How and which one to choose a food waste disposer under the sink?

A classic food waste shredder is a type of equipment used to grind organic waste (food). Using a shredder will protect your kitchen from unpleasant odors, rotting processes in the trash can, and contamination. Large pieces of food will not fall into the sink and drain while washing dishes, so you will forget about blockages once and for all. Read about how and which chopper to choose right now!

Types and features of shredders

When talking about which food waste shredder is best to choose, it is necessary to consider the types of these devices:

Mechanical (hydraulic shredders), equipped with several knives that are rotated by water flowing from the tap. If the water pressure is weak (less than 2.5 atm), the device may stop functioning. Mechanical disposers are considered safer than electric ones.
Models with electric drive, which are the most popular today. Grinding occurs using an electric or induction motor. There are no knives in the design; it is equipped with a system of hammers, a disk and rings, and is started by the user as needed using a button.

Mechanical shredders are more expensive than electric shredders due to their versatility. Having studied the reviews and recommendations of manufacturers, you can understand that they are not recommended for use in homes where there are children. The fact is that the rotation of the knives stops only if an element made of metal or durable glass gets into the chamber, which simply blocks the work.

Operating time and installation

Such devices are installed under the kitchen sink, built directly into the sink. The recommended drain hole diameter is 90 mm. If the hole has smaller dimensions, then an expander adapter is used, the installation of which must be carried out by a professional plumber.

The average grinding time is no more than 20 seconds, which depends on power and throughput. Basically, high-quality sink grinders are made of stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion, deformation, and has a long service life. Less commonly used is polycarbonate, which also has decent performance characteristics.

How to choose a food waste disposer for your sink?

In order to enjoy the device for the maximum amount of time, you need to know what to look for when purchasing. It is recommended to select a disposer recycler or food waste shredder for the sink according to the following parameters:

Type of work. If there is good water pressure in the pipes, you can use a hydraulic one, otherwise only an electric one.
The diameter of the device inlet hole. It should exactly match the diameter of the sink drain.
Case material. The ideal option for a high-quality food waste shredder is stainless steel, which is resistant to aggressive influences. The second suitable one is an anti-corrosion coating.
Device power. The indicator indicates how quickly the device will process food. For household use, 500 W is enough power. For a professional kitchen, it is better to choose 1200 W.
Disk speed. The minimum speed is 1400 rpm.
Possibility of adjusting the disk rotation speed.
Protection of the engine from solid objects.
Case dimensions. A sink with a food waste shredder must have enough space underneath to accommodate the device.
Presence of reverse. A useful addition that helps free the internal space of the device from unprocessed residues.

Accessories for food waste disposer

For the device to function properly, you need to know what useful components should be available. A high-quality chopper for vegetables and other products can be equipped with the following accessories:

Pneumatic button
. Used by devices that do not have a network adapter. As a replacement, suitable for all types. Available in two versions: shiny chrome and matte.
Pneumatic button with mains adapter
. Used for disposers that are launched using a network adapter. As a replacement, suitable for all devices.
Rubber stop
. Installed in the drain hole of the food waste shredder as a barrier to the penetration of debris.
Blank mesh
. Placed on the drain hole to limit the entry of various objects into the disposer. It has two positions: raised for filtration, lowered for plugging.

What can and cannot be thrown into the disposer?

The device is capable of grinding the following types of waste almost into crumbs (size 3-4 mm):

peelings, pieces of vegetables and fruits;
organic food debris;
small soft bones, such as chicken or fish. It is noteworthy that manufacturers recommend throwing small bones into grinders, which promotes self-cleaning of the system;
inorganic waste: napkins, pieces of toothpicks, paper towels;
pieces of pasta, porridge, bread.

The kitchen shredder cannot be used for the following types of organic and inorganic waste:

pieces of glass, hard paper;
large bones, such as pork or beef;
onion peel;
corn cobs;
fish scales, although small amounts can be chopped;
textiles, dish sponges, threads, hair or wool;
plastic bags;
metal elements.

If you try to fill the chamber with prohibited types of waste, a fuse will trip, stopping the cycle. Please note that husks, scales, and threads clog the disposer, as a result of which it may fail.

