Did you know that any waste leftovers such as meat, fish, vegetables and numerous other type of food waste normally end up in a landfill site. It actually doesn’t become waste until we discard it!
Food waste can be processed and refined enough to dispose of it down the drain. How? By the installation of a kitchen InSinkErator, which effectively reduces the kitchen waste, almost to liquid, thus avoiding landfill.
Care when dealing with waste is essential to keep the environment clean and free of methane gasses. Fortunately, the kitchen InSinkErator has been designed to minimise waste, and to some degree, lessen the impact on landfill.
Let’s dig a little deeper.
What is InSinkErator?
An InSinkErator is an electrically powered unit that is plumbed into the kitchen sink and connected to the sink’s waste pipe. It is the grinding mechanism that reduces the food waste to a near liquid. But like all appliances it is subject to regular maintenance and will eventually breakdown or stop working altogether.
Are you thinking about buying a new InSinkErator?
If so, the best disposal model for you depends on your budget, the size of your home and the amount of waste you and your family produce. There are some indicators that suggest it’s time to replace the unit, they are:
- Regular blockages tripping fuses.
- Needing to reset regularly.
- Waste not reducing to near liquid
- Blades do not cut efficiently
- Having a leak that cannot be repaired.
- Abnormal and loud noises emanating from the unit as though something is jammed.
- A constant smells of rotting waste.
The two types of InSinkErator?
There are two main types of waste disposal units;
- Batch Feed
- Continuous Feed Disposal
Which is the best one for you? These two InSinkErators differ in terms of the way they operate and cost. However, both get the job done and are both an effective way of disposing of food waste. The continuous disposal unit is most accessible and commonly used.
There’s nothing special about the continuous feed unit, as the name suggests it stay on continuously (until you switch it off that is). The unit is fed continuously with more waste without stopping. It is useful when preparing food that produces more than average waste like oranges, bananas and meat fat etc.
However, a Batch Feed disposal unit has a lid, which when a quantity of food is placed in the unit’s chamber, the lid is secured and the unit activated grinding the waste.
The batch feeder is used as and when required, like in a domestic kitchen, whereas a continuous feed unit is used when food preparation is constant, as in a commercial kitchen, cafe or restaurant etc.
Probably the batch feed version would be found in many domestic households.
The inner workings of an InSinkErator?
– Motor Size
InSinkErators have different motor sizes. Usually, they are rated in horsepower (HP). So you can find four standard sizes in the market 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP and 1 HP. Usually, a 1/2 HP motor can handle typical household needs, but units with a 3/4 to 1 HP motor can efficiently handle bigger batches.
Always refer to the manufacturers hand book for advice, as with everything it has its limits in terms of what it can properly process.
– Grinding chamber
The size of the grinding chamber will vary depending on the size of the unit and its usager (domestic or commercial). Simply put, the motor size, power and capacity should be aligned with your family needs.
Generally, stainless steel grinding chambers are used in a commercial environment due to their durability and easy cleaning.
– Auto-Reverse
Just a basic anti-jamming feature found in lots of appliances. This unique feature will detect a jam and automatically reverses the grinding mechanism to help dislodge any blockages and prevent motor burn out!
– Metal/ Plastic Mount
There are two types of fittings for connecting the disposal to the sink – one manufactured from plastic the other from steel. If durability is a priority, choose a metal mount as it tends to be more stable, with less vibration and less noise.
Here we go,
How do I know which InSinkErator to buy?
Before purchasing the unit for check to see if the space beneath the sink can accommodate the size of unit you’ve identified, as not every InSinkErators will fit under the sink! ? There are smaller units for smaller spaces. So there are a few specifics you should consider before purchasing one.
– Check if the motor size is sufficient to meet your needs.
When the motor size is small, you can remove only soft waste in smaller quantities. For example, a ⅓ or ½ horsepower (HP) motor is perfect for a small household. However, a ¾ or 1 HP motor is more suitable for a large family’s food waste needs.
– Check for the best stainless steel grinding chamber size.
Disposal chambers with higher HP will be larger in size and able to handle sizeable batches of food waste. Chambers and blades are more efficient, longer lasting and easier to clean when manufactured from stainless steel.
– Additional features.
There is no doubt that InSinkErators produce noise. However, good quality disposal units have better insulation within the grinding chamber. Some models offer additional features such as sound baffles (to reduce the decibel level), anti-splash baffles (to keep your sink clean) and corrosion protection covers.
Why are some InSinkErators more expensive than others?
Basically, there are a few things that separate one from another: parts, functionality, grinding stages, and anti-clogging features. Some of the expensive InSinkErators consist of multiple blades that virtually liquifies the waste.
This is useful if you have pipes that are prone to blockage. This type of unit also has an auto-reverse feature to detect jams.
Installing an InSinkErator is best left to the professionals. If the time has come to replace your old disposal unit, then it’s time to contact serviceteam.
An InSinkErator can keep your kitchen environment clean and tidy and make a saving on the amount of waste that goes into the rubbish bin and ends up in landfill.
