Choosing a new garbage disposal is more than just choosing the model that looks the best on the shelf. It is important to match the motor power, material quality and feeding style to actual kitchen habits. Most homeowners want to start with a unit with at least a half horsepower motor. Anything less can cause blockages and slow grinding. The stainless steel of the internal components is not negotiable. Plastic grinds fast, but can corrode and crack over time. Stainless steel is durable.
The biggest decision often comes down to how you want to load the unit.
Continuous feed disposals is standard. Turn on the wall switch and grind while the water is running. Batch feed disposals requires a special sink stopper and rotation. It is safe for families with young children, but can be time consuming if you have a lot of preparation to do. Continuous feeding is the norm unless there are special safety concerns.
Generally, the bigger the engine, the quieter it runs. Noise can be a problem if you cook often. Proper waste disposal can make or break the peace of an open kitchen.
Waste King, Whirlaway, Sink Master
Waste King and Whirlaway are actually the same product line. Anaheim Manufacturing Company manufactures both. They used to label their top-tier line the “Sinkmaster Bonecrushers” line, but now we call it the “Waste King Gourmet” line. This distinction is important when buying used or refurbished parts.
The Waste King Gourmet models is widely recognized as a premium product. It has a precisely designed motor and a corrosion-resistant housing. Many contractors call them the “Cadillacs” of processors. Overall, it’s not always the best-selling brand, but it always ranks high in terms of durability. If you want a device that won’t rust for 5 years, this is a great option.
InSinkErator: the market leader
InSinkErator dominates the sales charts. Its advantage comes from a combination of high-performance motors and wide availability. Installation is easy, and the home service warranty is a big selling point for DIYers who don’t want to call a plumber for every little problem.
The company’s distinctive technology is the auto-reverse grind system. InsinkErator claims this prevents food build-up and keeps the unit sanitary. Some engineers believe that superior blade design makes this feature unnecessary. They might be right. But if you want the safety net of a proprietary system that reverses when it detects a jam, the InsinkErator has you covered.
They also make a Badger line (an entry-level budget option) and an Evolution line (Lowe’s only). The Evolution line often includes features like soundproofing and high horsepower that bridge the gap between budget and high-end.
Kenmore Disposals
The Kenmore garbage disposal is actually made by InSinkErator. Sears makes them exclusively for its own brand. That means you get the same motor technology and build quality as the InSinkErator nameplate, but often at a slightly different price or Sears’ unique warranty. If you see a Kenmore model for sale, don’t assume it’s a generic private label. It could be the InSinkErator in another drawer.
KitchenAid and Viking: Aesthetics and silence
Most people have probably never see their garbage disposal. It was dark and wet under the sink. But if you’re remodeling your kitchen and want to see the hardware, KitchenAid and Viking have clear advantages.
KitchenAid kitchen waste disposal devices are available in several different colors. You can choose according to your faucet and appliances. It uses a double-edged blade to creates a superfine slush. This creates a very fine slush instead of big lumps. The finer the grind, the less likely it is to clog the P-trap. It also helps control odors because there is less surface area for bacteria to attach to.
Viking disposals are manufactured with an emphasis on silence. We use very strong cast grind wheel and grinding components. The patented sound-absorbing insulation is thick. If your kitchen opens into the living room, you can use the Viking to crush dinner leftovers without making a lot of noise. The trade-off is price. You pay for this quiet operation and the Viking name.
What to Watch Out For
Moisture is your enemy. The environment under the sink is humid. This accelerates corrosion and wear of the seals. Check the warranty period carefully. A 3-year warranty is standard. It’s good to have 5 or more. Make sure spare parts are readily available for a particular model. If you buy from an unknown brand, you may have to wait weeks for your single impeller to arrive.
Start with a half horsepower motor. Insist on stainless steel interiors. Decide whether to feed in batches or continuously according to safety needs and the amount of cooking. Next, choose a brand that offers a reliable warranty and service network. The rest is just plumbing.
