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Name: Vitamix - 84.5-Oz FoodCycler Indoor Food Recycler & Kitchen Compost Container - Gray
Brand: Vitamix
SKU: 6407604
Price: 349.99 USD
Rating: 4.6 (167 reviews)

Vitamix - 84.5-Oz FoodCycler Indoor Food Recycler & Kitchen Compost Container - Gray

Model:: FC-30; |
SKU:: 6407604

User rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars with 167 reviews.

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QuestionHow much electricity does this use to create each batch of compost? What amount in volume or weight is in each finished batch?What materials are filters made of and how are they disposed of? After how many batches are filters replaced?
Asked 5 years ago by MainstreamGreen.
- Answer How much electricity does this use to create each batch of compost? The max draw on the Food Cycler is 500W, but this won't last for more than a few minutes. Each cycle consumes about the same amount of energy as a desktop computer or about an hourly average of 0.8 kWh. The FoodCycler has built-in sensory technology that monitors the dryness and humidity of the food waste. Once complete, the unit will end its cycle automatically. What amount in volume or weight is in each finished batch? Depending on the food waste being recycled you can expect a 70-90% reduction in overall volume What materials are filters made of and how are they disposed of? The filters are 85% carbon, 5% water and 10% Carboxymethyl Cellulose. As of not the units cannot be recycled but we are working on exciting innovations for the future. After how many batches are filters replaced? With daily usage, one can expect to see the filter light come on after 2-3 months. However, one only needs to replace the filters if odors from the unit are noticeable and off-putting.
  Answered 5 years ago by SteveS
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QuestionWhat foods can you put in the compost container ?
Asked 5 years ago by Mary.
- Answer Peelings coffee grounds and filters chicken bones, etc. they don't recommend onion peels if you are putting the compost in your garden because it might attract bugs. But if you are not going to keep the compost and your goal is just to reduce food waste in your trash then onions are okay.
  Answered 5 years ago by greeneyez0803
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QuestionWhat are the measurements and weight?
Asked 5 years ago by lissa.
- Answer 11"(W) x 14.2"(H )x 12.6"(D)
  Answered 5 years ago by Betsyvee
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QuestionHello, I’ve just replaced my carbon filters on my vitamix food Cycler. What do I do with the old ones? Can I bring them to the dump or can I use them for something else?
Asked 3 years ago by Catwoman.
- Answer We wash them out and let them dry. We have two sets, while one set is drying, we can use the other one. Has worked great.
  Answered 3 years ago by Anonymous
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QuestionDoes the resulting compost attract rodents or raccoons when put outside?
Asked 4 years ago by Don.
- Answer No. The "compost" is really a fertilizer and it is dry and fine enough that there is nothing left that could be a tasty morsel for the little critters. In my case, I use it by mixing it in with existing soil to dilute it. I call it a fertilizer because the food scraps are cooked and ground down to almost a powder with no microbes left in it (minimizes the smell, too), so by adding it to the soil it is essentially a fertilizer.
  Answered 4 years ago by ChrisKG
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QuestionIs the container dishwasher safe? Thank you.
Asked 5 years ago by Iuliana.
- Answer Yes, the bucket may be cleaned in the dishwasher.
  Answered 5 years ago by soxfansince63
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QuestionHow many filters does this come with?
Asked 5 years ago by Anonymous.
- Answer It does not come with replacement filters, just the two you need to start using the composter.
  Answered 5 years ago by soxfansince63
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QuestionHow often do you need to replace the filter and how much do they cost?
Asked 5 years ago by Daniela.
- Answer If the FoodCycler is used regularly, the filters will need to be replaced every 3-4 months (500 cycle hours.) Replacement filters are $24.95.
  Answered 5 years ago by Vitamix Team
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QuestionDo I really need to use the filters? It just seems like so much waste. Thanks.
Asked 3 years ago by ComposterShopper.
- Answer My understanding about the filter's is that they are to control aroma, so if the aroma becomes "off putting" then you should replace the filters. the machine will operate fine either way.
  Answered 3 years ago by Beverly
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Questioncan you put the processed food compost from the food cycler into the worm bin
Asked 3 years ago by Ebu.
- Answer I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but we just recently started a vermicomposting bin (composting with worms). The dehydrated food waste that comes out of this machine is a great food for the worms when added along with dried leaves, torn up paper, or some other brown material. You'll probably want to add water to it so it's moist when you add it, though.
