Are Insinkerator Waste Disposers Good? A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to disposing of food waste in the kitchen, using a waste disposer can be a convenient and hygienic solution. One of the leading brands in the market is Insinkerator. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Insinkerator waste disposers and answer the question,
“Are Insinkerator waste disposers good?”
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is an Insinkerator waste disposer?
- Benefits of using an Insinkerator waste disposer
- Types of Insinkerator waste disposers
- Continuous feed
- Batch feed
- Features of Insinkerator waste disposers
- Noise reduction technology
- MultiGrind technology
- Anti-jam technology
- Dura-Drive induction motor
- Stainless steel components
1. Introduction
Insinkerator has been a leading manufacturer of waste disposers for over 80 years. The company offers a range of models to suit different needs and budgets. In this article, we will discuss the features and benefits of Insinkerator waste disposers and whether they are a good investment for your kitchen.
2. What is an Insinkerator waste disposer?
An Insinkerator waste disposer is an appliance that is installed under the kitchen sink to grind food waste into small particles that can be easily flushed down the drain. The device is connected to the sink’s drain and operates with the help of an electric motor.
3. Benefits of using an Insinkerator waste disposer
Using an Insinkerator waste disposer has many benefits, including:
- Convenience: Food waste can be easily disposed of with the push of a button, eliminating the need for frequent trips to the outdoor garbage can.
- Hygiene: Food waste can attract pests and insects if left in the garbage can for too long. Using a waste disposer eliminates this problem.
- Environmentally friendly: By grinding food waste and flushing it down the drain, less organic waste ends up in landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the amount of waste that needs to be transported.
- Cost-effective: Over time, using a waste disposer can reduce the amount of garbage bags needed, which can lead to cost savings.
4. Types of Insinkerator waste disposers
Insinkerator offers two types of waste disposers: continuous feed and batch feed.
4.1 Continuous feed
Continuous feed disposers are the most common type of waste disposer. They operate continuously as long as the switch is turned on and can handle a large amount of food waste at once.
4.2 Batch feed
Batch feed disposers are designed to process a smaller amount of food waste at a time. They require a cover to be placed over the disposer before it can be turned on, making them a safer option for households with children or pets.
5. Features of Insinkerator waste disposers
Insinkerator waste disposers come with several features that make them stand out from other brands. Some of these features include:
5.1 Noise reduction technology
Insinkerator waste disposers are equipped with SoundSeal technology, which reduces the amount of noise generated during operation.
5.2 MultiGrind technology
Some Insinkerator models feature MultiGrind technology, which uses multiple stages of grinding to ensure food waste is finely ground and easily flushed down the drain.
5.3 Anti-jam technology
Insinkerator waste disposers also come with anti-jam technology, which helps prevent the motor from getting stuck if a foreign object is accidentally dropped into the disposer.
5.4 Dura-Drive induction motor
Insinkerator waste disposers are equipped with Dura-Drive induction motors, which are designed for long-lasting performance and durability.
5.5 Stainless steel components
Many Insinkerator models have stainless steel components, which are corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.
6. Installation of an Insinkerator waste disposer
Installing an Insinkerator waste disposer is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. In general, installation involves:
- Disconnecting the sink’s drain and removing any existing disposer
- Attaching the mounting assembly to the sink’s flange
- Connecting the disposer unit to the mounting assembly
- Connecting the disposer to the sink’s drain
- Testing the disposer to ensure it’s working properly
It’s recommended to have a licensed plumber install the waste disposer to ensure it’s properly installed and meets local building codes.
7. Maintenance of an Insinkerator waste disposer
To keep an Insinkerator waste disposer running smoothly, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. This includes:
- Running cold water while the disposer is in use
- Avoiding overloading the disposer with large amounts of food waste
- Avoiding putting non-food items or fibrous materials (such as eggshells or coffee grounds) into the disposer
- Cleaning the disposer regularly with a mixture of ice cubes and vinegar or lemon juice
8. Environmental impact of using an Insinkerator waste disposer
Using an Insinkerator waste disposer can have a positive impact on the environment by reducing the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills. However, it’s important to note that waste disposers do consume electricity and water, so it’s important to use them responsibly and efficiently.
9. Customer reviews and ratings of Insinkerator waste disposers
Insinkerator waste disposers have received generally positive reviews from customers. Many reviewers praise the ease of installation and convenience of using the disposer. However, some reviewers have reported issues with noise or motor malfunctions.
10. Alternatives to Insinkerator waste disposers
If you’re not sold on an Insinkerator waste disposer, there are a few alternative options to consider, including:
- Batch feed waste disposers from other brands
- Composting food waste
- Using a sink strainer to catch food waste and dispose of it in the garbage can
11. Conclusion
In conclusion, Insinkerator waste disposers can be a convenient and hygienic solution for disposing of food waste in the kitchen. With their advanced features and durable construction, Insinkerator waste disposers are a reliable choice for many households. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits and environmental impact of using a waste disposer before making a purchase.
12. FAQs
- Can I put bones in an Insinkerator waste disposer?
- How long do Insinkerator waste disposers typically last?
- Can an Insinkerator waste disposer be installed in a sink with a septic system?
- Is it safe to use an Insinkerator waste disposer with a dishwasher?
- How clogged can an Insinkerator waste disposer get?
Let’s answer these frequently asked questions.
12.1 Can I put bones in an Insinkerator waste disposer?
Insinkerator waste disposers can handle most food waste, including small bones. However, it’s important to avoid putting large bones or hard objects (such as fruit pits or shellfish shells) into the disposer, as this can damage the motor or jam the blades.
12.2 How long do Insinkerator waste disposers typically last?
Insinkerator waste disposers are designed to last for many years with proper use and maintenance. The exact lifespan of a disposer will depend on factors such as frequency of use, type of food waste being processed, and maintenance practices many last 10 – 15 years.
12.3 Can an Insinkerator waste disposer be installed in a sink with a septic system?
Yes, Insinkerator waste disposers can be installed in sinks with septic systems. However, it’s important to select a model that is specifically designed for septic systems and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.