Pros & Cons of the Two Types of Garbage Disposals
There are two main types of garbage disposals to choose from when purchasing a new one. They both do the same job, but each have distinct differences that you may want to consider when installing a new garbage disposal.
The Two Types
The first type of garbage disposals are continuous feed, it is the most common type of garbage disposal. Continuous feed has an open mouth, switch operated design.
The second type of garbage disposals are batch feed, it is not as common as the continuous feed. This type requires a magnetic lid to be put on in order to operate it.
Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
The pros of the continuous feed are that it tends to be a lot easier to use, as you can continuously add in more food and scraps as it works. The continuous feed type uses an external switch, which can activate at any time.
Continuous feed types starting prices tend to be cheaper than their counterparts. They are compact so they take up a lot less space under the sink. Continuous types require a lot less maintenance to keep them running efficiently.
The main con of the continuous feed type is the noise. Since they feature an open mouth design there is not much to muffle the sound. Along with that design, they do lack the safety features of the batch feed type. Someone can turn on even if someone has their hands or fingers inside of it. This might not be ideal if you have children in the house.
Batch Feed Garbage Disposals
The main pro of the batch feed garbage disposal is the safety of it. In order to start a batch feed disposal you have to put a magnetic lid on it. The magnets in the lid operate the switch to start it up. Batch feed lids will protect against hands or fingers being caught in it. The lid also helps dampen the sound of the garbage disposal making it a lot quieter. Water usage also tends to be less due to the lid, it doesn’t need continuous water to run properly.
If your home doesn’t have a garbage disposal system, they can be a lot easier to install. They have a bigger motor, which means they are larger and take up more space under the sink. The larger motor does mean that they are a lot more powerful than the continuous model. This also makes them more expensive on average.
Even though it is larger, you have to put food and scraps in the system in small batches. This can make it a lot more time consuming than the continuous model. If you tend to put a lot of scraps in your garbage disposal this may be an important factor in your decision.
Final Thoughts
The type of garbage disposal you choose may vary on a lot of factors. If you have young children who love to help in the kitchen, a batch disposal system might be best. If you use your garbage disposal a lot a continuous system might be a lot more efficient for you.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you’d like help installing your new garbage disposal. We will immediately handle any emergency plumbing, drain, and water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines
