Operating a garbage disposal can be a messy ordeal. You’ve got food lying around and soap bubbles floating through the air, but perhaps the most dangerous part is all that water splashing everywhere. The last thing you want to do with wet hands and a wet workstation is fiddling with electric switches and wiring.
EDIT: If you are looking to replace your garbage disposal switch or are performing a new installation - you may want to consider installing a wireless garbage disposal switch instead!
What Is An Air Switch
Garbage disposal air switches addresses the danger of electrocution by eliminating the need for electrical switches and wiring. Instead of a wall or cabinet switch that is connected to electricity (like a light switch), an air switch is a simple button connected to an airtight tube. When you press the button (usually installed on the kitchen counter), a puff of air travels through the tube and into the special power supply underneath your sink (well away from your wet hands) and activates or deactivates your garbage disposal.
There are also many added benefits like being able to choose where the switch is installed; no more being slaved to your house's wiring layout. You can put it wherever you want as, and as long as air can flow through the tube, it will work. Garbage disposal air switches are a great accessory for just about everyone with a garbage disposal, so we've taken a look at best ones available online, so you can find the right one for you.
What To Consider When Installing An Air Switch?
When considering buying an air switch for a garbage disposal, there are a few things to look out for.
- Ensure that the air switch is compatible with your particular brand and model of garbage disposal.
- Check the length of the air tubing that comes with the switch to make sure it is long enough to reach from the countertop to the switch unit located under the sink.
- Consider the design and finish of the air button, to ensure it matches your kitchen decor.
- Ensure you have enough clearance around the switch on the kitchen counter, especially pay attention to this if you are installing the switch in the counter space between the kitchen sink and the wall
How We Came Up with the List
A garbage disposal air switch is a remarkably simple device. As such, they are all very similar in material makeup and construction. However, there are several smaller, less major differences between air switches that will tip the balance and win out.
Durability
Flicking a switch every day is bound to wear it down, especially if it has metal and wiring that rub up against each other. An air switch has fewer points of friction and contact than an electrical switch so it likely will last longer. However, this depends greatly on the quality of the materials.
Garbage disposal air switches scored high in our books when they use high-grade metals or synthetic materials. Good quality buttons will ensure that your switch won't wear down, and good tube materials keep the switch running right with no leaks.
Hose Length
The air hose is one of the most important parts of the air switch as it connects the button to the device that activates and deactivates your garbage disposal. It also determines where the switch can be located depending on the hose's length. Longer hoses mean more choice of switch location.
Switches that come standard with long hoses scored better with us. Even if it turns out you don’t need the extra length, you can easily trim down and cut the hose yourself to meet your needs.
Capabilities
The main difference in capabilities between air switches is whether or not they have dual outlets. A garbage disposal air switch with two outlets on its power supply can be used to activate an extra device in your sink such as an instant hot water dispenser. It's a bit rare for sinks to need two outlets, and it does increase the price, but it's nice to have the option.
The Overall Winner
Our favorite pick, the Essential Values Disposal Air Switch, had all the bells and whistles we wanted, with the durability we needed. Its hose is high-quality vinyl which is tough and flexible. Not to mention it is six feet long which should match the needs of virtually any switch placement choice. The button itself is finished chrome.
As the name suggests, this Essential Values air switch has two outlets, so you can hook up a second device to the switch and operate it with the same level of added safety. The switch alternates power between both outlets, so they can never be on at the same time. This capability ensures that your circuits won't overload from having to power a water heater and a garbage disposal.
This air switch had everything, and for a great price as well. It even has multiple finish options (albeit only three) for the button to match your decor.
- BEST VALUE Garbage Disposal Air Switch on Amazon w/ BRUSHED NICKEL BUTTON & Bonus DUAL OUTLET for Optional Hot Water...
- MONEY BACK GUARANTEE - Feel Confident That This Easy to Install Air Switch Will Do The Trick For Your InSinkerator,...
- CLEAN & SIMPLY DIY Way To Install That Garbage Disposer When An Outlet IS Not Easily Present Or The Access To Installing...
Best Value
If you are looking to spend as little as possible and don't need all the extras of our top pick, then we suggest the Cleesink Sink Top Air Switch Kit. It doesn't have dual outlets, and the hose is only five feet long, but that should be just fine for a lot of people. Not everyone needs two outlets, and it is rare to need a hose longer than five feet if you plan on putting the button in a standard place with an averagely sized sink.
Despite not having that extra stuff, the Cleesink is still durable and effective. It just works. Also, this switch has a few more finish options for the button than our top pick, so if you have a unique kitchen decor, you’re likely to find one that fits.
- HOW TO CHOOSE BUTTON – For better fitting, please choose the SHORT/2" or the LONG/2.5" button depending on the...
- SAFETY & SECURITY – The Power-supply Cords are attested by UL for security and long-term use. Suitable for voltages...
