There are two types of garbage disposals: batch feed type and continuous type.
What is batch feed garbage disposal
Batch feed garbage disposal is designed to process food wastes in batches. It requires the user to load a specific amount of food waste into the disposal chamber and then activate the unit using a separate stopper or cover. This type of garbage disposal will only run when the stopper or cover is securely in place, making it a safer option. Batch feed disposals are ideal for those who generate less food waste and want a more controlled and safer disposal process.
Benefits of batch feed garbage disposals
- They are safer options compared to continuous feed-type disposals. Their magnetic cover prevents anything from falling into the disposal, thus avoiding any possible hazards.
- They are quieter than standard garbage disposals thanks to the magnetic cover, which acts as a muffler.
- They are a good choice for island kitchens since the disposal unit can be hardwired to the mains without a switch.
- Suitable for grinding small amounts of food waste.
Drawbacks of batch feed garbage disposals
- They are bigger in size and are more costly
- They have only fewer models to choose from
- They are unpopular due to their bigger size and higher prices.
- They are not easy to use if you have large amounts of food waste.
What is continuous feed garbage disposal
Continuous feed garbage disposals process food waste continuously. They operate with a manual switch, like a wall switch, allowing the user to continually feed food waste into the unit as it grinds up the waste. So, just turn them on and keep adding food wastes. Continuous feed disposals are ideal for those who generate a lot of food waste and need a fast and efficient way to dispose of it.
Benefits of continuous feed garbage disposals
- Continuous feed-type disposals are less time-consuming to use since you can keep adding food waste into them
- There is a wide range of disposal models is available to choose from.
- They are available in all price ranges. You can get them for under $100, and premium models cost as much as $400.
- It is the most popular choice since they are easy to use and there are many options to choose from.
- Continuous feed type have the most compact garbage disposal choices.
Drawbacks of continuous feed garbage disposals
- Continuous feed garbage disposals are less safe. There is a chance of any metal utensils falling into them or kids putting their hands in them.
- They tend to be noisier than their batch-feed counterparts.
- You will need a dedicated switch to activate them
batch feed vs continuous feed garbage disposals :Differences
Here is a list of all the differences between batch feed and continuous feed type disposals;
| Continuous feed type | Batch feed type |
|---|---|
| Food is processed continuously | Food is processed in batches |
| Food waste can be added while the disposer is running | The disposer can be run only after the food wastes are added |
| Activated by multiple switch options | It can be activated only via a magnetic cover |
| Louder compared to a comparable batch feed disposer | Quieter compared to a comparable continuous feed type disposal |
| Less safe | The safer option |
| Popular choice | Less popular choice |
| Many models to choose from | Fewer models to choose from |
| Plenty of budget disposer models are available | Costly when compared to similar batch feed disposal |
| Less time consuming | More time-consuming operation |
| More convenient to use | Less convenient to use |
| More compact in size | Generally bulky in size |
Continuous feed disposals process food continuously, while batch feed/cover control disposals process food in batches. With continuous feed disposals, food waste can be added while the disposer is running, but with batch feed disposals, the disposer can only be run after the food waste is added.
Continuous feed disposals can be activated by multiple switch options, while cover control disposals can only be activated via a magnetic cover. However, continuous feed disposals are louder compared to a comparable batch feed disposer, and they are also less safe.
Continuous-feed garbage disposals are generally a more popular choice and have many models to choose from. Budget disposals for continuous feed disposals are also available. They are less time-consuming and more convenient to use, and they are more compact in size.
Cover control garbage disposals, on the other hand, are the safer option and are generally quieter compared to continuous feed disposals. However, they are a less popular choice with fewer models to choose from. They are also generally bulky in size and are more costly compared to similar continuous feed disposals.
Batch feed or continuous feed; which one to choose?
Your choice between batch feed and continuous feed garbage disposals will depend on your specific needs and preferences:
- Choose Batch Feed If: Safety is a primary concern, especially in households with young children. You prefer a disposal that only operates when the cover is securely in place, minimizing the risk of accidents.
- Choose Continuous Feed If: You need a disposal that can handle large volumes of waste quickly and efficiently. You prioritize convenience and speed in the kitchen, and you’re comfortable exercising caution to avoid accidents.