Advice! If there is still unprocessed waste in the kitchen shredder, you can fill the sink with water by adding a glass of soda or 2 cups of salt to the liquid. After this, you need to open and turn on the device. Soda or saline solution will clean it well!

Which food waste disposer should you choose? Decoding the main characteristics

Rotational speed

When talking about which food waste shredder to choose, it is necessary to mention the rotation speed. This characteristic depends on the electric motor; in hydraulic ones, on the water pressure. It can range from 1425 to 4000 rpm. For domestic use, models with speeds from 1425 to 2700 rpm are suitable.

Higher power allows you to grind nut shells, large bones and other types of solid organic waste. Such equipment is used mainly for restaurants and cafes, so its cost is very high.

Water consumption and fluid flow

Water consumption, equipment size and productivity directly depend on the volume of the crushing chamber. In household devices it can be 700-1180 ml; when choosing, be sure to pay attention to this characteristic.

Any model operates with a continuous supply of cold or hot water. When using this type of equipment, water consumption per person increases by an average of 3 liters. If a family of 3 people uses the dispenser, then the increase in fluid consumption is about 2.5-3% per day.

Power consumption

The characteristic is relevant for electric disposers. Standard power ranges from 375-930 W. For home use, it is better to choose medium-power devices (520 W). If your family consists of 4 or more people, consider purchasing a model with up to 750 watts of power. All hotel products are intended for commercial use.

Noise level

Electric food waste disposers are noisier than mechanical ones, which is due to the continuous operation of the electric motor and the absence of cutting knives. The maximum noise level is 70 dB, but only when grinding too hard or large waste (bones, nut shells, etc.). Some models are equipped with 100% or partial sound insulation. The sounds that such equipment makes are reminiscent of the noise during the operation cycle of a coffee grinder.

Dimensions

On average, choppers have a height from 310 to 440 mm, a width from 120 to 270 mm, and the weight of the equipment reaches 7 kg. When choosing a suitable product, take measurements of the space under the sink; after installation, there should be a margin of 5-7 cm necessary for maintenance.

Load Type

If you want to choose a high-quality disposer, then pay attention to the type of waste loading:

continuous, in which the device operates uninterruptedly during the entire dishwashing cycle;
portioned, in this case you need to manually load waste into the chamber, and then turn on the disposer.

Important! Do not turn on the water tap for 10-20 seconds after turning off any type of unit. It is necessary that the liquid rinses the chamber thoroughly, removing any remaining crushed organic matter.

Ten best food waste disposers

10. Bort TITAN 5000 (Control)

With the help of this equipment you can instantly get rid of unpleasant odors and bacteria. The model does not require a separate place, since it is placed under the sink, and it also takes up a minimum amount of free space. The design is powered by an electric motor with a power of 550 W, the waste processing chamber has excellent capacity, so up to 5.2 kg per minute can pass through it per minute - this figure will be quite enough even for a very large family. During development, an original three-stage grinding system was added to the design, which is able to cope with small seeds, fruit peels and vegetable peelings. In order to use the product as safely as possible, all moving sharp elements are located as deep as possible in the crushing chamber.

The design has a remote control button, so there is no longer a need to make a hole for the power button in the immediate vicinity of the sink. The disposer has a reliable sound insulation system, so it operates very quietly - almost silently. No strong vibrations were noticed either, so this model can be installed on any sink, regardless of what material it is made of. The chopper is easy to install, so you can place and connect it yourself, without seeking the help of a specialist. It comes complete with a filter mesh with a special plug, a mounting unit and a drain pipe. The warranty period is 5 years.

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Advantages:

It works very quietly and practically does not vibrate;
High level of device security;
Remote control button;
Easy to use;
Does not require special maintenance;
High motor power.

Flaws:

I can't work with large bones.

9. OMOIKIRI NAGARE 1000

One of the most powerful designs developed by Japanese engineers. The product is ideal for use not only in an apartment, but also in a country house. Often the model is installed in the kitchen of a cafe or dining room. The significant power of the electric motor allows you to easily cope with even large food waste - leftover fruits and vegetables, soups, pasta, small bones, and so on. Excellent workmanship ensures stable and long-term operation of the device. The noise insulation here is carefully thought out, so there will be no discomfort during the operation of the unit. Although the power of the shredder is very high, it is lightweight, so it can be installed under any sink. All rotating elements are tightly fitted to each other using laser processing.

