I recently replaced my kitchen garbage disposal and decided to test InSinkErator Badger 5 and InSinkErator Evolution side by side. After using both for several weeks — grinding vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, small bones, and everything in between — I got a clear sense of their strengths and weaknesses. If you’re debating which disposal to install under your sink, here’s my hands-on report: what I found when cleaning, noise testing, grinding, installation, and long-term use.
Key Difference Between InSinkErator Badger 5 vs Evolution Garbage Disposal
The biggest difference between the Badger 5 and Evolution is that Evolution is a premium line with more features: quieter operation, multi-stage grinding, more robust build materials, and enhanced warranty support. Badger is more of a budget / entry line: reliable, simpler, and good for everyday use with lighter food waste. Evolution models offer better performance in jam resistance, smoother grinding, and less noise, but come at a higher cost.
- RELIABLE and EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable and functional choice when affordability is the prime...
- INSINKERATOR EVOLUTION .75HP 3/4 HP GARBAGE DISPOSAL: 12.25-inch T x 8.25-inch W disposal with EZ Connect Hardwire...
Comparison Table: InSinkErator Badger 5 vs Evolution Garbage Disposal
| Feature | InSinkErator Badger 5 | InSinkErator Evolution |
| Motor Power | ~ ½ HP Dura-Drive induction motor | Commonly ¾ HP in many Evolution units |
| Grinding Technology | 1-Stage grind | Multi-Stage MultiGrind® system |
| Noise Reduction | Standard noise / no advanced SoundSeal | SoundSeal® Quiet technology, quieter operation |
| Build Materials | Galvanized steel grind components | Stainless steel grind components, better materials |
| Jam Handling | Basic | Features like AutoReverse / MultiGrind help reduce jams |
| Warranty | Shorter / more basic warranty | Longer warranty, premium build |
| Best For | Light to moderate daily use | Heavy use, frequent large waste, quiet kitchens |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design & Build Quality
When I unboxed the Badger 5, it felt solid but simple. The shell is compact, functional. The grinding chamber uses galvanized steel components. After using it for a few days, I noticed a bit more vibration and some rattling noise, especially when grinding vegetable peelings or ice cubes. The build is sturdy but no frills.
The Evolution disposal, however, feels more premium. The external casing is more refined, and when I peek under the sink and saw the stainless steel grind components, I immediately knew I was using a more advanced unit. The materials feel more durable, and I felt more confident that it will hold up longer under strain.
- RELIABLE and EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable and functional choice when affordability is the prime...
Installation & Ease of Use
Installing both was fairly straightforward. Under my sink the Badger 5 fit easily, and mounting was quick. But when I installed the Evolution, I appreciated the quieter installation and the better components. If your sink cabinet is shallow, the Badger can be more compact, but the Evolution’s design still fit nicely.
When it comes to day-to-day use, both are continuous-feed disposals: you turn them on and feed scraps while running water. The Evolution’s smoother, quieter grinding makes it less noticeable when you’re rinsing dishes around the sink, which I appreciated in a busy kitchen.
- INSINKERATOR EVOLUTION .75HP 3/4 HP GARBAGE DISPOSAL: 12.25-inch T x 8.25-inch W disposal with EZ Connect Hardwire...
Grinding Performance & Everyday Use
Here’s where Evolution really stands out. I fed both units tough food waste: celery stalks, citrus peels, small chicken bones (within safe limits), and coffee grounds.
- The Badger 5 handled light to moderate waste without problem. But when I fed tougher, fibrous waste, it slowed, sometimes struggled, and occasionally needed to be reset.
- The Evolution, with its MultiGrind® stages, ground waste more finely and continuously. It handled fibrous waste more cleanly and more smoothly. You can feel the difference: the Evolution keeps going, grinding down waste more thoroughly, while the Badger sometimes hesitates under load.
If you cook often, especially with veggie scraps, citrus, or tougher waste, Evolution is noticeably better.
- RELIABLE and EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable and functional choice when affordability is the prime...
Noise & Vibration
One of the biggest practical differences I found was noise. The Badger 5 is serviceable, but loud. When it runs, you hear the grinding clearly. The Evolution, especially models with SoundSeal® technology, is substantially quieter. I could run cleanup while people stood nearby without the disposal being obtrusive.
For kitchens where the disposal is near living areas, or if you care about quiet operation, Evolution is worth the extra cost just for its reduced noise.
Maintenance & Durability
Over weeks of use, I noticed that the Badger’s galvanized steel began showing signs of wear faster. That’s expected given its price tier and materials. If you use cleaning routines (ice cubes + citrus peels) regularly, you can slow degradation, but it’s still there.
The Evolution’s stainless steel grind chamber holds up much better. Over time, it resists corrosion and performs more smoothly. For long-term reliability, Evolution seems to be the smarter choice.
- INSINKERATOR EVOLUTION .75HP 3/4 HP GARBAGE DISPOSAL: 12.25-inch T x 8.25-inch W disposal with EZ Connect Hardwire...
Cost & Value
Badger 5 is significantly cheaper. If you only occasionally use the disposal or have lighter waste, it’s a good value. But if you use the garbage disposal daily, feed it tough waste, or want something that lasts longer without replacing, the Evolution pays off.
InSinkErator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal & Food Waste Disposer
- RELIABLE and EASY INSTALL: Badger Series disposers are a reliable and functional choice when affordability is the prime...
Pros:
- Affordable
- Reliable for moderate use
- Compact design under sink
- Good value if you don’t need premium features
Cons:
- Louder operation
- Slower grinding, struggles under heavy load
- Less advanced materials
- Shorter lifespan under heavy use
InSinkErator EVOLUTION Food Waste Garbage Disposal
- INSINKERATOR EVOLUTION .75HP 3/4 HP GARBAGE DISPOSAL: 12.25-inch T x 8.25-inch W disposal with EZ Connect Hardwire...
Pros:
- Quieter grinding with SoundSeal
- Multi-stage grinding = better breakdown of waste
- More durable stainless steel components
- Better for heavy use, family households
- Longer-term reliability
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Bigger up-front investment
My Recommendation & Conclusion
If it were my kitchen, and I cooked frequently, fed a lot of scraps, and cared about quiet operation — I’d choose Evolution without hesitation. The smoother grind, better build, quieter performance make a real difference in daily life.
But if you just need something reliable for lighter waste, or budget is tight, Badger 5 is still a solid choice. For many households, it’s “good enough.”
For me, I installed the Badger 5 while waiting, but after a week of testing, I swapped in the Evolution. The difference was immediately noticeable: quieter, smoother, more confidence under load. If your budget allows, Evolution is the better long term buy.
