One of the must-have kitchen appliances is the garburator or the garbage disposal. It goes a long way in reducing the amount of garbage that you must take out as trash. Importantly, it makes the process of doing dishing a rather pleasing and easier.
However, this is only true when the garbage disposal that you have installed in your kitchen is suited for your needs. Choosing a garburator on a whip will more likely result in a less than stellar experience, as the unit you choose might not meet your needs, thus resulting in compromised users-experience.
Herein we are going to explore the considerations to have in mind whenever you are on the market for a new garburator, to install in your kitchen or replace an old existing one.
Understand the Existing Garburator Technology
Garburators come in different designs:
#1. The Continuous Feed Disposal Design – With this design, the garburator will run as long as the disposal unit is running. For many, this is their preferred disposal unit as it is incredibly convenient and easy to run as you can feed the waste food while the unit is still running. Additionally, these varieties of disposal units are relatively inexpensive.
#2. The Batch Feed Disposal Design – With this design, the unit only runs when the cover is in place. As such, funneling waste for grinding is done in batches, hence the name batch feed. This unit is the best choice when safety is of critical importance, as it eliminates the possibility of getting injured. Additionally, they reduce the risk of flying particles. Nonetheless, buying cheap and non-secured garburators can cause you to need garbage disposal repair.
How Much Power Should Your Garburator Have
The second most important consideration to have in mind is the amount of power the garburator should have. The garburator should have ample power to perform the tasks you have in mind.
Generally, garburator motor power begins at ¼ horsepower. This is ample power for a very small household of one or two people. Essentially, this motor is perfect for those who do not plan to work the garburator hard for long periods.
For a household with a higher population or have a moderate usage of the garburator, the best option might be the 1/3 horsepower motor. However, for heavy users, the only choice is the 1 horsepower motor. This motor can run for a long time grinding heavy loads without experiencing diminishing performance.
Build Quality
With regards to build quality, you need to consider the materials used to manufacture prospective units especially the blades. For best value for money, you should opt for high-quality stainless steel. This material is tough and lasts considerably longer than other materials. It is also sharp and stays that way for long.
Extra Features
With regard to extras, you need to decide whether you need sound baffles and anti-splash baffles that reduce noise and splashing respectively. Additionally, you should ensure that the unit you purchase has a manual button for better and control and manual overrides.
Plumbing Fixtures
You will also need to ensure that a prospective garburator can work with your existing plumbing and kitchen fixtures, especially the dishwasher. Ensure that your plumbing can handle your garburator and purchase a dishwasher attachment if you do not intend to replace your dishwasher.