Garbage disposer for the sink: review of popular models + connection instructions

The problem of food waste is relevant for any housewife.A convenient modern device will allow you to get rid of the need to collect and dispose of waste generated during cooking. This is a sink waste disposer that can increasingly be found in modern kitchens.

We will tell you what the device is for and how it works, grinding waste from the sink before sending it into the sewer. The article we presented describes in detail the popular varieties, their design differences and principles of operation. Advice on the selection and operation of units is given.

What is a food waste disposer used for?

Waste shredder (recycler, disposer) is a device used for crushing waste, primarily of organic origin. A device weighing 8-12 kg is usually installed under a sink (sink) and connected to a sewer pipe, where well-chopped food debris is discharged.

A household waste disposer is a great addition to any modern kitchen. A compact device installed under the sink makes life much easier for any housewife.

The first device of this type was invented in the USA in 1927. Its inventor, architect John Hammes, received a patent, and 10 years later founded the company InSinkErator, which is still considered one of the most reputable companies producing shredders.

Disposers gained popularity among American housewives already in the late 1940s, but they became widespread in European countries and Russia much later.

Meanwhile, such systems make life easier for any woman. A compact device that can find a place in almost any kitchen, which will allow you to do away with the trash can, which requires regular removal. The recycler also helps eliminate unpleasant odors and helps avoid clogs in the sink and in the sewer.

Kitchen choppers: advantages and disadvantages

Disposers have many positive qualities:

• they help maintain cleanliness and order in the kitchen, as well as comply with sanitary and hygienic standards;
• Recyclers are easy to install and dismantle;
• the devices are compact in size, they can be installed even in miniature rooms under the sink or sink;
• such devices are practical and environmentally friendly, helping to combat environmental pollution;
• Disposers are extremely easy to use, even children can turn them on;
• devices made from stainless steel are very durable. The company warranty for various models ranges from 1 to 5 years, but shredders can last up to 20 years or more;
• the devices are completely safe (electric ones do not have knives, access to the piercing element of mechanical models is very difficult);
• Recyclers require virtually no cleaning or other maintenance.They have a self-cleaning mechanism, and the crushing elements do not require sharpening.

Among the minor disadvantages of such devices is the increase in water and electricity consumption associated with their operation (for electric shredders). At the same time, costs will increase slightly: on average, daily water consumption when using waste disposal units increases by only 3-6 liters, and electricity consumption by 100 watts.

The disadvantages of sink grinders also include the high cost of such products (on average about 300 USD).

Popular types of household shredders

There are dozens of different models of shredders on the specialized market, which are used for both domestic and industrial purposes. Two main groups of such devices can be distinguished.

Mechanical (hydraulic) devices

This type of device is activated under the influence of a flowing stream of water. Grinding is carried out using a system of sharpened knives, which work efficiently, silently and safely, since sharp objects are located far from the drain hole of the sink.

Manufacturers offer several types of recyclers. The mechanical device is simple and reliable, but can only work with strong water pressure

Such a device copes well with stringy and fibrous waste, but can be stopped even by a small hard object, such as a cherry pit. Another disadvantage of such structures is the increased requirements for water pressure. If the pressure is insufficient and the flow is weak, the mechanical dispenser will not function.

Two types of electrical appliances

The operation of devices of this type is carried out using an electric motor, which requires their connection to a source of electricity.

Unlike mechanical models, electric disposers operate using an electric motor, so they require a power source

All models of this type can be divided into two categories:

1. Continuous feed shredders. This option allows you to gradually add all the resulting cleaning and waste into the system. In order to put the device into operation, you must first turn on the mechanism and then send waste into it. To start, a pneumatic button connected to a pneumatic hose is usually used.
2. Recyclers with batch loading. In this case, garbage waste is stored in the shredder in the sink, or more precisely, in a special storage compartment. When the container is filled, the mechanism is activated using a button or by turning the neck cap, which is inserted into the sink drain.

