Brand Review

Waste King Garbage Disposal Reviews

Waste King is a trusted brand in homes all around the country. See if they are a good fit for your kitchen.

by DisposingAndy

The garbage disposal industry has been around for many years, and the products have always been designed to offer you the best way to get rid of any household products that are in your way. However, there are many brands to choose from, and Waste King is one of the oldest and most innovative brands available today.

The brand has been around for over 50 years, and they have been designing garbage disposals systems and many accessories that complement them. With such a long history, the brand is trusted around the country, and today, we look at the Waste King Disposals Systems to see if they are a good fit for your home.

Waste King Garbage Disposals Compared

Image

Model

Dimensions
(inches)

Speed

Horsepower

Buy Now

Waste King Legend Series 1 HP Continuous Feed...

Waste King

L-8000

16 x 8.5 x 7.5

2800 RPM

1 HP

Waste King Legend Series 1/2 HP Continuous...

Waste King

L-2600

13.5 x 6.8 x 6.8

2600 RPM

½ HP

Waste King L-111 Garbage Disposal with Power...

Waste King

L-111

12.8 x 5.2 x 5.2

1900 RPM

1/3 HP

Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal with Power...

Waste King

L-1001

12.8 x 5.2 x 5.2

2600 RPM

1/2 HP

Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal with Power...

Waste King

L-3200

13.8 x 7.8 x 7.8

2700 RPM

¾ HP

Waste King 9980 Garbage Disposal with Power...

Waste King

9980

16 x 8.5 x 8.5

2800 RPM

1 HP

Waste King Moen Knight A1SPC 1HP Garbage...

Waste King

Knight A1SPC

15.9 x 9 x 9

2700 RPM

1 HP

Waste King 9900TC Controlled Activation 3/4...

Waste King 9900TC Batch Feed

16 x 8.5 x 8.5

2700 RPM

¾ HP

Why Choose Waste King For Your Home?

Waste King is part of the ongoing competition between some of the many top brands to get into your home. With such great competition, it is guaranteed that you will get some high quality and value for your money.

Waste King has been around for more than 50-years, giving them a lot of experience to help you get a decent garbage disposal system. Another reason why they stand out is many of the unique accessories that will make your unit work better.


Choosing The Right Waste King Garbage Disposal For Your Home

Most of the Waste King features are universal when compared to the other top brands. However, you should know about these many features to ensure that you buy the right one. Here is a small breakdown of the many features that Waste King will bring to the table to ensure that you find the right one from their selection:

Materials:

The materials used in the construction are probably some of the most important. When you look at a Waste King System, you will notice that the outer part of the unit is made from steel. This is often galvanized to ensure that rust and corrosion do not cause you any issues when you use it for a very long time.

Waste King does have 2 different mounting flanges that you need to look out for. In one of them, you will find a plastic mounting flange, and the other is metal. It is no secret that the "Legend" series is much more affordable with the plastic mounting flange. However, it might not be as durable, even though the EZ Mount system makes it easier to mount.

Motor (HP):

When you look at any garbage disposal system, the power behind the unit is probably one of the best things about it. The more powerful the unit is, the better it will perform, and the more you can do. However, Waste King does not have an induction motor like other brands. They have a permanent motor installed.

The permanent motor is much more reliable and it can reach faster speeds much quicker when we talk about RPM. Waste King has designed a decent variety of products that will range in terms of Horsepower. The more HP your unit has, the more efficient it should be when it comes to grinding up some of the household waste.

Blade Speed (RPM):

The blade speed is the feature that will tell you how easily and effectively your garbage disposal unit will get rid of the waste. As we have mentioned, the Waste King Systems all use a permanent motor. This might not have many different stages, like the induction motor, but it reaches higher speeds much faster.

Not all Waste King units have the same top speeds, and the average is around 2,500 RPM. If your unit has a more powerful motor, this can be slightly higher. However, the 2,500 RPM speed is actually enough to help get rid of all the everyday waste. Compared to many other top brands that average under 2,000 RPM, Waste King has the upper hand here.

