If we can be honest for a minute – it’s probably no secret that garbage disposals aren’t exactly the most glamorous of all your kitchen appliances. But there’s probably little doubt they’re amongst the most convenient! Buying a garbage disposal can sometimes be a little overwhelming so today, we’re going to talk about the process, things for you to think about and the like. 

Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind or be thinking about when it comes to purchasing a garbage disposal – let’s jump right in!

How long they last

Like any appliance – lifespan can vary based on how well they’re cared for. But believe it or not – disposals are pretty durable. In fact, it’s probably one of the most dependable appliances we service. Many disposals will say that they last 10 years or so – sometimes they can last up to 20. And it’s for that reason that we suggest you don’t cheap out – get a quality one because it’s one of the few appliances these days that you’ll really get your money’s worth. 

Be mindful of what they can handle

Certain disposals can handle any kind of food or waste – but we do recommend that you stay away from a few kinds of foods/things just to stay on the safe side. Oil and grease is a no brainer. That’ll clog up the drain. Clams, oyster shells, coffee grounds, plastic and the like can all dull blades and cause projectiles and trust us – you don’t want to deal with that. Eggshells, shellfish and coffee grounds can go down the drain, but not in excess as they take forever to break down and can end up clogging your drain.

If you’re catching our drift, here – it’s less about whether your disposal can handle it- and more about whether your drain can. 

Which kind of disposal should I buy?

This really depends on need. If you’re single or it’s you and a roommate – ⅓ to ½ horsepower is going to be more than enough. If you’ve got a family where a lot of food is going down the drain – then you’ll definitely want to look at investing in a larger size as they can grind faster and take on more capacity. The price difference is like $70 so trust us when we say it’s probably worth the extra pease of mind. 

The takeaways

We advise people to take the same care shopping for a disposal that they would with any other appliance – just without having to worry about looks. Just be careful when sizing a replacement and if you own a septic tank – be really mindful of what the disposal can handle. Other than that – it’s pretty straight-forward. 

We hope you found today’s blog helpful – if you need any other guidance, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you out however we can! Until then – good luck!