InSinkErator Builder Series: Fast Guide for Renovators, Builders & Landlords
The InSinkErator Builder Series is designed for exactly the people its name suggests: builders, 
renovators, property developers and landlords who want a reliable garbage disposal that won’t blow the budget. It sits neatly between the ultra-basic entry units and the more premium Power and Evolution Series models.
On Amazon.com right now, there are two key Builder Series models you’ll actually find: the InSinkErator BLD30 (1/3 HP) and the InSinkErator BLD50 (1/2 HP). This mini guide will help you decide which one belongs under your sink (or in your next project), without drowning you in specs you don’t need.
Quick Look: BLD30 vs BLD50
Both Builder Series disposals are built for everyday food scraps in typical American kitchens. They share many core InSinkErator features, but they’re tuned for different workloads and budgets.
| Feature | BLD30 Builder Series | BLD50 Builder Series |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 1/3 HP | 1/2 HP |
| Best For | Small households, light use, rental units | Small-to-medium families, light-to-moderate use |
| Motor Type | High-speed, permanent magnet motor | High-speed, permanent magnet motor |
| Grind Technology | 1-Stage Grind / 3D Grind Zone | 1-Stage Grind / 3D Grind Zone |
| Power Connection | Factory-installed power cord (no separate kit) | Factory-installed power cord (no separate kit) |
| Installation | Lift & Latch® mounting; standard InSinkErator sink flange | Lift & Latch® mounting; standard InSinkErator sink flange |
| Noise Level | Basic sound performance | Slightly smoother, more capable under load |
| Ideal Projects | Budget kitchens, entry-level rentals, starter homes | Mid-tier rentals, spec homes, family upgrades |
Who the Builder Series Is Designed For
While the Evolution Series targets homeowners who want premium quiet and multi-stage grinding, the Builder Series is aimed squarely at:
- Builders and developers fitting out multiple kitchens at once.
- Landlords and property managers who want a practical, dependable unit for tenants.
- Renovators and flippers who want a branded disposal without premium pricing.
- Budget-conscious homeowners who cook simply and don’t need a powerhouse grinder.
The idea is simple: keep costs predictable across a project, while giving buyers or tenants the reassurance of a trusted name like InSinkErator.
BLD30 1/3 HP: Best for Light, Budget-Focused Installs
The InSinkErator BLD30 Builder Series 1/3 HP is the entry-level option in this line. It’s ideal when your priority is keeping costs down, and the disposal is more of a “nice-to-have” than a primary workhorse.
- Great for: one- or two-person households, light cooking, smaller rentals.
- Horsepower: 1/3 HP – enough for soft food scraps and occasional leftovers.
- Motor: high-speed permanent magnet motor for quick-start grinding.
- Installation: uses the familiar InSinkErator mounting system with Lift & Latch®.
- Value: keeps project budgets tight while still delivering a branded disposal.
If you’re kitting out an entry-level rental or a project where the buyer doesn’t expect heavy disposal use, the BLD30 is usually enough – as long as you set realistic expectations for what it can handle.
Quick Pick: For the simplest, most budget-friendly Builder Series option, the BLD30 is a solid starting point for light-use kitchens.
InSinkErator BLD30 Kitchen Garbage Disposal, 1/3 HP
Powerful and efficient food waste disposal for a cleaner kitchen experience
Product information
$108.56
Product Review Score
4.55 out of 5 stars
53 reviewsProduct links
BLD50 1/2 HP: A Better Fit for Everyday Family Kitchens
The InSinkErator BLD50 Builder Series 1/2 HP steps things up with more power and a bit more tolerance for everyday family use. If your buyer or tenant actually cooks at home most nights, this is the safer choice.
- Great for: small-to-medium families, everyday cooking, mid-tier rentals or spec homes.
- Horsepower: 1/2 HP – more capable with mixed food scraps and small bones.
- Motor & Grind: high-speed permanent magnet motor with 1-stage grinding.
- Durability: built to handle more frequent use than a basic 1/3 HP unit.
- Perceived value: “1/2 HP disposal” reads better on a listing or sales flyer.
For most modern American kitchens, the BLD50 offers a better balance of price and performance, especially if you’d like fewer “I jammed the disposal” calls from tenants.
Quick Pick: If in doubt, the BLD50 is usually the smarter all-round choice for new builds, rentals and renovations.
InSinkErator BLD50 Kitchen Garbage Disposal, 1/2 HP
Say goodbye to kitchen waste with this reliable and powerful garbage disposal that makes cleanup a breeze
Product information
$132.83
Product Review Score
4.18 out of 5 stars
145 reviewsProduct links
BLD30 vs BLD50: Which One Should You Choose?
Not sure which way to go? Use this simple step-by-step checklist to match the model to your kitchen or project.
- How big is the household?
1–2 people with light cooking? You can usually choose the BLD30.
