InSinkErator Badger 5 Review: Budget-Friendly and Durable
Looking for a garbage disposal that works well without costing a fortune? The InSinkErator Badger 5 could be exactly what you need. Let’s take a look at why this popular choice has been trusted by homeowners for so long.
The InSinkErator Badger 5 is a well-known, budget-friendly and one of the oldest garbage disposal on the market. It comes with a 1/2 horsepower motor, making it perfect for handling everyday food scraps. With its compact design and solid build, it’s ideal for homeowners who want something simple and durable. While it may not be the quietest or most advanced model out there, its dependability and affordable price have made it a favorite for many.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the InSinkErator Badger 5, examining its performance, design, and overall value for money. We’ll also compare it with other similar models, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your kitchen.
- 1/2 HP motor
- Equipped with Dura-Drive Induction Motor, ensuring consistent and maintenance-free performance.
- Built with durable galvanized steel components to effectively handle everyday food scraps.
- InSinkErator typically offers a 3-year limited warranty on the Badger 5 model.
What is the InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal?
Brief History of InSinkErator:
InSinkErator is a name that has become synonymous with high-quality garbage disposals, and for good reason. Founded in 1938 by John Hammes, an architect, InSinkErator pioneered the first garbage disposal in the world. The company revolutionized the way households handle food waste, and over the years, it has continued to lead the industry in innovation.
Product Overview:
The InSinkErator Badger 5 comes with a 1/2 horsepower motor, which is considered a basic option compared to more powerful models. While there are disposals with lower horsepower, like 1/3 HP units, they often aren’t reliable for regular use due to frequent jamming. The Badger 5’s 1/2 HP motor is considered a good starting point for most homes, offering enough power without being too expensive.
InSinkErator Badger 5 Key features
Motor & Power
The Badger 5 uses a DuraDrive induction motor, which is directly connected to a flywheel. The flywheel has stainless steel swivel lugs that rotate at 1,725 RPM. As food waste enters the disposal, the fast-spinning lugs break down the food, and the pieces are forced through a shredder ring, which has sharp holes. This process helps grind the food waste, which is then pushed into the drain pipes along with water.
3-bolt Mounting Assembly
The Badger 5 comes with 3-bolt mount, which connects the disposal to the sink, is made of stainless steel, so it won’t rust, even with constant exposure to water. Many other bager 5 competing brands like Waste King use plastic mounts, which can degrade over time. Overall, the Badger 5’s build quality is considered one of the best in its price range.
Durability & Build Quality
The build quality is an important factor in any garbage disposal. The Badger 5 uses galvanized steel for parts like the shredder ring and flywheel, which helps prevent corrosion. The swivel lugs are made of stainless steel. While galvanized steel resists corrosion, it can begin to rust if the protective zinc coating is damaged, such as from grinding metal objects. Still, the Badger 5 is known to last many years, with some users reporting more than ten years of reliable use.
Continuous Feed for Nonstop Grinding
The Badger 5 is a continuous-feed model, meaning you can add food waste while it’s running, making it easier and faster to use compared to batch-feed models.
Grinding Chamber Capacity
The Badger 5 features a 26 oz grinding chamber capacity, which is sufficient for most household needs. This means you can dispose of a good amount of food scraps at once without worrying about overloading the system.
Noise & Vibration
The Badger 5 is part of the InSinkErator Standard Series, which means it doesn’t have noise insulation features found in more premium models. Without noise-reducing foam, it makes about 80 decibels of noise, which is similar to the sound of a lawnmower. While it’s not the quietest disposal out there, it’s not unbearably loud, especially since it only runs for a few minutes at a time.
Price & Warranty
The Badger 5 comes with a 3-year warranty, which is an upgrade from its older version, which only had a 2-year warranty. The warranty is called the “We Come To You In-Home” warranty, meaning that if there are any issues, a technician will come to your home to fix or replace the unit at no extra cost. Many users have reported using the Badger 5 for over 10 years, which speaks to its durability beyond the warranty period.
