GE GFC720N 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal Review

If you’re a household of 2-4 people who cook regularly and need a garbage disposal that can handle more than just soft scraps—think vegetable peels, fruit pits, and even small bones—the GE GFC720N 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal deserves your attention. This 3/4 horsepower continuous feed disposal strikes a practical balance between power and affordability, delivering the kind of grinding performance that makes daily kitchen cleanup genuinely easier.

Rather than offering bare-minimum functionality or overengineered features you’ll rarely use, GE built this model to handle the reality of everyday cooking: tougher food waste, frequent use, and the need for reliability without constant maintenance or noise complaints.

In this review, we’ll break down its design, real-world performance, key advantages and limitations, and how it stacks up against other mid-range disposals in its category.

GE GFC720N 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	GE Appliances
Model Number	GFC720N
Horsepower (HP)	3/4 HP
Motor Speed	Over 2,700 RPM
Motor Type	High-Speed Motor with High Torque
Grinding System	2-Level Precutter with Stainless-Steel Dual Swivel Impellers
Grinding Chamber Capacity	32 oz (Ideal for 2–4 Person Homes)
Material	Stainless-Steel Grinding Components, Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel Armature Shaft
Color / Finish	Black
Voltage	120 Volts
Feed Type	Continuous Feed – Wall Switch Activated
Drain Technology	Drain Boost Technology (Angled Fin for Enhanced Flow)
Mount Type	EZ Mount System (3-Bolt Adapter Kit Included)
Dimensions (L × W × H)	8.5″ × 8.5″ × 14.5″
Item Weight	12 lbs
Power Source	Non-Corded (Power Cord Sold Separately)
Included Components	Disposal Unit, 3-Bolt Mount Adapter Kit, Stainless-Steel Sink Flange, Dishwasher Drain Connector, Wall Switch, Sink Stopper, Mounting Hardware
Safety Features	Manual Reset Overload Protector, Splashguard
Noise Insulation	Sound-Reduction Technology
Septic Safe	Yes — When Used Properly with Properly Sized Septic Systems
Batteries Required	No
Warranty	10 Year Warranty

GE GFC720N 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal Key Features

Design & Build Quality

The GE GFC720N brings a more substantial build to the table compared to entry-level disposals. Weighing 12 pounds, it feels solidly constructed without being overly bulky for standard under-sink installations. The unit’s dimensions—8.5″ × 8.5″ × 14.5″—accommodate most kitchen configurations, though it does require slightly more vertical clearance than compact 1/3 HP models. This extra size translates directly into a larger 32-ounce grind chamber, which becomes particularly valuable when you’re dealing with dinner cleanup for a family.

What sets this disposal apart in its price range is the quality of its internal components. GE equips the GFC720N with stainless-steel grinding components, including dual swivel impellers that resist rust and maintain their sharpness over extended use. The cold-rolled carbon steel armature shaft adds durability where it matters most, while the stainless-steel turntable and sink flange ensure long-term reliability.

The overall construction feels purposeful rather than overbuilt. GE designed this model for homeowners who need dependable performance without paying for commercial-grade features they don’t need. The housing is sturdy, the mounting points are reinforced, and the unit maintains stability during operation even when grinding harder materials.

Grinding Performance & Motor Behavior

The 3/4 HP motor in the GFC720N represents a meaningful upgrade in grinding capability. With speeds exceeding 2,700 RPM, this disposal delivers the kind of consistent power that handles tougher kitchen waste without hesitation. Vegetable peels, fruit pits, chicken bones, and fibrous scraps like celery or asparagus stalks—all the items that would bog down or jam a 1/3 HP unit—grind down efficiently here.

The motor’s high-speed design allows it to reach maximum spin quickly, which matters more than you might think. When food waste hits the grinding chamber, the impellers are already at full speed, creating immediate shearing force rather than gradually building momentum. This translates to fewer jams, less motor strain, and faster overall grinding times.

GE’s anti-jam design with dual swivel impellers further enhances performance. Unlike fixed grinding plates that can lock up when harder items get wedged, the swivel mechanism allows the impellers to adjust slightly, maintaining grinding action even when encountering dense or irregularly shaped waste. In real-world use, this means you’re far less likely to need the hex wrench or the reset button—the disposal simply powers through most situations on its own.

The 2-level precutter system deserves specific mention. This feature breaks down food waste into smaller pieces before it reaches the main grinding stage, distributing the load more evenly across the impellers. The result is smoother operation, reduced noise, and less likelihood of overloading the motor during heavy use. It’s a small design detail that makes a noticeable difference in daily performance.

Drain Boost Technology: Enhanced Drainage Performance

Drain Boost technology is where GE’s engineering focus becomes apparent. Inside the grinding chamber, an angled fin actively pushes water and ground food particles downward with increased force. This isn’t passive drainage—it’s an active pumping action that helps prevent the gradual buildup of food particles in your pipes.

For families who use their disposal multiple times daily, this feature addresses one of the most common long-term problems: slow drainage caused by food particle accumulation in horizontal drain runs. The forceful water flow created by the angled fin keeps waste moving through the plumbing system rather than settling in low spots or creating partial blockages.

This becomes particularly important when you’re grinding denser materials like vegetable peels or small bones. Even when ground to small particles, these materials can accumulate in pipes if water flow isn’t sufficient. Drain Boost technology helps ensure that what goes into your disposal actually makes it all the way through your plumbing system, reducing the frequency of drain cleaning and maintenance.

