Batch Fed Vs. Continuous Garbage Disposals

Batch Fed

• Batch fed disposals operate manually. You place the items into the disposal, then plug the sink opening with a special stopper, turn the stopper and the disposal then goes into operation. The stopper is connected to the electrical circuitry, so by turning it you actually activate the unit and turn on the power. Since the food and other items are already inside of the disposal, batch fed units are safer to operate because you eliminate the risk factor of accidentally putting your hand or fingers inside while the unit is operating. Batch fed disposals are usually powerful and have motors with three-fourths to one horsepower capacity.

Continuous Feed

• Continuous feed garbage disposals come on automatically once you turn on the electrical switch. The switch looks similar to a light switch, with a lever that flips up to turn the unit on and flips down to stop the operation. Because continuous feed models are so easy to operate, they are a popular choice. The motors and grinding elements continue to rotate and cut-up food particles placed inside as long as the unit is on. This gives you the ability to keep adding things as long as you wish -- hence the name continuous feed.

Similarities

• Batch fed and continuous feed garbage disposals are both "in-sink" appliances. The mechanical components are housed underneath the sink, inside of an under-the-counter kitchen cabinet. They both connect with your plumbing system for the sink and the electrical circuitry that runs to the kitchen. Each type comes in different horsepower capacity levels that generally start at around one-third horsepower and go as high as one horsepower. High horsepower capabilities are recommended if you have a large family, discard lots of food, and use the garbage disposal frequently. The higher the horsepower, the more the unit will cost. Each style also has auto-reverse capabilities, which can come in handy for items that are tough to grind into small enough particles to properly flow down the drain pipes so the garbage disposal and plumbing work isn't clogged.

Differences

• Operation, safety and cost are the main differences between batch fed and continuous feed disposals. Since batch fed units are manually operated, you lessen the risk of injuring yourself and perhaps accidentally putting the wrong items inside, such as silverware. Because continuous feed models run as long as the switch is on, there is the risk of grinding the wrong item or trying to catch it and injuring yourself. Prices range from $160 to $500 for batch fed disposals, while prices for continuous feed models range from $60 to $350 at home improvement retail stores, as of August 2011.