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InSinkerator Badger 5 1/2 HP vs InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal Side-by-Side Comparison

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InSinkerator Badger 5

$115 from Amazon

InSinkErator Evolution Compact

Check Price on Amazon
InSinkerator Badger 5 1/2 HP vs InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Garbage Disposal

Overall Verdict

As a small kitchen garbage disposal, the InSinkErator Badger 5 1/2 HP cannot compete with the likes of the InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP. The Evolution Garbage Disposal series is a premium product line that caters to your peace of mind, differing from the Badger series which focuses on basic experience. The InSinkErator Evolution Compact will cost you a bigger sum but give in return smoother service compared to the Badger 5.

The Badger 5 is a very old model and runs on somewhat outdated principles. The slow-speed 1/2 induction motor, while effective to a certain extent, is prone to jamming. Without a strong grinding assembly that can break things down fast, the disposal is losing in terms of grinding abilities to cheaper models, according to our data. The Badger 5’s durable construction somewhat keeps it in the conversation, but build quality alone is not enough.

The Evolution Compact, as a high-tier model, does everything better and quieter in comparison. Its grinding assembly is augmented for more frequent collision and breakage in the grinding chamber while also running on a low-speed induction motor. As a result, the disposal easily outperforms the models in the Badger series, despite their power ratings. Additionally, it benefits from InSinkErator’s quality control.

The Evolution Compact 3/4 HP costs $50 more than the Badger 5 1/2 HP does, and neither of them is fit to deal with uncooked scrapped bones. Still, in today’s growing market, it’s impressive that the Evolution Compact holds up as it does and it’s no doubt one of the best 3/4-hp garbage disposals we’ve tested.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • High capacity
  • Compact design
  • Affordable
  • External unjam mechanics
  • Noise cancelation
  • Vibration damping
  • High-torque motor
  • Strengthened chamber layout
  • High capacity
  • Stainless steel grinding components
  • Mediocre performance
  • Heavy build
  • Non-removable splash guard
  • Loud operation
  • Heavy
  • Space-consuming
  • No power cord

Key Specs

Type of feed
Continuous
Continuous
Horsepower
1/2
3/4
Motor type
Induction
Induction
Averaged RPM
1480
1482
Family size
1-2 people
3-4 people
Dimensions
L4.8 x W6.3 x H11.5 inches
L6.1 x W8.6 x 12.4 inches

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$108
$203.01
$115 at Amazon
Check Price on Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
1.6
6.9

Scrap Mix

3.2
6.9
InSinkerator Badger 5 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal Scrap Mix Test
13.31 ounces of fish pin bones in mess of assorted scraps from garbage disposal on digital scale on granite-looking top.
21.24 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal on digital scale on granite-looking table.
0.58-ounce piece of lemon peel from garbage disposal on digital scale on granite-looking table
InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Scrap Mix Test
11.03 ounces of fish pin bones in mess of assorted scraps from garbage disposal on digital scale on granite-looking top
20.52 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of assorted scraps, including fibers, bones, etc.
0.06 ounces of ground products from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Shredded fish vertebrae and pieces of dietary fiber.
Input Load
90.0 oz (2551 g)
90.0 oz (2551 g)
Time
4 min
1 min 49 sec
Layer 1
13.3 oz (377 g)
11.0 oz (313 g)
Layer 2
21.2 oz (602 g)
20.5 oz (582 g)
Leftovers
0.6 oz (16 g)
0.1 oz (2 g)

Raw Fish Scraps

0.0
7.3
InSinkerator Badger 5 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal Raw Fish Scraps Test
4.77 ounces of visible pin bones in a mass of raw meat and skin from fish scraps on digital scale on granite-looking top.
2.55 ounces of visible pin bones in a mass of raw meat and skin from fish scraps on digital scale on granite-looking top.
8.56 ounces of broken fish vertebrae and shredded fish skin on digital scale on granite-looking top.
InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Raw Fish Scraps Test
5.56 ounces of ground fish scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Few pin bones among a mess of raw fibrous tissue.
3.53 ounces of ground fish scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of assorted shredded bones and raw fibrous tissue.
2.02 ounces of ground fish scraps from a garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded fish backbone and skin.
Input Load
49.4 oz (1400 g)
49.4 oz (1400 g)
Time
3 min
3 min
Layer 1
4.8 oz (135 g)
5.6 oz (158 g)
Layer 2
2.5 oz (72 g)
3.5 oz (100 g)
Leftovers
8.6 oz (243 g)
2.0 oz (57 g)

Raw Chicken Scraps

0.0
6.6
InSinkerator Badger 5 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal Raw Chicken Scraps Test
1.07 ounces of crushed chicken bone, shredded tendon, and fatty tissue on digital scale on granite-looking top.
1.09 ounces of crushed chicken bone and cartilage, and shredded tendon and meat on digital scale on granite-looking top.
1.92 ounces of shredded fatty tissue and broken cartilage from chicken scraps on digital scale on granite-looking top.
InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Raw Chicken Scraps Test
1.45 ounces of ground chicken scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded soft tissue and few pieces of shredded bones.
1.63 ounces of ground chicken scraps from garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of shredded tendons and pieces of shredded bones.
0.37 ounces of ground chicken scraps from a garbage disposal, displayed on digital scale, placed on granite-looking table. Mess of soft tissue and pieces of shredded cartilage.
Input Load
7.4 oz (210 g)
7.4 oz (210 g)
Time
3 min
2 min 30 sec
Layer 1
1.1 oz (30 g)
1.4 oz (41 g)
Layer 2
1.1 oz (31 g)
1.6 oz (46 g)
Leftovers
1.9 oz (54 g)
0.4 oz (10 g)

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.5
8.9

In the Box

Badger 5 with 3-Bolt Mount, box, register slip, user manual, stopper, elbow tube, rubber gasket, flange, bolts, and wrench.
InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP with 3-Bolt Mount assembly on top, next to its box, user manual, registration slip, sink stopper, hose clamp, elbow tube, straight tube, wrench, and bolts.

