What do you know about a kitchen sink dispenser? In the USA, and it is not a secret, not a single kitchen can do without it for decades. Recently, such a device is an increasingly frequent guest with us. It turned out that it can partially replace the garbage can and even get rid of unpleasant odors from the drain. But which one to choose, what first of all to pay attention to? More on this in our article.
Chopper and body material
The content of the article
- Chopper and body material
- Power, speed, the ability to adjust them
- Diameter
- Energy supply method
- Reverse and additional options
- Noise level
- Which manufacturer is the best?
Let's take a closer look at this device. Disposer of any brand has a metal case. The unit is installed so that it is connected simultaneously to the drain hole of the kitchen sink and to the sewer pipe (on the other side). Sometimes - it all depends on the model - the shredder requires professional installation, although often you can install it yourself. In the upper part of the grinder there is a rotating crushing disc, and the walls themselves are a kind of grater for waste.
Manufacturers make the internal grater and disc from stainless or galvanized steel - they bear the entire load, and they must be durable. The top of the case of the dispenser can even be made of plastic - but this is only the outer cover. There must still be metal inside.
The principle of operation of this device is very simple - from the drain hole of the sink, food waste falls into the upper part of the disposer. The disc, rotating, grinds all the waste into a fine gruel, which, mixing with water, enters the sewer drain. No debris or bad smell.
At the bottom of the device is an electric motor. That's why during installation, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of connecting it to electricity.
Power, speed, the ability to adjust them
One of the main characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing a shredder is its power. The higher it is, the easier it is for the recycler to deal with waste.. A device with a low power will cope with potato peelings, and with a high power it will completely grind small bones and walnut shells into dust. But powerful dispensers usually cost an order of magnitude more and take up a lot of space. Therefore, such devices are more often chosen for restaurants and cafes, and not for household use.
Typically, the power rating ranges from 300 to 1600 watts. For a family of three or four people, a utilizer of 500-700 W is quite enough.
The disc rotation speed indicator does not require special attention when using the device in everyday life - it only affects the speed of waste crushing. 1400-2000 rpm will be optimal. In some models, the rotation speed can be adjusted. In especially exclusive ones - even remotely.
Diameter
Depending on the characteristics and model, the volume of the bowl, and therefore its diameter, may be different. The main task - for the utilizer to fit into the kitchen cabinet under the sink. The size of the chopper chamber is selected based on the number of households and the planned frequency of use of the disposer (cooking and washing dishes). In normal use, a family of three or four people should use a device with a bowl about 1 liter in size.. However, if space permits, you can choose a larger one - the size affects the quality of the utilizer. The maximum volume is 1.5 liters.
The inlet and outlet diameters are generally universal and fit standard types of sinks and sewer pipes.
Important! The utilizer has a lot of weight thanks to its metal parts. On average, the device will pull 5-7 kg.
Energy supply method
There are two types of disposers on the market - electrical and mechanical. In the first case the motor is powered by an electrical outlet. It is these utilizers that are usually faster.
Important! When choosing an electrical appliance, consider in advance the possibility of connecting it to an outlet, which, for safety reasons, is best installed away from water pipes.
The operation of mechanical (induction) dispensers depends on the water pressure. Therefore, shredders of this type are also called hydraulic. On the one hand, such a waste heat exchanger can be more powerful and recycle waste that cannot be handled by an electric counterpart. But this is only true if the water pressure is strong.
Devices of both types have their pluses and minuses, which are quite obvious. Electric consumes energy and is more sensitive. Induction "stronger", but only with good water pressure. Thus, although it saves energy, it wastes water.
Reverse and additional options
Many manufacturers supply disposers with various additional "gadgets". Almost everyone has a reverse. Some models have overheating protection (they are more expensive). Not least will be the noise reduction function. The noise of cheap models is their main drawback.
The pneumatic start button will also be useful, which will protect when things not intended for it get into the grinder. Very expensive models are even equipped with a remote control.
Noise level
As mentioned above, this one of the most important characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing. It depends on it how comfortable it will be to use the device in the house. Manufacturers are constantly modifying models to make them quieter. The noise from a working expensive disposer can be no higher than 40 dB (this is how a quiet speech sounds). But budget models show an average level of 70 dB. This is already a "loud conversation".
Important! Long-term exposure of a person to noise exceeding 70 dB can lead to disorders of the nervous system.
Which manufacturer is the best?
Several dozen models of dispensers have already proven themselves in our market. The greatest demand is for grinders from American, Swiss, German, Italian and Chinese manufacturers. Some - for their reliability, others - primarily for cost.
Most Trusted Brands:
- Swiss Franc (Franke). A combination of quality and practicality. The brand has been on the market for over 100 years;
- American In Sin ERATOR - for elite users. Their dispensers are very reliable and durable;
- German TEKA - the most durable and hygienic;
- Italian Status - functional, well suited for the average consumer, fairly quiet (no more than 45 dB).
However, do not forget about Chinese models. For example, Medea MD from the Middle Kingdom copes well with waste of different hardness, but makes a lot of noise. If the noise level is not critical to you, then the price of the device will pleasantly surprise you. It is much lower than that of European counterparts.
