When it comes to choosing a reliable and efficient garbage disposal for the home, the battle often comes down to Waste King vs. InSinkErator.
Both brands are well-known and have a solid reputation for producing high-quality garbage disposals.
Waste King and InSinkErator offer different models that cater to a variety of needs. Various factors, such as price, installation ease, size, and durability, play a role in helping homeowners determine which garbage disposal will suit their requirements.
Waste King Vs. InSinkErator: A Brief Comparison
Origin and History
Waste King and InSinkErator are two prominent brands in the garbage disposal industry.
Waste King was founded in 1946 by an engineer named Maury Fertig. The company started with a focus on designing and manufacturing innovative waste disposal systems for commercial and residential use.
InSinkErator was established in 1927 by John W. Hammes, an architect from Racine, Wisconsin. He invented the “Kitchen Disposer” and later on founded the company to produce and market his invention.
Market Presence
Waste King and InSinkErator both have a strong market presence, and they cater to various customer segments.
- Waste King: Waste King has a reputation for producing high-quality, durable, and powerful garbage disposals. Their products are known for their ease of installation and use. Waste King offers a wide range of products for different budgets and needs, from the budget-friendly L-series to the powerful A1SPC Knight.
- InSinkErator: InSinkErator is a market leader with a wide range of products. Their garbage disposals are known for their reliability and strong performance. InSinkErator offers various product lines, such as the Badger Series for budget-conscious consumers and the Evolution Series for those seeking advanced technology and functionality.
Design and Mounting Systems
Waste King Design
Waste King garbage disposals feature a sleek, compact design that fits easily under most kitchen sinks. They are available in various sizes, including 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP, and 1 HP models. Waste King disposals use a high-speed permanent magnet motor, which provides fast grinding speeds and helps to reduce jamming.
The mounting system for Waste King disposals is a 3-bolt mount, which is straightforward to install and generally secure. The 3-bolt mount is crafted from stainless steel, ensuring durability and resisting corrosion. These mounts make it easy to replace or upgrade the disposal when needed.
InSinkErator Design
InSinkErator garbage disposals are known for their compact and sleek designs as well. They offer models like the Badger and Evolution series, each with varying horsepower options such as 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP, and even 1 HP models.
One innovative feature of InSinkErator disposals is the MultiGrind technology, which allows for efficient grinding and reduced jamming.
The quick lock sink mount feature of InSinkErator disposals provides an easy installation and replacement process. This twist-on, twist-off mechanism is designed to fit a variety of sink types and can be adjusted to accommodate different sink thicknesses.
Motor and Power Comparison
Waste King Motors
Waste King garbage disposals utilize high-speed permanent magnet motors. These motors operate at a speed of 2,600 to 2,800 RPM, providing efficient grinding performance.
There are typically two power levels available:
- 1/2 HP: Suitable for small households with moderate usage requirements.
- 1 HP: Designed for larger households or those with heavier usage demands.
The permanent magnet motors in Waste King disposals offer several benefits:
- Faster grinding speed, reducing the potential for jams
- Energy efficiency, consuming less power compared to induction motors
- Compact size, taking up less space under the sink
- HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The garbage disposal’s 1 HP, 2800 RPM permanent magnet motor is sound-insulated…
- EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation, removable…
- NO ELECTRICAL EXPERTISE NEEDED: Pre-installed power cord, no electrical work required
- DURABILITY: Compact and lightweight garbage disposer with all stainless steel grind components
InSinkErator Motors
InSinkErator, on the other hand, uses induction motors in their garbage disposals. These motors are available in three common power levels:
- 1/3 HP: Ideal for small households with low to moderate usage.
- 1/2 HP: Suitable for medium-sized households with average usage requirements.
- 3/4 HP: Designed for larger households or those frequently disposing of more challenging waste.
While induction motors have a lower RPM, usually around 1,725 RPM, they still provide powerful and effective grinding.
Some advantages of the InSinkErator induction motors include:
- Durable and long-lasting construction
- Quiet operation, thanks to lower grinding speed
- Reliable performance, with reduced likelihood of overheating
- Zinc stopper holds back water and will only turn on the disposal when manually activated
- 1/2 horsepower motor is quiet, efficient, and reliable
- Easy-to-install, secure mounting assembly
Grinding Technology and Performance
Waste King Grinding Technology
Waste King garbage disposals use a high-speed permanent magnet motor which is designed for efficient grinding of food waste. The motor operates at 2800 RPM, quickly turning food waste into fine particles that can be easily washed away.
