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what horsepower garbage disposal should i get

by Mike Stokes Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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If you live in a 3-6 person household, your garbage disposer should have a ½ to ¾ HP engine. For a 5-8 person household, the minimum HP your disposer should have is ¾, but a 1 HP motor is preferable. For anything households that have over 8 members, a 1 to 2 HP model will be needed.Jul 9, 2016

What is the best size of garbage disposal?

  • If just 1-2 people, a disposal with 1/3 or 1/2 HP (horsepower) would serve your needs.
  • If your family is 3-6 people, 1/2 or 3/4 HP is recommended.
  • For 5-8 people family, 3/4 HP is the minimum size; however, 1 HP is highly recommended.
  • If you have more than 8 people living in your home, 1 HP is suggested. ...

What size garbage disposal should I buy?

What size garbage disposal should you buy? Whenever possible, opt for a 1/2 horsepower garbage disposer with stainless steel grind components, which will make it last much longer. 3/4 horsepower: This is an ideal size that will serve most kitchens quite well. At this size, a garbage disposal has plenty of power for all those leftovers and more.

What is the importance of proper garbage waste disposal?

Waste Disposal – What is the Importance of Effective Waste Disposal?

  • Importance of Effective Waste Disposal. It’s no secret that landfill is bad for the environment, and that the UK is running out of landfill space.
  • Benefits of Effective Waste Disposal. Environmental protection – from pollution or contamination. ...
  • Effective Waste Disposal Methods. ...
  • The Waste Hierarchy. ...
  • Get Started with ETM Recycling. ...

How do I unplug a garbage disposal?

Make a Mix

  • First, pour roughly a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the disposal. ...
  • After you have poured baking soda into the disposal drain, pour about a half of a cup of vinegar into the drain with it. ...
  • When the timer hits the five to ten-minute mark, you can turn your breaker back on and start your disposal back up.

More items...

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How many HP do you need in a garbage disposal?

Garbage disposals with ½ hp or ¾ hp should be adequate for the typical home. Cooks who use the disposal on a daily basis and need to grind tougher waste, including bones, may want to opt for a 1-hp model.

Is higher horsepower better for garbage disposal?

The higher the horsepower, the better the disposal will operate when it comes to garbage disposals. You can expect fewer jams, finer pulverization of food waste, and fewer clogged drains. However, higher horsepower usually means it takes up more space. So, make sure you have sufficient under-sink space for it.

Which is better 1/2 hp or 3/4 HP garbage disposal?

When the motor has more horsepower (hp), the disposal will be more powerful. In other words, a 3/4 hp motor will have more grinding power than a 1/2 hp motor. The higher the horsepower, the better the disposal will operate. This means fewer jams and a finer pulverization of food waste.

How do I know what size garbage disposal I need?

Check underneath your sink to see how much space you have. If you're limited on space, you should check the dimensions of the garbage disposal unit you're looking at. This might mean going for a unit with a smaller HP. If you have unlimited space, you should be able to find a unit in any HP to fit underneath your sink.

Is 1 2 HP garbage disposal strong enough?

Most manufacturers recommend at least a 1/2 HP garbage disposal motor. Because disposals with these motors are smaller than disposals with one HP motors, they can fit into relatively small spaces under your sink. Models with 1/2 HP or less should be run with plenty of cold water to help the food waste go through.

How do I choose a new garbage disposal?

How to Pick a New Garbage DisposalIdentify the Right Motor Size. – The smaller the motor size, the fewer and softer the foods need to be. ... Identify the Best Grinding Chamber Size And Material. – Chambers in disposals with more HP will be larger, since their motors can handle more food. ... Extra Features.

Who makes the quietest garbage disposal?

Best 1HP & quiet garbage disposal The InSinkErator Evolution Excel is the overall best quiet continuous feed garbage disposal. It is described as ultra-quiet and features advanced SoundSeal technology. The machine is quick and easy to install with a metal EZ mount inside your kitchen cabinet.

How long do garbage disposals last?

If you should especially consider replacing your disposal if it's been at least a decade since your last renovation or garbage disposal installation project. Most disposals have a life expectancy of about 10 years, after which they may start clogging more often.

What is the difference between a garbage disposal and an InSinkErator?

On average, a Waste King garbage disposal reaches an RPM of 2,500 while an InSinkErator disposer only reaches a maximum of 1725 RPM, which is 30% less than the Waste King. Though InSinkErator offers some models with multiple grinding stages to make up for this disadvantage.

How much does Lowes charge for garbage disposal installation?

Lowe's – The garbage disposal installation cost from Lowe's is $104, which is slightly more affordable than the same service from Home Depot. Combined with the additional cost of the garbage disposal unit itself, homeowners can expect to pay a total of approximately $265 for parts and labor.

When should a garbage disposal be replaced?

With garbage disposals, you'll usually be looking anywhere from eight to fifteen years before you'll need to replace the unit. Over time, the disposal may develop cracks or even spring a leak. When this happens, you'll likely need to replace the unit, as a repair wouldn't be worth your money.

Who makes the quietest garbage disposal?

