The food waste grinder is an environmentally friendly alternative to waste disposal methods such as landfills. Garbage disposal is a problem for many families, and not all wastewater treatment plants convert food waste into renewable energy or biosolids into fertilizer. Modern equipment in an ordinary apartment helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as make life comfortable and hygienic.
If you imagine that waste after cooking ends up in the drain of an ordinary kitchen sink, then the result will be the same - a blockage. Manufacturers have come up with a way to avoid such problems even for the narrowest pipes. The technology came to us from the USA and is rapidly gaining popularity.
Features of a home recycler
Some people stopped using the trash can altogether, replacing it with a sink. But how does such recycling harm pipes and treatment facilities? When using a shredder in apartments, the “porridge” from waste is not dangerous for pipes. Damage to the treatment plant and pipes is caused only when the device is used in large catering establishments, because it requires additional costs for wastewater treatment.
A full-fledged kitchen assistant can recycle:
- fruits, vegetables, root vegetables;
- eggshells;
- nuts, fruit seeds, peels;
- fish, chicken, small meat bones;
- various cereals
As for non-food waste, the disposer (this is the foreign name of the device) copes with paper towels, cigarette butts, and napkins.The device is afraid of things that can get wrapped up:
- threads, ropes, hair;
- polyethylene;
- rags
Users of the shredder do not experience any unpleasant odors, since the device operates when the water is turned on, and nothing stagnates inside, unlike household waste, which is stored in a garbage container, quickly deteriorates and causes an unpleasant odor in the room. In addition, it is easy to clean by throwing lemon peel or ice cubes into it.
The emphasis is on cold water, since with a hot flow, grease will remain on the surface of the pipes and not drain into the sewer.
The advantages of the new generation shredder are:
- a light weight;
- no vibration;
- high speed;
- safety.
These features allow you to install the unit on any type of sink (undermount, integrated, mortise, glued). If the sink is metal with a small hole, the service department will flare the hole to install the chopper.
The only disadvantage of a kitchen waste disposal unit is the noise during operation. The operation of the mechanism, which lasts 15-30 seconds, can be controlled by time, respectively, by the sound produced using a pneumatic button.
Mechanism of operation of a kitchen chopper
To understand how safe a device is and which one to choose for home use, you need to understand its design and operating principle. It is believed that a food waste grinder works on the principle of a blender. This means that the blades rotate and crush waste. This only applies to mechanical models that are equipped with knives powered by water pressure.The design of the electrical device works without the use of blades. Instead, blades or impellers mounted on a metal plate continuously force particles onto the rotating shredder ring under centrifugal force. The disc turns waste into small residues by liquefying it under the pressure of water or forcing it through a perforated mesh. After crushing, food residues are washed out with a stream of water through the ring into the sewer compartment. From there, they end up in the local wastewater discharge or sanitary wastewater plant.
Equipping the right machine
Let's look at technical samples powered by electricity.
Household electric shredders offered for purchase comply with international quality standards ISO 9001, and specialists guarantee service for about 15 years. A year of service, according to consumer reviews, costs around 1,000 rubles. The cost of the miracle machine varies from 8,000 to 22,000 rubles, depending on the manufacturer and power.
The device costs a lot, but in return it offers a lot.
- The grinder replaces the sink siphon and is installed below the sink. Any device is equipped with a separate hole for connecting the drain of a dishwasher or washing machine and fasteners.
- Some models are equipped with a magnetic trap that prevents metal objects from entering the siphon. It consists of 2 halves and fits onto the neck. Even if they get inside, they will not damage the mechanism.
- The kitchen unit itself is equipped with a removable neck and an elastic band that is placed on the neck through the hole in the sink.
- A pusher cover for easy waste capture completes the package of the shredder.
- A pneumatic switch is not included in all models. It can be ordered separately.
- Some manufacturers offer a remote control included with the kit, which is placed on the socket.
To install the dispenser to the sewer, you must use only smooth pipes with a water seal so that there is no smell from the sewer. You cannot use a corrugated sink: in an extended position, all waste waste is collected in segments, which is a source of unpleasant odor and malfunctions of the shredder.
What to look for when choosing?
With the advent of a new quality of life, the characteristics of disposers have changed. A high-quality shredder meets certain requirements that must be taken into account when purchasing:
- Power. For a family of 4 people, the best option would be an electric device with a power of 550 W. These are quite economical and convenient kitchen appliances. Powerful models provide maximum and fast waste shredding.
- Dimensions. The power of the device affects its size. Medium and light products for home use with a height of 12 to 44 cm - ideal for a modern kitchen with an open plan. At the same time, powerful shredders from well-known companies fit compactly under any sink and are economical in terms of energy and water consumption. The fastening system allows for quick installation.
- Energy saving indicator. Thrifty owners should pay attention to disposers with a power of 325 W. Energy-saving models are usually not equipped with a pneumatic button.
- High spin rate. The rotation speed contributes to high-quality waste processing.Mechanical analogues operate from water pressure; for electric ones, an acceptable figure is 1400 rpm. Thanks to the magnetic induction motor, the sales leaders produce 2600-2700 rpm from the first minute of startup.
- Crushing chamber. A large dispenser fits compactly under the sink and works better. Small devices don't do the job well.
- Material and coating of parts. Stainless steel avoids rust.
- Low noise level and speed mode. Despite the power reaching 0.7 hp, the choppers create a low noise level, which makes it possible to install the device in a house where there are small children. Some models have a built-in power booster function to effectively deal with hard waste.
- Pneumatic actuator is a button that provides easy connection to the device and safety. It can be installed anywhere (on a countertop or sink), eliminating the possibility of electric shock. If there are small children in the house, the option with a remote control will limit access to the mechanism.
Before deciding to purchase a food waste disposer, consult a professional about the operation and installation of the disposer. The role of a consultant in Russian conditions will be performed by a master installing plumbing fixtures, kitchen sinks, and salespeople from home appliance stores.
The old method of disposing of household waste is becoming a thing of the past. It is being replaced by food waste shredders. As a result of their use, order and hygiene reign in the kitchen; The device is safe and high-performance. Which type of disposal to choose, everyone decides for themselves, based on personal preferences, arrangement of the premises, and the number of family members.
