Provided you’re not a plumber, finding the best garbage disposal on your own can prove to be quite the challenge. The market for disposers is huge, and it’s difficult to identify the pros and cons that come with each model. We’re here to make the job far easier for you, with a selection of the top garbage disposals you can purchase this year. We’ll present every unit in a way that you can understand, with the most reliable picks based on power, effectiveness, noise, feed type, and more!

Best Garbage Disposal of 2019

We’ll get to our thorough presentations in a minute, but here is a simplified table you can go through to see the basic specs for our choices. You can see how large the best garbage disposal units are, how much they weigh, and how much HP and RPM their motors feature. Scroll down for their individual reviews afterwards.

Product Name	Product Dimensions (inches)	Weight (pounds)	Horsepower	RPM
Waste Maid 58	4.8 x 4.8 x 14	8.95	1/2	2600
Waste King L-111	5.25 x 5.25 x 12.75	7.5	1/3	1900
InSinkErator CNTR333 Contractor	14.00 x 8.00 x 0.08	16.34	3/4	1725
InSinkErator Evolution Compact	8 x 8 x 12.1	18.74	3/4	1725
General Electric GFC520V	6.7 x 6.9 x 15.1	9.4	1/2	2800
Moen GX50C	7.5 x 7.5 x 16	13	1/2	2600
Waste King L-2600	6.8 x 6.8 x 13.5	7.8	1/2	2600
InSinkErator Badger 5XP	7 x 7 x 16	15.1	3/4	1725
InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist	14 x 11 x 16	22.4	3/4	1725
Waste King L-8000	16 x 8.5 x 8.5	11.94	1	2800

10. Waste Maid 58 – Best Cheap Garbage Disposal

There’s no better way to kick off a top 10 list than with a best buy. If you’re looking for the best garbage disposal you can buy without splurging, the Waste Maid 58 is exactly what you need. With a price tag of about $50 on Amazon, the Waste Maid 58 does the job just as well as most of its pricier competitors. Even more, it’s a best-selling unit with a great 4.3-star average customer rating on the platform. If you decide on buying it, go for Amazon to enjoy fast shipping.

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Design

You probably won’t expect much from a $50 garbage disposal. Some customers admit that the Waste Maid 58 feels like it’s cheaply built, but we say that the galvanized steel grinder is a definite pro. The manufacturers have incorporated a patented BioShield feature, which means that you’ll be getting odor protection and anti-bacterial properties. You’re also in for a treat with the small size, so you won’t have to worry about it taking up too much room under your sink.

Performance

With a ½ HP and 2600 RPM motor, you know that you’re dealing with a solid garbage disposal. It does all grinding tasks as advertised, with minimum noise. However, please make sure that you don’t allow bones or other hard waste in. Also, you should be aware of the reportedly short product life that you may get with the Waste Maid 58. With these aspects in mind, you may want to consider a slightly more expensive garbage disposal for higher standards.

Recommendations

 You can count on the Waste Maid 58 if you’re short on cash but still want a trustworthy garbage disposal. As long as you care for it accordingly, it should prove to be one of your smartest purchases this year. 

9. Waste King L-111 – Best 1/3 HP Garbage Disposal

On a similar note, we want to introduce another accessible unit, the best garbage disposal in the 1/3 HP category. Waste King is one of the top brands in the industry, and the L-111 is among their best-selling items (#6 top-seller on Amazon). Owing to the lower power of the motor, the L-111 garbage disposal comes at a wonderful price. Even though its full price is $93, you can often find discounts on Amazon and even get it at around 60 bucks if you’re lucky.

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Design

The most remarkable aspect regarding the L-111’s design is the EZ Mount assembly system. It features an extremely simple twist-and-lock mechanism that makes professional installation a thing of the past. You also get all the hardware you need, but you should check the Amazon product description to make sure you have all the necessary tools. Another cool design aspect that the L-111 boasts is the splash guard, which is completely removable and replaceable. You’ll see that it comes in handy after using the disposal for some time.

