batch feed disposal for infrequent use

16 years ago

Redoing kitchen. There is a batchfeed Kitchen Aid disposal that is probably 15 years old (we've been in house for 11 years, and the previous owners redid kitchen 5 years before they moved out). Would just as soon have something with a smaller footprint, if possible. We are on septic system, and so try not to let anything get down sink, so only use disposal occasionally when we goof up... The magnetic bit in the stopper is loose, and comes out occasionally, but otherwise it works, but we figure we should replace now, so don't have it fail after we've put in nice new sink et al....

Don't need anything very powerful, but there don't seem to be a lot of choices among batch feed. Definintely want batch feed....

Suggestions? reliability is important but are they all so big????

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Comments (11)

gizmonike
16 years ago
Insinkerator Evolution. We just installed two of them, our first ever batch GDs, and love them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Insinkerator
appliance_matt
16 years ago
I stumbled across a brochure online (see link) for the Insinkerator Evolution Pro series (the ones supplied by plumbers rather than bought over the counter at HD or Lowes etc) and one of the differences between the standard Evolution range and the Evolution Pro range is that the Pro versions can be converted to batch feed with a special conversion kit, so if the size of the unit is an issue you could get an Evolution Compact Pro and get it converted to batch feed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Evolution Pro Series PDF brochure (see page 11)
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Hi all, I'm wondering if any of you have used InSinkErator's CCA-00 Cover Control Adapter, an accessory that sells for $35 that transforms a standard continuous-feed disposer into a batch-feed disposer (operated by inserting the drain cover and twisting it). It looks like this: Insinkerator sells an "Evolution Cover Control" disposer with this preinstalled, but they're expensive (about $250); the adaptor sells for as little as $35 online though. ISE "will only warranty the Cover Control Adaptor when it's installed on Evolution Series disposers", the least expensive (the Evolution Compact) of which costs $170. That means the Evolution Compact and the CCA-00 adapter together are about $60 less than the Evolution Cover Control. But what I'm really wondering is, will the adapter work with any Insinkerator disposer, like the cheap Badger series, if I'm willing to forsake the (6-year) warranty? Or with the many other brands of disposers that are made by the same company (Kenmore, Whirlpool/Maytag/Kitchenaid, etc.)? How about disposers made by the only other major supplier of these, Waste King (which makes GE, Sinkmaster, and others)? I already own an uninstalled GE and would rather not have to buy a new disposer in order to get batch feed. If anyone's curious, I'm going with batch feed because it'a a basement installation and running wiring from a wall switch would involve cutting through cinder blocks, which I'd rather avoid. I could go with an air switch (even more expensive than the Cover Control Adapter, and I'd have to drill a hole in the sink) or a lame undercounter or surface-mount switch, but a batch-feed disposer is the most elegant solution here. Thx.
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Brickeyee is incorrect. I have the KA 1 hp batch feed, and it is about the biggest on the market--I think Waste King's 1 hp batch feed is a bit bigger. If I drop a spoon or something down my disposal, I just reach in & fish it out. And I have a deep sink, and I am short with short arms, so I would notice if the disposal is so "far down" as to make pulling something out "work". C'mon. Meanwhile, the advantages of a batch feed in those situations are that (a) there is no flange, so you can see directly down into the disposal to see where the object is, (b) no flange means you don't have to slide your wrist past a clammy slimy flange, and (c) there is no fear that while you are fishing for your object, the disposal might turn on, since a batch feed can only turn on if its cover is on it. Having said all that, the OP's question is directly opposed to the function and purpose of how a batch feed disposal is constructed. Since you feed the disposal in "batches", you want the chamber to be large so that you don't have to stop the disposal often, if at all, to feed more into it. Typically I can just run my disposal once and be finished, except on big dinners like Thanksgiving or parties or something. Conversely, a small disposal like the Evolution Compact mentioned in this thread, is a continuous feed disposal. Because it can be fed "continuously" there is no need to have a large chamber. People like that "continuous" aspect and that's one reason they choose that style. I like the batch feed cause of the safety issue and no need for a switch. Everyone has different preferences and there is no "correct" choice. To the OP, I don't think choosing a batch feed disposal over a continuous feed disposal will make a significant difference in your storage capacity under your sink assuming you are sticking with the 3/4 hp size. People typically choose the Evolution Compact disposal because the location of their plumbing outlet dictates a shorter-height disposal, not because they want to eke out a few more inches under their sink. But check the measurements online and you'll see. Also, you mentioned "there are so many different models of Waste Kings". Waste King only has two 3/4 hp batch feed disposals, the 9900TC which has the 3-bolt mount, and the 5000TC which has the EZ Mount. Other than the mounting method, the two are identical. People choose the EZ Mount model because, well, it's easier to mount. Really a cinch, particularly if you are DIY. People choose the 3-bolt model because they tend to be more solidly mounted, with less vibration, but more of a PITA to install.
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I always had batch feed disposals for 2 reasons: safety, the most important, and one less switch on the wall. I loved them. Unfortunately in my new condo I had no choice and I have a continuous feed. The wall switch gets dirty and needs to be cleaned every day. The worst part is the rubber removable splash guard. It gets absolutely filthy and I can't figure out how to clean it. The manual provides no information. It is impossible to get the crud off it. I've soaked it in diluted bleach, diluted vinegar, scrubbed it and it is never really clean. With a batch feed I just rinsed the stopper off and it was always clean.
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coleen3201118
16 years ago
While our house was being remodeled, we rented a beach cottage over the summer. There was an old KitchenAid batch feed disposal in the cottage. I already purchased batch feed disposals for our kitchen - Insinkerator Evolution Cover Control (we previously had continuous feed). I had never used a batch feed and I hated the KitchenAid and was wondering if I made a mistake. The Insinkerators are in our house now and they are great - there is no comparison. They run smoothly and quietly. I don't think you'd be disappointed with it.
User
16 years ago
If you're going to have one then I would replace it now. I have the WasteKing 5000 with no problems. If you don't use it that often and are concerned about the space you could set up for it but not install it. You could have an outlet for it (WK5000 plugs in) but don't buy/install it unless you find you need it. The setup will be there for resale.
texborn
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks! I just went to the Insinkerator site, and I can even get a stainless steel cover and flange, to go with my (new) stainless steel sink and polished chrome faucet. I also went down under the sink with my ruler, and it looks like my (at least 15 years old)current KitchenAid batch disposal is longer than the Insinkerator, if the dimensions on the website are correct, so the footprint won't be bigger, and maybe a little smaller...

