Waste King L-111 Review: Affordable, Reliable Garbage Disposal

If you’ve ever dealt with a noisy, leaky, smelly garbage disposal that constantly jams — you know how frustrating it can be. Ours used to shake the whole cabinet every time we turned it on. Sometimes, it would just stop spinning and sit there making this low humming sound, like a lawnmower that refused to start. After putting up with it for way too long, I finally said, “That’s it. I need something small, simple, and that actually works.”

That’s when I found the Waste King L-111.

I kept seeing people talk about it — on Amazon, in DIY home forums, you name it. And now I get why. It’s compact, affordable, and pretty powerful for its size. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything — the specs, how it performs in real life, what you get in the box, and how it compares to some other models out there.

Waste King L-111 Key features

Powered by “Vortex” Technology

The L-111 uses a Vortex motor with permanent magnets, which helps it generate more power without adding extra weight. This tech also helps prevent jams, making it super efficient. Imagine it like a blender—it grinds food waste into tiny bits, so if you’re using a septic system, you don’t have to stress about clogs or build-up.

Compact and Lightweight Design

This unit is only 6.4 inches wide and 13.4 inches tall, and it weighs just around 7.5 pounds. It’s a great pick if you’re short on cabinet space or living in an apartment. Don’t let the size fool you—it still gets the job done.

EZ Mount Installation

It uses a twist-and-lock system called EZ Mount, which makes installation way easier (even for first-timers). And it comes with a 36-inch power cord already attached—just plug it in and you’re good to go. No hardwiring needed.

Continuous Feed for Nonstop Grinding

You can keep adding food scraps while it’s running. Just turn it on with the wall switch and feed things in as you go—no need to stop and start all the time.

Quiet and Built to Last

The Waste King L-111 is made with strong, long-lasting parts. Its grinding components are stainless steel, which means they won’t rust or corrode. Plus, it uses special glass-filled bearings that are already lubricated and don’t need maintenance—less hassle for you.

Even though it has a pretty powerful 1/3 HP motor spinning at 1900 RPM, it doesn’t make a ton of noise. Thanks to its insulated stainless steel parts, the L-111 runs quietly enough that you can still chat in the kitchen while it’s doing its thing.

2-Year Limited Warranty

Waste King gives you a 2-year limited warranty. If something breaks because of a defect, they’ll repair or replace it for free during that time. It’s a nice safety net.

Septic System Safe

If your home uses a septic tank, no worries—the L-111 is totally safe to use with properly sized systems. So it’s a solid eco-friendly option too.

Waste King L-111 Key Specifications

Power & Grinding Performance (Real-Life Test)

Honestly, the Waste King L-111 surprised me in a good way. It runs on a Vortex-powered motor with permanent magnets that spins at 1,900 RPM. In simple terms? It grinds fast and smoothly. That speed helps prevent jams, and in my experience (plus what I’ve read from other users), it rarely gets clogged. Even when I tossed in potato peels or mushy pasta, it powered through without a problem.

Now, to be clear — this isn’t made for big, tough stuff like chicken bones or a giant watermelon rind. But for everyday kitchen waste like veggie scraps, fruit peels, bits of bread, eggshells, and soft leftovers? It does the job really well. Just don’t expect it to handle your entire Thanksgiving mess in one shot.

What’s in the Box: Waste King L-111 Unboxing

✅ Here’s what you get inside:

• The Waste King L-111 disposal unit (fully put together—no assembly required)
• A 36-inch power cord that’s already attached—just plug it in, no wiring headaches
• A splash guard you can remove for easy cleaning
• A sink flange made of stainless steel and Celcon plastic
• EZ Mount parts like the mounting ring and gasket
• An instruction manual that’s actually easy to follow, even for beginners

❌ What’s not included?

• Plumber’s putty
• Basic tools

Waste King L-111 vs. Competitors

If you’re looking for an entry-level garbage disposal, you have several options to choose from. How does the Waste King L-111 compare to its closest competitors?
Here are two easy-to-read tables:

Waste King L-111 vs. InSinkErator Badger 1/3 HP

Waste King L-111 vs. L-1001 vs. L-2600

Pros and cons of Waste King L-111

Real Customer Feedback

The Waste King L-111 isn’t just a hit because it’s affordable — it’s actually earned a strong fanbase among renters, homeowners, and DIYers. After going through tons of reviews from Amazon, Home Depot, and even Reddit’s r/DIY, here’s the overall vibe: this little disposal punches well above its price tag.

👍 What People Really Like

• ✅ Easy to Install
• ✅ Quiet & Smooth
• ✅ Great Value
• ✅ Fits in Small Spaces
  

👎 What Some People Didn’t Love

• ⚠️ Not Built for Heavy-Duty Use
• ⚠️ May Need Extra Parts If You’re Replacing an InSinkErator
• ⚠️ Splash Guard Takes Some Getting Used To

Conclusion

The Waste King L-111 garbage disposal is easy to install and doesn’t empty your wallet. It’s compact, surprisingly quiet, and grinds up food waste without making a mess under your sink.

It’s not the most powerful unit on the market, and if you regularly throw in large scraps like bones or fibrous peels, you might want to get a 1/2 or 3/4 HP model. For light to moderate daily use, the L-111 offers better value than most disposals twice its price.

This Waste King L-111 will get the job done with minimal fuss and is a great option for renters, homeowners, and anyone else looking for a reliable, budget-friendly solution.

FAQ’s