Performance

Judging by the fact that the L-111 has a 1/3 HP motor, you shouldn’t expect major speed. On the other hand, you can rely on the unit to effectively grind soft foods. Ensure that you don’t allow any large chunks or hard foods to get in, otherwise you risk jamming. In addition, you may be facing a shorter product life than expected. Aside from that, the L-111 is a great unit from a popular company that lives up to its name.

Recommendations

 Buy the Waste King L-111 if you want an affordable garbage disposal with a low-power motor that still delivers well. We encourage you to take some time to follow the Amazon product page to get a good bargain on it. 

8. InSinkErator CNTR333 Contractor – Best Garbage Disposal for Easy Installation

We may not all be handymen, but it’s not that convenient to spend as much on professional installation as you did on the garbage disposal itself. For that, we often look to units with simple assembly so we can turn it into a small DIY project. In this regard, the InSinkErator CNTR333 Contractor is the perfect contender with a pretty straightforward installation.

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Design

Due to its Quick Lock mounting system, the setup of this InSinkEartor ‘Contractor’ model is a breeze (less than 30 minutes) even for users with zero track record in plumbing issues. What’s more the cord is already installed so you’ll just have to follow the step-by-step installation guide.

However before the purchase, it is usually best to check with the manufacturer what unit best matches your current disposal unit, so you don’t have to reinstall the drain portion of the disposal. But if you have to replace an older InSinkErator, you don’t have to worry about any plumbing adjustments as all InSinkErator models are compatible at the top.

Performance

This is a sturdy built garbage disposal and the price is good. It is not super silent but not too loud either and the powerful ¾ HP motor makes a huge difference. Unlike cheaper models that grinding parts are stainless steel and the housing is metal not plastic. So, we expect it to last some time. It does its job excellently as it has no problem eating up harder food waste like seeds or eggshells. It offers great value for the price.

Recommendations

 Get the InSinkErator CNTR333 Contractor if you want the best garbage disposal that you can install in less than an hour without professional help. But like with all disposals, make sure you don’t overwork it with very hard foods. 

7. InSinkErator Evolution Compact – Best Compact Garbage Disposal

Most of use the area beneath our sink for storing cleaning supplies or other similar items. Consequently, it may not be best to invest in a bulky garbage disposal. If you want a nicely-shaped disposer that is designed to fit comfortably in your lower cupboard, check the InSinkErator Evolution Compact out. Manufactured by one of the top brands in the game, the Evolution Compact is currently $199 on Amazon, where it also enjoys a #4 best-selling Garbage Disposal spot.

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Design

This InSinkErator’s has a smartly compact construction, with 8 x 8 x 12.1-inch dimensions. The grind chamber is a pleasant 34.6 ounces, while the components for the MultiGrind system are all made out of stainless steel. The Evolution Compact is yet another unit that can be installed in a jiffy, without any help from a plumber. However, we recommend that you select the Garbage Disposer and Power Cord Kit option on the Amazon page, as the unit comes without a cord.

Performance

InSinkErator has packed a ridiculous amount of features into this garbage disposer. Firstly, the company has incorporated SoundSeal technology that significantly lowers the amount of noise the unit makes. Secondly, the MultiGrind system that the Evolution Compact features consists in two stages of grinding for high performance. The only visible downside to the unit seems to be that it drains quite slowly, a necessary aspect for maintaining quiet functioning.

Recommendations

 Choose the InSinkErator Evolution Compact if you’re looking for a well-sized garbage disposal that also performs nicely. It may be a bit expensive, but it increases your chances of getting a great return on your investment. 

6. General Electric GFC520V – Best 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal

In addition to GE being a trusted brand name, the GFC520V also serves as one of the most inexpensive units out of all our best garbage disposal options. It currently enjoys a discount on Amazon, making it just over $75, but even with its list price you won’t have to pay more than $99.

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Design

Aside from the low price, the GFC520V deserves credit for its smart design. The disposer is extremely compact, with 6.7” x 6.9” x 15.1”, much smaller than its predecessor. Despite its modest size, the unit packs in an admirable capacity for grinding up food scraps. We only wish that it would have come with the required power cord, and that the EZ Mount installation was actually as easy as described.

