There are two types of in-sink garbage disposals available on the market today, which include the batch feed and the continuous feed. Dependent on an individual’s personal preference, waste types that are the most disposed, and the frequency on how the disposal system will be used will be the deciding factor on the best type of disposal system.
Continuous Feed Disposals
One of the more popular garbage disposals that are found in most homes is the continuous feed. Continuous disposals mean that waste such as food particles can be added into the disposal even while it’s running. These disposals are turned on using a switch that will complete an electric-circuit and bring about the power to the continuous feed disposal. It is recommended to run water while this disposal is in operation.
When the waste disposal is in operation, food waste can be placed into the disposal, where it will be ground up into small particles and then directed into the septic system (Click for more Septic Garbage Disposals ). With this system type, you are able to chop up food particles simultaneously while this system is in running mode. However, continuous feed disposals do use a lot more electricity in this way. If you would like to save on your electricity bill, you can choose to run your disposal only once you have finished placing all the waste into the disposal.
Here is the best continuous feed food waste disposer designed for homes with septic systems. You can check it below:
InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist 3/4 HP Continuous-feed Garbage Disposal
And more continuous feed garbage disposers, you can see at:
Top-selling Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals On the Market
- The Top Selling is Waste King L-8000 Legend Series 1.0-HP Garbage Disposal
Stainless steel swivel impellers reduce jamming and a removable splash guard makes it easy to clean. The fast-and-easy mount system includes all the necessary hardware for hassle-free installation, including drain elbow and gasket.
- The Best Cheap Price is Waste King Legend Series L-111 1/3 HP Garbage Disposer
36-Inch Power Cord is Included Space Saving Compact Design.
Batch Feed Garbage Disposals
The batch feed garbage disposal works in a similar fashion to the continuous feed, excepting that this disposal is started using a cork-like special cover that is placed over the entrance of the disposal. This disposal system cannot be used to grind food particles while in operation. In most cases, individuals do not find that this makes any difference. If you happen to be disposing a large amount of waste at the same time, this type of system will take longer than the continuous feed disposal system.
In some cases, the batch feed garbage disposals can be confused with the food compactors, as both of these systems need to be closed so that they can operate. The other similarity of these two systems is that they both are able to compact waste into manageable sizes. If you have small space under the sink, there is a most compact disposer you can not miss: InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Household Garbage Disposer
However, the batch feed system is described as an in-sink type system that will grind up food particles before they pass into a septic system and then into water-treatment facilities. The difference with a compactor is that other items can be placed into the system such as cardboard, which cannot be put down the disposal, and the items such as waste from food cannot be placed into a compactor, particularly if it is left for more than a day or two.
The top rated batch feed disposal price under $180, check reviews below:
Waste King L-8000TC Legend Series 1 HP Batch Feed Operation Garbage Disposer
The next one is InSinkErator Cover Control Plus Evolution, Featuring the CoverStart Activation, the Evolution Cover Control Plus disposer offers an extra margin of assurance by running only when the cover is on the disposer and snapped in place.
Magnetic CoverStart activation means no wall switch is required. The robust, chrome-plated stopper holds back water when needed, and will only turn on the disposer when manually activated. This model has a top 94 sales and the price is under $250. Check it below:
InSinkErator Cover Control Plus Evolution 3/4 HP Household Garbage Disposer
More Insinkerator disposal model you can check Best Price InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Reviews & Guide.
Main Benefit of Batch Feed Garbage Disposal: Safety
The one drawback of the continuous garbage feed disposals would be that they are considered to be dangerous when compared to the batch feed types. These disposals do not have a cover as food particles are sent down, which can pose a threat to the hands or the fingers. It is always advised to never place your hands anywhere near the mouth part of the disposal when it is in operation. The system must always be off if you decide to retrieve an item or you would like to move the food waste around. You should use running water to direct the food that is near to the disposal as opposed to using your hands.
The main benefit of the batch feed garbage disposal would be their safety aspects. This system cannot function without a drain plug, which means it cannot activate when you reach your hand into the drain. Other benefits are that no items can accidentally fall into this disposer type when it is in operation mode.
Continuous Feed Vs. Batch Feed Garbage Disposal
These two have some differences and you need to learn the difference between the two to be in a position of knowing which is most suitable for your home.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a garbage disposal unit include the most common type of waste you dispose of and how often the disposal system will be used. Let’s see the batch feed vs continuous feed garbage disposal comparison:
Advantages of Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
Generally, a continuous feed garbage disposal is more popular compared to batch feed disposal. It includes these reasons:
- Continuous operation – You can add food wastes while the unit is still running meaning the cleanup time is fast and efficient.
- Easy to use – Easy in that you just place food wastes in the food disposer and turn on the unit. It grinds up and disposes of your food waste. The word continuous means that the device continues to run from the minute you switch the power on to the instant you turn it off.
- Minimal maintenance – A continuous feed disposal also requires less amount of maintenance and the process of cleaning it is very easy. It is recommended to run water while this device is in operation.
- Cost-effective – A continuous feed disposal unit is quite affordable and it comes with several grinding chambers that tend to reduce clogging in your home plumbing. Also, motors with different horsepower are offered depending on the sum of grinding power your home requires.
Disadvantages of Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
1. No power cord included – In most cases when purchasing continuous feed disposal, it comes without a power cord that will demand you to purchase one separately or do a hardwire to fix it.
2. A bit risker to use – Since it has an open feeder, it poses a risk of food waste coming out while the unit is in operation. Again, this opening is a risk to little kids who might put their hands into the unit’s opening and get hurt.
3. Consumes more water – The continuous feed disposal model poses risks as it is continuous; it tends to grind anything you put into it. It also consumes a lot of water while in operation, which may lead to higher water bills.
4. Consumes more energy – Due to its mode of operation, continuous feed disposal also consumes more energy, which may lead to higher electricity bills.
Advantages of Batch Feed Garbage Disposal
Batch feed garbage disposals are not all that popular, but they are efficient. Unlike continuous feed that is operated by just switching on a switch, a batch feed unit involves a few extra steps. It runs in batches, unlike a continuous model.
To switch it on, the unit has a cover, which covers the disposal entrance. You need to place the food waste into the disposal and turn on the switch so that the unit can start grinding the food. Its benefits include:
1. Safer to use – A batch disposal unit carries the day when it comes to safety since it contains a stopper that prevents any foreign object from falling inside the device. Small kids are not in a position to put their hands in the unit, unlike the continuous device.
2. Easier to install – Unlike continuous feed models, it is easier to install a batch feed garbage disposal and it comes with a power cord. Therefore, homeowners with basic plumbing and electrical skills can install the unit by themselves without having to hire installation services from a professional plumber.
Disadvantages of Batch Feed Garbage Disposal
1. More expensive – The batch feed garbage disposer is costlier than the continuous feed food disposal. However, some models in the market are affordable.
2. Takes up more space – It is larger and consumes a lot of space
Which Garbage Disposal is Most Suitable For Me?
To choose the right garbage disposal, consider the waste you are likely to dispose of often. It is better to choose the batch feed version if you need to dispose of non-food items in the unit. If you prefer garbage disposal with an on/off switch, it is better to choose the continuous feed version.
Conclusion
Garbage disposal units are useful. The two kinds of garbage disposal have their merits and demerits. We hope the comparison above has given you an idea of whether to choose a batch feed or continuous feed garbage disposal.
Read more disposal installing and choosing information below:
- Install Best Quiet Garbage Disposal Fit Your Sink Well
- Choose Best Garbage Disposal For Septic Systems
- Best Food Waste Disposal For Restaurant And Commercial Use
