Start with how you use it
A household that scrapes a few plates a day needs less than one that cooks from scratch for a big family. Disposals are sold in a range of motor sizes, commonly from about one-third to one horsepower. Larger motors tend to handle tougher scraps and jam less, but they are usually bigger, heavier and pricier.
Noise is the other everyday factor. Units with more insulation and anti-vibration mounts tend to be quieter, which matters in open kitchens where the disposal is a few feet from the living room.
Continuous feed or batch feed
Continuous feed
- Runs from a wall switch or air switch
- Food can be added while it runs
- Most common style
- Needs care to keep hands and utensils out
Batch feed
- Runs only when a stopper cover is in place
- Grinds one load at a time
- No wall switch needed
- Some households prefer it for safety
Measure and note before you buy
- Height from the bottom of the sink to the trap arm in the wall, so the new drain outlet lines up.
- Clear space under the sink, including pipes, water filters and storage.
- Whether a dishwasher drains into the disposal.
- How the old unit gets power: plug and outlet, or hardwired.
- Whether you have a wall switch or a countertop air switch.
- Sink material and thickness, which affects the flange fit.
Features and what they mean
| Feature | What it does | Worth asking |
|---|---|---|
| Motor size | More power for tougher scraps | Will a larger unit fit and line up with my drain? |
| Sound insulation | Reduces noise and vibration | How much quieter is it than my current unit? |
| Grinding stages | Some units grind in more than one stage | Is that useful for how I cook? |
| Power cord | Some units are sold without one | Is a cord included, or do I need one? |
| Mount type | Determines how the unit locks to the sink | Can my existing mount be reused? |
What drives the installed cost
The unit itself is only part of it. A new flange, a power cord if one is not included, drain adjustments to match a different outlet height, and any electrical work all add up. If the kitchen line downstream is old or slow, a plumber may suggest dealing with it at the same time. Ask for a written price that separates the unit from the labor and parts.
Questions to ask before buying
- Will this unit fit my cabinet and line up with my drain?
- Can you install a unit I buy, and does that change anything?
- Will the dishwasher connection and knockout plug be handled?
- Is any electrical work needed for this model?
Common questions
Is a bigger motor always better?
Not always. A larger motor can grind more, but it has to fit the space and the drain. Match it to how you actually cook.
Do batch-feed disposals need a switch?
No. They start when the stopper cover is placed and turned, so no wall switch is needed.
Can I buy the disposal and have a plumber install it?
Many plumbers will, but ask first, and ask how that affects anything they offer on their labor.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.