Badger 5 vs Badger 500 vs Badger 5XL: Is There Any Difference? (2026)
By Julian Gill Updated · 6 min read
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In this article
If you are shopping for a garbage disposal, you have probably seen the InSinkErator Badger 5, Badger 500 and Badger 5XL side by side and wondered which one is better. I get this question a lot. The honest answer surprises most people: there is virtually no difference. Here is the full comparison, spec by spec, and the one I recommend.
Quick answer
The Badger 5, Badger 500 and Badger 5XL are the same garbage disposal sold under different names. They share the same ½ HP motor, grind chamber, mount and warranty. Buy whichever is cheapest when you shop; in most cases that is the Badger 5.
Key takeaways
- Same machine: identical motor, speed, chamber, construction and warranty.
- Different store names: the Badger 500 was made for Home Depot and the 5XL for Lowe's.
- Price is the only real difference: the 500 and 5XL have often cost a little more.
- Power cord not included: plan for a cord kit unless the disposal is hardwired.
Badger 5 vs 500 vs 5XL Specifications
| Specification | Badger 5 | Badger 500 | Badger 5XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor power | ½ HP | ½ HP | ½ HP |
| Motor type | Dura-Drive induction | Dura-Drive induction | Dura-Drive induction |
| Grinding speed | 1725 RPM | 1725 RPM | 1725 RPM |
| Feed type | Continuous | Continuous | Continuous |
| Size (height x width) | 11.5 x 6.3125 in | 11.5 x 6.3125 in | 11.5 x 6.3125 in |
| Noise | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet |
| Grind chamber | 26 oz | 26 oz | 26 oz |
| Construction | Galvanized steel | Galvanized steel | Galvanized steel |
| Mounting | 3-bolt | 3-bolt | 3-bolt |
| Power cord | Optional, extra cost | Optional, extra cost | Optional, extra cost |
| Reset button | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3-year in-home service | 3-year in-home service | 3-year in-home service |
So What Is the Difference?
As the table shows, the Badger 5, Badger 500 and Badger 5XL have identical specifications, and there is no real difference in features or appearance. The name sticker is the main thing that changes.
The reason is distribution. The Badger 500 was designed for Home Depot and the Badger 5XL for Lowe's, which is why you will not find them on InSinkErator's own website. Giving each store its own model name is a common practice for appliances and fixtures.
The only other difference is price: the 500 and 5XL have often been listed a little higher than the Badger 5. Also, the first Badger 500 units were a few inches longer than the Badger 5, but they are now the same length.
Features Compared in Detail
Performance
What matters most in a garbage disposal is how well it grinds disposal-friendly food waste. All three do it well. They use a ½ HP Dura-Drive induction motor that runs at 1725 RPM.
That speed is lower than some other disposals, but induction motors are built to work at lower speeds, so it balances out. For everyday scraps in a typical household, a ½ HP Badger does the job.
Noise
Because these are budget-friendly units, none of the three has dedicated sound insulation. Still, they are fairly quiet thanks to their induction motors. The Badger 500 has been described as slightly louder than the other two, but the difference is small.
Feed Type
Garbage disposals are either batch feed or continuous feed. A batch feed unit only runs when you load a batch and put the cover on. A continuous feed unit grinds as you feed it, with the water running.
The Badger 5, 500 and 5XL are all continuous feed, which most people find more convenient. The grind chamber holds up to 26 oz of waste, but with continuous feed that number matters less, since you keep feeding as it grinds.
Reset Button
The reset button is a handy feature. If the motor overheats or jams, it trips to protect itself, and the button lets you restart the unit. On all three models it is red and located on the bottom of the disposal.
InSinkErator includes a ¼-inch wrenchette. You insert it in the bottom of the unit to free a jam before you press the reset button.
Warranty
Nothing lasts forever, and a disposal may need repairs at some point. All three models were listed with the same 3-year in-home service warranty. If the unit develops a covered fault during that time, InSinkErator sends a technician to repair it at no extra cost. Check InSinkErator's current warranty terms for the unit you buy.
Installation Tips
Safety first
Switch off the circuit breaker for the disposal before any installation or repair, and never put your hand inside the grind chamber. If you need to add a new outlet or switch, have a licensed electrician do it.
- Plan the power: the cord is sold separately. Buy the cord kit if your disposal plugs into an outlet under the sink.
- Check the mount: if you are replacing an older InSinkErator with the same 3-bolt mount, you can often keep the existing sink flange and mounting ring.
- Knock out the dishwasher plug: if a dishwasher drains into the disposal, remove the knockout plug in the inlet before you connect the hose.
- Line up the drain: the disposal outlet must connect to the trap without sloping uphill.
Which One Should You Buy?
Best choice
Badger 5
It is the most widely sold of the three and usually the least expensive. Since the 500 and 5XL bring no upgrade, there is no reason to pay more.
If the price is right
Badger 500 or 5XL
If your local Home Depot or Lowe's has the 500 or 5XL at the same price or on sale, buy it with confidence. You are getting the same disposal.
FAQs
Is the Badger 5 the same as the Badger 500 and 5XL?
Yes. They share the same motor, speed, grind chamber, mount and warranty. The names change by store, and the prices can differ.
Is Badger 1 the same as Badger 1XL?
Yes. Like the Badger 5 and its store versions, the Badger 1 and Badger 1XL have the same specifications and features. Only the name and the price differ.
How long does a Badger InSinkErator last?
Like most garbage disposals, a Badger should last about 10 to 15 years with proper use and care. If it cracks or leaks from the body before then, replacing it is usually the better choice.
Does the Badger 5 come with a power cord?
No. The power cord is optional and sold separately. You need one unless the disposal is hardwired.
Should I run hot or cold water with my garbage disposal?
Cold water. It keeps grease solid so it can be ground and flushed away instead of coating the pipes.
The Badger 5, Badger 500 and Badger 5XL are the same garbage disposal with different names for different stores. Compare prices and buy the cheapest one, which is usually the Badger 5. Add a power cord if you need one, run cold water when you grind, and it should serve your kitchen for years.