Best 1HP & quiet garbage disposal The InSinkErator Evolution Excel is the overall best quiet continuous feed garbage disposal. It is described as ultra-quiet and features advanced SoundSeal technology. The machine is quick and easy to install with a metal EZ mount inside your kitchen cabinet.

What is best garbage disposal?

Top 5 Garbage DisposalsBest For Wide Sinks: InSinkErator Evolution Compact Garbage Disposer.Best For Shallow Sinks: InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal.Best Warranty: Moen GXS75C Host Series Garbage Disposal.Best Value: Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal.Best For Large Sinks: Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal.

How much does Home Depot charge to replace a garbage disposal?

Home Depot – The garbage disposal installation cost from Home Depot is approximately $119. However, this does not include the added cost of a garbage disposal unit, which costs an average of $161, bringing it to a total cost of $280.

How long do garbage disposals last?

If you should especially consider replacing your disposal if it's been at least a decade since your last renovation or garbage disposal installation project. Most disposals have a life expectancy of about 10 years, after which they may start clogging more often.

How many power ratings does a garbage disposal have?

Garbage disposals are mostly available in four power ratings. They are; The size of the garbage disposal unit needed for a home depends mostly on the number of people living in that household. Here is a table showing the recommended sizes of garbage disposals based on that number; Let’s see what size disposals are best for your home:

How many people can use 1/2 HP disposal?

1/2 HP disposals are best suitable for homes with 1-3 people who cook frequently. Occasionally, if you happen to have a few more visitors, just make sure you don’t cram everything down the disposal, just add them in small batches.

Are all garbage disposals interchangeable?

No, just because they are all made to fit a 3.5-inch sinkhole doesn’t mean they are interchangeable.

How tall should a garbage disposal be?

Some garbage disposals can be up to 18 inches in height. It is also recommended to leave 4 to 5 inches of space under the disposal. But if you are using a farmhouse sink or similar there won’t be enough space under the countertop to accommodate a tall garbage disposal.

Why use 3/4 HP disposal over 1/2 HP?

Many people choose a 3/4 HP disposal over a 1/2 HP one because price-wise the difference is not that huge, and also, they get more grinding power.

What is the most powerful disposal?

1 HP disposals are the most powerful ones used in households. Anything above that is used for commercial uses.

Do low powered garbage disposals jam?

Low powered garbage disposals are likely to jam more than their powerful counterparts. They also do not have any noise insulation. So if you are looking for a quiet and smooth running garbage disposal you will have to choose one of the premium models.

What HP is a disposal?

In the 1.25 to 1.75 HP range, you're usually getting a disposal with multiple grinding stages that can handle bones or even fruit pits. Many of these disposals will also have silencing technology or some kind of noise suppression, just because their motors do tend to be a bit louder.

How many HP does a Kuppet garbage disposal have?

The Kuppet is one of the higher-rated garbage disposals at 1.5 HP.

How to measure garbage disposal strength?

The strength of a garbage disposal is measured primarily by its horsepower rating (usually abbreviated HP). Other numbers like the motor's RPM can also come into play, but most of what you would assume about a garbage disposal's grinding power can be linked to that HP number.

What is a L-111 garbage disposal?

The L-111 by Waste King is a 1/3 HP garbage disposal.

Is a more powerful motor worth it?

While they do tend to be a bit more expensive, we've found that the extra power is worth the investment, even if you do live in a smaller home with a less frequently used kitchen. A more powerful motor means less clogs and and an easier time disposing of the food waste you do make, small though it may be.

Types of Disposals: Continuous Feed vs. Batch Feed Garbage Disposals

Garbage disposals come in two feed types: batch feed and continuous feed.

What Horsepower Garbage Disposal Do I Need?

Garbage disposal motors come in varying horsepower (HP) ratings, anywhere from 1/3 HP to 1 HP or even higher. If you plan to use your disposal often or have a large household, opt for a model with more power.

Garbage Disposal Features and Accessories to Consider

Sink-Top Switches: Sold separately, this alternative to a wall switch operates using air pressure and can be installed with a continuous-feed garbage disposal. An ideal switch solution for kitchen islands, it prevents you from having to hardwire to a wall switch.

Are Garbage Disposals Safe for Septic Systems?

There are disposals specifically designed for homes with a septic tank. During use, these models spray an enzyme to help further break down food waste as it enters your septic system.

What Is the Right Size Garbage Disposal for Me?

When deciding on the right size garbage disposal, you need to ask yourself three questions:

How Do I Take Proper Care of My Garbage Disposal?

Whether you are using an economical 1/3 HP or an industrial-grade 1.0 HP disposal, treat your units with care. It is vital that you read and follow all manufacturer cautions and guidelines before using your unit. Although the larger HP motors handle more intense grinding jobs than the smaller ones, even they can be subject to overfeeding and may wear out sooner if put under regular extreme abuse. Furthermore, follow safety precautions, especially if using a continuous feed disposal.

Why do we need a garbage disposal?