The first version of the disposer is considered more convenient and hygienic, since food residues stored in the tank can cause an unpleasant odor. At the same time, a sink-mounted food scraper uses less water and energy.

Operating principle of a garbage shredder

The mechanism of action of an electric recycler is quite simple. The unit is a small container equipped with a built-in electric motor. There is a special compartment inside the tank where the incoming waste is crushed.

At the top of the device there is a metal disk, which, depending on the design solution, can rotate at a speed of 1500-3000 rpm.

A schematic representation of the internal structure of an electric dispenser clearly shows the main operating parts of the device, including a reservoir, disk, graters, and electric motor.

The durable element is equipped with special devices - freely rotating cams designed for the initial crushing of solid waste. Some modern models have a special advanced feature - a reverse crushing cam system. They are able to spin alternately in different directions, which ensures even more efficient grinding of food debris.

Under the influence of the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the disk, the waste is thrown towards the walls of the compartment, where there are self-sharpening graters that grind fairly large pieces into fine crumbs.

Ultimately, the garbage is processed into particles no larger than 3-4 millimeters in size, which are easily washed off with water into the sewer. Food waste processed by the disposer does not clog sewer systems, but, on the contrary, cleans the pipes.

Important model selection parameters

When deciding whether to purchase a useful kitchen device, you should pay attention to the following characteristics of the model:

Dimensions, shape. The parameters of the chopper are important for its installation in a specific place in the kitchen. In some cases, the shape of the model may also have some influence.

When choosing a model, you should pay attention to its dimensions: it must correspond to the compartment where it is planned to be placed, as well as the dimensions of the sink and drain

Power. The indicator is important for electric disposers, since it determines what types of waste the disposal will process, as well as the speed of its operation. It is important to remember that particularly powerful shredders (from 1300 W) consume a large amount of electricity. For a family of 4 people, it is enough for the device to have a power of 550-1200 W.

Rotational speed. This characteristic is important for electric shredders, which have it built into their design. For mechanical models, the rotation speed depends solely on the water pressure.

Chamber volume for crushing waste. The size of the capacity is largely determined by the needs of a particular family. A small tank is suitable for two people, while a large family needs larger options.

When purchasing a large tank, it is important to ensure that it fits under the sink. It is also important to note that chambers that are too small have difficulty handling large amounts of waste, which can cause them to become clogged.

Use of stainless steel. Parts made of this durable and reliable material are not subject to corrosion.

Thanks to the steel elements, the devices can function in difficult conditions. The best option is a model made exclusively of stainless steel, which, however, affects the cost

To reduce costs, some manufacturers use this material to finish the internal surface or individual parts of the disposer. When choosing such a model, it is important to ensure that elements made from other materials are coated with an anti-corrosion coating.

It would be nice if the model has such features as:

• automatic protection system against overloads, power surges, and foreign objects;
• possibility of reverse rotation of the disk;
• the presence of several speeds to set different operating modes;
• reinforcement in the drain slate, which guarantees reliable operation with no leaks;
• Possibility of connecting to a filter;
• availability of spare parts (some manufacturers add them to the kit) and the availability of service centers where they can make repairs.

Although these factors usually affect the cost of the product, they can significantly improve the quality of work.

Possible additional functions

Many manufacturers equip their products with a number of additional functions. The most common ones include:

Silver Guard – a protective system that prevents accidental entry of spoons, forks and other metal objects, which allows you to extend the service life of the disposer.

Bio Shield – technology that prevents the development of microorganisms, as well as suppresses possible unpleasant odors.

Torque Master – laser balancing of moving elements of the electric dispenser mechanism. The system allows you to increase the speed and smoothness of operation, which improves noise insulation during operation of the device and reduces its vibration.

Master Mounting System – a well-thought-out design of the device, thanks to which even a novice master can install or dismantle the chopper.

The disposer package may also include a variety of attachments that are used for processing various types of household waste.

