EX50C and GXP50C are two garbage disposals belonging to the Prep Series of Moen. They have very similar specifications, and so people have a hard time choosing between them. Therefore in this article, I am highlighting the differences between them.
Here are the key differences between Moen EX50C and GXP50C; garbage disposals
- Moen EX50C garbage disposal comes with noise insulation, but the GXP50C disposal doesn’t have any
- Moen EX50C comes with Fast Track installation while the other doesn’t
- The grinding components of EX50C are made of stainless steel, while that of GXP50C are made of galvanized steel
- EX50C garbage disposal costs more than the GXP50C model
- EX50C is wider than GXP50C garbage disposal
These two garbage disposals look entirely different, so people at first think that they are very different. But when you check the specifications, you won’t find many differences.
Moen EX50C
Moen GXP50C
Let’s see the above-listed differences in detail;
Moen EX50C garbage disposal comes with noise insulation, but the GXP50C disposal doesn’t have any.
Noise insulation is a feature you do not see in many entry-level garbage disposals. While these two Moen disposals cannot be called entry-level, they have economical pricing, so they are not expected to run quietly. However, the EX50C model comes with SoundSHIELD technology, a noise insulation technology by Moen, to reduce its noise. Even though very similar, the GXP50C doesn’t have this technology. It runs without any noise insulation, and hence it is louder compared to the other model.
Moen doesn’t say how much noise this technology helps to reduce. And unfortunately, I don’t have the necessary tools to measure their noise. But the noise reduction is obvious when they run.
Moen EX50C comes with Fast Track installation while the other doesn’t
Moen EX50C comes with Fast Track installation. ‘Fast Track’ installation is a trademarked name by Moen. While the name sounds fancy, it is very simple; it comes with a snap ring tool and an easily removable dishwasher plug.
Let me explain;
Any garbage disposal that uses a 3-bolt assembly comes with a snap ring. This is a retractable metal ring used to keep the 3-bolt mount on the sink flange. The ring’s mechanism is simple, but it isn’t easy to place it in position. The Fast Track installation kit includes a Simple Snap Tool that makes putting the snap ring on the 3-bolt mounting easier.
Here is a video showing this Simple Snap Tool in action;
Fast Track Installation also comes with an easily removable dishwasher plug. A normal garbage disposal has a plug inside the dishwasher inlet. This plug is removed using a screwdriver. But in the case of EX50C, its plug can be just twisted off to make the process easier. Still, everyone uses a screwdriver to twist it off, though.
Here is it in action;
That is all about Fast Track Installation. It is not a sophisticated technology but a simple application of tools to make the installation a bit easier.
The grinding components of EX50C are made of stainless steel, while that of GXP50C are made of galvanized steel
In terms of build quality, the EX50C garbage disposal model is better than the other. This is because the grinding components like grinding table, grind shear ring, and lugs of EX50c are made of stainless steel, while those of GXP50C are made of galvanized steel.
Stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion than galvanized steel. For the latter, the grinding components will lose their galvanized coating, and the metal will rust due to the constant contact with water. But as stainless steel is more durable, the grinding components made out of it will last many years.
Other than this, the build quality of these two garbage disposals is the same. Both of them have grinding chambers made of high-quality, corrosion-resistant polymer, polished stainless steel sink flanges, and 3-bolt assemblies.
EX50C garbage disposal costs more than the GXP50C model
EXP50C comes with slightly better build quality, noise insulation, and Fast Track Installation. Therefore, it is obvious why this model is priced above the other. However, this pricing difference isn’t large, and their prices change from time to time.
Even though priced slightly higher, I recommend EX50C over GXP50C because of its build quality and noise insulation. The Fast Track Installation is not a game-changer, so I don’t consider it worth the additional cost.
EX50C is wider than GXP50C garbage disposal
The dimensions of these two garbage disposals are slightly different. Their heights are the same 13.375 inches. But their widths are different. Moen EX50C measures 7.5 inches in diameter, while the other is only 5.375 inches in width. The additional width of the former model is to accommodate the layers of noise insulation foam around it.
The drain pipe height from the sink for both garbage disposal models is the same 6.875 inches. So it is easy to swap one model with the other.
Similarities of Moen EX50C and GXP50C
Like I said before, both these garbage disposals are very similar to each other. Here is a side by side comparison of their specifications and features;
| Specifications | Moen EX50C | Moen GXP50C |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 1/2 HP | 1/2 HP |
| Speed | 2600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Motor Type | Permanent Magnet Motor | Permanent Magnet Motor |
| Feed type | Continuous | Continuous |
| Mounting | 3-bolt | 3-bolt |
| Pre-installed power cord | Yes | Yes |
| Removable baffle | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-years | 5-years |
| Price | View on Moen | View on Amazon |
Performance
The same permanent magnet-type motor powers both Moen EX50C and GXP50C. It delivers a power of 1/2 HP. Permanent magnet motors run faster than induction-type ones, so Moen disposals have a speed of 2600 RPM compared to the InSinkErator ones that use induction motors.
A 1/2 HP garbage disposal is ample for a house of two to three people. They can grind all garbage disposal-friendly foods but make sure that you don’t try grinding fibrous or sticky food items. Both of them are continuous feed-type disposals.
Installation & Warranty
Both Moen EX50C and GXP50C garbage disposals are installed using a 3-bolt assembly which is universally compatible. The installation is simple, even an amateur DIYer can do it. The disposals come with a pre-installed power cord so you don’t have to do any wiring if you have a power outlet under the sink.
Both garbage disposals are covered by the same 5-year long warranty. The warranty covers the costs of both labor and parts.
These two garbage disposals are a good choice for someone looking for a budget disposal.
