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InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal Review

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InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal

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Product Overview
Overall
4
  • Design
  • Performance
  • Features
  • Value for money
  • Easy to use
  • Quality

Summary

InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal is one of the best disposals on the market because of its amazing quality and durability. Not only that but it’s a great choice for small or medium families. 

However, it can’t be connected without a disposal connection outlet which can be annoying and frustrating. Overall, it’s a great product to check out. 

Pros

  • Quick Lock mount to replace any InSinkErator
  • Long-lasting and cost-effective unit
  • Affordable choice for small/medium families
  • Easy-to-install and low-maintenance device
  • Comes with the quality assurance of a trusted brand

Cons

  • Experience clogging issues after prolonged use
  • Can’t be connected without disposal connection outlet

Don’t you hate the idea of spending a small fortune just to equip your kitchen with an expensive device – just to remove waste? What you need is an affordable garbage disposal system. And the InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal fits the bill. 

InSinkErator’s Badger 5 is a popular waste disposer with a 1/2 HP motor for regular small/medium homes. This continuous feed device grinds garbage for eco-friendly waste disposal – without burning a hole in the pocket.   

So what are the reasons for you to buy the InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal? Read my review of the product to find out!

InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal: Features that Stand Out

When it comes to garbage disposal systems, InSinkErator is a brand of global repute. And the Badger 5 is one of its highest-rated products, popularly chosen in standard households and their waste removal needs. 

As a continuous feed disposer, it operates non-stop to eat up everything you feed it – as long as the power is on. So you don’t need to put in any magnetic stopper to run this device.  

You can purchase the unit alone or choose a bundle with the InSinkErator’s CRD-00 Cord. This 3-ft long cord comes with wire connectors, and a strain relief clamps to help plug the Badger 5 into a wall outlet.

Here’s everything you’ll love about this product – 

a) Durable and Strong Unit 

The Badger 5 is a strong and durable unit. It’ll continue to work for several years, thanks to the galvanized grinding components and the special Dura-Drive induction motor.   

But be careful about incorrect installation – or poor usage practices like shoving too much trash into it. As long as it’s not tortured, it won’t need much maintenance.

b) Dependable Grind for Most Waste Types

You can expect the Badger 5 to work like a beast, devouring most of the common food items in the kitchen.

The grinders are strong enough for most scraps in your kitchen. 

Besides, the 1/2 HP Induction Motor for impressive grind force, turning everything into small particles.

But I’d advise against feeding it seashells, large bones, or stringy husks.   

InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal - Easy to set up
Image Source: Wayfair

c) Eco-Friendly Waste Removal 

One thing that makes this garbage disposal unique from others like the Waste King L-1001 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord is the eco-friendly waste removal.

The Badger 5 is capable of grinding most organic and perishable scraps for good and turning them to a mushy consistency. Thus, your kitchen trash can break down more easily. 

The unit is connected to your plumbing. So, it sends the ground trash through the pipes to landfills for wastewater treatment plants to convert to fertilizer or renewable energy.

InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal: Is it Worth the Money?

If you have a small or medium home and a limited budget, InSinkErator’s Badger 5 is an excellent garbage disposal unit for you. The device works wonders for a standard family and works like a beast.  

The powerful motor and strong grinding bits of this machine can crush almost all everyday food items in the blink of an eye. It can tackle everything from avocado pits to rotten apples sitting at the bottom of the vegetable basket for months.

You won’t need to break the bank to buy this device – and the installation process, too, can be fairly easy. This device is designed to replace any InSinkErator model easily, too! 

You can install the Badger 5 easily yourself. Of course, if you’re not good with tools or know how to install the InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal, I suggest hiring a professional. Either way, this machine will be a good addition to your kitchen.   

How to Clean InSinkErator Badger 5 Disposer

I often get asked how to clean the Disposer of InSinkeRator’s Badger 5. After all, it is an essential part of the maintenance process, according to the InSinkErator Badger 5 manual. 

If you notice an odor coming from the disposer, consider it a sign of the accumulation of food particles around the baffle and in the grinding chamber. Below are the steps you need to follow to remove any buildup from the disposer –

Step 1

First, put the stopper at the opening into the disposer in your sink before filling it halfway with some warm water.

Step 2

Next, make a mixture using 1/4 cup of baking soda and some water – and put it into the sink. 

Step 3

After that, turn on the dispenser and take out the stopper. As a result, the water will rush down and wash away the particles.

    Check out this video that shows how to clean and maintain the garbage disposal of your Badger 5. Also, a gentle washing solution may be ideal for the entire process. 

    In addition, you can take a simple step for regular cleaning of the disposer. All you need to do is throw in a whole lemon for the disposer to grind the fruit and release its fragrance. 

    Do’s and Don’ts of Using Badger 5

    Here are a few tips to extend the life of your Badger 5 – 

    Do’sDon’ts
    Turn on the faucet to run cold water first. Then, turn on the disposer for some time. Run hot or warm water down the sink channel to enable smooth disposal. 
    Make sure to feed leftovers, peels, pits, etc., slowly into the disposer. Shove large amounts of waste down the disposal system all at once. 
    Grind fruit pits and chicken bones so that the pieces clean out stuck buildup. Push down overly large bones, seafood shells, or too many egg shells.
    Throw whole citrus fruits so that the acid neutralizes any stench. Push fibrous materials like corn husks or pineapple crowns. 
    Wait for the grinding sound to stop before you turn off the machine.Throw oil or grease down the sink as greasy buildups can clog pipes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between InSinkErator Badger 5 and 500?

    There’s no major difference between InSinkErator’s Badger 5 and Badger 500. However, Badger 5 comes with a power cord, which is missing in 500.

    Plus, 5’s drainage connection has an anti-vibration hose clamp, while 500 has a cushioned slip joint. 

    How do you unclog a Badger 5 InSinkErator?

    In case of clogging, turn off your Badger 5 and insert the provided Wrenchette at the disposer’s bottom in the center.

    Move it back and forth a few times. Continue until you can rotate it all around (360 degrees) in both directions. This should clear the jam.  

    Does the Badger 5 have a reset button?

    The InSinkErator Badger 5 has a reset button, also called the overload protector button. It is a tiny square red button at the bottom of the garbage disposing unit.

    This button should always remain flush. Before pressing it to reset the breaker, you must unclog the impellers.  

    Will the Badger 5 work with an air switch?

    The Badger 5 is engineered to work with both wall switches and air switches. If you wish to use an air socket for turning the device on/off, InSinkErator’s SinkTop Air Switch is a compatible choice. The cord in the Badger 5 bundle allows wall switches like the STS00 or STSS0.

    Final Words

    Even if you have a small budget for a garbage disposer, you don’t need to compromise on quality. The InSinkErator Badger 5 can handle the regular waste removal jobs you throw at it every day. 

    I can promise you that it is going to be your BFF in the kitchen – without demanding a lot of space! 

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