InSinkErator Badger 1 (1/3 HP) Garbage Disposal Review

InSinkErator Badger 1 (1/3 HP) Garbage Disposal Review

The InSinkErator Badger 1 is the entry-level workhorse in the Badger series. With a compact body and a 1/3 HP Dura-Drive induction motor, it is designed for small households that want a reliable, budget-friendly garbage disposal without paying for premium bells and whistles. In this review, we’ll walk through how the Badger 1 performs in the real world, who it suits best, and how it stacks up against the other Badger models.

Quick Specs: Badger 1 at a Glance

• Horsepower: 1/3 HP Dura-Drive induction motor
• Series: Badger (Standard Series)
• Feed Type: Continuous feed
• Grind Components: Galvanized steel
• Grind Chamber Capacity: approx. 26 oz
• Overall Height: about 11.5 inches (compact, under-sink friendly)
• Warranty: 1–2 year limited in-home service warranty (varies by region)
• Best For: Singles, couples, or light-use households on a tight budget

Who the InSinkErator Badger 1 Is Best For

The Badger 1 is built for smaller households that mainly grind everyday soft food scraps: vegetable peels, plate scrapings, small leftovers, and light prep waste. If you:

• Live alone or as a couple, or in a small apartment
• Cook fairly simple meals and don’t push large volumes of waste through the sink
• Want a reliable brand-name disposer without paying for premium noise reduction or stainless components

…then the Badger 1 makes a lot of sense. It’s one of the most affordable “name brand” disposals on the market, and its compact design leaves more room under the sink for cleaning supplies or a water filter system.

Real-World Performance & Noise

With a 1/3 HP motor, the Badger 1 sits at the bottom of the power ladder in the InSinkErator line-up. That doesn’t make it weak, but it does mean you need to be realistic about what you put through it. In normal use, the Badger 1 handles most everyday scraps just fine, especially when you:

• Run cold water before, during and after grinding
• Feed food waste gradually instead of dumping everything at once
• Avoid fibrous or hard items such as corn husks, bones, pits, and thick fruit stones

Noise-wise, expect a standard “disposal hum” rather than whisper-quiet operation. There’s no SoundSeal or advanced insulation here like the Evolution models, but for the price point it’s very acceptable. In a small kitchen you’ll hear it, but it’s only running for short bursts and most owners get used to the sound quickly.

What Real Owners Are Saying

On Amazon, the InSinkErator Badger 1 holds an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 6,500 global ratings. Around four out of five reviewers give it a full 5 stars, which is very strong for an entry-level disposer.

• Easy, DIY-friendly installation: Multiple verified buyers mention swapping out an old disposer in about an hour, even without plumbing experience, especially when replacing an existing InSinkErator unit.
• Comes with the cord attached: Owners like that many Badger 1 packages include a pre-installed power cord, saving the cost and hassle of buying a separate kit.
• Quieter than expected: For a basic 1/3 HP model, several reviews note that it runs more quietly than their previous disposers once mounted correctly and used with running water.
• Great for replacements: A lot of buyers chose the Badger 1 as a direct replacement for a worn-out disposer and were pleased that it lined up easily with their existing plumbing.
• Durability can vary: Most owners report years of trouble-free use, but a small number mention earlier failures, which is typical feedback across budget-level disposers.

Overall, real-world owners back up our impressions: as long as you use it within its limits and treat it as a light-duty unit, the Badger 1 delivers strong value for the money.

Installation & Compatibility

One of the biggest strengths of the Badger line is how easy they are to install, especially if you’re replacing an older InSinkErator unit. The Badger 1 uses the Quick Lock mounting system, so in many cases you can:

1. Twist off the old InSinkErator unit from the existing sink flange
2. Twist the new Badger 1 into place
3. Connect the discharge tube and power, then test for leaks

If you’re replacing a different brand, you’ll need to swap the mounting assembly, but the included hardware and clear instructions make this very achievable for a confident DIYer. Many owners install a Badger 1 in around an hour with basic tools.

The compact body also makes it a good match for tight under-sink spaces, small base cabinets, and homes where you’re sharing space with a water filter, storage caddy or instant hot water dispenser.

Durability, Build Quality & Warranty

Like the other Badger models, the Badger 1 uses galvanized steel for its grind components. It’s not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel, but in a light- to medium-use setting it still delivers solid longevity. The key is to:

• Use the disposer regularly so it doesn’t sit wet and unused for long periods
• Avoid highly corrosive chemicals in the chamber
• Run water for a few seconds after grinding to flush remaining particles

Warranty coverage is typically 1–2 years of in-home service, where an authorized technician will repair or replace the unit if there’s a qualifying issue. That’s not as long as the premium Evolution series, but it is very reasonable at this price level and gives peace of mind for the early years of ownership.

