Criterion Garbage Disposal Reviews From My Experience

When it comes to tackling kitchen waste efficiently, a quality garbage disposal can be a game changer. After researching and using various disposers myself, I discovered Criterion’s food waste disposer and was impressed by its powerful and quiet performance.

If you’re tired of your old, noisy, and jam-prone unit, a Criterion garbage disposal might just be the upgrade your kitchen deserves.

My Experience With Criterion Garbage Disposal

Using the Criterion garbage disposal has been a surprisingly smooth experience. The first thing I noticed was how quiet it was compared to my old unit.

With its balanced grinding system and insulated sound shell, I didn’t get that typical loud, jarring noise.

This was a big win, especially since I often run the disposal after dinner when everyone’s winding down.

Installation was also easy; the 3-bolt mounting system and pre-connected power cord made setup straightforward.

Even without much DIY experience, I had it in place in under an hour.

Plus, the included dishwasher drain connection was convenient and helped keep my kitchen setup neat.

Performance-wise, the 3/4 HP motor really stands out. It powers through tougher scraps like vegetable peels and small bones without a hitch. I was initially concerned about jams, but the permanent magnet motor’s instant torque eliminates that worry.

Unlike disposals I’ve used before, which sometimes struggled with food particles, this one just keeps everything moving smoothly.

I also appreciate the stainless steel, anti-microbial grinding chamber, which reduces odors and feels cleaner. I’ve found that running a few ice cubes every now and then keeps it even fresher, while cold water flushes help keep the grind chamber clear of any buildup.

Overall, Criterion has turned out to be a solid upgrade. It combines the power I need with a quieter, more durable design. For anyone looking to replace an old, noisy disposal, I’d say Criterion’s thoughtful features and dependable performance make it worth considering.

Key Features And Benefits of Criterion Garbage Disposal

Let’s explore what makes the Criterion garbage disposal stand out in the market:

• High-Torque, Permanent Magnet Motor (3/4 HP): One of the main strengths of the Criterion garbage disposal is its 3/4 HP motor. Permanent magnet motors are known for delivering instant torque, meaning they reach high speeds quickly. This design is especially effective in preventing clogs and jams. If you’ve dealt with disposals that get easily stuck, you’ll appreciate the Criterion’s smooth, high-speed grinding action that keeps food moving.
• Noise-Reduction Technology: Unlike many disposals, the Criterion model incorporates a sound shell and balanced grinding system, which really helps with noise reduction. This is a huge plus if you want to run your disposal without it echoing throughout your home. Criterion disposals also come with stainless steel components that not only reduce noise but also ensure a more durable and corrosion-resistant performance over the years.
• Anti-Microbial, Corrosion-Proof Design: Keeping your kitchen odor-free is a breeze with the Criterion’s anti-microbial grinding chamber. Made from corrosion-proof stainless steel, this chamber resists not only corrosion but also bacteria buildup, which can often be a cause of unpleasant smells. The anti-microbial properties add an extra layer of hygiene to the disposal system, giving you peace of mind when handling food waste.
• Easy Installation and Dishwasher Compatibility: The Criterion garbage disposal includes a 3-bolt mounting system and pre-connected power cord, making it quick to install, especially if you’re replacing an old disposal. Even for someone who isn’t particularly handy, Criterion’s straightforward setup instructions make installation manageable. The unit also features a dishwasher drain connection, which simplifies plumbing and keeps your kitchen setup tidy.

Pros of The Criterion Garbage Disposal

• Powerful 3/4 HP Motor: Delivers high torque to prevent jams, ideal for handling tough food scraps.
• Quiet Operation: Balanced grinding system and insulated sound shell reduce noise.
• Durability: Corrosion-proof stainless steel chamber with anti-microbial features.
• Ease of Installation: Comes with a 3-bolt mounting system and pre-connected power cord for simple setup.
• Lifetime Warranty on Corrosion: Backed by a long warranty, Criterion offers a lifetime guarantee against corrosion.

Cons of The Criterion Garbage Disposal

• Limited Size: The 36 oz grind chamber is spacious but might not be enough for large households that generate heavy food waste daily.
• Heavier Unit: The durable construction makes it slightly heavier, which could pose a challenge during installation without help.
• Availability: Criterion garbage disposals are not as widely available as some mainstream brands, so replacement parts might be harder to find in certain regions.

