We are on a septic system, forgot to mention that....don't have any problems with current disposer and the septic, but I also don't put much down it, either, to be on the safe side...

I finally found an old thread on this, covers it pretty well, but any new feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

Here is a link that might be useful: Old thread on disposals

I went cross-eyed about half-way through. I don't think things have changed a lot.

One thing to possibly consider instead of an air switch is the Waste-King fiber-optic switch. It should work with any brand, from what I can tell (check first!), and only requires a little hole, not the faucet-size one. Looks like it is better if you wear gloves when washing up as well.

I own quite a few rental properties. I learned years ago that it's much cheaper in the long run to put in the best garbage disposers I can find. By that, I mean a 1 HP motor, with all stainless steel grind components and grind chamber. Currently, my choice is the Insinkerator Excel. I've had very good luck with Insinkerator over the years.

Not only is this disposer quieter, but it has a larger capacity, will grind up almost anything (bones, artichokes, corn husks - tenants will try anything!), and grinds stuff into smaller particles that flow through drain lines more readily. The stainless components won't corrode and stay sharper, much longer than ordinary steel grind chambers and components. The bigger motor is also more durable.

Since replacing smaller, cheaper disposers with top-of-the-line models, I almost never have to call out the Roto-Rooter or deal with stopped up kitchen drain lines, something that used to be a regular occurance. The extra cost up front for the best disposer saves me way more in time and money in the long run. Fewer plumbing problems, not to mention, the disposers themselves last longer.

There are basically 2 choices: In Sinkerator and Waste King. They make just about everyone else's units new stickers on them.

Viking's top of the range unit is also very good because they bought the design.

Insinkerator Evolution Septic Assist Food Waste Disposer

Thank you everyone for your input :) It is really helpful.

Unfortunately, while Insinkerator is a good product (I have had one in two different homes), I will never buy another one. The CEO is a real America-hater, who brags about moving all his factories overseas where he can manufacture with slave labor and no regulations. I don't support destroying American jobs, so I won't buy another one, but that's just me.

It depends upon your point of view - I see the Emerson CEO as an America LOVER who is decrying the government's ever-increasing interference in business and the realization that in the current environment if he wants to maintain value for his shareholders he's going to have to add jobs overseas, not in the US.

Regardless, we should likely keep politics out of it in this forum and let potential purchasers read his comments for themselves and choose their products accordingly.

Here is a link that might be useful: Emersons Farr Says U.S. Is Destroying Manufacturing

the other guys manuf. in Asia also - I'd prefer it be made domestically but the reality of the global marketplace is offshore production.

If you don't like offshore production there are almost always domestic alternatives, people then just #^%@&98 about the cost. You just can't have a high quality , made in USA produced product at the lowest price it's impossible without some sort of gvnt. tariff protection.

Insinkerator disposals are still made in Wisconsin.

I have a Waste King batch feed disposal that is about 4 years old. It is really great. However, to my dismay, Waste King moved all its manufacturing to China in 2007. That is how Waste King can sell disposals at Costco for $99. I do not know if the Waste King quality is the same or not. The Waste King 7-10 year in-home warranties have remained as far as I know.

Waste King's website used to say that all their 3/4 hp and 1 hp disposals were fine with septic systems. I can't find that statement on their website any more. That leaves only Insinkerator as a manufacturer that specifically makes a septic-safe disposal.

Here is a link that might be useful: Insinkerator Evolution Septic Assist Disposal