  Answered 3 years ago by anonymous
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QuestionCan you put in meat waste/scale or just chicken bones & veggie fruit waste?
Asked 3 years ago by JudyU.
- Answer The machine can handle meat scraps. Large bones may be a problem because the machine may not be strong enough to grind them up. Small bones are OK. That said, it is advised not to put animal scraps into the machine if you intend to use it in compost for your plants, because it may end up attracting pests or undesirable bacteria.
  Answered 3 years ago by anonymous
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QuestionThe lid has stuck and I cannot open it
Asked 3 years ago by Joyce.
- Answer I noticed that my lid was sticky too. At first I thought the machine had a locking mechanism on it. But I found that it just tends to be stiffer to operate when the machine heats up. That's not terrible because it can burn you if you open it when it's hot. If it still sticks when the machine is cool, you might have some food particles in the seal. Try wiping out that part of the machine and washing the lid.
  Answered 3 years ago by anonymous
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QuestionWe bought this last year and recently, it has been sticking. Can you put in tea bags and coffee grinds? I saw a video about this and she put in almost everything but bones. Thanks!
Asked 4 years ago by Captain.
- Answer Yes, it is able to process coffee grounds and tea bags. You can try adding these to the middle of the bucket to see if this helps the issue.
  Answered 4 years ago by Vitamix Team
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QuestionAll of the information and comments provided relate to waste reduction. I don't see any information regarding the quality of the compost. Is the nutrient and microbial content of the compost the same as compost made using traditional composting methods?
Asked 5 years ago by veggie.
- Answer Hi, given that the FC50 heats, dries, and grinds food scraps in such a short period of time I think you can be certain that it has no microbial content in it. In this respect, it is a nutrient fertilizer and not a true "compost". They expected this question because Vitamix also sells FoodCycler® Foodilizer Tablets which does add microbes. I have been mixing it in with my yard compost to give more nutrients (and no need to add microbes) which will hopefully produce a richer soil.
  Answered 4 years ago by ChrisKG
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QuestionCan paper towels be put in the container?
Asked 3 years ago by JR.
- Answer Hi! We have found that customer who occasionally add an entire teabag or coffee and filter into the FC50 will not impact it. But adding in paper napkins and towels is not recommended.
  Answered 2 years ago by Vitamix Team
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QuestionHow long does it take for a bucket of waste to compost?
Asked 3 years ago by Tybeegirl48.
- Answer A standard full bucket averages 6-8 hours to process.
  Answered 3 years ago by DaveH
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QuestionWhat exactly is happening to the food when you press the button?
Asked 3 years ago by MLM9.
- Answer It heats up / dry the left overs and then grinds them up. After that it lets them cool off and then you can remove it from the machine. Works very well.
  Answered 3 years ago by Roger
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QuestionProblems with fruit flies?
Asked 4 years ago by tripper.
- Answer Not for us, after about a month of use. The container is small enough to fill in one day (twice, sometimes) so we don't have food waste in the bucket for very long. The cover for the bin rests on top with a good seal and a built-in filter that contains odor even if it's on a countertop in the kitchen. So it's either covered or it's processing. Keeping it covered is key. Once it is run through the machine, the result goes outside the house. We do get fruit flies sometimes, usually around ripening bananas or un-rinsed wine glasses so we're not immune. They just haven't been seen around the FC to this point.
  Answered 4 years ago by ilDue
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QuestionI’m confused I bought the Vitamix FoodCycler® FC-50 for xmand like it so far. Now I have already gone theough a new pair of filters, and a month later it is asking me to change them again. It seems that if I do notbchange them the machine does notnwork?
Asked 1 year ago by Luz.
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QuestionMy vitamin composter is beeping. It seems to be working fine but the beeping continues if I unplug and replug. I can’t find any reference to this in the troubleshooting or manual. Thank you.
Asked 2 years ago by JB.
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Showing 1-20 of 38 questions

Questions & Answers

Vitamix - 84.5-Oz FoodCycler Indoor Food Recycler & Kitchen Compost Container - Gray

Q: QuestionHow much electricity does this use to create each batch of compost? What amount in volume or weight is in each finished batch?What materials are filters made of and how are they disposed of? After how many batches are filters replaced?

