With the holidays here, if you are entertaining, your oven, stove, and refrigerator are all likely to get a good workout as you prepare the festive meal for whatever holiday you celebrate. Your dishwasher will be working hard to clean the dishes. And, of course, your garbage disposal (aka garbage disposer) will grind up the waste (of course only the waste that should go down it).
But what if the disposal is showing some signs of disrepair? Signs include:
- A leak that cannot be fixed
- Blades that no longer chop effectively
- Frequent clogging
- Odors
- Frequent resetting
If so, maybe it’s time to invest in a new unit. Here is a quick guide on what to look for when buying a garbage disposal.
Tips for Buying a Garbage Disposal
Motor Size
- Small motor sizes from 1/3 to ½ horsepower may be appropriate for single homeowners. They can be used for grinding soft vegetables but have limited other utility.
- Larger motors ranging from ¾ to one horsepower are much more suited for families. They can provide finer grinding, fewer jams and in general operate more smoothly
Grinding Chamber Size
The larger the grinding chamber, the more food the unit can handle. Disposals with larger motors can handle larger grinding chambers and therefore can dispose of more food.
Grinding Chamber Material
Stainless steel is the preferred material. Stainless steel chambers and blades are more efficient, easier to clean, won’t rust and last longer.
Batch vs. Continuous Feed
- Continuous feed disposals are typical disposals. These have an open mouth and are activated by a switch. In addition to being the most common, they are also less expensive and easier to use than batch feed disposals.
- Batch feed disposals require you to put food waste into the chamber and then activate the food grinder by closing a stopper lid. These are safer because they require a closed lid to activate.
Noise
You’ll pay more for it, but more expensive disposals tend to be quieter because they have better insulated grinding chambers. Some models also offer sound baffles to lower the decibel level of the unit.
Septic System
If your home has a septic system, we recommend buying a garbage disposal with an enzyme reservoir to break down food scraps.
Other Features
Here are a few other features that can be considered:
- Anti-splash baffles to keep your sink cleaner
- Corrosion protection shields
- Auto-reversing grinders
Check With Others
Check with friends and relatives to see if they are happy with their units. Also check reputable third-party sources such as Angi, Consumer Reports and the Better Business Bureau.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for a New Garbage Disposal
If you’ve decided you need a new garbage disposal, Ravinia Plumbing’s licensed plumbers can help you select and then install the garbage disposal that fits your needs. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 96 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
