Garbage disposals allow for an easy and eco-friendly way to eliminate waste. They work by grinding food scraps into minuscule pieces that are then dissolved. It is a great way to avoid rotting food in your trashcan, unpleasant smells, and the attraction of ants or other food-seeking animals. If you are experiencing any of these issues, or need to replace your current garbage disposal, keep reading to learn how to choose the right one for you.
Which Disposal is Right for You
When choosing a garbage disposal, there are two two categories to choose from, a continuous-feed and a batch-feed. Consider the size of your household and the amount of food that is typically disposed of. These factors will determine which garbage disposal is the right fit.
Continuous-Feed Garbage Disposals
A continuous-feed garbage disposal is the most common type of disposal. It offers convenience by tossing food scraps down the drain in a continuous fashion while it is on. However, since it is running while you dispose of food scraps, there is a risk for items like silverware to accidentally fall in, causing damage. To power on this type of garbage disposal, you will need a corresponding wall switch that can be installed by an electrician. Overall, a continuous-batch is best fit for a family that is disposing of food often.
Batch-feed garbage disposals
A batch-feed garbage disposal is better fit for individuals that do not dispose of large amounts of food often. Each time you want to dispose of scraps, you must drop them in the garbage disposal chamber, place a stopper over the drain, and power it on, disposing of scraps one batch at a time. The stopper that is placed over the drain prevents items like utensils and glassware from falling in, which is a plus. However, if you are frequently using your garbage disposal, a batch-feed might feel a bit too tedious.
How Much Horsepower Does My Garbage Disposal Need?
Another aspect to consider when choosing a garbage disposal, is the horsepower of the motor. For a family of four that cooks daily, the highest level of horsepower, 1hp, is recommended. A 1hp motor is designed for larger amounts of scraps with a variety of textures. For a household of 1-2 people that do not cook often, the lowest level of horsepower, ⅓ hp, is adequate. Other levels of horsepower include ½ hp and ¾ hp. These two levels are best for 1-2 people who cook once a week, or 2-4 people who cook every other day.
Schedule a Garbage Disposal Installation
Now that you know the basics about continuous-feed and batch-feed garbage disposals, you should have a better idea about which one is the right fit for you. Once you pick out your garbage disposal, don’t hesitate to contact Pristine Plumbing for garbage disposal installation and repair services! Our team of expert plumbers guarantee quality services and exceptional customer service.
