The Insinkerator Badger 5 vs 500 comparison features two very good garbage disposals. Both of these models represent some of the most popular units available to consumers. But which one is right for you?
Using a garbage disposal is a green activity. Instead of just throwing those table scraps in your trash bin, making the kitchen smell like hog heaven, you can throw your garbage down the drain and flip a switch. Did you know that some cities even use the methane created by this waste as an energy source?
After doing some research I discovered that there is just a cosmetic difference between the 5 and 500 models. You can still read on below if you want more information on these units.
Click here to see price for the Badger 5
Click here to see price for the Badger 500
Table of Contents
Insinkerator Badger 5 vs 500: Which One is Right for You?
Other Garbage Disposal Reviews:
Size, Appearance, and Design
The absolute last thing that you’re probably concerned about as it relates to a garbage disposer is the appearance. I mean they just sit up under your sink and grind your table scraps, right? But premium models, like the Excel models, are actually good-looking (who needs a pretty garbage disposal). Go figure.
Appearance wise, the only difference that is immediately obvious is the lettering on the side of the machine. With the 500, the numbers are colored red. The measurements are exactly the same: about 13” L x 6” W x 6” H. It’s a good idea to measure your space before you purchase new garbage disposal.
If you will be installing the disposal yourself, you should be more concerned with weight. These units are lightweight, about 12 or 13 pounds. The grinding chamber has a 26-ounce capacity which should be more than enough for most households.
The body is constructed out of thick heavy-duty wear-resistant plastic.
Power and Performance
Both the 5 and 500 are ½ horsepower machines which should enable them to power through nearly anything that you throw at it. The one-stage grind system is good at liquefying foodstuff into oblivion.
These machines can handle a lot but don’t abuse it. It’s best to avoid overfilling this unit to capacity every time you use it as that may cause your machine to age prematurely. And of course, you should never put in non-food stuff.
Part of measuring the performance of garbage disposals is to consider the amount of noise that it generates. From all that I gather, I’d say that this unit will be pretty noisy, but probably no more so than your current unit. These machines aren’t premium models like the top-of-line units that cost 3 times as much.
Installation
You probably don’t want to be messing around for hours trying to install a new garbage disposal. So, it’s really cool that these machines are easy to install. If your old unit is a badger then the process is even easier. All you have to do is “twist-off” the old unit and twist on the new one. Customers back up this claim of how easy it is to install.
Click here to get more details on the Badger 5
Click here to get more details on the Badger 500
Durability and Longevity
You should be really concerned about how long your new disposal is going to last. The reviews tell the story here. There really are mixed reviews about this product. Some customers swear by it. Other users tell a completely different story. But there are a few issues that consistently crop up over and again.
The grinding chamber is made of a thin galvanized metal that rusts out over time. Customers have reported having their cabinets flood as a result of this. Stress cracks develop in the outer housing of the unit and the unit then needs to be replaced. Some folks are used to replacing their badger 5 every couple of years or so.
Personally, I think that with moderate use these machines will last for years, but exactly how long is anyone’s guess. There are just too many variables at play here.
You should also consider what a reasonable life cycle of garbage disposals in this class would be. Personally, the Badger 5 installed in our kitchen has been in this house since before we moved in 4 years ago and it is still going strong. If I have to replace it any time soon, I won’t cry about it and outside of an upgrade, I would have no reason not to get another one.
What’s included in the box?
If you order either model number you will get the following: quick-lock sink mount, jam-buster wrench, tailpipe, tailpipe gasket, installation instructions, and stopper. Missing from the box is a power cord. If you have an old badger then you will be able to use the previous power cord as long as it is still in good shape. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase that separately but it isn’t expensive (less than ten bucks). If necessary you might also want to pick up a dishwasher connector kit.
Warranty
Both of these units come with a 2-year limited warranty. During the warranty period, the company will actually send an Insinkerator pro to your home to fix your issue.
Update
We bought an Insinkerator Badger 500 from home depot. Our old badger 5 took a beating for years (it was installed years before we bought the house) before finally succumbing to the stress of everyday use. The chamber somehow developed a hole in the side.
All we can say is that the installation process is very simple, though it will probably take a little longer than advertised if this is your first time replacing a garbage disposal. The new badger 500 is much quieter than the old badger 5 we replaced it with. This makes me think that these things probably get louder over time, like cars and such.
We paid a little more than I typically see the badger 5 on sale for although not by much. In the end, the added cost was worth it in the end because we got it replaced quickly.
My advice is that if you are doing this job yourself, make sure that you have proper flat and Philips screwdrivers. Make sure that you read the directions first (I didn’t and it cost me a little more time).
Even the electrical aspect is easy to do as long as you follow the directions. Instead of hardwiring the unit directly to the house, we bought a separate power cord kit. This too was easy to install. Also, make sure that you buy some plumbers putty it’ll save you another trip to the store.
Summary
Well, when it comes to the Insinkerator Badger 5 vs 500, there is nothing to compare here, except maybe price. They are the same machine. The 500, it turns out, is just branded differently and sold at Home Depot.
My advice would be to go with whichever unit costs the least.
Despite some issues regarding durability, this machine is highly rated amongst users. Installation is simple and the 2-year in-home warranty should make you feel a bit more at ease. This is an inexpensive disposer and one that is definitely worth considering.
Insinkerator Badger 5 – Check price
Insinkerator Badger 500 – Check price
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