InSinkErator Builder Series BLD30 1/3 HP Review & Specs

InSinkErator Builder Series BLD30 W/C – Compact 1/3 HP Builder-Grade Disposal

The InSinkErator Builder Series BLD30 W/C Kitchen Garbage Disposal is the lighter-duty 1/3 HP partner to the BLD50. It’s designed for builder installs, rentals, and smaller households that don’t need maximum grinding power but still want a reliable, recognizable brand at a sharp price. With a factory-installed power cord, Single Stage Grind, and QUICK LOCK® mount, it aims to make replacement and new installs as simple as possible.

Quick Specs – BLD30 W/C at a Glance

What Comes in the Box?

According to the product listing, a typical BLD30 W/C package includes:

• InSinkErator Builder Series BLD30 W/C 1/3 HP disposal unit
• Factory-attached power cord
• Mounting ring and hardware (QUICK LOCK® 3-bolt system)
• Discharge tube assembly
• Sink stopper and flange components
• Instruction manual

If you already have an older InSinkErator-style mount, this often becomes a “twist off the old, twist on the new” style replacement, with the power cord ready to plug in. Less time under the sink, more time back in the kitchen.

Key Features of the BLD30 W/C

• 1/3 HP permanent magnet motor: MAGNADRIVE technology delivers enough power for light, everyday food scraps without over-spec’ing smaller households.
• Single Stage Grind: Simple, reliable grinding mechanism built for normal kitchen waste rather than heavy-duty abuse.
• Builder-friendly design: Slim footprint and standard height to suit new builds, condos, and rental properties.
• LIFT AND LATCH™ install: Helps support the disposer as you connect it to the mount – particularly handy for DIY installers.
• QUICK LOCK® compatibility: Designed to mate with most existing InSinkErator 3-bolt assemblies for faster swap-outs.
• Self-reset overload protection: Built-in safety feature that trips to protect the motor if it jams or overheats, with a reset button on the bottom.

Real-World Feedback – What Buyers Are Saying

The BLD30 W/C shares the same rating pool as its 1/2 HP sibling and sits around 4.5 out of 5 stars from roughly 138+ global reviews. Here’s the consolidated sentiment:

• Dependable replacement: Many buyers are using this unit to replace older, loud, or leaking disposers and report that the BLD30 works well and feels like a good value upgrade.
• Quiet compared with abused old units: One reviewer who had an older, heavily abused InSinkErator loved how much quieter the new unit is in their kitchen.
• Easy installation: Several mentions of quick installs – sometimes done by a friend or handyman – with very few complaints about the process itself.
• Good value for light duty: Owners are generally happy with the performance given the price and horsepower, especially in rentals or smaller households.
• Height considerations: At least one reviewer calls out that the disposal is “really, really tall” and highlights the need for enough space under the sink.
• Noise & durability mixed: Amazon’s AI summary notes that customers find it reasonably quiet for the class, but there are occasional comments about noise and a small number mentioning durability issues or broken parts.

Overall, buyers see the BLD30 as a budget-conscious builder-grade unit that does its job reliably when matched to the right usage level.

Noise, Size & Everyday Use

With a 1/3 HP motor, the BLD30 W/C isn’t aiming to be a heavy-duty grinding monster – it’s designed for everyday use in smaller households, apartments, and rentals. Noise is described as “normal disposal noise” rather than whisper-quiet. If you’re upgrading from an older, rattly unit, it will likely feel like an improvement; if you compare it directly to an Evolution model with full sound insulation, you’ll definitely hear the difference.

As with the BLD50, the overall height is roughly 14 inches, so you’ll want to confirm you’ve got enough clearance under the sink, especially under deep basins or in tight under-cabinet layouts.

Who the BLD30 W/C Is Best For

• Builders and contractors fitting smaller homes, townhouses, or units where light-duty use is expected.
• Landlords and property managers refreshing rental kitchens with a recognizable brand at a sensible price.
• Small households or light-use kitchens that want a disposer more for convenience than heavy, daily grinding.
• Owners replacing a worn-out 1/3 HP or 1/2 HP unit who just want something new, simple, and familiar.

