InSinkErator Badger 5 VS 500 (direct comparison)

Article updated by Molly on June 8th, 2023 / Added the comparison table for all four garbage disposals and made some significant updates to article formatting. All links are correct and pricing updated directly from Amazon via their API.

InSinkErator Badger 5 VS 500 Banner Graphic

Is there any difference between the Badger 5 and 500? 

In this article we're comparing the InSinkErator Badger 5 vs the 500, both of which are similarly priced and similar on the specs sheet.

If you look at the two units, there's almost zero discernible difference between them.

Read more: About InSinkErator garbage disposals

Here's our side-by-side comparison of the two garbage disposals, where the most important garbage disposal specs are listed:

InSinkErator Badger 5 VS 500 Direct Comparison

InSinkErator Badger 5

Over 10k Amazon Ratings

Insinkerator Badger XP - Garbage Disposal Under 150

Horsepower Rating (HP)

1/2

Continuous feed?

Yes

Grind Components

Steel

Grind capability

Most Scraps

Noise level

Standard

Weight

13.7 lbs

Switch type?

Wall

InSinkerator Badger 500

About 200 Amazon Ratings

InSinkErator Badger 500

Horsepower Rating (HP)

1/2

Continuous feed?

Yes

Grind components

Steel

Grind capability

Most Scraps

Noise level

Standard

Weight

Not listed

Switch Type

Wall

Price Guide (updated in real time)

The InSinkErator Badger 5, on the left.

The InSinkErator Badger 5, on the left.

HP Rating

Both garbage disposals carry a motor with a 1/2 HP (horsepower rating), with higher and lower versions in the series at 1/3 and 3/4 HP respectively. This means the motor strength and the type of food they're both designed to grind is pretty much the same. Most table scraps, with the exception of fibrous veggies and fatty meats would be workable for both the Badger 5 and 500.

Other Features

The units both have a single grinding stage and about the same level of noise reduction. To the best we could tell, the Badger 5 might be slightly quieter, but we don't want to split too many hairs here.

Each unit uses galvanized steel as the primary grinding ingredient, along with a wall switch for turning on.

Both come with an electrical plug as well. 

Are there any differences? Not really.

From what we can tell, the Badger 5 is just far more popular than the 500. 

With over 10k Amazon reviews, compared to only 200 for the 500, the Badger 5 clearly has established more of a comfort level with consumers. Part of that is because the Badger 500 is the Home Depot version of the Badger 5, which is also why it costs a little bit more, though I've seen both available online. 

So don't let the Badger 5 and 500 confuse you. They're essentially the same.

And if it were me, I would go with the Badger 5 simply because it seems like the more tried and reliable purchase of the two. The 500 seems more "untested" and doesn't have any better features that justify choosing it over the 5. 

To the best of my knowledge, I do not believe there are any significant differences between the two.

Read more: Best garbage disposals overall

Conclusion of InSinkErator Badger 5 VS 500 Comparison

The marketing strategy behind the Badger 5 and 500 is a bit confusing. But when you understand that the Badger 500 is Home Depot's version of the Badger 5, and that there are no differences between the two, it makes your decision a lot easier.

Personally, I would recommend ordering online and going with the Badger 5. You can still get the Badger 5 in Home Depot and/or Lowes, and if you act surprised that there are no differences between the two, they may give you the 500 at the 5's price point.

If you have questions about the Badger 5 or 500, drop them in the comments section below. See you there.

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