Performance

Operation-wise, the GFC520V does an excellent job of cutting for a unit in its price range. It is reported to be far quieter than the previous GE model, but it still may be on the noisy side for some selective customers. However, the GFC520V’s greatest drawback is its short product life compared to most competitors.

Recommendations

 Purchase the General Electric GFC520V if you want a fairly-priced garbage disposal that does what it’s supposed to do. We particularly recommend it for budget shoppers that aren’t necessarily looking for a unit that will last +15 years. 

5. Moen GX50C – Best Batch Feed Garbage Disposal

Even though the majority of garbage disposers have continuous feed operation, there are some wonderful batch feed units out there. There is no wall switch involved, just loading the chamber and placing a stopper lid over for pulverization. If you’re looking for a safe alternative to a continuous feed unit, you can go for the Moen GX50C. It’s actually quite affordable for a batch feed garbage disposal, at only about $96 on Amazon.

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Design

We’re not quite sure how much you value the aesthetics of a garbage disposal, but if you do, the GX50C is for you. It arguably has one of the most beautiful designs we have seen for these units, with a sleek black core and a silver coat wrapped around. We guarantee that you won’t feel ashamed to have it under your sink. Additionally, the Easy Universal Xpress Mount system that Moen offers makes assembly as easy as pie. As if that wasn’t enough, it comes with a pre-installed power cord.

Performance

Owing to the 2600 RPM motor, you know you’re dealing with a strong and effective grinding system. It breaks down all types of food without jamming, using the secure batch feed system. Even though the Moen markets the GX50C as having SoundSHIELD technology, there are recurring complaints among customers that it is remarkably loud. We wouldn’t necessarily call the noise a deal breaker, but it’s definitely an aspect to keep in mind if you’re looking for quiet functioning.

Recommendations

 The Moen GX50C is the best garbage disposal for customers seeking batch feed units without spending a small fortune. Please take note of the noise issue prior to purchasing though. 

4. Waste King L-2600 – Best Garbage Disposal with Continuous Feed

You know you have a quality unit at hand when it’s the #1 best-selling item in its Amazon category. We’re talking about the L-2600, the second unit from prestigious brand Waste King on our list. Considering that almost all of the best garbage disposal products are continuous feed models, we say that the top-rated and top-selling L-2600 deserves its crown here. Not only is it an awesome unit, but it’s also super cheap, in the $70 range on Amazon.

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Design

Most Waste King models follow a similar design, with a silver body and red branding accents. The stainless steel grinding components will help you forget about rusting, while the pre-installed power cord will save you some extra time and cash. Thanks to the complete EZ Mount installation kit the L-2600 comes with, you have a DIY opportunity. The replaceable safe guard offers additional protection, and the manual reset button will always come in handy in case of a rare jam.

Performance

You know just by reading the specs that the L-2600 is designed to perform. With a 2600 RPM ½ horsepower motor, you can rest assured that your foods will undergo heavy grinding. We’re slightly upset that although the rubber guard provides safety, it also makes food getting in harder. The L-2600 might be a little noisy for your expectations or it may leak, but the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages with this specific unit.

Recommendations

 Purchase the Waste King L-2600 if you care about customer feedback when selecting a product. The sales and positive reviews back up the overall quality of the L-2600. 

3. InSinkErator Badger 5XP – Best 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal

The more horsepower your garbage disposal has, obviously the stronger and quicker it will be. One of the most powerful options on the market is a ¾ HP continuous feed unit, such as the InSinkErator Badger 5XP. It’s a remarkable upgrade from the Badger 5, with plenty of new benefits for returning or new customers. At the moment we were writing our review, the Badger 5XP had a full price of about $125 on Amazon, but you can go back and check for discounts.

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Design

The Badger 5XP has definitely worked on the shortcomings of InSinkErator’s previous model. For instance, the gasket and flange are now pieced into the discharge outlet with bolts, as opposed to the prior screws. We wholeheartedly recommend the Badger 5XP if you’re looking to replace an older unit, especially if it’s one from the same brand. The unit’s design also features a 26 oz. grind chamber, which is pleasantly roomy for a disposer.