Food Waste Volume:

Most of the feature will tie back into the size of the motor that you choose. If you have a larger family, you will be aiming to buy the 1 HP units. Any 1 HP garbage disposal system should be perfect for households with around 7 people. However, you can also use it if you have more people depending on the waste volume.

One special feature that most Waste King units have is the continuous feed ability. The unit will be incinerating all of the waste while you are feeding the unit. The only reason why Waste King can actually offer this is the fast revolutions of the blades. As we have mentioned, it quickly reaches up to 2,500 RPM on average.

Feed Type:

Having just spoken of the feed systems, Waste King Units can also be found in a batch feed system if you need one. The continuous feed system is the most effective for larger households since this means that someone will probably be using it more often than not. Additionally, the batch feed system is a little more affordable and suitable for smaller households with less waste.

Noise Levels:

While it is not as relevant to consider the noise levels like it is to consider the motor, no one wants a garbage disposal unit that will alert everyone. Waste King is not one of the quietest of brands, and there are a couple of less quiet units. Since Waste King utilizes a single-stage grinding system, you won't have the luxury of different noise levels.

Unlike Moen garbage disposal units, Waste King has not taken any specific steps to add some technology that will help to reduce the sound. The continuous motor seems to be the most frustrating if you are using it often. However, it will still get the job done effectively.

Easy Installation:

Installation is something that we all need to deal with when we add a new garbage disposal system. While it is much easier and safer to have a professional assist you with the process, Waste King has tried to eliminate this cost as much as possible. When you look at many of the top brands, you will find that they use a 3-bolt system. On the other hand, Waste King uses an EZ Mount system that will almost have it slide into place.

Septic Safe:

Waste King is part of the garbage disposal systems that will allow you to choose if you want a septic-safe system or a regular garbage disposal unit. Yes, they have some septic-safe units, and you don't have to look any further than the Waste King L-8000 Garbage Disposal. The septic feature will help to keep bacteria from forming or sp[reading when you have a lot of fatty or greasy foods.

Warranty:

If we look at the overall price, Waste King is not nearly as expensive as many of the other brands. However, this does not mean that you would be willing to pay extra for something if it breaks. Waste King Garbage Disposal Systems have great warranties with some of them being in the range of 20-years. This means that if you buy it, you are making a lifelong investment.


8 Waste King Garbage Disposal Reviewed

1. Waste King L-8000

Our #1 Pick

Horsepower

1 HP

Speed

2800 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

16 x 8.5 x 7.5 inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

EZ Mount

Voltage

115v

Wattage

7 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

1/2 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

7/8 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Yes

Cord Length

36 Inches

The Waste King Legend Series is probably the most well known of all the Waste King Disposal Units. Here we have the Waste King L-8000 Garbage Disposal Unit as one of the very best with its 1HP motor that will incinerate almost all of your waste.

The unit has been designed with a Vortex Permanent motor that is capable of churning out up to 2800 RPM of continuous use. It features stainless steel grinders with glass-filled nylon in the chamber to reduce the mess that is made when you turn the unit on. Additionally, the splash guard keeps any waster or moisture from waste from escaping.

One unique feature is the EZ Mount that has been used for the system. It might be plastic, but it means that you can actually install the unit at home on your own. Waste King has also implemented a septic tank to help combat the growth of any potential bacteria that could cause some infections or even spread out into your kitchen.

In terms of all Waste King units, this one might be a little more expensive. However, it is one of the more affordable waste disposal systems with a 1HP motor. The lifetime warranty against corrosion and rust has also been backed up by a limited 2-year warranty that will keep you protected from any mechanical issues that occur.

