Moen Gray EX50C Prep Series, 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal Review
The Moen Gray EX50C Prep Series is a practical 1/2 horsepower garbage disposal designed for everyday kitchen use. It’s built for households that do regular cooking, host guests occasionally, and want a dependable disposal that handles common food scraps without hassle. With a high-speed VORTEX permanent magnet motor, sound-dampening insulation, and Moen’s well-known Universal Xpress Mount, the EX50C focuses on smooth performance, easy installation, and long-term reliability rather than heavy-duty grinding.
This model sits comfortably in the mid-range category. It’s not meant for hard bones or extreme waste loads, but for daily food prep cleanup, it delivers consistent results with minimal maintenance and a solid warranty backing.
- 1/2 HP motor suitable for everyday household food waste
- High-speed VORTEX motor designed to reduce jamming
- Continuous feed operation for quick, uninterrupted cleanup
- Universal Xpress Mount fits most existing 3-bolt sink setups
- SoundSHIELD insulation helps reduce noise during operation
- Pre-installed power cord for faster, simpler installation
- 5-year warranty with in-home service
Moen Gray EX Series EX50C, 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Moen |
| Model | EX50C (Prep Series) |
| Horsepower | 1/2 HP |
| Motor Type | VORTEX Permanent Magnet Motor |
| Motor Speed | High-Speed (Approx. 2,600–2,800 RPM) |
| Feed Type | Continuous Feed |
| Mounting System | Universal Xpress Mount (Fits Most 3-Bolt Assemblies) |
| Noise Insulation | SoundSHIELD |
| Item Weight | 9.25 lbs |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 15 × 9.7 × 9.7 inches |
| Power Cord | Included — Pre-Installed (Removable for Hardwiring) |
| Septic Safe | Yes — When Used Properly |
| Warranty | 5-Year Warranty with In-Home Service |
Moen Gray EX Series EX50C, 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal Key Features
Design & Build Quality
The Moen EX50C features a compact, streamlined design that works well under most kitchen sinks, including cabinets with limited space. At just over nine pounds, it’s lightweight enough for solo installation while still feeling solid once mounted.
The exterior housing is durable and well-finished, while the internal grinding components are designed for everyday food waste rather than heavy-duty abuse. This balance keeps the unit affordable and efficient for its intended use. The overall construction feels practical and well thought out, especially for homeowners upgrading from older or builder-grade disposals.
Grinding Performance & Motor Technology
At the heart of the EX50C is Moen’s high-speed VORTEX permanent magnet motor. Unlike slower induction motors, this motor reaches full speed almost instantly. That quick startup helps reduce jamming and allows food scraps to be broken down faster and more evenly.
In real-world use, the EX50C handles common kitchen waste with ease, including:
- Vegetable peels
- Celery
- Seeds
- Soft leftovers
- Light food scraps from daily cooking
It’s not designed for large bones or very fibrous waste, but within its 1/2 HP class, performance is smooth, reliable, and consistent.
Noise & Vibration Levels
The SoundSHIELD insulation makes a noticeable difference compared to basic disposals without noise protection. While the EX50C is not whisper-quiet, it runs with a controlled, steady sound that won’t overwhelm a typical kitchen.
Vibration is minimal, and the unit doesn’t cause excessive sink rattling when properly installed. For a mid-range 1/2 HP disposal, noise control is handled well and feels appropriate for everyday household use.
Installation & Ease of Use
Installation is one of the strongest points of the EX50C. Moen’s Universal Xpress Mount is compatible with most existing 3-bolt mounting assemblies, including many InSinkErator setups. This means many homeowners can swap units without replacing the sink flange.
The pre-installed power cord saves both time and money. There’s no need to purchase a separate cord, and it can be removed easily if hardwiring is preferred. The dishwasher inlet is also easy to access, requiring no extra tools.
For most users, installation takes between 20 and 40 minutes with basic tools.
Daily Use & Safety Features
The continuous feed design allows food waste to be added while the disposal is running, making everyday cleanup fast and convenient. Stainless steel grinding components continue working as long as power is on, helping clear the chamber efficiently.
The exclusive 360° Clean Rinse system helps wash food particles away more effectively, reducing lingering odors around the sink. This also supports better hygiene and helps prevent buildup over time.
When used properly, the EX50C is safe for septic systems and supports reduced landfill waste by breaking down food scraps efficiently.
Maintenance & Long-Term Use
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular habits such as running cold water, cleaning the splash area, and avoiding grease or fibrous waste go a long way in preserving performance.
Occasional use of ice cubes can help keep the grinding chamber clean. With proper care, the EX50C should provide consistent performance for many years without frequent issues.
Warranty & Long-Term Value
Moen backs the EX50C with a 5-year warranty that includes in-home service. This is a major advantage at this price level. If something goes wrong, you don’t have to uninstall or ship the unit—service comes to you.
For homeowners who value peace of mind and long-term support, this warranty adds meaningful value without inflating expectations.
Moen Gray EX Series EX50C pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Moen Gray EX Series EX50C Vs Top Competitors
| Feature | Moen EX50C | InSinkErator Badger 5 | Waste King L-2600 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 1/2 HP | 1/2 HP | 1/2 HP |
| Motor Type | Permanent Magnet | Induction | Permanent Magnet |
| Motor Speed | High-Speed | 1,725 RPM | 2,600 RPM |
| Noise Insulation | SoundSHIELD | Minimal | Standard |
| Power Cord Included | Yes — Pre-Installed | No | Yes — Pre-Installed |
| Warranty | 5 Years (In-Home Service) | 3 Years | 5 Years |
Further Reading:
Waste King L-1001, 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal Review
Waste King L-2600, 1/2 HP Legend Series Garbage Disposal Review
InSinkErator Badger 5 Review: Budget-Friendly and Durable
Moen Prep Series GT50C 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal Review
Frigidaire FF05DISPD1, 1/2 HP garbage disposal Review
KRAUS WasteGuard KWD110-50MBL 1/2 HP Ultra-Quiet Garbage Disposal Review
Conclusion
The Moen Gray EX Series Prep Series EX50C is a well-balanced 1/2 HP garbage disposal built for everyday kitchens. It delivers fast grinding, reduced jamming, reasonable noise levels, and one of the best warranties in its class. Installation is simple, and daily use feels smooth and predictable.
If you want a reliable disposal for routine food prep cleanup—without paying for heavy-duty features you may never use—the EX50C is a sensible, long-term choice that fits most households comfortably.
The Author
I’m Muhammad Nabeel Dar, an employee in waste management and the owner of Garbage Waste Disposal with more than four years of experience helping people to control waste and garbage disposals are the best tools to control it. Read more