Performance

You’ll definitely get the performance you want with a ¾ HP motor unit. The Badger 5XP grinds through foods like it’s nothing, and it has raving reviews to support its effectiveness. Like with several other InSinkErator models, you’ll have to purchase a power cord separately. While this isn’t exactly a deal-breaker, you may want to consider the reportedly short product life, or the corrosion and leaking you might be facing after some time.

Recommendations

 Pick the InSinkErator Badger 5XP if you want to replace an old unit with a high-power ¾ HP continuous feed motor. Make sure you also buy a power cord to install it right away. 

2. InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist – Quietest Garbage Disposal

The main issues with disposers (even if they are the best garbage disposal units) is that they make so much noise. If you live in a house with small children or elderly family members, you’ll find that using a loud disposer becomes even more obnoxious. But have no hear – the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist is so quiet that you don’t even know that it is there when it is working.

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Design

The InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist was especially designed for septic systems, but it works without a septic tank just as smoothly. Thanks to the Bio-Charge® injection technology, which releases over 300 million enzyme-producing micro-organisms into the disposal whenever it is working, the disposal keeps itself (and your septic system) sanitized. One Bio-Charge should last around 1.5 to 2 years; however, you are still supposed to do maintenance work on your septic tank system every 5-7 years or so.

This garbage disposal is also incredibly easy to install due to the proprietary Quick Lock mounting system. With a simple twist, the unit hooks onto the old sink attachment. Also, the system makes replacing older disposals a breeze, as the Quick Lock mount is compatible with all InSinkErators. What’s more, the unit is made of stainless-steel components, including the extra-large grind chamber, which makes this unit extremely durable.

Performance

Thanks to the SoundSeal technology, the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist is the quietest we have reviewed so far. It is so quiet that you don’t even know that it’s there when operating. Also, this heavy-duty garbage disposal comes with a powerful 3/4 HP Dura-Drive® induction motor that in combination with the MultiGrind technology can grind even some of the hardest food waste including chicken bones. All in all, the unit is so well-build we’re confident that it will offer excellent service for over 10 years

Recommendations

 Invest in the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist if you want a super quiet quality garbage disposal that with last for years. It is easily the unit that makes the least noise out of all the products we have reviewed. 

1. Waste King L-8000 – Best Garbage Disposal of 2019

Rightfully dubbed by customers as “the king of garbage disposals”, the Waste King L-8000 is the undisputed best garbage disposal money can get you this year. The L-8000 checks off all requirements on our list, from major speed, to quiet functioning, and even the power to disintegrate harder foods. You can get it for as little as $84 on Amazon used, or about $145 new, where it’s also the 3^rd best-selling unit in its class.

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Design

With a height of 16 inches, the L-8000 is definitely on the larger side. Notwithstanding, you shouldn’t have any issues if the area under your sink is relatively spacious. The unit comes with the power cord already installed, as well as with every part you need to assemble it. Still, you may want to get some professional help with this one. It will save you potential leaking problems and additional investments in the long run.

Performance

The L-8000 is top notch when it comes to performance. Its insanely powerful 1 HP motor provides 2800 RPM, all with Jam Less technology that will save you major stress. Waste King has also paid attention to sound insulation with the unit, making it amazingly quiet for such a beast of a disposer. This model also makes up for what most of its competitors can’t accomplish – grinding tougher waste like thick peels, apple cores, or even rib bones.

Recommendations

 Buy the Waste King L-8000 if you want the best garbage disposal unit on the entire market. If installed professionally, you should enjoy a top-of-the-line product that will last for years on end. 

Honorable Mention

BECBAS ELEMENT 7

This unit hasn’t made it to our list but it is worthy of an honorable mention. We wouldn’t say that it shines enough to have a spot in our top 10, but the benefits it features make it deserve our attention. It’s reasonably priced at $119 on Amazon, where it enjoys a 4 out of 5 star rating. In addition, it ensures quality through a nice, 4-year warranty.

