Batch Feed vs Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal

When you are shopping for a garbage disposal unit for the first time, then there is a few things you have to consider. And if you are confused about this appliance overall, it is important to take a look at the basics to come up with the best decision. But before anything else, you should first know that there are 2 types of garbage disposers—the batch feed and continuous feed. Now, it is very important to know exactly which of these models would fit your requirements. You will have a very good idea by assessing their pros and cons.

Batch Feed Garbage Disposal

As the name implies, a batch feed garbage disposer will grind up waste in batches.

Pros

  • This unit comes with a stopper or cover, which means that you will not be left with a gaping hole for foreign bodies to fall into.
  • If you only want to get rid of only a small amount of waste, this is probably the best option of a disposer to you.
  • A batch feed disposer is much safer than its counterpart, as it requires you to fill its chamber and cover the hole before powering it on, eliminating the problem with jams if accidentally something is dropped into the unit that should not be there.

Cons

  • If you got larger amounts of waste in your household, then it will take you longer to get rid of it.
  • It might be tempting to fill the chamber with waste and save grinding until you will have spare time, but this can lead to potential health hazards because food will start to rot. This will attract unwanted insects and bacteria.

Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal

A continuous feed garbage disposer is designed to continue to run from the time it is switched on.

Pros

  • If you need to grind up a large amount of waste at home, this type of garbage disposer is possibly your best option. The reason for this is that you do not have to wait until its chamber is full before it will start to power up.
  • If you like to keep your kitchen tidy while you prepare food, you can just throw cooking waste into this disposal unit as you work.
  • This type of garbage disposal unit is usually cheaper than its counterpart, the batch feed model, which is why you often see more of it than the latter.

Cons

  • Safety can be an issue with a continuous feed garbage disposer, as its motor would continue to run as you put waste down the sink, which risks having unfortunate accidents with your fingers.
  • Another issue, though slight, is the water usage. As you can see, manufacturers recommend running cold water when using this model, otherwise you will see a significant increase of your bills.
  • All in all, the most important factors to consider when deciding which of these 2 types of garbage disposal unit you should choose are amount of waste, safety, and money. Now, it is up to you to decide which is best for you.
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