Pros

  • Durable corrosion-resistant blades
  • Reasonably priced
  • EZ Mount installation for DIYers
  • Massive 36-inch power cord
  • Parts are insulated to run quietly

Cons

  • If you have no installation skills, it might be tricky

2. Waste King L-2600

Runner-Up

Horsepower

½ HP

Speed

2600 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

13.5 x 6.8 x 6.8 inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

EZ Mount

Voltage

115v

Wattage

4.5 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

1/2 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

7/8 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Yes

Cord Length

32 Inches

The Waste King L-2600 Garbage Disposal is another one of the top options that form part of the Legend Series. It is designed with great durability and features many of the same quality components as the previous model. However, it has been named for the Vortex 2600 RPM motor that has been added to get through waste.

The unit has ½ HP motor, and this should be more than enough for some of the smaller households. While it is recommended for 3-4 people households, it works best when used by a single person or even a couple. It also features a glass-filled nylon chamber that will reduce the risk of fat and grease sticking to it, while also cutting down on the noise.

Since this unit is a little smaller, it also works in many smaller apartments. The EZ Mount system will enable you to set it up to your self without all the hassles, and the unit has a septic system to reduce any bacteria. Unfortunately, the plastic hopper might corrode away after a few years of use, but you can replace this as needed.

The unit comes with a 5-year limited warranty for keeping your safe. Additionally, it is not nearly as expensive as many of the other top models. With a continuous feed system, you won't need to worry about waiting for it to finish up. We would recommend it to smaller households of 3 people at the maximum.

Pros

  • The unit is straightforward to install
  • It is one of the quietest Waste King Units
  • Ideal for smaller homes and spaces
  • Does not jam or clog

Cons

  • Not powerful enough for more than 3 people

3. Waste King L-111 Garbage Disposal

Best Cheap Garbage Disposal

Horsepower

1/3 HP

Speed

1900 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

12.8 x 5.2 x 5.2 inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

EZ Mount

Voltage

115v

Wattage

4 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

1/2 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

7/8 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Yes

Cord Length

32 Inches

If you find yourself strapped to a tight budget, you can't do any better than the Waste King L-111 Garbage Disposal. Not only is this one of the smaller units, but the price is affordable, especially for the eligible bachelors or homes that do not generate a lot of waste all the time.

It features a 1/3 HP motor that should be ideal for homes with 1 or 2 people, and the permanent magnet motor reduces the chances of the unit jamming. It might not be mighty, but it still reaches 1900 RPM when you turn it on, and this will allow the unit to flow effectively. It is worth noting that this is a continuous feed disposal unit.

Much like the other top Waste King Units, you have the EZ Mount System that makes installation a little easier. It might be plastic, but the flange will still last you a couple of years. Unfortunately, it can eventually corrode away after time. The upside is that this can be replaced without too many hassles on your part.

The unit is really cheap as we have mentioned and it can also be cleaned. It comes with splash guard already attached, but this can be removed if you need to do a deep clean of the unit. Additionally, you are backed by a limited 2-year warranty that should give you some great value for your money and peace of mind.

Pros

  • EZ Mount Installation
  • Reaches 1900 RPM
  • Small and easy to fit into small spaces
  • Includes a 2-year warranty

Cons

  • The flange might corrode over time

4. Waste King L-1001

Top Rated

Horsepower

1/2 HP

Speed

2600 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

12.8 x 5.2 x 5.2 inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

EZ Mount

Voltage

115v

Wattage

4.5 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

1/2 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

7/8 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Yes

Cord Length

32 Inches

With a lot of research being done, the Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal is definitely rated as one of the many best options on the market today. Not only does it have all the top features of the Legend Series, but it also comes with a quiet motor that will not frustrate you each time you need to grind away some of the waste.

The unit is powered by a Vortex ½ HP permanent motor and offers you continuous usage when you have a lot of people in your home. It can reach a top speed of 2600 RPM, which should be more than enough when you have up to 4 people in your household. Additionally, you can even connect it to your dishwasher if it is compatible.

We recommend it for households of around 4 people due to the sizeable 27.3-ounce capacity that the chamber holds. Once activated, the stainless steel blades should shred through all the waste in no time. The only issue that has been found among many DIYers is that it can be a little daunting to install, even with the EZ Mount Fitting.

