What Size Garbage Disposal Do I Need?
Rinse away a food waste
Highlights
Garbage disposals come in a range of sizes and power.
The right size for your home depends on several factors.
An underpowered garbage disposal won't be up to the job.
Your home's garbage disposal transforms food bits into a liquefied pulp that your local wastewater system can convert into biofuel. Pretty cool, right? But before you can use your food waste for good, you need to know what size garbage disposal you need. It all depends on your sink, your household, and your cooking habits.
Factors That Influence Garbage Disposal Size
You don't want a garbage disposal that's too weak and not up to the job of clearing away food from multiple daily meals. At the same time, you don't want to go too big and end up with a disposal that doesn't fit under the sink. When choosing the right disposal for your home, consider the following.
Sink Size and Configuration
Your garbage disposal needs to fit into the cabinet under your sink. That means you need to know the dimensions of your sink and the cabinet. You must also know the size and location of the pipes underneath.
Use a ruler or measuring tape to note the height, width, and depth of the sink cabinet. Then, note the location of the drain pipes, which you can't move. Your garbage disposal should fit into the free space beneath the sink.
Power Needs
Like car motors, the motor strength of a garbage disposal is measured in horsepower (HP). Garbage disposal ratings start at 1/3 HP and go up from there:
1/3 HP: The smallest size garbage disposal is ideal for a household with one or two people or with just a few meals prepped per week.
1/2 HP: If you live in a household of one or two and cook daily, a 1/2 HP disposal should be sufficient for your needs.
3/4 HP: Do you have kids and cook a few times a week? A 3/4 HP disposal should work for you.
1+ HP: The highest-powered garbage disposals, usually 1 or 1 1/4 HP, are perfectly suited for larger households with at least four people or those who cook every meal from scratch.
Chamber Size
Typically, the higher-powered your garbage disposal, the larger the chamber size. But you should still confirm the unit will fit under your sink and to make sure it can hold an adequate amount of food.
Drain Pipe Size
Most drain pipes are a standard size, but if your home was custom-built, this feature may be something you need to consider.
Cooking Frequency
While your household size matters, you should also consider how often meals are cooked. If you mostly eat meals out, a smaller disposal should be sufficient. However, if you're living single and cooking every meal yourself, then you may be better off with a higher-powered, larger disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the part of the garbage disposal that attaches to the sink is universal, not every single disposal will work in every sink cabinet. A larger disposal may be too big to fit in a compact space, for example. If the pipes under your sink are arranged in an unusual way, it may be difficult to put in a bigger disposal, even if there technically is enough space.
You don't need a garbage disposal for a dishwasher, but having one installed can make your life easier, as it simplifies meal cleanup. If you decide to use a dishwasher without a disposal, make sure you thoroughly rinse plates before loading them into the dishwasher, to prevent clogs.
If you cook a lot or have a larger household, a garbage disposal can be worth it, since it streamlines your kitchen duties and helps to keep food waste out of landfills. It helps to know the cost of garbage disposal installation before you make your decision. The average price is about $400, but you can expect to pay more for higher-end models or if you hire a pro to do the job for you.
You may be able to install a garbage disposal on your own, especially if you're handy or have some experience with plumbing. However, if you have any concerns or want to make absolutely sure that the connections are installed correctly, you may be better off hiring a local garbage disposal installer to do the job.