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InSinkErator is a USA company specializing in garbage disposals and hot water dispensers. The company got its start with garbage disposals in 1927; the multinational Emerson Electric Company now owns it. Despite its long and successful history, InSinkErator keeps all of its product lines affordable.
Comparison Table - InSinkErator Garbage Disposal
Image | Model | Dimensions | Feed Type | Horsepower | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No products found. | Badger 5 | 11.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 | Continuous | 1/2 | |
No products found. | Badger 1 | 11.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 | Continuous | 1/3 | |
No products found. | Badger 5XP | 12.5 x 7 x 7 | Continuous | 3/4 | |
No products found. | Badger 100 | 11.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 | Continuous | 1/3 | |
No products found. | Badger 900 | 12.5 x 7 x 7 | Continuous | 3/4 | |
No products found. | Badger 500 | 11.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 | Continuous | 1/2 |
Who Needs a Badger Garbage Disposal?
The Badger Series® of InSinkErator disposals are simple—they do not have extra features or high power—and so they are relatively small and inexpensive.
A household that generates minimal to moderate amounts of food waste and is on a strict budget can benefit from the Badger line of garbage disposals. The easy DIY installation makes Badgers even more economical.
Selecting the Best Badger Garbage Disposal
Size (Dimensions)
Badger units are about a foot high and half a foot deep and wide—they are relatively compact and do not take up a lot of under-the-sink space.
Power
Badgers range from 1/3-HP to 3/4-HP of motor power. They are generally for small households or those that do not generate much food waste. All Badgers have Dura-Drive® induction motors that generate a rotation speed of 1725 RPM.
Material
These units are made of a combination of steel, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. The grinding parts that are regularly exposed to water are galvanized steel—a more water-resistant metal treatment.
Noise
Badgers do not have soundproofing features, but they still make only an average amount of noise. InSinkErator does offer higher-end models with more sound-resistant features (SoundSeal® system)—these are still reasonably affordable, and worth considering if you have small children or pets who might be awakened or scared by the disposal.
All 1-HP InSinkErator garbage disposals come with sound insulation so that they are not as loud as their power level would suggest.
Mounting System
All Badgers—and all InSinkErator models, for that matter—have the Quick-Lock® mounting system. Therefore, it is easy to replace one InSinkErator model with any other; also, the Quick-Lock® system is easy to work with —perfect for DIY installers.
Grinding System
While InSinkErator does offer some multi-stage (MultiGrind®) grinding systems, Badger garbage disposals are always single-stage. Therefore, they are ideal for households that do not need to grind difficult materials (examples are bones, corn husks, fruit pits, or large amounts of eggshell).
Feed Type
All of the Badger garbage disposal reviews in this article are for continuous-feed units. This means that you can turn the unit on any time; most cooks prefer this. There are a few InSinkErator garbage disposals that are batch-feed, which means that you have to close the unit off and turn the grind on one batch at a time.
An example is the Evolution Cover Control Plus, 3/4 HP. If safety is a real concern (say, for active children who might play with the unit or just clumsy adults), consider a batch-feed system, as it reduces chances of turning the unit on by accident.
Ease of Installation
The Quick-Lock® system makes installation relatively quick and easy, whether you get a plumber or do it yourself. Reviews would suggest that most buyers choose DIY, and it works fine for them. Installation instructions are included with purchase.
Warranty
All Badgers have a We Come To You® limited warranty: This means that the company will cover parts and labor for repairs and replacements at your residence, assuming the need for the service results from poor quality of the product. (Abusive treatment or severe accidents are not covered.)
Only labor by an authorized dealer is covered. The length of the warranty varies with InSinkErator model, but generally, higher prices and/or more powerful motors coincide with more extended warranties. For better service overall, be sure to register your InSinkErator garbage disposal.
6 Badger Garbage Disposal Product Reviews
1. Badger 5
No products found.
Specification | |
|---|---|
Horsepower (HP) | 1/2 |
Speed (RPM) | 1725 |
Dimensions (H x W x D inches) | 11.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 |
Feed Type | Continuous |
Installation Information | |
|---|---|
Installation Type | Quick-Lock® sink mount (3-bolt) |
Voltage | 120v |
Wattage | 6.3 Amps |
Max Sink Thickness | 1 Inch |
Dishwasher Hose Size | - |
Drain Connection Size | 1-1/2 Inches |
Cord Included | Yes |
Cord Length | 32 Inches |
The InSinkErator Badger 5, 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal is ideal for a small household that generates light-to-moderate food waste, or, potentially, a single person who cooks often but is careful about what he/she puts down the disposal. While this unit is one of the most expensive Badgers at almost $200 initially, it is easy to find a price under $90.
