Garbage disposals were invented in 1927. The KitchenAid brand was already alive and well by then, having started making food mixers in 1919. Forty years later, KitchenAid began to diversify its product line by adding dishwashers.
These days, KitchenAid makes many different appliances, both countertop appliances, and major appliances. Some people are loyal fans of the brand, perhaps due to the high quality of its products. Its tagline is “For the way, it’s made.”
If you are a fan of KitchenAid products and looking to get a garbage disposal from them, here are five of your options.
Best KitchenAid Garbage Disposals Reviews
1. Kitchen Aid (84211643) KCDB250G 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal – Editor’s Choice
PROS:
- Easy to use a continuous feed model.
- Easy to install.
- Manual reset option in case of jams.
CONS:
- The power cord not included.
- No extra features.
This 1/2 HP unit is designed for the needs of a small household. If you live alone or with just one other person, this may be your disposal.
It is a continuous feed unit. This is the most popular type of garbage disposal found in most apartments. They are simple to use and tend to cost a bit less than batch feed models.
If you are looking for extra safety features, such as a stopper used as the power switch, you will not find that here. Such features are typical of batch feed models, not continuous feed units.
Like most continuous feed models, it does not include a power cord. You will need to add a power cord or wire it directly. You may need to hire a professional to get it properly installed.
It runs at 1725 RPM. This should be sufficient for basic residential use. However, the unit does not come with additional anti-jam features or similar.
Recommended or not?
Recommended for a two-person or smaller household interested in a basic model. Not recommended for someone looking for extra features.
2. KitchenAid Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal – Best Medium Sized Household Unit
PROS:
- Popular continuous feed model.
- Easy to install.
- Features two-stage grinding technology.
- Comes with Soundshield technology to reduce noise.
- Made of high-grade stainless steel.
CONS:
- Does not include a power cord.
- No auto-reverse feature.
This 3/4 HP continuous feed model runs at 1725 RPM. It is a good size for a three- or four-person household.
It also has a few more features, such as two-stage grinding and Soundshield technology. Two-stage grinding will help reduce the risk of jams while Soundshield technology helps make the unit quieter.
As is typical for continuous feed models, it does not come with a power cord. This makes it slightly less DIY-friendly because you will need to be comfortable installing a cord. If you are adding a disposal to a kitchen that never had one, you can purchase a cord kit. If you are replacing an existing unit, many people simply take the cord off the old disposal.
It has a 40-ounce capacity. This figure is not actually very important for continuous feed units. Capacity matters more in batch feed models because of differences in how they operate.
Recommended or not?
Recommended for a mid-sized household of three or four people. Also recommended for a smaller household with unusually high kitchen use, such as from doing daycare from home or doing a lot of entertaining.
3. KitchenAid KCDS100T 1 hp Continuous Feed Food Waste Disposer – Best Large Household Model
PROS:
- The unit includes noise-reducing technology, making it about 60 percent less noisy.
- Features three-stage grinding for improved efficiency and fewer jams.
- Convenient continuous feed design.
CONS:
- The power cord is not included.
- It claims to be compatible with a septic system, but this may not be true.
- It’s probably more than you need for a small household.
This 1 HP continuous feed model is a good size for a larger household with five or more members. A full horsepower is enough to handle the heavier load involved in cooking from scratch for multiple people.
The unit has a speed of 1725 RPM and features noise-reducing technology. A quieter disposal can make it easier to keep the peace in the household while improving productivity. It can eliminate the need to wait until the baby wakes up from their nap or for someone’s favorite TV show to end before cleaning up the kitchen.
The unit provides three-stage grinding technology. This absolutely does reduce the risk of jams, but their claim that makes the disposal suitable for use with a septic system is on shakier ground. Most sources agree that septic systems are not designed to be used with garbage disposals.
The pertinent parts of the unit are made from high-quality stainless steel. Most garbage disposals have parts that are either galvanized steel or stainless. Both are durable metals, but stainless steel is generally deemed to be just a little better.
Like most continuous feed models, this unit does not include a power cord. If you are buying it as a replacement, you may be perfectly happy to reduce waste going to the landfill by reusing the power cord from the old unit, but it does mean you have to know how to add a cord to the unit or be able to figure it out.
Recommended or not?
It will suit well for a larger family that needs that much more power to handle their kitchen waste needs. Recommended for a small or mid-sized household with an unusually high kitchen waste load, such as due to entertaining regularly.
4. KitchenAid KCDI075B 3/4 hp Continuous Feed Food Waste Disposer – Best Basic Model For A Mid-Sized Household
PROS:
- A continuous feed unit is the most popular type of disposal.
