Are you looking to install a new garbage disposal or replace an existing one? With so many models to choose from, with numerous features to think about, it can be overwhelming deciding what is the best option for your kitchen drain. Factors to think about are the grinding strength, dimensions, and how well it runs. Continue reading to gain greater insight into the various trash disposal selections, aiding you in choosing the ideal one for you.

What Is a Garbage Disposal?

An electrical device set up in a kitchen sink beneath the bowl is called a garbage disposal. Food is put in the garbage disposal, which takes the food and breaks it down into tiny pieces suitable for travelling through the pipes.

Buying Considerations for New Garbage Disposal:

Space

A garbage disposal is employed in kitchen sinks as a way of dealing with food remnants. The pipes that are located inside the cabinet below the sink are installed between the outlet of the sink and the curved pipe known as the trap. Garbage disposals are designed to fit all kitchen sinks, since all kitchen sinks have identical drain opening measurements ranging from 3.5 to 4 inches.

Garbage disposals were designed to operate with plumbing that leads to a municipal sewage system; yet, some producers have created disposals which are compatible with septic tanks so long as you are only getting rid of food waste.

Certain septic tank systems are furnished with filters that introduce the sustenance squander with characteristic small scale life forms to help disintegrate nourishment squanders in a septic framework. Moreover, the cartridge fluid aids in decomposing the particles in the septic tank and has a citrus odor that disguises the smell coming from the sink and drain. Substitute cartridges can range in price from as low as fifteen dollars and be capable of use for up to half a year.

Material

The most excellent designs will mainly be produced using stainless steel components. Stainless steel is a long-term investment that can surpass the life expectancy of the motor. Certain garbage disposals have components that are made of plastic, which can become brittle and split over time. If you don’t pour an excessive amount of hot water down the sink, the plastic components of the sink should not be under too much pressure and should have the same lifespan as the motor. Steer clear of designs utilizing galvanized steel as these will corrode swiftly.

Size

The dimension of the device is determined by the power of the motor you purchase. The amount of energy needed should be determined by the amount of cooking done and the size of the household. The dimensions of units vary. Generally, the measurements of a garbage disposal are about 10 to 15 inches tall, 5 to 9 inches long, and 6 to 13 inches in depth.

Features

When picking a garbage disposal, the size of the motor is very important, however there are other elements to consider too.

  • Brand: The most popular garbage disposal brand is InSinkErator, now owned by Emerson Electric. InSinkErator makes dozens of different models of different sizes and configurations; their models are available at nearly every online retailer, home improvement chain, and hardware store. Other major brands include Waste King, Waste Maid, and Moen. Major brands usually have better warranties, and spare parts are easier to source.
  • Warranty : The typical garbage disposal lasts for 8 to 15 years. Most warranties range from one to 10 years. If you pay more for a garbage disposal, it usually comes with a longer warranty. There is little mechanical difference between low-end and high-priced disposals of the same horsepower. The average garbage disposal outlives its warranty, so you shouldn’t need to spend extra on a unit with a longer warranty. In general, these appliances are not that expensive to eventually replace.
  • Noise level: One distinct difference in garbage disposals is manufacturers’ sound-deadening features. If you are bothered by a disposal’s noise, look for features like nylon-coated grinding parts, insulated mounting baffles, and other sound-deadening technology.
  • Power cord included: Cheaper garbage disposals come without the power cord. There’s nothing wrong with this, but be aware that you’ll need to buy a power cord, which can add $15 or so to the cost—unless you reuse the power cord from the old disposal. Also, some models are direct-wire professionally installed models that are meant to be connected by an electrician to your electrical system.
  • Septic system enzymatic reservoir: This feature gives your septic system an assist, which will keep your septic tank healthy with an additional enzyme treatment.

Cost

You can purchase a basic garbage disposal for an affordable price if you have a small family, however if you have a bigger family or cook regularly you should consider a 1-horsepower version which will cost between two and three hundred dollars and has additional features. If you opt for a batch feed model instead of a continuous feed model, your average cost will significantly increase. The cost of a unit with equivalent horse power might vary greatly depending on which brand you choose.

If you haven’t had a garbage disposal before and you decide to get one installed, it will cost you roughly $500 which will cover the expense of a brand new disposal unit, connecting it, putting in a switch, and labour. It will likely take about 1 to 2 hours. A new unit won’t cost a lot, setting aside $150 to $200 should be enough.

Types of Garbage Disposals

Two primary types of garbage disposals exist: batch feed disposal and continuous feed disposal. You must place a stopper over the disposal when using a batch feed model, however a continuous feed model does not need one.

Batch-feed garbage disposals.

Batch-feed garbage disposals tend to be pricier than their continuous-feed counterparts, but come with distinct benefits.

You need to put a lid on the disposal before you can activate it, so there is no chance of it accidentally being switched on absentmindedly. Batch-feed disposals typically generate less noise than continuous-feed disposals.

Continuous-feed garbage disposals.

Continuous-feed garbage disposals are the most popular type. The impeller is employed to chop the food into smaller chunks, which are then expunged through the pipe. For those with a continuous-feed disposal, it’s crucial to select one that has plenty of power to fulfil your requirements.

If you are just getting rid of a small amount of stuff, then you won’t need a large unit with a powerful engine. If you generate a high amount of food waste or often put bones or hard objects in the garbage disposal, you’ll need a disposal with more torque.

Certain models of continuous-feed garbage disposals are installed with an air switch that does not need an electrical outlet, which can be advantageous if there is no close electrical outlet to the sink.

1/3 Horsepower Garbage Disposal

For a kitchen with limited space or minimal amount of food waste, a ? horsepower garbage disposal will fulfill the necessary requirements. This size is also beneficial for apartment dwellers and people with smaller abodes.