A number of models of modern waste disposal units also include additional pushers that facilitate operation and improve operating efficiency.

Instructions for connecting the chopper

Installing a disposer does not require specific knowledge or a special level of skill: almost anyone can do it. Old model sinks can cause some difficulty, since the disposals are designed for modern sinks with a European drain with a diameter of 89-90 mm.

In this case, you should use models with special nozzles or carefully expand the size of the drain hole.

Before starting installation, preliminary work should be done.

Preliminary stage: checking dimensions

Before installing the disposer, you should check the parameters of the mounted equipment, since the disposer must fit freely into the intended space.

It is advisable to check the following parameters:

• height and width of the installed device;
• distance from the bottom of the sink to the center line of the outlet hole;
• distance from the center of the drain hole to the end of the pipe;
• distance from the center line of the device to the center line of the device connection.

To organize drainage and prevent the accumulation of water in the working chamber of the utilizer, you also need to monitor the level of the drain pipe extending from the outlet. It should decline towards the wall.

We provide power supply for the device

When using electric waste disposal units, it is important to run the electrical wiring under the kitchen sink, creating an isolated current supply system. You can do this yourself, but it is better to invite professional electricians.

To connect an electric shredder, it is important to conduct wiring and install a grounded outlet, which must have reliable protection from moisture

It is important that the switch is located under the sink in a convenient location within reach. In this case, the parameters of the electrical network must correspond to the power of the shredder.

Installing an electric disposer is a fairly simple process, accessible even to a novice master. You just need to follow the detailed step-by-step instructions exactly.

Electric dispenser installation

Having finished with the preliminary stage, you can proceed directly to installing the device; this process includes a number of standard steps:

Procedure:

1. You need to make a hole in the countertop or sink for a pneumatic button, which should be treated with silicone. Then measure the distance and cut the air hose to the required length.
2. Next, you need to turn off the water supply and dismantle the water seal, as well as disconnect the vertical and horizontal pipes (the latter may require cleaning).
3. Then carefully remove the sink outlet and disassemble the top of the disposer, separating the top dispenser block and disassembling it. After cleaning the sink drain, put the rubber gasket on the flange and firmly install it in place, ensuring a tight fit.
4. To mount the upper part of the unit, place the rubber gasket and the lock support ring on the flange.After this, put the mounting ring with bolts on it, as well as the snap ring (it should lock in place).
5. Tighten the bolts so that the lock fits evenly and tightly to the sink. Connect it to the disposer tank, securing the connection well. Connect the pipe to the waste shredding device.
6. Connect the water seal first to the disposer and then to the sewer drain. For connection, be sure to use a smooth-walled siphon. Bottle and corrugated ones do not have sufficient rigidity and are also prone to blockages, especially in the “knee” area.
7. Install a switch-button in the drilled hole in the sink or countertop.
8. Connect the air hose to the air switch spout.

If it is installed in the kitchen sink drain with overflow, its connection is slightly different from the standard sequence of actions. The connection guide is described in detail in our recommended article.

The last thing that needs to be done is to restore the water supply.

Upon completion of installation, you need to turn on the water and electricity, and then test run the food waste shredder

If the device works and the installation is completed successfully, then the shredder can be used for housekeeping.

Operating a Sink Disintegrator

Using an electric heat exchanger with constant loading is even easier than installing it. To do this, just open the cold water tap and plug in the device.

Food waste is sent to the drain to which the disposer is connected. From there they enter the tank, where the product is crushed

All garbage and waste should be sent directly to the drain, then turn on the button for 1-3 minutes.The operating device produces a characteristic sound, which changes when crushing is completed.

After which you can turn off the device, but leave the water on for another 10-30 seconds to remove the crushed waste. Only then close the tap.

Tips for caring for your disposer

In order for the device to serve for a long time and successfully, you must follow the rules of use.

