Features to Look for When Buying a Garbage Disposal

If your old disposal is no longer working, or your remodeling your kitchen and want to upgrade to a better disposal, there are a few things to consider.

Disposal Power and Size

It’s important to consider the size of the unit when replacing an existing disposal under your sink. While it makes some sense to look for a unit that fits the same space, a larger capacity unit will be able to handle a larger amount of waste more quickly. For best results we recommend at least 1/3 horsepower. For busy kitchens, some models are available with up to 1 horsepower.

Disposal Feeds and Grinders

There are two main types of feed designed to improve efficiency: batch or continuous. With a batch feed you just fill the machine, then turn it on. With a continuous feed you turn the unit on, run the water and put waste in. The main advantage of batch disposals is safety; it’s difficult to break the blades by accidentally dropping cutlery into the unit. We recommend continuous feed models for their flexibility and greater convenience.

Features and Functions

Other features to look for include a cover, auto-reverse (for clearing jams) and a standard electrical cable so it can be plugged into an outlet rather than hard wired.

Need a new disposal for your kitchen. Give ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning a call, we’re here to help.