InSinkErator Evolution Excel vs Waste King L-8000: Which 1 HP Disposal Wins?
In this InSinkErator Evolution Excel vs Waste King L-8000 comparison, we’re looking at the most common head-to-head in the garbage disposal market: InSinkErator’s premium flagship vs Waste King’s best value. Both deliver 1 HP of grinding power, but they take fundamentally different approaches to get there.
Quick verdict: The Evolution Excel is quieter, grinds finer, and feels more premium. The L-8000 is faster, cheaper, easier to install, and carries a longer warranty. Your choice depends on whether you value silence or savings.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll examine key factors including motor performance, grinding technology, noise levels, installation process, build quality, and long-term reliability to help you determine which garbage disposal is the better fit for your kitchen.
Quick Comparison: InSinkErator Evolution Excel vs Waste King L-8000
| Spec | Evolution Excel | Waste King L-8000 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 1 HP Dura-Drive induction | 1 HP permanent magnet |
| RPM | 1,725 | 2,800 |
| Grinding | 3-stage MultiGrind | Single-stage |
| Anti-jam | Auto-reverse + jam sensor | No |
| Chamber | 40 oz, stainless steel | ~30 oz, polymer |
| Noise | SoundSeal (~60% quieter) | SoundSHIELD (~30% quieter) |
| Mount | 3-bolt | EZ Mount |
| Power cord | Not included | Pre-installed |
| Height | 13″ | 16″ |
| Weight | ~19 lbs | ~12 lbs |
| Warranty | 7 years (in-home) | 20 years (limited) |
| Price | ~$280–$350 | ~$120–$180 |
Motor and Grinding
The Excel’s induction motor delivers high torque at 1,725 RPM. Combined with 3-stage MultiGrind, it processes food through progressively finer grinding stages, producing particles small enough to flow through plumbing without risk of downstream clogs. The auto-reverse function and jam sensor automatically clear blockages.
The L-8000’s permanent magnet motor spins at 2,800 RPM — over 60% faster. It relies on speed to shred food quickly in a single stage. This works well for everyday scraps but produces slightly coarser output than multi-stage grinding. No auto-reverse or jam sensor.
Winner: Excel for grinding quality. L-8000 for grinding speed.
Noise Level
The Excel is one of the quietest disposals on the market. SoundSeal technology (multi-layer insulation + anti-vibration mounts + Quiet Collar baffle) reduces noise by ~60%. You can hold a normal conversation while it runs.
The L-8000 uses SoundSHIELD foam insulation, which cuts noise by ~30%. Noticeably quieter than a bare motor, but noticeably louder than the Excel. The faster motor also produces a higher-pitched whine.
For the full quiet ranking, see our quietest garbage disposals guide.
Winner: Evolution Excel (by a wide margin).
Installation
The L-8000 wins on installation ease. EZ Mount is tool-free twist-and-lock. The pre-installed power cord eliminates wiring. At 12 lbs, one person can hold it in place comfortably. Total DIY time: ~15 minutes.
The Excel requires 3-bolt mounting (alignment + tightening), a separately purchased power cord or hardwiring, and at 19 lbs, you may want a second pair of hands. Total DIY time: ~30-45 minutes.
For more on mounting differences, read 3-bolt vs EZ Mount comparison.
Winner: Waste King L-8000.
Durability and Warranty
The Excel uses stainless steel for both the grind components and the chamber. Its heavier construction and reinforced housing suggest it is built to endure years of heavy use. The 10-year in-home warranty includes free labor.
The L-8000 uses stainless steel grind components but a polymer chamber. The polymer resists corrosion but is not as robust as stainless steel. However, the 20-year warranty (parts) is nearly double Excel’s coverage.
Winner: Excel for build quality. L-8000 for warranty length.
Value
The L-8000 costs roughly $120-$180. The Excel costs $350-$400. That is a $150-$200 price gap.
For that extra money, you get: 3-stage grinding, auto-reverse, jam sensor, 60% noise reduction (vs 30%), stainless steel chamber, and larger 40 oz capacity. Whether that is worth double the price depends on your priorities.
Winner: L-8000 for budget buyers. Excel for buyers who prioritize quiet and premium features.
Which Garbage Disposal to Choose?
Both InSinkErator Evolution Excel and Waste King L-8000 are high-end 1 HP garbage disposals. Although they have different features and priorities in their design, they both provide high-end performance. InSinkErator Evolution Excel has quiet operation, advanced grinding technology, and premium features. Waste King L-8000, on the other hand, provides speed, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness in its design.
When to Choose InSinkErator Evolution Excel?
- If you want a quiet garbage disposal with the best quiet operation technology available
- If your kitchen generates high volumes of waste (large families or high-cooking activity)
- If you want a premium product with a heavy-duty design and multi-stage grinding technology
When to Choose Waste King L-8000?
- If you want the best value for your money in a 1 HP garbage disposal
- If you prefer a DIY installation with a pre-installed power cord
- If you want fast grinding performance with a high RPM permanent magnet motor
Conclusion
Buy the InSinkErator Evolution Excel if you want the quietest, most refined grinding experience with premium stainless steel construction. Best for open-concept kitchens, noise-sensitive households, and buyers who want a “set and forget” disposal.
Buy the Waste King L-8000 if you want 1 HP power at half the price with the industry’s longest warranty. Best for budget-conscious buyers, DIY installers, and anyone who can tolerate slightly more noise.
For more 1 HP options, see our best garbage disposals guide.
FAQ’s
The Author
Muhammad Nabeel Dar is the founder of GarbageWasteDisposal.com, where he researches and evaluates garbage disposals, kitchen sinks, dishwashers, and kitchen drain systems to help homeowners make confident buying decisions.
After analyzing 30+ garbage disposal models, multiple sink configurations, and a wide range of drain system components across brands like InSinkErator, Waste King, Moen, GE, Frigidaire, and KRAUS, he focuses on what actually matters: real-world performance, build quality, noise levels, installation ease, durability, and overall value.
