InSinkErator Badger 500 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal
- Garbage Disposal
- 13.66 pounds
- 6.3 × 6.3 × 12.6 inches
- Badger 500
A reliable, no-surprises replacement disposal that installs quickly if you're swapping out an existing unit, just confirm you have a power cord if your setup isn't direct-wired.
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Overview
A straightforward 1/2 HP continuous-feed garbage disposal from InSinkErator's entry Badger line, built around a Dura-Drive induction motor and galvanized steel housing. Sized as a direct swap for an aging under-sink disposer.
This is InSinkErator's budget tier, chosen for affordability over multi-stage grinding, and reviewers consistently treat it as a like-for-like replacement rather than an upgrade. The one recurring gotcha isn't the disposal itself: most installs are direct-wired, but if yours uses a plug, the cord is sold separately and easy to overlook when ordering.
- 1/2 HP Dura-Drive induction motor
- Galvanized steel construction
- Quick-lock sink mount for fast install
- Direct-wired design, cord sold separately
Who it's for
Fits homeowners and renters replacing a failing entry-level disposal in a single-family kitchen with normal food waste. Not the pick for anyone wanting a heavier multi-stage grind for a hard-use commercial-style kitchen.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Multiple reviewers describe installs taking around 10 to 15 minutes when swapping out an existing disposal, crediting the quick-lock mount for the speed. One reviewer's prior InSinkErator ran about 5 years before it started leaking and corroding at the seams. A 4-star review flags that the box doesn't mention the missing power cord, and several owners report units still running well after a year or more of regular use.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Quick-lock mount speeds up replacement installs
- Galvanized steel resists corrosion over time
- Consistent, reliable grinding at an entry price
- Power cord not included, must be bought separately
- Entry-level motor, not built for heavy commercial-style use
Performance notes
The 1/2 HP induction motor is a continuous-feed design, meaning it needs to be running while waste is fed in rather than grinding a pre-loaded batch. The quick-lock sink mount lets the unit twist into place on the existing mounting ring, and galvanized steel construction holds up against corrosion better than the cheapest disposals on the market.
Specifications
| Brand | InSinkErator |
|---|---|
| Model | Badger 500 |
| Item Weight | 13.66 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 6.3 × 6.3 × 12.6 inches |
| Item model number | Badger 500 |
Other InSinkErator garbage disposals
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in garbage disposals.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| InSinkErator Badger 500 1/2 HP Continuous Feed Garbage DisposalThis product | 4.6 / 5 | 701 | - |
| Whirlaway 291 1/2 Horsepower Garbage Disposer with Power CordWhirlaway | 4.6 / 5 | 443 | 4.3 / 5 |
| TITAN 10-US-TN-560-3B Torque Garbage Disposal System with Stainless Steel Impellers &…Titan | 4.5 / 5 | 152 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Alfi Whirlaway 291 1/2 Horsepower Garbage DisposerWhirlaway | 4.4 / 5 | 412 | 4.2 / 5 |
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Questions about the InSinkErator Badger 500
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
Does the InSinkErator Badger 500 come with a power cord?
No. Most installations are direct-wired, so the cord is sold separately for setups that use an outlet.
How long does installation take?
Reviewers replacing an existing disposal report installs of roughly 10 to 15 minutes.
What motor does the Badger 500 use?
A 1/2 HP Dura-Drive induction motor in a galvanized steel housing.