Originally Posted by atikovi
Any suggestions on what to buy, probably from Home Depot? Not something I use very much so don't need the high end 1 HP $300 model, but would avoid the made in China ones that will quit in 5 years. Are any still made in the USA?
It's not so much how often you use it, as it is cheap garbage disposals have a habit of developing leaks. The cheaper model disposals also tend to be loud because they have smaller, cheaper bearings and motors. Another thing is the cheaper, low H.P. units tend to do a lousy job of breaking down solids into small enough pieces. Consequently, larger bits of food can get hung up and rot in the disposal, creating a smelly situation.
The better units are not much more, and perform a lot better. Check the make and model of what you have. Sometimes you can buy an upgraded model of the same brand that will allow for a, "twist off / twist on" installation. Making it easy to change out. I know several Insinkerator Models have this. Waste King may have as well. The less work you have to do under a sink, the better.