Some garbage disposals come with a pre-installed power cord, while some don’t. Why is that so? And if you are buying, which is the better option for you? What is the advantage of corded disposals over non-corded ones?
Non-corded garbage disposals do not come with an electrical cord, they need to be hardwired to the main power supply by an electrician. Corded garbage disposals are preinstalled with a power cord, so they only need to be plugged into the wall socket.
Despite the absence of a power cord, a non-corded garbage disposal works just like a corded one. But there are some practical differences between them;
differences between corded and non-corded garbage disposals
The practical differences in buying a corded vs uncorded garbage disposal are in installation and price.
Installation differences
Corded garbage disposals are easier to install electrically since they already come with a preinstalled power cord. All you have to do is plug the electrical cord into the socket under the sink.
But non-corded garbage disposals need to be hardwired to the mains. You have to remove the backplate of the garbage disposal to access its power terminals and connect them to the wires from the mains. This task will require some expertise and it is recommended to use a certified electrician to do this job.
In addition, if you need to use a wireless switch or an air switch to operate the garbage disposal, it should have a power cord. Uncorded garbage disposals can be controlled only through a wall switch.
Cost differences
The prices of corded and non-corded disposals are primarily based on the features they offer rather than the inclusion or exclusion of a power cord. However, corded garbage disposals are a bit pricier than their non-corded versions.
For example, the price of InSinkErator Badger 5 with a pre-installed power cord is more than that of its non-corded version.
Another thing to note is that, hiring an electrician to hardwire an uncorded disposal adds to the installation cost. So, the final cost could be higher than that of a corded model.
Should you buy a corded or non-corded garbage disposal?
My recommendation is to buy a corded garbage disposal. It is easier to install and it works with an air switch. Since there are no other differences between a corded and uncorded disposal, buying a corded one makes more practical sense.
Which brands sell corded, and which ones sell non-corded disposals?
InSinkErator, Waste King, and Moen are America’s three top garbage disposal brands. Out of these three, Waste King and Moen offer pre-installed power cords. So there isn’t a need to purchase a cord separately. While InSinkErator doesn’t include a pre-installed power cord, they do offer an option to purchase a power cord.
Let’s take this opportunity to see which popular models have a pre-installed power cord and which models don’t.
Examples of corded disposals
There are several models with pre-installed power cords, and choosing just a few is a great challenge. I am listing two waste disposals based on my personal preference and their popularity among the users.
Waste King L-8000
It is one of the best and most expensive disposals that Waste King offers. This exceptional waste disposal has a 1 HP ultra-powerful motor and comes with a pre-installed power cord. It means that you can plug it in the outlet and start using your disposal instantly.
Moen GXS75C
At a medium-range price, GXS is reliable kitchen equipment. This model has an impressive ¾ HP Vortex permanent magnet motor. The pre-installed power cord makes the installation very straightforward.
Examples of non-corded Garbage disposals
I will briefly discuss two InSinkErator models that don’t come with an attached power cord. In my opinion, these disposals have unique features, so being non-corded is a minor shortcoming.
InSinkErator Evolution Excel
This model has a high price tag, but its quality and performance are unmatched. An extra-powerful 1 HP induction motor with auto-reverse grind system does its job efficiently. Its 7-year warranty makes up for being non-corded!
Read my complete review of Evolution Excel for more details.
InSinkErator Badger 500
InSinkErator’s badger series is a superb quality range, and Badger 500 is no exception. It has a ½ HP motor sufficient for everyday grinding tasks for a medium-sized household. It does not include a power cord but works effortlessly. Moreover, its price is very affordable when compared with disposals of similar specifications.
