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Electric indoor composters or food recyclers take it a step further.
The Spruce
The Reencle Home Composter is a true composter, not just a collection bin for food scraps.
you might add up to 2.2 pounds of food scraps per day, although 1.5 pounds is optimal.
Once the scraps are added, the composter automatically begins to stir the contents.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Even while the paddles were turning, we didnt notice any noise; this machine is very quiet.
There are two ways to add scraps.
We found it very moist and rich, with an earthy smell that wasnt unpleasant.
The Reencle Home Composter comes with a compost starter to help break down food scraps quicker.PHOTO: The Spruce
Only a bit of the melon rinds werent decomposed.
We added it to our plants after eight weeks of testing.
Theres also a Dry function if the contents become too wet.
We found while testing at home that this composter is ideal for people who cook often.
Consider the ease of cleaning and whether it fits well in your kitchen space.
In this mode, the Lomi Bloom takes roughly a day to finish cycling.
The resulting compost is best added to your green waste bin.
We love that theres a small window, which makes it easy to watch the composting process.
Its best for kitchens with plenty of counter space.
Plus, we never noted any foul odors.
And its easy to clean the Lomi Bloom between composting sessions.
you could wash the inner bucket by hand or put it into the dishwasher.
We’ve only noticed fruit flies when we accidentally left the full bin partially uncovered for a few days.
Otherwise, the lid fits tightly, but we still found it easy to remove when adding scraps.
Even after we forgot to empty it, it still came out clean and looked good.
The bin comes with an extra filter, so youll have a replacement on hand.
The filter should be replaced every two months or so.
The sleekly contemporary bin holds up to 1.3 gallons of scraps.
Despite the considerable amounts of onions and garlic, the charcoal filter in the lid kept the bin odor-free.
We didnt notice any smell until we opened it, and even then, it wasnt too bad.
Nor did we have any problems with pests such as ants, roaches, orfruit flies.
We emptied the countertop bin into our outdoor composter every few days.
Each time we dumped the contents, we hosed the bin out and let it dry in the sun.
Once every few weeks, we washed it in the sink with warm, soapy water.
Just keep in mind that it is not dishwasher-safe.
This attractive and effective bin holds up to 1 gallon of scraps.
During the testing process, we noted any unpleasant odors, insects or other pests, or leaks.
We then loaded the composters with various food scraps, following the manufacturers guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable foods.
During this time, we noted whether the machine was particularly loud.
We measured the amount of compost created, as well.
Unlike others we tested, the Lomi 2 Kitchen Countertop Food Recycler has a viewing window so you can see the contents.PHOTO: The Spruce
We continued testing each composter at home for six months or more, and reported back on our findings.
They regulate the temperature inside the collection basket, and many also regulate the moisture level.
Some have multiple modes depending on the types of materials you want to compost.
The bucket in the Lomi 2 Kitchen Countertop Food Recycler was easy to remove to empty or clean.PHOTO: The Spruce
Countertop compost bins dont require electricity and dont stir or mix the food scraps.
They are relatively inexpensive options that help reduce odors while storing food waste until it can be disposed of.
They dont take up much counter space, and many are quite attractive.
Otherwise, you risk the growth of mold, ugly stains, and potential leaks of fluids.
Typically, electric food composters are made of plastic.
Some have inner baskets that can be cleaned in the dishwasher, while others must be washed by hand.
you’ve got the option to wipe down the exterior of these composters with a damp rag.
Countertop compost bins are available in several different materials.
All of these options can be safely hand-washed with warm, soapy water.
Some are also dishwasher safe, but always follow the manufacturers guidelines for suitable cleaning methods.
TheLomi 2 Food Recyclerhas two for the utmost in odor control.
These filters are very effective at cutting down on odors.
A tight-fitting lid is another must.
Cherniak adds that lining the bin with a compostable paper bag is another easy way to eliminate bad smells.
What you put into the bin can also affect the smell.
Aim for a 3:1 ratio of brown to green materials.
And it’s essential to empty the bin regularly to prevent any buildup, says Adnan.
Luckily, many options, electric and bin, are fairly or even very attractive.
Electric composters are usually fairly streamlined, so while they might take up space, they arent too obtrusive.
Our Experts:
Composting at Home, EPA.Gov.
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Bamboozle Compost Bin has a small capacity and is easy to fill at the top.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
During testing, we filled the Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin with a variety of food scraps.PHOTO: The Spruce
We tested four different countertop composters in addition to several compost bins.The Spruce
The Spruce
The Spruce
The Lomi 2 Kitchen Countertop Food Recycler has two filters to help reduce odors.The Spruce