You might think that the ½ HP unit that has been rated well is expensive, but one of the reasons for the great rating is the affordability of the unit. Since you don't need to pay as much, it is much more viable to buy. An additional 2-year limited warranty has been thrown in for good measure and will give you peace of mind.

full review of the Waste King L-1001 is also available on our website.

Pros

  • Reaches 2600 RPM with ease
  • Ideal for 4 people
  • Permanent motor for continuous use
  • Large 27.3-ounce capacity
  • Includes a 20year warranty

Cons

  • Installation is tricky

5. Waste King L-3200

Waste King L-3200

Horsepower

¾ HP

Speed

2700 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

13.8 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

EZ Mount

Voltage

115v

Wattage

6 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

1/2 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

7/8 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Yes

Cord Length

32 Inches

When it comes to grinding power, there are very few systems that can compete with the Waste King L-3200 Garbage Disposal. This ¾ HP unit is one of the most effective for medium households, and it can easily accommodate up to 5 people. Once again, we have a permanent magnet motor that will offer you continuous use throughout.

Much like all the Legend Series versions, this one also comes with a plastic flange, which will make it much easier to mount. The EZ Mount System will only require a screwdriver on your part to correctly install. As for the grinding speed, this unit can reach up to 2700 RPM once it has been activated for continuous use.

The unit has been constructed from solid stainless steel on the outside, and this also goes for the blades that will shred through almost anything. The glass-filled nylon that is incorporated will ensure that you don't have so many jams. Additionally, it adds as a guard to help keep bacteria from growing or spreading.

One might think that the ¾ HP unit will be expensive, but when looking at the ¾ HP units of many other brands, it is quite affordable. Waste King has also thrown in a decent 8-year warranty that will give you some peace of mind. This is the perfect option when you have a medium-sized household to keep up with.

Pros

  • Decent ¾ HP motor
  • Reaches 2700 RPM
  • EZ Mount Installation
  • Works for up to 5 people
  • Includes an 8-year limited warranty

Cons

  • The unit tends to be noisier than the others

6. Waste King 9980

Best Value for Money

Horsepower

1 HP

Speed

2800 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

16 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

3-Bolt Mounting

Voltage

115v

Wattage

7 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

1/2 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

7/8 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Yes

Cord Length

32 Inches

One of the most efficient options from Waste King is the Waste King 9980 Garbage Disposal. This is the first one that does not fit in as part of the legend series, but still gives you a lot of benefits that you can work with. The unit is extremely durable and will offer you a solid stainless steel base that should hold up for many years.

In terms of the motor, you have the same standard permanent magnet motor found in most of the Waste King units. However, this one is powered by 1 HP and should comfortably accommodate households of up to 7 people. The unit can reach a top speed of 2800 RPM and features a continuous use feeding system.

One of the downsides might be the installation. While Waste King has become known for its EZ Mount Systems, you will need to use 3 bolts to install this unit. It can be a little daunting for beginners, but once you find the trick, it should not be as bad. We might recommend having a professional install it for you if needed.

The flange is made from steel, and this means it won't corrode as easily. The unit is quite expensive compared to some of their other models, but the 20-year limited warranty will give you some peace of mind. Those who love generating a lot of waste should enjoy the power of the unit.

Also read the in-depth review of Waste King 9980 for more information about this product.

Pros

  • Fast 2800 RPM Motor
  • The motor is 1 HP
  • List Element
  • Works for up to 7 people
  • 20-year limited warranty

Cons

  • Installation can be tricky

7. Waste King Knight A1SPC

Quietest Waste King Model

Horsepower

1 HP

Speed

2700 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

15.9 x 9 x 9 inches

Feed Type

Continuous

Installation Information

Installation Type

3-Bolt Mounting

Voltage

115v

Wattage

7 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

-

Dishwasher Hose Size

-

Drain Connection Size

-

Cord Included

Yes

Cord Length

36 Inches

The Waste King Knight A1SPC Garbage Disposal is by far one of the most exclusive options that you can buy. It looks completely different from all the other models that we have seen so far. A 1 HP permanent motor powers the unit and after having seen many other systems, it does reduce the chances of jamming.

