InSinkErator Badger 5 ½ HP Garbage Disposal
When it comes to garbage disposal, few brand names encourage as much trust as InSinkErator. As one of the longest standing names in the business, they’ve also become one of the biggest garbage disposer manufacturers in the world, finding their way into the hands of many a contractor. But does the Badger 5 ½ HP Garbage Disposal live up to that brand name in terms of performance?
About the InSinkErator Badger 5, ½ HP Food Waste Disposer
This compact, affordable garbage disposal unit comes powered with ½ HP Dura-Drive motor on a continuous feed. You can feel the power of the induction motor as soon as you turn it on. Operating at 1725 RPM, the GrindShear ring turns most matter into mincemeat in a matter of moments, making for easy disposal. If you’re looking to replace an existing garbage disposer, then the dishwasher drain connection makes it easy to switch in and switch out by yourself, too.
Durability and warranty
All of this is covered by InSinkErator’s exclusive 2-year in-home limited warranty, which sees them send out a mechanic from the team to fix any issues with the Badger 5 rather than forcing you to dismantle and send it in. While it’s not the longest warranty around, it’s at the very least highly convenient. You shouldn’t have too much need for the warranty either. The galvanized steel used in the InSinkErator Badger’s parts is practically wear-proof, meaning that it should last years without any issues. The warranty mostly helps to correct issues from installation and shipping.
No need to call a plumber to install
One of the single best features of the InSinkErator Badger is the sheer ease of installation. It comes with Quick Lock Technology, a proprietary locking mechanism that’s built into all InSinkErator products. If you’re replacing an older InSinkErator, then you don’t have to call a professional plumber to do the job for you. You simply need to unscrew the old model and screw the new one in. It takes about an hour to complete the installation and most of that time is going to be spent easing the old garbage disposal out of its place, as rust and dirt can make the job a little tougher. However, once you do that, the Badger 5 can be installed with ease.
The downsides
Every product has its negatives and the Badger 5 is no exception. Beyond the fact that the two-year basic warranty might not offer as much peace of mind for new buyers as some longer-term warranties, the product doesn’t come with a power cord and is meant to be hard-wired. If your existing garbage disposal is plugged in, InSinkErator offers a version with power cord and plug here.
In conclusion
In terms of power, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, InSinkErator continues to be difficult to compete with. The decent ½ HP motor, the galvanized steel construction, and the effective 26 oz. grind chamber makes for a highly effective model for its price. That ease of installation isn’t something to turn your nose up at, either. If you’re looking for a new garbage disposer, you can do a lot worse than the Badger 5.