How to Choose a Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are a great convenience to have in any kitchen but when it stops working there can be problems. Shopping for a new garbage disposal may seem like an easy and fast trip but there are many things to keep in mind before taking the trip to the store.
- Check the plumbing in the home that will receive a garbage disposal. The disposal will need to be compatible with the plumbing hookups already installed in the kitchen.
- Decide how much horsepower you will need from the garbage disposal. A small home will likely only need a half horsepower but a larger home that will use the disposal regularly will need more horsepower.
- Choose either a continuous feed or a batch feed disposal. The continuous feed types use a switch that looks like a light switch. Decide if you want a continuous-feed or batch-feed model. The batch feed types use a twist handle that is on the garbage disposal lid.
- Check into disposals that can be connected to a dishwasher. If you do not have a dishwasher but decide to purchase one later, you will not want to have to replace the garbage disposal too.
- Find a disposal that is not too loud for your home. Different models have different sounds.
- Decide what kind of blade you will need for your garbage disposal. Oscillating blades break down large quantities faster than the standard spinning blades.
- Research what additional features are available with garbage disposals. There are options such as overload manual reset, corrosion protection shield, sound baffles, self-service wrenches and anti-splash baffles available if you feel you need them.
- Be sure you are familiar with the warranty of the garbage disposal you choose. You will want to know what problems are covered when something goes wrong and what is not covered.