FoodCycler Troubleshooting: How to prevent “caking” & change filters in Vitamix food waste composter

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Do you own a FoodCycler? Have you experienced sticking/caking in your bucket? What seems to cause it? What seems to help keep it clean? Watch next for my Vitamix FoodCycler Information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmTTanWir7-Lp5I

[@AdmiralBison]

Why don’t they just make food cycler’s inner walls be made out of non-rust very fine filing metal surfaces? E.g. you have metal filers where the surface is grainy with micro bumps that so there is little to no flat surface area for food to stick and if they do stick, there are to many pockets of micro air that it can just fall or be brushed of. This filing metal surface can slowly grind food in combination with the heat and dryness to make even finer drying compost and will prevent caking. If there is a powerful enough motor it could even slowly ‘file’ down hard bones.

[@joycegillepie9707]

I just got my food cycler and have not used it yet

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Awesome Joyce! Let us know what you think once you use it a few times.

[@joycegillepie9707]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana I use mine at least once a day

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@kathyntalaja]

Good tips. Your suggestions for letting the caking self clean over time actually worked. Using citrus peels at the lowest level with a good mixture of my other items like egg shells, cut up veggie stems, tea bags, coffee grounds, etc. did the trick. I no longer soak and throw out good compost. Thanks.

[@yinonpiam]

Your video was so comprehensive, detailed, and helpful! I was wondering if I should buy myself such a machine and it really helped me make a positive decision!

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Excellent! So glad it was helpful! Right now it is one sale too. $100 off the FoodCycler. Click on my link in the description to get one if you haven't already.

[@cherylbaker2698]

As an avid composter, I think that it's important to note that this is not a composter, but a food recycler (it dehydrates and grinds the food waste). Actual compost is rich in healthy microbes that are good for plants and the soil.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hi Cheryl, Yes - thanks for clarifying that. This will still need to break down in the soil and turn into nutrients for your garden or plants.

[@markbsb7176]

I also question how good it actually is because of the heating. Doesn’t that break down or “sterilize” it ?

[@winebox]

For those of us in the frosty North, it would be pretty good to be able to compost in the winter. Hard to cover food waste when the soil is frozen.

[@marionday1451]

This is true, and the good microbes and bacteria can be (re)established by adding the food cycler product to an outside pile with leaves, grass clippings, existing compost. I’ve been using it a year, and my compost piles have loved it. There are alternatives (my mum used to cut citrus and banana peels into tiny pieces with scissors) but this is a time saver if you want a fast food scrap to useable compost pipeline.

[@MCJSA]

Exactly. This is not compost. It is dessicated and ground up food waste. Once it is rehydrated, it will begin to decompose like normal compost given a high enough concentration in your pots. If this happens, it could raise the temperature of the soil in your pots enough to kill your plants. I would use this as a mulch but don't expect this to fertalize your plants since the amount of useable nutrients provided by this material is likely to be very small. Alternately, throw it onto your outdoor compost heap or composter. It will break down more quickly after being pre-processed this way and give you nice clean compost that you can then use as a soil supplement inside or out.

[@accountingdepartment2145]

I have been using mine all winter, about every second day. On top of what Zanana is cycling, I also cycle chicken bones, rib bones, banana peels, water melon rind (cut up small) bread, tea bags, coffee grounds, vegie scraps, fish bones etc. Just about everything. It does a wonderful job but I get the caking quite often. If I can't pry it off with a plastic utensil I resort to soaking it off. This last time it was caked so badly that the grinders jammed. I had added about 4 slices of bread so I think that was the culprit. When I add bones it always smells a little like dry cat food, but not a bad smell. I save coffee grounds and include in every load along with a shake of cinnamon to help with mold. The compost isn't actually compost but more of a soil additive and they recommend mixing it 15 parts of soil or regular compost to 1 part Food Cycler additive. I tried adding it to indoor plants and all it did was cake and get moldy (hence the cinnamon). I won't do that again. It will be added to my large composter outside and mixed in with that. I compost anyway but the best feature of this product is that before, I used to throw away all those small bones and meat scraps in the garbage, now they are Cycled. I actually cleaned out all the freezer burned steaks and left overs from my freezer and cycled all that and it came out perfect. I will use this only in the winter and go back to my outdoor compost for the summer, except for bones and meat scraps.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Wow!!! Thank you so much for sharing all of this great information about using your FoodCycler! I appreciate it very much and I am sure other will get so much out of it too. I haven't tried putting it in my house plants but good to know that it caused mold. Perhaps that's why you need to add the enzyme tablets to the soil too. You are inspiring me to add more to my FoodCycler like bones and meat. I have been pretty conservative but now I think it is time to branch out. 😉 Thanks so much for being here and for sharing all of this with the community! I appreciate you! 🙏🥰

[@accountingdepartment2145]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana Thanks Zanana, always happy to share knowledge that helps to downsize our landfills. I forgot to mention it handles Avocado pits beautifully but no peach, plum or squash seeds. Also the more moisture there is in your items = the longer time to process so I try to dry things out as much as possible and don't put liquids in. I also forgot to mention not to crush things down tightly to cram more in or that can cause caking. I will push down slightly but over loading it prevents proper operation. They are talking about releasing one with a larger pail...which would be much better. Cheers.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Such great tips! I so appreciate you and your expertise. Happy to have you in this community! 🙏

[@alannatolentino5513]

Bought mine 2 weeks ago and used it for the first time last night. Glad I read your review, very informative. Thank you!

