InSinkErator Power 1 HP Garbage Disposal Review

InSinkErator Power 1 HP Garbage Disposal Review

Quick take: The InSinkErator Power 1 HP, Power Series EZ Connect garbage disposal is built for busy kitchens that don’t want to hold back. It combines a full 1 HP Dura-Drive® induction motor with 2-Stage MultiGrind® technology and a compact under-sink footprint. If you’re upgrading from a 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP unit and want more muscle without jumping all the way to an Evolution flagship, the Power 1 HP is a very strong option.

Amazon buyer data shows a 4.6 out of 5 star rating from well over 500 reviews, with many owners calling out the power, smoother sound profile, and straightforward installation.

At a glance – key specs

For a full family overview, see our InSinkErator Power Series Mini Guide. If you’re comparing horsepower options, also check out the Power .75 HP flagship. For pro-grade 1 HP alternatives, the Contractor 1000 1 HP and Contractor 1000 1 HP with Cord are worth a look.

For official manuals, wiring diagrams and troubleshooting, visit the InSinkErator support center.

Why homeowners step up to the Power 1 HP

• Serious torque for tough scraps: Owners upgrading from older 1/2 HP models notice a clear jump in how quickly the Power 1 HP handles heavier loads and tougher scraps.
• Quieter than many expect: Several reviewers mention replacing a noisy, basic disposal with this unit and finding the sound much more controlled, even though it’s a full 1 HP motor.
• Great “one-and-done” upgrade: People swapping out 15–20 year old builder-grade units like that this feels like a long-term, future-proof upgrade rather than another temporary stop-gap.
• Still compact under the sink: Despite the 1 HP rating, the body size is very similar to the .75 HP Power model, so it usually fits in the same space with no cabinet drama.
• DIY-friendly installation: Many reviews specifically praise how doable the install is for confident DIYers using the EZ Connect system and clear instructions.

2-Stage MultiGrind – why it matters more at 1 HP

Like the .75 HP model, the Power 1 HP uses InSinkErator’s 2-Stage MultiGrind® system. With a 1 HP motor behind it, that technology really gets to stretch its legs:

• Stage 1 – Grind: The primary GrindShear ring breaks down everyday scraps quickly, using the extra horsepower to clear the chamber fast.
• Stage 2 – Shear: Food then passes through additional shearing windows designed to reduce scraps even further, helping to limit clogs and reduce strain on your drain line when used properly.

If you’re the “cook a lot, clean a lot” household that regularly pushes a disposer hard, that second stage combined with full 1 HP torque is a big selling point.

Noise and real-world use

From the reviews, the Power 1 HP sits in an interesting middle ground. It’s clearly quieter and more refined than many old 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP builder units, but it’s still a powerful disposer – so you will hear it working.

• Some owners say it’s quieter than most disposals they’ve owned and they can still watch TV or chat while it runs.
• Others describe it as not silent but much less annoying than previous models, with a deeper, less rattly sound.
• A handful of reviewers think any 1 HP unit is going to sound “strong” simply because of the power behind it.

Bottom line: if you’re coming from a loud, older disposer, the Power 1 HP will likely feel like a big upgrade in both smoothness and speed. If you want near-whisper operation above all else, an Evolution series model with full sound insulation is still the better match.

Real owner feedback (summarised)

• Big step up from 1/2 HP units: Several buyers specifically mention upgrading from a 1/2 HP lower-tier InSinkErator or builder model and being impressed with the improved grind speed and reduced noise.
• Handles daily family use: Reviewers who cook regularly say the unit chews through fruit and veg scraps, leftovers and everyday kitchen waste without bogging down.
• Easy install with clear instructions: Many people installed it themselves in under an hour, with the main delay being the removal of the old unit.
• Long-term reliability expectations: Owners replacing 15–20 year old disposals often mention that they expect this Power 1 HP to last just as long or longer.
• Value perception: Quite a few reviews mention grabbing it on a sale or “Prime Days” deal and feeling they scored a genuine bargain for the performance they got.

