Food waste disposal units are large on convenience when it comes to cleaning off dinner plates, but their biggest benefit is actually to the environment, since they can reduce considerably the amount of food waste that would otherwise be sent to the landfill. If you usually pay a fee for every garbage bag you take to the curb, reducing your trash by using a food waste disposer, will actually save you money in the long run. They're a great kitchen appliance that works diligently behind the scenes (under the sink), but there are a few things to consider when shopping for one.

Since food disposers must be connected to the kitchen drain under the sink and hooked up electrically, they require a certain amount of installation room. Replacing an existing unit is not usually a problem, but installing one for the first time may be easier during a renovation or when planning a new kitchen, in order to accommodate the unit. If you're not sure if you have sufficient room under the sink to install a disposer, consult a plumber or review installation guides before buying. Some units may require an optional drain or electric cord kit, while others come with all that is needed to install.