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

ROTO-Q 360 : The Non-Electric Rotisserie Cooking Machine: roto-q-360-the-non-electric.kckb.st/42483f85

[@MikeTrieu]

Often times, when my FC jams, it's because I fed it thick, fibrous material with considerable water content. I've learned that desiccating those types of scraps in my toaster oven @ 250-300°F for a few hours prior to dumping them in makes the material a lot more friable. They tend to shatter inside like a chicken bone rather than bend and clog. Doing this pre-processing also results in a lot less adhesion to the vessel walls.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Great tip! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@reat7892]

B

[@ladyday90]

Omg! Thank you for this video! I've been taking webinars to learn to compost and it seemed so daunting! Plus the worries about the pests that are attracted to waste sitting around waiting to compost! This definitely seems way easier and eliminates a lot of my worries.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Glad it was helpful! It is so much simpler that's for sure! And not one bit smelly. In fact it even smells good sometimes depending on what you have been composting. Did you already buy yours? There are links in the description if you need it. Let me know if I can help with that? And also be sure to let us know when you get yours and how it's going with it. :) So glad you stopped by!

[@ladyday90]

Yes! We ordered one today and got the $50 off. Thanks a bunch! I'm so excited!

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Awesome! That's great news!

[@Sewmuchtodo]

Just got mine yesterday and put in a good variety of scraps. It came out great with no sticking. Hopefully I won’t experience too much caking. From what I saw, I think one of your issues was packing or pushing food down to be under the fill line. They do say not to pack it. Just let it fill loosely and have a good variety. I haven’t had mine for very long so we’ll see if that makes a difference.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Awesome! I am sure you will love it. I agree - I probably did pack it down some at first. Now I know to fill it more loosely and below the fill line. Let me know what you think as you use it. Thanks for sharing!

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@aBMWEnthusiast]

I am so happy that I saw your video. Before watching your segment, I debated whether to purchase the Vitamix Foodcycler or a Kitchenaid trash compactor. After seeing your difficulties with stuck-on food, I decided I did not need the frustration and decided to buy a trash compactor. Thanks for the time and effort you put into producing high-quality content.

[@gregcameron5206]

I suggest checking the screws holding the metal blade in place fairly regularly. Ours came loose in the middle of a cycle. The screws and blade were in the compost, the nuts on the outside of the bucket have fallen down into the guts of the machine.

[@gregcameron5206]

It was 9 months old so under warranty and was replaced with a whole new machine by Breville Australia.

[@Noelshepherd]

Thanks for the video. I’ve had a lot of problems with caking. I’ll try less food scraps.

[@jackiewilliams9654]

I have had my composter for about 8 months now. I too find the caking a problem but also sometimes my recycler is stuck on overnight if it encounters something it cannot process properly. This causes it to make not only caking but a solid mass around the grinding arms. I have to soak it for over 24 hours to gently chip away at the solid mass to free the arms. This has caused me to wash my bucket every time then put a layer of olive oil on the bottom. I did not think the caking was OK so I started doing that a few months ago. I will try not washing every time and see if it clears itself like in Zeana's video. Also I have just changed my filters for the first time but have not found the reset button to turn off the light yet. Hope it will become obvious as I search. I love the composter and have collected 2 5 gallon buckets worth over the winter that I will add to my flower beds in the spring.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hi Jackie, Thanks so much for being here and for sharing your experience with your FoodCycler too. Let us know how it goes when you don't wash it out each time. I will check on how to reset the filter button and get back to you on that. If you figure it out before I do then let us all know here. Two 5 gallon buckets you've collected - Wow! That's so much compost!. I love the idea of putting in buckets to store until use. I think I am going to start trying that out too for storage. The volume really grows quickly when you are composting daily doesn't it? I'm going to be using mine in my parents garden bed and will bring everyone a video of that process. So stay tuned for that video coming up! Take good care, Zenana

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@doityourselfdanielle]

Mine has this issue too, brand new. I am not getting nicely ground up dry bits , but rather gooed together hard stuff. And it's stuck around the arm. 😞

[@MikeTrieu]

@@doityourselfdanielle Just give it a few more cycles. Sounds like you were processing scraps with high sugar content and the FC basically created caramel inside. Even that will eventually carbonize into charcoal and flake off. As long as the blade isn't getting clogged to the point where it stops, you should be fine.

[@lucyanngebhart1441]

I love my food cycler. I think it is better to cut the pieces smaller - into 1-2 inch pieces. I particularly do this with rinds, peels and greens. In particular, I would not put in the long parsley stems without cutting them. I rarely have “caking”. And finally, I never “pack” it; I let it be loose and free. I found that banana peels, sweet potato skins, and beets - all of which are higher sugars - need to be put in only a few at a time.

