Buying a garbage disposal soon? One of your questions must be, “What size garbage disposal do I need?” The answer depends on things like your household size and your under-sink measurements. This guide, courtesy of Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair, has everything you need to know to help you find the perfect garbage disposal for your home.
Related Article: How to Fix Garbage Disposal: Common Issues and Effective Solutions
Let’s get started!
Pre-Buy Checklist for Garbage Disposals
1. How Many People Are in Your Home?
A household of one or two people won’t bring about nearly as much food waste as a bigger household size—say, a family of five. More people means more meals, which means more food scraps going down the drain pipe. If you have a big family or frequently have guests over, the right garbage disposal for you would be one with a higher volume capacity.
2. How Often Do You Cook?
Do you cook frequently with fresh ingredients? Or is your idea of a meal prep reheating takeout? Homeowners who don’t cook much will do alright with the average garbage disposal. But if you’re constantly chopping veggies and cooking homemade meals, you’ll benefit more from a stronger disposal with more horsepower.
3. What Kind of Food Scraps Do You Toss?
Some foods like fibrous vegetables (e.g., celery, corn husks, and potato peels) are considered tougher waste and therefore give disposals a harder time during the grinding stage. So if you usually cook foods that produce these kinds of tough food debris, you’ll need a higher-powered unit that won’t jam up as easily (more on this below).
4. What’s Your Plumbing Like?
Your home’s plumbing can give you an idea of what disposal unit will work best. For instance, if your pipes are older or tend to clog up a lot, you should buy a disposal that grinds food into finer particles.
Additionally, if you have a septic tank, you’ll need a specific model that’s safe to use with it. The best way to go about this is to check with your local septic system inspector to find out if it’s safe for you to install a garbage disposal. Depending on their findings, you might need to size up your tank or have it pumped more frequently.
5. How Much Free Space Do You Have Under Your Sink?
Check your kitchen sink cabinet space to make sure your chosen garbage disposal unit can fit. It will have to attach right under the sink opening, so double-check if there’s enough space. Generally speaking, garbage disposal units are around 10-15 inches tall, 5-9 inches wide, and 6-13 inches deep. But remember that high-powered units are bigger and bulkier than basic ones.
To make sure your unit will actually fit, grab a measuring tape and take note of the height, width, and depth under your sink. Compare it to the size of the unit you’re thinking of buying, and only once you’re sure it fits should you go ahead with the purchase.
Types of Garbage Disposal Units
Continuous Feed Disposals
This is the most common type and is found in most households. It runs as long as the power switch is on, meaning you can keep adding food waste through the sink drain opening. This can be especially convenient if you like to work quickly while cooking because this type of disposal doesn’t require you to actively operate it.
However, this type is considered slightly risky. Since it runs continuously, accidents are more likely if you’re not careful. It can also waste more water if you’re not mindful about the faucet while it’s in use.
Batch Feed Disposals
In contrast, a batch feed disposal only runs when the stopper is in place, meaning you can’t just throw in food scraps while it’s running. Instead, you load a set amount of time into the chamber, insert the stopper, and then turn it on. The stopper lowers the chances of unintended objects accidentally falling into the grinding chamber. Additionally, it’s more efficient with water use since you’re disposing of waste in batches instead of continuously.
The downside is that it can be less convenient as you have to wait until you have a full “batch” of scraps before you can run it. This type also has fewer model variations to choose from compared to continuous feed units.
How Much Horsepower Is Ideal for Your Household? Let’s Talk About Garbage Disposal Sizes by HP
The power of a garbage disposal is measured in horsepower (HP). The higher the horsepower, the stronger the unit, which means it can handle tougher food scraps without jamming or clogging. Your options are:
1/3 Horsepower
Best for single-person households or people who barely cook. 1/3 HP disposals struggle with tougher food waste and are more likely to jam compared to other units. Typically, these units also have cheap internal components which tend to rust easily. We recommend this if you’re on a tight budget (it costs less than $100) and produce little food waste on a daily basis.
1/2 Horsepower
Works well for small households (1-3 people) with light to moderate food waste. This is the minimal HP recommended for most homes, with the price somewhere around $100. Smaller in size, they’re better suited for tighter homes. This model can handle soft food scraps easily but may jam on tougher waste. The technique is to run a lot of water to make the process easier for the machine.
3/4 Horsepower
This one is best for medium-sized households (3-5 people) who cook regularly. It can grind most food scraps including vegetable peels and small bones. Additionally, it’s more resilient, quieter, and less likely to jam during use. All in all, it’s a great middle-ground option for most homeowners. Note that these units tend to be larger and cost around $200.
1 Horsepower and Above
As the most powerful garbage disposal motors, these units can handle any food waste including bones, fibrous vegetables, coffee grounds, and dense scraps. It would make the most sense to use these units for large households (5+ people) where garbage disposal use is more demanding. Due to their better insulation, they’re usually quieter They also use high-quality stainless steel components which means the appliance can last many years. Note that they’re also larger in size and their prices are somewhere between $150 and $300.
How to Choose the Right Size and HP for Your Kitchen
| Live alone and barely cook | 1/2 HP |
| Small family, light cooking | 3/4 HP |
| Cook daily/have 4+ people | 1 HP |
| Commercial kitchen or need max power | 1.5 HP |
Garbage Disposal Features Worth Considering
Modern garbage disposals come with extra features that can improve their performance, reduce noise, and prevent clogs during usage.
- Noise reduction: Some models are designed with insulation and mounts that reduce excess vibration during the grinding process.
- Power cord: Depending on the specific unit or model, your new garbage disposal may or may not come with a power cord. You can get a power cord for about $15 or simply reuse your old disposal unit’s cord.
- Stainless steel blades: These stay sharper longer and are more rust-resistant than cheaper metal blade alternatives.
- Auto-reverse function: This function clears stuck food particles by reversing the blade direction when jams happen.
- Septic-safe models: If your home uses a septic system, look for a disposal designed specifically for septic systems to avoid plumbing issues.
- Multiple grind stages: The most basic disposal models have only one grind stage, but there are some that have multiple grind stages. This makes it possible to grind food waste into smaller particles and fully pulverize corn cobs and bones.
Best Garbage Disposal Brands in Oklahoma
Consider these brands as you look for a new garbage disposal to add to your kitchen:
- InkSinkErator: One of the most trusted brands in garbage disposals. They offer budget-friendly models (Badger Series) and high-end models (Evolution Series).
- Waste King: This brand is known for high-speed motors and long warranties. Their Legend Series is a popular choice for sturdiness and power.
- Moen: Produces quiet, compact, and high-performing units. The GX Pro Series is great for homeowners who want a reliable, mid-range disposal
Keep Your Garbage Disposal in Top Shape
Choosing the right disposal is important, but keeping it functioning at its best is how your investment really pays off. If you’re in Oklahoma City or surrounding areas and you need garbage disposal repair due to things like a faulty installation process or a compromised electrical system, Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair would be happy to bring our excellent service to you.
Visit our website for more details regarding our services or call us at (405) 622-5961.