- Features high-quality stainless steel parts.
- A nice and simple basic model.
CONS:
- Does not include a power cord.
- There are no extra bells and whistles.
This is another 3/4 HP continuous feed unit that runs at 1725 RPM. This means it is sized appropriately for a household of three or four members.
This one is a basic model without extra features. If you just want to keep things simple, this may be your model.
Like most continuous feed models, this unit does not include a power cord. However, it’s not hard to add one. Options including purchasing a cord separately for a few dollars or re-using the cord on the old disposal that is being replaced.
The grinding mechanism is made from high-quality stainless steel. The chamber has a 50-ounce capacity. It also features a 5-year limited warranty.
Recommended or not?
Recommended for a mid-sized family looking for a basic unit that can handle the load. Not recommended for anyone looking for additional features, such as sound-reducing technology.
5. KitchenAid KBDS100T 1 hp Batch Feed Food Waste Disposer – Best Premium Batch Feed Model
PROS:
- High-quality batch feed unit.
- Safer than a continuous feed model.
- Features both three-stage grinding and noise reduction technology.
CONS:
- It’s fairly tall. Make sure you have the space for it.
- It may require an adjustment period to learn new habits.
This full 1 HP batch feed unit is good for a larger household. Like all batch feed units, it offers enhanced safety compared to standard continuous feed models.
Batch feed units require you to insert the stopper to turn them on. This prevents accidents and also helps reduce noise. On top of the noise-dampening effect of requiring a stopper, this unit features sound seal technology for even quieter performance.
Batch feed models are a little more water efficient than continuous feed units. On the downside, they are less familiar and require slightly different habits. It can take some time to adjust.
This unit has a speed of 1725 RPM. The three-stage grinding helps reduce jams and also helps reduce the risk of clogged pipes.
Recommended or not?
A great model for a larger family looking for enhanced safety. Recommended for a larger family looking for an especially quiet unit.
Buyer’s Guide
Should I Even Get a Disposal?
While disposals are fairly popular, they aren’t for everyone. If you have a septic system or live in a drought-prone area where water rationing happens, a disposal may not really be a good idea.
Generally speaking, you really shouldn’t use a disposal with a septic system, though some sources contradict this and say it’s okay if you upgrade the system or service it more frequently. A garbage disposal also may not be advisable if you live in an older building with the original pipes.
You also may need to comply with local building codes. Disposals are uncommon in Europe, they were banned for a time in New York City and Philadelphia recently decided to require them for all new construction.
Batch Feed or Continuous?
You have probably used a continuous feed model. Just turn on the water, turn on the disposal and start tossing food waste into it. It’s simple and convenient.
You may not have used the less common batch feed garbage disposal. Some people prefer them for safety reasons or because they are quieter.
Horsepower
You can generally match your horsepower requirements to household size as a rule of thumb. A smaller household will need less horsepower in most cases, and a larger household will need more horsepower.
If your household has only one to two people, you may only need 1/3 HP. In the case of three to four people, you probably need at least 1/2 HP. If you have at least five people, you probably need 3/4 HP.
However, size isn’t everything. You may need more horsepower if you have frequent guests or do a great deal of cooking from scratch.
On the other hand, you probably can’t go lower. Even if the family regularly eats elsewhere or does a lot of travel, you probably still need adequate horsepower when the family is having a home-cooked meal.
Features
Jams are the most common problem with garbage disposal. Many disposals have one or more features that help reduce the risk of jamming, such as an auto-reverse feature or multi-stage grinding.
Noise is another area of concern with garbage disposals. Batch feed disposals are typically quieter than continuous feed models and some units come with sound-reducing insulation.
However, not everyone wants to reduce noise. Some people prefer to be able to hear it so they know it’s working.
Stainless versus Galvanized
Both stainless and galvanized steel are tough materials designed to withstand hard use under wet conditions. However, stainless steel tends to hold up a bit better in the face of saltwater.
They are both routinely used in the manufacture of garbage disposals. In most cases, either one is adequately durable for residential use.
Our Best Choice
Our favorite is number 1. Kitchen Aid (84211643) KCDB250G 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal because households are trending smaller. People are more likely to marry later, delay having children, or skip marriage and children altogether.
Although the Baby Boom generation has made an indelible mark on residential design and standards in the US, there is a growing need to move away from those standards. These days, people increasingly feel that “less is more” regarding residential space.
Many people are downsizing their homes and working on reducing their carbon footprint. These trends are impacting residential kitchens in myriad ways, including but not limited to the type of garbage disposal people choose.
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