KRAUS WasteGuard 1/3 HP Ultra-Quiet Garbage Disposal Review

If you want a compact, ultra-quiet garbage disposal that still feels premium, the KRAUS WasteGuard 1/3 HP (KWD100-33MBL) is a very solid entry-level choice. It’s designed for small households and light to moderate cooking, with a high-speed 3,800 RPM permanent-magnet motor, stainless-steel grinding parts, and a plug-in design that makes DIY installation simple. You also get a complete kit in the box—mounting flange, drain and dishwasher connectors, stopper/plunger, and a pre-installed power cord—so there’s nothing extra you need to buy.

In this review, we’ll explore its design, performance, pros and cons, and how it compares with other popular garbage disposals.

KRAUS WasteGuard 1/3 HP Garbage Disposal Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	KRAUS
Model Number	KWD100-33MBL
Series / Pattern	WasteGuard 1/3 HP Ultra-Quiet
Horsepower (HP)	1/3 HP
Motor Type	Permanent-Magnet High-Speed Motor
Motor Speed	Up to 3,800 RPM
Voltage	120 Volts
Feed Type	Continuous Feed – Wall Switch or Air Switch Activated
Material (Housing)	ABS / Plastic
Grinding Components	Solid Stainless Steel
Color	Matte Black
Style	Quick-Connect, Plug-In
Dimensions	5.25″ (L) × 8.75″ (W) × 13.88″ (H)
Grinding Chamber Size	Approx. 27 oz
Item Weight	~10.2 lbs
Mount Type	EZLock Quick-Connect (Standard 3½″ Drain Opening)
Drain Connection	1½″ Drain Connection
Dishwasher Connection	Yes – Optional Dishwasher Connector Included
Power Source	Pre-Installed Power Cord (Plug-In)
Included Components	Disposal Unit, Power Cord, Flange, Drain & Dishwasher Connectors, Stopper/Plunger
Septic Safe	Yes – When Used per Manufacturer Guidelines
Batteries Required	No
Warranty	5-Year Limited Warranty

KRAUS WasteGuard 1/3 HP Garbage Disposal Key Features

3,800 RPM High-Speed Permanent-Magnet Motor

WasteGuard’s performance comes from its very high speed. The permanent-magnet motor spins up to 3,800 RPM, which is significantly faster than many traditional 1/3 HP models. Because the motor reaches full speed instantly when you turn it on, it can slice and shred food very quickly, reducing the time you need to run the disposal.

This high speed has several benefits. Food scraps are ground into fine particles, which helps them wash away easily and lowers the risk of clogs further down the drain. The “vortex” style action that permanent-magnet motors are known for also tends to reduce jamming when the unit is used properly. For typical household use—vegetable peels, fruit scraps, cooked leftovers, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other soft or medium-hard waste—the motor performs more than well enough.

However, like all 1/3 HP disposals, it has limitations. The WasteGuard is not designed to handle large hard bones, big fruit pits like avocado or peach seeds, or large quantities of very fibrous material such as corn husks all at once.

Stainless Steel and Corrosion-Resistant Internals

Durability is another area where this model stands out for its size. Many entry-level disposals rely heavily on galvanized steel components, which can rust, flake, and dull over time. The WasteGuard instead uses solid stainless-steel grinding components inside a corrosion-resistant ABS grind chamber.

This combination offers better resistance to rust, even if you occasionally run acidic foods like citrus peels through the system. Stainless steel stays sharper for longer and generally maintains smoother grinding performance as the years go by. The ABS chamber itself doesn’t corrode, and its smooth surfaces make it harder for sludge and buildup to cling inside. Together, these materials give the disposal a “premium” feel, even though it sits in a budget-friendly price category.

The ABS outer shell is not just about cutting weight; it also helps with noise control. Plastic absorbs and dampens vibration in a way thin metal does not, so you get both quieter performance and protection against corrosion in one design choice.

EZLock Quick-Connect Installation and Pre-Installed Power Cord

If you like doing things yourself—or just want to avoid paying for a plumber or electrician—the installation experience is a major benefit of the WasteGuard 1/3 HP. The EZLock quick-connect mounting system uses a twist-to-lock mechanism that works with standard 3½-inch sink openings and seals with rubber gaskets. In many setups, that means you don’t need plumber’s putty at all, which makes the process cleaner and easier.

The basic installation process is straightforward. Once the flange is dropped into the sink drain and tightened from below, the disposal body is lifted into place, aligned with the mount, and locked with a simple turn. Because the power cord is already attached at the factory, you don’t have to open any wiring compartments or attach individual wires. You just plug the unit into a switched outlet under the sink.

Compact, Space-Saving Under-Sink Design

Under-sink space is always at a premium, especially in smaller kitchens or cabinets crowded with plumbing, water filters, or cleaning supplies. The WasteGuard 1/3 HP has been designed with this in mind. With overall dimensions of roughly 5.25 inches long, 8.75 inches wide, and just under 14 inches tall, it has a smaller footprint than many larger horsepower units.

The compact design makes it easier to maneuver into place during installation and leaves room for storage or additional equipment once it’s mounted. Despite its size, the internal chamber holds around 27 ounces of waste, which is perfectly adequate for daily use in a small household. The overall weight of around 10 pounds also means there’s less strain on the sink mounting hardware and it’s easier to lift and twist into place without needing a second pair of hands.