Much like the other 1 HP units, your disposal system will reach up to 2700 RPM. This is much more than some of the smaller brands, and it can be contributed to the permanent motor and the fact that you only have one stage of grinding. We like the fact that the unit is all metal, but looks extremely stylish when you install it.

Much like the other models that are not apart of the Legend Series, it does not have the EZ Mount System for you to rely on. At around 16-pounds, it can be a little heavier than normal to mount as well, and you might need assistance. The major upside is Exclusive Soundproof Technology, which is claimed to be the same technology used by music studios.

As for the price, you can expect to pay a little more for this unit. However, it can hold the waste or rather dispose of the waste of around 7 people. Since it does it in silence, it is the perfect addition to most homes. You are also backed by a limited lifetime warranty from the company for some peace of mind.

Pros

  • Includes the same technology as music studios to reduce sound
  • Powerful 1 HP motor
  • Works for 7 people
  • Includes a limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • A little expensive
  • Can be tough to mount alone

8. Waste King 9900TC

Best Batch Feed Model

Horsepower

¾ HP

Speed

2700 RPM

Dimensions (HxWxD)

16 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches

Feed Type

Batch Feed

Installation Information

Installation Type

3-Bolt Mounting

Voltage

115v

Wattage

7 Amps

Max Sink Thickness

1/2 Inch

Dishwasher Hose Size

7/8 Inch

Drain Connection Size

1-1/2 Inches

Cord Included

Yes

Cord Length

32 Inches

The batch feed system is one of the easiest options if you have a small family that does not generate too much waste. Looking at the Waste King 9900TC Batch Feed Garbage Disposal, we see many of the same features like the powerful motors. The motor is ¾ HP, which should be more than enough for your home.

We also have a permanent motor that has been installed, and this has less potential of jamming, and it should be effective when you add a lot of waste in one go. The batch feed system will automatically be activated by the drain, reducing the need for you to intervene. Once the blades are activated, they should reach an impressive 2700 RPM.

While the batch feed model is definitely something great to have, it does not come without its downsides. You will need to spend some time installing the unit with the 3 bolts, and it can be a little expensive. Fortunately, you are backed by a limited 10-year warranty for some peace of mind from the manufacturer.

Pros

  • Energy saving
  • Almost no jamming
  • Fast 2700 RPM blades
  • Decent ¾ HP motor
  • Includes a limited 10-year warranty

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Uses a 3 bolt installation system

Waste King Vs Other Brands

In the world of garbage disposal, it is hard to say one brand is better than another is. However, a few brands are closely competing with Waste King for the number one spot. Here is a small breakdown of the top 2 brands currently competing with Waste King:

Moen

Moen garbage disposals are among the most powerful ones in the market, and they have a wide variety of different models. Most of the models are powerful with some of them reaching the 2 HP power level. Compared to Waste King, Moen might also be a little more expensive.

More on Moen disposals

InSinkErator

InSinkErator is the oldest brand that we could find in the industry. They have been developing quality products that are closely competing with Waste King. Unfortunately, the brand is a little more expensive, but the InSinkErator vs Waste King battle is definitely one to take note of.


Garbage Disposal Grinding Stages Explained

If you have never used a garbage disposal system before, you might find this interesting. However, many people have been using these systems for years and still don't know how the grinding stages work. Here is a small breakdown of the different grinding stages of these units:

  1. 1
    Stage 1: The first grinding stage is the most common, and while it might not make the food fine, it makes it small enough to fit through the drainpipes. Most garbage disposal systems only feature one-stage grinding that should allow you to get rid of the waste.
  2. 2
    Stage 2: The second stage is when the water has been added, and this will dissolve many of the minerals, while also grinding the food even finer. You will be using this stage with waste that is medium-sized.
  3. 3
    Stage 3: Lastly, we have stage 3 grinding, which allows the food to reach the finest stage of grinding. If you have large waste, you will be using this stage more often than not to ensure that all the waste an easily be passed through the pipes.

