Root fits under most sinks. If your drain is reasonably centered in the cabinet (not pushed to the extreme front, back, or side), you'll have adequate clearance. The unit sits alongside your existing P-trap and plumbing without interference.

-----

Still unsure? Measure from the center of your drain to the back cabinet wall, front cabinet edge, and nearest side. As long as you meet the minimum clearances below, Root will fit comfortably.

-----

Root's dimensions and clearance requirements:

From center of sink drain:

- To back of cabinet: 8.1 inches minimum

- To front of cabinet: 9.0 inches minimum

- To nearest side wall: 5.5 inches minimum on each side

- Total width needed: 11.1 inches horizontally

-----

Vertical clearance:

- From bottom of drain to cabinet floor: 18.0 inches minimum

-----

Cabinet width:

- Minimum cabinet width: 16 inches (standard US single-door base cabinet)

- Works in cabinets from 16 inches to 36+ inches wide

Root is installed like a garbage disposal, taking an average of 20 minutes with a plumber or handy homeowner.

Root functions similarly to a juicer, separating the solids into a sealed, odorless container, while letting the liquids flow down into the drain so you can use your sink as you normally would.

Root captures all the solids that enter your sink down to 2mm (grain of rice).

Root comes with a built-in dishwasher adapter, so you can connect your dishwasher drain line directly to the unit. No extra parts are required.

Yes. Installation on a double sink is very similar to a garbage disposal. You just adjust the height of the connecting arm to the sink you'd like Root on. A plumber can handle this easily, or if you're comfortable with plumbing, you can do it yourself.

Yes you can, but you also don't need to. Root isn't like a garbage disposal and actually works best without running water, since that keeps waste dry and easier to manage. If a lot of water is run at the same time, Root's valve automatically closes to prevent liquids from entering the bin, and re-opens once the water drains.

Root has non-food item detection. If something like a spoon, fork, or other object enters the unit, the system will recognize it and stop running to give you the chance to remove the object before starting up again.

While it doesn't complete the composting process, it does start it by allowing food to begin breaking down in a contained environment. This is the first step in composting, making it easier to transfer to your green bin or compost system.

Root is designed to be self-cleaning. For peace of mind, we also made the main moving part, the auger inside, removable. Both the auger and the bin are machine-washable, so keeping Root clean is simple.

Grinding food waste would take more energy and water to run and would end up sending some of it down the drain. We avoid clogs, loud noises or the use of water or lots of energy by simply automating the separation process, removing the liquids and pushing the solids into a sealed, odorless container instead.

We still recommend keeping hands out of the drain but Root comes with a child finger guard. If a spoon or other large non-food waste item falls in the drain, Root will detect it, reverse, and let you remove the item before continuing.

Root is more compact, easier to install, has the capability to operate with a mobile app, easier to use (faster  access to the bin and removable auger for easy dishwasher cleaning), and all around better functionality (capable of separating all solids, including paper towels).

Root is produced in limited manufacturing batches. The first batch ships in July, and the second batch ships in November.