Moen Chef Series EX100C, 1 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal Review

If you cook often, prepare meals from scratch, and deal with heavier food waste on a daily basis, a standard 1/2 HP disposal can start to feel limiting. The Moen Chef Series EX100C is built specifically for that next level of kitchen use. With a powerful 1 horsepower VORTEX permanent-magnet motor, advanced SoundSHIELD noise reduction, and thoughtful features like 360° Clean Rinse and integrated cabinet lighting, this model is designed for serious home cooks who want fast, quiet, and dependable cleanup.

This is Moen’s most powerful residential disposal in the Chef lineup, aimed at households that routinely handle tougher scraps such as meat trimmings, fibrous vegetables, and small bones. In this detailed review, we’ll break down its real-world performance, noise levels, installation experience, long-term reliability, and whether it justifies its premium positioning.

Moen Chef Series EX100C, 1 HP Garbage Disposal Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Moen
Model	EX100C (Chef Series)
Horsepower	1 HP
Motor Type	VORTEX Permanent Magnet Motor
Motor Speed	High-Speed (Approx. 2,800 RPM)
Feed Type	Continuous Feed
Mounting System	Universal Xpress Mount (Fits Most 3-Bolt Assemblies)
Noise Insulation	SoundSHIELD
Special Features	360° Clean Rinse, Motion-Activated Cabinet Light (75 Lumens)
Item Weight	13.15 lbs
Dimensions (L × W × H)	5.35 × 5.35 × 13.13 inches
Power Cord	Included — Pre-Installed (Removable for Hardwiring)
Dishwasher Connection	Yes
Septic Safe	Yes — When Used Properly
Warranty	10-Year Warranty with In-Home Service

Moen Chef Series EX100C, 1 HP Garbage Disposal Key Features

Design & Build Quality

The Chef Series EX100C features a streamlined, modern design with a compact footprint for a 1 HP disposal. Measuring just over 13 inches tall and weighing about 13 pounds, it’s heavier than entry-level models but still manageable for a DIY install.

Internally, the disposal uses stainless-steel grinding components designed for durability and long-term use. These parts resist corrosion better than galvanized steel and are better suited for tougher waste. The outer housing uses durable polymer materials that help absorb vibration and reduce noise during operation.

One standout design feature is the integrated motion-activated cabinet light. When you open the cabinet door, a built-in LED automatically illuminates the space below the sink. It may sound minor, but in everyday use—especially during maintenance or late-night checks—it’s surprisingly practical.

Grinding Performance & Motor Technology

Performance is where the EX100C truly separates itself from mid-range disposals. The 1 HP VORTEX permanent-magnet motor operates at high speed, delivering strong grinding power with immediate startup torque. This means the disposal doesn’t hesitate when switched on—it starts grinding right away.

In real-world kitchen use, the EX100C handles:

• Raw and cooked meat scraps
• Fibrous vegetables like asparagus
• Corncobs (cut into manageable sections)
• Chicken bones and small fruit pits
• Large volumes of mixed food waste

Food is broken down quickly into fine particles that flush away easily, helping reduce pipe buildup over time. While no residential disposal should be abused with constant bone grinding, this model comfortably handles tougher waste that would overwhelm smaller units.

Noise & Vibration Levels

High power often comes with high noise—but Moen’s SoundSHIELD technology helps keep the EX100C surprisingly quiet for a 1 HP disposal. Multiple layers of sound-deadening insulation reduce both airborne noise and vibration.

During operation, the sound profile is smooth and controlled rather than harsh or metallic. You’ll still hear it running, but it won’t dominate the room or cause cabinet rattling when properly installed. For open-concept kitchens or homes where noise matters, this is a major improvement over older high-horsepower disposals.

Installation & Ease of Use

Installation is straightforward thanks to Moen’s Universal Xpress Mount, which fits most existing 3-bolt mounting systems, including many other brands. This allows for a simple “swap-out” installation without replacing the sink flange.