½ Horsepower Garbage Disposal

For a typical kitchen sink in most houses, a 0.5 horsepower food waste disposal is ideal. For households with many members or who hold a lot of gatherings, this size will provide the capability to smash harder materials such as bone fragments or pits from various fruits.

¾ Horsepower Garbage Disposal

Those that produce a substantial amount of food waste, or those seeking the absolute strongest disposer, should opt for the ¾ horsepower garbage disposal. This size is capable of managing virtually any task you give it, which makes it a great option for households that are always on the go or have large kitchens.

1 Horsepower Garbage Disposal

The highest-powered garbage disposals available for purchase have a rating of one horsepower. If you have many people living in your home or do a lot of cooking on a regular basis, then this size appliance will provide sufficient power so that you are able to process pretty much anything. It should be noted that larger sizes of these units are quite loud and so if you have a noise issue, you may be better off going for a smaller one.

Garbage Disposal Brands

Various models of garbage disposals are available for purchase. You have a selection of labels to choose from, such as InSinkErator, Waste King, and Badger. You’ll want to look into the specific characteristics of each brand in order to determine which is the best fit for you.

1. Waste King

Garbage disposals from Waste King are highly popular. They provide models with a range of attributes, including sound blocking and continual feed running.

It’s important to take note of the fact that Waste King manufactures their products in the United States.

If you desire a garbage disposal with high durability, Waste King could be a wise decision.

2. Kenmore

The well-known brand Kenmore provide customers with a multitude of appliances, including garbage disposals.

The quality of their products is satisfactory, however, they are not as tough as some of the other companies on the list.

If you are trying to save money, Kenmore is a viable option to think about.

3. InSinkErator

One of the most favored brands of garbage disposals is InSinkErator. They provide an array of models with a range of qualities, including those built to be noiseless and to be power-saving.

InsinkErator garbage disposals have the advantage of being easy to install, which can be a great relief if you’re not confident in your DIY abilities.

4. GE

GE is another well-known company that has garbage disposals for sale.

The quality of their products is generally excellent, however they tend to be somewhat expensive.

GE is worth considering if you want a disposal that you can count on to last for a long time.

5. Moen

Moen is not as popularly known, but they have a nice variety of garbage disposals to choose from.

Their products are reasonably priced and of decent quality.

Moen might be worth your while if you’re attempting to find a more economical choice.

6. Everbilt

Everbilt is a desirable choice for those who are proficient at doing DIY projects and feel comfortable tackling them.

Their products are relatively inexpensive and of decent quality.

If you want a budget-friendly waste disposal that’s simple to set up, Everbilt is a great option.

7. WasteMaid

WasteMaid is another budget-friendly option.

The items they offer may not be as lasting as some of the other items on this list, yet they are ideal for those who are restricted by finances.

8. KitchenAid

KitchenAid is a popular company that provides a range of machines, including waste disposals.

The quality of their goods is usually excellent, however they can be a bit costly.

When it comes to finding a dependable waste disposal unit that will remain in optimal working condition for a protracted period of time, KitchenAid is an excellent choice.

How to Choose a Garbage Disposal

Think about how frequently you are in the kitchen and how much food you end up throwing out when determining which type to purchase. If you have children, the best solution would be to install a batch feed garbage disposal.

How do I really know what horsepower to choose?

The more powerful a garbage disposal is, the more efficient it will be at its job. You can anticipate fewer traffic tie-ups, a better grind of food scraps, and fewer clogged drainage systems. Despite increased power output, larger size is often required. Ensure you have ample room beneath your sink to accommodate it. For the majority of families of a regular size, a device of between three fourths and one horsepower will do the trick.

Does noise level really matter?

Some individuals are profoundly disturbed by loud sounds, and the sound of a noisy garbage disposal may be as agonizing to those who are sensitive to sound as running a fingernail along a blackboard. The sound produced by a typical garbage disposal is about 80 decibels, which is lower than that of a blender at approximately 90 decibels. Models that are designed to minimise noise have a sound level of around 45 decibels. If you go for a batch feed model, enclosing the drain turns on the apparatus and minimizes the noise.

Where to Shop

When you’re browsing the web, check out home improvement store websites or Amazon for the largest selection of products. Home Depot and Lowes will offer a wide range of options when it comes to home improvements. Shops and retailers such as Sears, Best Buy, and other local outlets that specialize in appliances will offer lots of different alternatives and labels with various characteristics.

Where to Buy a Garbage Disposal Online?

There is an abundance of e-commerce stores with garbage disposals in stock, so locating one should be easy. It is essential to ensure that the disposal is procured from a trustworthy retailer.

When buying a garbage disposal, make sure to think about the size of the device. The dimensions of the garbage can will be contingent on the amount of room you have under your sink and the volume of trash that is generated daily.

If you are not sure what size garbage disposal to get, seek advice from an expert. They can assist you in selecting the appropriate size for your requirements.

Once you own a garbage disposal, it is essential to figure out the correct way to utilize it. Make sure you read the manual of the machine carefully before operating it. If you do not adhere to the instructions, you could cause deterioration to the disposer.

Conclusion

Once you are aware of all of the variables to take into account when picking a trash disposal, you are able to make an enlightened decision about what size would be the most appropriate for your requirements. If you remain uncertain, do not be reluctant to seek advice from an expert. By doing a bit of looking into it and getting help, it’s possible to locate an ideal waste disposal unit for your house. Thanks for reading!

Do not hesitate to reach out to an expert if you are uncertain what size garbage disposal to acquire. They can help you find the ideal garbage disposal for your residence and make sure you are making the right decision. Thanks for reading!

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan