Moen Chef Series EXL100C Review: Powerful, Quiet, and Innovative Garbage Disposal
If you’re looking for a garbage disposal that combines power, quiet operation, and innovative features, the Moen Chef Series EXL100C might just be the perfect fit for your kitchen. Designed for serious home cooks and busy households, this model offers a robust motor, smart lighting, and an easy installation process.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the EXL100C stand out and why it’s worth considering for your home.
- Powerful Motor: 1 HP VORTEX™ motor spins at 2,800 RPM for fast and powerful grinding.
- Odor Control: 360° Clean Rinse flushes away food particles effectively.
- Motion-Activated Light:
Built-in LED lighting automatically turns on when the cabinet is opened. - Continuous Feed: grinds food waste continuously.
- Warranty: Backed by a 10-year limited warranty with in-home service.
Moen Chef Series EXL100C Garbage Disposal Key features
Powerful 1 HP VORTEX Motor
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Moen Chef Series EXL100C is its 1 horsepower VORTEX™ permanent magnet motor. This powerful motor spins at an impressive 2800 RPM, allowing it to grind through tough food waste like bones, corncobs, and fruit pits with ease. Unlike many disposals that can jam or struggle with hard scraps, the EXL100C’s design minimizes the risk of clogging, making your kitchen cleanup faster and hassle-free.
SoundSHIELD™ technology
One thing I really like about this disposal is how quiet it is. Thanks to its SoundSHIELD insulation, it runs much more quietly than most other models.
Motion-Activated Lighting
Another standout feature is the motion-activated LED lighting. This clever addition includes six bright LEDs that illuminate the cabinet interior as soon as you open the door. The 75-lumen output is perfect for spotting leaks or simply making your under-sink area more visible. Plus, the sensor is adjustable, and the battery compartment is conveniently located at the front, so you don’t have to crawl under the sink to replace batteries.
360° Clean Rinse System
The EXL100C also boasts a 360-degree Clean Rinse design, which helps flush out food debris and reduces odors, keeping your disposal fresh. Thanks to SoundSHIELD™ technology, this model runs noticeably quieter than many competitors, so you won’t be startled by loud grinding noises during use.
Long-Lasting Durability with Warranty
The Moen Chef Series EXL100C garbage disposal is made with strong, reliable materials and built to last. Plus, it comes with a 10-year limited warranty, so you can feel confident using it for years to come.
Performance That Impresses
When it comes to performance, the Moen Chef Series EXL100C delivers. Its high-speed motor and stainless steel grinding components ensure that food waste is pulverized into fine particles, preventing drain clogs and promoting smooth water flow. Whether you’re disposing of vegetable scraps or tougher items like chicken bones, this disposal handles it quickly and efficiently.
Users often praise how quiet the unit operates, making it a favorite for open-concept kitchens where noise can be a concern. The continuous feed design means you can keep adding waste without stopping the unit, which is a big plus for busy cooks.
Moen Chef Series EXL100C Garbage Disposal Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1 Horsepower |
| Speed | 2800 RPM |
| Motor Type | Permanent Magnet Motor (VORTEX™) |
| Feed Type | Continuous Feed |
| Mounting Assembly | 3-Bolt Assembly |
| Noise Insulation | SoundSHIELD™ Technology |
| Grind Chamber Material | Corrosion-Resistant Polymer |
| Grinding Components | Stainless Steel |
| Power Cord | Pre-installed |
| Reset Button | Yes |
| Special Features | Motion-Activated LED Light, Simple Snap Tool, Easy Open Dishwasher Inlet |
| Dimensions | 16″ Height x 8-3/8″ Width |
| Weight | Approximately 15 lbs |
| Voltage | 115 Volts |
| Amperage | 7 Amps |
| Drain Connection Size | 1½ Inches |
| Warranty | 10-Year Limited Warranty with In-Home Service |
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Moen has designed the EXL100C with user convenience in mind. The Universal Xpress Mount™ system makes it compatible with most existing 3-bolt mounting assemblies, including popular brands like InSinkErator®. This means you can often replace your old disposal without needing new plumbing parts.
The unit comes with a pre-installed power cord, saving you time and effort during setup. For those who prefer hardwiring, the disposal also supports that option. The compact design frees up valuable under-sink space, and the dishwasher inlet is tool-free for easy connection.
Environmental Benefits
Using a garbage disposal like the Moen EXL100C can reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfills, which helps lower your household’s environmental footprint. When used with a properly sized septic system, it’s an eco-friendly way to manage kitchen scraps.
Moen Chef Series EXL100C Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Moen Chef Series EXL100C vs Top Competitors
| Feature | Moen EXL100C | InSinkErator Evolution Excel | Moen GXS75C Host | Waste King L‑3200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 1 HP | 1 HP | 3/4 HP | 3/4 HP |
| Speed (RPM) | 2,800 RPM | 1,725 RPM | 2,700 RPM | 2,700 RPM |
| Motor Type | Permanent Magnet (VORTEX™) | Induction Motor | Permanent Magnet (VORTEX™) | Permanent Magnet |
| Grinding Components | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Galvanized Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Noise Reduction | SoundSHIELD™ insulation | Advanced sound/vibration dampening | SoundSHIELD™ insulation | Basic insulation |
| Feed Type | Continuous | Continuous | Continuous | Continuous |
| Installation | Universal Xpress Mount™ | Quick Lock mount | Universal Xpress Mount™ | EZ Mount system |
| Special Features | LED motion-activated light, Clean Rinse | Multi-stage grind, ultra-quiet | Clean Rinse | Compact, easy install |
| Warranty | 10-year limited (in-home) | 8–9 years | 10-year limited | 8-year limited |
Further Reading:
Moen GXS75C Host Series 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal – in depth Review
Conclusion
For anyone serious about their kitchen setup, the Moen Chef Series EXL100C offers a compelling mix of power, quiet operation, and smart features that make food waste disposal easier and more efficient. Its durable construction, innovative lighting, and user-friendly installation make it a standout choice in the 1 HP garbage disposal category. While it comes at a premium price, the long warranty and performance make it a worthwhile investment for a cleaner, more convenient kitchen.
If you want a garbage disposal that works hard, stays quiet, and adds a touch of innovation to your kitchen, the Moen Chef Series EXL100C is definitely worth considering.
