Waste King L-2600TC
Score: 78/100
InSinkErator Badger 5 Black
Score: 78/100Rankings
The Waste King L-2600TC is a safe, easy-to-install batch feed disposal with a robust 5-year warranty and pre-installed power cord. Its 0.5 HP motor is a limitation for heavy-duty tasks, and the batch feed mechanism requires more user interaction. It is best suited for homeowners prioritizing safety and ease of installation over raw power.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
0.5 hpbest | 0.5 hpbest | |
3.95 cups | 26 cupsbest | |
9.8 inches | 11.5 inchesbest | |
10.5 inchesbest | 6.31 inches | |
| ↓ lower better | 11.11 lbs | 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-Year |
Operation & Controls(2) | ||
Feed Type | Batch Feed | Continuous |
Control Type | Batch Feed Switch | Wall Switch |
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Grind Chamber Material | Reinforced Polymer | Galvanized Steel |
Power & Performance(1) | ||
Grind Chamber Capacity (cups) | 3.95 cups | 26 cups |
Installation & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mounting System | EZ-Mount | Quick Lock / Lift-and-Latch |
Drain Connection Size | 1.5 inch | 1.5 |
Electrical & Power(1) | ||
Voltage (V) | 115 V | 120 V |
Physical Dimensions(3) | ||
Height (inches) | 9.8 inches | 11.5 inches |
Width (inches) | 10.5 inches | 6.31 inches |
Net Weight (lbs) | 11.11 lbs | 5.0 lbs |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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“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.
