InSinkErator Evolution Excel vs Waste King L-8000 – A Detailed Comparison

Garbage disposals are no longer just an accessory—they’re a vital part of a clean, efficient kitchen. Among the most popular options in the 1 HP category, the InSinkErator Evolution Excel and Waste King L-8000 stand out for very different reasons. One focuses on premium performance and whisper-quiet grinding, while the other dominates with speed, affordability, and long-term value.

This comparison guide breaks down their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance—so you can confidently choose the right one for your kitchen.

InSinkErator Evolution Excel quiet series 1HP Garbage Disposal

The InSinkErator Evolution Excel is designed for homeowners who want premium performance without noise. With a 1 HP Dura-Drive induction motor, 3-stage MultiGrind® system, and SoundSeal® insulation, it can handle just about any food waste—including chicken bones, corn husks, and celery—while staying impressively quiet.

The Excel feels like a premium appliance—not just a disposal. From its whisper-quiet operation to its anti-jam features, it’s built for families that cook often and prefer a peaceful kitchen environment. You can run it after dinner while chatting with guests or cleaning up late at night without waking anyone up. Its 3-stage grinding system is particularly handy if you routinely cook from scratch and end up with a mix of peels, scraps, and small bones in the sink.

Because the chamber and grinding components are stainless steel, the unit is also built to hold up over the long term. It’s designed to resist rust, handle daily use, and keep performing smoothly for years. For homes with properly maintained septic systems, it’s septic-safe as well, which is another plus for buyers outside city sewer lines. Overall, the Evolution Excel is geared toward homeowners who are willing to pay more up front for a “buy once, cry once” kind of appliance.

Waste King L-8000 1HP Garbage Disposal

The Waste King L-8000 is built for speed and value. Its high-speed 2800 RPM permanent magnet motor grinds food waste quickly, making it ideal for everyday use. While it doesn’t offer multi-stage grinding like the Evolution Excel, its performance-to-price ratio is one of the best on the market.

If you want strong grinding power without spending a premium, the L-8000 delivers outstanding value—especially for DIY users and budget-focused homes. It’s a great choice if you simply want something that “chews through everything” without worrying about advanced features. For many households, especially those upgrading from a loud, underpowered builder-grade unit, the jump in performance will feel dramatic.

Its continuous-feed design also makes it a good fit for busy family kitchens. You can keep the switch on, rinse plates, and send scraps down as you go instead of batching everything in one big load. While it doesn’t have the ultra-silent profile of the Excel, most users find the noise acceptable given how quickly it gets the job done. For the price—paired with a 20-year warranty—the L-8000 is one of the strongest value picks in the 1 HP category.

InSinkErator Evolution Excel vs Waste King L-8000 Comparison Table

Feature	InSinkErator Evolution Excel	Waste King L-8000
Motor Type	Induction (Dura-Drive)	Permanent Magnet
Speed (RPM)	1725	2800
Grinding Stages	3-Stage MultiGrind	Single Stage
Jam Prevention	Jam-Sensor + Auto-Reverse	Allen wrench reset
Noise Control	SoundSeal (Ultra Quiet)	Basic foam insulation
Installation	Lift & Latch (cord sold separately)	EZ-Mount (cord included)
Weight	23.2 lbs	11.9 lbs
Warranty	10-Year In-Home Service	20-Year Warranty

InSinkErator Evolution Excel vs Waste King L-8000 – In-Depth Comparison

Motor Performance & Grinding Capability

The Evolution Excel focuses on torque and refinement. Its 3-stage grinding system breaks scraps down into ultra-fine particles and uses sensors to prevent jams. It’s excellent for heavy meals, large families, or frequent cooking where a lot of mixed waste goes down the sink. Bones, fibrous vegetables, and dense peels are all handled with more control and less strain on the motor.

The L-8000, on the other hand, takes the fast route—its 2800 RPM motor grinds quickly but less precisely. It handles everyday scraps well but isn’t as efficient with fibrous or dense waste when compared side-by-side with the Excel. For standard use—vegetable peels, leftovers, and smaller bones—the difference won’t matter much, but if you frequently push your disposer to the limit, the Excel’s multi-stage grind will feel more capable and forgiving.

Another point to consider is what happens after the grinding is done. Finer particles from the Excel’s 3-stage system are easier on pipes and septic tanks over time, especially in older homes or places with more delicate plumbing. The L-8000’s output is still safe for drains, but if you’ve had clog issues in the past, the Excel’s finer grind is a nice safety net.

