Waste King Legend Series 1/2 HP (L-2600)

Overview

An architect named John Hammes invented the garbage disposal in 1927. The handy device has grown to be an American staple, one owned by half of US homes as of 2009.

Waste King’s L-2600 comes from a branded line of affordable units that are durable, effective, and easy to install. Before jumping into the review, let’s go over important features and challenges of disposals to get the full story.

Buyer’s Guide: Residential Disposals

Feed Types

Most residential disposals are designed to be fed continuously with waste as the water runs. The batch-fed method means the grind hopper is filled before running. The batch-fed method is less convenient but might be safer because the stopper must be locked before running.

Capacity

Horsepower (HP) is the main power rating for disposals. Residential units are usually powered by 1 to 1/3 HP, which is plenty for most food waste. High torque is best for efficient grinding, which is delivered by either an induction motor or a universal series-wound design.

Another important number is RPM. Induction motors run between 1,400–1,800 RPM, but universal motors hit over 2000. Universal motors spin faster and offer higher torque—though they are a bit noisier too. Older induction motors have been largely overtaken by universal models that offer better performance.

Materials

Quality disposals are usually made of stainless steel. Other metal compounds can be used, but stainless steel is always preferred for the grinding parts. Metal disposals can be noisy when mounted in a stainless steel sink, so some models incorporate plastic in their casing and inner machinery.

Installation

Installing a disposal falls into the gray area between a DIY project and the need to hire a contractor. Replacing an old unit in a tough spot may require a pro, and some models are complex and need expertise.

There are disposals made for simple installation, however, so you can do it yourself if you are handy. Be aware this will be an instance when you really do need to read the instructions.

Durability

A broken, leaky, corroded garbage disposal is an unwanted problem at best. You don’t want to have to replace them often, so do research to avoid becoming a customer service issue. It’s best to check the warranty for assurance of reliability.

Waste King L-2600 Review

The Waste King Legend series is a line of affordable disposals that are compact and energy-efficient, yet powerful enough for most households. The L-2600 unit has a 1/2 HP high-torque universal motor that spins at 2600 RPM for effective grinding, and a nylon grind chamber and hush mounting to keep the noise down.

The L-2600 has a plastic polymer casing for corrosion resistance and noise reduction, but it’s stainless steel underneath—including the impellers. It’s compact enough to fit comfortably in most sink cabinets.

The disposal is sleek and modern-looking. It’s usually out of sight, so its looks don’t matter too much–but the ease of installation sure does. The L-2600 fits a standard sink opening and comes with a 32-inch power cord, so you can simply mount the unit and plug it in. It’s safe for correctly-sized septic tanks.

Features

Efficient Grind

The L-2600 provides capacity for continuous feeding, with grinding machinery made of stainless steel—including the all-important impeller blades. The chamber and drain housing are composed of an advanced glass-filled nylon polymer to prevent corrosion and rust.

Powerful Performance

Named for its high 2600 RPM, the L-2600 grinds scraps quickly without jamming. The high-torque, 1/2 HP universal motor contains permanent magnets for a quick startup which further reduces jams. The powerful assembly is energy-efficient too–though power consumption isn’t much of an issue with these short-action devices.

Quiet Operation

The L-2600 has sound insulation to minimize noise from its universal motor. The grinding chamber and drain housing are designed with innovative nylon material for quieter operation. The mounting has a special noise-squelching cushion gasket too.

Extras

• Removable splash guard The black slotted rubber guard can easily be removed for cleaning without sticking your hand inside.
• Convenient Reset A front-mounted button instantly resets the disposal in case of a circuit shut-down due to jamming.
• Rubber stopper A handy fitted cover for the feed opening is included.

Reliability & Longevity

This model is popular in part because of its dependable operation and durability. The polymer chamber and drain construction resist corrosion and rust, while the stainless steel grind elements are built to last. For further proof of the L-2600’s durability, Waste King offers a 5-year in-home warranty, too.

Easy Installation

The L-2600 has a twist-and-lock EZ Mount system for easy and fast mounting. The unit doesn’t require electrical work as long as an outlet with a switch is available. It comes with a pre-installed 32-inch power cord and all the hardware you’ll need.

Conclusion

Waste King’s L-2600 is one of the most popular disposals on the market because of its easy installation, reliability, and long life. There are quieter models with more powerful motors, but they cost more too. If you want to simply set and forget your garbage disposal–while keeping the safety and performance features–the L-2600 is one to recommend.