Can Jackery Power a Garbage Disposal? Which Model & How Long Can It Run

Yes, Jackery Solar Generators can power garbage disposal units during unexpected power outages. The garbage disposal unit in the kitchen requires a high level of power. However, the moment the power goes out, the garbage disposal unit stops functioning and can leave your kitchen messy. While garbage disposals don't run for long, they demand a strong surge of power to start. That makes it tricky to run off backup power unless you have the right setup. And that's where Jackery Solar Generators come in.

The Jackery Solar Generators are portable and feature a large battery capacity, allowing you to carry them to your kitchen and power the necessary appliances. In addition to garbage disposal, these home battery backups can power refrigerators, lights, cooking equipment, and other essential appliances when the grid goes down. In this guide, we'll walk you through the power requirements of a garbage disposal, the capabilities of Jackery Solar Generators, and how to make the right choice based on your specific setup.

In this article, you'll learn:

• Most garbage disposals use 500W to 1500W, with startup surges reaching 1500W to 2200W.
• Jackery Solar Generators can power garbage disposals, including models with a power rating of up to 1 HP. The choice of the right Jackery Solar Generator will depend on your appliance's starting watts and running watts.
• The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 and Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus are ideal for off-grid applications that can provide sufficient backup power for garbage disposals and other kitchen appliances.
• How to select between the Jackery Portable Power Station and the Jackery Solar Generator for garbage disposal.

How Much Electricity Does a Garbage Disposal Use?

Garbage disposals generally draw any where from 500 to 1500 watts, with the common ½ horsepower model using around 700 watts. The higher the horsepower of the garbage disposal units, the more wattage they will draw. 

One important thing to note is that garbage disposals don't run constantly. Instead, they're used in short bursts, which is usually less than a minute. When garbage disposals are in use, they require a high surge of power at startup, followed by a brief but intense usage period. 

Can Jackery Power a Garbage Disposal?

Yes, Jackery Solar Generators can power garbage disposals. When selecting a solar generator for your garbage disposal unit, ensure the rated output of the Jackery Solar Generator matches or exceeds the running watts of your disposal. In addition, make sure it has a surge output high enough to handle the startup spike of the disposal unit. Here are the steps you'll need to follow to understand what size generator do you need for garbage disposal:

Step 1: Note the Wattage of the Garbage Disposal

Before choosing the Jackery Portable Power Station, you need to check the horsepower rating of your garbage disposal (usually printed on the motor or in the manual) or the appliance's wattage chart. Here's a rough guide:

• ½ HP = ~700W running, ~1500W surge
• ¾ HP = ~900W running, ~1800W surge
• 1 HP = ~1200W running, ~2200W surge

Step 2: Check the Rated & Surge Output of Jackery Portable Power Station

Once you know your disposal's power needs, the next step is to check the rated (continuous) output and peak (surge) output of any Jackery Portable Power Station you're considering. For example, if your garbage disposal requires 900W to run and 1800W to start, the Jackery Portable Power Station should have at least a 2000W surge capacity and a 1000W rated output. 

You can understand the power station's rated and surge output by checking its name. For instance, the Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station's rated output will be 500W, and the surge output will be double the rated (1000W). But this trick won't apply to the newer and Plus series models because they have high-rated and surge outputs. 

If you want to learn how long a specific Jackery Portable Power Station can power your garbage disposal unit, visit the product page and scroll down until you find the Running Time Calculator. Simply add the appliance's wattage and click Enter to get an estimated runtime. Here's a table with the runtimes of a garbage disposal unit consuming 1000W (running): 

Jackery Solar Generators for Garbage Disposal

Running a garbage disposal requires both high surge capacity and stable power output, especially when you want to use it during grid failures or off-grid setups. Based on the high power requirements of the garbage disposals, here are two powerful Jackery Solar Generators:

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 — Best for Garbage Disposal & Daily Kitchen Use

If your garbage disposal is ½ or ¾ horsepower, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 is a reliable and essential home backup solution. It is powerful enough to handle the startup surge of the garbage disposal, yet compact and light enough to move around easily with dual side handles. That means you can use it in the kitchen during outages and then roll it out to the living room or patio when needed elsewhere. It can also power your coffee maker or microwave, making it one of the essential backup solutions for your home.

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus — Best for Heavy Loads & Kitchen Backup

If you have a large garbage disposal or just want a system that can power most kitchen appliances during an outage, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is the reliable choice. With its massive battery and high surge handling capabilities, it can run heavy-duty appliances like disposals, refrigerators, and dishwashers. It can also be paired with the Jackery Smart Transfer Switch to integrate directly with your home’s electrical panel and deliver seamless backup to the essential circuit, including your garbage disposal unit. 

Note: We have calculated the running times when the Jackery Solar Generators are fully recharged.

How to Choose Between Jackery Power Station and Jackery Solar Generator?

If you only need to run your garbage disposal occasionally during brief outages and have access to wall charging, a Jackery Portable Power Station can meet your needs. This home battery backup solution features a large capacity to power essential appliances and can be easily recharged via wall outlets.

On the other hand, if you want the ability to recharge the power station from solar during long blackouts or you're setting up an off-grid kitchen or cabin, the Jackery Solar Generator is a better long-term investment. The bundle includes power stations and solar panels that ensure essential home appliances can remain powered even during long-term outages.

Conclusion

Garbage disposals require a lot of power even when they run for a brief moment. The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 offers the right balance of portability and power for typical home appliances, while the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus has a high battery capacity to meet the needs of disposals and most kitchen appliances. With the right Jackery Solar Generator, you can rest assured that you'll have clean sinks, clear drains, and no food waste buildup even when the grid goes down.