The magnetic part of the controller cover on our old Insinkerator/Kitchen Aid unit broke. To turn on the disposer we had to open the door under the sink and flip a switch. I also wanted the strongest unit available. We could not get the 1 horsepower. This unit is 7/8 hp. It is also very quiet compared to the old one. And it does not have any rubber gasket parts that would get grungy. This is a clean well designed unit.