There are two types of garbage disposal: batch feed and continuous feed. If you are only familiar with one type, it is probably the continuous feed version.
Continuous feed disposals are generally a bit cheaper than batch feed models. This is part of why they are more familiar. They tend to be installed in rentals where cost often outweighs other factors in the purchasing decision.
But batch feed disposals are arguably superior in a number of ways, such as safety and quietness. Here are five batch feed models to consider if you are in the market for a batch feed disposal.
Our List of the Best Batch Feed Garbage Disposals
1. InSinkErator Cover Control Plus Evolution 3/4 HP Household Garbage Disposer – Editor’s Choice
PROS:
- Two-stage grind technology.
- Powerful 3/4 HP motor.
- No wall switch is required.
- Comes with a 7-year warranty.
CONS:
- The power cord not included.
- It is fairly large, so may not fit in a compact space.
This powerful 3/4 HP motor with MultiGrind technology handles even the toughest food waste. This also helps resist jams, thereby reducing or eliminating downtime and associated costs.
Yet, thanks to being a batch-feed model with SoundSeal technology, all that power is amazingly quiet. The quiet performance helps make it family friendly, even if you have a new baby in the house.
The unit features magnetic CoverStart activation. This means that putting the cover on is what starts the grinding. You don’t have to install a wall switch at all.
The spacious 40-ounce chamber can handle even large parties. The stainless steel grind chamber and grind components will resist corrosion, making it a long-lasting product.
Unlike most batch units, it does not come with a power cord. This is a fairly minor detail, but worth noting because it is unusual.
Recommended for anyone wanting a powerful, quiet batch-feed disposal.
2. Waste King L-5000TC Batch Feed Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, 3/4 HP – Best Moderate-Sized Batch Feed Model
PROS:
- Pre-installed power cord included.
- Powerful 3/4 HP motor.
- Relatively compact for a batch-feed model, which helps it fit into most cabinets.
- Comes with a 10-year warranty.
CONS:
- The product indicates the logo is in flux and you may get one of two logo designs.
- Does not include a splash guard.
- May not be as quiet as some batch-feed models.
This relatively compact batch-feed model has a 32 ounce chamber, yet has the same 3/4 of horsepower as the previous model. It offers low jam, quiet performance.
The EZ Mount system and pre-installed power cord help make installation a breeze. If you want to do it yourself instead of paying a plumber, you don’t need to do any electrical work. Just plug it in.
The stainless steel components will hold up to years of wear and tear without corroding. You can count on it to last.
The unit includes a stopper. Like most batch-feed models, it is activated when you install the stopper.
Like most batch-feed models, it does not include a splash guard. If you really want one, you can order one for a small extra expense.
Recommended if you need 3/4 HP, but need to fit it into a slightly smaller space.
3. Waste King 9900TC Batch Feed Garbage Disposal with Power Cord, 3/4 HP – Great Value
PROS:
- Comes with a pre-installed power cord.
- Easy to install.
- Comes with a 10-year warranty.
CONS:
- The logo and packaging may differ.
- Claims that it works with a septic system. This is debatable.
- May not be as quiet as other batch-feed models.
The 3/4 HP motor powers stainless steel parts built to last. This unit is built like a tiny tank for years of reliable service.
This unit is not as sound proofed as some models. It may be noisier than other batch-feed units. If low sound is a major selling for you, this may not be the right model for you.
The unit is easy to install. The 3-Bolt Mount is designed to be a snap to put together and the pre-installed power cord means you don’t need any electrical skills.
You will need to supply a screw driver and some plumber’s putty.
It claims it works with a septic system. This is not a solid claim. Septic systems are simply not designed to handle food waste.
Recommended if you want a batch-feed model on a budget. It sells at a nice price point.
4. KitchenAid KBDS100T 1 hp Batch Feed Food Waste Disposer, Silver – Best High Horse Power, Low Jam Model
PROS:
- Very powerful 1 HP motor.
- MultiGrind Plus and Jam Sensor technologies.
- Has added soundproofing.
- Comes with a 7-year limited warranty.
CONS:
- No information is available on the cord. It may not have one.
- The unit is large and needs adequate space under the cabinet.
- It’s one of the pricier models. If budget is a concern, it may be out of reach for some people.
At 1 HP, this is the most powerful motor on our list. It also features MultiGrind Plus technology and Jam Sensor technology to help reduce or eliminate jams.
MultiGrind Plus means it has three-stage grind technology, not two-stage. This will handle the toughest food items any disposal can manage, potentially including small chicken bones and fibrous vegetable matter.