Replacing or Installing a Waste King Disposal Unit

Waste King is one of the easiest models that you can install on your own. It is always beneficial to have a plumber assist you in the process, but with the EZ mount system, you can disconnect the one end and connect the new garbage disposal unit. Here is a small breakdown of how to do this at home:

  1. 1
    Your Current Drain Assembly: If you have a unit that has already been attached, you will need to look at the current drain assembly. Fortunately, most of these units are universal, and you should not have any issues with the installation process to replace the drain attachment.
  2. 2
    The EZ Mount: The EZ Mount is really simple and can be attached to almost all drainage units. Instead of disconnecting various bolts, the EZ Mount System allows the unit to simply slide into place and have it ready for use in a couple of minutes.
  3. 3
    The 3-Bolt Setup: This can be a little more tricky, and you will need to disassemble the mounting attachment first. Once removed, Waste King will give you clear advice on where each of the parts should come. Once they have been fitted, you can reassemble the unit before connecting it to additional things like your dishwasher if needed.
  4. 4
    Finish Up By Connecting The Chamber To The Assembly: The assembly is the toughest part of the connection, but once you have this done, it becomes a little easier. You can easily connect the chamber, whether it is an EZ Mount System or the 3-bolt system.

Cleaning & Maintaining Waste King Food Waste Disposals

Once your garbage disposal unit has been set up, there are a couple of things that you need to know. Occasionally, the unit does need to be cleaned out for the best results. However, you should be okay with simple maintenance. Here is what you need to keep in mind:

  • Avoid Fibrous Foods: Fibrous foods can cause the unit to clog, and this is not always a good thing. Since the fiber will attach around the blade, the unit might not have the same spinning capacity. You might need to stick to harder foods.
  • Grind It Finely: Since most Waste King Units only have a single grinding stage, you need to make sure it has all been grounded finely to go through the drainpipe. This can help you avoid potential drain clogs.
  • Vinegar And Citrus Is Your Friend: It is always a good idea to add vinegar or citrus to the unit. The vinegar and the citrus help to get rid of the fats and the oils that stick to the sides of the chamber. Additionally, you might consider removing the splash guard and cleaning it out every once in a while.
  • Clean It Often: If you leave the unit for too long, you might not get the same great results. It is much better to make a habit out of cleaning it once a week. You don't need to do a thorough clean, but a basic clean should do wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waste King is a great brand, and we believe that we have discussed most of the features and things that you need to know about. However, there are still a couple of questions that many people have been pondering. I hope that this will help you find all the answers to these questions:

What is the best feature of Waste King garbage disposals?

The best feature, by far is the mounting system that has been included. Not many brands have the EZ Mount System to make your life easier when installing it.

Is there a limit to the kind of food waste that we can put down the garbage disposal?

Most foods can be disposed of in your garbage disposal unit. However, it is best to avoid fatty foods or foods that have a lot of fiber, as it might damage the blades.

What should I do if my Waste King Garbage Disposal smells?

Most Garbage Disposal Units that are not tended for will begin to smell. The easiest way to get rid of the smell is to clean it. Vinegar or anything with citrus will help you get rid of the smell and also some of the built-up dirt. However, a couple of other ways might also help you get rid of the smell as well.

How much will it cost if a plumber installs the Waste King disposal unit?

Plumbers are a safe way to have it installed. However, Waste King does not require this with their EZ Mounting systems. If you do need to have a professional assist you, prices will vary depending on the area and state you live in.


Conclusion

Whether your home already has a garbage disposal unit installed or not, Waste King is one of the most affordable brands that you can use for upgrading it.

The brand has been around for many years, and the units are just getting better.

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