KitchenAid Built-In Trash Compactor

Nobody likes sticking their hands down the drain to clean out the leftovers of the previous meal that are stuck there. That’s why it’s smart to purchase an efficient garbage disposal unit, to make cleaning the sink much more comfortable. Furthermore, garbage disposers cut down on the amount of old food left sitting around in the kitchen sink and garbage and prevent your sink from getting clogged up. In fact, because garbage disposals limit the amount of landfill waste, several cities such as Denver and Indianapolis require disposals in new homes preferring to send it to waste water treatment plants. Considering that many towns charge by volume for garbage removal, it’s easy to see why almost 50% of all American’s own garbage disposers. Here is a list of what to keep in mind when shopping for a new garbage disposal.

Types of Garbage Disposals
All garbage disposals in the U.S. are manufactured by only four different companies, although they brand them with several different names. In Sink-Erator makes 80% of them although some consumer ratings prefer Waste King and Kenmore models. There are three basic types of garbage disposals:

• Continuous Feed – Most continuous feed disposers are activated by a switch and the food automatically goes down together with running water however the open filler neck can pose a danger to children. Therefore it is usually required to install the switch as far away from the sink as possible, while still remaining in view.
• Batch Feed – Batch Feed models are more expensive but safer. The food must be loaded before turning on the disposer and can only be activated by pushing down a stopper. Although it is more burdensome to use, it prevents solid food shards such as bones from flying out of the machine during use, and makes sure that there are no fingers or forks in the way.
• Septic System Models – Septic models have special cartridges that release a chemical to help break down food waste. The cartridges must be changed every 3-6 months and are required for homes with septic systems that are near their waste capacity.

Power
Most experts recommend buying a garbage disposer with at least 1/2-horsepower although more is obviously better. Even the least powerful, 1/2-hp motor can handle bones but a more powerful motor will crush them faster, reducing the chance of clogging and prolonging the life of the machine. Nonetheless, according to Consumer Reports, even the stainless-steel grinding chambers of a 1-horsepower unit were dented while grinding beef bones. If you have a small family or don’t produce much food wastes, a less powerful model will do, however most people prefer to have a stronger machine so that they can enjoy the ease of a garbage disposer without having to worry about what they are throwing in.

Installment
Most garbage disposers have a quick-mount neck that makes it possible to install by yourself however due to the weight of the more powerful models (up to 30 lbs), it may be necessary to do it with someone else. Nonetheless, in many cases it is still advisable to have someone with electrical and plumbing experience install the unit. Some models come with electrical cords for easy connection to any outlet, however others must be attached to the home’s internal electrical wiring which will require an electrician. An electrician will also be necessary to attach a switch for continuous feed models. It may also be desirable to hire a plumber to connect the dishwasher to the disposal as well so that dirty water passes through it.

Some Additional Features to Consider:

• Fineness – Different unit provide different grades of waste grinding.
• Auto-Reverse Mode – This is a very helpful feature that reverses the direction of chopping blades to clear waste jams.
• Quiet – Some garbage disposal units are quieter than others. It’s therefore important to ask about the noise level and even try it out in the store if possible. In general, the larger and heavier the unit, the quieter it will run. The Viking model is the most quiet, although it is also substantially more expensive.

Ecological Downside
Although many studies find that garbage disposals are better for the environment, cutting down on food scraps that make up between 10% and 20% of all household waste, they nonetheless might not be the best solution in every location. Depending on where you live, the additional water use and extra burden on sewer and septic systems may outweigh the landfill space that a disposer conserves. Before buying a garbage disposal, check out the local plumbing laws and regulations because many places with septic tanks have restrictions on types of disposal units allowed.

If you’ve decided that a garbage disposer is for you, we hope that this information will help you make an informed choice when purchasing a new one without getting stuck!

The first step is to decide what type of trash compactor is best suited for your unique needs. There are three main types of trash compactors:

• Freestanding – The freestanding trash compactor doesn’t need to be installed under a counter. Instead, you can position it alongside your counter for additional workspace—some even come with cutting boards on top to use as an island. It’s an attractive option for anyone with a larger kitchen.
• Under the Counter – Under the counter trash compactors fit underneath the counter, inside a convenient cabinet such as the one under the kitchen sink. This is a great option for people that are used to keeping their garbage under the sink as well as for anyone with limited kitchen space.
• Convertible – Convertible trash compactors offer you the ultimate flexibility and can be used either as freestanding units or under a cabinet.