[@Canna_Science_and_Technology]

Awesome video! I just unpacked mine and I’m standing here in the kitchen watching your video. Thank you for making this .

[@momlissa]

Thanks for such an in-depth review!! Just an FYI, it isn’t a composter and doesn’t create compost. It’s a dehydrator and food grinder. The food waste has not actually been composted with enough heat to create true compost. But it’s well on its way and should compost much faster than putting straight scraps into your compost pit. The manual does state this, and specifically states that you should NOT put the food waste directly in the roots of your plants and such.

[@sevgilim1321]

Excellent video, explaining step by step how to troubleshoot "caking" - I just bought one today and this is the first video I watched... I probably would've returned it 😁 - Thank you!

[@jackiewilliams9654]

Hi Zenana, I did figure out how to reset the filter. When I purchased it the filters were not available it was so new. Now I have them there is a small button, hardly noticeable, on the right hand top inside of the compartment the filters go in. You press that in and hold it until it beeps. Then it is all reset! Easy once you have done it! I have tried not washing out my bucket and used citrus in my mix but still the caking happens and it can get so sticky and cement like the paddles cannot turn. So I have gone back to my own solution of putting a little olive oil on the base, turning the paddles to ensure it is coated and hoping for the best. It works sometime and not others. But I have decided not to keep the caking on and wash it off each time. I used to have a worm farm so I am used to keeping all my veg peelings, dead flowers etc for my composter. But still I find anything too juicy like a lot of old grapes, strawberries or cucumber makes the mix too wet and sticky. I find I put it on most nights and now I have moved it out of the kitchen I can put it on any time of day without disturbing anyone. Thanks to your photo of the unit outside your door, I now put mine in my garage. It was taking up too much counter space, despite being convenient next to the sink. I think the compost it makes is more useful for fiber than nutrient for your soil, but whatever it is good to recycle your waste back into the soil. I usually try to boost my veg garden every few years with a layer of well rotted horse manure and that does help me grow some nice veggies. My Vitamix compost will go into my flower bed to help my poor soil which is always in need of something. Happy composting!

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hi Jackie, Thanks so much for sharing this! I just found out the same and was going to share with you, lol! 😂😉 I haven't reset mine but I will soon and maybe I will even make a video on it. Perhaps it would be helpful to others too. I agree on the wet stuff. I have noticed much more caking with wetter items. And the garage is the perfect place indeed. We have ours out there too at our new house. I appreciate you and your contribution to this Natural Living Community! Keep sharing whenever you have something to add to the conversation. 😉🥰🙏

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@bobs.4644]

i want to see garden growth results with the Vitamix compost / plants with and plants with out the compost in the same soil

[@daweizhang9362]

I just made an order for this FoodCycler, but I had some concerns maintaining it. This video really resolved those concerns. 👍 It's nice to watch, but it would be great if you can shorten it.

[@margieura1146]

Because of your most informative video (subscribed and notification bell), it encouraged me to actually use my FoodCycler! It had been sitting in my garage, still in its packaging for over 2 months. So, tonight I'm finally using my FoodCycler for the first time. I want to thank you for sharing your experiences with residue issues and hints on loading my machine. I am looking forward to watching your next video of what to do with all this marvelous composting material. Many, many thanks! Margie

[@kpmm2932]

amazing, if the price was less, even i would buy. I love it oh gosh. I love it, love it, love it

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Your video has been VERY INFORMATIVE!! The best I’ve spent my time researching which food cycler I’m going to buy. Excellent video. One thing I wouldn’t use a metal utensil to dislodge,however I’m impressed with your honesty. Thank you so much.

[@kathyfann]

The paddle should come out for our cleaning just like a blender or food processor. All kitchen units are hard to clean everybody’s experiencing this. So they need to be re-designed. This is simple the paddle should screw down or it should snap down, or something so we can get debris out from under the paddle. and clean under it that is the issue cleaning it and it does cake up. I never have over filled it. and it does make a mess last time. My Lomi did took me 4 days of soaking it with dish soap. I tried it every morning and night. and all kinds of stuff dishwasher soap too. I finally did I used a tiny bit of oil underneath the paddle. I will clean it and use the oil every time, that moves that paddle out of the way. That really helps.

[@mobilitygirl]

Can't wait to see your video on what to do with the compost!! Thanks for doing these videos!

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

You bet! Coming Soon! I had to take a little pause from YT for my mental health. I will be back just trying to figure out what makes sense next. But this video is already recorded so I will get to it once I am ready to get going again. 😉

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@jenhy1127]

Thank you! I have exactly a similar problem and am glad that it is not a problem!😄

[@ArtbySusanKing]

I just bought one and love it so far. FYI, You should remove the sticker in the pot for the fill line. I'm pretty sure says that on the sticker.

[@christophervereecke892]

Thank you! That was driving me nuts!! Just purchased one myself and it clearly states to remove the sticker.

[@katrinacarson928]

Great video! Very detailed and informative. I would love to see what you did with everything you processed with the foodcycler.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Thank you! Will do!

