Why the Badger 500 Garbage Disposal Is a Smart Kitchen Upgrade
The badger 500 garbage disposal is a 1/2 HP continuous feed kitchen disposal made by InSinkErator. Here’s a quick look at what it offers:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | 1/2 HP Dura-Drive induction motor |
| Speed | 1725 RPM |
| Grind Chamber | 26 oz capacity |
| Height | 11.5 inches |
| Grind Components | Galvanized steel |
| Power Cord | Sold separately (most installs are hardwired) |
| Warranty | 3-Year ‘We Come To You’ Limited In-Home Warranty |
| Septic Safe | Yes, for properly maintained systems |
| Dishwasher Connection | Yes |
If you’re replacing an old unit or installing a disposal for the first time, the Badger 500 hits a sweet spot: reliable performance at an affordable price point.
It’s compact, easy to install, and backed by a strong warranty. Over 12,000 customers have rated it 4.6 out of 5 stars, and 89% recommend it.
That kind of track record matters when you’re making a purchase that goes under your sink for the next decade.
I’m Jacob Reese, Vice President of Standard Plumbing Supply, and with three generations of plumbing supply experience behind me, I’ve seen why the badger 500 garbage disposal remains one of the most consistently requested units among both contractors and DIY homeowners. Let’s dig into everything you need to know before you buy.
Technical Specifications of the Badger 500 Garbage Disposal
When we talk about the “guts” of a disposal, we are looking for two things: power and durability. The badger 500 garbage disposal is built around the Dura-Drive induction motor. Unlike some cheaper universal motors that whine and struggle, induction motors are known for being quieter and having a longer lifespan because they have fewer moving parts to wear out.
This 1/2 Horsepower motor spins at 1725 RPM. In plumbing, that’s the “Goldilocks” zone for most small to medium households. It provides enough torque to handle everyday food scraps like vegetable peelings and soft fruit pits without hogging all the space under your sink.
Here is a breakdown of the electrical and mechanical load:
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Amperage: 6.3 Amps (average load draw)
- Grind Chamber: 26 oz capacity
- Grind Components: Rugged galvanized steel
While higher-end models might use stainless steel, the galvanized steel used in the Badger Series is specifically designed to provide a reliable, functional choice when affordability is the prime concern. For a deeper look at the technical details, you can view the Official Badger 500 Specification Sheet.
Compact Dimensions of the Badger 500 Garbage Disposal
One of the biggest headaches in kitchen remodeling is realizing your new, deep farmhouse sink doesn’t leave enough room for a giant garbage disposal. This is where the badger 500 garbage disposal shines.
It stands at just 11.5 inches in height and 6.31 inches in width. This space-saving design is a lifesaver for those of us living in older homes in Salt Lake City or Boise where cabinet space is at a premium. The unit features a clean, Waterborne Grey Enamel finish that looks professional and resists the humid environment found under a sink. It connects to your plumbing via a standard 1-1/2 inch cushioned slip joint, ensuring a snug fit that minimizes vibration.
Power Cord and Electrical Requirements
We often get asked at our Standard Plumbing Supply counters if this unit comes with a plug. The answer is: it depends on which version you grab. In most traditional installations, the disposal is “hardwired” directly into a dedicated electrical circuit controlled by a wall switch.
If your kitchen is set up with an outlet under the sink, you will need to purchase the CRD-00 power cord separately. However, if you are doing a DIY electrical setup, the Badger 500 is designed for easy wiring. It also features a manual reset overload protector. If the motor ever jams or gets too hot, it will automatically shut off to prevent a fire. Once you clear the jam, you just pop that red button on the bottom, and you’re back in business.
Easy DIY Installation and Setup
If you’ve ever wrestled with a heavy appliance while lying on your back in a dark cabinet, you’ll appreciate the engineering here. The badger 500 garbage disposal uses the patented Quick Lock sink mount system.
