The market is flooded with garbage disposals, and the differences between them aren't always visible in the specs. In practice, four figures decide whether you'll be satisfied — and they all appear on the product page.
1. Horsepower — how strong the motor is
3/4 HP is the minimum that works. Suitable for a couple or a household of up to four people who don't cook every day.
1 HP and above is our recommendation for most homes. The difference is felt exactly at the awkward moments: a chicken bone, a hard peel, a pit. A weak motor jams and makes noises; a strong motor simply keeps going.
2. RPM — rotation speed
This is the figure fewest people check, and it directly affects blockages. Look for at least 3,400 revolutions per minute.
The higher the speed, the finer the grinding — and the particles are washed through the pipes instead of building up in them. A slow disposal produces coarser waste, and that's exactly the waste that gets stuck.
3. Warranty — how many years
Three years is the minimum. A manufacturer that isn't willing to stand behind its motor for three years is telling you something.
At the top end there are models with warranties of up to seven years. That's not marketing — it's a real difference in cost of ownership over time.
4. The siphon — the detail nobody checks
A garbage disposal requires a dedicated U-type siphon. The regular siphon installed under the sink today wasn't designed for this load, and it's one of the most common causes of blockages after installation.
This isn't a figure in the disposal's specifications, but something verified at installation. With us it's part of the job.
Weak vs strong — what it means in practice
The difference between 0.5–0.75 HP and 1–1.25 HP isn't just a number on the box:
- What gets ground. A weak disposal copes with soft scraps and peels. A strong one also handles chicken bones, hard peels and pits.
- How long. A strong one finishes in one go. A weak one lingers, and sometimes you have to take things out and put them back in.
- Risk of blockage. A weak one leaves coarser particles. That builds up.
How much it should cost
Most households are well covered under ₪2,200. In this range you already get a decent motor, high RPM and a three-year warranty.
Above that you're mainly paying for extended warranty and durability for heavy use — relevant for a business or a hard-working kitchen, less so for an average home.
So what to check, in one line
A motor of 1 HP or more, at least 3,400 RPM, a three-year warranty, and a U-siphon at installation. If all four are ticked — you've bought right.
Not sure what suits your kitchen? Send us a photo of under your sink on WhatsApp and we'll come back with a recommendation and a price.
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