Badger 1 vs Other Badger Models

If you’re shopping the Badger series, it’s natural to wonder whether the Badger 1 is enough or if you should step up to a more powerful model. Here’s a quick side-by-side view of where it fits.

For very light use, the Badger 1 can be all you need. But if you regularly cook for three or more people, or like to grind denser items, the extra horsepower of the Badger 5 or 5XP offers more headroom and fewer potential jams.

The InSinkEratorReviews Quick Verdict

If you want the lowest-cost way into a brand-name disposer and your kitchen habits are on the lighter side, the Badger 1 does its job well. It’s compact, easy to install, and backed by a household name that has been making disposers for decades. Just be honest about how much you’ll ask of it – it isn’t designed to chew through bones, fruit pits or large loads of leftovers.

Pros & Cons

What We Like

• Very budget-friendly way to get into an InSinkErator disposer
• Compact footprint fits comfortably under smaller sinks and in tight cabinets
• Quick Lock mount makes replacement of older InSinkErator units much easier
• Simple, reliable design with fewer “extras” to go wrong
• Well-supported brand with wide parts and service availability

What Could Be Better

• 1/3 HP motor is best for lighter food scraps, not heavy grinding
• Galvanized steel components aren’t as corrosion-resistant as stainless options
• No built-in sound insulation – expect standard disposal noise levels
• Shorter warranty than mid-range and premium Evolution models

Installation Tips for First-Time Owners

To get the best result from your Badger 1 installation:

• Use plumber’s putty around the sink flange to prevent leaks
• Support the disposer from underneath while tightening the mounting ring
• Double-check the knockout plug if you’re connecting a dishwasher drain
• Run a generous flow of cold water on the first few uses to flush any debris

If you’re not comfortable working with electrical connections or plumbing, it’s worth having a licensed professional handle the install – especially in homes with older wiring or tight cabinet spaces.

Everyday Use & Maintenance

Keeping the Badger 1 running smoothly comes down to a few simple habits:

• Run cold water before and after grinding to keep the motor cool and flush particles
• Occasionally grind small ice cubes to help scour the grind chamber
• Freshen odors with citrus peels or a dedicated garbage disposal cleaner (no harsh chemicals)
• Avoid putting fats, cooking oils, fibrous husks, bones, or large uncut scraps into the disposer

Badger 1: Is It the Right Choice for You?

The InSinkErator Badger 1 is best viewed as a dependable, budget-conscious starter disposer. If you want simple, affordable, and compact, and you’re not asking it to handle heavy-duty grinding, it’s a smart buy. If your household is larger or you know you’ll push the disposer harder, consider stepping up to the Badger 5 or 5XP for more power and a bit more long-term headroom.

For a full overview of how each model in the range compares, don’t miss our in-depth Badger Series Buyer’s Guide, where we break down horsepower, capacity, noise and value across the entire line.

InSinkErator Badger 1 FAQs

Is the InSinkErator Badger 1 powerful enough for a family?

The Badger 1 can work for a small family with light, careful use, but it’s really best suited to singles, couples, or low-volume kitchens. If you regularly cook larger meals or push a lot of scraps through the sink, a 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP model such as the Badger 5 or 5XP is a safer choice.

Can I use the Badger 1 with a septic system?

Yes, the Badger 1 is generally considered septic-safe when used with a properly sized and maintained septic system. Always confirm with your local regulations and system installer, and avoid putting grease, oils and non-food items down the disposer.

How noisy is the Badger 1 compared to other disposers?

As a Standard Series model without advanced sound insulation, the Badger 1 makes about the level of noise most people expect from a basic garbage disposal. It’s not as quiet as the insulated Evolution models, but for short grinding cycles the noise is usually acceptable in most homes.

Does the Badger 1 come with a power cord?

Many retail versions of the Badger 1 now ship with a factory-installed power cord, but some listings still sell it as a hard-wire-only unit. Always check the product details carefully, and if you prefer a plug-in solution, consider the Badger 5 with Power Cord as an alternative.

How long should an InSinkErator Badger 1 last?

Service life depends heavily on use and maintenance, but with proper care many owners see 5–10 years or more from a Badger 1. Regular use, avoiding abusive items, and keeping the chamber flushed and clean all help maximize its lifespan.

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