60% of American kitchens have one, and food waste disposers are becoming increasingly popular in Italy as well. But what exactly are they, and how do they work?
In 1927, John W. Hammes designed the first food waste disposer and, in 1938, founded InSinkErator, which would go on to become the world’s leading manufacturer of this appliance. What began as a simple household solution for disposing of food scraps has evolved into an essential device for more hygienic and sustainable food waste management.
Installing a food waste disposer allows you to easily and efficiently handle peels, food scraps, chicken bones, and fish bones. The waste is placed directly into the sink drain, where the disposer grinds it into tiny particles that can be safely flushed away through standard plumbing—just like wastewater. This process instantly eliminates unpleasant odors and the spread of bacteria, helping to keep the kitchen environment cleaner and more hygienic.
The disposer is easy to install under the sink, without taking up additional space or requiring structural modifications—whether in new or existing kitchens. It’s a practical solution that eliminates the need for a separate bin for organic waste, helping to keep the kitchen tidier and more functional.
Safe to use and free of blades or knives, food waste disposers help keep the kitchen clean, hygienic, and free of unpleasant odors — an especially valuable benefit in a space that has become increasingly central and social in the home.
What started as a simple household solution for disposing of food scraps has evolved today into an essential device for more hygienic and sustainable food waste management.
In 2024, InSinkErator — now part of the Whirlpool Group and exclusively distributed by I&D — launched the campaign “È così semplice!” (“It’s That Simple!”) aimed at raising consumer awareness about the many benefits of using food waste disposers. At the heart of the message is ease of use, summed up in three simple words: Grind. Dispose. Done.
- Products:
- InSinkErator food disposers
- Brand:
- InSinkErator
- Web site:
- www.insinkerator.com