The device processes almost all food residues, namely:

• fruits and vegetables of all kinds;
• eggshell;
• peels from watermelons and melons;
• pasta, bakery products, cereals;
• fruit seeds, nut shells;
• small bones (fish, chicken, even meat);
• pasta, cereals of all types, leftover bread;
• fruit seeds and nut shells;
• small bones (fish, chicken, meat);
• cigarette butts;
• paper towels, napkins.

With caution, some disposer models can be used to shred waste such as:

• raw tendons and trimmings of meat;
• scales and fins from large fish species;
• a large amount of seed husks.

The following types of waste must not come into contact with the device:

• Banana peels, corn cobs, onion peels, dill stalks. Due to the fibrous structure of these products, they are not crushed in the shredder, but envelop the crushing tools, making their work difficult.
• Hot fat or vegetable oil. By combining with the remaining crushed waste, it can form a conglomerate, which contributes to the formation of blockages in sewer pipes.
• Hair, plastic bags, thread (including tea bags). This waste tends to wrap around engine parts, creating an overload that can cause serious failure.
• Large meat bones; if they get in, the mechanism is turned off using a locking system, after which the foreign object should be removed using a special device.
• Broken ceramic and glassware, metal and other hard objects. If they get into the disposal, in some cases it is necessary to dismantle the device in order to remove the foreign object.

Please note that some models can process other sets of waste. Thus, some particularly powerful InSinkErator brand grinders can crush even hard lamb bones.

Maintenance of such household appliances is kept to a minimum:

• To eliminate unpleasant odors, you can drop a couple of lemon slices into the working unit of the utilizer and turn it on without water. Upon completion of work, be sure to turn on the tap to rinse the container.
• It is also recommended to periodically place a few ice cubes of water and soda into the drain.
• It is allowed to use a cleanser two to three times a year; Under no circumstances should you use preparations that contain abrasive substances to remove blockages in pipes.

It is important to note that aggressive household chemicals containing acids or alkalis should not be poured into a sink with a grinder.

Popular disposer manufacturers

The specialized market mainly presents models produced by American manufacturers, although recently a number of European brands have also launched the production of recyclers.

The following companies occupy top positions can be named:

InSinkErator is an American pioneer company in the production of such equipment. Shredders are available in a wide range, and all models are of high quality.Devices of this brand operate silently, quickly and powerfully, and also consume little water.

The catalog presents disposers made entirely of stainless steel: they have increased strength, although they weigh more than their counterparts made of other types of materials.

InSinkErator is a renowned company that has been producing waste disposal products for over 75 years. Manufactured products vary in volume, dimensions, and the presence of additional functions.

Bonecrusher (USA) is a company that produces excellent models, the internal parts of which are made of stainless steel. Shredders of this brand are economical; in addition, they have a number of additional functions, including a permanent magnet that protects the mechanism from overloads.

Franke is a Swiss company that has launched the production of powerful waste heaters, the distinctive qualities of which are silent operation, efficiency, durability, and ease of operation.

HYDROMAID is an American company that specializes in mechanical models of shredders. Such products consist of a minimum of parts; they are reliable, durable and have a long service life.

KitchenAid (USA) – a company that produces budget versions of recyclers. The products produced are of high quality, but have a minimal set of additional functions.

It is also worth paying attention to the quality products offered by such well-known American brands as FRIGIDAIRE, WHIRLPOOL, as well as the famous German concern BOSCH-SIEMENS.

Will familiarize you with the features of operation and use of a toilet grinder next articlededicated to this important issue.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

You can see the detailed process of installing the InSinkErator electric shredder under the sink in the video below. Disposers of other models are installed similarly.

The range of shredders includes many different models, which will allow you to choose the best option taking into account the size, operating principle, availability of additional functions and cost. Such a device will become an indispensable assistant, allowing you to keep the kitchen clean and tidy.

Do you already have experience using an under-sink disposer? Please write comments in the block below. Post posts with your own opinion, publish photographs, ask questions about the topic of the article.