Selecting the Best Garbage Disposal for Your Needs

Which appliance do you have in your kitchen that can make your life not only easier but more environmentally friendly as well? If you guessed the garbage disposal, you are right on the money.

About Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposals were invented in the late 1920s by John Hammes, an architect in Wisconsin. And just incase you weren’t aware, they are installed under your kitchen sink – their job is to take solid food waste and demolish it using rotating knife blades. In this way, the solid food is broken down and can be disposed easily through your plumbing system.

Types of Garbage Disposals

There are two basic types of garbage disposals. They are:

• Continuous Feed: These are the most common type of garbage disposals and they are also the easiest to use. They have an open mouth and are operated by an on and off switch that is mounted on a wall, similarly to a light switch.
• Batch Feed: To operate this model, you have to put the waste food into a hopper (grinding) chamber and top it with a stopper lid. This activates a grinder which pulverizes the food. This type is more expensive than its counterpart but it’s considered to be a safer option.

Garbage disposals also come in a variety of motor sizes that include 1 HP, ¾ HP, ½ HP, and 1/3 HP. 1/2 and 1/3 HP model types are perfect for soft foods but, due to their limited power, these models also come with smaller grinding chambers. That is to say, they are not able to handle large amounts of waste food in an efficient manner.

If you want smoother operation, fewer jams, and finer pulverization, the ¾ HP and 1 HP models are best. They cost a little more but they have larger grinding chambers and can handle higher volumes of waste food. They will also place less stress on your plumbing system.

Garbage Disposal Recommendations

When it’s time to buy a garbage disposal, there are many options available, especially because the newer models have updated features. For instance, the InSinkErator brand has a new model called the “Evolution Excel” that comes with an auto-reversing grind function. Other popular disposers include:

• Whirlaway Model 291 with ½ HP
• Waste King L-1001 Legend Food Waste Disposer with ½ HP
• InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Disposer with ¾ HP
• InSinkErator Evolution Essential Food Waste Disposer with ¾ HP
• Waste King L-8000 Legend Series with 1 HP

Additional Considerations

• Disposals with food chambers made out of glass filled nylon or stainless steel are rust resistant and easier to clean
• All disposals are a little noisy but those with insulated grinding chambers and a higher HP are less jarring on the ears

Buying a new garbage disposal is an important investment and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The information listed above will give you an idea of what’s available and will help you narrow down your choices so that you can make a decision that benefits you. Happy Shopping!

…Watch for our next article on Garbage Disposal Installation