Which characteristic is essential for a food waste disposer during inspection?

A food waste disposer must be securely mounted to ensure both functionality and safety. Proper mounting prevents it from becoming dislodged during operation, which can pose a risk of leaks or even injury if the unit falls or becomes unstable. Additionally, a securely mounted disposer minimizes vibrations and operational noise, contributing to a safer kitchen environment.

Other options, while they may refer to desirable features of a food waste disposer, are not essential characteristics during an inspection. For instance, whether it is a batch type or continuous feed type does not directly affect its immediate safety or performance in the kitchen. Similarly, while having a shredding mechanism is beneficial for efficiency in waste reduction, it is not as critical as ensuring that the unit is secured to its mounting. Being silent during operation might be considered a luxury or indicator of quality, but it does not impact the fundamental operational safety of the disposer.