The InSinkErator Badger 5 is one of the most popular garbage disposals on the market — and this is for good reason. It’s affordable, reliable, and powerful which makes it ideal for everyday kitchen use.
But you may be wondering, is it powerful enough for your household?
In this review, we’ll break down performance, noise level, durability, and who this model is best suited for.
Quick Overview
Feature
Motor
Grind Stage
Noise Insulation
Best For
Price Range
Badger 5
1/2 HP
Single-Stage
Basic
Small-medium households
Budget-friendly
Motor Power & Performance
The Badger 5 features a 1/2 horsepower motor. This makes it suitable for:
Small to medium households
Moderate food waste
Light daily cooking
It can handle vegetable scraps, soft foods, and small amounts of tougher waste, but it may struggle and be careful with frequent heavy loads or large bones.
If this is your first garbage disposal, this will feel more than sufficient.
However, if you cook like a chef in your kitchen or want quieter operation, you may want to consider stepping up to a 3/4 HP model.
Noise Level
The Badger 5 does not include advanced sound insulation, therefore it is louder than premium models like the Evolution series.
It’s not excessively noisy — but it’s noticeable. So if noise is important to you or you are living with someone who works night shifts and you are trying to cook while they are sleeping, a higher-tire model may be worth considering.
Build Quality & Durability
One reason the Badger 5 is so popular is its durability.
It uses a galvanized steel grind system and a compact, space-saving design. Read “What size garbage disposal should I get?” to show you exactly how you can choose the best garbage disposal to perfectly suit your kitchen.
It’s a budget-friendly model, which has a strong track record of reliability when used appropriately.
Installation
The Badger 5 is designed for relatively straightforward installation and is compatible with many existing InSinkErator mounting systems. If you’re replacing an older InSinkErator model, here’s what you can expect.
Who Should Buy the Badger 5?
Who Should Skip It?
✔ Small households
✔ Apartments
✔ Budget-conscious buyers
✔ Light to moderate food waste
✖ Large families
✖ Frequent heavy cooking
✖ Anyone wanting ultra-quiet performance
Badger 5 vs Higher HP Models
If you’re deciding between the Badger 5 and a 3/4 HP model, the main differences are:
- Power
Noise level
Price
Ugrading may be worthwhile if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. If you’re unsure and would like to read more about 3/4 HP models read our full comparison on InsinkErator Evolution 200 vs 200s.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for your first garbage disposal, the Badger 5 remains one of the best entry-level garbage disposals available.
The reason being, it’s affordable, reliable, and suitable for everyday kitchen use in smaller households.
If you need more power or quieter performance, consider a higher horsepower model — but for many homes, the Badger 5 gets the job done.