Are you looking for honest Insinkerator Badger 5 reviews? You have come to the right place!
In today's fast-paced world, kitchen cleanliness has become a top priority for homeowners. The InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposal has emerged as a popular solution to manage food waste efficiently. This compact and powerful food waste disposer has gained a reputation for its reliability and effectiveness in keeping kitchen sinks clean and odor-free. With thousands of satisfied customers, the Badger 5 has proven to be a smart choice for those looking to upgrade their kitchen waste management system.
This comprehensive review aims to explore the key aspects of the InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposal. We'll take a closer look at its design and build quality, ease of use and maintenance, and overall value for money. By the end of this article, readers will have a clear understanding of why the Badger 5 InSinkErator has become a go-to option for homeowners and why it's often recommended by professionals. Whether you're in the market for a new garbage disposal or simply curious about this popular model, this is one of our most popular Insinkerator reviews and will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Is Badger 5 a good garbage disposal? With a Dura-Drive Induction Motor, Lift and Latch Technology, Multigrind Technology and septic safe, we definitely think so!
Design and Build Quality 
The InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposal is renowned for its robust construction and compact design, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and space-efficient solution for their kitchen waste management needs.
Dimensions and Space Requirements
The Badger 5 boasts a space-saving compact design, making it one of the smallest in-sink grinders available on the market. With an overall height of 11-1/2 inches, it can fit comfortably in most cabinet sizes. Despite its small footprint, the unit weighs approximately 13 lbs. 10 oz. without the cord and 13 lbs. 14 oz. with the cord. This hefty weight contributes to its stability and durability.
Materials Used
The InSinkErator Badger 5 features a full-metal build, showcasing the manufacturer's commitment to quality and longevity. The unit's exterior is finished with a waterborne gray enamel, which not only enhances its appearance but also provides resistance against scratches. The grind components are made of galvanized steel, ensuring efficient food waste processing.
Durability and Longevity
The Badger 5's construction is designed for long-lasting performance. The upper and lower body are secured with screws and sealed with glue, enhancing its structural integrity. The rugged galvanized steel construction contributes significantly to the disposer's durability. This robust build quality is evident in the unit's feel, suggesting it's built to withstand years of service.
To protect the motor from potential damage, the Badger 5 is equipped with a manual reset overload feature. This thoughtful addition helps extend the lifespan of the unit by preventing motor burnout during heavy use.
InSinkErator stands behind the quality of the Badger 5 with a 3-year "We Come To You" Limited In-Home Warranty. This warranty underscores the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability and provides peace of mind to consumers.
While the Badger 5 excels in durability, it's worth noting that it doesn't include specific features to reduce noise or limit vibration, which is typical for standard InSinkErator models. However, the unit does come with a 1-1/2" anti-vibration drain connection, which helps minimize operational noise to some extent.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Continuous Feed Operation
The InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposal is designed for efficient and continuous operation. To use it effectively, users should first turn on cold water and then activate the disposer. Cold water is essential as it solidifies fats, allowing them to be flushed away more easily. The disposer should be kept running for several seconds after grinding is completed to flush the drain line thoroughly.
For optimal performance, it's advisable to feed food scraps gradually into the disposer while it's running. This approach prevents overloading and ensures smooth operation. Users should avoid filling the disposer with a large amount of vegetable peels all at once, as this can lead to potential clogs.
Cleaning and Care Instructions
Maintaining the Badger 5 is relatively straightforward. To clean the disposer:
- Place the stopper in the sink opening and fill it halfway with warm water.
- Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with the water.
- Turn on the disposer and remove the stopper simultaneously to wash away loose particles.
Alternatively, users can clean the disposer with Disposer Care®, a product available in major home centers, hardware, and grocery stores. Some users opt for grinding a handful of ice cubes to clean the grind chamber or periodically grinding lemon wedges to keep the disposer smelling fresh.
It's important to note that cleaning solvents or chemicals should never be put down the food waste disposer. Regular servicing or manual cleaning is not necessary for the InSinkErator food waste disposer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the disposer jams or stops working, users can follow these steps:
- Turn off the disposer and water supply.
- Insert the self-service wrenchette into the center hole at the bottom of the disposer.
