InSinkErator Badger 5 Review (1/2 HP Garbage Disposal)

InSinkErator Badger 5 Review: Still the Benchmark 1/2 HP Disposal?

The InSinkErator Badger 5 is the model most people think of when they picture a standard garbage disposal. It’s been around for years, it’s one of the best-selling disposals in the U.S., and it’s the unit many plumbers keep in the van as a go-to replacement.

On this page we’ll look past the hype and marketing and answer a simple question: is the Badger 5 still the best-value 1/2 HP disposal for most homes, or should you step up (or down) within the Badger family? We’ll cover real-world owner experiences, who it suits best, where it falls short, and how it compares to models like the Badger 1, Badger 5 with Power Cord, and Badger 5XP.

Key Specs at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at what you’re actually getting with the Badger 5.

What Real Owners Like (and Don’t Like)

With tens of thousands of reviews and an average rating around the mid–4s out of 5 stars, the Badger 5 has a long track record in real kitchens. Here are the themes that show up again and again in owner feedback:

• Easy, familiar installation: many buyers mention swapping an older Badger or similar unit and having the Badger 5 running in about 30–60 minutes. The Quick Lock® mount and compatible plumbing layout mean most replacement installs don’t require cutting pipes or reworking the drain.
• Good value for money: owners repeatedly describe it as a “reliable workhorse” rather than a high-tech gadget. It’s not fancy, but it does what it’s supposed to do at a sensible price.
• Quieter than expected for a basic unit: it’s not in the same league as the Evolution Series, but several reviewers upgrading from older Badger models comment that the Badger 5 runs smoother and a bit quieter than what they had before.
• Great for replacements: one common story is upgrading from a 1/3 HP Badger 1 to the 1/2 HP Badger 5. The plumbing fits, the mounting hardware lines up, and the extra power is noticeable without needing a professional installer.

On the downside, a few consistent complaints show up too:

• No power cord in the box: the base Badger 5 does not include a power cord, which surprises some buyers. If you need a plug-in model rather than hard-wiring, it’s often smarter to choose the Badger 5 with Power Cord pre-installed.
• Galvanized components can corrode over time: a small percentage of owners report corrosion on internal plates after years of use, especially in hard water areas or where the disposal is left sitting with food waste. This is one of the trade-offs you accept at this price point.

Who the Badger 5 Is Best For

The Badger 5 hits a sweet spot between “cheap basic” and “premium quiet” that makes sense for a lot of kitchens. You’re the ideal buyer if:

• You want a proven 1/2 HP disposal that can handle everyday food scraps without the cost of an Evolution model.
• You’re replacing an older Badger and want the easiest, least disruptive swap possible.
• Your household is 2–4 people with normal cooking habits – plenty of veggies, some leftovers, but not huge bones or industrial amounts of fibrous waste.
• You’d rather put money into the rest of the kitchen and choose a disposal that’s “fit and forget” rather than a showpiece appliance.

On the other hand, you may want to look at the Badger 5XP or an Evolution Series model if:

• Your kitchen sees heavy daily cooking and tougher scraps.
• You’re very noise-sensitive and want extra sound insulation.
• You want stainless steel grinding components for maximum longevity.

Installation Experience: Real-World Notes

If you’re replacing an older InSinkErator, the Badger 5 is about as straightforward as it gets. Owners in their 70s report doing the job themselves in under an hour, helped by a combination of printed directions and YouTube walkthroughs.

The Quick Lock® mount lets you hang the disposal on the sink flange, rotate it to lock in place, and then tighten the connections. For many users the longest part of the job is removing the old unit and cleaning the sink opening.

A few tips that come up again and again:

• Dry fit the plumbing first: make sure the discharge tube lines up with your trap before fully tightening the mount.
• Decide on wiring ahead of time: if you’re not comfortable with electrical work, choosing the Badger 5 with pre-installed power cord can make life easier.
• Don’t forget the dishwasher knockout: if you’re connecting a dishwasher hose, punch out the knockout plug before installation – it’s easy to forget once the unit is hanging under the sink.

Pros and Cons

Here’s the honest, side-by-side look at where the Badger 5 shines and where it’s just “okay.”

