Choosing a Garbage Disposal

Most people who decide to install or replace a garbage disposal in their kitchen sink simply go to the store to pick one. What they soon discover is that there are varying types and specs for garbage disposals that weigh upon the choice. Even with something seemingly insignificant for your home, it’s important to be well-informed before you install.

Garbage Disposal Feeds

The most common feed type for a garbage disposal is a continuous feed, which is simply the drain opening from the sink feeds directly the grinding mechanism. You simply run some water, flip a switch and the food is obliterated.

Batch feed disposals are more expensive, but are a safer bet for folks that have a tendency to overlook utensils in the disposal before turning it on. They work the same as a continuous feed disposal, but in order to turn them on, you have to place a stopper on the opening that is specifically designed for triggering the disposal. This also keeps food from flying out the disposal opening, which you can expect occasionally from a continuous feed unit.

Garbage Disposal Motors

Garbage disposals have a variety of motor sizes, with horsepower ranging from 1/3 HP (248.57 watts) to 1HP (745.7 watts). The smaller range motors, cranking at 1/3 HP and 1/2 HP, are ideal if you mostly put softer food in your disposal, such as bread, pasta and fruit. However, if you utilize your disposal a lot for practically every food waste product you have, then you may want to consider installing a 3/4 HP or 1 HP for more pulverizing results and less clogging or jams.

Grinding Chamber

The size of the grinding chamber is directly related to the size of the motor; larger motors mean larger chambers. So, even though you think a 1 HP motor is your best bet, your cabinet under the sink may only have space available for a 1/2 HP grinding chamber. Of course, the grinding chamber size is also associated with the effectiveness of the garbage disposal. A smaller grinding chamber means that there is less torque and handle less food. Alternatively, larger grinding chambers can handle more food at once and will chomp it to smithereens more efficiently.

Noise Insulation

Garbage disposals will always have noise – that’s just a fact. However, you can purchase disposals with insulated grinding chambers to lessen the noise produced when you flip the switch. As expected, insulated disposals are more expensive, and this option is typically offered with disposals that have higher horsepower and larger grinding chambers.

Of course, if you’re looking to put in a new garbage disposal, it’s best to have a professional help you with the installation. Some manufacturers may not hold to a warranty for DIY installation projects, but will if a professional plumber or contractor does the job. HA Construction has plenty of experience choosing the best garbage disposal for customer needs and installing them efficiently. And even if you just have questions, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.