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We Know: How to Buy a Garbage Disposal
About Garbage Disposals
A garbage disposal grinds waste, usually food waste, into small pieces so that it can be disposed of through the waste
water/sewage system. In some areas of the country, garbage disposals are not allowed because they create more work for
municipal sewage treatment plants. Garbage disposals are not recommended for those with
septic tank systems as the food
waste can clog the septic tank and cause other problems with it.
Optional Features
A garbage disposal may have one or more of the following features:
- Stainless steel parts. For long lasting operation.
- Safety lock.
- Continuous or batch feed. A continuous feed unit allows you to turn on the unit (usually with a toggle switch) and
feed the unit the waste as it's grinding. With a batch feed unit you add water and the waste all at once, put the cover
on and the disposal grinds the contents.
- Anti-jam. Some garbage disposals automatically run in reverse periodically, others run in reverse only when a
jam occurs. Clearing the disposal manually usually entails activating a switch on the unit or using a supplied wrench.
- Overload protection. Prevents the unit from overheating or blowing fuses in the house.
- Quiet operation.
- Powerful motor. Motors vary in size and power. Most are from 1/3 to 1 horsepower. The motor size you choose
should reflect how much you'll use the disposal and what you'll be putting into it.
Garbage Disposals
There is a large selection of garbage disposals to meet your needs, including these models:
- In-Sink-Erator 555SS Disposer (model# 71946H): Has a 3/4 horsepower motor. Sells for around $170.
- Maytag Continuous Feed Food Waste Disposer (model# DFC7500AAX): Has a 1 horsepower motor. Sells for
around $300.
- GE Continuous Feed Disposer (model# GFC325F): Has a 1/3 horsepower motor. Sells for around $70.
- Maytag Batch Feed Food Waste Disposer (model# DFB6500AAX): Has a 3/4 horsepower motor. Sells for around $300.
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