Maintenance Tips For A Long-Lasting Criterion Garbage Disposal

Keeping your Criterion garbage disposal in top condition requires regular maintenance, and there are a few easy steps you can take:

1. Run Cold Water: Always use cold water while running the disposal. This hardens grease and oils, preventing clogs. Cold water also helps keep the grinding chamber clean and prevents any residue buildup.
2. Use Ice Cubes for Cleaning: Dropping a handful of ice cubes into the disposal helps clear away any lingering food particles on the blades. The ice acts as a scrub, cleaning the blades and reducing buildup inside the chamber.
3. Avoid Hard or Fibrous Foods: Although powerful, it’s wise to avoid putting fibrous or tough items like corn husks, bones, or fruit pits down the disposal. These items can jam the blades and even cause wear over time.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar for Odors: If you notice any lingering odors, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the disposal. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. This natural solution helps eliminate odors and keeps the chamber fresh.
5. Annual Professional Checkup: For those who rely heavily on their garbage disposal, a yearly professional checkup can be beneficial to ensure all parts are functioning properly.

Criterion Vs. Other Garbage Disposal Brands: How It Compares

To give you a better idea of how Criterion stacks up, let’s take a look at how it compares to some other popular brands:

• Criterion Vs. Glacier Bay Garbage Disposal

Glacier Bay is often known for providing budget-friendly options, and they certainly offer a range of disposals at competitive prices.

While affordable, Glacier Bay disposals generally come with lower horsepower, often 1/2 HP or 1/3 HP.

This makes them suitable for smaller households with lighter waste disposal needs but may not be ideal for handling tougher or bulkier scraps.

In comparison, the Criterion garbage disposal is equipped with a 3/4 HP motor, which provides more power and reduces the likelihood of clogs or jams.

This higher horsepower, coupled with Criterion’s balanced grinding system, ensures it can handle more substantial waste without the motor straining.

Additionally, Criterion disposals come with anti-microbial and corrosion-resistant grinding chambers, which Glacier Bay models typically lack. This feature not only prevents odors but also extends the unit’s longevity.

So, if you’re looking for a more powerful, durable solution that remains reasonably priced, Criterion offers better value than Glacier Bay for most households.

• Criterion Vs. InSinkErator Garbage Disposal

InSinkErator is a trusted brand in garbage disposals and is often regarded as the industry leader.

One of InSinkErator’s standout features is their MultiGrind technology, which uses multiple stages of grinding to break down food waste more thoroughly.

This makes it an excellent choice if you deal with tougher waste items regularly, as the multi-stage grinding reduces the chance of clogs even with fibrous foods.

However, this additional grinding power often comes at a higher price point and with increased noise levels.

InSinkErator units are generally louder than Criterion’s disposal, which is designed with sound insulation and a balanced grinding system to keep noise minimal.

So, while InSinkErator may have a slight edge in multi-stage grinding capability, Criterion’s quieter operation makes it a strong competitor for those who prioritize low noise in open-concept kitchens or small spaces.

Criterion’s 3/4 HP motor also provides reliable, jam-resistant performance that is comparable to InSinkErator’s standard models, but with a more budget-friendly price tag. And with its corrosion-proof stainless steel chamber, Criterion offers long-term durability, backed by a lifetime corrosion warranty, which even some higher-end InSinkErator models don’t match.

• Criterion Vs. Waste King Garbage Disposal

Waste King is another popular name in the market, known for its affordable disposals that offer strong performance and durability.

Waste King disposals, like Criterion, use a high-speed, permanent magnet motor which provides instant torque to reduce the likelihood of jams.

This similarity makes Waste King a direct competitor to Criterion, especially in terms of power and reliability.

However, Criterion takes an edge with its stainless steel, anti-microbial chamber, which adds an extra layer of protection against odors and bacteria buildup. Waste King disposals typically come with corrosion-resistant parts but may not offer the same degree of anti-microbial protection, which can be beneficial for reducing lingering smells over time.

In terms of noise levels, both brands focus on minimizing sound, but Criterion’s balanced grinding system and sound shell tend to operate more quietly than some Waste King models, particularly the lower-priced ones.

Moreover, while both brands are fairly easy to install, Criterion’s 3-bolt mounting system and pre-connected power cord provide a hassle-free installation experience, especially for those replacing an old disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

After putting the Criterion garbage disposal through its paces, I’m genuinely impressed by the power, quietness, and user-friendly design it offers. If you’re looking for a disposal that can handle tough scraps while keeping the kitchen peaceful, Criterion is worth considering.

Its high-torque motor, stainless steel chamber, and easy installation make it a convenient and reliable choice for any kitchen.