Who Should Step Up to the BLD50 or Evolution/Power Series?

You may want to consider another model if:

• You cook a lot, entertain frequently, or have a big family that produces heavier food waste – a 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP unit will handle that better.
• You’re very sensitive to noise and want the quietest possible option – that’s the territory of the Evolution Series.
• You want extra grind muscle for tougher scraps and bones – check the Power Series or higher-HP Evolution disposals.

For more context on how this model compares across the line-up, see:

• InSinkErator Builder Series Guide
• Badger vs Evolution vs Power – Ultimate Comparison Guide
• Complete Guide to InSinkErator Disposals (Evolution vs Badger)

Seth’s Take – Pros & Cons of the BLD30 W/C

Pros

• Budget-friendly builder choice: Ideal when you need a solid disposer without overspending on horsepower.
• Power cord included: Factory-installed cord takes the wiring guesswork out of most installs.
• Builder/landlord ready: Familiar brand, straightforward features, and simple replacement path.
• DIY-friendly: QUICK LOCK® mount and LIFT AND LATCH™ features help make installation approachable.
• Good everyday grinder for small households: Designed for light to moderate food scraps, not a constant barrage of heavy waste.

Cons

• Lower horsepower: 1/3 HP is fine for lighter use, but frequent cooks or big families may prefer the BLD50 or higher.
• Standard noise level: Not obnoxious, but not “quiet disposer” territory either – Evolution still wins there.
• Tall body: At around 14" tall you’ll want to measure under-sink clearance, particularly under deep sinks.
• Shorter warranty: A 1-year limited warranty is typical for this class but shorter than premium models.

Sample Review Highlights (Paraphrased)

• One customer replaces an older, badly abused disposal and finds the BLD30 is a great disposal, noticeably quieter, but notes it is really tall and needs plenty of cabinet room.
• Several reviewers mention that it works well, is easy to install, and feels like good value for the money.
• A few buyers comment that while performance is solid, the noise and durability are what you’d expect from a builder-grade unit rather than a top-tier Evolution model.

Video – See the Builder Series in Action

This video gives a handy overview of how an InSinkErator builder-grade disposal looks, sounds, and installs:

Frequently Asked Questions – InSinkErator Builder Series BLD30 W/C

Does the BLD30 W/C come with a power cord?

Yes. The “W/C” stands for “with cord”, and this model includes a factory-installed power cord in the box, so most plug-in installs do not require a separate cord kit.

Is the BLD30 W/C compatible with my existing InSinkErator mount?

In many kitchens, yes. The BLD30 W/C uses InSinkErator’s QUICK LOCK® 3-bolt mount system, which is designed to match existing InSinkErator-style mounts. If your current disposer uses the same style flange and ring, this is typically a straightforward swap.

Is 1/3 HP enough power for my kitchen?

For smaller households, light-use kitchens and rentals, a 1/3 HP motor is often sufficient for everyday scraps and leftovers. If you cook heavily, grind tougher items often, or have a bigger family, stepping up to the 1/2 HP BLD50 or an Evolution/Power model is usually a better long-term fit.

How loud is the BLD30 compared to premium models?

The BLD30 W/C does not include the advanced sound insulation found in Evolution models. Most owners find it acceptably loud for a builder-grade disposer, but if near-silent operation is a priority, Evolution units will be noticeably quieter.

Can I use the BLD30 W/C with a septic system?

Yes, InSinkErator notes that this model is suitable for properly maintained septic systems when used as directed. As always with septic, avoid non-food items, fats, oils and grease, and follow your regular maintenance schedule.

Does the BLD30 W/C have a reset button?

Yes. Like other InSinkErator disposals, it includes a self-resetting overload protector. If the unit trips, switch it off, clear any jam, then press the reset button on the bottom of the disposer before turning it back on.

How does the BLD30 compare to the BLD50?

The BLD30 W/C is the 1/3 HP option, aimed at lighter duty and tighter budgets. The BLD50 W/C steps up to 1/2 HP for more grinding power while keeping a similar footprint and overall design. Both are builder-focused; your choice comes down to how heavily the kitchen is used.

Ready to check today’s price and availability?

Back to top – view price & availability