[@jamar959]

Great video. Really want one but, they don't recommend "citrus rinds, bananas, grapes, oranges, melon..." Really? That would be half of my cycling. Then they recommend "only" citrus rinds. I'm confused. And nine months and you've not removed the sticker that says "remove before use"?

[@egon2012]

If there is a jam, I recommend taking the bucket out first or unplugging the machine first before using a wooden chopstick to unclog the jam.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hahaha! Yes, as you can see in the video I eventually figured that out. I certainly won't make that mistake again! 😂😜

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@Rude-Chick]

It would be super awesome and very helpful if you did a side-by-side comparison of the vita mix foodCycler and the Lomi food composter. I am very torn in the decision making process between the both of them!

[@ryansigler]

I ended up going with the vitamix simply because it’s from a known and established brand that I know will be around for many years and will be able to give support if something broke or stopped working.

[@bhavnacorner6394]

Hi, Thank you for this useful information, you did answered most of my queries but it wasn't clear if we could open the filter lid , they charge almost 25 pounds for it , however i wasn't able to open as the lid ass been sealed so professionally. Secondly if you are able to open can you replace it with carbon balls, are these available in the market. I would appreciate if you could make a video on the filter. Thank you you are great

[@bhavnacorner6394]

ass* has. Could you pl share your video link on 'what to do with the compost that comes out of the foodcycler. As i really get helpless as a result stop filling my bucket...

[@Casper7762]

After the lemon peel since it is on the bottom then I would soak the bucket with some baking soda and vinegar and let it sit a few hours and then dump boiling hot water in the mix and let it sit for a few more hours and hopefully it will come out.

[@babypamcottage935]

Awesome video, thank you for your honest review

[@jaboba69]

Yeah affiliate links always equal honest reviews.

[@juliashare6964]

I liked my foodcycler until the food start caking on the bottom. The first time it happened I had to soak it because the grinders were stuck and again it happened today I know you said it’s a good thing, but it’s not a good thing if the grinders cannot move.

[@megthurrell2849]

Did soaking it get the grinders moving again? Having the same issue and wondering if I need to replace or if I can fix!

[@selapauu2053]

Great video very helpful in deciding which brand to buy and how to treat the machine.

[@thuy-linhbowman9029]

Good tips! Will it work with cooked vegetable?

[@tzuuyaolee9402]

Hello, how u use the composted “chips”? Put directly to the garden?

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting and sharing. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@elevatorproductionsbymaxpassa]

I would definitely go for a Food Cycler Indoor Composter. It's way better than a trash can and garbage disposer. I think disposers are a total pain in the ass especially with the foul odors, plumbing issues, etc.

[@Machailey1]

Just watched your full video, good job useful information .

[@beast9839]

@Zeanna, I am so glad you posted this video! My wife and I have one of these and it has recently got sticky. I think our issue is we overfill it. I did have some questions and maybe contacting Vitamix might give me better answers. We put coffee grinds and tea bags in there as well as citrus products. Have you done coffee grinds or tea bags? I hope you have a good one!

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Glad it was helpful! Just keep going with your cycles. The sticking will subside on it's own with repeated cycles. And, yes, overfilling does promote it. It's a small bucket so you kind of have to do smaller batches more often I find. Yes. You can totally do coffee grounds and tea bags. I usually just take the string and paper part of the tea bag off first. Also, make sure it isn't a plastic tea bag before putting it in the FoodCycler. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have more questions. Best, Zenana

[@beast9839]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana thanks it does! We may invest in a second bucket. Most of my tea is leaves from Laughing Man (Hugh Jackman's company)

[@jessicatooma283]

Perhaps changing the filter is not as unimportant as you think it is. Find out the role and function of the filter and how it helps the machine's overall performance.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

The filter is only to decrease odor while processing. It does produce a sour smell once the filter has worn out. I had mine in my garage most recently and found out about the smell then. If I bring it back inside I will need a replacement filter for sure but outside no need.

[@melissafazzina3197]

I do have adhesion problems from time to time. Mostly under the blades and anywhere the coating has worn off the bucket. Strawberries don't work well because of sugar content, fibrous things like asparagus ends clog it up. I find that running a cycle with things like egg shells with be abrasive enough to help "scrub". it clean. I use scissors to cut things up well before adding. I have even run a cycle with well cut up lobster shells which really scrubbed it clean. I have made a composted from a plastic garbage can, so I can even compost the dehydrated waste during the winter. It composts super fast!!. My only real complaint would be that the bucket is way too small. It would also be so helpful if the grinding arms could be removed for cleaning. And I'm wondering how to remove any bits of debris that may have fallen into the bottom of the body of the machine and accumulated over time.

