How to Choose a Garbage Disposal?

The kitchen is the place in the house that produces a pile of food waste every day. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, household waste and food scraps range between 10% to 20%. 

To deal with this problem, you should install garbage disposal units under the sink. This serves the purpose of collecting the food waste. Further, it can shred it into finer particles.

But how do you find the right garbage disposal unit that maintains hygiene amidst cluttered surroundings (and maybe looks good too?)?

1. Types of Garbage Disposal

Primarily there are two types of disposal units. This includes batch feed and continuous feed systems.

1.1 Batch Feed

Batch feed disposal operates only when a stopper is placed over the opening and the switch is turned on. Further, it helps in disposing of waste in batches. It has an option to provide the waste batch by batch. You can use it safely for households with children. In addition, the stopper helps to avoid undesirable problems. 

1.2 Continuous Feed

Continuous feed garbage disposals are a setup that operates when open. You can pour the waste continuously without any break. This operates with full force until it is turned off by the user. It operates a little faster than the batch disposal system.

Choosing between these two is a tremendous task. The batch feed is a bit costlier as compared to continuous feed garbage disposal units.

2. How to Choose A Garbage Disposal – Motor Power

The power of the motor must fit the garbage disposal unit. This ensures the performance of the system. Motor power decides the efficiency and aids in preventing clogs. Horsepower is used to express the motor power.

The motor units come in a variety of horsepower ratings ranging from ⅓ hp to 1 hp or more. For household use, the maximum motor power required is 1 hp. Normally, it is divided into 4 parts:

• Firstly, one part is ⅓ hp, which is used in low waste-producing houses.
• Secondly, another part is ½ hp, which is used for the disposal of a bit more garbage.
• Next, 3/4 hp is the most efficient unit to use. It is used in households, generating a much greater amount of food waste.
• The 1 hp motor unit, which is the last in the category, is used only for large households.

According to your needs, the disposal unit with the right motor power should be chosen.

3. How To Choose A Garbage Disposal – Size

Check and verify the amount of waste present under the kitchen sink. 

Remember that the unit should comfortably fit under the sink. Observing two things can help you. Firstly, the size available in the list. Secondly, watch whether the size matches your sink or not. This can help you to search for compatible models.

4. Noise Level

You can never neglect the feature of noise. It can cause discomfort and create many health issues. Following this, the generated noise varies with different models.

Some can create minimal noise, while others can have a significant amount of noise. Higher horsepower models are quieter than lower horsepower. This is due to their ability to process a large amount of waste effectively. The cost, too, varies depending on the noise produced thus it forms an inverse relation.

5. Durability

First of all, you should invest in the disposal unit analyzing its strength and shelf life. In addition to this, you should prefer the units that can survive in harsh conditions of the kitchen.

Firstly, consider the materials to extend the lifespan. Stainless steel is one of the best materials as it is corrosion-free. This will not corrode under the continuous action of moisture.

Secondly, you should choose the units that have a long warranty period. This ensures and indicates quality and durability.

6. Grinding Components and Technology

Efficiency lies in the grinding components of a garbage disposal unit. Stainless steel parts can be considered useful in this feature. It not only makes the system durable but also is highly effective in breaking down food.

Moreover, many new technologies convert solid food waste particles into liquid form. This aids in easy and effective removal through the plumbing system. The more the power disposals grind at a higher rate with ease.

Wastes in liquid form are quite easy to process into the water treatment plants. Thus it’s better to choose a recent model having exciting features to get better results.

7. Requirements For Installation

Installing the units in a garbage disposal is a big and important task that should be done carefully and handled by an expert.

Some disposals are easy to install. While in others, you need an expert for proper installation. Reading an installation guide can help you. You can even manage the waste by connecting the disposal system to the septic system.

However, the complex nature and safety concerns can be a problem in understanding the mechanisms. This could be the non-availability of required tools that can be needed for installation.

8. Environmental Factors

You should buy eco-friendly products. The same goes for the garbage disposal units. Energy and water consumption are the two important components that can be considered. An appliance with low energy consumption is mostly preferred. It is not only good for the environment but also responsible for low energy bills.

The same is true in the case of water consumption. Firstly these eco-friendly disposal units will help in reducing your environmental footprint. Some appliances that have the technology to shut off when not in use. 

Secondly, the machine that has the power to grind the wastes into finer particles with little effort. This is more eco-friendly as it consumes less electricity and power.

9. Maintenance

Maintenance is much needed to run the unit for a long time. But you should remove clogs and clean components so that microbes do not grow. The presence of microbes can lead to bad odor and a decrease in performance.

Some units require little maintenance whereas some require maintenance regularly while other units are easy to open. Thus this feature helps in maintenance. It also has anti-microbial components to stop and prevent microbial growth.

So, choosing a unit that requires less maintenance will save time and money in the long run.

10. Longevity

Investment in garbage disposal units is like a one-time investment. So, choose one that can last longer with proper functionality.

First,  check for the warranty periods as it can give you authority for the product you buy. Longer warranty periods can give you peace of mind and if any fatal defect or malfunction occurs, it can be replaced without any extra cost. 

Lastly, read the reviews and recommendations that can prove to be fruitful in deciding the model.

11. Budget

Garbage disposal units have a variety of models that have their price ranges. To avoid confusion, the first and foremost thing to do is to think of a budget and stick to it. This can help you in getting the best disposal.

Set your budget according to your needs. The units having high price tags come with extra and better features. This ensures more durability, extra longevity, and more efficiency. It is also helpful in avoiding repair. It lowers your maintenance and power bills.

12. KeyTakeaway

Garbage disposal not only acts as an appliance for you but also enhances the experience in your kitchen. You can always choose the right one that benefits you and thus provides a positive effect on the environment. Lastly, this can contribute to sustainability for your kitchen for a longer period.