3+ people or regular home cooking? Lean toward the BLD50. - How often will the disposal be used?
Occasionally for soft scraps and sink clean-up? BLD30 is fine.
Most nights as part of regular cleanup? Choose the BLD50. - What kind of food waste is typical?
Soft scraps, pasta, small veggie trimmings? BLD30 is suitable.
Mixed scraps, occasional tougher items (like small bones or fibrous veggies)? Go with the BLD50. - What’s your project budget?
Tight budget, entry-level spec, or high-volume installs? The BLD30 keeps costs low.
Mid-tier homes, “move-in ready” packages, or rentals where you want fewer complaints? The BLD50 usually pays off in fewer headaches. - How important is perceived value?
If you’re marketing a “step up” kitchen, listing a 1/2 HP disposal (BLD50) simply reads better to buyers than a basic 1/3 HP.
Case Study: Builder Series in a Small Development
Imagine a small developer building a row of eight townhomes. The goal is to keep construction costs under control, but still deliver a kitchen that feels more “complete” than nearby competing properties.
After reviewing their options, the developer chooses the BLD50 for all units. The reasoning is simple:
- It’s more powerful than an entry-level 1/3 HP unit.
- It gives agents a small selling point: “1/2 HP InSinkErator disposal included.”
- It reduces the chance of service calls from new owners who actually use the disposal.
In the end, the per-unit upgrade cost from a basic 1/3 HP to the BLD50 is minor in the context of a full build, but the perceived value and long-term satisfaction are noticeably higher. That’s exactly the role the Builder Series is meant to play.
Installation & Accessories for the Builder Series
Both the BLD30 and BLD50 are designed to install quickly with InSinkErator’s mounting system and Lift & Latch® assist. They typically ship with a factory-installed power cord, which means you don’t need a separate cord kit in most cases.
A few accessory tips:
- Dishwasher connection: If you’re connecting a dishwasher, make sure the knockout plug is removed and the hose is properly clamped. For deeper guidance, see our Dishwasher Connector Kit micro-guide.
- Power options: Most Builder Series setups will use the factory cord plugged into a switched outlet. For other configurations, see our Power Cord Kit guide.
- Sink baffle: If noise or splashing is a concern in deeper sinks, consider upgrading the baffle. We cover this in our Sink Baffle / Stopper Guide.
For a full walkthrough of disposal basics, you can also refer to our main Garbage Disposal Buying Guide for horsepower, sound and sizing tips.
Insinkerator Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Stopper
Keep your sink draining smoothly and effortlessly with this durable stainless steel stopper
Product information
$18.48 $14.98
Product Review Score
4.96 out of 5 stars
127 reviewsProduct links
How the Builder Series Fits in the InSinkErator Lineup
InSinkErator’s range can be thought of as a ladder:
- Badger Series: rugged, long-running workhorses at a value price – see our Badger Series guide.
- Builder Series: designed for multi-home projects, rentals and value-focused installs.
- Power Series: upgraded performance and sound for busy family kitchens – see our Power Series guide.
- Evolution Series: top-tier sound and multi-stage grinding for serious home cooks – covered in our Evolution Series guide.
The Builder Series gives you a “middle step” – more professional than a random cheap disposal, but more cost-effective than premium sound-insulated units. That’s why it’s a favourite for projects and rentals where you want reliability and a recognizable brand name, without going overboard.
Ready to Pick Your Builder Series Model?
If your project calls for predictable costs and dependable performance, the InSinkErator Builder Series is a straightforward choice. The last decision is simply:
Next step: Choose the Builder Series model that matches your project, add it to your cart, and give your buyers or tenants the benefit of an InSinkErator disposal from day one.
Builder Series FAQs
Is a 1/3 HP disposal (BLD30) enough for my kitchen?
A 1/3 HP disposal like the BLD30 is usually enough for one- or two-person households that cook lightly and mainly grind soft scraps. If you cook more often or have a bigger family, a 1/2 HP unit like the BLD50 is usually the better choice.
What’s the main advantage of the BLD50 over the BLD30?
The BLD50 offers more power and a bit more tolerance for everyday family use. It’s better suited to mixed food scraps, more frequent grinding and households of three or more people.
Can I replace an older disposal with a Builder Series model?
In many cases, yes. If your existing disposal is an InSinkErator with a standard mounting system, swapping to a Builder Series model can be relatively straightforward. Always confirm electrical and plumbing requirements before replacement.
Are the Builder Series disposals noisy?
Builder Series models don’t have the advanced sound insulation of the Evolution line, so they’re closer to a traditional disposal in noise level. Using a good sink baffle and avoiding overloading the grinder will help keep the sound reasonable.
Which is better for rentals: BLD30 or BLD50?
For entry-level rentals with light use, the BLD30 is usually adequate. For mid-tier rentals or units where tenants cook most nights, the BLD50 often delivers better long-term satisfaction and fewer service calls.