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Design

When you first see the ELEMENT 7, the first aspect that hits you is the candy red coating. Although the garbage disposal will rest under your sink, it just may bring a smile to your face when you open the cupboard. However, the unit does seem to be on the bulky side, with reports of larger dimensions than expected. The ELEMENT 7 makes up for that with design perks like a splash guard that you can safely remove, as well as a stopper made of stainless steel.

Performance

We have to be honest – not many people have heard of the BECBAS brand. To top it off, the unit is made in China, so plenty of customers steer away from the product before giving it a chance. Be that as it may, the disposer is said to be surprisingly quiet for the power it packs. Even more so, installation is a breeze, even without the help of a professional plumber. Lastly, the unit comes with the power cord pre-installed, so say good-bye to extra purchases.

Recommendations

 Not afraid to try out a new brand based on positive reviews? Then the BECBAS ELEMENT 7 is for you. Buy it if you want a quiet garbage disposal that’s still powerful enough to get the job done. 

Why Is a Garbage Disposal Useful?

Eco-friendly

Provided you don’t have a septic tank, getting rid of food waste via a household garbage disposer may be one of the most eco-friendly choices you can make. To help you get a better idea about the situation, the EPA reports that 136 million tons of municipal solid waste were landfilled in the U.S. in 2014. By grinding your food scraps in a sink drain and sending them to a wastewater treatment plant, you will be greatly cutting down on the amount of waste from your home that ends up in landfills.

Convenient

Compositing is a wonderful way to play your part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, in this day and age, a great deal of individuals don’t have the necessary time for the full process. In this case, we whole-heartedly recommend garbage disposal systems for their convenience. You literally won’t have to spend any extra time outside of your kitchen; simply go to your sink, turn on your garbage disposal unit, and let it work its magic.

Quiet

One of the biggest myths surrounding garbage disposers is that they are all loud. Indeed, a few models may be a bit noisy, but a best rated garbage disposal unit won’t be obnoxious at all. As long as you do your research and comb through garbage disposal reviews, you are sure to find a model on the silent side that still has a powerful motor. If you have gone through our whole list, you already have more than enough quiet garbage disposal system options to choose from.

Cost-effective

Although a reliable model may cost around $100, it will undoubtedly be a wise investment for your kitchen and overall home. A food waste disposal unit will save you tons of money on plumbing services, simply by reducing the chances of your drain getting clogged. Regardless if you’re dealing with continuous or batch feed garbage disposals, your drain and pipes will be cleaner and safer in the long run.

Additional Benefits

• Less kitchen odor, thanks to less food waste in trash
• Simplified maintenance
• Less pressure on drainage pipes
• Reliable alternative for burning food waste

Types of Garbage Disposals

Disposers by Feed

1. Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals

The majority of garbage disposers on the market are continuous feed. With these units, all you have to do is use the switch the wall next to your kitchen sink to active or deactivate the disposal. Generally, a continuous feed model is affordable, easy to install, easy to use, and readily available.

2. Batch Feed Garbage Disposals

Like the name suggests, a batch feed disposal gets rid of food waste not continuously, but in batches. The units that fall under this category are considered to have extra safety advantages, as they cannot be activated without their stoppers in place. Batch feed disposers are also less affordable than continuous feed ones.

Disposers by Motor

1. 1/3 HP Motor

Garbage disposals that run on a 1/3 HP motor are usually the cheapest models you can find. Although the best 1/3 HP garbage disposal (i.e. Waste King L-111) may be well worth your money, we typically recommend units with faster motors.

2. ½ HP Motor

The ½ HP garbage disposer is arguably the most common and popular type on the market. A unit with this kind of motor should be more than enough for the average small household.

3. ¾ HP Motor

For larger families and/ or homes, you may be better off investing in a ¾ HP garbage disposal. You’ll also experience less jamming, noise, and other issues associated with weaker motors.

4. 1 HP Motor

If you have a generous budget and want long-term satisfaction, always go with a 1 HP disposer. It may not be a best buy garbage disposal from a financial standpoint, but you will enjoy a powerful unit for years to come.

