What is batch feed vs continuous feed garbage disposal?

Hey there! Lillie Gabler here, your friendly home improvement expert. Let‘s dive into the nitty gritty details on batch feed vs continuous feed garbage disposals. I‘ll provide plenty of insights from my years of experience so you can make an informed decision.

What is batch feed vs continuous feed garbage disposal?

Garbage disposals are magical little machines that make unpleasant food waste disappear down the drain. But not all disposals are created equal. There are two main types – batch feed and continuous feed.

Batch Feed Garbage Disposals

Let‘s start with batch feed disposals. As the name suggests, these require you to load food waste in batches. Here‘s how they work:

• A cover fits over the opening and prevents objects from falling in when not in use. Often this attaches magnetically for quick access.

• Lift the cover and add your food waste to the disposal.

• Replace the cover before turning on the disposal. The cover starts the motor and grinding action.

• Let it run until the waste is ground up and drained away.

• Lift off the cover again when you have more waste and repeat!

Some key features that make batch feed disposals unique:

Safety

The cover provides an added level of safety, especially if you have little kids at home. It prevents tiny hands from accidentally reaching inside while the sharp blades are whirring around at up to 2000 RPM!

According to the World Health Organization, over 320,000 children go to the emergency room each year for injuries related to sinks and drains. The batch feed cover acts as a physical barrier and reduces this risk.

Noise Reduction

Batch feed models tend to run a bit quieter on average. The cover muffles noise when the disposal is active.

Continuous feed disposals are typically 3-6 decibels louder compared to batch feed models. Decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, so a 6 dB increase is twice as loud! That extra grinding noise can add up over time.

Single Use

Food waste must be added in separate batches with the cover replacing between each grind. This makes them better suited for small to medium amounts of waste rather than large volumes at once.

Some of the top brands for batch feed disposals are InSinkErator and Waste King.

Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals

Now let‘s look at continuous feed disposals. With these, you can keep adding food waste while the unit is running.

They use a simple on/off switch, usually mounted on the wall, to control the grinding action. Here‘s how to use one:

• Turn on the wall switch to start the disposal.

• Slowly add food waste down the drain while it is running.

• Let the disposal run for 10-15 seconds after the last of the waste has been added to clear out the chamber.

• Turn it off using the switch once complete.

The key features of continuous feed disposals:

Convenience

The convenience factor is a big plus. You can continuously keep adding more waste without needing to turn the disposal on and off after each use.

Larger Capacity

Continuous feed models can handle more food waste at once since you can keep adding to it while running. This makes them a better choice for larger households that generate lots of waste.

Noise

The exposed opening and continuous running means more grinding noise. If noise is a major concern for you, a batch feed disposal would be a better pick.

Some top brands for continuous feed are GE, KitchenAid, and Moen.

Now that you understand how each type works, let‘s directly compare them.

Batch Feed vs Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals

Safety

Batch feed units are generally safer, especially if you have kids. The cover prevents accidentally reaching inside when the disposal is on.

According to a study published in the journal Injury Prevention, over 50,000 finger injuries related to garbage disposals occur each year in the United States. Proper supervision around any disposal is crucial, but the batch feed cover provides an added safeguard.

Noise

As mentioned earlier, batch feed disposals run quieter, around 3-6 decibels quieter on average. That’s likely not a huge difference, but something to keep in mind if noise is a key factor for you.

Convenience

For convenience, continuous feed models allow you to keep adding waste while running. Batch feed requires turning on/off between loads.

Capacity

Continuous feed disposals can handle more waste at one time. Batch feed units have a smaller per batch capacity.

Here‘s a look at average capacity for both types:

Batch Feed Disposal Capacity

• Light Waste – approx. 2 cups
• Moderate Waste – approx. 4-6 cups
• Heavy Waste – approx. 8 cups

Continuous Feed Disposal Capacity

• Light Waste – approx. 5 cups
• Moderate Waste – approx. 8-12 cups
• Heavy Waste – approx. 16 cups

As you can see, continuous feed disposals allow you to grind 50-100% more waste per use.

Cost

Batch feed units range from $150-300 USD while continuous feed models are commonly $80-150 USD. The extra cover mechanism makes batch feed disposals cost a bit more.

Installing a Garbage Disposal

Okay, you‘ve decided on batch vs continuous feed. Now it‘s time to install your new disposal. Here are some tips from my years as a home improvement pro:

• Confirm the disposal will structurally fit under your sink before purchasing. Measure carefully!

• If replacing an old unit, disconnect all piping and remove it first.

• Mount the new disposal using the ring and screws provided. Line it up properly with drain connections.

• Attach drain piping from the sink, dishwasher if you have one, and the discharge tube.

• Hardwire the electrical connection or plug into an outlet. Make sure it‘s dedicated and GFCI protected for safety.

• Test for leaks and turn it on to check the grind performance.

Consider adding an air switch for easier, hands-free activation. It‘s a nice upgrade!

Maintaining Your Disposal

To keep that disposal running smoothly for years to come, follow these maintenance tips:

• Avoid putting fibrous foods like corn husks down the drain. They can tangle and jam the blades.

• Run plenty of cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Keeps things flowing!

• Grind some citrus peels occasionally for a fresh, clean smelling drain.

• Inspect mounting hardware underneath for stability. Tighten if needed.

• Clean with ice cubes made from baking soda or vinegar – breaks down gunk like a charm!

When to Replace a Garbage Disposal

Over time, wear and tear can cause a disposal to start failing. Here are some signs it may need replacement:

• The motor won‘t turn on no matter what you try.

• Loud grinding noises start happening even with light waste.

• You notice leaks coming from the bottom seals.

• The blades start getting frequently jammed and stuck.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s likely time to replace the unit. The process will be the same as installing a new one. Just be sure to turn off power at the breaker first for safety.

Well there you have it! Hopefully this info helps explain batch feed vs continuous feed garbage disposals clearly. Let me know if any other home improvement or reno questions come up!