Grinding Performance

In day-to-day cooking and cleaning, the WasteGuard 1/3 HP feels quick and efficient for its power class. The high-speed motor handles common kitchen scraps very well. Vegetable and fruit peels, soft leftovers, coffee grounds, small bits of cooked meat, and eggshells are all ground into fine particles in a matter of seconds when fed gradually with cold water running.

Because the motor reaches full speed instantly, there is no sluggish start; you flip the switch and it immediately begins grinding at full capacity. This fast action helps prevent food from sitting in the chamber and reduces the chance of clumping or clogging. As long as you avoid overloading it with a full sink of peels all at once, the performance feels smooth and predictable.

Noise and Vibration

Compared with standard entry-level disposals, it produces noticeably less racket. When you run it, the sink doesn’t shake violently and you don’t get that loud “metal on metal” grind that makes everyone stop talking.

The anti-vibration mount isolates the unit from the sink, so the basin is less likely to act like a loudspeaker. The ABS housing absorbs much of the remaining vibration, producing a lower, more controlled sound. The motor’s tone is more of a steady whirr than a harsh growl, which makes it far more pleasant in open-plan kitchens or apartments.

You will still hear it—no disposal is truly silent—but it falls into a comfortable background noise level. You can talk over it, run it while kids are asleep in the next room, or use it during late-night cleanup without feeling like you’re disturbing the entire house.

Design, Build Quality and Maintenance

KRAUS is already known for quality sinks and faucets, and that same design focus is visible in the WasteGuard 1/3 HP. Visually, the matte black housing and matching flange give your drain a sleek, modern look, which can be a nice upgrade if you’re also refreshing other fixtures in the kitchen.

In the hand, the unit feels solid rather than flimsy. The mounting hardware, flange, and connector parts are robust, and once installed, nothing rattles loosely. Internally, stainless-steel grinding components and a corrosion-resistant plastic chamber mean you are protected from the rust and pitting that can affect cheaper units over time.

Maintenance is light and easy. The removable splash guard can be pulled out and washed, preventing gunk and odor from building up right at the drain opening. Grinding a few ice cubes and citrus slices from time to time helps clean the chamber and keep smells under control. There is no need to lubricate or service the motor; it is fully sealed and designed to be maintenance-free. As long as you run plenty of cold water and avoid misusing the disposal, it should stay clean and functional with minimal effort.

Warranty

One of the strongest selling points from a value perspective is the warranty. A 5-year limited warranty is quite generous in the 1/3 HP category, where many competitors only offer one or two years of coverage. That alone signals confidence in the product’s durability.

When you combine that warranty with stainless-steel grinding parts, quieter operation, a complete installation kit, and a pre-installed power cord, the WasteGuard 1/3 HP starts to feel like a premium entry in the small-disposal segment. At around the $100 price point (depending on retailer and promotions), you’re getting quiet performance, easier installation, and better materials than a lot of similarly priced models.

For homeowners who don’t need a large 3/4 HP or 1 HP unit but still want something that feels well-engineered and built to last, the overall value proposition is very strong.

KRAUS WasteGuard 1/3 HP Pros and Cons

KRAUS WasteGuard 1/3 HP Vs Top Competitors

Feature	KRAUS WasteGuard 1/3 HP	Waste King 9910	InSinkErator Badger 1	Moen GXP33C Lite Series
Horsepower	1/3 HP	1/3 HP	1/3 HP	1/3 HP
Speed (RPM)	3,800 RPM	1,900 RPM	1,725 RPM	1,900 RPM
Motor Type	Permanent Magnet	Permanent Magnet	Induction Motor	Permanent Magnet (Vortex)
Noise Level	Ultra-Quiet (Sound Insulation)	Standard Noise	Moderate – No Sound Insulation	Partial SoundSHIELD Insulation
Build Material	Stainless Steel Grind Components + ABS Housing	Galvanized Steel Grind Components	Galvanized Steel Components	Galvanized Steel + Polymer Chamber
Mounting System	EZLock Quick-Connect	3-Bolt Mount	Quick Lock (3-Bolt)	Xpress Mount (3-Bolt Compatible)
Power Cord Included	Yes – Pre-Installed	Yes – Pre-Installed	No – Sold Separately	Yes – Pre-Installed
Ideal For	Quiet, Compact & Easy DIY Installation	Budget Use & Light Grinding	Basic Household Waste	Quick Grinding & Small Spaces

Conclusion

The KRAUS WasteGuard 1/3 HP Ultra-Quiet Garbage Disposal is an excellent match for small households, couples, and apartment kitchens where space and noise level matter as much as basic performance. It suits light to moderate cooking habits and handles typical day-to-day food scraps with ease. If you are upgrading from a loud, older disposal and want something noticeably quieter that still fits comfortably under the sink, this model is a smart choice.

DIY users will especially appreciate the all-in-one kit and pre-installed power cord, which make installation far less intimidating. While it is not designed to tackle heavy, constant loads of tough waste—that’s the job of higher horsepower units—it performs very well within its intended range. Quiet, efficient, compact, and backed by a strong warranty, the KRAUS WasteGuard 1/3 HP feels more premium than its price suggests and deserves serious consideration if you’re shopping for one of the best 1/3 HP garbage disposals for everyday kitchen use.