1/2-Horsepower Continuous Feed Food Waste Disposer KGIC300H | KitchenAid (2024)

FAQs

Is 1 2 hp garbage disposal strong enough? ›

Households with two or more people, or where meals are prepared often, may find the best garbage disposal for their needs is a 1/2 to one HP model. Higher HP is also recommended for those who want a model that can handle difficult-to-grind food waste, such as fibrous materials or bones.

1 – 1-1/4 HP: Ideal for larger households of four or more people.

The cost to replace a garbage disposal is typically an average of $225, including the cost of the garbage disposal and labor. The higher costs can be up to $1,000 or more for commercial models with higher horsepower, and the lower end averages around $50 for a small and less powerful unit (with DIY installation).

Most household garbage disposals run on 120 volts and draw between 5 and 10 amps of current. A typical 1/2 horsepower garbage disposal will draw around 6 amps of current. If you're installing a new garbage disposal, it's important to make sure that your electrical wiring can support the power draw of the unit.

Size Of The Amp Breaker

Most garbage disposals use a 20-amp breaker to handle 15 amps of electricity. In some cases, the garbage disposal can require a 30-amp breaker.

3/4 HP motor garbage disposal – The most popular power option for most single-family households, 3/4 HP is powerful enough to handle just about any food waste regularly.

Garbage disposals with ½ hp or ¾ hp should be adequate for the typical home. Cooks who use the disposal on a daily basis and need to grind tougher waste, including bones, may want to opt for a 1-hp model.

A: Yes. I replaced a Badger 1 (1/3 hp) with a new Badger 5 (1/2 hp) and didn't have to change the drain in the sink. It fit right onto the old one. The only difference was that the new one is a little deeper so it needed about an inch or 2 more clearance below the unit.

Batch feed disposals tend to be quieter than continuous feed disposals, as they only operate in short bursts. Continuous feed disposals, on the other hand, can be quite loud, as they are designed to handle a constant flow of waste.

For individuals and couples, a 1/3 hp garbage disposal is usually enough. It's the smallest and cheapest model, and its grinding power is just fine for minimal food scraps. Families will want to upgrade to 1/2 or 3/4 hp, which is better suited for handling larger quantities of food multiple times per day.

How many years does a garbage disposal last? ›

Most modern garbage disposals will last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. An average household with four or five family members can expect to replace their disposal roughly every 12 years if properly maintained.

If you pay more for a garbage disposal, it usually comes with a longer warranty. There is little mechanical difference between low-end and high-priced disposals of the same horsepower. The average garbage disposal outlives its warranty, so you shouldn't need to spend extra on a unit with a longer warranty.

Your disposal should be connected to a 20 amp dedicated circuit as the load for a 3/4 HP motor is 13.8 amps. This would be wired with #12 wire, not #14. The kitchen small appliance circuits are not appropriate for a disposal to be connected to as they will likely become overloaded.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not require a garbage disposal to have GFCI protection. GFCI protection for this appliance is optional. The vibration caused by the operation of a garbage disposal can cause electrical connections to separate.

For individuals and couples, a 1/3 hp garbage disposal is usually enough. It's the smallest and cheapest model, and its grinding power is just fine for minimal food scraps.

The size of the unit depends on the horsepower you buy. The amount of power you need should be based on how much cooking you do and how large a family you have. The dimensions of units vary. On average, garbage disposals are from 10 to 15 inches high, 5 to 9 inches wide, and 6 to 13 inches deep.

The most important choice you will make is the motor's horsepower (hp). Horsepower equals grinding power and ranges from ⅓ to one hp. Take into account your family's size, how often you cook, how much food waste you generate and how often you will use the disposal.