It is possible to use a garbage disposal to grind apples, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. I have personally experimented with this method, so I can share my experiences and insights.
Firstly, it's important to note that using a garbage disposal to grind apples will produce a very wet product with almost no “chunks” or texture. This is because garbage disposals are designed to break down food waste into a fine pulp, so the resulting apple mixture will be quite liquid-like. If you prefer a chunkier consistency for your apple juice or cider, using a garbage disposal may not be the best option.
Another factor to consider is the type of press you will be using to extract the juice from the ground apples. The consistency of the milled apples should correlate to the type of press and, in particular, the cloths you use. Since the product from a garbage disposal is quite watery, you will need a press with tight-weave fabric to effectively extract the juice without losing too much through the cloth.
In my personal experience, I found that using a garbage disposal to grind apples worked fine for making apple juice, but it was not ideal for cider production. The resulting juice was quite thin, lacking the body and texture that I prefer in a good cider. However, if you're primarily looking to make apple juice or if you don't mind a thinner cider, this method can still be effective.
To summarize, while it is possible to use a garbage disposal to grind apples, the resulting product will be very wet and lacking in texture. This method may be suitable for making apple juice but may not be ideal for cider production. Consider the type of press you will be using and the desired consistency before deciding to use a garbage disposal.