One of the best things about a garbage disposal is that it can make cleaning up after dinner simple.
Garbage disposals have to be properly maintained for optimal performance and to avoid damaging your pipes.
Dishwashers with garbage disposals, on the other hand, make disposing of your food scraps after cooking and washing your dishes a breeze.
In fact, a garbage disposal can make cleaning so much easier that it’s one of those features that you will want to look for when building or buying a house.
When it comes to garbage disposal dishwashers, there’s a lot to consider: if you want a disposer, what to look for when buying one, how to keep it working, etc.
In this article, I will dig deep and tell you what you need to know about garbage disposal dishwashers so you can make an informed decision as to whether you want to get one (or replace the one you have).
Here you’ll find what you need to know about dishwashers with garbage disposals.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| InSinkErator DWC-00 Dishwasher Connector Kit | Best Overall |  |
1. InSinkErator DWC-00 Dishwasher Connector Kit
Pros:
- Great for saving on water usage
- Versatile in terms of where you can install it
- Sleek, low profile design
- Very easy to install
- Makes washing dishes effortless
- Easy setup and installation
Cons:
- Does not have the capacity to connect all types of dishwashers
- Doesn’t include the clamp that connects to the sink
- The drain line needs to be of sufficient length to fit the installation kit
Sometimes, all you want is a quick wash for your dishes so that you can get right back to your meal prep and family time. A garbage disposal connection kit will convert your existing dishwasher into a compact unit that is able to accept a plug-in from your sink’s garbage disposal and connect all your tasks into one.
This garbage disposal dishwasher connector fits a wide range of dishwashers, typically those that are smaller and designed for efficiency. They’re a great option for those who have tight spaces or who want to save space by avoiding a dishwasher that’s installed into their countertop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do dishwashers have built in garbage disposals?
Not all do, but many do come with this convenient add-on. If you have trouble finding a dishwasher that also includes a garbage disposal, rely on either this list or read the manufacturer's descriptions to confirm that the dishwasher has it.
There are certain benefits to having a garbage disposer built into your dishwasher. For one, you have one less unit on the floor or countertop. That unit costs money and takes up space that would otherwise be used for something else. The dishwasher/disposal combo also saves you from having to move the disposer to another location in your kitchen. You can just leave it where it is and still get the jet wash cleaning you may desire.
The only downside is that you are dealing with disposer noise. That is always a trade-off when deciding to buy a garbage disposal along with your dishwasher.
Why is my garbage disposal connected to my dishwasher?
Garbage disposal units are useful for efficiently rinsing scraps, bones, and other food waste from your dishes before collecting it as you would with any standard kitchen waste basket. If your waste basket has a garbage disposal built into it and your dishwasher has a drain pump, then the two units might be connected.
This is a somewhat common method for homes that have both of these appliances, but you don’t need to panic if this is not the case in your home. As long as your sink has a garbage disposal, you will be able to connect your dishwasher’s drain pump to its drain outlet. It’s a simple procedure that can be done in under 5 minutes, and we’ll show you how.
What is the best thing to clean a garbage disposal with?
The best method for cleaning a garbage disposal is to stay away from it entirely. Just like you don’t clean your toilet by flushing it with toilet paper, use the same common sense when trying to unclog a garbage disposal.
Yes, making raw fudge, shredding uncooked meat, or discarding anything fatty might cause your garbage disposal to jam, but there’s no need to force it unclogged. The best way to deal with this nuisance is to loosen it with a wrench or pliers before turning on the power. This allows the blades to splinter the gunk that’s causing your jam before it shreds through the rotating blades.
How do you clean a dishwasher and garbage disposal?
To clean your dishwasher, first you will want to use the normal cycle before you run your next load of dishes. Luckily, dishwashers are very straightforward and ease of use. Once you have your dishwasher empty, you can remove the door and flush any remaining pieces of stuck on food from the rack with some water. You will need to leave the door open for a few days for it to dry. Your trash compactor is also very simple to clean. Pour a mixture of baking soda, dish soap, and water down the drain, turn on the trash compactor function, and let it work its magic. Follow up by boiling vinegar down the drain for a few minutes and draining the vinegar out.
Conclusion
When buying a dishwasher with a garbage disposal, you’ll want to keep in mind the size of the disposer so it can be installed in your kitchen area. Then make sure your dishwasher is Energy Star Certified to help you reduce your energy costs. It’s a good idea to have a third-party certification or seal to ensure you are dealing with a reliable brand. Choosing the right dishwasher with a garbage disposal is an easy process if you have the right tools and guidance.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| InSinkErator DWC-00 Dishwasher Connector Kit | Best Overall | |