Choosing the Best Horsepower For Your Garbage Disposal

When it comes time to replace your old under-sink garbage disposal there are a number of things to consider. Not all disposals work the same way and it’s important to choose the right amount of horsepower for your needs. You’ll also want to consider factors like durability, noise levels, price, and brand reputation.

The first factor to consider is horsepower. 1/3 Horsepower is the starting point and typically the units with the lowest power. While they may seem like a bargain, we recommend avoiding low powered disposals. They are more prone to jamming and are often made from cheaper components that rust out more quickly. 

1/2 horsepower garbage disposals are the minimum recommended power for home disposal. They are affordable and small enough to fit in tighter spaces. If you don’t use disposal very often and don’t mind the higher noise levels of smaller disposal, a 1/2 horsepower unit may be a good option. If possible, choose disposal with stainless steel grinding components to increase the life of the unit. 

For most kitchens, a 3/4 horsepower disposal will work best. It will have plenty of power to handle all those holiday leftovers and can safely grind potato peels, celery and more with no problems. While they will require more space under the sink than lower power units, they will usually operate with much less noise.

If you do a lot of cooking and entertaining, consider a 1 horsepower disposal. It can handle just about anything you can put down it. With a larger chamber, most will have premium stainless steel components that make quick work of everything from chicken and fish bones to fruit rinds. While 1 horsepower units are top-of-the-line, they can be very large, so make sure you have the room under your sink.

Whatever size unit you decide to purchase, it’s important to always run a lot of water when grinding waste to ensure the waste does not build up inside the drain.

Have questions about selecting the right garbage disposal for your kitchen? Call Ostrom. We can help you choose the right disposal for your needs.