Power
This refers to the electric motor power of the waste disposal unit, which determines its efficiency and ability to handle large volumes of waste and solid particles. Higher power means faster processing, but it also leads to increased energy consumption and cost. Therefore, it is important to consider specific usage conditions when selecting a grinder based on its power. So, for small volumes and relatively soft waste, engines up to 0.5 hp are enough, and for more serious tasks,
more powerful units are already desirable.
The power consumption and the power of the motor are related, and the formula to convert between them is 1 hp = 735 W. The power ratio is important in determining the energy efficiency of the waste disposal unit, and a larger difference between these values indicates lower efficiency and greater energy waste. However, some manufacturers may provide the peak power of the engine instead of the nominal power, which is not a reliable indicator of efficiency since the waste disposal unit can only operate in this mode for a short period. It is important to consider these factors when choosing a device based on power consumption and efficiency.
Number of revolutions
The motor shaft's nominal speed is a crucial factor in the operation of the waste disposal unit, as it determines the speed of processing. Models with higher nominal speeds can process waste faster than those with lower speeds, provided that their power and other features are equal. However, high speed can also lead to increased noise levels and a reduced ability to handle solid particles.
Chamber capacity
The working volume of the waste disposal unit's chamber. This parameter determines how much waste can be placed in the device in one load. For everyday use in an average family, a volume of up to 1 liter or even less (about 600 – 700 ml) is considered quite sufficient, however, there are also
more capacious models.
Grinding stages
The waste disposal unit's design includes the number of processing stages. Currently, most models available in the market have
one stage, which is typically sufficient for household use. Multiple processing stages (usually
2 or
3) in a waste disposal unit can handle even the most challenging waste, including solid and large items. The division of the process into stages reduces the load on the tool at each stage, but it also significantly increases the cost of the grinder. As a result, multi-stage processing is only available in advanced models designed for challenging conditions, such as large families who frequently cook a lot.
Auto-reverse
Waste disposal units often include an
auto-reverse function, which automatically changes the direction of the working tool's rotation. This periodic change is believed to enhance processing quality, accelerate the process, and prevent jamming of the device.
