Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
Are you in the market for a new garbage disposal ("disposer")? If you are, you will be happy to learn that choosing one is not brain surgery.
Your choices are limited. Generally, but not always, the more you pay, the better the machine and the longer the warranty. Prices range from about $80 to $400 and warranties run from one to ten years.
All garbage disposals sold in the United States are made by four companies, though they are branded with several names. In-Sink-Erator makes 8 out of 10 of them. Consumer ratings favor both Waste King and Kenmore models.
It pays to invest in power. Get a garbage disposal unit that delivers at least one-half horsepower—1 horsepower is even better. Weaker (1/3 horsepower) models will not last as long or perform as reliably, especially with bones and hard food scraps, and are more likely to allow waste to clog pipes.
Why we like it:
• Strong and quiet • Easy to install • Lifetime in-home warranty
Garbage disposals are either continuous-feed or batch-feed. You turn on the continuous-feed with a switch as you run the water. The batch-feed type automatically turns on when you press a special stopper into the drain. The latter type is a little more cumbersome to use, but safer because fingers cannot go into the drain when the stopper is in place. Most garbage disposals have electric-powered motors, but one new type operates solely on the force of water from the sink spout. These are particularly practical where there is no electrical outlet for a disposal beneath the sink.
Most disposals are noisy, especially when mounted to the underside of certain sinks, such as un-insulated stainless steel sink. Generally, the larger and heavier the disposal, the more quietly it will run (but be sure the one you choose fits under your sink). Fine-grinding models are quietest. --DV
