Garbage Disposals Buying Guide
There are several product features to take into consideration when shopping for a new Garbage Disposal for your kitchen. We hope that this guide will be helpful as you consider the choices that are available to you to determine which model and features best fit your needs. We encourage our customers to review the following guide and to call us with any questions.
There are several types of disposals to choose from and they operate on a continuous-feed or batch-feed system. They share many common features, and as with any kitchen appliance, there are basic models that are perfect for standard operation and everyday use. Other units may cost slightly more but provide high-level features and heavy-duty performance for large, busy households.
Types
Most models are Continuous-Feed Garbage Disposals and they're manually controlled by a wall or sink-top switch. This helps to keep hands clear of the disposal when it's turned on. While operating, the mouth of the unit remains open and is protected by a rubber anti-splash baffle. This lets the operator continuously feed waste into the grinder. Continuous-feed disposals are switch activated and require a constant stream of cold running water while in operation.
A Cover Control Garbage Disposal is considered a safer model as it only turns on when the stopper is placed into the drain. This keeps the mouth of the disposal covered while in use to prevent items from accidentally falling into the disposal. Because no wall or sink-top switch is needed, installation is easier. However, with a Cover Control Garbage Disposal (also known as a Batch-Feed Garbage Disposal) you cannot continuously feed waste into the disposal. With the Cover Control models only the waste and cold water (batch) are loaded into the unit, and once the cover is in place, the disposal operates. The Cover Control models are much safer to use especially around children and are slightly more expensive than Continuous-Feed models, but the increased safety may be worth it as the unit won't operate without a cover in place.
Garbage Disposals for Septic Tank Systems - Some garbage disposal models are designed specifically for use with septic systems and feature special cartridges that help break down food waste. The cartridges (known as bio-charge cartridges) must be changed every 3-6 months. Septic Tank Garbage Disposals operate on a continuous-feed as described above, and they are typically powerful 3/4 hp units with all stainless steel grinding components. Homeowners with septic tanks should not grind tobacco products or seafood shells in their disposals as tobacco will impede the bacterial action in the tank, and seafood shells cannot be decomposed by bacterial action and will fall to the bottom of the tank, contributing to the sludge.
Common Features
Outside their operation, continuous-feed and batch-feed disposals function in similar ways. Mashers force food against an inner wall, where teeth shred the food. After that, food is diverted into the drainpipe and washed away. There are few moving parts, but your disposal can jam if something solid becomes lodged between the spinning plate and inside wall. Some disposals feature an auto-reverse function that rotates the blades in the opposite direction each time the unit starts up, freeing up jams. Disposals possess a range of horsepower (hp) to tackle different types of waste. Some basic models come with as little as 1/3 hp, which is primarily effective for grinding soft waste, such as vegetables. A disposal with at least a 1/2 hp motor will ensure sufficient power for a wide variety of tasks. If you produce large amounts of food waste, a 1 hp motor will allow you to handle heavier loads and harder foods, such as chicken bones.
Anti-Jamming. Models that possess auto-reverse or anti-jamming features ensure hassle free operation and eliminate simple jams and operate more smoothly. In some models, the blades periodically reverse directions to lessen the risk of jamming, while others have an auto-reverse mode that reverses the blades as soon as a jam occurs. Some disposals feature manual anti-jamming in the form of a button on the unit itself or an included hex wrench.
Quiet Operation. Higher-end models feature enhancements that allow them to operate more quietly. The outer shell may be insulated, or there might be a sound baffle - both of which work to reduce vibration and noise. This feature is especially beneficial in environments where the disposal is in frequent use.
Stainless Steel. For lasting performance, look for a model that features a stainless-steel grinding chamber, shredder, impeller and sink flange. Stainless steel provides greater durability and is less subject to corrosion from the acids released by food items as they are ground up.
Sink Stopper. A stopper is required for use in batch-feed disposals. Stoppers are also available for continuous-feed models and prevent unwanted materials from falling down into the disposal when the unit is not in use. A stopper also enables you to fill the sink with water for soaking dishes or rinsing produce.
Dishwasher Connector. Some disposals allow you to connect them to your dishwasher to grind up solid food particles that wash off your dishes. The food feeds through a tube that runs from the bottom of the dishwasher to the disposal. Once debris is stored there, run the disposal to grind and eliminate it. This feature eliminates the time-consuming chore of pre-rinsing dishes before putting them into the dishwasher.
Operating Tips
There are a number of ways to increase the effectiveness of your disposal and prolong the unit's life. Follow these simple suggestions to get the most out of your kitchen's disposal.
Operating Tips
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Things to Avoid
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