Is Home Depot where you buy these things? That's the only place besides Lowes that shows up when I punch in my zipcode.
katrina1
16 years ago
A good plumber can supply you with one. There should also be plumbing supply stores that would sell you one directly and even give you some names of plumbers they use to install the products they sell.
texborn
Original Author
16 years ago
So what do I say to the husband, who wants to know why I should replace the disposal just because we are remodeling the kitchen? And, is the Insinkerator that I would buy at Home Depot going to be different from one I'd get at a plumbing supply place?
coleen3201118
16 years ago
You can get them on line also - I got mine from Ira Wood - they were having a sale - check their listings for promotions.
fairegold
16 years ago
I got mine at HomeClick, also on sale, plus free shipping.

The ones at Home Depot and Lowe's will be the same only if the product number is exactly the same. I think ISE makes some models especially for the big box stores, but with different hp and other distinctions.
texborn
Original Author
16 years ago
Homeclick has a good price, but I can't wait 4-6 weeks, so will go look at Home Depot.

What happens if I don't replace the current (15 year old Kitchen Aide) disposal, and it breaks after we've renovated the kitchen? I assume it is better to replace it now, but need a better explanation than that for the guy who pays the bills.
fairegold
16 years ago
I got mine from HomeClick within a week.

And disposals are easy to replace. But if your old one is that old, it may not survive (old seals, gaskets) the transition to a new sink. Ours did not. But it really is an easy handy-man chore to replace a disposal.

batch feed disposal for infrequent use

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batch feed disposal for infrequent use

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