Power
Trash compactors are available anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds of ram force in the compacting walls. Anything above 2,300 pounds is usually more than enough for most households. There are basically two different types of compressor systems, the cork screw drive and the scissor drive, the cork screw being the more reliable of the two.
Versatility

Whirlpool Under the Counter Trash Compactor

Almost everything that is normally placed in your kitchen garbage can be placed in a trash compactor, with the exception of paint, oil, aerosol cans and other such hazardous materials. Many people prefer not to put biodegradable food scraps into their trash compactor since the trash tends to sit for an entire week at a time and food will start to smell. Instead they often use a trash compactor in conjunction with a compost bucket for natural wastes. Compost is also much better for the environment, saving valuable landfill space and creating healthy, nutrient rich soil for the garden. Alternatively, you can purchase a model with a charcoal filter to eliminate any residual smells. This very useful feature absorbs the waste odor caused by decomposing foods, allowing you to fill the compactor slowly in order to save you money on expensive trash compactor bags. It is also not recommended to put glass into a trash compactor. It’s important to ensure that the model you choose has a removable key knob control so that you don’t accidentally operate it under dangerous circumstances. Other useful features include anti-jamming technology and tilt sensors that will disengage the compactor if it is knocked over.

Size
The standard size trash compactor is 15 inches wide by 24 inches deep by either 15 or 18 inches tall, allowing it to fit under most cabinets by simply removing the bottom section. Compactors are available in large capacity sizes but the extra space is usually unnecessary and it requires a slight renovation to fit it under a standard cabinet.

Trash Bags
Trash compactor bags are fairly expensive, selling for as much as $1 per bag. However, the price can be deceiving since it is usually only necessary to use one bag per week. When choosing your unit, it’s important to inquire as to whether or not the compactor requires brand-specific garbage bags or not. If that model or brand is discontinued, it may be difficult to impossible to purchase new bags not to mention expensive, making the unit nearly obsolete. Some counties require that specific clear trash bags be used to regulate recycling laws making it impossible to use a trash compactor. Make sure you check out your area’s regulations before purchasing a compactor.

Ecology
Some people claim that trash compactors compact the trash so tightly that it can’t decompose in the dump. Others claim that it is ecologically sounder since it cuts down on plastic trash bags. Some recommend using it for recycling instead of trash. Recycling items can be reprocessed even in a compacted form.

We hope that this information will help you to make the best, most informed decision possible. Press your garbage away, with just the press of a button!

Types of Units

Whirlpool GU3600XTVY Built In Dishwasher

The first factor to take into consideration is whether to purchase a regular large built-in dishwasher, a portable model, or a dishwasher with smaller capacity. Standard 24’’dishwashers have capacity for 12-14 place settings. This is sufficient for at least one regular family meal, taking into account pots, pans, and serving utensils. A compact 18’’ dishwasher is less common, and only holds between 6-8 standard place settings. Tall tub models have two smaller motors as opposed to one big one, making room for 2 more inches in the tub. Countertop dishwashers are the size of a large microwave and rest atop a counter or table and must be attached to the sink before use. With room for only 4 place settings without any pots, they are ideal for single people or couples as well as for use on RV’s or boats. Obviously, they require additional counter space.

There are a few different types of dishwashers, in addition to a traditional built-in model. Portable dishwashers are a good option for home renters since they do need not need to be permanently installed. Simply attach a pipe to the kitchen hot water faucet whenever needed. Portable units are built on wheels for easy mobility and usually have the same features as built-in models while saving valuable space since they do not need to be installed in place of a cabinet. Portable dishwashers also come with a cutting board surface on top, providing you with additional counter space. Nonetheless, many people prefer the stability of a built in unit that does not need to be hooked up to the sink before each use. Drawer dishwashers, first introduced by Fisher and Paykel, have two separate units that can be run independently for smaller, more frequent loads, generally recommended for people with many frequent guests. According to Consumer Reports, they seem to require more service than a regular dishwasher.

Adjustable Racks
Ever get frustrated trying to fit a large or awkwardly shaped item into the dishwasher? Dishwasher models containing adjustable racks and tines allow for greater flexibility and comfort. Lower the bottom rack to make room for large pots or the top rack for long stemmed wine glasses and the like. Some models come with removable cutlery baskets that make it much easier to load and unload flatware.

