The 7 Best Garbage Disposals of 2023

What to Look for in a Garbage Disposal

Style

Continuous-feed models, which keep running as you drop in new food waste, are convenient, but they may pose a safety risk to curious children who might stick their fingers down the drain. They also tend to require a hard-wired connection to a wall switch. On the other hand, batch-feed models are loaded with scraps and activated by a magnetic stopper. They can only process one batch of food at a time, determined by the capacity of the disposal’s grinding chamber, so it can be more time-consuming to use if you have a lot of scraps. They’re safer and may not require a hard-wired connection, but they tend to be more expensive and less convenient to use.

Power

The power of most garbage disposals is measured in horsepower: The higher the numerical value, the more power. For example, a disposal with 1 HP will offer more power than a model with 1/2 HP.

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More powerful units will grind food faster—and potentially into smaller bits, as well—so they’re better for folks who’ll be sending more food down the drain more often. Less powerful units will be less expensive, and they’ll consume less electricity. While they may not be able to handle a refrigerator cleanout, they’ll be fine for food scraps rinsed off of dishes.

Size

Garbage disposals are not one-size-fits-all. A more powerful motor generally means a bigger disposals, and the size of the grinding chamber also varies from model to model. There are disposals that are taller but more narrow and ones that are wide but short. It’s important to measure your under-sink space carefully to make sure the disposal you’re considering will fit.

Noise

No garbage disposal will be completely silent—and the noise level depends to some extent on what type of food you’re grinding—but some models are designed with insulation for more quiet operation. Since it’s unlikely you’ll be using the disposal when everyone’s sleeping, the noise factor may not be critical for everyone. However, it’s something to keep in mind if you or your family members are sensitive to loud noises, you have an open-floor-plan kitchen, or anyone plans to carry out a conversation while the disposal is running. Models with extensive sound insulation are generally more expensive than more basic ones.

FAQs

How does a garbage disposal work?

Many people think garbage disposals are equipped with blades to chop food into tiny pieces like a food processor or blender, but this is actually a myth. Disposals don’t have blades—they have dull spinning metal pieces called impellers that push food against a grinding plate full of small holes. Once the food is ground into small enough bits to fit through the holes, it flows through your plumbing to a water treatment facility or your septic system, just like any other wastewater.

What can and can’t you put in a garbage disposal?

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Most fruit and vegetable scraps, bits of meat, and leftovers can safely be put in a garbage disposal—in small amounts. But if you’re peeling several pounds of potatoes, it’s better to put the peels into the trash or compost as the potato starch can gunk up the disposal. The same goes for stringy and fibrous vegetables, such as celery, corn husks, banana peels, artichokes, and asparagus; these tend to resist pulverization and can clog the drain.

Coffee grounds and leftover oil or grease should not go down the disposal, since they can clog your drain. Eggshells, bones, shellfish, and fruit pits can also be difficult for a disposal to handle and lead to premature wear. These items should be disposed of in the trash or put in a compost bin. And, of course, nothing inorganic—like plastic, metal, or glass—should ever go into the disposal.

How do you unclog a garbage disposal?

Clogs can happen if you place too much food into a disposal or don’t let enough water run to clear the system. Luckily, they’re pretty easy to clear yourself.

The first step is to turn off the garbage disposal and water and then unplug the disposal. Use a flashlight to look down the drain opening to see what is clogging the disposal and use tongs, tweezers, or pliers to remove the clog. Then, plug the unit back in and test it.

If that doesn’t work, look for a reset button on the front of the disposal unit itself. Some models have a fuse that flips when they sense a clog, and you need to hit the reset button after clearing the clog to turn them back on. Don’t forget to read the manual that comes with your product, either, as each one has its own procedures and practices.

How do you clean a garbage disposal?

Food debris can accumulate in the disposal and give your sink an unpleasant odor, especially if you use it frequently. Letting cold water run through the sink before, during, and after using the disposal can help prevent food buildup.

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To give your disposal a thorough cleaning, place ice cubes, baking soda, and thin lemon slices down the drain, and then turn on the disposal without the water running. The ice cubes help dislodge stuck-on bits of food, and the baking soda and lemon help cleanse and deodorize. After cleaning, let the disposal run with the water turned on for a while to make sure it’s completely clear.

The rubber flap on top of the drain is generally removable and can be cleaned by scrubbing or putting it in the dishwasher.

Can I use a garbage disposal if I have a septic tank?

You can, but you should exercise caution. Septic tanks work by separating solids, which sink to the bottom, and floating matter, such as oil and grease, from the wastewater that exits your home. As more matter enters, the capacity of the tank decreases, which is why it must be pumped out regularly.

Using a garbage disposal can drastically increase the amount of waste in your septic tank, meaning it will need to be pumped more often. It’s also extremely important to make sure only food goes into the disposal if you have a septic tank, as any non-food items sent down the disposal by accident can cause a backup.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Sharon Lehman, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist who knows the value of a garbage disposal—she uses hers daily since there isn’t space for a trash can near the prep area in her kitchen. She specializes in small kitchen appliance testing and reviews for The Spruce Eats.

This roundup was updated by Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor who has nearly a decade of experience as a professional chef; Katrina Munichiello, a writer and editor who specializes in the tea and food industries; and Jason Horn, a commerce writer for The Spruce Eats who’s spent almost 20 years writing about food and drinks.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens