InSinkErator Badger 1 Vs. Badger 5: A Head-to-Head Comparison

I’ve spent years tinkering with kitchen appliances, and when it came to replacing my old garbage disposal, I found myself torn between the InSinkErator Badger 1 and Badger 5. Both are budget-friendly, reliable options from a trusted brand, but which one’s right for you?

In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience, breaking down their key features, pros, and cons to help you choose the perfect disposal for your kitchen. From motor power to installation ease, I’ll cover it all in a clear, engaging way to guide your decision.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey With Garbage Disposals

When my old garbage disposal started groaning louder than my uncle at Thanksgiving, I knew it was time for a replacement. InSinkErator, a brand I’ve trusted since I first installed a disposal in my apartment, was my go-to.

But standing in the aisle at the hardware store, I was faced with a choice: the Badger 1 or the Badger 5. They looked nearly identical, and the price difference was small, so I decided to dig into the details to figure out which one would best handle my kitchen’s needs.

Here’s what I found after testing both models and living with them in my home.

Key Features of The Badger 1

The Badger 1 is the entry-level model in InSinkErator’s lineup, designed for small households or light use. Here’s what stood out to me:

• 1/3 HP Motor: The Dura-Drive induction motor runs at 1725 RPM, providing enough power to grind soft food scraps like vegetable peels or cooked rice. It’s not a beast, but it gets the job done for one or two people.
• Compact Design: At 11.5 inches tall and 6.31 inches wide, it’s a space-saver, fitting snugly under my sink without eating up storage room.
• Galvanized Steel Construction: The grinding components are tough and rust-resistant, though not as premium as stainless steel found in higher-end models.
• 26 oz Grinding Chamber: This capacity is decent for small batches of food waste, but I learned not to overload it with potato peels all at once.
• Quick Lock Sink Mount: Installation was a breeze, especially since I was replacing an older InSinkErator model. The 3-bolt mounting system made it a quick swap.
• 1-Year Warranty: InSinkErator’s “We Come to You” in-home warranty gave me peace of mind, though I hoped I wouldn’t need it.
• Budget-Friendly Price: At around $80–$100, it’s one of the most affordable disposals out there, perfect for tight budgets.

Using the Badger 1 in my small apartment was straightforward. I’d toss in apple cores or carrot tops while running cold water, and it handled them fine.

But when I tried grinding tougher scraps like celery strings, it struggled, and I had to use the included Jam-Buster wrench more than once to free up jams.

Key Features of The Badger 5

The Badger 5, a step up from the Badger 1, felt like a more robust option for my growing household. Here’s what I noticed:

• 1/2 HP Motor: With 50% more power than the Badger 1, this motor tackled harder scraps like chicken bones and fruit pits with less effort. The 1725 RPM speed matched the Badger 1, but the extra horsepower made a difference.
• Same Compact Size: Like the Badger 1, it’s 11.5 inches tall and 6.31 inches wide, so it didn’t hog space under my sink.
• Galvanized Steel Components: The grinding chamber and impellers are identical to the Badger 1’s, durable but not top-tier.
• 26 oz Chamber Capacity: No difference here from the Badger 1, meaning it still handles moderate amounts of waste but isn’t built for heavy-duty tasks.
• Quick Lock Sink Mount: The installation process was just as easy as the Badger 1, and the 3-bolt system ensured a tight fit.
• 3-Year Warranty: The longer warranty was a big plus, signaling InSinkErator’s confidence in the Badger 5’s durability.
• Slightly Higher Price: At $90–$120, it’s pricier than the Badger 1 but still budget-friendly compared to premium models.

In my kitchen, the Badger 5 felt more capable. It chewed through coffee grounds and small bones without the frequent jams I experienced with the Badger 1. However, it’s not perfect for heavy use, and I still had to be mindful not to overload it.

Pros And Cons of The Badger 1

Pros

• Affordable: At $80–$100, it’s one of the cheapest reliable disposals you can buy, perfect for budget-conscious shoppers like me when I was in my tiny apartment.
• Compact and Lightweight: Weighing 12.7 lbs and with a small footprint, it’s ideal for cramped kitchens or older homes with limited cabinet space.
• Easy Installation: The Quick Lock mount made setup a 20-minute job, even for a DIY novice like I was at the time.
• Reliable for Light Use: For a single person or couple with minimal cooking, it handles everyday scraps like fruit peels and pasta without complaint.
• Trusted Brand: InSinkErator’s reputation and 1-year in-home warranty gave me confidence in its build quality.

Cons

• Weak Motor: The 1/3 HP motor struggled with tougher scraps like fibrous vegetables or small bones, leading to occasional jams.
• Noisy Operation: Without noise insulation, it sounded like a small lawnmower under my sink, which was jarring in my quiet apartment.
• Short Warranty: One year of coverage felt skimpy compared to other models, especially if you plan to use it heavily.
• Limited Capacity for Larger Households: If you cook a lot or have more than two people, the Badger 1 can feel underpowered.
• No Power Cord Included: I had to buy a separate cord, which added to the cost and hassle.

Pros And Cons of The Badger 5

Pros

• Stronger Motor: The 1/2 HP motor made quick work of tougher scraps, reducing jams and making it suitable for small families.
• Compact Design: Like the Badger 1, it fits easily under most sinks, leaving room for cleaning supplies.
• Longer Warranty: The 3-year in-home warranty felt like a safety net, especially for a slightly pricier model.
• Easy to Install: The 3-bolt Quick Lock system was a lifesaver, letting me swap it in without calling a plumber.
• Great Value: At $90–$120, it offers more power for a modest price increase, making it a sweet spot for budget buyers.