Q: QuestionWhat foods can you put in the compost container ?

Q: QuestionWhat are the measurements and weight?

Q: QuestionHello, I’ve just replaced my carbon filters on my vitamix food Cycler. What do I do with the old ones? Can I bring them to the dump or can I use them for something else?

Q: QuestionDoes the resulting compost attract rodents or raccoons when put outside?

Q: QuestionIs the container dishwasher safe? Thank you.

Q: QuestionHow many filters does this come with?

Q: QuestionHow often do you need to replace the filter and how much do they cost?

Q: QuestionDo I really need to use the filters? It just seems like so much waste. Thanks.

Q: Questioncan you put the processed food compost from the food cycler into the worm bin

Q: QuestionCan you put in meat waste/scale or just chicken bones & veggie fruit waste?

Q: QuestionThe lid has stuck and I cannot open it

Q: QuestionWe bought this last year and recently, it has been sticking. Can you put in tea bags and coffee grinds? I saw a video about this and she put in almost everything but bones. Thanks!

Q: QuestionAll of the information and comments provided relate to waste reduction. I don't see any information regarding the quality of the compost. Is the nutrient and microbial content of the compost the same as compost made using traditional composting methods?

Q: QuestionCan paper towels be put in the container?

Q: QuestionHow long does it take for a bucket of waste to compost?

Q: QuestionWhat exactly is happening to the food when you press the button?

Q: QuestionProblems with fruit flies?

Q: QuestionI’m confused I bought the Vitamix FoodCycler® FC-50 for xmand like it so far. Now I have already gone theough a new pair of filters, and a month later it is asking me to change them again. It seems that if I do notbchange them the machine does notnwork?

Q: QuestionMy vitamin composter is beeping. It seems to be working fine but the beeping continues if I unplug and replug. I can’t find any reference to this in the troubleshooting or manual. Thank you.

QuestionHow much electricity does this use to create each batch of compost? What amount in volume or weight is in each finished batch?What materials are filters made of and how are they disposed of? After how many batches are filters replaced?

QuestionWhat foods can you put in the compost container ?

QuestionWhat are the measurements and weight?

QuestionHello, I’ve just replaced my carbon filters on my vitamix food Cycler. What do I do with the old ones? Can I bring them to the dump or can I use them for something else?

QuestionDoes the resulting compost attract rodents or raccoons when put outside?

QuestionIs the container dishwasher safe? Thank you.

QuestionHow many filters does this come with?

QuestionHow often do you need to replace the filter and how much do they cost?

QuestionDo I really need to use the filters? It just seems like so much waste. Thanks.

Questioncan you put the processed food compost from the food cycler into the worm bin

QuestionCan you put in meat waste/scale or just chicken bones & veggie fruit waste?

QuestionThe lid has stuck and I cannot open it

QuestionWe bought this last year and recently, it has been sticking. Can you put in tea bags and coffee grinds? I saw a video about this and she put in almost everything but bones. Thanks!

QuestionAll of the information and comments provided relate to waste reduction. I don't see any information regarding the quality of the compost. Is the nutrient and microbial content of the compost the same as compost made using traditional composting methods?

QuestionCan paper towels be put in the container?

QuestionHow long does it take for a bucket of waste to compost?

QuestionWhat exactly is happening to the food when you press the button?

QuestionProblems with fruit flies?

QuestionI’m confused I bought the Vitamix FoodCycler® FC-50 for xmand like it so far. Now I have already gone theough a new pair of filters, and a month later it is asking me to change them again. It seems that if I do notbchange them the machine does notnwork?

QuestionMy vitamin composter is beeping. It seems to be working fine but the beeping continues if I unplug and replug. I can’t find any reference to this in the troubleshooting or manual. Thank you.