What is the Difference Between the Badger 5, Badger 5XP, & the Badger 500?

The Badger series of garbage disposal units earned notoriety for their incredibly efficient, economical and reliable service to kitchen sinks all over the country. The Badger 5 is one of the most popular disposal units created by its manufacturer, InSinkErator, which extended its lineup to include the Badger 5XP and the Badger 500.

But what's the difference between these models? We explore both the differences and similarities below. 

First, let's clear up confusion about the Badger 5 and Badger 500 models.

The Difference Between Badger 5 & Badger 500

So what's the difference between these two differently-named garbage disposal units?

Well, there isn't one.

They have:

• The same warranty (2 years)
• The same specification
• The same dimensions
• The same capabilities

The only real difference is very simple, the Badger 500 is a few bucks more expensive.

That raises the question then: Why did InSinkErator release another model of its popular Badger-series garbage disposal with a slightly modified name?

It all comes down to branding.

The Badger 500 is the HomeDepot exclusive version of the disposal unit. To get the Badger 5 (which is identical apart from those couple of extra zeros at the end of the name) you'll have to order it online. The convenience offered by the highstreet retailer is the reason why the Badger 500 cost a few dollars more than its online counterpart.

If you want a quick trick to potentially get the Badger 500 for the price of the Badger 5, here it is in three easy steps.

1. Head down to your local HomeDepot and let them know that you're looking for a Badger 5 garbage disposal unit. 
2. They will no doubt tell you that they only have the Badger 500 in stock. That's your queue to appear shocked (!) and ask them about the difference between these two units.
3. Once they explain that they're identical, ask them if they can match the price of the online version for a quick sale.

It's possible you'll succeed if your negotiation game is on-point. Otherwise, you can use this link to buy you Badger 5 here and it'll be with you via the post in no time.

Now that's out of the way, let's take a closer look at the Badger 5 and the Badger 5XP. 

The Difference Between Badger 5 & Badger 5XP?

The differences between the Badger 5 garbage disposal and the Badger 5 XP are more notable. But let's start with the similarities.

For starters, they have the same chamber size of 26 ounces and they'll fit into the same sized space in your sink. 

They're both designed to handle a continuous feed of garbage, more than capable of grinding down whatever's thrown into their chambers, both of which house the 1,725 RPM Dura-drive induction motor that makes this garbage disposal unit so popular and effective.

Both of these models are budget-friendly, are forged from galvanised steel and you'll even find the same set of accessories when you get them home and open up the box.

The first of the two notable differences between the Badger 5 and Badger 5XP is power. The Badger 5 will grind its way through your garbage with ½ a horsepower sitting in your sink. The Badger 5XP saw an upgrade in power of around 50%, with the garbage disposal unit now installing 3/4 of a horsepower in the same amount of space. That's a pretty sizeable increase in garbage disposal capability.

Naturally, with more horsepower behind it, the new and upgraded Badger 5XP model is more robust. You can throw pretty much anything at it (within reason) and it will make short work of the garbage. This brings us to the next notable difference which is the warranty. 

Whereas the Badger 5 gives you two years, the Badger 5XP provides a warranty that covers the hardware for three years. So that's a 50% increase in warranty to match that boost in horsepower.

There's also a price difference between the two units though it's typically negligible, depending on where you buy it.

Now let's answer some frequently asked questions.

Should I Buy the Badger 5XP Over the Badger 5?

This one comes down to your requirements. For example, if you live in a larger family home that tends to produce more food-based waste in the kitchen, it might be worth investing in the higher horsepower version.

However, if you live alone and you compost all of your food scraps, the garbage disposal unit probably won't see as much use and the Badger 5 will be just fine to save you from any unwanted blockages in your plumbing.

Of course, the price is always a consideration, so if you want to save yourself a few bucks then the Badger 5 is also cheaper, if not by much.

 Can I Replace My Badger 5 With the Badger 5XP?

 You can, and you can do it very easily. Because InSinkErator has done an excellent job in installing a more powerful motor inside the same sized casing, it'll be very easy to upgrade your current Badger 5 to the Badger 5XP model without additional modifications required.

Here's a table to see the differences at a glance.