One of the oldest garbage disposals is the badger series. It has for very many years religiously served its clientele. Not only is it one of the cheapest options you can ever have, but also a practical choice.
InSinkErator Badger 500-1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
There are different versions of the badger series, all with different roles and benefits. When you wish to buy the badger, you can be confused as to which one to choose. So, with this article, we will show you the different kinds of badgers and their benefits.
Before we can break it all down for you, note that they are all from the Insinkerator garbage disposal.
The History Of The Garbage Disposal
Thanks to the founder of garbage disposal, John Hammes who saw the need to help his wife with the kitchen cleaning. He is the founder of the first garbage disposal. With this idea came the rise of the consequent garbage disposal.
Through this, we saw the rise of badger disposal. He introduced this method to the world in the year 1938. To date, we still have a strong brand in the name of Insinkerator.
Who Should Buy The Badger Disposal?
Notice that the garbage disposal has been in existence for almost a century. More than half of the American population has a garbage disposal. This goes to tell you that the garbage disposal is beneficial for nearly anyone.
Luckily, unlike the past, today you can get garbage disposal for such a low price. It’s not like the past when only those wealthy people could afford the disposal.
When You Are Looking For A Budget Disposer
Anyone who wishes to spend just a little bit of money for the disposer can buy the badger type. The badger series is among the cheapest options. You can get a badger type of disposal at less $80.
When You Are Looking For The Price Value
The good thing about the disposals is that they will offer you value for the price you invest in it. Even though its one of the cheapest disposers it still provides you the best value. So, if you would like to get a valuable garbage disposal and at a cheaper price, buy one from the badger series.
If You Want To Make The Cleaning Easy
The garbage disposal makes it easy to clean the waste from the plates. So, if you wish to reduce the time it takes you to clean, then you should buy the badger series. You won’t have to handle bad odor.
Those Who Know How To Use The Disposer
If you know how to use the disposer right, it will serve you. It’s a question of using it for only the right kinds of waste. You, therefore, don’t have to stop dishwashing to gather the trash once you begin the process.
Do You Have A Sink?
If you have a sink, you can install any garbage disposal. Anyone with the sink should have a disposal unit. Just use it right.
If You Have Limited Space
For anyone who lives in a tightly spaced apartment, you can use the badger series. They are compact, and that makes it fit even the most squeezed space.
Badger 5XP, 3/4 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
Badger 5XP, 3/4 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
RELIABLE & EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable & functional choice when affordability is the prime concern, and features a…
DURABLE COMPONENTS: This garbage disposal features our exclusive 3/4 hp Dura-Drive Induction Motor and long lasting galvanized steel…
AMERICA’S #1 DISPOSER BRAND: There are more American-built InSinkErator garbage disposals in US homes than all other brands combined. A full…
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Comparison Table
Products Horsepower Product dimensions Power cord Price
Insinkerator Badger 500 ½ HP 6.3 x 6.3 x 12.6 inches Without power cord Check price
Insinkerator Garbage Disposal, Badger 5XP ¾ HP 7 x 7 x 16 inches Without power cord Check price
Insinkerator Garbage Disposal with Cord, Badger 1 1/3 HP 8 x 8 x 14 in With power cord Check price
Badger 15SS Garbage Disposal ¾ HP 6.75×6.75×12.63 in Without power cord Check price
Badger 5 ½ HP 7.4 x 7.4 x 14.5 inches With power cord Check price
Insinkerator Badger 900 ¾ HP 6.8 x 12.6 x 6.3 inches Without power cord Check price
Badger 100 1/3 HP 6.3 x 6.3 x 11.4 inches Without power cord Check price
1. Insinkerator Badger 500 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
InSinkErator Badger 500 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
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This badger is a reliable choice, especially when affordability is your keen concern. It uses the galvanized steel construction that makes it durable. Also, since it’s an Insinkerator type it uses the quick-mount method for the installation.
Therefore, you don’t need an expert to install the disposer. With the ½ HP, it will grind food waste for about five people, and if you use it right then it will serve you over a long time. It uses the heavy-duty dura induction motor.
Since its a small piece, it will fit in almost any space you have. Its further an affordable piece for anyone.
2. Insinkerator Garbage Disposal, Badger 5XP, 3/4 HP Continuous Feed
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal, Badger 5XP, 3/4 HP Continuous Feed
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The badger is reliable and easy to use. For anyone who is thinking of the price, you can buy this option. It’s not only space-saving but its also easy to install since it uses the quick-mount method when you need to install.
You will need to twist the disposer off and then twist on the new disposer. You can further use it to grind 26 ounces of food waste at a time. The best part is also that the stainless steel components are rust-resistant.
It has the dura drive induction motors together with the durable galvanizing steel that makes it easy to grind the food waste further down. It will cater for your day today grinding. With its ¾ HP, you can use it to crush even the hardest food waste.
This powerful tool is only a little over $100. With that, you can clean fast and efficiently. You have every reason to maintain a clean kitchen.