The body of the crushing chamber is made using the original B-PROTECT technology, which prevents the occurrence and proliferation of bacteria that can become a source of unpleasant odors; accordingly, the sanitary condition of the kitchen is significantly improved. The motor is equipped with a special permanent magnet, so it is possible to achieve maximum power from the first revolution. The rotation speed reaches 2800 rpm. The working elements are made of stainless steel, so no corrosion processes will occur.

Advantages:

Easily eliminates unpleasant odors from the kitchen;
Made from stainless steel;
High engine power;
Safety of use.

Flaws:

If there is not enough free space under the sink, some connection difficulties may arise.

Bone Crusher BC 1000

By and large, these are professional products that are optimally suited for catering establishments - cafes, restaurants, canteens, bars and so on. However, some people install such models at home. Regardless of the area of use, the equipment will cope with the assigned tasks perfectly. Despite the fact that the unit went on sale not too long ago, it has already gained some popularity. The power of the electric motor is high, the number of revolutions is also large - about 2700 per minute. This allows you to quickly and effortlessly get rid of even fairly large food waste, however, it is not recommended to load plastic and metal products into the shredder.

Thanks to the use of this device, you can significantly save on the separate collection and disposal of food waste. The device is completely safe to use. All moving elements are located deep in the body, so you can’t reach them with your fingers. The device is very easy to install, so you can place it under the sink yourself. The noise insulation system is well thought out, so the device operates almost silently.

Advantages:

High motor power - as much as 585 W;
Can also be used in catering establishments;
The design has a pusher cover;
The polycarbonate body is incredibly durable, so the model perfectly resists any physical stress;
There is practically no noise or vibration.

Flaws:

It's very expensive.

Midea MD1-C75

The design is equipped with a very powerful electric motor for its class - 750 W, which allows you to achieve rotation speeds of elements in the range from 2900 to 4200 rpm. The grinding system is three-stage, the knives have an anti-corrosion coating. The design uses technology that prevents parts from jamming. The device is capable of operating under load for a long time. Overall dimensions 215x215x437 mm. The device weighs 6 kg, the warranty period is 2 years. The kit includes everything necessary for connection and convenient use. There is a remote control button activation unit. The connection fittings are designed for a standard sink diameter of 60 mm, and there is also a piston plug.

If necessary, the chopper can be connected to a dishwasher, which is also very convenient. It turns out that it will work with both the sink and another piece of kitchen equipment. The shredder copes well with fairly solid food waste. The sound insulation is reliable, no problems arise in this regard. The products are very reliable - for their production they use stainless steel, reinforced plastic of increased strength, which is able to withstand decent physical loads during operation.

Advantages:

Relatively inexpensive model;
A very powerful electric motor provides a large number of blade revolutions;
Stable and durable operation;
Connects to the sink and dishwasher at the same time.

Flaws:

You have to tinker a bit with the connection.

UNIPUMP VN110

The device is capable of processing even relatively solid food waste. The engine power is even higher compared to the models already reviewed - it is 930 W, so the declared rotation speed of the knives is 4000 rpm. All waste turns into slurry or powder within a matter of seconds, so it can be easily washed down the drain without clogging it. The chopper body is made of stainless steel, and the useful volume of the working chamber is 1000 ml. In addition, many elements of the crushing mechanism - ring, disk, cams - are made of medical stainless steel with an antibacterial coating. This not only prevents the occurrence of corrosion processes, but also provides reliable protection against the formation of columns of bacteria and microorganisms.

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The design has a special ring that prevents splashes; a pusher plug is supplied with the device, which will ensure the most convenient and safe use of the product. It closes the inlet of the chamber when it is full. A reliable motor protection system is provided - if too hard particles get into the chamber, or there is simply an overload, the device will automatically turn off, which will reduce the likelihood of its breakdown to zero. The chopper can be installed in one- and two-section sinks, regardless of what material they are made of. The diameter matches the size of a standard sink outlet, so there is no need to purchase additional adapters. The maximum size of crushed particles does not exceed 3 mm.

Advantages:

Very powerful products for household use;
Grinds very thoroughly;
High work efficiency;
The motor housing does not heat up.

Flaws:

A little noisy compared to other models.

