Corded or cordless garbage disposal: Which One Should You Buy?
If you are replacing a garbage disposal, the “best” choice is almost always determined by your current plumbing and electrical setup.
- Buy a Corded Model if: You see a standard 3-prong electrical outlet under your sink. This allows for a simple “plug-and-play” installation.
- Buy a Cordless (Hardwired) Model if: You see a flexible cable coming directly out of the wall or floor that enters the bottom of your current disposal, with no visible outlet. This requires connecting wires manually using wire nuts.
Note: In the industry, “cordless” models are technically known as Hardwired or Direct-wire units. They are not battery-operated; they simply connect directly to your home’s electrical mains without a plug.
Quick Comparison: Corded vs. Hardwired
| Feature | Corded (Plug-In) | Cordless (Hardwired) |
| Power Connection | Plugs into a standard wall outlet (120V). | Wires connect directly to the unit inside a junction box. |
| Installation Difficulty | Easy (DIY Friendly). Just plug it in. | Moderate/Advanced. Requires handling live wires and wire nuts. |
| Best For | Newer homes or renovations with under-sink outlets. | Older homes or setups where the disposal is wired to a wall switch. |
| Maintenance | Safe & Easy. Unplug unit to cut power before servicing. | Harder. Must turn off the circuit breaker at the main panel to service. |
| Aesthetics | Visible cord might clutter under-sink storage. | Cleaner look with no visible hanging cords. |
| Cost | Slightly higher (includes the factory-installed cord). | Slightly lower (unit only; cord sold separately if needed). |
Deep Dive: Corded Garbage Disposals
What are they?
Corded garbage disposals come pre-installed with an electrical cord and a 3-prong plug. They are designed to plug into a dedicated electrical outlet located inside the cabinet under the sink. This outlet is typically connected to a wall switch near the counter, allowing you to turn the disposal on and off.
Pros:
- Simplest Installation: If you have the outlet, you simply mount the unit and plug it in. There is no need to strip wires or use twist-on wire connectors.
- Safety: When a jam occurs or you need to retrieve a fallen object, you can physically unplug the unit, ensuring 100% certainty that the motor cannot start.
- Portability: Easier to remove and take with you if you move (though rare for this appliance).
Cons:
- Outlet Requirement: You must have a switched outlet under the sink. Installing a new outlet requires a licensed electrician, which adds significant cost.
- Space: The plug and cord can take up a small amount of space in a crowded under-sink cabinet.
Deep Dive: “Cordless” (Hardwired) Garbage Disposals
What are they?
A “cordless” or hardwired disposal does not have a plug. Instead, it has a small access plate on the bottom. To install it, you pull the electrical cable (usually armored BX cable or Romex) from your home’s wall, feed it into the disposal, and manually connect the black (hot) and white (neutral) wires using wire nuts.
Pros:
- Clean Installation: There are no loose cords to snag on cleaning supplies stored under the sink. The wiring is usually tucked away in a flexible conduit.
- Secure Power: There is no risk of the plug being accidentally knocked loose by items shifting under the sink.
- Industry Standard for Older Homes: Most homes built before the 2000s were wired this way by default.
Cons:
- Complex Installation: You must be comfortable working with electricity. Incorrect wiring can lead to short circuits or fire hazards.
- Inconvenient Servicing: To safely work on the unit (e.g., unjamming it manually with an Allen key), you must go to your home’s breaker panel or fuse box and shut off power to the entire kitchen circuit to ensure safety.
Can You Convert Between the Two?
Yes, these units are essentially the same machine with different connection points. You can convert them if you buy the wrong one, though it requires extra steps.
Scenario A: You bought a Hardwired unit but need a Corded one.
You can purchase a “Power Cord Kit” (usually $10–$15).
- Open the electrical plate on the bottom of the disposal.
- Connect the kit’s wires (black to black, white to white, green to ground).
- Secure the cord with a strain-relief clamp.
- Plug it in.
Scenario B: You bought a Corded unit but need to Hardwire it.
- Cut off the plug or remove the entire cord assembly from the bottom of the unit.
- Strip the insulation off the internal wires.
- Connect your house wiring directly to these exposed wires using wire nuts.Note: This voids the warranty on some models, so check the manual first.
Safety and Code Considerations
- GFCI Protection: Modern electrical codes (NEC) generally require outlets under the sink to be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected because they are near water. Hardwired units often bypass this requirement in older codes, but new renovations may require GFCI breakers even for hardwired units.
- Strain Relief: Whether corded or hardwired, you must use a “strain relief” clamp where the wire enters the disposal. This prevents the electrical connections from being ripped apart if the disposal shakes or vibrates heavily during operation.
Final Verdict
The choice rarely comes down to personal preference but rather compatibility. Before you buy, open your sink cabinet and look for the power source.
- See an outlet? Buy Corded.
- See a wire disappearing into the old unit? Buy Hardwired (Cordless).
InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal Cordless & Corded Models
This video is relevant because it visually demonstrates the physical differences between the exact same model in its “corded” and “cordless” variations, helping you identify which one you currently have.