3. Insinkerator Garbage Disposal With Cord, Badger 1, 1/3 HP Continuous Feed
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal with Cord, Badger 1, 1/3 HP Continuous Feed
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The badger series disposers are reliable and functional but what makes them even better is their fair price. So, when the price is an issue for you, buy this badger 1. It’s also a compact design such that it will fit any space you have.
It’s quick and easy to install based on the quick-mount method. It uses the 1/3 HP which will serve two people in a household. It can also grind food scraps and not hard food waste. This is also the only single disposer that comes with power cord.
It features a stainless steel body construction that is corrosion-resistant. It further gives you a warranty of one year.
4. Badger 15SS Garbage Disposal, 3/4 HP
Badger Insinkerator 15ss Garbage disposal
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Anyone who knows garbage disposal is aware that the Insinkerator brand insinuates the toughness and durability of the disposer. When you have a badger, then you know it will deliver a power grind.
This happens to be one of the most recent additions to the Insinkerator line of disposers. This disposer is not only powerful, but it can also hold the medium-size family garbage waste. With a ¾ HP it will grind even the tough food waste.
If you, therefore, like to use a disposer more often, you may consider using this powerful one. With its dura drive motor grind, it gives you a power grind. Like most other badger series disposer, its internal parts are made using the stainless steel.
It’s a compact design that will suit both those with small spaces and those with large houses. It has the stainless steel polished parts that make it durable but also it looks good under the sink.
5. Badger 5
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal with Cord, Badger 5, 1/2 HP Continuous Feed
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Another one of the best sellers in the market and its all for a reason, it never disappoints. If you have a problem with the space and the cost of purchase, then you should buy this type. Also, if you don’t need such a powerful tool, it will serve you as you would wish to.
It uses the quick lock sink mount method for easy mounting of the disposer. It, in fact, matters not if this is the very first time you are installing the garbage disposal. It further has the stainless steel components that offer you the durability you need.
The badger has ½ HP which makes it easy to grind the medium-size family food waste. The best part is further that you can use it for almost any kind of trash you have. It will grind up to 26 ounces of food waste at a time.
With this, you won’t need to deposit the waste in the regular dust bin. That saves your environment as it caters to the food waste regularly.
6. Insinkerator Badger 900 3/4 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposer
InSinkErator Badger 900 3/4 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposer
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If all you are looking for is garbage disposal for the light-duty work then this disposer should serve you best. It will further help you when you are looking for a space-saving and affordable garbage disposal.
With its ¾ HP, it can grind a lot of waste which includes the tough waste too. It also has stainless steel grinding components. And the dura drive motor makes it durable. Since it has the sturdy construction it will last over a long time.
It, like other disposers above, also uses the quick-mount system but you will have the direct wire for the installation. If you have many people in the house, you can comfortably use it.
Badger 15ss Vs. Badger 900
Similarities
They both are powerful food disposers that can handle food waste of a medium-sized house. If you are about 4-8 people, this disposal will serve you much.
They both have their internal parts made using stainless steel, and this will enhance its durability. That’s why if you use them right, they last longer than most other brands. Other parts like the sink flange are also made using the stainless steel.
They both also have the dura drive induction motor for the same. They have a warranty of at least 3years.
They are both a recent addition to the market. They might not be as popular as the badger 1 or badger 5, but they are effective.
Differences
The badger 15ss is louder than the badger 900. Although most of the badgers are generally loud, the badger 15ss is louder compared to the other types.
The 15ss is also your space-saving choice. If you have a very small under-sink space, you can further use it in houses with septic tanks.
The warranty cover for the badger 900 is the best as they cover for all your repairs and reinstall.
Generally, there’s a minimal difference between the two badgers.
Badger 1 Vs. Badger100
7. Badger 100
InSinkErator Badger 100 1/3 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
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Most people believe that the badger 100 is the upgrade of the badger 1. They, however, have all the same features which include the 1/3 HP. They also have the same size, which is small enough to fit under sink.
It mostly suits those with a small space and its easy to lock and mount the disposer. Also, it’s quite easy to install the disposer. Remember you only use it for the soft foods and food scraps.
The Major Differences
There are only two significant differences between the two brands. One difference is in the product number we have badger 1 and badger 100. The badger 100 is sold even on offline shops like home depot. For the badger 1, you only find it online.
The second difference is that badger 100 uses a slightly higher current draw. It employs about 6.7AMPS.
Badger 100 further gives you a warranty of 1 year where you have the free home repair if need be.
Well, they can even replace each other the only significant differences between the two is in the price. Of course, if you will find one at a lower price the better.
Badger 1 Vs. Badger 5
If you are keen on these two gadgets, you will notice that they are quite similar and with only a few differences.
They are both budget kind disposers that suits anyone with a small space to suit the garbage disposal. They further both run at the same rate per minute of 1725RPM.
The Differences
There’s a difference in the two in regards to the power. One of the disposals is slightly powerful than the other. Badger 5 comes at ½ HP while the badger 1 comes at 1/3 HP. This means that the badger 5 is more powerful.