- Work the wrenchette back and forth until it turns one full revolution.
- Remove any objects causing the jam using tongs, not hands.
- Allow the motor to cool for 3-5 minutes, then press the red reset button on the disposer's bottom.
For leaks, users should check and tighten all plumbing connections around the leak area. If the leak is near the mounting assembly, ensure the locking ring is fully turned to the right and all mounting screws are tight.
By following these guidelines, users can ensure the efficient operation and longevity of their InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposal.
Value for Money
The InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposal offers excellent value for money, striking a balance between affordability and performance. People searching for Badger 5 garbage disposal reviews tell us that cost combined with reliability is crucial! This model has gained popularity among homeowners due to its reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Price Comparison with Competitors 
Price is very important when it comes to kitchen disposal reviews. The Badger Insinkerator 5 falls into the mid-range category of garbage disposals, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $139. This pricing makes it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable yet budget-friendly solution. Compared to other models in the market, the Badger 5 offers competitive pricing. Smaller, less powerful garbage disposals typically range from $75 to $126, while heavy-duty models can cost between $150 and $300.
Warranty Coverage
InSinkErator stands behind the Badger 5 with a 3-year "We Come To You" In-Home Full Service Limited Warranty. This warranty covers both parts and labor, providing peace of mind to consumers. The warranty period begins from the later of: (a) the date of original installation, (b) the date of purchase, or (c) the date of manufacture as identified by the product's Serial Number.
To determine if a product is still under warranty, users can check the Serial Number on the gray tag near the bottom of the garbage disposal. The first two digits indicate the year of manufacture, while the second two digits represent the month.
Long-term Cost Savings
Cost, both short-term and long-term, is an important question for any customers wanting Insinkerator Badger 5 garbage disposal reviews, and we take care of that right here!
The Badger 5's durable construction contributes to its long-term cost-effectiveness. It features:
- A 1/2 Horsepower Dura-Drive® Induction Motor
- Long-lasting galvanized steel grind component
- Durable stainless steel grind components
These features ensure the disposal's longevity, potentially reducing the need for frequent replacements. Many satisfied customers have reported that the Badger 5 remains functional over several years, further emphasizing its value for money.
Why Buy a Badger 5?
The InSinkErator Badger 5 garbage disposal has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective solution for kitchen waste management. Its compact design, durable construction, and efficient performance have made it a popular choice among homeowners. The Badger 5's ease of use, straightforward maintenance, and 3-year warranty further add to its appeal, making it a smart investment for those looking to upgrade their kitchen. It has easy installation and a very comfortable noise level. The Badger series is proudly American-built
All things considered, the Badger 5 InSinkErator offers great value for money and has a proven track record of customer satisfaction. Its ability to handle everyday food waste efficiently, combined with its long-lasting build quality, has led to thousands of happy customers. For those in the market for a dependable and affordable garbage disposal, the InSinkErator Badger 5 is certainly worth considering to enhance their kitchen's functionality and cleanliness.
Click the box below for more info and get the very best price on the Insinkerator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal!
FAQs
Q: How effective is the Badger garbage disposal?
A: The Badger garbage disposal is highly effective. It surpasses many of the less expensive brands in quality and reliability, making it a preferred choice for many users. Installation is straightforward, typically taking about 30 minutes to replace an existing unit.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of an InSinkErator garbage disposal?
A: An InSinkErator garbage disposal generally lasts about 10 years. It's advisable to consider replacing your unit if it has been a decade since your last new installation or renovation, as older units may begin to clog more frequently after this period.
Q: What are the differences between the Badger 5 and Badger 500 models?
A: The Badger 5 and Badger 500 models are essentially the same in terms of specifications and features. The main differences are their pricing and branding; the Badger 500 is sold at Home Depot, while the Badger 5XL, a similar variant, is available at Lowe's. Both tend to be priced higher than the standard Badger 5.
Q: How long does a Badger garbage disposal typically last?
A: According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), a Badger garbage disposal should last up to 12 years under normal usage conditions.
We hope you enjoyed our Insinkerator Badger 5 review. You can read our other Insinkerator disposal reviews in our Product Reviews category!