Noise Levels

This is where the difference becomes obvious.

Model – Noise Level

• Evolution Excel: Whisper-quiet (SoundSeal Technology)
• Waste King L-8000: Noticeably louder but manageable

Excel allows conversation while running. Its SoundSeal system, anti-vibration mounts, and insulated housing all work together to keep sound down to a low hum. In open-concept living spaces, that can make a big difference—especially if your sink is within earshot of the dining or living area.

The L-8000 has more vibration and motor whine but stays acceptable for short cycles. Most users describe it as “loud but not crazy loud.” A lot of the perceived volume will depend on your sink material and countertop. Stainless steel sinks tend to amplify noise more than thick composite or stone sinks. If you’re used to an old, rattling disposal, even the L-8000 might sound like an upgrade in comparison.

Installation & Space

The Waste King L-8000 is extremely DIY-friendly and lightweight, but takes more vertical space. Its EZ-Mount system is straightforward—just twist and lock it into place—and the included power cord means you’re not messing around with electrical wiring. For many homeowners, this alone can save time and the cost of an electrician.

The Evolution Excel is shorter but bulkier and may require a tighter fit under the sink. Its Lift & Latch mounting system is well-designed and secure, but the lack of a power cord means you’ll either reuse an existing one or buy a separate kit. If you’re replacing an older InSinkErator unit, the swap can be relatively simple. If this is your first InSinkErator, you might need an extra step or two during installation.

Feature – Excel vs L-8000

• Height: Excel – 13.5″ / L-8000 – 16″
• Power Cord: Excel – Not included / L-8000 – Included
• Installation: Excel – Lift & Latch / L-8000 – EZ-Mount

Before buying either model, it’s worth quickly measuring under your sink, especially if you have additional items like water filters, RO systems, or a pull-out trash can. The Excel’s bulk and the L-8000’s height can both affect how comfortably things fit.

Durability & Warranty

The L-8000 wins big in warranty, offering 20 years of coverage, which is rare in this price range. That kind of long-term commitment signals a lot of confidence from Waste King. The stainless steel grinding parts and corrosion-proof polymer chamber also help the unit hold up well to daily use in busy kitchens.

The Evolution Excel offers a 10-year in-home service warranty, which many users find more valuable in practice. Instead of shipping the unit off or handling repairs on your own, InSinkErator sends a technician to your home to address issues covered under warranty. For some homeowners, especially those not into DIY repairs, that convenience is worth more than a few extra years on paper.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros & Cons of InSinkErator Evolution Excel

Pros & Cons of Waste King L-8000

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want a whisper-quiet, premium model that you barely notice while it’s running, the Evolution Excel is the better fit. It’s ideal if you cook a lot, frequently host guests, or have a kitchen that opens into living areas where noise easily travels. Its advanced grinding and jam prevention make it feel “effortless” to live with.

If you’re more focused on price, power, and simplicity, the Waste King L-8000 makes a lot of sense. It does a great job with typical kitchen waste, installs easily, and comes with a warranty that’s hard to beat—especially in its price bracket. For many homeowners, that combination of low cost and long-term protection is exactly what they’re looking for.

• You want a whisper-quiet, premium model → Evolution Excel
• You want the best value for the price → Waste King L-8000
• You cook frequently and process tough scraps → Evolution Excel
• You prefer DIY installation & simplicity → Waste King L-8000
• You want long-term warranty coverage → Waste King L-8000

Further Reading:
InSinkErator Evolution Pro 750 vs 880 LT – A Detailed Comparison
Waste King L-8000 vs InSinkErator Evolution 1 HP
Moen EX75C vs Badger 900: Which Garbage Disposal Is Right for You?
Moen vs. InSinkErator: Major Differences and Similarities

Conclusion

Both models deliver strong performance, but they serve different needs.

If you want refined grinding, high durability, and near-silent operation, the InSinkErator Evolution Excel is the top-tier choice. Its advanced technology, quiet design, and powerful motor make it especially attractive for busy, open-concept kitchens where sound and reliability matter a lot.

If your goal is fast grinding, easy DIY installation, and long-term value, the Waste King L-8000 is an excellent pick. It’s louder and less advanced—but its performance-to-price ratio is hard to beat, and the 20-year warranty provides a lot of peace of mind for budget-conscious buyers.

In the end, you’re not choosing between “good” and “bad”—you’re choosing between premium and practical. Pick the one that lines up best with your kitchen, your budget, and how you like to cook and clean every day.