I just learned about it too. I had one (that came with the tub) on a whirlpool tub we installed 11 years ago. There is no problem if you drip water into it, I wasn't careful reaching for it or cleaning around it on the tub deck and never had a problem. Electrician would do install (though tub was DIY, you have to have permit and get it inspected if you do it, electrician wouldn't bother if that was the only thing he was doing but at least you'd be sure it was right).

Other (no switch) option is a GD that has a cap that you insert and twist, like my parents have. I think they call it direct feed or something. Mom got it at HD but I don't know manufacturer/model. Plumber installed that but wouldn't touch wires (I think she had it hardwired, not plugin) so handyman did that. Again, electrician should do it. If you happen to have a dedicated receptacle under you sink and current GD is just plugged in, then of course it's easy if you can find a direct feed GD with a plug. HTH

another option is to buy a batch feed disposal - you don't need any switch at all because the cover completes the circuit. I have this and I like it because the only hole in my granite is the faucet; also, I think it is safer because there is no way to reach in while it is engaged. It is a bit more work as you need to remove the cover to add more to the disposal, hence "batch feed".

Oh, maybe my parents have batch feed and not direct feed - I couldn't think of what it was called but it is the same as lucypwd describes.

I actually just installed one of these in my remodeled kitchen, I love it. We have a large (7+ foot long) window over the sink so would have had to stake a step or two to the side if we had it on a switch ( I know the horror). So I saw and liked the little switch. It was easy to setup. Basically the granite guys just cut a hole for it and one piece sits on the top of the counter and srews to a piece under the counter to hold it toghether. Then the airhose connects to a small box that plus into a standard outlet. There is also a wire that runs to the disposal. Not sure who would do it since me and my dad did it. Maybe a plumber, maybe electric, I am sure either could. Anyway it works great so far, no issues with it and looks kinda slick too.

I love my Insinkerator Batch-Feed--works great, easy to use...have had no problems. I have three little kids who LOVE switches/buttons/etc., so I love the fact that it can't turn on unless the lid is twisted into it.

As someone who has never had a garbage disposal before, I also have no previous experience with any other kind. So I might just like it because I don't know any better!! I do know that I researched the heck out of it back when we were designing the kitchen, and for my use, I saw no benefit to the regular style GD over batch-feed.
:)
Sarah

My electrician had to move an outlet to the area under the sink (an easy run of wire from above) and also add a cord to the garbage disposal for plugging in. And then my plumber actually installed it when he put in the sink and garbage disposal. He had never seen one before but was very impressed with it (it was a very easy install). After it was done, he said he was going to do one in his dad's house.

I LOVE it - access to the button is quick and clean!

My in-laws have one and it works so well I have purchased one to be installed in my kitchen renovation.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I am going out this weekend to go look at the air switch and the batch feed.

Never had batch feed, but had an air switch in my last kitchen and just loved it. Actually, the plumber installed it (that was in California). Word of caution, they are not all alike in the quality of looks. I'd seen one in the appliance store, and assuming they all were like that, just had my plumber bring one. It was junk, looked like tin, didn't sit even on the counter. So I refused it and bought the other one, and had him install that. I was totally happy with the air switch in every way.

I was just at HD looking at 1x4 oak and oak half round, saw 1 batch feed GD for $250 and an air switch for $60. Given that there was only 1 batch feed among all the other "wall switch" GDs, air switch might be the best way to go (if you don't need to rewire) so you have more choices for GD. Now and future replacement.

The air switch we installed when we did our granite is one of my favorite new gadgets. I'm short and not having to reach over wet counters to flip the switch is fabulous!

I know - my switch (and an outlet) are right behind my dish drainer, 1" away from windowsill and of course I'm always reaching with wet hands! I don't know why builder did it that way (of course, a lot of things turned out different from the plans).

I love my batch feed Insinkerator! No switches at all. And no gunky flange. I can look straight in and see if anything wayward is in the disposal.

Thanks for all the responses! I'm definitely sold!! ;-)

Is the air switch installed to the GD? Does it have a plug? Currently under the kitchen sink I have two outlets, both of which are used - one for DW and the other for GD. Will I need to add a third outlet?

The Air Switch "box" will plug into the outlet and the GD will plug into the Air Switch "box":

BTW...we couldn't install a batch-feed b/c code required a GD designed for septic systems... The only GDs for septic systems were "regular"....

I learned about the air switch here and I also feel it is one of the best gadgets in my new kitchen. The air switch sits on my counter about 6-7 inches to the left of my faucet.