Batch Feed Vs Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals

What Is A Batch Feed Garbage Disposal? (Overview + Pros & Cons) 

Batch feed and continuous feed garbage disposals have the same basic functions.

Food waste is dropped inside them, then ground up into minuscule pieces that are easily absorbed into the water stream, preventing them from clogging up the drain. 

Some people even collect the garbage disposal product and use it to create compost. 

The difference is in function, and often cost. Batch feed devices, as the name suggests, break down food waste in large batches rather than piece-by-piece.

These models are activated by placing the cover over the drain hole and twisting it to turn the machine on.

This makes them much safer to use and much more cost-effective when it comes to energy and water usage.  

Benefits Of Batch Feed

Negatives Of Batch Feed

What Is A Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal? (Overview + Pros & Cons) 

Just like a batch feed garbage disposal, a continuous feed garbage disposal also tackles practically all food waste and meal leftovers.

Unlike a batch feed model, the continuous feed disposal is turned on at the wall and stays on as long as required.

Its convenience is likely why is it is the more popular of the two choices when it comes to consumer preference. 

As you prep meals or clean the kitchen, you can easily drop waste into the disposal and let the machine take care of grinding it up.

This is very handy in terms of convenience - you don’t need to perform more actions than dropping the food down the hole. 

As they don’t need as powerful a motor as batch feed disposals, these kinds are usually a little cheaper.  

Benefits Of Continuous Feed

Negatives Of Continuous Feed

Batch Feed Vs. Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals: Key Differences 

The price tag is usually the biggest attraction for consumers, and would certainly explain the appeal of the continuous feed disposals over batch feed. The batch feed is best viewed as the more luxury item.

It will have a more powerful motor due to its requirements, and will potentially be more durable.

Batch feed garbage disposals also tend to be bigger, so the space you have available will certainly be an important consideration.  

Space Under Sink Required

Both batch feed and continuous feed disposals come in all sizes, but the batch feeds are generally larger and will need more space under your sink.

Also, if you are opting for a machine with a more powerful motor, you will need more space to accommodate it.

Noise Level

The more powerful the motor, the more noise it is likely to make. H

owever, disposals with really powerful motors may tend to cost more but will also give you more value for your money by including insulation that will reduce the noise created.

Batch feed disposals often have more powerful motors, so therefore are more likely to be quieter, especially as they also work with a cover over the drain.

Motor Size and Horsepower

This is an important consideration as it may indicate the quality of the machine and its durability. Disposals have a horsepower of between ⅓ to 1 hp.

Most batch feed garbage disposals tend to be on the upper range of this scale, as they need more power to deal with a lot of waste at once. 

Continuous feed disposals come in all speeds; however, the lower the horsepower, the more likely jams and other maintenance issues will occur.

The minimum recommended horsepower for any home garbage disposal is ½ hp.

Grinding Speed

Speed is measured in revolutions per minute. This is how fast the blades will spin and break down the food waste. The higher the speed, the less time it will take for the disposal to deal with your leftovers.

The slowest you should consider is 1500 RPM, with some models reaching 3000 RPM.

Both continuous feed and batch feed models come in a range of speeds, with batch feeds tending to tip towards the upper end of the scale.

Grinding Stages

It’s possible to buy disposals with up to three different grinding stages. The more stages, the finer the food waste will be ground up.

Machines with more stages can cope with more troublesome trash like bones and coffee grounds. 

Cheaper models are likely to only have one stage, and cheaper models are also more likely to be continuous feed. 

Power Usage

While it's convenient that you won't need to turn a continuous feed disposal on for every tiny bit of rubbish, being left constantly on is a potential waste of power.

Batch feeds will use less power as they are only turned on when the plug is engaged. 

Water Usage

Should the cover for your batch feed disposal be lost, the device would not work at all.

Ease of Maintenance

Cheaper models will be more prone to jams and breaking, with rust also being an issue if the components are made of cheap metals.

A stainless steel disposal will last longer and need less maintenance. Both types of disposal will need regular cleaning to ensure they continue working well. 

Cost

Batch feed garbage disposals will generally cost more due to the higher-powered motor, but you will get quality for your money. Many models include noise reduction features. 

There’s no clear winner in this competition. It all comes down to your individual requirements and personal budget. 

Larger families with young children generating a great deal of daily waste may benefit from the capacity capabilities and safety features of the batch feed disposals, whereas families living in small apartments may find the convenience of continuous feed disposals better suited to their lifestyles and waste production.  

FAQs

Are garbage disposals one size fits all?  

Not at all - there are sizes for all kitchens, with models able to deal with the demands of restaurant kitchens. Look for a disposal that will fit the space you have available

Which is bigger, 1/2 horsepower or 1/3 hp?  

½ horsepower will be more powerful than ⅓ horsepower. It is recommended that any garbage disposals in homes should have at least 1/2 horsepower. 

How long should a garbage disposal last?

A good quality garbage disposal should last around 10 years. Those made of materials such as stainless steel will be more durable as they will be able to cope with a steady stream of water.  

Conclusion

Garbage disposals can be handy tools for any kitchen.

Batch feed models have less variety than continuous feed disposals but are of greater quality when it comes to horsepower, durability, and materials used. 

As with any device, you will get what you pay for, so considering a more expensive model may save you time and money in the future as it will last longer and be less likely to jam or break down.