The unit has soundproofing to help keep it quiet. Batch-feed units are typically quieter than continuous-feed models. When sound proofing is added, they can be surprisingly quiet, potentially allowing you to run the disposal while the baby naps or while your spouse watches TV.
Recommended if you have a large family or frequently entertain.
5. Moen GXB75C Batch Feed 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal with Safer Controlled Grinding, Power Cord included – Best Elegant, Compact Design
PROS:
- Comes with an 8-year limited warranty.
- The power cord is included.
- Easy to install.
- Comes with soundproofing.
CONS:
- Galvanized steel, not stainless steel.
This 3/4 HP unit by Moen comes with a visually elegant design. It looks so lovely, you might be happy to have it on display in an open concept kitchen.
Presumably, this would be a little less quiet than installing it inside a kitchen cabinet. However, it does come with soundproofing and batch-feed models are generally quieter because of the close-up.
It is made of galvanized steel, not stainless steel. This is actually recommended for marine environments because the zinc coating helps resist rust, but it may be less durable than stainless steel in other ways.
It has the usual batch-feed features, including a design that only runs when closed up and no need to install a separate wall switch. The power cord is included.
It is easy to install. It comes with a power cord and also has a universal Xpress Mount mounting system that fits all 3-bolt mounting systems.
Recommended for both its compact size and elegant look.
Buyer’s Guide
Continuous feed models allow you to feed food waste into them continuously while you run them. Batch feed models require you to first fill them up, then close them with a stopper before turning them on. In some cases, putting the stopper in is the mechanism by which batch-feed models are turned on.
Quietness
The fact that a stopper must be in place before running the unit helps make batch feed models quieter on average than continuous feed models. They are also frequently better insulated and designed to vibrate less.
For households with a new baby or other family members who are particularly sensitive to noise, this can be a huge selling point. While the more familiar continuous feed disposals are somewhat infamous for being noisy while they run, batch feed models are often so quiet that even the plumber who installs it may think it didn’t actually turn on.
This can have substantial positive impacts on lifestyle, such as allowing kitchen clean-up to go on even while other people are watching TV or while the baby is napping. This can revolutionize your life by removing obstacles to getting things done at a time when you are free but historically had to work around the schedules of other family members due to the noise.
Safety
Perhaps more importantly, the fact that batch feed disposals won’t turn on without the stopper in place also makes them safer than continuous feed models. This detail means it is not possible to stick your hand down in them while they are running.
If you have curious toddlers in the house, people with special needs or elderly family members, this can dramatically lower your stress levels. It can mean no more hovering over them to make sure they aren’t maimed.
It also means you won’t have metal utensils accidentally slip into them while they are running. Plus you can safely reach in and remove any utensils that do fall in because you know it won’t turn on while your hand or a tool is down in there.
Provisos
Of course, no product is without some potential downsides. Batch feed disposals tend to be a bit bigger on average than continuous feed models, so you will need to make sure you can afford the space they require. If you are in the market for a compact model for a small space, this may not be the thing for you.
If you have only ever had a continuous feed garbage disposals, you will need to establish some new habits. They operate differently, so they need to be used differently.
One issue that people run into is they tend to want to fill the chamber up completely before running it. If you have a large family and cook from scratch a lot, this may work just fine.
But if it isn’t run at least once a day, you will end up with a pile of rotting food in your kitchen. It will begin to smell and can also attract insects and other pests.
So you will need to get in the habit of filling it for a bit, then making sure you run it in a timely fashion. Don’t let it sit too long.
Most batch-feed models do not have a splash guard. This means you can look directly into them. Some people find this objectionable.
It also means that when the unit is not running, it is very easy for utensils to fall down into them. While it is safe to reach in and remove them, this is an annoyance. You may need to develop new habits to try to prevent this occurrence.
If You Have A Septic System
A word of warning: Septic systems are not designed to handle food waste. It is a general best practice to not use a garbage disposal with a septic system.
Some garbage disposals like to advertise that they are safe to use with a septic system. You should not believe such claims.
It has nothing to do with the design of the garbage disposal. Using any garbage disposal with a septic system will increase the need to have the system maintenance because it is not designed to break down food waste.
Our Best Choice
Our overall favorite is number 1. InSinkErator Cover Control Plus Evolution 3/4 HP Household Garbage Disposer.
The combination of size, strength, and quiet can’t be beaten. It promises to be a low jam or jam-free experience. It also promises to be reliable for years to come.
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