What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

Garbage disposals are often overlooked appliances in kitchens, but they play a crucial role in keeping our homes clean and sanitary. They also save us time and energy by taking out the dirty work.

Garbage disposals come in two sizes: standard and high capacity. The standard size is usually adequate for smaller households. If you have a larger kitchen or family, however, you might want to consider upgrading to a high capacity model.

If your home has an older style garbage disposal, it's probably not worth replacing it with a newer one just yet. Instead, try adding some features that will make cleaning up easier.

For example, if you're having trouble getting food items like bones out of the unit, look into installing a power auger attachment. These attachments can be purchased separately from the disposal itself.

What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

Standard Garbage Disposals - Standard-sized garbage disposals are great for small kitchens where space is at a premium. You'll find them in most new homes built after 2000.

High Capacity Garbage Disposals – High-capacity models are ideal for large kitchens or families who eat lots of leftovers. They feature larger grinding chambers and more powerful motors than their standard counterparts.

What Are the Different Types of Garbage Disposals? 

Garbage disposals are powered by horsepower through large motors. Some are more powerful than others. Let's find out more. 

Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals

Disposals usually run continuously unless you turn them off manually. You can add food waste while the disposal is running, but some models have an auto-reverse function. Some models also come with splash guards.

Small children should be kept away from the sink if these disposals are used.

Batch Garbage Disposals

Batch feed models operate in batches and run only when a stop is placed over the disposal's opening, turning it on. This makes these types ideal for busy homes, or households with kids. 

1/3 Horsepower Garbage Disposals

Lowest horsepower garbage disposals are 1/3 hp and get easily jammed. They also have cheap internal components which rust. This appliance gets easily clogged up.

Only consider this option if you're going to be using your garbage disposal rarely. It costs about $100.

1/2 Horsepower Garbage Disposals

Disposals should be used when there isn't enough room for regular trash cans. They're also useful for people who don't throw out much food.

They're less noisy than larger models, but they still produce some sound. And they need lots of water to work properly.

3/4 Horsepower Garbage Disposals

These garbage disposals are ideal for people with a slightly larger family, as they can fit quite a lot of food in here, without it clogging up. These disposals have plenty of power for a large family, and it can usually grind pretty stubborn things. 

1 Horsepower Garbage Disposals

1 horsepower units are extremely powerful, and they are powered by the stainless steel grinding chamber. They can be quite big and bulky, and they will cost around $200.

More Powerful Garbage Disposals

A 1 1/2 to 2 hp garbage disposal is a common household appliance that takes care of your kitchen waste.

Two horsepower models are recommended for families with eight people and more, and more powerful disposals are typically found in commercial places. 

How To Choose The Right Kind Of Garbage Disposal

Everyone should have a garbage disposal. A garbage disposal helps prevent clogs in drains and pipes, as well as solving any waste issues. There are factors to consider when buying a garbage disposal for your home. 

Size

Garbage Disposals come in different sizes depending on your needs. A garbage disposal is usually from 10-15 inches tall, 5-9 inches wide, and 6-13 inches deep.

You should not buy a larger garbage disposal than you need, as this may be more of a hindrance than a help to you. 

Power

The amount of power required to run your garbage disposal depends on how much food debris you throw down the drain. Some people prefer low-power models because they don't use much electricity.

Others prefer higher-powered units because they grind up food faster. It’s best to get a model that matches your household’s needs.

Motor Type

There are three types of motor used in garbage disposals: electric, gas, and induction. Electric motors are generally quieter than gas or induction motors.

However, they require more maintenance and care. Gas and induction motors are more durable and less expensive to maintain. 

Warranty

Most manufacturers offer a warranty on their products. This means that if something goes wrong with your garbage disposal within the first year of ownership, they will replace it free of charge.

Make sure to ask about the manufacturer’s warranty before purchasing your garbage disposal.

Where To Buy Garbage Disposals

You can purchase a garbage disposal online or at your local hardware store. Online shopping offers convenience and price savings, but you must take extra precautions to ensure you are receiving a quality product.

Before making a purchase, read reviews and customer feedback to see what other customers think about the product.

If you want to save money, check out garage sales and thrift stores for deals on garbage disposals. Many homeowners sell their old disposals for pennies on the dollar.

How Does A Garbage Disposal Work?

A garbage disposal works by cutting through solid materials such as meat, bones, vegetables, and fruit into small pieces.

The blades cut these items into smaller pieces so that they can pass through the sink's plumbing system without causing blockages.

When you turn on the garbage disposal, water flows through the sink and carries away the food scraps. The garbage disposal then cuts the material into tiny bits that flow out of the unit.

What Parts Go Into A Garbage Disposal?

A garbage disposal has several parts including a housing, a motor, a switch assembly, a grinding mechanism, a mounting bracket, and an auger.

How To Clean A Garbage Disposal

The best way to keep your garbage disposal in top shape is to regularly clean it. This includes removing any buildups of grease and grime as well as making sure there’s no buildup on the blades themselves.

To remove grease and other debris, use a brush or sponge. It may take a little elbow grease, but this simple step will help extend the life of your garbage disposal.

To keep the blades free of dirt and grime, run cold water through the disposal. Then turn off the switch and let the machine run until the water runs clear.

Checking Your Disposal

It's important to check your garbage disposal periodically to ensure it is working properly. Look inside the disposal and see if there's anything blocking the opening. Also, open the lid and check the blades to make sure they aren't bent or broken.

If you notice any problems, contact a professional plumber immediately.

Garbage Disposal Repair Cost

Garbage disposal repair costs are very low and affordable. When you call the professionals, they will give you the exact price quote for the job.

Final Thoughts

Having a garbage disposal installed in your kitchen is one of the most convenient ways to get rid of unwanted food waste. You should know what size garbage disposal will suit your home and your needs.

It is also significant to maintain your garbage disposal to ensure its longevity. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and costly repairs.