When you have a higher motor level, then the jams are reduced, and that’s why you need the badger 5 as opposed to badger 1. Note that since the badger 5 has a higher power it’s also a little bit larger. This translates to a larger weight than the one above.
The other notable difference is in the warranties. Badger 5 gives you 2 years warranty while badger 1 gives you a 1-year warranty. You can use the two kinds interchangeably.
Troubleshooting The Badger Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal is a must-have in the modern kitchen, but one thing about them is that they will typically develop mechanical problems from time to time.
Some of the problems experienced include the following.
It Jams
Every once in a while, you will find that the blades, impellers are jammed. Therefore, it either just hams and doesn’t grind, or it doesn’t do anything. To correct this problem, turn the disposer off then use the Allen wrench to loosen the jam.
So, you insert it in the port below the disposer then turn it clockwise and anticlockwise. If it was a minor jam, this should revive it.
Finally, use the reset button below the disposal to restart it and plug it on again.
It Clogs
Every once in a while, you will deal with clogs. When the disposer clogs, then you should find ways to loosen the clogs. But first you must find where the clog is. Sometimes it goes to the drain pipes while other times it’s on the blades.
There are simple methods you can use to unclog the disposer. So, you can use simple methods which include the use of vinegar and baking soda. But if it’s extensive, then the snake drain will work best for you.
Leakage
Sometimes it starts to leak, and when this happens then it’s hard to operate the garbage disposal. It all depends on the part of the garbage disposal that is leaking. The top part often means that the putty has deteriorated and you should buy a new one.
If the bottom is leaking then mostly it’s fully damaged, but the sides show you that the connections are loose and you, therefore, need to tighten them. When mending the top leaks make sure you tighten the mounting screws and bolts.
When It Has No Power
Sometimes the disposer has zero power, and it won’t start regardless of anything you try. If this is the case, that tells you that the disposer’s motor is completely broken. However, sometimes the damage has something to do with the circuit breaker.
If the circuit breaker is damaged, then you need to change it then restart the food disposer again using the reset button.
Does Your Garbage Disposer Drain Slowly?
Sometimes the garbage disposal is painfully slow. When this happens, its often a clog that’s blocking the drains. To release the clog simply, use the auger as earlier stated.
Sometimes The Disposer Hums, But It Doesn’t Grind
This is another common problem, and when you hear it, you should know that the garbage disposal is simply jammed. It could cause the reset button to hop. If this happens, then you should use the Allen wrench to unjam it.
On rare occasion will the humming sound be a result of a clog. If the disposer clogs then you can use the snake drain.
Insinkerator Badger 5 Troubleshooting
Since you already know the process, you need to use in troubleshooting the badger you can follow the procedure below
Start by turning off the circuit breaker then unplugging the disposer.
Now go on to insert your small Allen wrench into the port below the garbage disposer. Turn it clockwise and anticlockwise. Make sure you finish a single rotation entirely. Go on to use a flashlight to see if you found any clog.
If there’s a clog, use the nose pliers or tongs to remove it. Remember, you should never insert your fingers into the disposal even though you have switched it off.
Now to restart it, push the reset button inside. This should restart the flywheels and blades.
Now run the water into the disposer then switch on the garbage disposal. Don’t forget to switch on the circuit breaker too if you had switched it off.
There you go you can start the badger and grind the waste.
How To Reset The Badger 5
You should see the small red button that is below the badger. That’s the button you should use to reset the garbage disposal. But you should first check the internal disposer parts to see if there’s clog inside.
Badger Garbage Disposal reset button
Use the nose pliers to remove the clogs or jam. Once you clear the clog, you can restart it again. Most of the time, the disposal unit comes with a hex wrench.
Resetting the garbage disposal
To reset the garbage disposal, you can use the red reset button. It often pops out when the disposal motor heats up.
Begin by switching the disposal into the off position first. Next check the disposer to see if it has a clog and remove it. Also, confirm that it doesn’t have a foreign object blocking the blades before you reset it.
If you notice a clog, use the tongs to remove it. Then, press the reset button this will start it again. However, if you see that the disposal reset button doesn’t go in, know that it’s because it needs replacement.
Tips To Keep The Disposer Lasting For Long
The only way to have the disposer lasting longer is in caring for it and maintaining it.
You should keep it clean
Remember to clean it and keep it free of clogs at least once in two weeks. You can use the different homemade solutions to clean the garbage disposals. But use the flashlight to confirm that you don’t have a clog in the garbage disposal.
This will secure it form tough clogs that sometimes buildup overtime. Subsequently, you can make it a habit to clean it with water and dish soap every time you grinding the waste.
Run water into the disposer
As you are grinding the waste, before you start grinding and after, you should use enough water. This makes the liquifying of the trash a quicker process. The after water helps to wash out the waste completely.
Don’t use it with large and hard bones
Even if the disposer is quite hard, you should never use it to grind large and hard and tough bones. This can easily cause jams and breakdowns.
Don’t stop the disposer until the noise stops
Some people rush to switch off the disposer, but its not a good idea as that is one of the reasons why the clogs form on the disposal blades.
Finally, know the dos and don’ts of the disposer and follow the to the later.