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2. InSinkErator Badger 5XP Food Waste Disposal

FEATURES

1. Quick lock easy installation that makes it easier to replace and dispose or upgrade.
2. Small, compact and comfortably fits under the sink
3. Easily shreds residues with ¾ HP power
4. Does not include a power chord but also consists of a stopper for safety purposes.
5. Dura-drive induction motor.
6. 26oz. Chamber with stainless steel lining that prevents it from corrosion.

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3.  InSinkErator Evolution Compact Garbage Disposal Food Waste Disposal Unit

FEATURES

1. Sound seal technology for quieter motor performance
2. 34.6oz steel chamber space for holding a more substantial amount of residue
3. Multi-grind technology for quick and finer shredding

¾ Dura-Drive HP induction motor for efficient operation and prevents mid-work pauses.

4. 4-years in-home limited warranty for better maintenance
5. Quick-lock sink-mouth for easy installation
6. Manual reset button in case of an overload
7. Power chord not included

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4.  Moen Garbage Disposal GX Series (GX50C)

FEATURES

1. ½ horsepower for faster and smoother engine
2. Pre-installed power cord for hassle-free connection
3. Vortex permanent motor with 2,600 RMP speed motor
4. Compact and lightweight design for a sleek and efficient utility
5. Universal Xpress 3-bolt mounting assemblies
6. Sound-shield technology for noise reduction
7. 4-year in-home service warranty for better service and maintenance

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5. INSINKERATOR EVOLUTION SEPTIC ASSIST GARBAGE DISPOSAL

FEATURES

1. ¾ horsepower motor with 1725 RMP
2. Multi-grind technology
3. Septic safe system
4. 4 years in home warranty
5. Quick lock sink mount
6. Anti-vibration mount
7. 40 oz Stainless steel chambers
8. Does not include a power cord

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6. INSINKERATOR BADGER 5 GARBAGE DISPOSAL FOOD WASTE DISPOSAL UNIT
   

InSinkErator garbage disposals are the world’s most popular waste disposals and had proven to be one of the most reliable and efficient product for over 75 years.

FEATURES

1. Affordable and compact waste disposable unit
2. Quick-lock easy installation in 3 steps
3. ½ HP Dura-Drive motor for high performance
4. Comes with stopper, discharge tube, gasket and jam buster range
5. Continuous feed for a larger volume of waste disposal quicker
6. Assembled with American Pride in the USA
7. two years in-home warranty
8. Manual reset overload

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7.  INSINKERATOR EVOLUTION EXCEL HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE DISPOSAL

FEATURES

1. 1 Hp Dura-Drive motor for speed and productive grinding
2. SoundSeal technology for quieter motor and vibration sound
3. Triple-grind Technology for finely grounded residue
4. Stainless steel chambers for longevity
5. 40 oz compartment
6. 7 years in-home warranty
7. Power cord not included

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8. GENERAL ELECTRIC GFC520V CONTINUOUS FEED DISPOSAL LARGE CAPACITY

   
   

FEATURES

1. ½ horsepower permanent magnet motor
2. Continuous feed
3. Cordless
4. Dual swivel impellers
5. Stainless steel chamber
6. Direct wire power connection
7. Standard sound insulation
8. Splash guard
9. Manual reset overload
10. 2 level pre-cutter

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9.  WASTE KING LEGEND SERIES CONTINUOUS FEED GARBAGE DISPOSAL (L-3200) 

   

FEATURES

1. ¾ Horsepower and 2300 RMP motor
2. Compact size for space management
3. Continuous feed for faster cleaning
4. Cord included for easy installation
5. Stainless steel chambers for durability
6. 8-year warranty
7. Fast and easy mount system
8. Splash guard for cleaner sink
9. Septic system friendly
10. Manual reset button

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10. AMERICAN STANDARD HIGH TORQUE KITCHEN GARBAGE DISPOSAL

FEATURES

1. 1.25 HP High torque power
2. Vibration free
3. Stainless steel compartments
4. Insulated motor shell
5. Easy to install
6. Magnetic safe ring
7. No power cord
8. Balanced turntable
9. Laser sharp cutting blade rings