5. In Sink Erator SUPREME 200

Fixed electrical equipment, which is located directly under the kitchen sink, replacing traditional drain fittings, the outlet is discharged into the sewer system. Even with the chamber fully loaded, the shredder does its job very quickly – it takes about 15 seconds. The design is original, since it does not contain knives or blades. Instead, food debris will fall on a special metal disk, which rotates at a speed of about one and a half thousand revolutions per minute. Centrifugal force literally grinds waste along the walls of the chamber where self-sharpening grinding graters are located. When working with the device, manufacturers recommend using cold water. The fact is that when hot water is turned on, fat can stick to the internal surfaces of the chamber and not be washed into the sewer, which sooner or later will lead to the need to clean the unit.

This is another model that can work simultaneously with a sink and a dishwasher, but the condition must be met - the working chamber of the machine must be made of stainless steel, and the diameter of the drain hole must be 5 cm. The products are of excellent quality and reasonable cost. It has small overall dimensions and weight, so it can be connected to absolutely any sink, including double ones.

Advantages:

A three-stage product grinding technology is used;
The crushing chamber is made of stainless steel;
Works almost silently;
The engine power is fully consistent with household needs;
Can be used in conjunction with a dishwasher.

Flaws:

Due to the lack of knives, the grinding process takes a little longer.

Bort TITAN MAX Power

Absolutely safe products, since the design is completely free of cutting parts, and all crushing elements are located at a considerable distance from the entrance, so when using the unit there is no fear of injuring your hands. The electric motor is equipped with permanent magnets, which ensure a rapid increase in speed immediately when the device is turned on. There is well-designed protection against overheating and overload; the product can easily withstand even significant voltage drops. Installation is simple - all operations can be performed on your own. Thanks to the three-level grinding system, the sewage system begins to function stably, since large waste simply does not penetrate into it.

The engine power is 780 W, the maximum speed can reach 3500 rpm - this parameter will be quite enough for domestic use. The chamber volume is increased compared to other devices from this review - 1.4 liters. The device has an additional sound insulation system, so the house will always be quiet. The structure is made of materials that are very resistant to wear; most moving elements are made of stainless steel. The shredder comes complete with a pneumatic switch, filter mesh and drain pipe.

Advantages:

Absolutely safe products for users;
Can be installed without any skills or knowledge;
Durable motor;
Reliable protection system against overloads, voltage surges, overheating and jamming;
Not very loud.

Flaws:

The body is made of ordinary plastic.

STATUS Premium 100

Products of an Italian company with a warranty period of 5 years. This design can easily cope not only with peeling vegetables and fruits, but also with fairly solid waste - fruit seeds, coffee beans, watermelon rinds, walnut shells, even small chicken and fish bones. However, when loading, you must ensure that hair, wool, thread, cellophane, plastic and metal do not get into the shredder. The device is equipped with an induction motor with a power of 390 W - quite enough for use in an apartment. The chamber where the grinding is carried out is made of food-grade plastic with a special coating that does not allow bacteria and other microorganisms to develop there. Device weight – 6.5 kg.

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The diameter of the product is 20 cm, the height is 30 cm. A two-stage waste processing system is used here, so the output is particles whose size does not exceed 2-3 mm. The volume of the grinding chamber is slightly more than 1 liter. Compact dimensions and low weight make the device optimally suited for sinks made of thin metal. The kit includes everything you need to fully connect the device - no need to purchase additional items.

Advantages:

Small size and light weight;
Quite affordable cost of equipment;
Long service life;
High quality manufacturing and assembly;
The ability to quickly grind almost any product.

Flaws:

The plastic chamber will initially emit a foreign odor, but over time it will dissipate.

Bone Crusher BC 610

Designed specifically for families of two or three people. At the same time, this product has the functionality of quite powerful and more advanced models. The overall dimensions are insignificant: thanks to its small diameter, such a disposer can easily fit under almost any kitchen sink, and access to the rest of the space will also be open, because housewives often store various kinds of kitchen utensils, household chemicals, and so on under the sink. The device is very powerful, it will be an excellent option to solve the problem of food waste disposal. There is no unpleasant odor when using such equipment. It is necessary to turn on only cold water when working with such a device - we have already described the reason for this earlier. The product is quite simple not only to install, but also to use, and does not require special maintenance. All moving elements are recessed deep into the body, so it is impossible to access them from the outside.

