Moen vs. InSinkErator: Major Differences and Similarities
When it comes to upgrading your kitchen, choosing the right garbage disposal system is essential for both convenience and efficiency. Garbage disposals help grind food waste into small particles, making cleanup easier while keeping your plumbing in good condition. Among the many options available, Moen and InSinkErator are two of the top brands people often consider. Each offers unique features and benefits, but understanding their differences and similarities can help you make the best choice for your kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll break down the major differences and similarities between Moen and InSinkErator garbage disposals. Whether you’re comparing performance, price, ease of installation, or specific features, this side-by-side analysis will give you the insights you need. By the end, you’ll be able to decide which brand aligns with your kitchen needs and budget, helping you invest in a system that will serve your household for years to come.
Moen vs. InSinkErator: Key Differences
| Feature | Moen | InSinkErator |
| Brand Presence | Newer to garbage disposals | Established leader |
| Price | More affordable | Generally more expensive |
| Noise Reduction | SoundSHIELD technology | SoundSeal, quieter performance |
| Grinding Technology | Single-stage (VORTEX motor) | Multi-stage (MultiGrind on premium) |
| Motor Speed | Higher RPM (2,700 RPM) | Lower RPM (1,725 RPM) |
| Pre-Installed Power Cord | Included in all models | Usually sold separately |
| Splash Guards | Removable | Non-removable in most models |
| Warranty | Longer on entry models (up to 5 yrs) | Shorter on low-end models (1-3 yrs) |
| Compact Models | Some available | More compact options |
| Advanced Features | Fewer | Premium features like Auto-Reverse |
Popularity
When it comes to garbage disposals, InSinkErator has been around for a long time and is one of the most trusted brands in the market. It’s often recommended by plumbers and professionals because of its reliable reputation. Moen, on the other hand, is #1 faucet brand in North America known for its faucets, showerheads, accessories and bath safety products, it’s only recently started gaining recognition for its disposals. However, it’s quickly catching up, especially with customers who already trust Moen for other kitchen fixtures.
Choices and Specs
InSinkErator offers a wider range of models compared to Moen. They have over 20 different disposals, including both continuous feed and batch feed types. Their Evolution series is especially popular for its strong grinding power and advanced features. Moen offers fewer options, around 13 models, but they still cover the essential needs. For example, the Moen EXL100c is a great choice if you’re looking for a powerful unit. Both brands offer different horsepower options, ranging from 1/3 HP to 1 HP, allowing you to pick one based on the size of your household and how much food waste you handle.
Quietness
Noise can be a big deal when choosing a garbage disposal, and both brands offer solutions to keep things quiet. InSinkErator is known for its SoundSeal technology, which does a great job at reducing noise, making it a favorite for those who want a quiet kitchen. Some models even come with vibration-reducing parts, helping further with noise control. Moen has its own version called SoundSHIELD, which insulates the disposal to minimize sound. Both brands are good in this area, but InSinkErator generally gets more praise for being quieter, especially in their higher-end models.
Performance
When it comes to performance, InSinkErator stands out with its MultiGrind technology, which grinds food in multiple stages. This is particularly helpful when dealing with tougher food waste like bones or fibrous vegetables, reducing the chances of clogs. Moen uses a VORTEX permanent magnet motor, which is known for its high speed, helping to grind food waste quickly and prevent jams. While Moen’s high-speed motors get the job done fast, InSinkErator’s multi-stage grinding tends to produce finer waste, which can be better for your plumbing, especially in their premium models like the Evolution Excel.
If you’re experiencing unusual noise, learn How To Fix a Vibrating or Shaking Garbage Disposal to troubleshoot the issue.
Features
Both brands offer several useful features that make their disposals easy to use. InSinkErator has a Quick Lock Mount, which makes installation and replacement faster and simpler. Their higher-end models also come with features like an Auto-Reverse Grind System to reduce jams and a Jam-Sensor Circuit that automatically adjusts grinding power when needed. Moen, on the other hand, focuses on convenience by including pre-installed power cords in all of their models, saving you the hassle of buying one separately. Moen also uses SoundSHIELD technology in all their models to ensure quieter operation at every price point.
