The FoodCycler FC-50 is a compact food recycler that reduces food waste and eliminates food scrap odors, making it ideal for indoor use. The new carbon filter lid reduces odors, so you can store your scraps until the bucket is full without worrying about offensive smells. And quieter cycles mean you can run it multiple times a day, year round.
A: 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.
Q: What foods can you put in the compost container ?
A: 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.
Q: What are the measurements and weight?
A: 11"(W) x 14.2"(H )x 12.6"(D)
A: 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.
Q: Does the resulting compost attract rodents or raccoons when put outside?
A: 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.
Q: Is the container dishwasher safe? Thank you.
A: Yes, the bucket may be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Q: How many filters does this come with?
A: It does not come with replacement filters, just the two you need to start using the composter.
Q: How often do you need to replace the filter and how much do they cost?
A: 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.