[@aceshigh235]

Just build a dehydrator and stick dried items in blender. Done. No buildup ever. 1. This is not compost. It has not composted whatsoever. If you put it in your garden too thick it will go anaerobic and stink and attract vermin and insects. Why? It’s not compost, it’s dehydrated garbage. Keep it thin and mix well in soil and it will be much better. 2. Why use zip loc bags to hold “compost”? Get a tight fitting metal bucket and put dehydrated garbage there. Much better for environment. 3. This does have advantages over fruit fly ridden scrap bins. The very best way to use this is actually process it then run it (wet) with your normal yard compost. Then it can really break down and compost to feed the microbes in your soil and therefore your plants. Again if you put a bunch of this in one place it is no different than you dumping the garbage there. Rats, mice, bugs, possum, raccoons and any similar critters will come and it will stink. Mix into soil well. Finally direct composting is better as less nutrients are destroyed in drying and the bacteria and fungi that actually compost are dead or dormant. What it is good for if you don’t have room for actual composting like in an apartment or you have issues with fruit flies et cetera in a normal compost bin or need to store the garbage during winter until composting can occur in spring. Great video, thanks.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Thanks for sharing this! You are right about the compost part. I use the word loosely in the video. I did also recently buy a metal bucket to store my FoodCycler end product in. No more plastic bags. Yay! And I am one of those people who doesn't have a place to compost in the outdoors thus the purchase of this FoodCycler.

[@MikeTrieu]

The one benefit the FC has over a dehydrator+blender is it can process material like chicken bones due to its high-torque motor. Maybe your blender can pulverize such things, but I wouldn't want to subject my blender blade to something that hard regularly. I think the dehydrator would do a lot better than the FC in its initial drying phase, though. Honestly, if FC were to design a second version of this model, I think they should have a hot air blower mechanism to inject airflow into the biomass to accelerate the drying. This would greatly reduce the instances of blade jamming and increase overall cycle reliability.

[@mlingafelt]

Vitamin also recommends to not overfull and not to press down (cramming). you need proper airflow

[@amythinks]

I love the idea of this. But I feel like Vitamix needs to come out with a version 2. The bucket should be able to double as your counter top compost bin that you can lid while you're gathering scraps before processing. It also seems a little small. I'm sure they will improve the technology over time.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

I totally agree! Great ideas! Let's hope Vitamix is reading these comments, right? 😉

[@cherylbaker2698]

The bucket can double as your counter top bin!

[@amythinks]

@@cherylbaker2698 Well, that's what it should do. But I didn't see a lid involved.

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@MikeTrieu]

@@amythinks Mine came with a plastic lid with an integrated, replaceable carbon filter to block any strong odors.

[@janrice1991]

great video, very informative. Thank you

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

You are welcome Jan! So glad it was helpful!

[@duncanpage1556]

Thanks Zenana for the great vid! Hello from Alberta

[@32yluj]

@Natural Living with Zenana. Great video. Though I have noticed my compost molds when I put it on my plants. Do you know why this would happen? Thank you.

[@mjm.9082]

I have had my FoodCycler for about 10 months and love it! But, I recently had an issue with the cog in the bottom of the unit; the bucket is spinning correctly, but when I put it in the FoodCycler it doesn't turn; the cog on the bucket turns correctly, but when placed back in the FoodCycler and the cog is inserted in the bottom of the base, it will not turn. Does anyone have advice on how to get the cog to turn again?

[@arewega]

Thanks for this! Just got mine and testing it out now so lots of helpful tips here. Did you ever create the video about what to do with all the compost?

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

You're welcome! I haven't yet created the video about what to do with the compost. We are moving right now and the new house has more of a yard so I will work on that video in the next month for sure. Stay tuned! Let us know how it goes with your FoodCycler!

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@macadoodle100]

Thank you

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

You're welcome Neil!

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

ROTO-Q 360 : The Non-Electric Rotisserie Cooking Machine: roto-q-360-the-non-electric.kckb.st/42483f85

[@jcboland79]

Great video and so informative, thanks a lot!

[@ainerzam]

Yes, I have the same issue.

[@NathalieGCousineau]

Great video!! Am I right to think that if seems that the more you add "watery" scraps, the better it removes the caking? Could be why they suggest the citrus rinds, it holds more water...your squash, etc Does that make any sense? I ordered mine today, I cant wait to receive it Questions: Can we add our scraps day after day until its full or do I need a bin until its enough to make a cycle? To store over winter, can I keep in airtihht container inside the house until full then transfer in a bigger container jn garage to keep until use for next season? Thank you 😁

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Thank you Nathalie! Glad you found it helpful. I do think some of the items with more water do help to prevent caking. For instance when I put my tea leaves & grounds in that tends to make a lighter fluffier compost and probably help to remove some of the caking. I just add what I have and I don't even worry about the caking any more. FoodCycler doesn't recommend "storing" your food scraps inside of the bucket. I have a little mini simple human garbage can I store under my sink and then when it gets full I compost it. It's just about the right size for one batch in the FoodCycler so it works out perfectly for me. And because it is so small I have to empty it/run a cycle just about daily so it never really gets smelly. Yes - you can store the composted material in a bucket until next season. As long as it doesn't get damp you should be able to store it over the winter. I am going to get a bucket for mine too. I have been storing it in bags but I have just collected so much of it I think a bucket is more practical. Bags are nice when you want to give a batch away here and there but otherwise they fill up quickly! Glad you stopped by! 😊 Do let us know how it goes when you get your FoodCycler!