The InSinkErator website listing gives the option of including a power cord with purchase; if you purchase on Amazon, you can easily add the cord in your order, while still getting a bargain.
While it is structurally similar to the Badger 500 listed below, the option to include the power cord might be a reason to choose the 5 over the 500, especially if you intend to hook the unit up to an outlet under the sink and turn it off and on with a wall switch. It comes with a 2-year warranty.
InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposal reviews suggest that it is easy to install by yourself. One Amazon reviewer confirms, “I am a lady and I installed this by myself if that tells you anything. It's a cakewalk if you're replacing your old Badger model with this one…”
Learn more about the InSinkEarator Badger 5 in a separate full-length review here.
2. Badger 1
No products found.
Specification | |
|---|---|
Horsepower (HP) | 1/3 |
Speed (RPM) | 1725 |
Dimensions (H x W x D inches) | 11.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 |
Feed Type | Continuous |
Installation Information | |
|---|---|
Installation Type | Quick-Lock® sink mount (3-bolt) |
Voltage | 120v |
Wattage | 5.6 Amps |
Max Sink Thickness | - |
Dishwasher Hose Size | - |
Drain Connection Size | 1-1/2 Inches |
Cord Included | Optional |
Cord Length | 36 Inches |
The InSinkErator Badger 1, 1/3 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal is ideal for the household of one or two people who are careful about what they put down the disposal—or a larger household that does only minimal food preparation. This unit is almost universally affordable, generally purchased at well under $100, and so it is a great choice for a new homeowner who is on a budget.
This online review offered high praise: “Normally I don't review products. But this one deserves it…I was able to replace it in less than 30 minutes. I never replaced a disposal before, in fact I'm not American so this is the first time that I actually saw one close enough. Easy instructions. Just took the broken one off, replaced the power cable, put the new one in place and done. Working like a charm.”
If you purchase your Badger 1 on Amazon, you can easily include the power cord in your order with it still being a great bargain. While it is structurally similar to the Badger 100 listed below, the option to include the power cord might be a reason to choose the 1 over the 100, especially if you intend to control it with a wall switch (and nowadays, most people do.) It comes with a 1-year warranty.
3. Badger 5XP
No products found.
Specification | |
|---|---|
Horsepower (HP) | 3/4 |
Speed (RPM) | 1725 |
Dimensions (H x W x D inches) | 12.5 x 7 x 7 |
Feed Type | Continuous |
Installation Information | |
|---|---|
Installation Type | Quick-Lock® sink mount (3-bolt) |
Voltage | 120v |
Wattage | 9.5 Amps |
Max Sink Thickness | |
Dishwasher Hose Size | |
Drain Connection Size | 1-1/2 Inches |
Cord Included | Optional |
Cord Length | - |
The InSinkErator Badger 5XP, 3/4 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal is a good choice for a large household that creates light-to-moderate food scraps per person or a single person who does serious food preparation frequently.
The most powerful unit yet on this list, this unit is a bit heavier and larger than the others, but still a very compact design and easy to install.
Fortunately, the price is not exceptionally high at a little over $100. Generally, InSinkErator offers longer warranties for more powerful motors, and accordingly, the warranty is for 3 years—the longest yet on this list. Amazon sells Badger 5XPs in pairs or sets of four; in both cases, power cords are included.
An impressed buyer, Ryan M says, “…I thought that this might be underpowered (my last one almost had double the power, after all), but it has plenty of power to eat through whatever you throw at it. I don't dump EVERYTHING down the drain, but it takes what I give it with no problems. And the last garbage disposal was loud and raucous…But this one is a pleasure. When you flip the switch, it makes a reassuring hum. It sounds more like a fine piece of machinery than a couple of animals fighting to the death inside my sink (like my old disposer).”
4. Badger 100
No products found.
Specification | |
|---|---|
Horsepower (HP) | 1/3 |
Speed (RPM) | 1725 |
Dimensions (H x W x D inches) | 11.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 |
Feed Type | Continuous |
Installation Information | |
|---|---|
Installation Type | Quick-Lock® sink mount (3-bolt) |
Voltage | 120v |
Wattage | 15.6 Amps |
Max Sink Thickness | - |
Dishwasher Hose Size | - |
Drain Connection Size | 1-1/2 Inches |
Cord Included | No |
Cord Length | - |
The InSinkErator Badger 100, 1/3 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal is quite similar to the Badger 1—generally, the Badger 100 is marketed as a Home Depot InSinkErator garbage disposal, even though you can now purchase it on Amazon and elsewhere.
