product which can be another reason customers choose to go with a low profile garbage disposal. Not all sinks are made to support heavier disposals and some homeowners want to be extra careful about how much weight to require a sink and cabinet to support.
Other Features that Matter
- In addition to having a low profile disposal here are some other important factors to keep in mind when shopping for small spaces. Brand name
- Weight
- Noise level
- HP rating and RPM
1. Brand
Going with a brand that is well established and highly rated will ensure that you aren’t compromising quality or performance in a smaller profile unit. The brands on our list have been around a while and have a lot of experience manufacturing garbage disposals that consistently get high marks for quality and consumer friendly features like easy installation and customer service
2. Weight
Weight is an important aspect of a low profile disposal. A sleek, compact looking unit that weighs a lot would defeat the purpose of smaller dimensions if the cabinet can’t support it. Moreover, the perks of a low profile model may be lost on a DIYer who has to hoist a heavy disposal into place during installation. Thankfully, most low profile garbage disposals are also fairly light.
3. Noise level
sSmall spaces are usually not forgiving when it comes to noise. The ease of a smaller disposal could be overshadowed by a model that sounds like a freight train once it is turned on, especially in a small apartment where the sound can be heard in every room and even by neighbors sharing interior walls. Look for manufacturers descriptors about sound levels, or check what verified reviewers have to say about the noise levels.
4. HP Rating and RPM
TThe horsepower (HP) and RPM ratings needed varies from home to home.
Most of the time, smaller spaces mean smaller kitchens, which means less garbage disposal use. As a consequence, you can get away with a less powerful unit.
Yet, if you have a large family or cook a lot and decide you need more “oomph” while opting for a smaller disposal, you can sort of have both.. Three of the four on our list are ½ HP disposals which is in the mid-range for power. The Evolution Compact has even more pulverizing potential at 3/4 HP while still offering a compact size.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we see several excellent choices for those adding a low profile garbage disposal. These amazing kitchen helpers truly are extremely versatile and the companies we have chosen to highlight today have proven to know what the customer wants and what is important in a garbage disposal.We think you will be happy with any of the disposals on this list if you are in the market for a disposal in a small space or one with a low profile.