Tips for Choosing a Garbage Disposal
There’s no doubt that it’s very useful to
have a garbage disposal in your kitchen. However, you need to be sure that you
choose the right garbage disposal for your own specific requirements. When you
look for a garbage disposal, you will find that there are many models
available. Finding the right garbage disposal is quite easy once you know a
little bit about them.
Regulations
The first thing to determine is whether
local regulations allow you to actually have a garbage disposal. If you’re
simply replacing an old model, this is unimportant. However, if you’re putting
in a brand new unit where you haven’t had a garbage disposal before, remember
to check beforehand. Not all areas allow for the installation of garbage disposals
because of the increased strain they place on sewer lines.
Plumbing
Will your plumbing handle a garbage
disposal? Not all existing plumbing will so take the time to check first. It’s
also important to check your fixtures to discover what types of garbage
disposal will be compatible with your current plumbing and sewer system.
Motor Size
Many small garbage disposals come with a
motor that’s just 1/3 horsepower. While that may be fine if you’re a single
person in an apartment, you need something more powerful for a family home
where the garbage disposal will be used more. You should ideally look for a
unit that has a 1/2 horsepower motor. With a big house and plenty of people,
you might even want a 1 horsepower motor on your garbage disposal.
Stainless Steel
Look for a garbage disposal with stainless
steel blades. These are harder and sharper and will not only last longer, but
will grind up the food more finely so you won’t have to deal with clogs in the
pipes. Cheaper units will use far less stainless steel in their construction
and are likely to wear out sooner. Bear this in mind as you check out units.
Best Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposals are a convenient way to
get rid of food waste in the kitchen. But whether you’re seeking your first-ever
disposal unit or looking to replace an old one, you’re going to want the best
of the best. That’s where we can help.
Why Should You Buy a Garbage Disposal?
Garbage disposals are just plain handy when
it comes to handling, well, garbage. This includes food scraps, smelly
leftovers you forgot in the back of the fridge, or even flowers kept a little
past their prime. Sure, a good kitchen trash can serves a similar function just
effective, but people are crazy about their disposals for other reasons.
Are Garbage Disposals Good for the
Environment?
The environmental impact of garbage
disposals has long been the subject of debate. Over the years, researchers have
struggled to provide a definitive answer as to whether a grinder or a landfill
is the more eco-friendly option. However, recent research has brought forth
evidence in favor of garbage disposals.
How to Choose the Best Garbage Disposal
What makes an in-sink garbage disposal
system good or bad? There are a few basic aspects that consumers should consider
prior to purchase.
How Noisy Are Garbage Disposals?
If you’re sensitive to noise, you should
know that all garbage disposals produce it but some are louder offenders than
others. When choosing a garbage disposal, you’ll want to carefully consider the
noise levels that work best for you.
Tips for Picking the Right Garbage Disposal
Disposers can last as long as 10 to 15
years, and it can be overwhelming to shop for a replacement with so many
changes over time. Most homeowners are familiar with the two basic disposer
types – continuous feed vs. batch feed. (Continuous feed grinds while food is
continuously fed into the disposer, and batch feed grinds food in batches.) But
there are several technological differences that affect functionality, performance
and durability.
Motor Type
There are two types of motors: induction
motors and permanent magnet motors. Most disposers use an induction motor,
which is similar to motors used in large household appliances – such as
washers, dryers and furnaces. These motors produce less noise and offer a long,
reliable motor life. A permanent magnet motor is a lightweight, variable-speed
motor that is similar to motors found in smaller appliances, such as power
tools, blenders and hair dryers. While permanent magnet motors generally run at
a higher RPM, they will run fastest with smaller grind loads.
Horsepower
Disposer motors can range from 1/3
horsepower to more than one horsepower. Higher-horsepower disposers are
typically capable of grinding heavier loads easier, which prolongs motor life.
Consider higher-horsepower models for larger families or frequent cooking.
Component Materials
Three types of material are most commonly
used with grind chambers and grind components: plastic, stainless steel and
galvanized steel. Most disposers are constructed with thermoplastic polymer
grind chambers, which help to resist rust and corrosion. However, stainless
steel adds superior corrosion resistance that helps prolong disposer life.
Galvanized steel is a durable material, but it can rust or corrode over time.
Noise Levels
Many homeowners are accustomed to loud
disposers, but products with advanced sound technology can reduce noise levels
by 30 to 60 percent. Look for disposers that have sound insulation and include
noise-reduction features like noise-reducing sink baffles; anti-vibration sink
mounts; and anti-vibration tail pipes.
Garbage Disposal Buying Guide
A garbage disposal (also called a disposer)
is a great asset to any commercial kitchen – these machines help you cut labor
costs by removing even tough waste fast, and they also help you save on waste
collection bills. Choosing the best garbage disposal for your business can seem
like a daunting task at first
Pros and Cons of Owning a Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals offer a number of
benefits for commercial applications, but it’s very important to educate
yourself before you buy and understand what these machines do and what they
don’t do.
Benefits of a Garbage Disposal
Decreased costs for solid waste removal and
garbage bags.
Your drain is less likely to clog, which
means fewer costly plumbing bills.
Less waste sitting around means fewer bad
odors, which also makes your facility less attractive to pests like rodents and
insects.
Convenience – it’s much easier to get rid
of food scraps in a disposal than to scrape them into the trash can.
Less waste in the trash can means fewer
trips to the dumpster for your staff.
Disadvantages of a Garbage Disposal
Increased costs for maintenance and water /
electric use.
Pro installation is recommended for optimal
safety and warranty compliance.
If sound travels easily from your sink to
the dining area a disposal could disrupt the ambiance.
Some areas may restrict use – check with
your municipality for applicable regulations.
Some items cannot be put in a disposal, so
correct training for staff is important
How Will a Garbage Disposal Affect My
Utility Bills?
Water – In general you can expect smaller
units (2 hp and less) to utilize around 5 gpm, and larger units (3 hp and over)
to utilize around 8 gpm. Exact usage figures will vary, so check the literature
for your specific model number.
Best Garbage Disposals
If you are looking for the best overall, I
recommend the Waste King L-8000 because it features a powerful 1 HP motor and
an easy plug-in installation.
Disposals help to conveniently reduce the
quantity of food scraps and leftovers sent to landfills and are an essential
piece of equipment in any kitchen.
Operation
There are variations between how different
models operate but the way in which they process scraps is essentially the
same. Items to be discarded are fed through the rubber drain cover called the
splashguard, which prevents food from jumping back out.
Jams
Jams can happen for a variety of reasons such
as putting in too much food at once or accidentally dropping a knife in the
opening. To reduce the risk of damage, most units feature an overload protector
switch that is tripped in the event of a serious jam. The obstruction then
needs to be removed or cleared then switch on the unit can be turned back
on.
Waste King L-8000 1 HP Garbage Disposal
The Waste King L-8000 1 HP Garbage Disposal
offers easy plug-in installation so there is no need for electrical wiring or a
separate power cord.