Number of revolutions
The motor shaft's nominal speed is a crucial factor in the operation of the waste disposal unit, as it determines the speed of processing. Models with higher nominal speeds can process waste faster than those with lower speeds, provided that their power and other features are equal. However, high speed can also lead to increased noise levels and a reduced ability to handle solid particles.
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.