Cons

• Still Noisy: Like the Badger 1, it lacks noise insulation, so expect some racket during operation.
• No Power Cord: You’ll need to buy a cord separately, which can be annoying if you’re not prepared.
• Not for Heavy-Duty Use: It’s better than the Badger 1 but still struggles with large volumes or very tough waste like raw bones.
• Slightly Heavier: At 13.6 lbs, it’s a bit harder to maneuver during installation compared to the Badger 1.
• Similar Grinding Tech: The 1-stage grinding system is the same as the Badger 1, so don’t expect premium performance.

Performance Comparison: How They Handle Food Waste?

When I tested the Badger 1, it was fine for my minimalist cooking days—think banana peels, lettuce scraps, and the occasional eggshell.

But when I tossed in celery or fibrous veggies, it groaned and sometimes jammed, forcing me to grab the Jam-Buster wrench.

The 1/3 HP motor just didn’t have the muscle for anything beyond soft scraps, and I had to feed waste slowly to avoid clogs.

The Badger 5, on the other hand, was a noticeable upgrade.

Its 1/2 HP motor handled chicken bones and avocado pits with less fuss, though I still wouldn’t call it a powerhouse.

I could grind larger batches without worrying as much about jams, but I learned to avoid overloading it with things like potato peels, which can still cause trouble.

Both models use a single-stage grinding system, so they liquefy food well enough to prevent pipe clogs, but neither is built for heavy-duty tasks like grinding raw bones or fibrous materials in bulk.

Key Differences Between InSinkErator Badger 1 And Badger 5

• Installation Experience

Installing both disposals was a highlight of my DIY journey. The Badger 1 and Badger 5 use InSinkErator’s Quick Lock 3-bolt mounting system, which made swapping them out a cinch. I didn’t need to be a plumbing pro—just a screwdriver and some elbow grease.

The Badger 5’s extra weight (13.6 lbs vs. 12.7 lbs) made it slightly trickier to hold in place while twisting the mount, but the new Lift and Latch feature on recent models helped a lot. One annoyance?

Neither comes with a power cord, so I had to buy one separately for both. If you’re replacing an existing InSinkErator, you can reuse the old mount and cord, saving time and money.

• Noise Levels: A Rude Awakening

I’ll be honest—both the Badger 1 and Badger 5 are loud. Without noise insulation, they sound like a small engine revving under your sink. The Badger 1 was particularly jarring in my quiet apartment, where every grind echoed through the kitchen.

The Badger 5, while slightly quieter due to its stronger motor reducing strain, still wasn’t discreet. If you’re sensitive to noise or have an open-plan kitchen, you might want to consider a premium model like InSinkErator’s Evolution series, which has sound-dampening features.

• Durability and Build Quality

Both disposals are built to last, thanks to InSinkErator’s use of galvanized steel for the grinding components.

The Badger 1’s full-metal build felt sturdy, and I didn’t notice any rust or wear after months of use.

The Badger 5, with its slightly heavier construction, gave me even more confidence in its longevity.

The manual reset overload feature on both models is a lifesaver, preventing motor burnout if you accidentally overload them.

The Badger 5’s 3-year warranty, compared to the Badger 1’s 1-year, suggests it’s designed for more consistent use, which aligns with my experience.

• Price and Value for Money

When I compared prices, the Badger 1 was the cheaper option at $80–$100, making it tempting for my budget-conscious self. But the Badger 5, at $90–$120, offered better value.

The extra horsepower and longer warranty made the $10–$20 price difference feel worth it, especially for a household of two or three. If you’re a solo dweller or rarely cook, the Badger 1 is plenty.

But for a bit more power and peace of mind, the Badger 5 is the smarter buy.

• Ideal Use Cases

The Badger 1 is perfect for small households (1–2 people) with light cooking habits. If you’re tossing in soft scraps like fruit peels or pasta, it’s reliable and cheap. I used it in my old apartment, where I cooked maybe twice a week, and it was fine.

But if you’ve got a family or cook frequently, the Badger 5 is the better choice. Its 1/2 HP motor handles more waste and tougher scraps, making it ideal for 2–3 people. Neither is suited for large households or heavy-duty tasks—that’s where you’d need a 3/4 HP or 1 HP model.

Maintenance Tips From My Experience

Maintaining both disposals was straightforward. I learned to run cold water during and after grinding to solidify fats and flush waste through the pipes. For cleaning, I’d fill the sink halfway with warm water, add 1/4 cup of baking soda, and run the disposal to keep it fresh.

Avoid grinding fibrous foods like celery or large amounts of peels at once to prevent clogs. The Jam-Buster wrench was my best friend for both models when jams happened, which was more frequent with the Badger 1.

Why I Lean Toward The Badger 5

After living with both, the Badger 5 won me over. The stronger motor made a noticeable difference in performance, especially when I started cooking more elaborate meals.

The longer warranty gave me confidence it would last, and the price difference felt justified for the extra power. That said, the Badger 1 isn’t a bad choice if you’re on a tight budget or have minimal disposal needs.

It’s all about matching the model to your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

After testing both the Badger 1 and Badger 5, I can say they’re both solid choices, but your needs will dictate the winner. If you’re a solo cook or in a small household with light disposal needs, the Badger 1’s affordability and compact size make it a great fit.

But if you’ve got a few mouths to feed or cook more often, the Badger 5’s stronger motor and longer warranty make it worth the extra bucks. Whichever you pick, you’re getting a reliable, budget-friendly disposal from InSinkErator that’ll keep your kitchen clean.

So, what’s your kitchen like? Grab the Badger that matches your vibe and start grinding!