Grinding Chamber Quality
The material used in the grinding chamber plays a big role in how long your garbage disposal will last. InSinkErator uses stainless steel in its models, which is known for being tough and resistant to rust. This makes their units durable, especially if you’re regularly grinding tougher food waste like bones or fibrous vegetables. On the other hand, Moen uses high-quality plastic for their grinding chambers. While plastic may seem less sturdy, it holds up well over time and is designed for durability. That said, stainless steel might offer a bit more longevity, especially for heavy-duty use.
Hex Hole
A handy feature of InSinkErator disposals is the hex hole at the bottom. If your unit jams, you can use an Allen key to manually turn the blades and fix the problem yourself. It’s a simple and quick solution. Moen disposals don’t have a hex hole, so if there’s a jam, you’ll need to use a disposal wrench or another tool to manually rotate the blades, which can be a bit more challenging.
Compact Size
If space under your sink is limited, you’ll want to consider the size of the disposal unit. InSinkErator has a range of compact models that are shorter and easier to fit into tighter spaces. This can be a big advantage if you’re working with a small kitchen or a deep sink. Moen also offers some compact models, but InSinkErator has more options specifically designed for smaller spaces. If space is a big concern for you, InSinkErator might be the better choice.
Motor Speed
Motor speed can impact how quickly and efficiently a disposal grinds food waste. Moen disposals generally have higher motor speeds, around 2,700 RPM, which helps grind waste faster and reduces the chance of jams. InSinkErator models tend to have lower motor speeds, around 1,725 RPM, but they balance this with MultiGrind technology, which grinds food in stages. Moen’s high-speed motor is great for quick grinding, while InSinkErator’s lower speed, combined with multi-stage grinding, results in finer waste.
Moen Garbage Disposals Have Pre-Installed Power Cords
One convenient feature of Moen disposals is that they come with pre-installed power cords. This makes installation simpler, as you can just plug it in without having to buy and install a separate cord. InSinkErator models usually don’t come with power cords, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if needed. While this allows for more flexibility in installation, it can add an extra step and cost to the process.
Find out which type is best for your kitchen in our article, Corded vs. Non-Corded Garbage Disposal: Choosing the Best for Your Kitchen.
Price
When comparing prices, Moen disposals are generally more affordable than InSinkErator models. Moen offers great value with lower prices for similar performance, noise insulation, and build quality. InSinkErator, particularly its premium Evolution series, tends to be more expensive due to added features like MultiGrind and SoundSeal. For those on a budget, Moen provides a solid choice with good performance at a lower cost. However, if you’re willing to spend more, InSinkErator offers added durability and advanced features that may justify the higher price.
However, for a full breakdown of installation expenses, check out How Much Does Garbage Disposal Installation Cost In 2024? to plan your budget effectively.
Removable Splash Guards
Moen disposals come with removable splash guards, making cleaning and maintenance easier. You can take the splash guard out, clean it, and put it back without much hassle. This is convenient, as food waste often gets stuck on the splash guard and can create odors. InSinkErator models, on the other hand, have splash guards that are built into the disposal. To clean or replace them, you’ll need to disconnect the disposal from the sink, which is more time-consuming. Moen’s removable splash guard is definitely more user-friendly.
Warranties
When it comes to warranties, Moen tends to offer longer coverage compared to InSinkErator. For example, Moen’s entry-level models usually come with a 5-year warranty, while InSinkErator’s similar models might only offer a 1-3 year warranty. At the higher end, both brands offer warranties of up to 10 years. Moen’s longer warranty on its lower-priced models can be a major selling point for buyers looking for peace of mind without the higher price tag. Warranties can be important for long-term reliability, so this might be something to consider when making your decision.
Similarities Between Moen and InSinkErator Garbage Disposals
| Feature | Moen | InSinkErator |
| Mounting System | 3-bolt mounting system | 3-bolt, brand-compatible |
| Noise Insulation | SoundSHIELD | SoundSeal, more effective in premium |
| Size Options | Various sizes available | Various sizes, including compact models |
| Reset Button | Yes, bottom of the unit | Yes, bottom of the unit |
| Installation Process | Simple, same tools needed | Simple, same tools needed |
| Eco-Friendliness | Energy-efficient, reduces waste | Energy-efficient, includes Septic Assist |
They Use 3-Bolt Mounts
Both Moen and InSinkErator use a 3-bolt mounting system for their garbage disposals, which makes installation easy and consistent across their models. This system is well-known among homeowners and professionals, making it a trusted option. If you’re swapping out one brand for the other, the transition is usually smooth because the mount is compatible between both brands. This is especially useful when replacing an old disposal, as you likely won’t need to change the sink flange or mounting bracket, saving you time and hassle.
