How to choose the right horsepower for your garbage disposal

Thinking your kitchen could use a new garbage disposal but not sure about the horsepower you need? Picking the right power level can turn meal cleanup into a breeze and help dodge those annoying jams and loud noises. Let’s help you figure out the perfect horsepower based on your household size and how you use your disposal.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.

Disposal horsepower ratings

Garbage disposals come in different horsepower (hp) ratings, usually from 1/3 hp up to 1 hp. The horsepower tells you how strong the motor is and how well it can chew up food waste. Here’s how to pick the right horsepower for what you need.

Picking based on household size

Small households (up to 2 people)

If there are just one or two of you at home, a 1/3 hp garbage disposal might do the trick. These are good if:

• You don’t have a ton of food scraps.
• You mostly toss soft stuff like fruits and veggies.

1/3 hp disposals can be noisier and might jam more often. They can also struggle with tougher scraps.

Medium households (2-4 people)

Got two to four folks at home? A 1/2 hp disposal is probably your best bet. These units offer:

• Enough power for regular use.
• Better handling of everyday tasks.
• Improved grinding over the 1/3 hp models.

This horsepower level strikes a nice balance between price and performance, making it a popular pick for many families.

Bigger households (3-5 people)

If there’s three to five people in your household, think about getting a 3/4 hp garbage disposal. These units give you:

• Plenty of power for bigger batches of leftovers.
• The ability to grind up tougher stuff like potato peels and celery.
• Less chance of getting jammed.

They might be a bit bulkier, but the boost in performance and durability is pretty sweet.

Large households (5+ people)

For homes with five or more people, a 1 hp garbage disposal is the way to go. These powerful units offer:

• Heavy-duty performance for frequent use.
• The muscle to grind hard waste like chicken bones, fruit rinds, and coffee grounds.
• Quieter operation thanks to better insulation.

They do take up more space under the sink, but the efficiency and convenience are usually worth it.

Thinking about the type of waste

• Light waste: If you’re mostly tossing soft foods like fruits and veggies, a 1/3 to 1/2 hp unit should do the job. These disposals can handle soft peels and scraps or small amounts of leftovers.
• Medium waste: For regular disposal of leftovers and slightly tougher waste, a 1/2 to 3/4 hp unit is recommended. This range can take care of veggie stems, small bones from fish or poultry and moderate amounts of fibrous foods.
• Heavy waste: If you cook a lot with meats and hard-to-grind foods, go for a 1 hp disposal. These units can handle meat scraps, bones and fibrous items like corn husks.

Other things to consider  

Space under the sink

Bigger horsepower units are usually larger and need more room under your sink. Before you buy, measure the space you’ve got to make sure it’ll fit. If you’re tight on space, you might need to balance horsepower with size.

Noise levels

Surprisingly, higher horsepower disposals often run quieter. They tend to come with better insulation and soundproofing. If noise bugs you, investing in a higher horsepower unit might make your kitchen a bit more peaceful.

Extra features

Going for a disposal with more horsepower might also snag you some bonus features, like:

• Stainless Steel Grind Components: Longer-lasting and less likely to rust.
• Multiple Grind Stages: Breaks down waste into smaller bits, which can help prevent clogs.
• Auto-Reverse Function: Helps stop jams by reversing the grind direction.

These perks can boost your disposal’s performance and how long it lasts.

Tips for making the right call

Think about your habits

Consider how often you cook and what kinds of food you make. If you’re always whipping up meals that leave lots of waste, a higher horsepower disposal will serve you better.

Think about the future

If you expect your household size or cooking habits to change, it might be smart to choose a disposal with a bit more horsepower to cover future needs.

Weigh the cost and benefits

Higher horsepower units come with more features and capabilities, but they’ll cost you more. Look at your budget and decide what’s essential for your home.

Wrapping up

For personalized support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or dive into our resources to find what you need.

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If you’ve got questions or need a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you keep your appliances humming along.