- EASY TO INSTALL – No tools are required for installation. The diameter of the countertop hole should be between 1 1/4"...
Runner Ups
These garbage disposal air switches didn’t make the cut for the top spot, but they have something to offer regardless. You might find these fit you better if you have unique needs.
This dual outlet garbage disposal air switch has a lot of the same features as our top garbage disposal pick. However, it is significantly more expensive as it is a name brand. Insinkerator is a household name when it comes to garbage disposals, and they make high-quality appliances. We did not notice a huge enough difference in quality to justify the extra cost, but those who prefer the brand name will not be disappointed.
- Add a touch of elegance to the kitchen with easy-to-reach SinkTop Switch
- A convenient alternative to a wall switch, the stylish SinkTop Switch is air-activated and easily mounts to the sink or...
- Air Switch trim cover mounts on any standard 1 3/8-in through 1 1/2-in faucet hole or drill hole
This air switch was a fine device that performed OK compared to our other picks. It's a single outlet and doesn't quite match up to the quality of some of the other switches. However, where it really shines is its button finish options. There are over 25 colors, material and finish options to choose from so you are bound to find the right one for your aesthetic regardless of how avant-garde it is!
Northstar Decor AS010 Single Outlet Garbage Disposal Air Switch Kit: 4/5
- STYLE – Add a Touch of Elegance to the Kitchen with Northstar Décor’s easy to install Garbage Disposal Air Switch...
- DESIGN – Manufactured domestically with the strictest quality control standards, the flat design of the Power Module...
- COLOR CHOICES – Available in 24 finishes our collection will cover any of the faucet color combination needs. Our...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Pros and Cons on Using an Air Switch Compared to Other Switches?
- Wall switches: Wall switches are the most common type of switch used with garbage disposals. They are installed on the wall near the sink and are wired directly to the garbage disposal. Wall switches are simple and easy to use, but they do require electrical wiring, which can be a bit more complicated to install compared to an air switch.
- Power cords: Some garbage disposals come with a power cord that can be plugged into an electrical outlet. This eliminates the need for wiring and allows you to use any standard wall switch or even a smart switch, but it can make the installation a bit more complicated due to the need for an accessible outlet.
- Smart switches: Smart switches can be controlled with a smartphone app or a voice assistant, which can be convenient. However, they require an electrical outlet and may be more expensive than other types of switches.
- Batch feed switches: Batch feed switches are designed to be used with batch feed garbage disposals, which only turn on when a special stopper is placed in the disposal. These switches are also wired directly to the garbage disposal and require electrical wiring. While they are a safe option, they are less convenient than other types of switches since you need to use the stopper to turn on the disposal.
Compared to these other types of switches, air switches have the advantage of not requiring any electrical wiring. This can make them easier to install and can reduce the risk of electrical shocks. Additionally, they are typically less expensive than smart switches and can be more convenient than batch feed switches. The main disadvantage of air switches is that they require an additional hole to be drilled in the sink or countertop, which may not be desirable for some homeowners.
How To Install A Garbage Disposal Air Switch
- Turn off the power to your garbage disposal from the circuit breaker box to avoid any risk of electrocution.
- Install the air switch unit on the underside of the sink, near the garbage disposal. You can do this by drilling a hole in the countertop or using an existing hole, and then mounting the unit with the included hardware.
- Connect the air tubing to the air switch unit and then feed it through the hole in the countertop, where you want to place the air button.
- Install the air button on the countertop by securing it with the included locknut.
- Connect the other end of the air tubing to the air button.
- Wire the garbage disposal to the air switch unit using the included wire connectors or by following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Turn the power back on from the circuit breaker box and test the air switch to ensure that it is working properly.
Note that these are general steps, and installation instructions will vary based on the specific model of air switch and garbage disposal you are using. It's always best to carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions, and if you are not comfortable with any aspect of the installation, then maybe hiring a licensed electrician or plumber is best, as there maybe some drilling involved.
My Garbage Disposal Air Switch Is Not Working
If your garbage disposal air switch is not working, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue:
- Check the power source: Ensure that the power to the garbage disposal is turned on from the circuit breaker and that it is receiving power. If the disposal is not receiving power, it will not turn on even if the air switch is working properly.
- Check the connections: Verify that all of the connections between the air switch, air tubing, and the air switch unit are secure and correctly wired.
- Check the switch: Check the air switch button to make sure that it is pressed all the way down and is not stuck. If the button is stuck or not making a proper connection, it will not trigger the switch.
- Check the air tubing: Make sure that the air tubing is properly connected to the air switch button and air switch unit. Ensure that there are no kinks or breaks in the tubing that could be obstructing the airflow.
- Replace the air switch: If all of the above steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to replace the air switch. Contact the manufacturer or retailer of the air switch to obtain a replacement.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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