There are a few things to consider when purchasing a garbage disposal device for the first time. It is crucial to look at the fundamentals to make the ideal choice if you are uncertain about this appliance in general. But first, you should be aware that there are two different kinds of garbage disposal. One of them is the batch feed garbage disposal.
How Does a Batch-Feed Garbage Disposal Work?
It is difficult to understand how a batch feed garbage disposal works without having some knowledge of continuous feed garbage disposal. Most homes have continuous-feed disposals since they are far more common. You turn on a switch to start it, then add food scraps while it grinds (while cold water is flowing). This switch is frequently hardwired into the wall above the sink.
If you want to learn more on how continuous garbage works, check our article on What is a Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal?
However, as the name suggests, batch feed garbage disposal shreds food scraps in batches.
The food waste is treated in batches of 3 to 5 cups for batch feed disposals. The chamber is initially filled with food waste; after it is full, the disposal’s opening is covered with a stopper. The stopper must be turned and pressed down to turn the device on. Once the grinding is finished, the stopper is lifted, and the disposer comes to a stop. If additional waste is on the ground, you will have to repeat the process.
This type of disposal is ideal for old homes where rewiring the electricity and fixing a switch in the wall is difficult. Even though they do meet demand, there aren’t many options for batch-feed garbage disposals.
The category only accounts for a very small portion of the market; in contrast to the numerous continuous-feed options, each company typically only provides one or two batch-feed models. Additionally, you are paying more for the power because batch-feed devices often have higher horsepower levels.
The Pros
Safety
The advantage of having a magnetic cover is that the drain remains closed during operation, which reduces the risk of a foreign object falling into the disposal, such as a piece of cutlery or jewelry.
Additionally, hands cannot enter, and food waste cannot fly out. Children, or anybody else, are not in danger of harm because batch-feed models only function when the stopper is correctly positioned, and nothing can enter while they are in operation.
Suitable for the kitchen island
If your sink is on the kitchen island, it generally doesn’t have an electrical wall switch linked up. You may save much money by installing a batch-feed type rather than engaging an electrician to connect a switch. This also prevents you from drilling holes through your lovely counter to install a countertop switch.
Easy Installation
The appliance may be hardwired to a junction box or plugged into an under-the-sink outlet, which saves time and money because you don’t need to wire it to a wall switch. All other installation procedures are the same as for continuous-feed versions.
Quiet Operation
The cover reduces the noise generated by the drain’s grinding. Since batch-feed versions are regarded as more expensive garbage disposals, they frequently have more sound insulation.
Fantastic performance
Because food waste must be ground in batches, this disposal comes at the top capacity. Most batch feed disposals are either 3/4 or 1 horsepower. As a result, they perform at their optimum level. You will rarely experience jams or clogs.
Consumption of Water
Running water while the disposal is running is not required for a batch feed disposal. This results in less water waste because it doesn’t necessitate a continuous water supply. Regardless of what you’re grinding, all you need to do is rinse the disposal when you’re done with the task.
The Cons
More Expensive
The more powerful batch-feed variants tend to be more expensive than the 1/3-hp and 1/2-hp continuous-feed ones since they only exist in greater horsepower. Since there is just one batch-feed model available for most brands, manufacturers designed it with 3/4-hp since that power level fits practically all users’ demands. Due to the additional parts that go into the stopper, they also tend to cost a little bit more than continuous-feed variants.
Time-consuming
Food trash disposal must be done in stages, so the more garbage you have, the longer it will take to finish. Particularly for those with big families, this can become a tedious process.
Potentially inconvenient
The batch-feed disposal won’t operate if the lid is lost or damaged. The cost for replacement covers ranges from $30 to $40. Also, since it does not grind continuously, you must monitor the appliance to know when it stops before adding more batches.
Higher risk of clogs
With batch-feed disposal, you’re processing a significant quantity of food all at once, so you must be careful not to overwhelm the hopper. And you might need to be a little bit more cautious if you have older pipes that are more restricted.
It takes up More Space
Batch-feed garbage disposals have longer necks to fit the hopper you load with food waste. A few additional inches of vertical room beneath your cabinet may be required. To keep your cleaning materials, you should anticipate 10 to 12 inches of clearance because the models are typically between 14 and 16 inches tall.
Less Variety of Models
Unlike continuous-feed garbage disposals, batch-feed garbage disposals do not give you plenty of options. Most manufacturers produce only one or two models for the batch feed type of disposal since their demand is not as high as the continuous feed models. So, when buying batch feed, you may be left with the option of buying disposal of the same size, shape, and price.
How to Use a Batch Feed Garbage Disposal
- Scrape food trash into the grinder chamber after removing the stopper. Food scraps should not be stuffed into the grinding chamber.
- Reinstall the stopper in the sink opening. To start the disposal, move the stopper to the left or right.
- Turn the handle to the right or left to stop the garbage disposal.
Maintenance Tips for Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals
- Avoid overloading the disposal. Always measure the food scraps in cups, batch after batch.
- Ensure the disposal stays covered at all times. Foreign objects may fall into it, and the appliance will not work if the cover is missing.
- When possible, save food scraps for the compost pile. It’s useful in the garden and can help the disposal last longer.
- Do not leave food in the garbage disposal for extended periods of time. The food will produce unpleasant odors and may corrode the canister.
FAQs
Which Batch Feed Garbage Disposal Is the Quietest?
InSinkErator Evolution Essential is the quietest batch feed disposal. It employs a technique known as SoundSeal, which prevents the bulk of the sound from escaping. This is accomplished by providing more insulation around the motor and eliminating vibrations in any of the disposal components. This is critical since even minor vibrations can cause noise because they are all made of metal.
Is it necessary to hire a plumber to install a batch feed trash disposal?
Replacing a current unit with a new one is a simple procedure for a decently capable DIYer. Watch this useful video instruction from Home Depot.
Installing a batch feed garbage disposal in a spot where there was previously none requires both plumbing and electrical expertise. Only do this if you are highly experienced; otherwise, we recommend hiring an expert.
