This item has only been installed for a week but so far.... I am thrilled. Previous batch feed was loud and tough to get the cap to work. (second cap, first one broke) This one is fast and not loud. Once you read the directions, it makes sense on how the top works. The different cut outs are for different reasons. I really like this feature. My only complaint is that the opening in the top is not as big as I would like. But the prevents you from putting large pieces of food into it.

The old Waste King finally gave up after about 8 years. This product has a 10-year warranty, so I bet it will last a little longer before I need to replace it again.

I really like the way the batch feed works on the Waste King models. There's a large plastic stopper that fits in the drain in various ways. It can stay in the drain and allow water to pass, or it can be a secure plug to fill the sink. To operate the disposal, you rotate the plastic stopper so that it activates a switch, and you don't need to hold the stopper while the disposal operates. I'm very happy with this arrangement.

We installed this ourselves (DIY), and the unit was pretty easy to install. It's helpful to have two people when fastening the disposal to the sink's drain opening. One person could do this, but we found it much easier with two. As you connect the disposal's drain to the drain of your sink, make sure you manage the slopes of the drain pieces you use so that the disposal's output flows down properly.

Overall:

My parents have the InSinkErator Evolution Cover Control 3/4 HP Household Food Waste Disposer and it's a great product. We got this one to try another option that will be safe around the kids. This version (the ez mount version) was relatively easy to install and easier than the InSinkErator--though the InSinkErator (ISE hereafter) is a draw for the kids because it makes them think that grandma has a piece of Dr. Doofenscmirtz's equipment in their house (it's not an "inator" but it's close enough, apparently.)

Mechanics:

The switching mechanism is mechanical as opposed to the ISE's elegant magnetic switch. I'm not sure which one will prove more reliable but I would bet the WasteKing will outlast the ISE. Lining the drain plug up takes at least 27 seconds of practice but you'll figure it out.

Cast-Iron Sinks:

Another advantage of the WasteKing is it's functionality in cast-iron sinks. If installed in a thicker sink the ISE often requires an extended sink flange (~$50-75) InSinkErator FLG-SSLG Deep Stainless Steel Sink Flange, Polished Stainless Steel because the thick cast-iron can keep the magnetic switch from working properly). Because the WasteKing has a mechanical switch this is not an issue.

Aesthetics:

The ISE certainly looks prettier but unless you have an open cupboard that's, frankly, a little too precious a reason for choosing something as bonegrindingly utilitarian as a garbage disposal--and it will dispose of bone without fuss. If you care about aesthetics order a different trim kit so you won't have to look at the chrome "Waste King" text and classy crown logo on the drain every time you pour out the dregs of pinot after a particularly smashing dinner party. The main aesthetic reason to go with the ISE, in my book at least, is that it is slightly quieter.

Recommendation:

I recommend this product highly. A batch feed garbage disposal is a must if you have kids because they can't put their hands in it when it's on. This one is high quality, reasonably priced, and relatively easy to install. It's main competitor is also a good product that is worth looking at though it's is more difficult to install, lower powered, higher priced, and has a shorter warranty. You won't go wrong with either of them.

WOW.. power. A little clumsy with the batch feed... it's hard to interrupt to take out the plug to accommodate more chud, but with that all aside this is incredibly powerful. Had this for a few years now and it's still running strong.. changed out my sink last weekend, reinstalled the disposal, and it's business as usual. One note however... it's a beast for size. It's no less than double the size of the one I replaced, so make sure you have room or can make room for the other stuff under your stink.

After going through three 3/4 HP Insinkerators in 10 years, I'd had it with that brand. Having recently switched to Waste King, I can say that the 1 HP model is quiet and powerful. The difference between 3/4 HP and 1 HP is huge. The accompanying manual says that you can put corn cobs in the Waste King--they don't recommend it since they take a very long time to grind, but, trust me, it would be disposal suicide to try corn cob disposal in an Insinkerator. As an experiment, I did put a corn cob into the Waste King, and it did grind it down (took about 5 minutes). To me, this is impressive.

I don't know how long the Waste King will last, but the unit seems to be much sturdier and stronger than the Insinkerator (I'm speaking of the 3/4 HP Insinkerator that Home Depot carries).

Pros:
Easy to install and the instructions were reasonably clear.
Powerful, quiet, hasn't jammed once in the 3 months I've had it.
Larger opening than the equivalent Insinkerator models, making it easier to fish out spoons, etc. that always seem to end up in the disposal.

Cons:
The cap that makes the disposal run is entirely plastic. I'd prefer a sturdier one with some metal in it.

To those who say it's hard to position the cap, it's pretty much the same as the Insinkerator and any other batch model. Once you figure out the o'clock position, you'll be fine.