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TYPES OF GARBAGE DISPOSALS

Since the functions of garbage disposals are almost the same, there are not many types. They are simple machines that church food waste into manageable waste in the town sewer system or private septic tanks. All garbage disposals run on electricity and feature a grinder inside, which joins the sink. Since the concept of garbage disposals is simple, there are only two operating modes or feed types, but the differences in the units available in the market are:

• MOTOR: depending on the functions that you want, different sized engines are available in the market. You can choose a larger engine for heavy-duty whereas smaller motors are also available for smaller budgets and functionality.

• BLADES: Blade variation depends on the sizes. While smaller blades are efficient in cutting smaller waste and are usually sharper, you will need to chop the waste into smaller bits before putting them in the disposal. On the other hand, bigger blades can efficiently grind harder chunks of garbage.

• CHAMBER: a large inner-chamber is efficient for disposing of a lot of waste at one time whereas a smaller compartment allows you to minimize or select the type of food you eliminate. Smaller compartments are convenient for smaller space and are cheaper, but larger chambers tend to last longer and are more suitable in function.

• BATCH FEED TYPE OF GARBAGE DISPOSAL: These types of units are used by placing waste inside the module before being started. They operate by putting a specially designed cover over the opening which manipulates it manually or magnetically. Usually, there are small slits in the lid to let the water drain out. Since they are fitted with a covering and functions only when the plug switch turns on manually, and the operation is slightly more complicated, they are safer, especially when children are involved. The stopper keeps unwanted items from falling into the disposal, and they usually come with a chord that is pre-attached, so it is easier to install.

• CONTINUOUS FEED: Most American households use these types of Garbage disposal units. They function quite smoothly as users can dispose of any food waste without having to insert other items such as the stopper. There are only two steps to operate the unit: put food waste and garbage, power on the machine and it is good to go! The unit automatically grinds up the food and dispose of it the sewage or drain. Continuous feed is advantageous because you can continually add more garbage while the disposal is still running, enabling users to clean up faster and more efficiently. They are also more comfortable to preserve and clean, which simplify maintaining the kitchen space. They are also available in various horsepower motor and grinding stages to prevent clogging. Continuous feed disposals pre-fixed with a filler neck that remains open even when not in use, so they provide a risk of splashing and also prove dangerous for kids or accidentally dropping something into it. They are not usually pre-attached with a chord so professional help will be needed to install them.

It is important to consider your needs before choosing the right type of disposal as there are many variations of both the batch feed and the continuous feed disposals. Efficiency, safety, power consumption, amount of garbage disposed of and the size of the place for installation should be considered before choosing the right type of disposal.

ADVANTAGES OF USING GARBAGE DISPOSALS

1. CLEANER HOME & ENVIRONMENT: Installing a waste disposal in the sink has many benefits for a cleaner and healthier home and environment. Since the food breaks down into smaller pieces, they can decompose faster, preventing them from rotting, smelling and inviting rodents, insects, and pests. Bacteria and microorganisms that decompose the food and waste materials can disseminate to the surrounding areas and contaminate it. So when garbage is disposed of in the waste bin instead of the drainage, there are more likely to contaminate your living areas and presenting several health risks for people around.
2. GARBAGE DISPOSAL ARE ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY: Even though garbage disposals use electricity and water, they are efficient in preserving energy and protecting the environment. About 13% of solid waste sent to landfills each year is estimated to be from food waste, and that amounts to about 32 million tons of waste each year. On arriving at the landfill, these wastes are left to decompose, and this process methane gases which 21 times more harmful than carbon dioxide gases and is better at heating the earth’s atmosphere. By throwing food waste in the disposal, you are indirectly preventing global warming.

Also, when you compare the amount of solid that you dispose at the landfill and the food waste that is grounded, the amount is considerably smaller.