[@NathalieGCousineau]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana Appreciate your reply! Thank you and have a wonderful day!

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@MikeTrieu]

The best thing you can add is citrus oil, which is why the lemon rinds work so well. But because there's only so much oil in rinds, it's better to just get concentrated citrus oil like stuff in Goo Gone and spray it on the caked on mess and let it penetrate it for a while before starting the next batch. Combined with heat, it causes a chemical reaction that turns the crusty layer brittle and makes it easier to fracture off the bucket surface cleanly with minimal abrasion necessary.

[@NathalieGCousineau]

Thank you so much for your reply 😊

[@mariewhaley9486]

The video was great but what I need to know how to unjam the blades?

[@TheWriterofWrongs]

With the filters, can you just refill the canister with new charcoal beads or do you need to replace the whole cartridge?

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hmmm... I don't think so but I can check on that for you. I'll get back to you as soon as I know more.

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@MikeTrieu]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana Eh, it's easy to remove the top of the cartridge and refill it with bulk activated charcoal pellets. Nobody should ever have to buy their proprietary canisters. Try it for yourself the next time the filter light comes on. What's the worst that can happen? You ruin something you were going to throw away, anyway. The upside is that you learn a new skill and save some money in the process.

[@dianneconstantineau4008]

Yes it sticks and the arms won't even move at the moment

[@MissSandraK]

I add shredded paper when I have juicy waste.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Oh interesting! Good idea!

[@embo7669]

Yes! But the caked on mess caused the grinding arm to jam😔

[@ThursdayDog]

Thank you! This is so helpful.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

So glad it was helpful! 😊

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@AdmiralBison]

Why don’t they just make food cycler’s inner walls be made out of non-rust very fine filing metal surfaces? E.g. you have metal filers where the surface is grainy with micro bumps that so there is little to no flat surface area for food to stick and if they do stick, there are to many pockets of micro air that it can just fall or be brushed of. This filing metal surface can slowly grind food in combination with the heat and dryness to make even finer drying compost and will prevent caking. If there is a powerful enough motor it could even slowly ‘file’ down hard bones.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Great idea Duane! Let's hope that the Foodcycler team sees this and considers your idea in their next version of the bucket.

[@arthurshulman689]

Thank you for the video Zenaba but I have encountered a slightly different issue with my Vitamix FoodCycler. Two days in a row my unit ran overnight but 10 hours later when I checked to see if the cycle was done, I found that the Green (Drying) Light was on and the unit was quite hot. I turned the unit off and found that the the vegetable matter in the bucket was well shredded and dry (and hot). I stirred up the mixture that was in the bucket and tried turning the unit on again but it would not move off "drying". Eventually I just emptied the bucket and I will try again tomorrow with the bucket less full and see what happens. I would be curious to know if anyone else or if you yourself has encountered this problem.

[@charmainebostwick8005]

Good info, thank you, Zenana! I don't have a FoodCycler but I'd like to get one.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

You should! It's such a great way to reduce your waste, reducing the environmental impact of food waste and methane gas and at the same time you get nutrients to enrich the soil. It's a win-win all around! ♻🌎

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@joeschmo7957]

So you encountered this sticking residue issue with the addition of stuff like pasta, rice, potatoes,etc. Should have figured on that.

[@yoailakopelowitz8521]

I'm almost certain it says to remove all stickers before using

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Yep! You are right, lol! I noticed that too AFTER I filmed the video! Silly me! 😂😜 Well, at least no harm was done with leaving it in. 🤷‍♀️

[@devilally]

Does anybody know what to do if the residue is soaked on that the arms don't spin anymore? Mine have been stuck for 2 weeks and no amount of soaking in water is fixing it😢

[@catherinewestover8224]

Interesting that you didn't remove the label inside the bucket that says please remove before use'. Any reason for this?

[@kkiissssiikk]

The butch that “looked like soil” just showed a healthy diet left overs with lots of fibers. People eat very greasy starchy diets and then leave residue on their guts too. 😊 My Vitamix never left residue because I used very balanced load, if you use old fashioned compost pile it’s a must. Add ‘brown’ compost ingredients like paper, hey, dry leaves, if you must. Then ones I dumped old beef broth and the starch made the whole thing dry-solid, it was horrible, I had to deal with it, that’s when I saw your video ... Thank you for contacting Vitamix

[@SarahCouncell]

Hi and thanks for the video. Quick follow up question: When you have the caking and reload your food scraps for the nest round, are the arms that spin at the base free or sometimes stuck in place? Just not sure if I need to free those spinning arms or not, thanks!

[@HurricaneIrene07]

I wish Vitamix made their product in the USA.

[@Casper7762]

As I kept watching I decided to watch another video just to compare and they said in the manual it says to not pack the bucket full. Suggestion, make a purchase of a second bucket so that you can still compost but, then not have the bucket packed full.

[@Thelazyone2023]

Question, can I just dump the stuff to soil directly after it goes through the cycles? Is there’s a ratio I should maintained between these composted vs soil?

[@roysrt]

Great video, Thanks very much. Thinking of getting one. How well does it do with corn cobs?

