InSinkErator Badger 5 Black
Score: 72/100
Waste King L-2600
Score: 74/100Rankings
The Waste King Legend Series is a line of continuous-feed garbage disposals ranging from 1/3 HP to 1 HP, designed for residential kitchen sinks with a focus on DIY-friendly installation. Key features include the EZ-Mount twist-and-lock system, pre-installed power cords, and options for sound insulation in higher horsepower models. The 1/2 HP model offers strong value for light to medium household use.
The InSinkErator Badger 5 is a budget-friendly, continuous-feed garbage disposal featuring a 1/2 HP Dura-Drive induction motor designed for everyday household food waste grinding. It emphasizes durability and ease of installation through Lift and Latch technology, making it a practical choice for DIYers. The unit is assembled in the USA and comes with a 5-year in-home limited warranty.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
0.5 hpbest | 0.5 hpbest | |
26 cups | 35 cupsbest | |
11.5 inches | 13.5 inchesbest | |
6.31 inches | 6.75 inchesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 17 lbs | 7.8 lbsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Reliability & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Duration | 2-Year | 5-Year |
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Grind Chamber Material | Galvanized Steel | Polymer |
Power & Performance(1) | ||
Grind Chamber Capacity (cups) | 26 cups | 35 cups |
Installation & Compatibility(1) | ||
Mounting System | Lift and Latch | EZ-Mount |
Electrical & Power(1) | ||
Voltage (V) | 120 V | 115 V |
Physical Dimensions(3) | ||
Height (inches) | 11.5 inches | 13.5 inches |
Width (inches) | 6.31 inches | 6.75 inches |
Net Weight (lbs) | 17.0 lbs | 7.8 lbs |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewer commentary is not detailed in the provided search results. However, the manufacturer consistently positions the Badger 500 as a durable, functional, and long-lasting budget-friendly choice for everyday household use.
The product has generated substantial user engagement with over 700 customer questions and answers on one retailer site, and another source notes '5k+ bought last week,' suggesting strong consumer adoption. However, specific content of user reviews, praise, and complaints is not detailed in the provided search results.
Professional reviewers highlight the Waste King Legend Series for its strong value proposition and DIY-friendly EZ-Mount system, which significantly reduces installation complexity. The 1/3 HP and 1/2 HP models are praised for providing sufficient power for light to medium household use, while the sound-insulated 3/4 HP model is noted for its quieter operation. However, critics point out that the series lacks advanced features like auto-reverse and multi-stage grinding found in premium competitors, and the polymer chamber in the entry-level model may not match the durability of all-metal alternatives.
Everyday users generally report positive experiences, particularly praising the ease of installation and the reliability of the disposals for daily kitchen waste. Many appreciate the compact size for tight cabinets and the septic-safe performance of the 1/3 HP model. Recurring complaints focus on operational noise in higher horsepower units, jamming issues with fibrous foods, and occasional difficulties with customer service and warranty claims.