The garbage that is disposed of in the landfill is taken there by using vehicles which uses fossil fuels that emit gasses to the atmosphere. When there is less garbage to dispose of, there is subsequently lesser need for transportation and fossil fuel which saves a considerable amount of money and energy consumption for the cities.

In addition to this, garbage is then incinerated when they reach the landfill which causes the emission of harmful gases in the atmosphere. If there is less garbage to incinerate, it would mean lesser discharge of toxic gas, thus preserving the environment.

Disposing of garbage in the landfill are usually done by putting the waste in a plastic bag which we are already, is a significant threat to the environment. Plastic takes many years to decompose, and the residue inside them takes longer to break down, causing an unpleasant smell in the prolonged process.

3. Garbage disposals convert energy: this is a process that we often overlook but is highly practical and significant. Unlike waste is thrown in the landfills that are incinerated and goes to waste, scraps found in the municipal sewage accumulate in the municipal water treatment facilities which are then safely turned to methane gases for generation of electricity.
4. Garbage disposal produces fertilizers. By the process of disposing of the garbage through the drain which gets filtered in the municipal water treatment facilities, they waste are selected and treated as biosolids. These biosolids are turned into environment-friendly waste and are left to decompose as fertilizers which are sold to farmers to generate income for the area. Biosolid fertilizers are also considered better fertilizers than the chemical ones and contain a higher nutritional value.

Garbage disposal minimizes water usage: although garbage disposals operate on running water, they consume only 1% of the total water consumption of a household which is a reasonable number as compared to the benefits.

Considering these benefits garbage disposals are a practical, clean and efficient way to improve personal living condition as well as preserving the environment in general.

DO’S AND DONT’S OF GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Do keep your garbage disposal clean. Just because the food waste has gone down the drain does not mean that there will be residues left on the side and inner corners. To avoid leftover residue from rotting and causing an unpleasant odor, the kitchen sink, and the garbage disposal should be cleaned regularly with dish soap and cold water after washing the dishes.

Do use it regularly:  the unit should be used on a regular basis to prevent the parts from getting rusted. Leaving the machine unused for too long corrodes the metals, even stainless steel. By using it regularly, cleaning it becomes more comfortable, preventing pre-mature erosion.

Do grind cleaning materials. Harder and abrasive foodstuffs like egg shells, chicken bones, and fruit peels are ideal pieces of stuff that can be used to sharpen the blades. Regular disposal of such materials helps in regulating the operative system.

Do grind small pieces: disposing of large portions of food can lead to clogging, especially if your machine is not very powerful. Effort should be made to cut down more prominent pieces of waste before putting them into the disposal.

Do not grind non-organic or hard materials. Materials such as plastic, metal, glass, and hard food scraps should not be grounded as they could damage the blades or clog the disposal. Things like cigarette buds can also hard to crush and are left behind inside the chambers and can cause clogging.

Do not pout oil or greasy things as they tend to build up in the plumbing, making them sticky and trapping smaller residue which could cause severe damage to the pipe.

Do not dispose of fibrous food: Onion and tomato peels, artichokes and corn husk seem like minor food scraps, but they can get entangled around the blades, minimizing its effects. Such fibrous scraps should be chopped into smaller pieces to avoid damage.

Although all garbage disposal units come with instruction manual and maintenance routine, make sure you do not over-estimate the power of your disposal unit, and be careful about the things you dispose to prevent clogging, causing plumbing problems, erosion or damaging the blade. They are easy low-maintenance and do not need regular checking, but regular cleaning can keep them efficient and smelling fresh.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A GARBAGE DISPOSAL UNIT

Now that we know that having a waste disposal installed in our home is a smart choice, some questions to consider before picking the right type of disposal to serve your best interest. It is vital to examine your own needs and conditions before having the garbage disposal installed.

