Evolution of the Appliance: The Story of the Garbage Disposals

Today’s appliances are not the same as those of your parents. With smart technology improving and making everything smarter, from your TV to your thermostat, appliances are no different. Residential garbage disposals can now operate more quietly and efficiently than ever before. Have commercial appliances, normally sold to restaurants, found their way into the average household? In this series of articles, we will explore where each of the following appliances is with regard to features, style, and price:

•         Stoves and Ovens
•         Garbage Disposals
•         Dishwashers
•         Refrigerators/Freezers
•         Washing Machines/Dryers

In this article, we are talking about Garbage Disposals. Instead of disposing food waste in the trash can, many households now have a garbage disposal in the kitchen sink.   Garbage disposals are usually attached to the underside of the sink and its plumbing. They grind garbage into small particles so that it goes through the water waste system instead of into the landfill. Garbage Disposals have become popular because it is an easy way to get rid of waste, and they also help the environment by cutting down the amount of trash going into the landfill.  Current garbage disposals are more energy-efficient and easier to use than the early ones.

 Read on to learn more about the features of the latest garbage disposals available.

History

The invention of the first Garbage Disposal dates back to 1927 by John W. Hammes. After World War II, when kitchen modernization and remodeling became fashionable, sales of garbage disposals began to increase. Research shows that nowadays, over half of US households use this appliance. Improved technology has had an effect on them. However, in contrast to other kitchen appliances, the design of garbage disposals has not undergone many changes. 

Technology has improved our lives in many ways and one of them is the technology that is found in garbage disposals. As this kitchen appliance becomes increasingly popular, technology is incorporated to make using it more manageable. There have been new developments in garbage disposal technology that have made them quieter, more environmentally friendly, and less expensive. We would like to share some ways that technology has changed this appliance for the better.

Features of the Latest Garbage Disposals

Although the development is not as obvious as other kitchen appliances, the latest models provide great features mostly to solve noise and clogging problems.

•         New wireless technology allows you to use your phone to turn on the power switch of the garbage disposal from a distance.
•         Garbage disposal design is now more creative thanks to new technology. There are small kitchen friendly disposals on the market called Compact Garbage Disposals. Despite being small, they are very powerful.
•         Sound Seal technology has made for much quieter operation. Loud sound has always been a big problem with the garbage disposal. This technology minimizes not only the sound of the motor and grinding but also the noises caused by vibration.
•         One of the great technologies found in some garbage disposals is a Jam Sensor. It automatically and instantly increases the torque of the shredder plate when it senses a jam is forthcoming. It will even reverse direction to clear out any potential clogs immediately.
•         Another great feature that modern garbage disposals have to prevent clogs is called Auto Reverse technology. When a jam is detected, the shredder plate automatically reverses direction. Therefore, you do not need to worry about the disposal getting clogged because the reverse movement aids in breaking up any blockage.
•         Multi Grind technology helps prevent clogs by grinding the waste twice or three times. This multi-stage grinding turns waste into finer particles. Also, it can grind hard food items such as chicken bones.

Price

The money you will spend on a residential garbage disposal depends on the size, features, and how much food you intend to grind regularly. Typically the cost ranges between $50-$380. There are also additional costs, such as hiring a handyman for installation; this will cost between $50-$450. Also, if your home is not set up for a garbage disposal, you will have to pay for plumbing and electrical wiring. These two can run between $150-$700.

Future

Garbage Disposals are environmentally-friendly kitchen appliances that help reduce the carbon footprint by producing less waste going into landfills. Due to their environmental importance, it would be nice to see a garbage disposal in almost every house in the near future. Technology has helped with the improvement of this appliance and certainly will continue to do so in the future. Residential garbage disposals that can grind practically all household waste would be an excellent advancement. By doing this, we do more to protect the environment.