InSinkErator Badger 5 Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1/2 HP |
| Speed | 1725 RPM |
| Motor | DuraDrive induction motor |
| Type | Continuous feed |
| Mounting | 3-bolt assembly |
| Chamber Capacity | 26 oz |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Power Cord | Optional |
| Dimensions | 11.5 inch x 6.3125 inch |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
Installation Guide: How to Set Up the InSinkErator Badger 5
The Badger 5 uses a 3-bolt mounting assembly, which is a standard feature across all InSinkErator models. This assembly is made of stainless steel and works with a twist-and-lock mechanism. The three bolts securely attach the disposal to the kitchen sink, and the design allows you to slightly rotate the unit to make plumbing connections easier. This mounting system also makes replacing an old disposal with a new one very simple. All you need to do is disconnect the old one and twist and lock in the new Badger 5.
Installing the Badger 5 is straightforward, and most homeowners can do it themselves. Here is a video guide for Badger 5 installation to help you through the process:
Wiring the Badger 5 Garbage Disposal
The Badger 5 may not come with a pre-installed power cord, but you can purchase one separately. In some cases, you may need to hardwire the unit directly into your home’s electrical system. Wiring the Badger 5 is easy. On the bottom of the disposal, you’ll find a cover plate securing the wires. Unscrew the cover to reveal the two wires.
There’s also a ‘Romex connector’ that allows you to attach the power cord to the disposal. Simply connect the corresponding wires from the disposal to the power cord and secure them using wire nuts. Once everything is connected, replace the cover, and you’re all set. You can also use this same method if you prefer to hardwire the unit directly to the mains.
For more detailed instructions, you can refer to: How to wire a Garbage Disposal
How Does the InSinkErator Badger 5 Compare to Competitors?
Here are 2 easy-to-read comparison tables of the InSinkErator Badger 5 with its top competitors:
1.Badger 5 vs. Waste King L-1001
| Specification | InSinkErator Badger 5 | Waste King L-1001 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1/2 HP | 1/2 HP |
| Motor Speed | 1725 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Grinding Components | Galvanized Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 2 Years |
| Price Range | Budget-Friendly | Budget-Friendly |
| Check Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
2.Badger 5 vs. Moen GX50C
| Specification | InSinkErator Badger 5 | Moen GX50C |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1/2 HP | 1/2 HP |
| Motor Speed | 1725 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Noise Reduction | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 5 Years |
| Price Range | Budget-Friendly | Mid-Range |
| Check Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Pros and cons of Insinkerator Badger 5
Pros
Cons
Real Customer Feedback
Many homeowners prefer the InSinkErator Badger 5 because of its affordability and performance.Here is what users have said about Amazon, Home Depot, and other online sources:
👍 What People Really Like
- ✅ Easy to Install: Many users appreciate how simple it is to install, especially with the 3-bolt mounting system.
- ✅ Affordable & Reliable: The Badger 5 is a budget-friendly choice that still delivers reliable performance for everyday food waste.
- ✅ Compact Design: It fits well under most kitchen sinks, making it a great option for smaller kitchens or apartments.
- ✅ Durability: Many customers report that their Badger 5 has lasted for several years, making it a long-term investment for most.
👎 What Some People Didn’t Love
- ⚠️ Loud Operation: Some users find the Badger 5 noisy during use, especially compared to premium models with noise-reduction technology.
- ⚠️ Not Great for Tougher Scraps: It struggles with tougher food waste, like chicken bones or fibrous vegetables, and may require extra effort.
- ⚠️ Non-Removable Splash Guard: The non-removable splash guard can make cleaning a bit of a hassle, especially compared to models with removable guards.
- ⚠️ Slower Speed: Users have noted that its 1725 RPM motor is slower than some competitors, which can result in slightly longer grinding times.
Conclusion
InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposals are easy to use, reliable, and affordable.
Its compact design, ease of installation, and durability with galvanized steel make it an excellent choice for everyday use, especially for those with moderate food waste. There are, however, some drawbacks to this product, such as its noise level and slower grinding speed, and the non-removable splash guard can be a hassle to clean.
It is a great solution for those on a budget who need a simple, no-frills solution for light to medium use. Consider alternatives like the Moen GX50C or InSinkErator’s Evolution series if you need a quieter or more powerful model.