[@roysrt]

Also, we just got ours now and have run two batches in the house. My wife has a sensitive noise but even I noticed significant odor from the unit while it was working. Is that normal? She says I have to run it outside the house and I tend to agree.

[@JudySandersJCS]

@@roysrt I notice the smell most during the heating and grinding phases. I keep mine in the garage so it's not a big deal. I think I've done corn cobs once and I had cut them into 1 inch pieces. The only problem I've had is with tamale wrappers. The corn husks we're too long and tangling. I cut them into 2-3 pieces next time and it was fine

[@roysrt]

@@JudySandersJCS Thank you very much for your reply. I've not tried corn husks yet but I did put too many squash pieces in it once and it stalled. I had to manually clean out the partially processed results and restart it. It's working fine after that. I'm careful not to overfill it now. I also had an issue when I put in too much of a leftover caramel pie. The result was more of a paste which I had to scoop out with a spatula. Will be trying corn cob bits this summer. Otherwise very happy with the machine. I run it outside on our uncovered deck or covered front porch, depending on the weather prediction. I'm in Connecticut and it's 10º here today. Thanks again!

[@martinmalette8538]

you have your composter outside, I live in Québec Canada and the winter it's pretty cold out here, do you think it would damage the machine?

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

I would think it would be fine but you might want to call and ask if you are concerned.

[@masonshih7858]

I never clean my bucket. Just get out the big pieces and make sure the blades are turning freely.

[@yohannsphotographyvideogra9542]

do you have any suggestion for a 10 portion waste composter for big family

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hmmmm. Do you mean for outdoor composting or indoor?

[@yohannsphotographyvideogra9542]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana indoor

[@annjulienne1889]

I did what you suggested and just kept composting. After the 6th time the blades stuck and nothing I can do will move them. Should I just buy a new bucket? Thanks in advance

[@TheUtube666]

Good day. I've been running a worm bin for some time now, but despite the appetite of the growing population, we seem to produce, even just as a couple, more material for them to eat than they can keep up with. I like the idea of this device drying and reducing the volume, perhaps with that we can use this to pre-process the leftovers for the worms. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks.

[@dixiefisher1680]

Just processed my first batch and threw the dried residue into my worm bin. I’m sure they will find it delicious, but will report later.

[@MikeTrieu]

Just provide enough moisture so the scraps can rehydrate a bit. You don't need to go crazy with the water as it's the bacteria doing the heavy lifting, not necessarily the worms.

[@judylee007]

After I change the filter and push the reset button, the red light is still on, should I do anything else to let the light go away?

[@tzuuyaolee9402]

Mine have a thick caking layer 😢

[@gauravchadha11]

I just bought one, however I'm experiencing louder than normal noise... have you experienced that? If so what was the reason you found, it's almost a sound as if the grinder is struggling to rotate

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Awesome! Glad to hear you got one. Mine makes some weird grinding noises too. I think it is probably normal but if the machine isn't working and you are worried then definitely reach out to FoodCycler and see what they have to say.

[@MikeTrieu]

The motor will build up torque to a certain point when it encounters resistance. This is what you want. If it senses too much resistance, it will try to spin the grinding blade in the opposite direction to clear the obstruction. If it fails to clear after attempting several times in both directions, it will go into an error state and you will have to manually intervene to remove the blockage. The FC will struggle with wet, fibrous material. If you just grind those, try to air dry that material as much as possible before returning it to the vessel. This will help the material shatter more efficiently.

[@TonyaMistretta]

My grinding arm is sticking and NOT spinning freely anymore. I cannot find any information as to what to do. Does anyone know how to fix this problem???

[@MikeTrieu]

Usually, it's because of burnt on sugar. I usually try to start by just pouring boiling water into it to dissolve the residual sugar. If that doesn't help, the rest has probably already been turned into carbon. I'd try citrus oil like Goo Gone and if that doesn't help after a couple hours, maybe a stronger solvent like Carbon Off.

[@indigolight8789]

Do you have the recipe for that “apple and pear crisp”. Please

[@danthomas7073]

I can’t start mine. Power button turns blue, machine beeps and shuts down. 😢

[@MikeTrieu]

Did you make sure to close the lid completely to the locked position? Can the blade in the bucket spin freely? Otherwise, the issue might be a faulty unit, which you'll have to have serviced/replaced.

[@diannajones4669]

I can't find the video for what to do with the Foodlizer.

[@coniferousbug2395]

Do you have an increase in your electric bill when u started using the food cycler? If so, was it big or just a small increase?