The power of the unit is 475 W, the motor is equipped with a permanent magnet. It has automatic overload protection and is capable of reaching 2600 rpm. The chamber in which crushing is carried out is made of polycarbonate materials, its volume is 940 ml. Key moving elements are made of medical stainless steel. The mass of the chopper is 4.42 kg, the warranty period is as much as 5 years.

Advantages:

The device is developed using modern technologies;
Compact overall dimensions - takes up a minimum amount of free space under the sink;
Performs its assigned functions excellently.

Flaws:

FRANKE TE-75

We hasten to introduce you to the leader of our today's review of the best food waste shredders. According to users in their reviews, this model has an optimal price-quality ratio, although it is quite expensive. The product will be suitable for a fairly large family of 4-6 people. It can be used both at home and in the country, which is very useful when preparing for the winter. The disposer is able to deal with any food waste in the shortest possible time. It is completely safe to use, guarantees the absence of an unpleasant odor in the kitchen, and will not allow bacteria to develop or midges to appear. The motor is quite powerful and has a permanent magnet. The motor can easily handle even the most solid household waste. All moving elements are located in such a way that they cannot be reached with your fingers.

The original Torque Master grinding system is used here, the operating principle of which is based on a very precise fit of all rotating elements to each other. This reduces noise and vibration during operation of the device. It also uses Bio-Shield technology, which will prevent the development of bacteria - this will have a positive effect on the sanitary condition in the kitchen. The synchronous motor picks up maximum speed almost from the moment it is turned on, so all waste passes through it without getting stuck. Maximum rotation is 2700 rpm. The installation system is based on three bolts. The device is started with a special pneumatic button, which will need to be brought either to the sink itself or installed in close proximity.

Advantages:

Very convenient and practical products that can cope with any type of food waste;
The kit contains everything necessary for comfortable operation of the device;
Takes up minimal free space;
Manufactured using high-quality materials using modern technologies.

Flaws:

The cost of the unit is a little high.

Additional Disposer Options

Choosing a food waste chopper for the kitchen is not difficult; today the market is full of equipment to suit any requirements and budget. It can be supplemented:

increased protection from noise (sound insulation);
overload protection, preventing breakdowns, making the operation of the product even safer;
reinforced drain flange necessary for rapid drainage of water;
reverse, which improves the quality of grinding and prevents overloads;
several speeds that complement the most expensive types of equipment.

The presence of additional characteristics increases the cost by 5-15%.

Installing a food waste disposer in a sink

The device is so simple that anyone can install it under the sink. The food waste disposal unit is installed as follows:

completely shut off the water;
the siphon is disconnected from the sink;
remove the drain pipe going into the sewer;
the rubber gasket supplied with the device is connected to the drain;
install the mount;
install the device;
a rigid drain pipe is fixed between the outlet of the device and the sewer riser;
a pneumatic button for the chopper is mounted nearby;
connect it to the wire device;
carry out a test run.

Pros and cons of technology

When talking about which shredder to choose, you need to consider its main advantages:

high-quality shredding of waste, therefore minimizing the risk of blockages in pipes;
affordable price starting from 4-5 thousand rubles;
low power consumption, equivalent to using 1 light bulb;
absence of unpleasant odors in the kitchen, because organic matter will be crushed and washed down the drain;
mechanical systems operate almost silently, without the need for additional sound insulation. Autonomous, do not depend on the availability of electricity;
ease of operation;
electric models work stably. They are absolutely safe provided they are installed correctly and the operating instructions are followed.

Shredders have a number of disadvantages, let’s look at them:

it is necessary to install smooth, not corrugated pipes, because crushed particles will get stuck in the latter;
the equipment may jam, in this case, use a hex wrench (included in the kit), with which you can remove food or an object that caused a malfunction;
the need to sort waste;
increasing water consumption by approximately 3 liters per day, by 90 liters per month per person;
Mechanical models are dependent on water pressure; over time, the knives require sharpening or complete replacement.

The pros outweigh the cons; it is advisable to use food waste grinders in families where food is prepared at least 1-2 times a day. They will become real helpers when preparing for home holidays. Shredding organic waste will protect your home from insects and rodents.