InSinkErator vs. Waste King: Which Garbage Disposal Should You Buy?
If you're shopping for a new garbage disposal, you've probably narrowed it down to two brands: InSinkErator and Waste King. They dominate the residential garbage disposal market, and for good reason. Both make reliable units at a range of price points. But they're not identical, and the differences matter depending on what you're looking for.
Here's how they compare.
Motor Technology
This is the biggest technical difference between the two brands. InSinkErator uses induction motors, which are heavier and produce more torque at lower RPMs. Waste King uses permanent magnet motors, which are lighter and spin at higher RPMs.
In practical terms, InSinkErator's motors power through tough items with brute force. Waste King's motors spin faster to pulverize food quickly. Both approaches work well. InSinkErator tends to be slightly better with hard items like small bones, while Waste King's higher speed can be more effective at reducing softer food waste to fine particles.
Noise Levels
InSinkErator generally wins on noise, especially at the higher end. Their Evolution series includes multi-stage grinding and extensive sound insulation that makes them noticeably quieter than comparably powered Waste King models. If kitchen noise matters to you and you're willing to pay more for a premium unit, InSinkErator has the edge here.
Waste King's units aren't unreasonably loud, but they don't have the same level of sound dampening in their mid-range and budget models.
Price
Waste King tends to be less expensive at every comparable horsepower level. If you're looking for a solid 3/4 HP disposal at the lowest price, Waste King will usually win that comparison. InSinkErator's mid-range models cost a bit more, and their premium Evolution line carries a significant price premium.
That said, InSinkErator's higher-end models offer features (like the multi-stage grind and advanced sound insulation) that Waste King simply doesn't have in their lineup. You're paying more, but you're getting more.
Installation
InSinkErator uses a proprietary mounting system called the Quick Lock mount. It's the most widely used mounting system for residential disposals, which means if you're replacing an existing InSinkErator, the new unit drops right onto the same mount without any modification.
Waste King uses a universal EZ Mount system and a three-bolt mounting system on some models. If you're replacing an InSinkErator with a Waste King (or vice versa), you'll need to swap out the mounting hardware, which adds some complexity to the installation.
If you're having a professional handle the replacement, this doesn't matter much. If you're doing it yourself, staying with the same brand simplifies the job.
Durability and Longevity
Both brands produce units that last the standard 8 to 12 years with normal use. InSinkErator's build quality tends to be slightly more robust at the premium level, but Waste King's mid-range units hold up very well for the price. Neither brand has a significant reliability advantage over the other at comparable price points.
Our Recommendation
For most Denver homeowners, either brand will serve you well. If noise is a top priority and budget isn't a constraint, InSinkErator's Evolution series is hard to beat. If you want good performance at a lower price and don't mind a bit more noise, Waste King offers excellent value.
We install both brands and can help you choose the right model for your household. Denver Disposal specializes in garbage disposal replacement throughout the Denver metro area. Our pricing is on our site, and same-day appointments are available. Book online or call (720) 312-3542.