What we like about the Power 1 HP

• Full 1 HP power with MultiGrind: You get serious torque plus 2-stage grinding – great for heavy-use households.
• Compact for the horsepower: The body is still just around 12" tall, which makes it more forgiving in tight cabinets than some bulky 1 HP models.
• Rust-resistant stainless grinding components: Built for long-term durability under regular daily use.
• EZ Connect installation: Lift & Latch mounting, hardwire adapter and removable dishwasher inlet plug are all designed to make swaps easier.
• Septic-safe and USA-assembled: Good news if you’re on septic or prefer US-assembled appliances.
• Strong warranty: The 6-year in-home “We Come To You” warranty is a big confidence booster.

Things to think about before you buy

• Cord usually not included: As with other Power Series models, most listings ship without a power cord attached. You’ll either hard-wire it or use a compatible kit. See our Power Cord Kit Guide for options.
• Stronger sound profile than smaller units: It’s quieter than many expect, but 1 HP at full grind will still be more noticeable than a small 1/3 HP disposer.
• Slightly heavier during install: The extra motor mass can make it a bit more awkward to hold in place. The Lift & Latch mount helps, but having a helper or support stack under the sink is a smart move.
• Follow InSinkErator food guidelines: 1 HP doesn’t make it a “grind anything” unit – you should still avoid items InSinkErator warns against and feed scraps with water running.

Who is the Power 1 HP best suited for?

The Power 1 HP really shines in:

• Busy family kitchens that run the disposer multiple times a day and want headroom for heavier loads.
• Upgrades from 1/2 HP or entry-level 3/4 HP units where you want a noticeable bump in performance and refinement.
• Small-to-medium cabinets that can’t easily fit a huge 1 HP pro model but still want serious grunt.
• Homeowners planning for the long term who would rather buy one strong unit now than replace a weak one in a few years.

If you love the idea of the Power 1 HP but want slightly better noise control and don’t mind dropping back to 3/4 HP, the Power .75 HP is an excellent “balanced” choice. If you want a contractor-grade 1 HP with more traditional styling, look at the Contractor 1000 series.

Installation tips and accessories

Most owners install the Power 1 HP as a replacement for an existing InSinkErator or similar disposer. The EZ Connect system is designed with that in mind.

• Power cord: For plug-in installs, pair this unit with an official InSinkErator cord kit – details in our Power Cord Kit Guide.
• Dishwasher connection: If you’re connecting a dishwasher, the removable inlet plug makes the hookup easier. For more info, see our Dishwasher Connector Kit Guide.
• Sink baffle upgrade: For extra splash control and a bit more noise reduction, check out the compatible options in our Sink Baffle & Stopper Guide.

Basic DIY install flow (summary)

1. Turn off power at the breaker and disconnect the old disposer.
2. Remove the previous unit and mounting hardware, clean the sink opening, and install the new sink flange if needed.
3. Wire the Power 1 HP via the EZ Connect hardwire adapter or attach an approved power cord kit.
4. Use the Lift & Latch system to support the unit while rotating the mounting ring into the locked position.
5. Connect the discharge tube to the P-trap, attach the dishwasher hose if needed, and tighten all clamps.
6. Restore power, run water, and test for smooth operation and leaks.

If you’re not confident with electrical work or plumbing, it’s always worth hiring a licensed pro – especially for a heavier 1 HP unit that you want installed correctly the first time.

Seth’s verdict on the InSinkErator Power 1 HP

If your kitchen feels like it’s outgrown a smaller disposer, the InSinkErator Power 1 HP is a very easy model to recommend. You’re getting:

• Full 1 HP Dura-Drive muscle with 2-stage MultiGrind
• A compact body that still fits typical under-sink layouts
• Rust-resistant stainless grinding components
• A strong 6-year in-home “We Come To You” warranty

The main trade-offs are the separate power cord and a stronger sound profile than a top-end Evolution. But for many households, the blend of power, size and price makes this one of the most compelling 1 HP disposals in the InSinkErator lineup.

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