Garbage Disposal Buying Guide [NEW]
Kitchen sinks have a standard-sized hole, so garbage disposals are a universal fit for the drain hole, but not all under-sink cabinets are the same height. So not all garbage disposals will fit every under-sink cabinet."}},"@type": "Question","name": "How easy is it to install a garbage disposal?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "Garbage disposal installation is a straightforward process, especially when replacing an old unit. If the wiring and connections already exist, follow the steps in the instructions. Hire a plumber, electrician, or professional to install a garbage disposal on a sink that needs electrical wiring and a switch installation.","@type": "Question","name": "Are garbage disposals worth it?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "A garbage disposal is an effective way to deal with common kitchen waste, such as uneaten food or cooking scraps. Garbage disposals make kitchen cleanup easier and eliminate the smell of decomposing food in your kitchen's garbage can."]}]}] .icon-garden-review-1fill:#b1dede.icon-garden-review-2fill:none;stroke:#01727a;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round > buttonbuttonThe Spruce The Spruce's Instagram The Spruce's TikTok The Spruce's Pinterest The Spruce's Facebook NewslettersClose search formOpen search formSearch DecorRoom Design
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Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home.Subscribe The Spruce's Instagram The Spruce's TikTok The Spruce's Pinterest The Spruce's Facebook About UsNewsletterPress and MediaContact UsEditorial GuidelinesHome ImprovementSkills & SpecialtiesPlumbingHow to Choose the Best Garbage Disposal By
garbage disposal buying guide
A garbage disposal is an electrically powered appliance installed in a kitchen sink under the sink basin. Food goes down the drain into the garbage disposal, shredding food waste small enough to pass through the plumbing.
Kitchen sinks have a standard-sized hole, so garbage disposals are a universal fit for the drain hole, but not all under-sink cabinets are the same height. So not all garbage disposals will fit every under-sink cabinet.
Garbage disposal installation is a straightforward process, especially when replacing an old unit. If the wiring and connections already exist, follow the steps in the instructions. Hire a plumber, electrician, or professional to install a garbage disposal on a sink that needs electrical wiring and a switch installation.
A garbage disposal is an effective way to deal with common kitchen waste, such as uneaten food or cooking scraps. Garbage disposals make kitchen cleanup easier and eliminate the smell of decomposing food in your kitchen's garbage can.
From an environmental point of view, garbage disposals have pluses and minuses. They help minimize the amount of garbage that is delivered to landfills, but, in doing so, they require using significantly more water and energy, and they can strain septic systems and sewage treatment facilities. A good compromise is to compost food scraps whenever possible and use a disposer when not.
All garbage disposals sold in the United States are made by only a few companies, though they are branded with several names. InSinkErator makes eight out of 10 of them, with consumer ratings favoring the Waste King and Kenmore models in their group.
This is a very common question among both new and longtime disposal users. According to InSinkErator, one of the largest manufacturers of garbage disposals in the United States, garbage disposals are designed to handle just about any type of food waste.
Disposals can quickly dispose of boneless meat, vegetables, fruit, and other common foods. We recommend following the manufacturer guidelines for using the disposal. Most suggest grinding moderate amounts of food with large amounts of water.
Horsepower - As we discussed before, horsepower is an important factor when buying a new garbage disposer and we recommend basing your minimum horsepower needs on household size. However, if you use your disposer more than the average family, you can always go up in size.
Quick mount - Some units come with a quick mounting bracket that allows you to simply install a bracket in the bottom of your sink and twist the disposal onto the bracket. If you already have a bracket installed on your sink, you can reuse the bracket and twist on your new garbage disposer.
Garbage disposals are split into two different types: continuous-feed and batch-feed models. Continuous-feed disposals run continuously once their power is turned on, making it easy for users to throw large amounts of food into their grind chambers. Most batch-feed garbage disposals run only when their drain covers are in place, limiting the amount of food that can be ground at once.
Some non-hard-wired disposals come with a power cord, making them easier to install and preventing you from buying your own cord. If you need to buy your own power cord, it will likely cost between $15-$20 dollars.
Installing a garbage disposal can be a simple or difficult task depending on how the area under your sink is set up. Corded disposals that come with three-bolt mounting hardware are the easiest to attach, but most disposals must be hardwired.
A backed-up garbage disposal can turn a cumbersome meal cleanup into a nightmare. To get the most use out of your new disposal, here are some important tips that will help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly.
To clean your garbage disposal, pour ice, lemon juice, or vinegar down the drain to clean the device naturally. You can also find various cleaning products on the market that unclog and freshen garbage disposals.
A commercial garbage disposal, or disposer, is an asset to any commercial kitchen. Garbage disposals cut labor costs by quickly removing waste that is difficult to dispose of, and they help save money on waste collection bills. This buying guide will go over how to choose the best garbage disposal for your business to make the selection process simple.Shop All Commercial Garbage DisposalsUse the following links to navigate this guide and learn more about garbage disposals:What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?Diagram of a Garbage DisposalHow to Clean a Garbage DisposalGarbage Disposal Pros and ConsGarbage Disposal PartsHow Will a Garbage Disposal Affect My Utility Bills?Garbage Disposal Alternatives "@context": " ", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ "@type": "Question", "name": "What Size HP Garbage Disposal Do I Need?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Garbage disposal size is determined by the horsepower rating. When deciding how to choose a garbage disposal, consider the foods you'll be disposing, the volume you'll be disposing, and compare that to the horsepower rating of your unit. If you're doing limited service and just grinding up fruits and vegetables, you can probably get away with something in the 1 hp or less range. If you're a cafeteria that needs to dispose lots of meats, you're going to be in the 5+ hp range. Most full service restaurants fall somewhere in the middle." , "@type": "Question", "name": "What Do I Need to Install a Garbage Disposal?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Disposals offer a wide range of installation options whether you're doing a brand new installation or replacing an old unit with a new one, and you should read all product literature to make the right decisions. Most manufacturers offer a few core options, such as cones and collars, adapters, controls, vacuum breakers, and solenoids." , "@type": "Question", "name": "What to Look For When Buying a Garbage Disposal", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are a few key features that you may want to consider and look for when buying a commercial garbage disposal, such as an auto-reverse function, water-saving modes, and noise reduction." , "@type": "Question", "name": "What Shouldn't You Put In A Garbage Disposal?", "acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer", "text": "Commercial disposals can power through most foods, but generally they won't work well with items like: very hard items like clam and oyster shells, pliable items like plastic wrap and corn husks, grease, oil, and drain cleaner." ]
The horsepower rating determines the size of a garbage disposal. When deciding on a garbage disposal, consider the foods you will dispose of and how much you will dispose of, and then compare that to the horsepower rating of your unit. If you're providing limited service and just grinding up fruits and vegetables, a garbage disposal with a maximum of 1 hp should work for you. Cafeterias, butcher shops, or facilities that dispose of large amounts of meat should use 5+ hp garbage disposals. Most full-service restaurants fall somewhere in the middle. 041b061a72