Garbage Disposal Buying Guides
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Appliance Buyers Guide
Why Garbage Disposals Matter
Eco-Friendly Benefits: - Reduces food waste in landfills, curbing harmful methane emissions. - Supports wastewater plants using anaerobic digestion to create biofuel and fertilizer.
Convenience: - Quickly eliminates food scraps, odors, and critters from your home.
Impact: - EPA: Methane emissions from landfills in 2019 equaled emissions from 21.6M passenger vehicles annually.
Signs You Need a New Disposal
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Leaking, louder grinding, slower performance, or frequent resets.
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Try resetting via the small button on the bottom before replacing.
Types of Garbage Disposals
Continuous-Feed Models: - Pros: Convenient, runs while adding scraps, more affordable options. - Cons: Risk of injury or objects falling in; requires a switch.
Batch-Feed Models: - Pros: Safer, operates only when sealed; great for kitchen islands. - Cons: More expensive, limited options.
Horsepower and Power Needs
- hp: For light use, vacation homes.
- ½ - ¾ hp: Adequate for most households.
- 1 hp: For daily, heavy-duty use (bones, tougher waste).
- Ensure circuit breakers can handle the power draw and use GFCI breakers for safety.
Key Features to Consider
Power Cord: Some disposals don’t include this—check before buying.
Anti-Jamming: Auto-reverse mechanisms prevent food jams.
Stainless Steel: Resists corrosion for longer-lasting durability.
Quiet Operation: Sound insulation and anti-vibration tech minimize noise.
Multiple Grind Stages: Breaks down tough scraps for smoother operation.
Warranty: Ranges from 1-20 years depending on the brand and model.
Top Brands to Explore
InSinkErator: - Industry leader with multistage grinding tech on premium models. - Warranties: 1-10 years.
Waste King: - Budget-friendly, comes with power cords. Widely available. - Warranties: 2-20 years.
Moen: - Features like motion-activated lights and built-in power cords.
KitchenAid: - Known for multistage grind and sound-reduction features.
Joneca/WasteMaid: - Bio Shield tech prevents microbial growth inside units.
Tips Before You Buy
Check Your Plumbing: - Newer homes with PVC pipes are better equipped than older ones with cast iron.
Septic System Considerations: - Verify tank size and frequency of pumping.
Measure Under Sink Space: - Disposals range from 10-15 inches high and 5-13 inches wide.
Price Range: $50-$500
- Budget models = fewer features, shorter warranties.
- Premium models = stainless steel, quieter operation, longer warranties.
Enjoy making a waste-free and eco-friendly choice!