[@Midwayhealth]

I have had my food cycler since Dec. 2019 and use it several times a week. I really love it but have a few continued questions or comments and would love feedback from others. 1) My last batch did not dry enough. It broke down but was sticky so I restarted it hoping to see what will happen. 2) I add the mix to my garden and pots but notice mold at times. Love the cinnamon idea. Also need to watch the ratio of adding to dirt mixture. Also I notice baby flies around one of my outdoor planters. 3) I always cut up my scraps with a kitchen scissors before adding to the cycler. 4) And I wash my bucket after each use. Should I not be doing that? It is scraped and scratched. Any other suggestions. I watched some of this video and agree that I have the problem with the sticky bottom. At one point I was spraying the bucket with Pam. Thank you for all the hints.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hello, Great questions! Here are the answers for you. 1) That is strange! It should dry completely in each batch. If it isn't you may want to contact FoodCycler to see why it is not. 2) Yes - definitely watch the ratio of additive to soil. I added it to a couple garden beds and so far have not noticed this problem. I did use the tablets/spray on the second time and turned the soil quite a bit over the three weeks waiting to use the bed. Perhaps following these steps will help with that. 3) Cutting scraps is totally helpful. I do that with some of my scraps too as needed. 4) You can wash if you want but it is completely not necessary. The bucket will clean itself over time and will suddenly appear clean after some batches. I do also notice smaller batches help to keep it clean. I wouldn't spray it with Pam. I just don't think it is necessary and then it is adding oil to your end product which may also be contributing to some of your breakdown problems. FoodCycler recommends not adding too much fatty items to your bin. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any more questions. Best, Zenana

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@lisablack9634]

I hope you get back to making videos. Just found your channel. We need healthy living advice.

[@heetouaepetahui7386]

Hi there, I think this is misleading the public, for me this machine is not a composter however is just dehydrator. I will probably call it food scraps dehydrator. Composting is more than just push an electric button. Is it worth to ask, what is really composting?

[@joycegillepie9707]

Do you do carrots skins and potato raw skins what about turnip skins

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hi Joyce, Yes! You can compost all of those in the FoodCycler. No problem at all with those types of compost.

[@joycegillepie9707]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana Thank you I did my first batch and came out looking good Ready for my tomato pot

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

ROTO-Q 360 : The Non-Electric Rotisserie Cooking Machine: roto-q-360-the-non-electric.kckb.st/42483f85

[@sigma682]

The instructions says not to pack down food waste to get under the fill line. It also states not to operate outdoors.

[@macadoodle100]

How hot does the outside of the machine get specifically on the bottom where it sits on the floor?

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hi Neil, Good question! I don't think it gets very hot but I will check for you and get back to you after my next composting.

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hi Neil, Just wanted to let you know that I checked this out for you and found that the bottom does not get hot at all. However, the sides do get slightly warm when running a batch. Also, there is a vent out the back of the machine so there is warm air coming from the vent during a cycle. I hope that answers your question. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with!

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

THRiVE: Turn Food Waste into Ready-to-Use Compost Easilythrive-turn-food-waste-into.kckb.st/4e0f953a

[@MikeTrieu]

Not noticeably hot. It's fairly well insulated and it sits on rubber feet so there's airflow all around the unit.

[@keat6636]

Thank you for the helpful and informative video! Maybe consider removing that sticker in the bucket…

[@franackerman295]

Please remove the sticker that says “remove before use” lol mine does the same… baked on scum… think it’s because the root veg starch lingers… just pop mine in the dish washer and it’s lovely after 90 minutes

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

ROTO-Q 360 : The Non-Electric Rotisserie Cooking Machine: roto-q-360-the-non-electric.kckb.st/42483f85

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing!

[@marctheriault5531]

I didn't like the video, but when you approach it as "What NOT to do with your FoodCycler" (fill it over the line, compact the food scrap as much as possible, don't read the instructions manual, contact the Client Service Department with stupid questions), it suddenly becomes very useful. Thank you for your help (you might want to try another career!)

[@DJ-bq4rv]

Does it raise up your electricity bill if you run the machine once a day?

[@MikeTrieu]

Does running any appliance use electricity? 🤔

[@susanbrougham280]

Just brought the food cycler home, tried to set it up and can't remove the filters. Anyone else have this problem?

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

Hi Susan, That's exciting that you have a new FoodCycler! Why are you trying to remove the filter may I ask? If you just got it you shouldn't need t replace it yet.

[@susanbrougham280]

@@NaturalLivingwithZenana I was trying to remove the filter so that I could remove the stickers on the top of the filters and put the filter caps on. My son used a tool to finally remove the filters. They must have been put on too tight at the factory because they were very tight. The filters are in an awkward position, not easy to get your hands in there.

[@susanbrougham280]

On a positive note I am pleased with my FoodCycler. I live in the frozen north, Grande Prairie, Alberta. The ground is frozen here for 8 months of the year so I am very happy to be able to compost for those months, otherwise it would all be going to the landfill.

[@thuyvanbelkom938]

It says not to put citrus rinds so lemon is a no

[@JudySandersJCS]

I have citrus rinds in every load without a problem

[@JamesSmith-hb6vc]

How do I get the red light to go out after I change the filters?

[@NaturalLivingwithZenana]

To reset the filter light, remove the back panel of the unit and feel around along the upper, inner ledge of the unit cavity (directly above where it says Reset Filter light on the back panel) until you find a small round button. Press and hold for 3 seconds until you hear a beep. The filter light should go off!

[@lakshmiravichandra7889]

ROTO-Q 360 : The Non-Electric Rotisserie Cooking Machine: roto-q-360-the-non-electric.kckb.st/42483f85