One of the key features of Waste King disposals is their durable stainless steel impellers that help in the grinding process and reduce the chances of jamming.
They are generally known for their:
- Efficient grinding of most food scraps
- Low-maintenance design
- Easy installation process
InSinkErator Grinding Technology
InSinkErator garbage disposals use their patented Dura-Drive induction motor to power the grinding process. This motor operates at a slightly lower speed of 1725 RPM but provides increased torque, which helps reduce the chances of jams and clogs.
InSinkErator disposals also feature the MultiGrind technology, which adds multiple stages of grinding to help break down the food waste more thoroughly.
They are recognized for their:
- Robust grinding capabilities
- Quiet performance
- Long-lasting construction
Quiet Operation and Sound Insulation
Waste King Sound Insulation
- HIGH-SPEED MOTOR: The garbage disposal’s 1 HP, 2800 RPM permanent magnet motor is sound-insulated…
- EASY INSTALLATION AND CLEANING: EZ Mount for a quick and easy kitchen sink installation, removable…
- NO ELECTRICAL EXPERTISE NEEDED: Pre-installed power cord, no electrical work required
- DURABILITY: Compact and lightweight garbage disposer with all stainless steel grind components
Waste King garbage disposals are designed with sound insulation in mind. Many of their models feature a sound insulation technology called SoundSHIELD.
This technology encases the motor and grinding chamber in a dense, foam-like material to minimize vibration and reduce noise.
Some popular Waste King models with SoundSHIELD include:
- Waste King L-8000: 1 HP continuous-feed disposal with SoundSHIELD
- Waste King L-3200: 3/4 HP continuous-feed disposal with SoundSHIELD
Waste King’s commitment to providing quieter operation extends to their other models as well.
In many of their models, Waste King uses durable, corrosion-resistant materials to reduce clattering in the grinding chamber.
InSinkErator Sound Insulation
- INDUSTRY’S QUIETEST DIPOSAL & 3-STAGE MULTIGRIND TECHNOLOGY: Adding extra insulated SoundSeal…
- LIFT AND LATCH TECHNOLOGY: All InSinkErator garbage disposals feature exclusive Lift and Latch…
- HIGHEST DURABILITY COMPONENTS: Equipped with alloy stainless steel grind components, our 1 HP…
- 10-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY : Includes an exclusive, free, 10-Year In-Home Limited Warranty from the…
InSinkErator likewise focuses on minimizing noise in their garbage disposals. They employ their own sound reduction technology called Quiet Collar Sink Baffle.
This baffle is a rubber component installed at the sink opening, which helps to reduce noise when the disposal is in use.
InSinkErator’s popular models featuring sound insulation include:
- InSinkErator Evolution Excel: 1 HP continuous-feed disposal with advanced noise reduction
- InSinkErator Evolution Compact: 3/4 HP continuous-feed disposal with sound reduction
In addition, InSinkErator incorporates anti-vibration features such as their patented Anti-Vibration Mount (AVM) and Anti-Vibration Tailpipe Mount (AVTM).
These mounts work together to help reduce vibration and thereby reduce noise produced by the garbage disposals.
Product Variants and Features
Waste King Products
Waste King offers a variety of garbage disposal models to suit various needs and preferences. Some popular models include the L-1001, L-2600, L-3200, and L-8000.
These disposals differ in motor horsepower, grinding chamber capacity, and noise insulation.
| Model | Motor | Grinding Chamber | Noise Insulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-1001 | 1/2 HP | Small | Basic |
| L-2600 | 1/2 HP | Medium | Moderate |
| L-3200 | 3/4 HP | Large | Moderate |
| L-8000 | 1 HP | Extra Large | Advanced |
All Waste King models feature a continuous-feed system, high-speed motor, stainless steel grinding components, and easy installation with their EZ Mount system.
Additionally, they are all septic-safe and come with a corrosion-proof grinding chamber to extend the lifespan of the product.
