Garbage Disposal – How To Choose The Right One For Your Business

Restaurants and large kitchens may find using a garbage disposal unit particularly helpful for processing their food waste. Although more common in the US, more and more UK businesses are looking into their kitchen waste disposal options.

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Garbage disposal

Whether your garbage disposal is on its last legs or you’re just in the market for a new one, knowing how to choose the right size and type of unit can be confusing: There are a lot of factors to consider, from horsepower and material to installation requirements.

We’re here to help. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, follow these tips when shopping around for a new trash disposal.

How do I know if I need a new garbage disposal?

There are a few major issues you can look for when deciding whether to upgrade from your current disposal.

• Noisiness: If your disposal is making more noise than usual, it might be time for replacement: If you find yourself running it only when clients are away, that’s a sign something isn’t working properly.
• Leaking: If water starts leaking from the bottom of your sink, it could be due to an issue with your garbage disposal. Check for seals that have broken or cracks on the outside of the shell.
• Reduced grinding efficiency: If you notice that not all food gets ground up when you turn on your disposal, and that there are large chunks left behind in the sink, your unit might be due for a replacement.

If these problems are impacting your ability to provide exceptional services, it’s time to start shopping for an alternative.

How do I choose the right size?

The first step is to measure the opening in your sink where the drain will be installed. This measurement should be taken with a ruler from one side of the opening to another, including any overhang on either side (so it’s important not to take measurements at an angle).

Write down this measurement and refer to it as you move forward with your search—you don’t want to end up with a garbage disposal that’s too small or big for your sink!

How much horsepower should my garbage disposal have?

Horsepower, or HP, refers to a physical measurement of work output. Essentially, this means that tools with a high HP will take less time to complete a certain operation compared to one with less HP.

As you can expect, a higher-horsepower disposal will take up more food waste and cut through it faster than one with a lower rating. But that doesn’t mean everyone needs the strongest option on the market.

There are a few common horsepower ratings you’ll find when shopping for garbage disposals. Here’s how they stack up against each other:

• 1/3 horsepower: Economical but weak. Best suited for temporary use.
• 1/2 horsepower: Good enough for average home use. Often small and can be placed in cramped spaces.
• 3/4 horsepower: Great all-around disposals perfect for larger families. Quieter, faster, and longer lasting.
• 1 horsepower: Excellent disposals for more rigorous use. Commonly used for businesses and offices.
• 1 1/4+ horsepower: Costly, but incredibly effective disposals found in restaurant kitchens and homes with many residents.

Which material should I choose?

When looking for a garbage disposal, you always want to prioritize those made with stainless steel. These are usually of much better quality and are more durable. As such, they will also last longer and require less repairs, which will save you money over time. 

Of course, there are other materials that can be used to make a disposal. Galvanized steel is another common choice, but it doesn’t have the same level of durability as stainless steel does.

How much will a new garbage disposal cost?

The cost of a trash disposal varies widely based on its material, horsepower, size, and features. A basic model will set you back about £100 whereas more advanced disposals can cost well over £400.

If you’re repairing an existing unit instead of replacing it, you can expect to pay anywhere from £50 to £250 depending on the extent of the damage.

You can explore food waste disposal units here.

What are other features I should look for?

Most garbage disposals have additional features that can help you nail down the best choice from the bunch. Look out for the following as you review these details:

• Brand: The brand of your garbage disposal is an important factor to consider. While most major brands offer high-quality products, there are some that may not be up to par with your expectations. If you don’t want to waste time and money on a product that won’t last or has problematic customer service, it’s best to stick with well-known brands that you know won’t let you down.

• Noise level: This might be one of the main reasons why you want to buy a new trash disposal unit in the first place! Disposals make noise when they’re running—that’s just how they work—but if your restaurant’s visitors will be seated close to the kitchen, you don’t want something that’ll disturb their experience. Fortunately, many current models are built with “quiet technology” to prevent this issue, which is something you might want to search for specifically.

• Warranty: The warranty for a new garbage disposal unit can vary, depending on the manufacturer and model you choose. Some offer lifetime warranties, covering defects in materials or workmanship that occur during the life of the product; others only include coverage for a period of one to five years. It’s important to read through these details carefully before making your purchase so that you know exactly what your rights are as an owner.

Why hire help for my waste management needs?

Though it’s a crucial appliance for many reasons, garbage disposals are only one part of your overall waste management process.

To keep your business safe from the dangers of improper waste disposal, you’ll need an experienced partner like WasteManaged who can optimize your process and help you focus on improving your service quality.  

Oh, and don’t worry about letting budget restrictions get in the way of a clean establishment: Our waste experts will always give you the fairest price for your needs, guaranteed.

Ready to get started? Request your free quote today!