You often hear people say garbage disposals have their best sizes available in 3/4 hp and 1 hp, but no one highlights what makes them different and how to choose them. If you have the same question, read the guide I prepared explaining the comparison analysis between the two most frequently recommended 3/4 HP vs 1 HP Garbage Disposal.
The biggest difference between 3/4 hp and 1 hp is more or less grinding power. As the 3/4 hp motor is considerably low-powered, so it has less power for food grinding compared to 1 hp. Other points of discussion that make both garbage disposal apart are dimensions due to horsepower, price, warranties, and build quality in some cases.
The article refers to the common factors that help you select your best-sized garbage disposal. In addition, there are certain examples from different brands to make you understand the specifications more appropriately.
What is the Difference Between 1hp and 3/4 hp Garbage Disposal?
You must wonder which garbage disposal horsepower to go with whether 3/4 or 1 hp. The following factors heighten your research to a great extent.
Grinding Power
It is evident from the beginning that the grinding power of the 3/4 hp is less than 1 hp. It means the former unit produces less power sufficient for processing less food waste only and disobeying the instructions will cause you to repair it.
On the other hand, a 1 hp garbage disposal got a high-strength motor capable enough to handle a variety of food waste in bulk. You get the dual advantage, that is food processing at a much faster pace and grinding more food waste generated by many people.
Garbage Disposal Usage
You cannot determine the garbage disposal size and horsepower until you decide on the members using it for adding waste along with more or less cooking routine. 3/4 hp is sufficient for five to eight members when cooked on alternate days. The low-powered 3/4 hp motor than 1 hp is designed to grind food waste of fewer members with no jams and blockages.
On the other hand, a 1 hp garbage disposal consists of a high-powered motor that performs well for more than eight family members. It provides more convenient food grinding of wastes like chicken bones, fruit pits, or lemon rinds than the product under observation. In addition, you can use the disposer daily with less or no chance of its breaking down.
Available Installation Space
Another factor by which you choose between a 3/4 hp or 1 hp garbage disposal is the available size under the cabinet to give the housing to your machine. The higher the horsepower, the more space you need because it causes the physical size, such as the width and height of the disposal to increase.
In this regard, the benefit of a 3/4 hp garbage disposal is a plus as it does not cover much space and installs with ease. Whereas setting and placing of 1 hp appliance need a helper and it covers much of the sink cabinet spacing.
Build Quality
Generally, most of the garbage disposal models other than 1/2 hp are upgraded from galvanized steel and plastic to stainless steel material. Even then 3/4 hp models combine these in their construction. For example, Waste King 3200 has plastic grinding chambers and stainless-steel grinding components.
On the other hand, 1 hp models are fully premium with stainless steel grinding components and a chamber to become a barrier against rust and corrosion and ensure the machine’s longevity. InSinkErator Evolution Prestige is an example to go for the higher model with the additional benefit of sound deadening.
Warranty
How much time you enjoy garbage disposal free repair or troubleshooting services falls in the warranty period. It is again different for different models depending on the build quality, certain features, and the price they come.
So, 1 hp garbage disposal has longer warranties than 3/4 hp models. Still, there are brands, such as Waste King that offer longer warranties for the same horsepower disposer compared to different brands. Such is the example between 3/4 hp Waste King L3300 and Evolution Compact. The former covers 9 years of warranty while the latter has the period reduced to 8 years.
On the other hand, 1 hp models have an in-home or parts warranty tenure minimum of ten years to lifetime, and the Waste King L-8000 fits perfectly in the described-later category. However, note the change for commercial purposes, the facility is reduced to only one year in most scenarios.
Budget
The graph of the budget decided for the particular garbage disposal follows the same path as horsepower, size, and warranty. It means you get premium models at the cost of spending more than standard.
No matter whether the garbage disposal belongs to the same brand or not, 1 hp garbage disposals are usually priced higher than 3/4 hp models because of their bigger sizes and increased motor power.
3/4 HP vs 1 HP Garbage Disposal – Which One to Choose
Both options for garbage disposal are good in their respective fields. If you are unsure of what to choose and money is not a big thing for you, look nowhere than 1 hp containing longer warranties, better features, and more grinding power. Whereas why spend more and bring home a larger appliance when you have the requirements fulfilled with 3/4 hp?
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you put in a 3/4 hp garbage disposal?
A 3/4 hp motor provides enough motor power to deal with what you call garbage disposal-friendly food items. Also, it does not budge when you try putting in tougher wastes, such as chicken bones, banana peels, and raw meat.
How many amps does a 3/4 garbage disposal draw?
You must know that the 3/4 hp garbage disposal draws more amps than 1/2 hp and less than 1 hp. The in-between average value for a 3/4 horsepower disposer unit is 13.8 amps.
Summing Up
Both 3/4 and 1 hp earn the reputation of frequently recommended and used category of garbage disposals. Many people look nowhere other than these machines, for they perform well in domestic households irrespective of other sizes. However, if the discussion of how to choose one become crucial, look for the higher model discarding space or price issues.
Asad is a garbage disposal enthusiast, mechanical engineer by education, and the visionary founder of Best Pro Product. Asad’s journey has seamlessly blended his engineering acumen with his passion for kitchen gadgets, leading to the creation of a go-to online platform for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts seeking expert guidance on garbage disposals. His meticulous research, hands-on testing, and insightful reviews have established him as a trusted authority, while his commitment to sustainability resonates through his advocacy for proper waste disposal and reduced food waste. Asad’s interactive engagement with his community and his penchant for experimenting with new recipes make him not just an online resource but a friendly companion for those navigating the world of kitchen appliances and eco-friendly living.