Best Garbage Disposal Brands

• Waste King – Based on garbage disposal reviews and general consumer feedback, the undisputed king (pun intended) among all manufacturers is Waste King. It is considered to be the best brand of garbage disposal units not only based on quality, but also variety, customer trust, and sale statistics.
• InSinkErator – Just as well-known as Waste King, InSinkErator is the second most popular garbage disposal brand. Their units are also Amazon best-sellers, but they tend to be a bit pricier than their main competitors. Common models include the InSinkErator Evolution Excel or Compact, Badger, etc.
• Kitchen Aid – A household name all across America, Kitchen Aid is one of the most reputed home appliance brands in the country. As far as their food waste disposals are in discussion, they are known for being simple to install, quiet, and effective.

Features to Consider Before Buying a Garbage Disposal

Home-related

Sewer vs Septic Systems – Prior to even searching for a food waste disposer, you have to check if your home uses a septic tank. Unfortunately, septic tanks and garbage disposals do not work well together and are hardly ever recommended as a pair. If you do have a septic tank and use a disposer, you’ll very likely end up with a thick coat of food at the bottom when cleaning your septic system.

Space under Sink – Make sure that you measure the amount of space you have available under your kitchen sink. Most food waste disposers shouldn’t take up too much space, but it’s better to be safe and stay on top of the dimensions instead of having to return a unit that’s too large.

Product-related

Power – Like we explained when covering the types of garbage disposals you can choose from, the motor plays a significant role in your final choice. The more powerful you want your motor – no matter if it’s a permanent magnet or induction motor –, the higher the HP should be.

Sound – Do you have a baby that requires sleep throughout the day? Perhaps an elderly relative that needs a peaceful environment? You should definitely think about investing in a garbage disposal that makes as less noise as possible.

Chamber – The grinding chamber is one of the most important parts of a garbage disposer you can count on. We encourage you to look for a unit that has a stainless steel chamber (or even a glass-filled nylon chamber)

Safety – If you have kids that tend to play around in the kitchen, we strongly recommend getting a batch feed garbage disposer. This way, your young ones won’t be able to turn on any wall switch that could result in severe accidents.

Best Way to Clean a Garbage Disposal/ Garbage Disposal Best Practices

What to NOT Put in Your Garbage Disposal

• Potato peels
• Fruit pits
• Coffee grounds
• Bones
• Nuts
• Spaghetti
• Grease
• Oatmeal
• Egg shells
• Banana peels
• Stringy vegetables

Step-by-step Cleaning Process

1. Turn the Garbage Disposal Off

When it comes to food waste disposals, safety always comes first. Ensure that you unplug or turn off your unit prior to beginning the cleaning process. Once you have checked that the power is off, you can get your ingredients and tools ready.

2. Prepare Your DIY Materials and Clean

There are several household items you can use when clearing your kitchen disposal and drain. Here are some of the most popular tried-and-tested methods:

• Baking soda + vinegar – Fill the drain with ½ cup of baking soda and follow up with 1 cup of vinegar. Use a long-tailed brush to scrub food particles off the reachable components of the disposer.
• Salt + ice – Stuff ice cubes in the disposer and sprinkle 1 cup of salt over them. Turn your water and the disposal on and allow them to run until the ice fully grinds and washes remains of food away.
• Dish soap – If you have enough time, soak a sponge with dish soap and get to scrubbing by hand. Make sure you scrub all the rubber parts of the disposal so to effectively clean them.

3. Freshen Up with Citrus

Whether you use lemon or orange, any type of citrus peels can help make your sink smell squeaky-clean. Although these peels won’t actually clean your disposer, they will remove any minor odors from your sink area and fill your kitchen with a lovely scent.

Our Verdict

In conclusion, the best garbage disposal is no longer impossible to find without professional help. Although we do encourage you to seek advice from your family plumber, we also want to let you know that you can rest assured with our closely-analyzed selection. When buying your disposer, make sure you have enough space under your sink for it, and that it meets your power criteria. We’re excited to see if there are any other models you prefer, so tell us about your faves in the comments!