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Best Food Waste Composters of 2025

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 24th, 2024

Last Updated: March 9th, 2024

♻️Cutting down on your environmental impact can start right in your kitchen, and composting your food waste is a brilliant way to do that. The right composter can turn your food scraps into rich, nutritious compost without much fuss.

We've done the legwork, sifting through expert reviews and user feedback, to find the best food waste composters out there in 2024. Whether you're looking for the absolute best, something budget-friendly, or a composter that suits specific needs, we're here to help.

Let's have a look at our top picks and find the perfect composter for your home.

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Overall Best: Reencle Gravity

Electric Composter - 14L Kitchen Composter, Decomposes Up to 2.2 lbs Food Waste Daily, Odorless Indoor Composting with Whisper-Quiet Technology & Rapid Decomposition (Silver) Iron Silver

The Reencle Gravity takes the top spot for its innovative use of patented microbes that rapidly transform food waste into nutrient-dense compost within just 24 hours. Featuring a digital countdown timer, it alerts you when compost is ready and how much space remains for additional waste. This model operates odor-free, making it perfect for indoor use without any unpleasantries. Its speedy and efficient composting process is ideal for anyone looking to minimize their food waste quickly and responsibly. According to our research, users appreciate its minimalist design and ease of use, making it a standout choice for any household.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$499.00 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50

Food Cycler FC-50-SP Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50, 2 L, Slate

The Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 earns its runner-up status with its impressive waste reduction capabilities. Capable of handling various food items including fruit cores, peels, dairy, and small bones, this compact unit fits comfortably on most countertops and works quietly, ensuring it remains unobtrusive. It features a carbon filter lid to keep odors at bay while efficiently transforming waste into mulch-like compost in just a few hours. Although it lacks the ability to process bioplastics, its overall efficiency and user-friendly design make it a solid contender in the food composter market.

Lowest at Amazon

$298.70 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$99.75 at ecrater-USA

More Answers

Still curious about the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What types of food waste can the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 process?

The Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 is pretty handy when it comes to dealing with food waste. Our research shows that it can process a variety of stuff, like vegetable scraps, fruit peels, eggshells, and even small bones. So, you don't need to stress too much about what kinds of scraps you're tossing in – it's pretty flexible with what's allowed. As for how it works, it dehydrates and grinds the scraps over about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the load. This process leaves you with a barely-there odor, soil-like material that's great for your garden. The company's description mentions that it's compact and energy-efficient, which seems to check out from what we've seen. It's not a space hog, either, which is nice if you're tight on kitchen real estate. In a nutshell, if you're keen on turning kitchen waste into garden gold, the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 is worth considering. Its ability to handle a mix of waste types makes it really practical for anyone trying to cut down on what ends up in the trash.

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How noisy is the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 when operating?

The Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 is relatively quiet when it’s running. Many people mention that it sounds a bit like a low-setting fan, which shouldn’t disrupt your daily routine too much. The manufacturer also highlights its quiet operation as a key feature, perfect for kitchen use. While it's not completely noise-free, most folks find the sound level to be unobtrusive. So, if you're in the habit of running appliances in the background, this could fit right in. Besides keeping the noise down, the model comes with a carbon filter lid to tackle odors, helping your kitchen stay fresh. Keep in mind that the composting cycle can take 4 to 8 hours, and depending on what you’re processing—like fruit peels or small bones—some stuff might need extra cycles or a bit of prep work, like chopping them smaller. Many people appreciate this quietness, but it's worth noting that fibrous or moist scraps, like celery or citrus peels, might need a little extra help. Chopping them finer or running them through additional cycles usually does the trick. As for energy use, it's pretty efficient, which is good news if you're aiming to keep your energy footprint low. So, if you're in a city or have limited outdoor space, this composter offers a handy way to manage waste without the noise or hassle of larger systems. All in all, if you’re thinking about the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50, it’s a solid choice for tackling kitchen scraps quietly and efficiently. You might need a bit of patience to get the knack for some tougher materials, but it’s generally a smooth operator.

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How long does a cycle take in the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50?

The cycle time for the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 usually falls between 4 to 8 hours. This depends on the kind of food scraps you're processing and how moist they are. Just a note: it's best to chop up fibrous foods like corn husks or celery into smaller pieces. Our research indicates that this can prevent jams and make cleaning easier. Similarly, sticky residues from high-sugar or starchy foods—like banana and potato peels—can pose some cleaning challenges unless you break them down first. The output isn't traditional compost but rather a dried, mulch-like substance. It can work in gardens, but if you want something more soil-like, a bit more composting might be needed. Also, the appliance uses a fair amount of electricity, so you'll want to weigh the convenience and indoor composting benefits against that. In short, the FoodCycler is a neat way to deal with kitchen waste, especially when outdoor composting isn’t an option due to weather or space constraints.

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Budget Pick: CompostMate 5000

For those on a budget, the CompostMate 5000 offers excellent composting performance without a hefty price tag. This model is built to last and comes with a detailed, easy-to-follow guide, making it perfect for beginners. It efficiently processes kitchen waste and has a decent capacity to handle daily food scraps. The CompostMate 5000's affordability and reliability make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to start composting without making a significant investment.

Available at Amazon

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Best for Small Spaces: TinyComposter Mini

The TinyComposter Mini is the ideal solution for those with limited space, including apartment dwellers or anyone with minimal outdoor room. Its compact design allows for seamless storage and operation in confined areas. Despite its small size, the TinyComposter Mini is efficient and effective at handling kitchen waste. Constructed from durable materials, this composter is perfect for managing food waste in tight living situations without sacrificing performance.

Available at Amazon

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Best for Large Households: BigComposter X3000

For large households or families who generate significant amounts of food waste, the BigComposter X3000 is unbeatable. Designed with a substantial capacity and rapid composting abilities, it efficiently manages large volumes of waste. This model ensures you'll always have room for your scraps while quickly reducing your overall waste output. The BigComposter X3000's impressive capacity and speed make it the top choice for larger homes.

Available at Amazon

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Best for Fast Composting: Oklin GG-02

If rapid composting is a priority, the Oklin GG-02 is your best bet. Known for its incredibly fast composting process, often completing the cycle in less than 24 hours, this machine is perfect for busy households with a constant flow of food scraps. It operates with minimal odor and its sleek design makes it a welcome addition to any kitchen. Fast, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing, the Oklin GG-02 ensures your composting keeps up with your lifestyle.

Available at Amazon

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