The pre-installed power cord saves time and cost, eliminating the need to buy and wire one separately. For homeowners who prefer hardwiring, the cord can be removed easily.

Despite its power, the EX100C’s compact size makes it easier to align and mount under the sink than bulkier professional-style disposals. Most DIY installers can complete installation in under an hour with basic tools.

Daily Use & Safety Features

The continuous-feed design allows you to add food waste gradually while the disposal is running, which is ideal for active cooking sessions and post-meal cleanup. Stainless-steel grinding components continue working as long as power is on, providing consistent performance.

The 360° Clean Rinse system helps wash food particles away from the chamber walls, reducing lingering odors and buildup around the sink. This makes everyday maintenance easier and keeps the disposal fresher between cleanings.

When used responsibly, the EX100C is septic-safe and supports reduced landfill waste by breaking down food scraps efficiently.

Maintenance & Long-Term Use

Routine maintenance is simple. Running cold water before and after grinding, cleaning the splash guard regularly, and avoiding excessive grease will help extend the unit’s life. Occasional use of ice cubes can help clean the grinding chamber and maintain performance.

Thanks to its stainless-steel internals and powerful motor, the EX100C is built for long-term daily use in busy kitchens. It’s designed to hold up well under frequent load without performance drop-off.

Warranty

Moen backs the Chef Series EX100C with an excellent 10-year warranty that includes in-home service. This level of coverage is a major advantage. If something goes wrong, Moen sends service to your home instead of requiring you to uninstall and ship the unit.

Considering the motor strength, noise reduction, stainless-steel components, added lighting feature, and long warranty, the EX100C offers strong long-term value for homeowners who cook often and want a dependable, high-performance disposal.

Moen Chef Series EX100C, 1HP Pros and cons

Moen Chef Series EX100C Vs Top Competitors

Feature	Moen Chef EX100C	InSinkErator Evolution Advanced 1.0 HP	Waste King L-8000
Horsepower	1 HP	1 HP	1 HP
Motor Type	Permanent Magnet	Induction (Multi-Stage Grinding)	Permanent Magnet
Motor Speed	Approx. 2,500–2,800 RPM	~1,485 RPM (multi-stage)	~2,800 RPM
Noise & Vibration	SoundSHIELD Insulation	SoundSeal® Technology (Enhanced Quiet)	Standard (Basic Insulation)
Grinding System	Continuous Feed	4-Stage MultiGrind®	Continuous Feed
Power Cord Included	Yes — Pre-Installed	No — Often Sold Separately	Yes — Pre-Installed
Special Features	360° Clean Rinse, Integrated Cabinet Light	Advanced Quiet & Multi-Stage Grinding	Fast, Jam-Resistant Operation
Septic Safe	Yes — When Used Properly	Yes — Standard Setup	Yes — Standard Setup
Warranty	10-Year	10-Year	20-Year

Further Reading:
InSinkErator Evolution 1HP Garbage Disposal: Quiet, Powerful, and Reliable
Moen Chef Series EXL100C Review: Powerful and Quiet Garbage Disposal
Waste King L-8000 1HP Garbage Disposal Review
Frigidaire FF13DISPC1, 1.25 HP Corded Garbage Disposal Review
KRAUS WasteGuard KWD100-100MBL, 1 HP Garbage Disposal Review

Conclusion

The Moen Chef Series EX100C is built for serious home cooks who want fast, quiet, and confident food waste disposal. Its 1 HP motor delivers strong grinding power for tough scraps, while SoundSHIELD insulation keeps noise levels comfortable. Features like 360° Clean Rinse and integrated cabinet lighting add practical value you’ll notice in everyday use.

If your kitchen sees frequent cooking, larger meal prep, or heavier food waste—and you want a disposal that can keep up without constant maintenance—the EX100C is a premium, long-term investment that delivers both performance and peace of mind.