We've had this nice little appliance for 6 weeks and can now, confidently, say that it's well worth it. I got it on sale for $299 which made it much more attractive than the more expensive "other brand". I also prefer the cubic shape because it slides into spaces nicely.
The inner bucket is 2L. I worried that it would be too small but I think that I like that because I really wouldn't want moist, organic waste sitting around very long. That said, there are days when I do have to run it twice. Outside of those days, every other day is the norm. Extra bucket, would be nice but not for $100. I just use a bowl until I can get the bucket back.
Suitable foods - we put veg and fruit scraps, rice, breads, egg shells. The odd bit of cheese ends up in there too. I will rough chop banana peels and avocado seeds. Fibrous things tend to get stuck between the paddles and inner bucket wall. Onion peels do not seem to break down so I will use scissors to cut them up going forward.
It is a fairly long cycle, so we try to keep to off peak hours or weekends.
With regards to smell, there can be a bit of an earthy/funky smell but it's not smelly like bad food. If the weather is not bad, I will put it out in the gazebo. On bad weather days, I put it on top of the stove with the rangehood fan on.
It is easy to use - fill the bucket, line up the arrow on the bucket with the arrow on the unit, tuck the handle down, put the lid on, lock it and press the button.
Output - after 6 weeks, we have about 3L of output and our green bin is about 1/3 full by garbage day which comes around every week. It's mostly cat litter and meat bones.
| Item volume | 2 Liters |
|---|---|
| Is microwaveable | No |
| Manufacturer | Vitamix |
| UPC | 744392861039 703113680519 |
| Assembly Required | No |
| Number of Pieces | 8 |
| Type of Guarantee | 3 Year Limited |
| Batteries Required | No |
| Included components | FoodCycler FC-50m, Bucket w/ Processing Lid, Collection Lid, 2 x Carbon Filters, 2 x Filter Caps |
