Before you purchase waste disposers and accessories, consider what your home and kitchen setup is like. It will help you narrow your search and make the right decision.
There are two significant types of garbage disposals: batch feed and continuous feed. Each type has its pros and cons.
Size
Choosing the right size of waste disposers and accessories is essential for several reasons. It can help you save money on waste disposal fees, eliminate the need for garbage bags and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of food in landfills.
There are many different sizes of garbage disposals, and choosing the right one for your kitchen is essential. The most popular sizes include 1 HP, 1/2 HP, and 3/4 HP. Each of these offers unique benefits, and you should consider them before purchasing your new unit.
The best disposal for your needs should have a high grind-chamber capacity and a powerful motor. It will help you efficiently process large amounts of food scraps relatively quickly.
Power
The power of a garbage disposal can vary depending on the model. Some are hardwired into a dedicated circuit, while others plug into a wall outlet typically installed inside a sink base cabinet.
Most disposers draw a relatively low amount of electricity, especially compared to other appliances in your home. It is because most of them only run when you need to, so they can perform their functions efficiently.
A typical waste disposer uses between 500 and 1800 watts of power, far less than most other household appliances. However, it should be noted that these appliances will use more power when starting up.
If you’re looking to save energy, you should also consider buying an environmentally-friendly disposal that can help you avoid adding more waste to the landfill. Some garbage disposals are designed to collect and recycle food scraps before they clog drains and sewer systems.
Noise
A typical garbage disposal whirls around in your kitchen sink drain opening and makes an irritating sound when it is in operation. While most users find the noise unavoidable, it is a concern for some who are deeply bothered by noise and consider it to be the equivalent of scratching their nails on a chalkboard.
The noise level of garbage disposal unit is primarily determined by the type of motor used and whether it has insulation technology. Most high-powered disposals have sound insulation to dampen their operation.
If you use a batched feed disposer, covering the drain will also reduce noise by blocking the motor’s opening from escaping into your kitchen sink drain while the disposal is in use. The amount of noise a garbage disposal produces is also affected by the quality of your sink.
Regardless of the garbage disposal you choose, ensure it is properly installed and that you are aware of any potential noise problems before turning on your new unit. If you hear a loud humming or grinding noise when running your disposer, it may result from a jam in the shredding ring mechanism.
This noise is caused when food or other debris gets caught between the impellers and the shredding ring. When this happens, it can cause the rotor to stop spinning, so you must dislodge it with a broom handle or hex wrench and retrieve any small pieces that may be lodged there.
A clog in your disposal’s hopper is another issue that can cause it to make a grinding or humming noise. It is prevalent when a hard object like a bottle cap, bone fragment, or broken glass falls into the hopper.
In this case, it’s best to shut off power to your disposal before removing the object so that you don’t burn up the motor or cause permanent damage. You can then use kitchen tongs or the hook of a flattened wire coat hanger to retrieve the object and turn on the disposal again.
Warranty
Most warranties will require the product to be used for its intended purpose and under proper maintenance. The warranty should also clearly state the limits of the coverage and whether or not repairs or replacements will be made for free or at a cost.
It’s a good idea to read through the warranty carefully before buying disposal to understand precisely what it covers and how long it lasts. It would help if you also asked for a copy of the warranty for reference.
Another option is to purchase a home warranty with garbage disposal protection. These plans are very affordable and offer top-quality service from local technicians.
Garbage disposals typically last about a decade before they break down, so it’s worth the investment to protect yours with a home warranty plan. If you’re a responsible homeowner, this coverage will save you from costly repairs and prevent future issues.