However, the Badger 100 is possibly a better choice if you want to hardwire your unit, rather than control it with a wall switch. While the electric cord kit is sold separately, you can certainly get a power cord to go with the unit on Amazon or the company's website.
Brian reports, “Amazing product for sure! It was easy for me to install and I'm just an average Joe with no experience in plumbing. YouTube helped me out with the install! This unit is also NOT at all as noisy as I thought—a huge bonus! So happy with this product!!!!!!”
A Home Depot reviewer reports, “I have used this one about 10 years without problems.” This is a long life for an economically priced garbage disposal, and it is especially a bargain, considering the warranty is only 1-year. You can easily keep a less powerful unit like this one in good shape with regular maintenance.
Note: Avoid putting very hard or fibrous materials down your disposal; run cold water as the unit grinds; do not stuff it with a lot of material at once.
5. Badger 900
No products found.
Specification | |
|---|---|
Horsepower (HP) | 3/4 |
Speed (RPM) | 1725 |
Dimensions (H x W x D inches) | 12.5 x 7 x 7 |
Feed Type | Continuous |
Installation Information | |
|---|---|
Installation Type | Quick-Lock® sink mount (3-bolt) |
Voltage | 120v |
Wattage | 9.5 Amps |
Max Sink Thickness | - |
Dishwasher Hose Size | - |
Drain Connection Size | 1-1/2 Inches |
Cord Included | No |
Cord Length | - |
The InSinkErator Badger 900, 3/4 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal is another ideal choice for larger families that produce moderate quantities of food wastes or single people who cook seriously. From most sources, it is the priciest option on this list, but it does offer more power than other models, and its warranty is 3 years—among the longest on this review list.
The company website sells a power cord separately, and so this is a good unit to choose if you want to hardwire your unit. If you know you want a wall switch, then consider the Badger 5XP garbage disposal above.
If you would like a more extended warranty, then consider the Badger 900 Plus, with a 4-year warranty. If you would like some septic-assist features and deodorization, then look at the Badger 15SS 3/4 HP continuous feed garbage disposal. For a higher-quality but more expensive model of similar power, consider the InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Continuous-Feed household garbage disposal.
A Home Depot reviewer reports: “I just purchased and installed this disposal today. Several people told me I could do this myself so I tried. I am 58 and female. The directions were easy to follow and I didn't need any fancy tools...” Customers agree unanimously about this and other Badger units’ easy installation.
6. Badger 500
No products found.
Specification | |
|---|---|
Horsepower (HP) | 1/2 |
Speed (RPM) | 1725 |
Dimensions (H x W x D inches) | 11.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 |
Feed Type | Continuous |
Installation Information | |
|---|---|
Installation Type | Quick-Lock® sink mount (3-bolt) |
Voltage | 120v |
Wattage | 6.3 Amps |
Max Sink Thickness | - |
Dishwasher Hose Size | - |
Drain Connection Size | 1-1/2 Inches |
Cord Included | No |
Cord Length | - |
The InSinkErator Badger 500, ½ HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal is another great choice for a small family with moderate food waste or a single person who is a fairly regular cook. At a little over $100, this is an economical choice. This unit has the same motor power of the Badger 5 (#1 on this review list) and the same length of warranty—2 years.
A Home Depot reviewer, Curtis gives a somewhat clinical analysis with some good advice: “The Badger garbage disposals seem like the industry standard right now. They are quiet and work well.
They are designed to be assembled very easily and include directions that are good enough for anyone who commonly tackles their own projects.
Make sure to pop out the tab for the dishwasher drain hose if you are hooking that up…The inside geometry and design of the Badger does not allow it to quickly build up junk inside…”
On the InSinkErator website, this unit is sold without an included power cord (though you can still purchase a cord kit separately), and so this might be a better choice for those who already have a functional cord or those who want to hardwire their unit. If you would like the same unit with a longer 4-year warranty, consider the Badger 500 Plus.
Brand Comparisons
Badger vs. Moen
One of the biggest differences is that Badgers have induction motors, while Moen disposals have permanent magnet motors. Permanent magnet motors create higher rotation-per-minute (RPM), which might make disposals more resistant to jams.
Moen always includes a pre-installed power cord—you can remove the cord if you want to hook the unit up a different way—say to an air-button. Moen units tend to have somewhat longer warranties than Badgers.
The Moen website would suggest that their units are a bit pricier, but Moen units sold on Amazon have prices that are similar to those of Badgers. Both Badgers and Moen units have easy-install features.
Badger vs. Waste King
Waste King disposals have permanent magnet motors—a difference from Badger that might give their units some extra jam-resistance. Waste King units also always have pre-installed power cords; it seems that Waste King is for those who want a wall-switch setup.
