Badger 5 vs Badger 500 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Badger 5 & Badger 500 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Badger 5 rather than the Badger 500. 

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The Badger 5?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The Badger 5? 

  • The Badger 5 features flexible power cord options for customizing installation to match either pre-wired setups or plug-in requirements, compared to the Badger 500’s mostly fixed corded packages.
  • Badger 5 comes with a mounting ring that includes an alignment tab for more precise and stable installation, compared to the Badger 500’s older ring design.
  • It supports variable warranty durations depending on retailer bundles for potentially longer coverage, compared to the Badger 500’s standardized Home Depot bundle warranty.
  • The Badger 5 includes multiple package configurations for tailoring accessories such as stoppers and air switches, compared to the Badger 500’s limited bundle variations.
  • Badger 5 features a packaging design that is standardized for recognition across stores, making it easier to match replacement parts and accessories, compared to the Badger 500’s retailer-specific branding.
  • It supports broader distribution channels for faster product replacement or returns, compared to the Badger 500’s reliance on Home Depot’s inventory availability.

Maybe the Badger 500 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Badger 5. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Check Badger 5 Best Price

Check Badger 500 Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureBadger 5Badger 500
Model NumberBadger 5Badger 500
Retail AvailabilityMultiple retailersExclusive to Home Depot
Branding & LabelStandard InSinkErator Badger 5 labelSpecial Home Depot-branded Badger 500 label
Mounting Ring DesignLower mounting ring includes alignment tab and notch systemOlder-style lower mounting ring without protruding alignment tab
Power Cord InclusionAvailable corded or non-corded versions depending on packageMost packages include pre-installed power cord
Standard Package AccessoriesMay not include air switch or decorative sink stopper in base modelOften sold in bundles with air switch or satin nickel sink stopper
Warranty CoverageCommonly listed as 2–5 years depending on retailerCommonly listed as 3–5 years depending on bundle
SKU / UPC CodesUnique to Badger 5Unique to Badger 500
Pricing Range (Typical)Varies widely based on retailer discountsTypically consistent Home Depot pricing
Marketing PositioningGeneral market residential useHome Depot-exclusive marketing, positioned as an upgraded equivalent
Product Listing Name VariationsSometimes sold as “Badger 5 Standard Series”Often listed as “Badger 500 Standard Series”
Packaging Color SchemeStandard InSinkErator blue/black boxBranded Home Depot box design
Sales PromotionsVaries by retailerOften featured in Home Depot appliance sales events
DistributionAvailable via multiple distribution channelsDistributed through Home Depot supply chain only
PriceCheck Badger 5 PriceCheck Badger 500 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Motor Power & Type: Both models use the same ½ HP Dura-Drive induction motor, meaning performance in grinding speed and torque is identical. This ensures that both can handle similar levels of daily food waste.
  • Grinding System: They share the same single-stage grinding design, so the waste is processed in one stage before moving into the drain, with no multi-stage breakdown.
  • Grinding Components Material: Both use galvanized steel for the grind plate and impellers, which provides a sturdy, corrosion-resistant surface suitable for most household food scraps.
  • Grind Chamber Capacity: The ~26 oz capacity is identical, allowing both disposals to handle similar amounts of waste per use.
  • Feed Type: Each unit is continuous feed, meaning you can add waste while it’s running rather than in a batch-load style.
  • Turntable Material: Both have galvanized steel turntables, providing consistent durability and operation.
  • Splash Guard: They include the same removable and replaceable splash guard, making cleaning and replacement easy when worn.
  • Mounting System: Both use the Lift-and-Latch Quick Lock mounting system, which makes installation and replacement straightforward without requiring entirely new hardware.
  • Noise Insulation: Neither includes advanced sound-dampening materials like premium models, so noise levels are similar.
  • Electrical Connection: Both operate on the same household electrical standard of 120V, 60Hz, making them interchangeable without rewiring.
  • Amperage Draw: They pull the same current (~6.3A), meaning no difference in electrical load.
  • RPM Speed: The motor speed is the same at ~1725 RPM, so grinding performance is equivalent.
  • Warranty Service Type: Both offer in-home service for warranty claims, where an authorized technician visits your location.
  • Overall Dimensions: The height and width are nearly identical, so either unit will fit in the same under-sink space without modification.

