For many of us, a garbage disposal is something that we rarely think about unless there’s a problem. We put food in the sink, flip the switch, and away goes the food. But if you have never used a garbage disposal, or live in a place that doesn’t have one, you become instantly aware of its usefulness. Cleaning up after meals is such a burden without a disposal, as I learned the hard way by living without one for six years. Although I did adapt to having to toss food and scrape plates into the garbage before washing, as soon as I was able to get a disposal, I immediately installed one. One of the best garbage disposal out there is the General Electric GFC320V Disposal, and I’ll show you why. Whether you’re looking to replace an old unit or install a disposal for the first time, the GFC320V is the perfect fit for your home.
How Does a Garbage Disposal Work?
For most disposals, the way it works is that the unit chews up material with a rotating set of impeller blades, and then sucks that waste into your home’s piping system. To help keep things running smoothly, you need to run water as it works, so things don’t get clogged or burn out. The basic mechanics of a disposal are the pump, the impeller, and the motor.
Can You Install/Replace a Disposal Yourself?
If your garbage disposal is acting up, you may think that you have to call a plumber [Finding a skilled plumber] to come and fix your garbage disposal. However, most disposal units are very straightforward and easy to take out and re-install. If you feel like your unit needs replacing, you should be able to do it yourself with minimal tools and training. For the most part, everything is contained in a single unit, which just mounts to the bottom of your sink and connects to your pipe. As long as you know how to work a wrench and how to turn your water and electricity off, you can install a replacement disposal without a professional.
What Kinds of Disposals are There?
The vast majority of garbage disposals are continuous feed models. This means that you can feed food and material into the disposal as it works, without having to stop and refill between operations. The other method is batch-feed disposing, which requires that you load the unit with material first, turn it on, and then open for another “batch.” Continuous feed models are the preferred method as they are the most simple, but batch-feed are ideal for households that don’t generate a lot of waste or want extra safety measures. A batch-feed disposal will not work unless the device is sealed, preventing accidental operation.
General Electric GFC320V Features, Pros, Cons, Compare:
Pros
- Powerful motor
- High RPM will process food and waste much faster
- Large capacity will handle more food in less time
- Solid construction will last
- Easy to mount and install
- Made of stainless steel
- Blades are designed not to jam easily
- Comes with overload protection
- Quieter than some other models
Cons
- In rare instances, pieces may come loose from the disposal and fall into your piping system
- If certain parts break, you have to replace the entire unit
- Not all parts are covered by warranty
- In rare cases, the unit may leak, even if all seals are secured
- Even with sound insulation, this unit may still be loud
Features
- One-third horsepower motor
- Operates at 2500 RPM
- TDual-swivel impellers don’t jam easily
- Large capacity tank
- Stainless steel construction
- EZ Mount for quicker installation
- Sound insulation makes it quieter
- Manual reset in case of malfunction
- Overload protection
- Galvanized steel turntable
- Dual-level pre-cutter processes material faster
- Comes with splashguard
- One-year limited warranty
Compare Other Models with Same HP
GE GFC320V 1/3 Installation
General Electric GFC320N manual
FAQs
Does this model come with a power cord?
No, but you don’t need one to operate it. It has a cordless electric design.
What does it mean if the unit just hums but doesn’t do anything?
It could be that something is jamming the impellers. Turn the unit off and inspect the blades for anything that could be stuck. For extra safety, shut down the circuit breaker before you reach inside.
What should I do if the unit vibrates violently?
You need to replace it since that means one of the turntables is out of whack or broken. Unfortunately, these pieces cannot just be replaced.
Final Verdict
Since I installed the General Electric GFC320V Garbage Disposal, I have had no issues with it. It grinds up material with ease, even things I probably shouldn’t be tossing into the unit (such as lemon peels). Having lived without a disposal for years, I have to say I am kind of biased, but so far this unit has worked like a dream. One time I tossed a bunch of rotten food into the unit, and it chewed everything up in seconds. I did have a bit of a foul odor afterward, but I tossed some citrus (hence the lemon peels) to get a better smell, and it has been only pleasant aromas since. Overall, I am very satisfied with this garbage disposal.
