How to Buy A Disposer

Features

Types: There are typically 2 types of disposers available, 'continuous feed' and 'batch feed'. Continuous feed model are activated by a separate wall switch installed near the sink. Batch feed models get filled up with food waste and then when the cover is in place it activates the on/off switch.  The latter style eliminates the risk of sticking one’s hands into the disposer while it is running and, while somewhat less convenient, can be a safer option in some households.

Horsepower: Having a bigger motor can mean longer disposer life, especially if you’re prone to throwing bones and other hard to pulverize materials down the drain.

Construction Materials: Look for stainless steel parts, especially the grinding chamber and grinding elements. Stainless steel will, in most cases, extend the life of your disposer.

Sound Deadening: The better disposers have a plastic shroud built around the grinding chamber.  Some even offer a double chambered shroud or “double-baffled” level of sound deadening. The rubber ring within the drain itself can also be one of the most important elements in keeping the noise escaping from the grinding chamber to a minimum.  In this area, the batch feed unit may offer a quieter alternative since the drain plug must be in place for the unit to operate, further sealing the sound from the room. The last area of consideration is to minimize the sound transmission from moving parts to surrounding structures. With a disposer, there are two attachments between the unit itself and the surrounding structures: the structural attachment to the bottom of the sink, and the attachment to the drain pipe.  Ideally, both of these connections will be made using a flexible rubber isolator.