Power
This refers to the electric motor power of the waste disposal unit, which determines its efficiency and ability to handle large volumes of waste and solid particles. Higher power means faster processing, but it also leads to increased energy consumption and cost. Therefore, it is important to consider specific usage conditions when selecting a grinder based on its power. So, for small volumes and relatively soft waste, engines up to 0.5 hp are enough, and for more serious tasks,
more powerful units are already desirable.
The power consumption and the power of the motor are related, and the formula to convert between them is 1 hp = 735 W. The power ratio is important in determining the energy efficiency of the waste disposal unit, and a larger difference between these values indicates lower efficiency and greater energy waste. However, some manufacturers may provide the peak power of the engine instead of the nominal power, which is not a reliable indicator of efficiency since the waste disposal unit can only operate in this mode for a short period. It is important to consider these factors when choosing a device based on power consumption and efficiency.
Chamber capacity
The working volume of the waste disposal unit's chamber. This parameter determines how much waste can be placed in the device in one load. For everyday use in an average family, a volume of up to 1 liter or even less (about 600 – 700 ml) is considered quite sufficient, however, there are also
more capacious models.
Grinding stages
The waste disposal unit's design includes the number of processing stages. Currently, most models available in the market have
one stage, which is typically sufficient for household use. Multiple processing stages (usually
2 or
3) in a waste disposal unit can handle even the most challenging waste, including solid and large items. The division of the process into stages reduces the load on the tool at each stage, but it also significantly increases the cost of the grinder. As a result, multi-stage processing is only available in advanced models designed for challenging conditions, such as large families who frequently cook a lot.
Chamber material
The material from which the working chamber of the waste disposal unit is made.
— Plastic. The working chamber of waste disposal units can be made of plastic or metal. Plastic chambers are affordable, easy to process, corrosion-resistant, and create less noise compared to metal chambers. However, plastic is generally weaker and less reliable than metal, though still adequate for typical use cases. Plastic chambers are typically found in entry-level and mid-level models.
—
Metal. Metal chambers have the advantage of high strength, making them suitable for use in powerful waste disposal units intended for tough working conditions. However, metal chambers tend to be more expensive and produce more noise during operation.
Auto-reverse
Waste disposal units often include an
auto-reverse function, which automatically changes the direction of the working tool's rotation. This periodic change is believed to enhance processing quality, accelerate the process, and prevent jamming of the device.
Noise level
The average noise level generated by the device during normal operation.
A waste disposal unit that produces less noise is more convenient to use, especially in situations where loud noises are unwanted, such as having a baby in the house or working in the kitchen late at night. However, it's important to consider that a powerful motor and a metal chamber may increase the noise level despite having advanced features.
Decibel values are used to indicate the noise level of waste disposal units, and it is a non-linear quantity. The easiest way to assess the noise is by comparing values in tables. Below is a simple table of noise values that are relevant for modern devices:
— 25 – 26 dB — the volume of a person's whisper at a distance of about 1 m, the noise level of the quietest models;
— 30 dB — the noise level that is acceptable for residential premises at night according to health regulations is equivalent to a soft whisper or a constant background noise at its maximum volume.;
— 35 dB — talking in an undertone;
— 40 dB — normal speech, the maximum volume of a constant background noise, permissible in living quarters during the day;
— 50 dB — conversation in slightly raised tones;
— 60 dB — loud conversation;
— 70 dB — The noise level of several loud conversations occurring within a range of approximately 1 m from each other;
— 73 – 75 dB — scream or loud laughter; the maximum noise level enco...untered in waste disposal units.
