Choose the Right Garbage Disposal

Tim, why do you advise people here to spend extra money on a garbage disposal unit. The "cheap" contractor grade unit can be replaced 3 rimes in 15 years before even coming close matching the cost of even a small upgrade in quality assuming that next step lasts 15 years. In many other articles you advise against water-saving and/or energy saving fixtures and appliances, such as a hot water heater because it takes 5-10 years to recoup the extra investment regardless of trying to do right by mother earth. Additianally having grown up in New Hampshire on a septic system I was always taught that one shouldn't install one when connected to a septic system. At this point if one is that rural composting may be a better option. As a frame of reference our house was built in 1984 and ther is no issue with the septic system yet beyond regular pumping.

InSinkErator sells a compact 1/2 horsepower stainless steel model called the Evolution Compact for about $180. It also uses two-stage grinding so it can handle things a one-stage unit can't. I don't consider that a huge increase in price over base models.

Think about cost of price. A base price disposal costs $50-$75, while an upgraded model costs $100-$300. A water heater costs at least $300. Adding on $50-$100 for a one time upgrade is probably worth the trouble of replacing it repeatedly.

In regards to septic systems, you need a particular type of disposal that includes a special enzyme dispenser. This helps break down food waste that otherwise would cause a problem. Of course, you need to buy replacements for the enzyme dispenser.