InSinkErator Products
InSinkErator offers a range of garbage disposals under their Evolution and Badger series. Some popular models include the Badger 1, Badger 5, Evolution Compact, and Evolution Excel.
These models vary in terms of motor power, grinding technology, and noise reduction.
| Model | Motor | Grinding Technology | Noise Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badger 1 | 1/3 HP | Standard | Basic |
| Badger 5 | 1/2 HP | Standard | Basic |
| Evolution Compact | 3/4 HP | Multi-Stage | Advanced |
| Evolution Excel | 1 HP | Multi-Stage | Ultra-Quiet |
InSinkErator models are equipped with Dura-Drive induction motors for reliable performance, a quick-lock mounting system for easy installation, and jam-resistant technology.
Evolution series models use a multi-stage grinding process to liquefy food waste more efficiently, making them suitable for homes with septic systems.
Warranties and Support
Waste King Warranties
Waste King offers different warranties depending on the model, ranging from 2 years up to a lifetime warranty.
Users can contact Waste King’s support team for assistance during the warranty period.
Key points of Waste King warranties include:
- Comprehensive, covering most internal parts
- Limited lifetime warranty for certain high-end models
- Warranty periods for specific models:
- L-1001: 2 years
- L-3200: 8 years
- L-8000: 20 years
- A1SPC: Lifetime
Customers can register their products on the Waste King website to receive warranty coverage. Waste King also provides online resources like FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and installation videos to assist users.
InSinkErator Warranties
InSinkErator offers warranties that vary by model, ranging from 1 to 10 years.
The warranty covers parts and labor, with InSinkErator replacing or repairing any defective parts within the specified warranty period.
Some important aspects of InSinkErator warranties are:
- Labor and parts included
- In-home service is available for most models
- Warranty periods for specific models:
- Badger 1: 1 year
- Badger 5: 3 years
- Evolution Compact: 8 years
- Evolution Excel: 10 years
Users can register their InSinkErator product on their website to activate the warranty. InSinkErator’s customer support team is accessible via phone or email for any assistance, and they also provide helpful online resources such as FAQs, product manuals, and installation guides.
Space Requirements and Drain Options
Waste King Space Requirements
Waste King garbage disposals offer a variety of sizes to fit various space requirements. The compact design of their disposals allows for easy installation under the sink.
- L-1001: 5.25″ x 5.25″ x 12.75″
- L-2600: 6.75″ x 6.75″ x 13.5″
- L-8000: 8.5″ x 8.5″ x 16″
InSinkErator Space Requirements
InSinkErator garbage disposals also come in various sizes for different space needs.
- Badger 5: 6.31″ x 6.31″ x 12.63″
- Evolution Compact: 8″ x 8″ x 12.125″
- Evolution Excel: 9″ x 9″ x 13.5″
In terms of drain options, both Waste King and InSinkErator garbage disposals are equipped with standard drain connections that can be connected to most household plumbing systems.
Make sure to verify that the chosen model is compatible with your specific plumbing setup before installation.
Price Comparison and Value for Money
When comparing Waste King and InSinkErator garbage disposals, it’s essential to consider their prices and the value they offer.
Waste King disposals typically come at a lower price point compared to InSinkErator models.
On average, the basic Waste King models are priced around $50-$100, while the InSinkErator models start from around $75 and can go up to $250 for the higher-end models.
Some factors contributing to the price differences include motor power, build quality and warranty length.
Despite the lower price, Waste King disposals have some advantages that add to their value.
Most Waste King models come with:
- Permanent magnet motors, which provide fast grinding speeds and consume less electricity
- Stainless steel grinding components for enhanced durability and longevity
- Easy installation process, with a twist-and-lock mounting system
- A generous warranty period, with some models covering up to 10 years
On the other hand, InSinkErator garbage disposals are known for their:
- Dura-Drive induction motors, which offer consistent grinding power and performance
- MultiGrind technology, available in some models, allows users to tackle tougher food wastes
- SoundSeal technology, which minimizes operational noise and makes for a quieter kitchen experience
- A range of accessories and compatible add-ons, such as dishwasher connections or air switches
To sum it up, Waste King disposals offer an affordable and reliable option, while InSinkErator disposals provide an enhanced experience with their advanced features and quiet operation.
The best choice depends on individual preferences, budget, and specific needs in a garbage disposal.