Check Badger 5 Best Price

Check Badger 500 Best Price

Common Features

FeatureBadger 5Badger 500
Motor Power½ HP Dura-Drive induction motor½ HP Dura-Drive induction motor
Motor TypeSingle-phase, permanent magnet inductionSingle-phase, permanent magnet induction
Grinding SystemSingle-stage grindingSingle-stage grinding
Grinding Components MaterialGalvanized steelGalvanized steel
Grind Chamber Capacity~26 oz~26 oz
Feed TypeContinuous feedContinuous feed
Turntable MaterialGalvanized steelGalvanized steel
Splash GuardRemovable, replaceableRemovable, replaceable
Mounting SystemLift-and-Latch Quick Lock mountLift-and-Latch Quick Lock mount
Noise InsulationStandardStandard
Electrical Connection120V AC, 60Hz120V AC, 60Hz
Amperage Draw~6.3A~6.3A
RPM Speed~1725 RPM~1725 RPM
Warranty Service TypeIn-home serviceIn-home service
Overall Dimensions~11.5″ height × ~6.31″–7.24″ width~11.5″ height × ~6.31″ width
Price Check Badger 5 Price Check Badger 500 Price

FAQ

Are the Badger 5 and Badger 500 the same disposer internally?
Yes. They use the same ½ HP Dura-Drive induction motor, single-stage grind system, galvanized steel components, and have nearly identical dimensions and electrical requirements, so performance is essentially identical.

What’s the real difference between Badger 5 and Badger 500?
Primarily branding and retailer channel. Badger 5 is a general-market model sold widely, while Badger 500 is a Home Depot–exclusive variant. Packaging, SKU, and included accessories may differ.

Does one come with a power cord and the other not?
Packages vary. Badger 500 is frequently sold with a pre-installed cord, while Badger 5 may be offered either corded or without a cord depending on the retailer bundle. Always check the box contents.

Will both fit under the same sink without changes?
Yes. Their size and Quick Lock mounting system are the same, so either will fit in the same space under typical sinks without cabinet or plumbing modifications.

Can I swap a Badger 5 for a Badger 500 using the existing mount?
Usually yes. Both use the Quick Lock mount. If your existing lower mounting ring design differs, you may need to swap the supplied ring during installation to ensure proper alignment.

Is there any difference in noise level between the two?
No meaningful difference. Neither model includes premium sound insulation found in higher-end lines, so noise levels are comparable.

Which one is more durable?
Durability is comparable because materials and internals are the same. Longevity depends more on usage habits, installation quality, and avoiding items that disposers shouldn’t process.

Do they have the same grinding capacity and speed?
Yes. Both offer roughly a 26 oz grind chamber and spin around 1725 RPM. Practical grinding capability is the same.

Is one safer for septic systems than the other?
They’re equivalent. If you have a septic system, overall disposer use should be moderate and aligned with your system’s capacity, regardless of which of these two models you choose.

Are warranties the same for both models?
Coverage type is similar (in-home service), but duration and extras can vary by retailer bundle. Check the specific package details for exact years and terms.

Which is easier to install for a first-time DIYer?
Both are equally straightforward thanks to the Quick Lock system. If your Badger 500 package includes a pre-installed cord, that can save a small step; otherwise installation is the same.

Is there any difference in electrical requirements?
No. Both are 120V, 60Hz disposers with similar amperage draw. If your previous unit was one of these models, your circuit should already be suitable.

Do accessories like stoppers and air switches differ?
Functionally they’re the same. However, Badger 500 bundles sometimes include decorative stoppers or an air switch kit, while Badger 5 base kits may not. Accessories are interchangeable.

If my old unit is a Badger 500, can I replace it with a Badger 5 with no surprises?
Yes. Expect a like-for-like swap. Just verify the mounting ring style during installation; if it differs, use the ring included with your new disposer for a seamless fit.

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