Some of the things to evaluate before buying a garbage disposal are:

1. Is individual garbage disposal unit allowed in your community?

Some communities ban the use of own garbage disposals because they cause a threat to the municipal water system or causing drought in some places like California. Some states require a special permit while others encourage them. Before buying one, it is appropriate to consult authorities about the water system, whether you join the municipal sewer system and if it is safe to do so. Being aware of all the rules and regulation about installing garbage disposal is an essential step towards choosing the right type of disposal for your needs.

2. Is your septic tank capable of handling the waste?

If your home connects to a septic tank, you will have to upgrade your tank to hold enough garbage and not cause inconvenience for your neighbors and the community while doing so. If your sink attaches to a septic tank, you will also have to make preparations to empty it more often than before, and in doing so, local authorities need to be informed. Knowing the type of sewage system that links to your sink can help you pick the right waste disposal unit.

3. Can your plumbing candle it?

Before considering the type of garbage disposal to install, make sure that your plumbing is working efficiently and does not have a weak spot that clogs often or has backup problems. Make sure that you fix or change any weak spots in the plumbing before installing a disposal to prevent sudden clogs that could further hamper the whole system.

4. How necessary is a waste disposal for you?

Finally, examine your needs and benefits before considering an installation. Garbage disposals are inexpensive, easy to use and maintain and installed but they do consume a little extra amount of electricity and water. You should be confident that the additional expenses are worth the benefits and that you will be using it to your advantages on a regular basis.

Once you have considered these questions, it will give you a clearer perspective about the kind of disposal that would best suit you and improve the efficiency of the disposal.

CHOOSING THE BEST GARBAGE DISPOSAL UNIT

1. DURABILITY: most disposal units come with at least 3 to 5 years warranty. Some brands provide a lifetime warranty for a higher price. The average longevity of the disposal should be at least five years without leakage or break down of the motor or blades when used and maintained regularly.
2. EFFECTIVENESS & EFFICIENCY: considering the effectiveness of the engine and the module in grinding the food waste is imminent. If you want a finely grounded waste that is quickly transformed and disposed of, consider getting a high-end model. If a roughly grounded is what you are satisfied with, a regular average performance unit will suffice.
3. SAFETY: make sure the installation is something that will not pose a threat to your water or electrical consumptions, harm to the inhabitants of the house, especially children and also make sure that the plumbing and power consumption support it.
4. CONVENIENCE: the installation should be easy if you are to do it yourself and should be convenient for the space you have set for it. You should also consider if the brand you choose has available parts to replace and if they can be attained conveniently in your area.
5. LONGEVITY: since waste disposal is an everyday process, it is critical to invest in high-quality disposal made from stainless steel that is low maintenance
6. POWER: garbage disposal units use horsepower to power up. The higher the HP, the more efficient, faster and smoother it will work. High-end models have ¾ HP to 1 HP which are very useful in grinding the garbage into the tiniest pieces possible, making it easier to pass through even smaller plumbing.
7. NOISE: several factors determine noise production by a disposal. Although the motor is the loudest component of every disposal, it does not mean that smaller engines are quieter than them. It depends on the noise insulin features, materials used and installation assembly.

• Noise insulation features are thick padding that wraps the disposal to reduce the noise of the motor. Good quality noise insulators can be thin but absorb maximum sound whereas poorer quality could be thick and cheaper but less efficient.
• The material used in the construction of the disposal unit also determines the noise produced. Low-quality materials often produce more noise, but the installation assembly also plays a significant role.

8. Installation assembly locks the unit in place to prevent vibrations against the sink or the pipelines and to cause noise. If your disposal unit is making too much noise, you should consider changing the installation assembly, making sure that the screws are snug.

So if you are considering getting a disposal that is as quiet as possible, make sure you invest in these three noise features before you buy them.

CONCLUSION

Numerous varieties of garbage disposals serve the same purpose. Now that you are well-equipped with everything you need to know about the highest rated and most efficient garbage disposals along with the ways to maintain them, here is hoping you find the best garbage disposal that fits your budget and requirements as your little and indirect contribution towards a cleaner and healthier environment.