Noise Insulation
Both brands have put a lot of effort into reducing the noise their disposals make. InSinkErator uses SoundSeal technology, which is highly effective at keeping things quiet, especially in their higher-end models. Moen counters with its SoundSHIELD technology, which also does a great job of minimizing noise during operation. While both brands are good at keeping things quiet, InSinkErator tends to get a bit more praise from users for being slightly quieter, especially with the added vibration-reducing parts in some models. But in general, both brands offer much quieter disposals than older or cheaper models on the market.
Size Options
Both Moen and InSinkErator offer a variety of sizes to fit different kitchen setups. If you have a compact kitchen with limited space under your sink, both brands have compact models that are designed to fit into tighter spaces. On the other hand, if you have a larger household that produces a lot of food waste, both brands offer more powerful models with higher horsepower to handle those bigger loads. Whether you need something small and efficient or something that can handle heavy use, both brands have options for you.
Reset Buttons
Both brands include reset buttons on their disposals, which is a crucial safety feature. If the unit gets overloaded or jammed, the reset button cuts the power to prevent damage. Once the issue is fixed, pressing the reset button will get the disposal back up and running. This feature helps protect the motor from burning out and can save you from needing repairs.
Learn more in our detailed guide, Moen Garbage Disposal Reset Button Location & How to Reset It for step-by-step help.
Installation
When it comes to installing a garbage disposal, both Moen and InSinkErator make it fairly straightforward. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, the process is similar for both brands. The 3-bolt mount system they both use makes installation easy, and for most models, the job can be done in less than an hour with basic tools like a screwdriver and pliers. Both brands also provide clear instructions, and there are plenty of how-to videos online that can walk you through the process. So, whether you go with Moen or InSinkErator, installation should be a simple and manageable task.
Moen or InSinkErator: Which is a Better Choice?
When deciding between Moen and InSinkErator, the best choice really depends on your household’s specific needs and priorities. Here’s a breakdown of which brand might be the right fit for different types of buyers:
- For Large Families: If you have a busy household that generates a lot of food waste, InSinkErator may be the better choice. Their premium models, like those in the Evolution series, are designed for heavy use, featuring MultiGrind technology to handle tougher waste like bones and fibrous vegetables. They also have larger models with higher horsepower, making them ideal for bigger families.
- For Budget Shoppers: If price is your main concern, Moen disposals offer great value for money. Moen models are typically more affordable than InSinkErator while still providing reliable performance, noise reduction, and a good warranty. Plus, with pre-installed power cords, you can save a little more by avoiding the need to buy extra installation materials.
- For Eco-Conscious Consumers: Both brands offer energy-efficient options, but InSinkErator stands out with its Septic Assist model for homes with septic systems. This model is specially designed to break down food waste in a way that’s safe for septic tanks, making it a more eco-friendly choice. For more details on waste disposal management, check out our article on Garbage Disposal Parts to better understand how each component contributes to efficient waste disposal.
- For Small Kitchens: If you have limited space under your sink, InSinkErator has more compact models that are specifically designed for tight spaces. While Moen does offer compact options, InSinkErator generally has a wider range of small models that can fit into narrow cabinets or under deep sinks.
- For Convenience and Ease of Use: If you want the easiest possible installation and maintenance, Moen disposals are a solid choice. The pre-installed power cords save you an extra step during installation, and the removable splash guards make cleaning a breeze. These features can make a difference if you’re looking for a hassle-free experience.
- For Quiet Operation: If noise levels are a concern, InSinkErator is the brand to go for. Their SoundSeal technology, especially in their premium models, gets consistent praise for being one of the quietest options available. If you want a disposal that won’t disrupt a peaceful kitchen, InSinkErator is likely your best bet.
Conclusion
Both Moen and InSinkErator have their advantages. Moen is a great choice if you’re on a budget and want something easy to install and maintain. It’s also a good option for smaller families or kitchens with limited space. InSinkErator, on the other hand, is better for larger families, those who need quieter operation, or people looking for advanced features like MultiGrind for handling tough food waste.When deciding between the two, think about what you need. Do you want a powerful disposal that handles lots of waste, or are you more focused on saving space and money? By considering how much you use the disposal, your budget, and your kitchen layout, you’ll be able to pick the right one for your home.