• Pros
  • Proven 1/2 HP performance for everyday family use.
  • One of the easiest replacement installs if you already have a Badger.
  • Widely available parts and support.
  • Good balance of price, power and reliability.
  • Continuous feed makes cleanup quick and simple.
• Cons
  • No power cord included with the base model.
  • Galvanized grinding components can show wear over many years.
  • Noise level is “normal disposal” rather than whisper quiet.
  • Heavy users may outgrow it and prefer a 3/4 HP or Evolution model.

Badger 5 vs Other Badger Models

Within the Badger family, the Badger 5 sits right in the middle. Here’s how it compares to the other versions you’ll find on InSinkErator Reviews.

• Badger 1 (1/3 HP): cheaper and slightly less powerful. Best for light-use kitchens or tight budgets. See our Badger 1 product page for full details.
• Badger 5 with Power Cord: same grinding performance as this model, but ships with a factory-installed power cord so you don’t have to hard wire or buy a separate kit. Ideal if your existing setup uses a standard outlet under the sink.
• Badger 5XP (3/4 HP): a step up in muscle within the same general footprint. Better for heavier cooking, slightly tougher scraps and homes that want more headroom without jumping to the Evolution line.

If you’re unsure which model fits your household, our full Badger Series guide and Garbage Disposal Buying Guide walk through horsepower, noise and sizing decisions in more detail.

Maintenance, Durability and Common Issues

Most Badger 5 units run for years with little more than occasional cleaning. Owners who report the best longevity tend to:

• Run plenty of cold water during and after grinding.
• Avoid stuffing the chamber with fibrous waste all at once.
• Flush with a mix of ice cubes and a little dish soap from time to time.

The main long-term complaint some users report is corrosion on internal galvanized steel parts. This usually happens after several years of use, especially if the disposal is frequently left with food residue inside or installed in areas with aggressive water chemistry. It’s one of the trade-offs that keeps the Badger 5 priced where it is; if maximum corrosion resistance is a top priority, you may prefer a stainless-steel–based Evolution Series model.

Final Verdict: Is the Badger 5 Right for You?

If you want a solid 1/2 HP disposal that’s easy to fit, easy to live with and proven in thousands of real kitchens, the InSinkErator Badger 5 is still a smart choice. It isn’t the quietest or most advanced unit InSinkErator makes, but it delivers genuine value where it counts: everyday cleanup.

Choose the Badger 5 if you:

• Have a typical 2–4 person household with normal cooking habits.
• Are upgrading from an older Badger or another 1/2 HP unit.
• Want an affordable disposal from a brand with long-term parts and support.

If you’re especially sensitive to noise, grind a lot of tougher waste, or just want the most refined disposer experience possible, it’s worth comparing the Badger 5XP and the Evolution Series.

InSinkErator Badger 5 FAQs

Is 1/2 HP enough power for a family kitchen?

For most small to medium households, yes. A 1/2 HP disposal like the Badger 5 can handle everyday scraps, plate scrapings and the occasional tougher item as long as you feed it sensibly and run plenty of water. If you cook heavily or grind tougher waste regularly, a 3/4 HP model like the Badger 5XP gives you more headroom.

Does the Badger 5 come with a power cord?

The base Badger 5 model is typically sold without a power cord, which lets electricians hard-wire it directly. If you prefer a plug-in setup, look for the Badger 5 with pre-installed power cord or purchase a compatible cord kit separately.

How loud is the Badger 5?

The Badger 5 is roughly as loud as a traditional mid-range disposal. Most owners describe it as “normal” – not whisper quiet, but not obnoxiously noisy either. If ultra-quiet operation is important, consider one of the sound-insulated Evolution models instead.

Can I install the Badger 5 myself?

Many homeowners successfully install or replace a Badger 5 on their own, especially when upgrading from another InSinkErator unit that already uses the Quick Lock® mounting system. If you’re comfortable working under the sink and following wiring and plumbing instructions, it’s a manageable DIY project. If not, a plumber can usually handle the swap quickly.

How long should a Badger 5 last?

Lifespan depends heavily on how often you use it, what you grind and how well you care for it. Many units run for years with only basic maintenance. To maximise longevity, avoid grinding extremely hard objects, run cold water during and after use, and clean the chamber periodically with ice and mild detergent.

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