InSinkErator Badger 5 Black
Score: 78/100
Kraus WasteGuard
Score: 78/100Rankings
The InSinkErator Badger 5 is a budget-friendly, 1/2 HP continuous-feed garbage disposal designed for typical household food waste grinding. It features a Dura-Drive induction motor, a galvanized steel grind chamber, and a DIY-friendly Lift-and-Latch mounting system. This model offers a balance of affordability, reliability, and ease of installation for standard residential kitchens.
The Kraus WasteGuard is a 1/2 HP continuous-feed garbage disposal featuring a high-speed permanent-magnet motor designed for efficient residential food waste grinding. It incorporates noise-reduction technologies and a stainless steel grinding chamber, though it requires a separately purchased switch and has a smaller capacity. Best suited for regular home cooks and DIY installers seeking quiet operation in open-concept kitchens.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
0.5 hpbest | 0.5 hpbest | |
26 cups | 27 cupsbest | |
11.5 inches | 13.88 inchesbest | |
6.31 inches | 8.75 inchesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 5 lbsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Reliability & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Duration | 5-Year | 5 Years |
Operation & Controls(1) | ||
Control Type | Wall Switch | External Switch |
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Grind Chamber Material | Galvanized Steel | Stainless Steel |
Power & Performance(1) | ||
Grind Chamber Capacity (cups) | 26 cups | 27 cups |
Installation & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mounting System | Quick Lock / Lift-and-Latch | 3-bolt |
Drain Connection Size | 1.5 | 3.5 |
Physical Dimensions(3) | ||
Height (inches) | 11.5 inches | 13.88 inches |
Width (inches) | 6.31 inches | 8.75 inches |
Net Weight (lbs) | 5.0 lbs | lbs |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently position the Badger 5 as the best budget-friendly InSinkErator disposal. Editors praise the 1/2 HP Dura-Drive motor for offering significantly better torque than 1/3 HP budget units, allowing it to handle common food waste without immediate jams. The Lift-and-Latch and Quick Lock mounting systems are repeatedly highlighted as major advantages for DIYers compared to traditional three-bolt ring designs. While not described as luxury-quiet, the unit is rated as acceptably quiet for its price tier. Reviewers frequently cite the 5-year in-home warranty and InSinkErator's service network as key trust signals that distinguish it from cheaper brands with limited support.
Everyday consumers generally praise the Badger 5 for its ease of installation and good value for money. Many users report years of reliable, trouble-free service for typical family kitchens, noting that the motor handles daily dinner clean-up effectively. While some users find the noise level higher than expected, particularly in open-plan homes, most consider it acceptable for the price. Recurring complaints focus on occasional jams with hard or fibrous waste, which users often attribute to improper usage, as well as issues with loose sink-mount parts or splash guards that require tightening.
“Easy to install”
“Good value for the money”
“Reliable for daily use”
The provided web research data does not contain professional review publications or editorial assessments. All available information is derived from manufacturer specifications and retailer product descriptions rather than third-party expert reviewers.
The provided web research data does not include customer reviews, ratings, testimonials, or user feedback sections. Therefore, no common praise or recurring complaints from everyday consumers can be reported based on these sources.
