If you are currently searching for a new garbage disposal, then you have more than likely noticed that they come in one of two varieties: much more common continuous feed models and the less common batch feed models.

Understanding the differences between continuous feed disposers and batch feed disposers is what will help you determine which option will work best for your household. Let’s take a closer look at what each type has to offer.
What is a Batch Feed Disposal?
Batch feed disposals are identical to the much more common continuous feed garbage disposal except for a few things:
How Does a Batch Feed Disposal Work?
Of the two types of garbage disposals, batch feed models are less popular; however, this does not mean that they are any less efficient. While continuous feed models start up with the simple flip of a switch, batch feed models require a few additional steps.
First you load up the batch feed garbage disposal like you would with any other disposal, then with the water running, you insert the stopper - the stopper is what triggers the switch that gets the unit’s motor up and running. The food waste is then ground down and washed down the drain. The primary downside to this model is that you must place the waste inside the garbage disposal before turning it on. If you are making a purchasing decision based upon convenience alone, then a continuous feed garbage disposal will win each time.
Pros & Cons of a Batch Feed Disposal
Pros of a Batch Feed Disposal
Cons of a Batch Feed Disposal
What batch feed garbage disposals lose in terms of convenience, it more than makes up for with regards to safety and other advantages. For example, the disposal’s included stopper provides a foolproof method of preventing foreign objects from falling into the disposal. It also prevents curious small children from placing their hands in the waste disposer. This unit is particularly well suited for homes that have small children.
Continuous Feed Garbage Disposals: What You Need to Know
Continuous feed garbage disposals are currently the most popular type of garbage disposal in North America. Most of our recommended models are continuous feed. Its popularity is due, in part, to how simple it is to use. Food is simply placed in the disposer, the unit is powered on (generally via a flip switch), and the disposer grinds up and disposes of the food waste.
Even while it is running, you can easily add more food waste to the waste disposer, which translates to faster cleanup times and an efficiently run kitchen. If you have large amounts of food waste to dispose of, being able to keep the disposal running means that you will get the job done faster.

These units require a minimal amount of maintenance, and cleaning them is a simple process. Modern garbage disposals are sold with multiple grinding chambers, which significantly reduces the chances that a clog will develop in your home’s plumbing, and different horsepower motors are available depending on the amount of grinding power your household requires. In terms of pricing, these units are more affordable than their batch feed counterparts.
For all of the benefits they have to offer, continuous feed garbage disposals are not without their cons. Depending on the specific brand you purchase, your unit may or may not come with a power cord, which means that you will have to purchase one separately or hire a professional plumber to hardwire the disposal.
Likewise, you must take into account that continuous feed food waste disposers have an open filler neck. There is always a slight risk that debris may come out while the unit is running, but most manufacturers do include a splashguard with their units, which solves this issue. If you have small children in your home, you will need to take precautions to ensure that they do not stick their hands into the garbage disposal’s opening.
Batch Feed Garbage Disposals: The Lowdown

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
For many homeowners, it can be tempting to fill a batch feed disposer’s grinding chamber with food waste and wait to grind it up until the chamber is full or he or she has the time to grind it. However, this creates a potential health hazard as the food waste begins to decompose. Not only does it attract bacteria, but it may also attract insects.
It should be noted that batch feed and continuous feed garbage disposals grind and dispose of food waste equally well. Batch feed models are available in the same horsepower and grinding chamber configurations as their continuous feed cousins; however, they do gain in advantage in ease of installation. Almost all batch feed models come with an included power cord, which means that most homeowners will be able to install the unit themselves – without having to hire a costly professional plumber.
Which One Is Better?
Ultimately, continuous feed models will make your life easier, but which model you choose for your home is going to depend on three primary factors: safety, cost, and the amount of waste you routinely dispose of. Of these three factors, you will need to decide which is most important to you.
Best Batch Feed Disposals of 2023
- HOST SERIES: Designed for those who frequently cook for guests and need advanced cleanup power
- POWERFUL GRINDING: 2,700 RPM, ¾ horsepower Vortex motor provides fast, powerful grinding of tough food scraps and helps...
- CONTROLLED, SAFER GRINDING: Disposal only works when the batch feed stopper is engaged and locked into place, keeping...
- HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The 3/4 HP, 2700 RPM permanent magnet motor is sound-insulated and jams less
- EASY INSTALLATION: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation
- BATCH FEED DISPOSAL: Activated by included drain stopper, the disposal quickly grinds food waste in batches
- 3/4 HP MOTOR - A powerful 3/4 HP garbage disposal quickly reaches its maximum spin speed, so it can grind hard food...
- OVER 2,700 RPM - Great for owners who cook daily, this over 2,700 RPM garbage disposal spins at a high speed to give...
- EASY INSTALLATION - This DIY, easy installation food disposal only requires a few steps and has everything you need...
Still not sure which one to buy? Check out our comparison table below of top selling garbage disposals of 2023:
Model
Horsepower
Our Rating
Our Review
Last update on 2023-05-31 at 17:17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leave a Reply