In article . com,
says...
I am looking for a recommendation for an in-sink-erator. The one I
currently have is a Kenmore/Sears Model 175.60542:
3/4 HP, 8.1 Amp. This particular model may have been discontinued, and
the closest math is probably
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes
Can someone recommend a reliable brand, model? Quality/reliability is
of utmost importance to me.
What features or specs should I look for? HP, Amp ratings? Longest
warranty?

Auto reverse. BTW, Kenmores are ISE (In Sink Erator). The
difference is the lower end Kenmores will have auto-reversing and
the low end of the ISE not. The Kenmores even use the ISE lock
ring. Buy another.

Is it an easy DIY job to replace an erator? Any fancy tools I will need
besides an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver?

Bog screwdriver to use as a lever to loosen the lock ring. Measure
the outlet distance from the sink and find one that matches.
Replacing them is a piece of cake (and I *hate* plumbing).

BTW, the problem with my existing erator is that it starts leaking when
it's turned on - it leaks from somewhere around the top part of the
assembly near where the erator connects to the bottom of the sink. Once
it's turned off, the leak will stop after a couple of minutes, even
if the water tap is on.

Make sure it's not the basket seal to the sink leaking. If it is,
fix that and forget replacing the disposal. Does the sink leak if
it's stoppered and full of water?

I know that it's a hard Q to answer w/o being able to examine the
leak, but is that kind of leak even fixable (a washer to replace,
screws to tighten), or should I just buy a new erator? I don't know
how old this erator is, as we moved in to the house 5 mths ago. So I
don't know whether this model or Kenmore erators in general are junk,
or maybe mine is just dying of old age.

Again, Kenmores *ARE* ISEs. There is no better and IMO Kenmores
are better and cheaper than those with the ISE logo.

TIA for your advice.

--
Keith