Best Batch Feed Garbage Disposals

Batch Feed Type for the Safety Conscious

As noted, batch feed garbage disposals are the absolute best pick for homeowners interested in maintaining safety around their kitchen at all times. This is because batch feed models often require a “cap” to be placed over the operation end of the appliance before it will activate. Some units also use a specialized "key" to enable the blades, rather than a wall switch that can be accessed by adventurous young children.

Overall, batch feed garbage disposals are the best pick for safety-conscious parents, or anyone interested in preventing accidental activation of their fast-spinning grinder appliance.

Benefits of Batch Feed Disposals

Batch feed disposal units come with several significant advantages when compared to their continuous feed competitors. First and foremost, enhanced safety features stand out as a top reason to invest in a batch feed unit. With options for “capped” and “keyed” operation, you can always be sure that a batch feed disposal only turns on and grinds when your fingers are far from the operation end.

Though they include many of the same functional components, batch feed units tend to be notably quieter than their continuous feed competition. This is because you only need to turn these units on for a few seconds, rather than allowing them to whirl and grind continuously.

With the added features described above, you might expect a batch feed unit to come with a noticeably more expensive price tag. But as it turns out, these safety-enhanced units can be acquired and installed at price points comparable to continuous feed units. So, if you are shopping for a garbage disposal on a budget, you won't need to compromise essential features to find a bargain.

Choosing the Best Batch Feed Disposal Unit

Batch Feed Type

As this title suggests, these models are designed for grinding down food waste in batches (as opposed to a continuous stream of debris). While this can slow down the overall cleanup process slightly, this convenience is traded in for an improved set a safety features that make grinding down each batch as hazard-free as possible.

Material

As with any other kitchen appliance, choosing a disposal unit built from a durable material is essential to long-term reliability. When it comes to a garbage disposal unit, durable materials should be used both externally on the outer case and internally on the engine and blades.

Waste Volume

Before investing in a garbage disposal, be sure to consider the average amount of grindable waste that each member of your household produces. While many base-level models can handle waste from one to three people, families of four or more members should consider investing in a "family size" model that provides both more volume and grinding capacity overall.

Noise Level

Because of their core grinding action, garbage disposals of all types are bound to make some degree of extra noise. Depending on the orientation of your home and kitchen, you may consider picking up a model with a quieter operation to cut down on how much the activated disposal unit disturbs other folks in your home.

Motor Power (HP)

As with car engines, garbage disposal motors are evaluated for their base capability in horsepower. Generally speaking, a higher horsepower engine can spin a unit’s blades faster and with more force, allowing them to break up tougher materials more efficiently.

Grinding Capability (RPM)

This term refers to the total of a given unit's ability to complete its primary function, that is, grinding food waste. A garbage disposal’s grinding capability is often measured in rotations per minute (RPM), which specifically refers to how rapidly the internal blades move in order to crush up inserted food scraps.

Easy Installation

If you are intending to install your garbage disposal on your own (without a plumber’s help), you should consider investing in a disposal unit that has been rated for its easy installation. Easy-to-install units often minimize the number of specialized tools and materials needed to successfully attach a given disposal unit to your existing sink.

How to Use a Batch Feed Waste Disposer

While most waste disposal units are intuitive in their operation, batch feed models require a few extra steps to function correctly. If you’re a garbage disposal first-timer, use the following steps as guidance towards successfully operating your newly installed batch feed waste disposal unit:

Installation Guide

Installing a batch feed waste disposal unit can be challenging at first glance, especially for a DIY-er inexperienced in plumbing. While professional installation is always a prudent option, you can also opt for a hands-on installation using the user-friendly instructions in your unit's owner's manual.

While individual models will differ slightly, check out the following video for a step-by-step walkthrough of many of the major steps in the batch feed waste disposal installation process:

Cleaning & Maintenance

If you use your garbage disposal regularly, you know that it can pick up some unsavory smells after some time. As such, regular cleaning is essential to keeping your kitchen smelling fresh and clean. Consider some of these cleaning solutions to combat your garbage disposals smelly odors:

Similarly, several maintenance steps can be taken to decrease the risk of damaging your disposal unit, as well as reducing the chance for odor accumulation:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical batch feed garbage disposal last?

In general, most batch garbage disposals are designed to last from 8 to 15 years with regular maintenance. This lifespan can vary greatly depending on how much the main blades degrade, as they take the brunt of the wear and tear from hard-to-crush materials during regular operation.

What is the difference between batch feed and continuous feed?

Continuous feed garbage disposals operate with a switch, remaining in action so long as the switch is flipped to the on position. Batch feed garbage disposals often operate by key and require the placement of a disposal cover before the blades will engage. As such, batch fed disposal units are generally considered safer.

What kind of wastes should I put in garbage disposals?

Can I install these systems myself?

Depending on your previous plumbing experience, you may be able to install your new garbage disposal unit on your own. Consider following the installation instructions listed above and consulting your owner’s manual before starting such a DIY installation.

How much does a plumber charge to replace a garbage disposal?

Precise prices for garbage disposal installation or replacement will vary from plumber to plumber, generally based on their service and labor fees. However, you should expect to pay between $210 and $250 for this type of plumbing work, with additional costs added on if you purchase a garbage disposal through the same plumber.

Where is the best place to buy batch feed garbage disposal units?

While a local plumber or hardware store may offer some rebates on popular garbage disposal units, you can actually find the most affordable per-unit prices on Amazon. Because of their bulk shipping rates and special deals with top brands, you’ll be able to find some of the best performing models on Amazon at a fraction of their list price elsewhere.

Conclusion

In all, there’s a lot to know before you invest in a batch feed garbage disposal unit. But using the information in this guide, you’ll be able to judiciously pick a unit that fits both your needs and your budget.

If you’re still indecisive, though, you should defiantly select the InSinkErator Cover Control Plus Evolution. That model’s grinding capabilities are almost entirely unmatched, while its unique CoverStart activation method allows for enhanced safety during every use.