Waste King generally gives longer warranties than InSinkErator, and as with Moen, the site suggests that the prices are higher, but Amazon prices for Waste King and InSinkErator Badger seem to be comparable. Both garbage disposal brands have easy-install options.
Other Models from InSinkErator
Evolution is a more expensive line of InSinkErator garbage disposals; however, for many, the added features are more than worth it. Evolution units have higher-power motors, as high as 1-HP—great for large households and/or those who are serious cooks.
Powerful disposals are also an excellent choice for systems linked to a septic tank. One 3/4-HP Evolution even includes a bio-charge pack with enzymes to help the septic system out. All Evolution units have soundproofing features that make them unusually quiet, despite relatively high power.
If you want a premium unit to cover almost all possible needs, look at InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1.0 HP household garbage disposal reviews.
Installing an InSinkErator Badger Disposer
Things to keep in mind during any garbage disposal installation: You should always turn the power off at the fuse box or circuit-breaker level when installing a garbage disposal.
It is easy enough to include a dishwasher drain connection kit with your purchase; however, if your disposal is new, you often have to push out the covering on the connection before water can pass through—many users wonder why their dishwasher will not drain and end up feeling silly when they realize this.
Most DIY installers like having a helper to hold the mounting parts down as they put them together. However, you can achieve the same effect by placing some weighty object, such as the disposal itself in the sink.
All purchases include an InSinkErator garbage disposal manual with included garbage disposal parts diagram.
How to Reset a Badger Disposal?
Most disposals—InSinkErator or other—have a manual overload reset button; it is like pressing restart on a computer. In some instances, just pressing this button is sufficient to address a stopped disposal. Therefore, this is a great first step to unjamming a unit. It is also a good last step to try after the unit has been manually unclogged. If you struggle to find the button, which is on the unit's bottom surface, consider using a mirror to help.
How to Fix a Leaking Badger Waste Disposal Unit
Leaks often happen at points of bad installation; therefore, if you find that water is dripping from your unit, see if you can find (and fix) the point of loose connection.
Sadly, sometimes, leaks are from cracks in the unit's body. This is not something you can fix by yourself, and it is a safety hazard—the water could get into the electric motor. Immediately stop using a unit that is leaking like this. If you are still in the warranty period, this is something that the company should cover. Otherwise, replace the unit.
How to Fix a Garbage Disposal that is clogged?
- 1First, be sure the power is off—possibly even the fuse box/circuit-breaker if the unit is hardwired—then use pliers to reach in and take out any food waste that has visibly collected on the grinding apparatus.
- 2Then restore power and try pressing the reset button. If it still does not work: Turn the power off again, and use the Allen wrench included with purchase to manually turn the unit from the wrench plug-in point at the bottom center. Twist a bit one way and then the other.
- 3Then, turn the power back on and press reset and try rerunning the unit. If this does not work, the drain pipes might be clogged: try putting baking soda and vinegar down the disposal to clean the passages out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical InSinkErator Badger disposal last?
Generally, 5 years is a reasonable expectation, especially with proper care and relatively light use. However, the warranty lengths vary with the model (1 to 4 years).
Where can we buy the power cord if it is not included in the disposal unit?
If you already have a power cord that is in good condition, are keeping the same electric setup, and you are replacing an InSinkErator with another InSinkErator—you can probably use the power cord you already have.
However, if it is not in good condition, it is a safety hazard, so you should go ahead and get a new InSinkErator power cord kit (CRD-00). If you plan to install (or keep using) a direct-wired system—you do not need a power cord.
Finally, if you would prefer to use a SinkTop Switch™ push button (aka air button, which is available in several finishes), InSinkErator sells a double-outlet electric box, installed under the sink, which can also power an InSinkErator instant hot water dispenser.
Do I need a professional plumber to setup and install a Badger?
No. It seems that most installations are DIY, based on customer reviews, and these tend to go well. It is especially easy if you have someone to help you, though many can do it by themselves. If you have absolutely no handy skills, then you probably should hire a plumber.
How much does it cost to have a plumber install a Badger disposal unit?
Even DIY installers report being able to install this unit within about 1 hour. The job requires only basic tools and supplies. Therefore, you should not be paying a plumber any more than $200 for this—$100 is very reasonable, actually.
What is the price range of the Badger products on our list?
While the prices could vary, depending on the seller and the time of sale, the range is about $70 - $200
Conclusion
The Badger line of InSinkErator garbage disposals is perfect for the DIY installer who is on a budget. With proper care, these units are super-easy to install and can last as much as a decade. The Badger 5 is arguably the premium choice for installers in this category—it has a more-than-minimal 1/2 HP engine and 2-year warranty, but yet is easy to purchase at under $100.