InSinkErator vs Waste King: Which Disposal to Buy? (November 2026)

On this page (6 sections)

1. InSinkErator vs Waste King: which one should you buy?
2. How do these InSinkErator and Waste King models compare?
3. Does the mounting system matter when replacing a disposal?
4. Is 1/2 HP enough, or should you choose 3/4 HP?
5. Which disposal offers the longer warranty?
6. How should you choose between InSinkErator and Waste King?

Choose InSinkErator for the Badger 5’s compact design and fit with existing InSinkErator hardware; choose Waste King for EZ Mount, a preinstalled cord and a choice of 1/2 or 3/4 HP. In this InSinkErator vs Waste King comparison, the best choice depends on your current sink setup, available cabinet space and preferred motor size.

The InSinkErator Badger 5 is a corded 1/2 HP disposal with a compact design and galvanized steel grind components. Waste King’s L-1001 is also 1/2 HP, while the L-3200 steps up to 3/4 HP.

The mounting systems differ. The Badger 5 fits existing InSinkErator hardware, while both Waste King models use EZ Mount, so check what’s under your sink before choosing.

InSinkErator vs Waste King: which one should you buy?

Pick the Badger 5 if you want a compact 1/2 HP model designed for existing InSinkErator hardware; choose Waste King if EZ Mount or a higher horsepower option better suits your setup. A brand name alone won’t tell you whether the unit fits your sink.

The Badger 5 comes with a power cord and has a 3-year in-home service warranty. Waste King’s L-1001 and L-3200 also include preinstalled cords, with stated warranties of 5 years and 8 years, respectively.

Those warranty periods apply to these specific models, not every disposal from each brand. Compare the warranty terms for the exact model you’re considering.

How do these InSinkErator and Waste King models compare?

The Badger 5 and L-1001 both have 1/2 HP motors, while the L-3200 has 3/4 HP. Their mounting systems, grind components and warranty coverage also differ.

InSinkErator Badger 5 with Power Cord

The Badger 5 is the compact choice for a replacement using existing InSinkErator hardware. Its 1/2 HP Dura-Drive induction motor and galvanized steel components are specified for everyday food scraps.

The cord is included, and the unit measures 6.31 x 6.31 x 11.5 inches. That compact profile can help when space is tight, but measure your cabinet and compare the current mount before ordering.

InSinkErator includes a 3-year in-home service warranty. See our Badger 5 vs Badger 5XP comparison if you’re deciding whether to stay with this model or move to a different Badger.

Waste King L-3200

The L-3200 is the Waste King pick when you want 3/4 HP and EZ Mount. It has a 2,700 RPM permanent magnet motor, stainless steel grind components and sound insulation.

Its published dimensions are 7.75 x 7.75 x 13.62 inches, so check the cabinet space below the sink. The preinstalled power cord avoids separate cord installation, and the model has an 8-year limited warranty.

The L-3200 differs from the Badger 5 in motor size and mounting system. If you’re choosing a disposal by horsepower, our garbage disposal horsepower guide explains what to consider for your kitchen.

Waste King L-1001

The L-1001 gives you a Waste King 1/2 HP option with EZ Mount and a preinstalled cord. Its permanent magnet motor runs at 2,600 RPM, and it has stainless steel grind components.

This model measures 5.25 x 5.25 x 12.75 inches. Its 5-year limited in-home warranty is longer than the Badger 5’s stated coverage, but warranty terms and the mounting setup both matter when replacing a disposal.

Choose it when you want Waste King’s mount and cord setup without moving up to the L-3200’s 3/4 HP motor. Check the sink connection and installation instructions for the exact model before starting.

Does the mounting system matter when replacing a disposal?

Yes. Match the mounting system to your sink hardware, or plan for the connection work the new system requires.

The Badger 5 fits existing InSinkErator hardware, while the Waste King L-1001 and L-3200 use EZ Mount.

A replacement from the same brand may still require you to check the exact mount and connections. For a brand change, inspect the sink flange, mounting ring and drain connection before buying.

A corded model can simplify the power connection if your sink cabinet already has a suitable outlet. The Badger 5 and both Waste King models listed here include a power cord, but that alone doesn’t confirm that your outlet or wiring is suitable.

Use our garbage disposal replacement guide to plan the swap. For questions about the circuit or outlet, see whether a disposal needs its own circuit, and have an electrician assess uncertain wiring.

Is 1/2 HP enough, or should you choose 3/4 HP?

Choose between 1/2 and 3/4 HP based on the motor size you want and the model features that matter to you. The Badger 5 and L-1001 are both 1/2 HP; the L-3200 is 3/4 HP.

The L-3200 also lists a faster 2,700 RPM motor, compared with 2,600 RPM for the L-1001. Those figures describe the motor specifications, but they don’t establish how either unit will perform in your home.

If you’re comparing motor sizes across models, read our guide to what horsepower garbage disposal you need. It can help you narrow the motor size before you compare mounts and dimensions.

Which disposal offers the longer warranty?

The L-3200 has the longest stated warranty among these models at 8 years limited. The L-1001 has 5-year limited in-home coverage, and the Badger 5 has a 3-year in-home service warranty.

Warranty length is one part of the decision. Read the exact coverage terms and consider whether the mounting setup, motor size and cabinet fit work for you.

How should you choose between InSinkErator and Waste King?

Choose the model that matches your mount, cord needs, cabinet clearance and preferred horsepower. These checks give you a practical decision rule for the InSinkErator vs Waste King matchup.

Pick the InSinkErator Badger 5 if you’re replacing a unit on existing InSinkErator hardware and want a compact corded 1/2 HP model. Choose the Waste King L-1001 if you want 1/2 HP with EZ Mount, or the L-3200 if you want 3/4 HP and its longer stated warranty.

Before buying, measure the available space and identify the current sink mount. Then use our garbage disposal buying guide to review the other choices that can affect fit and setup.

Frequently asked questions

Is InSinkErator or Waste King better?

Neither brand is the better fit for every sink. The InSinkErator Badger 5 is compact and fits existing InSinkErator hardware, while the Waste King models here use EZ Mount and include preinstalled power cords.

Compare your current mount, available cabinet space and the horsepower you want.

Does the Waste King L-3200 have more power than the Badger 5?

Yes. The Waste King L-3200 has a 3/4 HP motor, while the InSinkErator Badger 5 has a 1/2 HP motor.

That difference may matter if you want the higher horsepower model, but also check dimensions and compatibility before choosing.

Can I replace an InSinkErator with a Waste King?

A brand change may involve a different mounting setup: the Badger 5 fits existing InSinkErator hardware, while the Waste King models use EZ Mount. Check the sink flange, mounting parts, discharge connection and cabinet clearance for the exact units before you begin.

Which garbage disposal is easier to install?

The easier choice depends on the hardware and power connection under your sink. The Badger 5 is designed to fit existing InSinkErator hardware; both Waste King models have EZ Mount and a preinstalled power cord.

Follow the exact model's instructions, and get qualified help if electrical work is needed.

Which brand has the longer warranty?

Among these 3 models, the Waste King L-3200 has the longest stated coverage at 8 years limited, followed by the L-1001 at 5 years limited in-home. The Badger 5 has a 3-year in-home service warranty.

Read each model's warranty terms before buying.