Since 1997, HomeTips has guided millions of homeowners with original, expert advice for DIY home improvement and repair. Founder Don Vandervort, a nationally recognized authority, has written more than 30 books and countless magazine articles, been a host on HGTV, and served as MSN's home improvement expert. MORE
Are you in the market for a new garbage disposal (“disposer”)? If you are, you will be happy to learn that choosing one is a very simple process because your choices are limited. Generally, though 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 10 years.
All garbage disposals sold in the United States are made by only a few companies, though they are branded with several names. In-Sink-Erator makes eight out of 10 of them, with consumer ratings favoring the Waste King and Kenmore models.
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. Most disposals are noisy, especially when mounted to the underside of certain sinks, such as uninsulated stainless-steel sinks. 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.
Why we like it:
• Strong and quiet • Easy to install • Lifetime in-home warranty
Most garbage disposals fit the standard drain outlet. They are either hardwired or plugged into a 120-volt box or receptacle. The most common disposals are switch-activated, but there are “batch-feed” models that start when you insert and turn a special drain plug.
Additionally, local safety codes may determine the distance a switch must be located from the sink; the farther away, the safer. A disposal will never be whisper-quiet, and, under certain sinks, such as stainless steel, they can be quite noisy if not generously insulated.
HomeTips Pro Tip:It pays to invest in power. Get a garbage disposal unit that delivers at least 1/2 horsepower—1 is 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.
Generally, the fatter the disposal, the more quietly it will run, although you need to make sure that the disposal you choose fits comfortably under your sink.
A good disposal can last for many years, especially if you avoid clogging it with such fibrous foods as celery, potato skins, melon rinds and other fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds.