If you have ever lived in a house without a garbage disposal or dealt with a disposal that is out of commission, you know how much of an inconvenience that can cause – especially if you are used to using one. High-quality garbage disposals not only make kitchen clean-up easier, but they also help the environment. Less food waste ends up in landfills and you aren’t left with nasty-smelling decomposing food which also emits greenhouse gases into the air. If you are looking to install a garbage disposal and make your life that much easier, there are some important guidelines to consider when deciding on the right one.

What to do once you have decided on the right disposal size?

Once you have decided on the right size disposal, it is recommended that you thoroughly research any unit you are considering for purchase, make comparisons, and read consumer reviews.

What is the most popular type of disposal?

Continuous feed – This is the most popular type of disposal in the US because of its convenience and easy maintenance. This unit turns on at the flip of a switch or push of a button and keeps running until you switch it off.

Does food waste end up in landfills?

Less food waste ends up in landfills and you aren’t left with nasty-smelling decomposing food which also emits greenhouse gases into the air. If you are looking to install a garbage disposal and make your life that much easier, there are some important guidelines to consider when deciding on the right one.

Is a motor power a weak power?

This motor power is the smallest and weakest power available. While this can suffice in small apartments or houses with tiny spaces, it is not recommended for frequent use for long periods of time. It is ideal as a temporary solution or for a household of 1 or 2 people who rarely use it.

What is the best size garbage disposal?

The higher the horsepower, the more powerful—and expensive—the unit. One-half horsepower (HP) is the minimum recommended size for most households and ¾ horsepower is even better for the average kitchen. Why? With the extra horsepower, you’ll be able to toss scraps like potato peels that might jam up a weaker unit.

How long is the warranty on a garbage disposal?

The unit it also easy to install thanks to its Quick Lock mounting system. Should you encounter any issues, the garbage disposal also comes with a 6-year warranty that covers repairs or a full replacement if necessary.

How long is the InsinkErator warranty?

If anything should go wrong, the model comes with an impressive 8-year “We Come to You” In-Home Service Warranty. If you're shopping for a disposal that's safe to use with a septic tank, InSinkErator also notes that this one is a top choice.

What can you grind with a melon disposal?

Serious at-home chefs will appreciate this high-power disposal which can grind corn husks, bones, melon rinds, and more.

How much horsepower does a melon peel grinder have?

Of course, there's more to this model than just its low volume. You also get a lot of strength to grind everything from melon peels to chicken bones with a full 1 horsepower and a jam-sensor circuit that increases motor torque 500 percent with continuous feed operation. Lastly it has alloy stainless steel grind components, a 40-ounce chamber, and a leak guard liner.

Why does my garbage disposal smell?

Some food debris can accumulate in the disposal and cause the sink to have an unpleasant odor, especially if you use it frequently. Letting cold water run through the sink before, during, and after using the disposal can help prevent food buildup.

What happens if you put too much food in a disposal?

Clogs can happen if you place too much food into a disposal or don' t let enough water run to clear the system . Luckily, they're pretty easy to clear yourself.

How big is a 1/3 HP disposal?

While size varies widely by brand, the smallest 1/3 HP disposals range from 6 to 7 inches in diameter and 9 to 12 inches in height. By contrast, a 1 HP disposal can be up to 13 inches in diameter and 18 inches in height.

How much water does a garbage disposal use?

On average, you’ll use 2 to 3 gallons of water per minute of disposal use. If you use your disposal twice a day, running it half a minute each time, you will use approximately 850 to 950 additional gallons of water per year.

Why is the bottom of the garbage disposal perforated?

The bottom of the grinding chamber is perforated to allow pulverized food bits to flow out of the chamber and down the drainpipe. A continuous feed garbage disposal runs continuously, allowing you to turn it on and put food waste in gradually while it’s operating.

What is a garbage disposal?

Garbage disposals are not only great for post-meal cleanup, but they also reduce the amount of leftover food in the trash can, which cuts down on odors.

What happens when you put too much food in a garbage disposal?

Anti-jamming: When too much food is packed into a disposal, the grinding blades can jam. Turning off the switch, removing the stuck food manually, then pressing the reset button will usually fix the problem. Some newer disposals come with an anti-jamming feature that can detect a jam and automatically reverse the blades, which will often dislodge the jam.

How much water does a septic tank use?

Typically, larger tanks are more suitable for use with a disposal. On average, you’ll use 2 to 3 gallons of water per minute of disposal use.

Where is the InsinkErator garbage disposal made?

The InSinkErator 3/4 HP garbage disposal stands out for safety and quiet operation. Made in the USA and featuring its LeakGuard liner for added durability, this unit also includes a sink top switch for convenience.

Can you put rice down the disposal?

Don’t put flour, pasta, rice, and potato or vegetable peels down your disposal. These kinds of foods bind together and clog your pipes.

Do you need a garbage disposal?

We do not recommend using garbage disposals unless the only thing that goes through them is debris from your dirty dishes. You might be wondering, “Should I get a garbage disposal?” Well, we’re here to break down the answer.

Can you pour grease down a garbage disposal?

These items will not grind properly and will get wedged in between the blades. Never pour hot grease down your garbage disposal. When the oil cools, it solidifies and clogs your kitchen drain. Your best approach is to let the grease cool and throw it into your garbage can.

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