Garbage or food waste disposal units are large on convenience when it comes to cleaning off dinner plates, but their biggest benefit is actually to the environment, since they can reduce considerably the amount of food waste that would otherwise be sent to the landfill. If you usually pay a fee for every garbage bag you take to the curb, reducing your trash by using a food waste disposer, will actually save you money in the long run. They're a great kitchen appliance that works diligently behind the scenes (under the sink), but there are a few things to consider when shopping for one.
Garbage Disposal Installation Considerations
Since food disposers must be connected to the kitchen drain under the sink and hooked up electrically, they require a certain amount of installation room. Replacing an existing unit is not usually a problem, but installing one for the first time may be easier during a renovation or when planning a new kitchen, in order to accommodate the unit. If you're not sure if you have sufficient room under the sink to install a disposer, consult a plumber or review installation guides before buying. Some units may require an optional drain or electric cord kit, while others come with all that is needed to install.
Types of Garbage or Food Waste Disposers
There are basically two types of garbage waste disposers - continuous feed, where anything that slides down the drain turns on the grinding system; and a batch feed type that is considered safer, because you load the drain, apply the plug and then turn on the disposer. Though the continuous type is the handiest, if you have young children in the home, a batch feed model is highly recommended.
Capacity & Design
The most popular size of garbage disposal is a 3/4 HP motor with enough power to handle even the stringiest of vegetables. Compact models usually have 1/4 to 1/2 HP motors and the largest disposers have powerful 1 HP units. Actual capacities of disposers tend to vary and compact models most often are quite adequate for families. They also provide an easier installation in especially tight or restrictive under-the-sink areas. So depending on the amount of room available, the physical size of the disposer may be an important factor to consider.Power, Performance & Best Features
While most garbage disposers can easily handle meat or poultry bones or ribs, corn cobs and other food waste, it's often stringy vegetables that can clog the system. The larger motor power does help, but you may have to sacrifice a little performance for a compact disposer design. Keep in mind that stringy vegetable residue can also clog a drain, even after having been through a food disposer. For durability, look for stainless steel grinding parts and multi-stage systems for better performance. Anti-jamming and noise reduction are great features to look for.Septic System Considerations
Though some garbage disposals may be advertised as safe for 'properly-sized' septic systems, you should be aware that with a food waste disposer, you will be contributing much more to your septic than before the installation. If you're not sure if your existing septic system would be able to properly process or accommodate additional quantities of waste, choose a disposer designed for septic system users. These units will add a specially formulated microorganism solution while grinding food waste, so your septic system can operate as it should.
Maintenance & Warranty
Maintenance is relatively simple and will vary depending on the disposer model, but those designed for septic systems will require continued use of a special solution. Warranties vary widely and can range from one to a limited lifetime. Some models offer extended in-home service warranties.Performance vs Price
Garbage disposals range in price from just over a hundred to several hundreds of dollars and while the more power may give better performance, there's no guarantee that a $500 unit will grind faster, finer or quieter than a $150 disposer. Residential food disposers in the $200 range tend to be very popular and adequate for most consumers. Service and warranty life should be considered when comparing garbage disposal prices.Related Resources
Will you want to consider an extended service agreement? There are pros and cons and depending on the cost of your purchase, it could be a waste of money. Have you considered other possible set-up costs that you may need to shell out for plumbing or electrical connections, to get your project operating?
