Are you fed up with the amount of food waste that comes out of your home? If so, then it may be time to look into having garbage disposal fitted. As you may already know, these devices are fitted under your sink in your kitchen, allowing you to scrape unwanted bits of food into them, which they will then grind down and flush away.
It would be easy to assume that all garbage disposal systems are the same, but like most devices, some are more powerful than others, and thus, you’ll need some tips on how to choose the right option for your home. How do you do that? Here’s a quick guide to help you!
Size and Power
Garbage disposals are manufactured to work in both residential and commercial kitchens. They come in an array of sizes and power levels, with (oddly) the power of the disposal unit being measured in horsepower or hp.
Weaker kinds of waste disposal units start at 1/3 hp, whereas stronger options go all the way to 1 hp. The higher the hp, the more grinding power the device will have, and thus, the more food waste they’ll be able to get rid of. So, think about how much waste the unit will need to break down before you buy one.
Grinding Technology
Next, you need to look at the grinding technology the unit has, and there are two types. The first is a continuous feed, and the latter is a batch feed. Continuous feeds start when you turn on a switch under the sink. Batch feeds will require you to place a cover over the opening. The latter has a great safety feature, but it can be a bit complicated and less effective for breaking up food.
Noise
Most people know that garbage disposal units can be loud and often make an odd grinding and sucking noise at the same time. So, if you have a small home, you’ll want to think about the noise level. Many disposal units have noise-reducing options, such as insulation for the inside of the pipe or sound baffles.
Durability
You should aim to look for waste disposal units that are made from durable, heavy materials, such as stainless steel, as these can resist water and chemical corrosion, as well as handle tough food waste. After all, you don’t want to be paying for multiple repairs and replacement parts!
Brand
Of course, there are different brands of waste disposal units, and you’ll want one that has a track record of creating reliable units. So, the best way to do this is to read reviews and look at the real-world experiences of the users who have had them fitted. You should also ensure that the unit comes with a warranty; more specifically, look for a unit with a longer warranty period.
Ease of Maintenance
You will, at some point, need to maintain the disposal unit yourself. Some of these options come with detailed instructions, whereas others will be a bit trickier. So, aim to opt for a unit that has anti-jamming features as well as removable components, as these will ease the cleaning process and make maintenance simpler.