This system features “Lift and Latch” technology. Essentially, you install the stainless steel sink flange first, then you simply lift the disposal and twist it onto the mount. It “latches” into place without you needing to hold the full weight of the unit while trying to tighten screws.
For those who hate the mess of plumber’s putty, this model often utilizes a putty-free sink seal, making the process cleaner and faster. If you want to see the step-by-step process, check out the Installation Guide and Manual.
Connecting Your Badger 500 Garbage Disposal to a Dishwasher
Most modern kitchens route their dishwasher drainage through the garbage disposal. This is a great feature because it allows the disposal to grind up any large food particles that come off your plates during the wash cycle.
The Badger 500 comes with a dishwasher drain connection ready to go. However, there is a common “gotcha” for DIYers: you must remove the internal inlet plug before connecting the hose. If you forget this, your dishwasher won’t drain, and you’ll have a watery mess on your kitchen floor. We recommend using the insinkerator-dishwasher-connector-kit-dwc-00 for a secure, leak-free connection with high-quality hose clamps.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tools
Even the best disposals can run into trouble if a stray bottle cap or a handful of unpopped popcorn kernels falls down the drain. When the motor hums but doesn’t spin, it’s usually a jam.
Instead of calling a plumber and paying a service fee, you can use the Jam-Buster wrenchette. This simple silver tool fits into a hole at the very bottom of the unit. A few quick turns back and forth usually breaks the jam loose. You can find the insinkerator-jambuster-wrenchette-wrn-00 at any of our locations from Mesa, Arizona to Rexburg, Idaho. It’s the cheapest “insurance policy” you can buy for your kitchen.
Performance, Durability, and Septic Compatibility
How does it actually perform in the wild? The badger 500 garbage disposal uses a single-stage grind system. This means it doesn’t have the multi-layered grinding rings of the more expensive Evolution series, but it is more than capable of handling everyday food scraps.
We recommend running a steady stream of cold water while the unit is operating. This helps flush the finely ground particles through your pipes. Speaking of pipes, many of our customers in more rural areas like Tooele or Driggs ask if this unit is septic-safe. The answer is yes! As long as your septic system is properly maintained and sized for your home, the Badger 500 is perfectly safe to use.
In terms of resources, the unit is quite efficient. On average, it uses only about 1 gallon of water per person per day and roughly 3-4 KWh of electricity per year. It’s a small price to pay for the convenience of not having a smelly trash can full of rotting food scraps. For more details on its environmental impact and usage, visit the Badger 500 Product Details page.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Badger 500
Does the Badger 500 come with a power cord?
No, the standard badger 500 garbage disposal is designed to be hardwired. If you have a plug-in outlet under your sink, you will need to purchase a separate power cord kit (CRD-00) or choose the “W/C” (With Cord) model variation.
What is the warranty for the InSinkErator Badger 500?
It comes with a 3-Year ‘We Come To You’ Limited In-Home Warranty. This is one of the best warranties in the business. If the unit fails due to a manufacturing defect within three years, an authorized service agent will come to your home to repair or replace it at no cost to you.
Can I use this disposal with a septic system?
Absolutely. It is considered septic-safe for systems that are properly maintained. It grinds food into fine enough particles that they can be processed by the natural bacteria in your septic tank.
Conclusion
At Standard Plumbing Supply, we’ve spent decades helping our neighbors across the West—from the sunny streets of San Diego to the snowy peaks of Jackson, Wyoming—find the right tools for their homes. The badger 500 garbage disposal remains a top recommendation because it doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t. It is a rugged, reliable, USA-assembled workhorse that fits into almost any budget.
Whether you’re visiting us in Phoenix, Ogden, or Sacramento, our team is ready to help you get the right parts for a successful installation. With the 3-Year ‘We Come To You’ warranty and InSinkErator’s legendary reliability, you can stop worrying about your sink and get back to enjoying your kitchen.
Ready to upgrade? Browse our full selection of kitchen disposals or stop by one of our local stores today!
