Continuous feed garbage disposals operate whenever you turn the switch on. To run a batch feed garbage disposal, you must put a stopper in place.
Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for your household will vary. This includes considering convenience, budget, safety, installation and the layout of your kitchen.
This article will look at all of the different factors you should consider when choosing a garbage disposal, thoroughly explain the difference in batch feed and continuous feed models, and help you decide which one will work for you. It will also explain some of the challenges of DIY installation.
Quick Takeaways
The most common type is the continuous feed disposal, which runs continuously.- Batch feed disposals are safer because they only run when covered.
- You’ll get convenience and faster cleanup from continuous feed models.
- You’ll get protection from accidental activation and lower splash risk with batch feed models.
- Several factors affect installation: cabinet space, electrical setup and plumbing layout.
- Professional installation provides long-term reliability and the proper fit.
What Is a Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal?
A continuous feed garbage disposal may be the model that you are most familiar with. This is the kind of garbage disposal that you use by turning on a switch, which is usually on the wall, and washing food down the drain. You can run it while you’re rinsing dishes.
They tend to be the most popular choice because they are cheaper and more convenient to operate. They can handle a larger volume of food and are often sturdier than batch feed disposals.
What Is a Batch Feed Garbage Disposal?
You place a stopper in the drain to turn on a batch feed garbage disposal.
This is a safety feature that some homeowners like because you can’t turn on the garbage disposal accidentally. In addition, if you drop jewelry or silverware into the drain, it prevents damage to them and to the garbage disposal.
Key Differences Between Continuous and Batch Feed Disposals
Operation and Convenience
A continuous feed disposal is more convenient. You can simply run water and scrape food scraps into the drain. With a batch feed disposal, you have to add food scraps a little at a time in small batches.
Safety and Control
For safety and control, the batch feed disposal comes out ahead. A continuous feed model may come with a splash guard or you can purchase one, but a batch feed model offers more thorough protection since it must be closed before it will operate.
Parents and people with pets who might jump up on counters may prefer a batch feed disposal because it is safer. Since it won’t run without the drain cap, children and pets can’t get injured.
Noise and Performance
Continuous feed disposals are more powerful and can grind larger quantities of food. A batch feed disposal can only process small amounts of food at a time, and this can mean it takes longer to get rid of food scraps.
However, with that power comes more noise. In addition, the drain cap on a batch feed model mutes some of the noise.
Installation and Fit
Continuous feed disposals are more compact. Most batch feed disposals require more than a foot of clearance under the sink.
You do need to add an electrical switch for a continuous feed disposal. A batch feed disposal usually plugs into an outlet under the sink. Your disposal may need its own electrical circuit.
Whether your plumbing needs modifying will vary based on the plumbing layout under your sink as well as whether you have a double sink.
Which Type Is Better for Your Kitchen?
If you have four or more people in your household, a continuous feed disposal might be the better choice. In addition, if you do a lot of cooking, you might prefer a continuous feed. However, if you frequently cook with your children, you may want a batch feed disposal for safety reasons.
If space is limited, you might have to go with the continuous feed disposal. Both types of disposals should work with most plumbing configurations although some modification may be necessary. In addition, if you are on a septic system, make sure you can use your disposal with it.
Installation Considerations Homeowners Often Miss
It’s a good idea to have a professional install a garbage disposal because there are several aspects of installation that people often miss when they try to DIY.
First, if you are installing a continuous drain disposal, there’s some electrical work required to install the on/off switch. A professional can also determine the appropriate circuit load whether your disposal is plug-in or hardwired.
There are plumbing considerations as well. You need to connect the dishwasher drain hose to the disposal, and if there has never been a dishwasher installed before, it’s necessary to remove and retrieve the knockout plug.
In addition, correct alignment for your P-trap and drain may involve making adjustments to the pipes. Finally, you’ll need to ensure there are no leaks with plumber’s putty and either an EZ or 3-bolt mount system.
Common Mistakes When Choosing or Installing a Garbage Disposal
Basing garbage disposal choice on price is a common homeowner mistake. It’s important to take other factors into consideration, including cabinet clearance, which is frequently ignored.
DIY installation errors are also common, including mismatched mounting hardware, incorrect wiring and not removing the knockout plug.
FAQs About Continuous vs Batch Feed Garbage Disposals
Are batch feed garbage disposals safer than continuous feed models?
Yes, batch feed garbage disposals are safer because you have to put a lid on them before you can turn them on. A continuous feed model can be turned on any time, including by accident.
Which type of garbage disposal lasts longer?
Batch feeds may last longer because they aren’t used as consistently throughout the day as continuous feed models. They are also less likely to be damaged by foreign objects and may have higher-quality components.
Can I switch from continuous feed to batch feed easily?
You can replace your continuous feed unit with a batch feed model, but how easy it will be depends in part on how much space there is under your sink.
Do batch feed disposals cost more to install?
Not necessarily, but it depends in part on your kitchen. They are sometimes easier and therefore cheaper to install, but the models themselves cost more than continuous feed disposals.
Which type is better for families with children?
A batch feed disposal is better because it has a drain stopper and can’t be turned on accidentally, unlike a continuous feed disposal.
Do both types work with dishwashers?
Yes, both work with dishwashers.
Rinse Away Your Garbage Disposal Worries With the Punctual Plumbers
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we can help you avoid the many mistakes that homeowners frequently make in buying and installing a garbage disposal. We’ll provide expert guidance in choosing the right one along with professional installation for both continuous and batch feed models.
You can count on our on-time service because we’re the punctual plumbers! We serve Tampa, FL and surrounding areas.
We’ll get your garbage disposal installation right the first time. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.