Waste King L-2600
Score: 74/100
InSinkErator Badger 5 Black
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 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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
0.5 hpbest | 0.5 hpbest | |
35 cupsbest | 26 cups | |
13.5 inchesbest | 11.5 inches | |
6.75 inchesbest | 6.31 inches | |
| ↓ lower better | 7.8 lbs | 5 lbsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Grind Chamber Material | Polymer | Galvanized Steel |
Power & Performance(1) | ||
Grind Chamber Capacity (cups) | 35 cups | 26 cups |
Installation & Compatibility(1) | ||
Mounting System | EZ-Mount | Quick Lock / Lift-and-Latch |
Electrical & Power(1) | ||
Voltage (V) | 115 V | 120 V |
Physical Dimensions(3) | ||
Height (inches) | 13.5 inches | 11.5 inches |
Width (inches) | 6.75 inches | 6.31 inches |
Net Weight (lbs) | 7.8 lbs | 5.0 lbs |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
“Easy to install”
“Good value for the money”
“Reliable for daily use”
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.