Internal Layout
Most American dishwashers have water heaters built into the bottom of the unit. This can occasionally melt delicate plastic items when placed on the lower level. European models on the other hand, often have an in-line heating element that is wrapped around the water pipe.

The cleaning quality of a dishwasher is determined by the number and placement of propeller arms. A minimum of three water jets, evenly spread out, usually ensures optimal coverage leading to adequate results.

Dirt Sensor
A dirt sensor is an uncommon feature found predominantly in more expensive models that adjusts water use and cycle length depending on the soil level of the dishes. Although a dirt sensor can improve efficiency, not all models are reported to work effectively.

Garbage Disposal
Most dishwashers today come with built in garbage disposals units, known as garborators, similar to the kind found under the kitchen sink, that grinds up the food debris and flushes it down the drain. Garbage disposal units add considerably to the noise of a machine, raising it as much as 10 decibels, tripling the noise. Nonetheless, anything under 50 decibels is still basically unnoticeable–most current average priced models don’t exceed that number. More expensive models do not have this feature but come with a manual filter instead that requires easy cleaning by hand every few weeks. In addition to being quieter, a manual filter keeps the water cleaner, because it is less likely that pulverized food particles will reenter the clean water.

Wash Cycles

Whirlpool DP940PWSQ Portable Dishwasher

Most dishwashers come with three basic cycles: light for lightly sullied dishes, normal for regularly used items, and heavy for pots, pans and baked-in grease. Additional cycle options include a gentle cycle for china and crystal, a longer pot-scrubber cycle that increases the water temperature, and a sanitizing cycle that increases the water to 161 degrees, killing all bacteria. A steam clean option removes food particles with steam before the cycle even starts, keeping the water clean during washing and decreasing chance of stubborn dirt.

Dishwashers possessing an Energy Star label usually have low water and quick wash cycles to save water. In areas where electricity costs vary according to the time of day, a delay start option will allow you to program the machine to go on during off peak hours, saving money and energy. A newer model can save you up to $20 per year on energy costs.

Often times you don’t have enough dishes to run a full load, but don’t want to let the dirty dishes sit overnight without being rinsed. The rinse and hold cycle is a useful feature that allows you to rinse dirty dishes before you’re ready to run a full cycle. It reduces odors and prevents food residue from hardening while waiting for enough dishes to accumulate to run a full load. Furthermore, you can save as much as 24 gallons by doing a rinse cycle instead of rinsing the dishes by hand!

Some units with plastic tubs possess a heating feature that dries the dishes after the cycle has finished. It is recommended to use a rinse aid such as jet dry in conjunction with this feature to prevent spotting. Dishwashers with stainless steel tubs do not need additional drying features. The metallic walls of the tub hold the heat long enough to dry most of the moisture naturally and although it is still recommended to use a rinse aid, it is not necessary.

Stainless Steel Tub

Remember that great spaghetti and meatball recipe? If your dishwasher has a plastic interior, you may never be able to forget it!

Plastic dishwasher tubs are more likely to become discolored over time from colorful foods like tomato sauce, and may retain odors. The more costly models, primarily the European brands, possess stainless steel interiors to prevent staining. Although less durable, plastic tubs generally last as long as the unit. Similarly, nylon coated racks are a plus. They won’t rust over time, preventing the possibility of chipping dishes on jagged rusty edges.

Control Panel Placement
Most standard dishwashers have the control panels on the top of the unit, making it possible to cover the door with a wooden panel to match the cabinetry. Some model dishwashers possess hidden touchpad controls, where the control panel is placed along the top edge of the door, keeping them totally hidden when closed. Although attractive, this stylistic touch makes it difficult to see the progress of the cycle to see how much time is remaining in the load. Some models have partially hidden controls that have a visible counter that displays the remaining cycle time.

After all is said and done, your average dishwasher will get the job done great. Even the cheaper models do a fine job, although they may be considerably louder. Additional features simply add to convenience and comfort, making doing dishes even more enjoyable. The only thing they haven’t invented is a dishwasher that puts the dishes away for you! Some things will never change, but at this rate it wouldn’t be surprising if the future dishwasher models do that too!