Noise & Vibration Control

The GFC720N incorporates sound-reduction technology that keeps noise levels reasonable for a disposal in this power category. While it’s not whisper-quiet like premium models with full insulation chambers, the operation is notably controlled—you hear a steady hum rather than harsh grinding or metallic clanging.

In practical terms, you can run the disposal during a dinner party without needing to pause conversations in the next room. The sound insulation dampens high-frequency noise, which is typically the most intrusive, while the anti-jam impeller design prevents the jarring sounds that occur when motors stall or struggle.

Vibration is minimal when the unit is properly installed. The 3-bolt EZ Mount system creates a secure connection that prevents the disposal from shifting or rattling during operation. Even when grinding harder materials, the sink remains stable, and there’s no noticeable transfer of vibration to the cabinet structure.

Installation & Setup Process

Installation is straightforward enough for most homeowners comfortable with basic DIY projects. GE’s EZ Mount system uses a 3-bolt adapter that simplifies the mounting process significantly compared to older twist-and-lock designs that require precise alignment. The included adapter kit works with most standard sink configurations, and the installation process typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.

One important note: this model does not include a power cord. You’ll need to purchase the power cord separately or have it hardwired by an electrician if your local code requires it. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing before you start the installation to avoid an unnecessary trip to the hardware store.

The package includes everything else you’ll need: stainless-steel sink flange, dishwasher drain connector, wall switch, sink stopper, and mounting hardware. The instructions are clear, and the components fit together logically. If you’re replacing an existing disposal, the process is even simpler, as the drain connections and electrical are typically already in place.

For renters or those less confident with plumbing work, professional installation remains an option and typically costs between $100-$200 depending on your location and any necessary modifications to existing plumbing.

Safety Features & Daily Convenience

GE built several practical safety features into the GFC720N. The manual reset overload protector automatically shuts down the motor if it encounters a jam or begins to overheat, preventing permanent damage. Resetting is simple—there’s a red button on the bottom of the unit that you press once you’ve cleared the obstruction and allowed the motor to cool.

The splashguard prevents debris from kicking back up through the drain opening during operation, while the included sink stopper allows you to collect water in the sink when needed. The continuous feed design means you can add food scraps while the disposal is running, making cleanup faster and more convenient for busy meal preparations.

The disposal is septic-safe when used properly with an appropriately sized septic system. This means running adequate water, avoiding excessive grease, and spacing out heavy grinding sessions to give your septic system time to process the additional organic material. For most 2-4 person households on septic, this disposal works well within normal usage patterns.

Maintenance

Maintaining the GFC720N requires minimal effort. Running cold water during and after grinding, avoiding fibrous vegetables like corn husks, and periodically grinding ice cubes to clean the impellers will keep the unit functioning properly. The stainless-steel grinding components resist rust and corrosion, which extends the disposal’s effective lifespan significantly compared to galvanized steel alternatives.

Warranty

GE backs the GFC720N with a 10-year excellent warranty, which is exceptional coverage for a disposal in this price range and demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the unit’s long-term durability. With proper use and occasional maintenance, the GFC720N should provide reliable service well beyond the typical five to seven-year lifespan of standard mid-range disposals—making it a smart long-term investment for homeowners who want dependable performance backed by solid manufacturer support.

GE GFC720N Garbage Disposal Pros and Cons

GE GFC720N vs Top Competitors

Feature	GE GFC720N	InSinkErator Evolution Compact	Waste King L-8000
Horsepower	3/4 HP	3/4 HP	1 HP
Speed (RPM)	Over 2,700 RPM	1,725 RPM	2,800 RPM
Motor Type	High-Speed Motor	Dura-Drive Induction	Permanent Magnet
Feed Type	Continuous Feed	Continuous Feed	Continuous Feed
Noise Level	Sound-Reduction Technology	SoundSeal® Technology (Quieter)	Standard
Build Material	Stainless-Steel Components	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Grinding Chamber Capacity	32 oz	34.6 oz	40 oz
Power Cord Included	No — Sold Separately	No — Sold Separately	Yes — Pre-Installed
Mounting System	EZ Mount (3-Bolt)	Quick Lock	EZ Mount
Warranty	10 Year	4–6 Years (Varies)	20 Year
Ideal For	2–4 Person Homes, Balanced Performance	Quiet Operation & Premium Features	High-Volume Grinding & Larger Families

Further Reading:
InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal Review
Waste King L-8000 1 HP Garbage Disposal Review
Moen GXB75C 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal Review
KRAUS WasteGuard KWD100-75MBL, 3/4 HP Ultra-Quiet Garbage Disposal Review

Conclusion

The GE GFC720N is a well-engineered 3/4 HP garbage disposal that delivers reliable, powerful performance for households that actually cook. Its combination of high-speed grinding, stainless-steel components, and Drain Boost technology makes it particularly well-suited for families of 2-4 people who need a disposal that can handle daily food waste without constant maintenance or noise concerns.

If you’re looking for a mid-range disposal from a trusted appliance brand that balances grinding power, durability, and ease of installation, the GFC720N offers dependable performance at a reasonable price point. It won’t break your budget, but it also won’t leave you wishing you’d spent a bit more for better capabilities.