Noise and Daily Comfort

Noise is a significant concern for consumers, particularly in homes with an open floor concept, young children or individuals who are light sleepers. Good quality quiet garbage disposals use much of the same technology to minimize noise as do good quality quiet toilets. They have sound-dampening grinding chambers, vibration-dampening mounts and balanced internal parts that greatly minimize the amount of noise they produce, often resulting in the disposal's noise level being a "soft" hum as opposed to a disruptive "roar". While these disposal units provide a level of comfort for family homes, they are especially appreciated in apartment complexes where providing a noise-free living environment is critical.

Conversely, more powerful garbage disposals produce considerably more noise due to their increased motor output and aggressive grinding action. Many users find the noise level produced by these disposals comparable to that of a small or medium-sized, high-performance blenders or lightweight power tools and, due to the fact that disposals tend to operate only for very short times, many users do not mind this level of noise.

Power and Grinding Capability

The amount of "grinding power" a garbage disposal is able to achieve is primarily a function of the strength of its motor.Higher-power (more than 1 horsepower) disposals are designed to handle tougher waste such as bones, fibrous vegetables, and fruit pits easily. They also produce less clogging because they grind everything down faster and more completely.
Lower-power or quiet models are often used to process light to moderate amounts of food waste. They can grind everyday scraps, but care must be exercised to process harder materials. Processing time for lower-power disposals is typically somewhat longer than for higher-power units.
If you live alone or in a household that composts the majority of its organic waste, it is generally better to use a quiet, lower- to mid-range disposal.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

Many people think that more powerful garbage disposals consume more energy than lower-powered ones. Although higher-powered motors draw more electricity while operating, they grind faster than lower-powered models, usually in only seconds. Therefore, the actual overall energy use should not differ extensively from lower-powered disposals.
Modern disposals of all power levels are designed for energy efficiency. Generally, quieter disposals will use less electricity instantaneously. At the same time, more-powerful disposals are likely to reduce plumbing installation and repair costs by liquefying everything correctly and avoiding clogged drains.

Price, Durability, and Long-Term Value

Garbage disposals are typically divided into three categories:
Entry-Level Garbage Disposals: Higher noise levels, lower power ratings, least expensive.
Mid-Range Garbage Disposals: Moderately noisy, balanced power (around 3/4 HP).
Premium Garbage Disposals: High-power capacity combined with higher quality sound insulation.
Most higher-powered garbage disposals include stainless steel grinding components, as well as longer warranties; therefore, these types of disposals will be more durable over time. However, low-power disposals may also be durable; however, they tend to be intended for light, daily use.

What Type of Garbage Disposal Is the Best for Your Home?

The choice of a quiet or powerful garbage disposal will depend upon many factors, such as the layout of your kitchen, the proximity of your kitchen to the living/sleeping areas of the home, and the types of waste you create in your kitchen. If you have a smaller home or your kitchen is located close to your living area, a quiet garbage disposal might be more comfortable for you. On the other hand, if your home generates a lot of tough food waste, a powerful garbage disposal might be able to meet your needs much better and will provide you with a long life and excellent dependability.
Many garbage disposals available today are powerful enough to easily grind food yet quiet enough to use effectively in most households. By weighing carefully the noise level, power, price, and amount of use you expect from it each day, you should be able to choose a garbage disposal that meets your needs and provides you with long-term convenience and value in your kitchen.