Dimensions

Badger 5 with mount assembly and elbow tube. Showing 6.3-inch width, 11.5-inch height, 3.5-inch depth to dishwasher outlet, 6.7-inch depth to outlet, 4.8-inch distance to elbow tube.
InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4-hp food disposer with mount assembly and elbow tube. Dimensions show 8.6-inch width, 12.4-inch height, 3.4-inch depth to dishwasher outlet, 6.6-inch depth to outlet, 6.1-inch distance to elbow tube.
Length
4.8" (12.2 cm)
6.1" (15.5 cm)
Width
6.3" (16.0 cm)
8.6" (21.8 cm)
Height
11.5" (29.2 cm)
12.4" (31.5 cm)
Weight
12.1 lbs (5.5 kg)
16.0 lbs (7.3 kg)

Mount Assembly

InSinkerator Badger 5 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal Mount Assembly3-Bolt Mount assembly for garbage disposals with “insinkerator” engravings placed on white platform with stopper in position.
InSinkerator Badger 5 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal Mount Assembly3-Bolt Mount assembly for garbage disposals with “insinkerator” engravings placed on white platform with stopper in position.
Backup flange, mounting ring, snap ring, fiber gasket, cushion mount, sink flange, stopper, lower mounting ring.
3-Bolt Mount assembly for garbage disposals placed on white platform. “food waste disposer” and “InSinkErator” engraving on rim of sink flange. Sink stopper in position.
3-Bolt Mount assembly for garbage disposals placed on white platform. “food waste disposer” and “InSinkErator” engraving on rim of sink flange. Sink stopper in position.
Parts of 3-Bolts Mount assembly on platform, including backup flange, mounting ring, snap ring, fiber gasket, stopper, cushion mount, sink flange with “food waste disposer” and “InSinkErator” engravings, removable sink baffle, lower mounting ring.

Grind Chamber

6.5
8.5
InSinkerator Badger 5 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal Grind ChamberTop view of grinding components in InSinkErator Badger 5 looking at layout of flywheel and impellers.
InSinkerator Badger 5 1/2-HP Garbage Disposal Grind ChamberTop view of grinding components in InSinkErator Badger 5 looking at layout of flywheel and impellers.
Precutter/grater ring in InSinkErator Badger 5 showing layout of cutters and grinding teeth.
Grinding components in InSinkErator Badger 5 showing design of flywheel and impeller(s).
Top view through collar of InSinkErator Compact 3/4-hp garbage disposal into chamber after testing. Looking at layout of grinding components, showing swivel impellers, flywheel, and grater/grinder ring.
Top view through collar of InSinkErator Compact 3/4-hp garbage disposal into chamber after testing. Looking at layout of grinding components, showing swivel impellers, flywheel, and grater/grinder ring.
Inside view of Evolution Compact 3/4-hp garbage disposal, highlighting design of GrindShear grater ring by InSinkErator, partially showing details of flywheel.
Inside view of InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4-hp garbage disposal after testing, highlighting design of impellers, partially showing details of flywheel and grater/grinder ring.
Capacity
32.0 fl oz (946.4 ml)
32.0 fl oz (946.4 ml)
Verticality
4.5" (11.4 cm)
5.4" (13.7 cm)
Flywheel
5.3" (13.3 cm)
5.3" (13.3 cm)
Assembly Material
Galvanized steel
Stainless steel
Layout
Basic
Strengthened

Motor

7.0
8.0
Horsepower
1/2
3/4
Speed
1725 RPM
1725 RPM
Real Speed
1480 RPM
1482 RPM
Voltage
120 V
120 V (60 Hz)
Current
6.3
8.1 A
Wattage
756
972 W
Heat
N/a
N/A
Reverse
No
No

Power Cord

Bottom view of InSinkErator Badger 5 1/2 HP garbage disposal without power cord.
Bottom view of InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4-hp with two pre-cut electrical wires and no power cord. (Unscrewed) cover plate and screw to the sides.
Length
NaN" (NaN cm)
NaN" (NaN cm)
Type
n/a
 n/a

Accessories

Standard outlet/discharge set for garbage disposals on white top, showing elbow pipe, rubber gasket, flange, and bolts.
Hose clamp and elbow discharge/outlet tube for garbage disposals displayed on granite-looking top.
Width
3.3" (8.3 cm)
3.3" (8.3 cm)
Length
5.3" (13.3 cm)
5.3" (13.3 cm)
Material
PVC
PVC

Build Quality

8.5
10
InSinkErator Badger 5 1/2 HP Garbage Disposal, with 3-Bolt Mount assembly on top and outlet/discharge set in place.
InSinkErator Evolution Compact 3/4 HP Continuous Feed Garbage Disposal, with 3-Bolt Mount assembly on top and outlet/discharge set installed.
Noise Reduction
No
Yes
Vibration Reduction
No
Yes

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
7.6
8.2

Ease of Use

8.0
9.0

Installation

8.0
6.0

Smooth Operation

7.0
10

Unjam Mechanics

5.0
5.0
Bottom view of Badger 5 1/2-hp garbage disposal showing jam buster wrench in manual unjam slot.
Bottom view of InSinkErator Evolution Compact disposal, showing jam buster wrench in manual unjam slot.
External
Yes
Yes
Auto Unjam
No
No