Best Grind-and-Dry Food Recycler
Lomi3 Countertop Food Recycler
Most kitchen “composters” simply grind and dry your food scraps, but the Lomi 3 stands out as the best option available. It’s impressive when companies listen to user feedback and make improvements, and Lomi’s new model addresses several issues found in the previous Lomi 2. The annoying multiple modes, twist-off lid, and requirement to place scraps directly into the machine are gone. Instead, there’s a handy 3-liter countertop bucket that’s 7.5 inches tall, similar to the FoodCycler below; a user-friendly push-button lid; and just two straightforward processing modes: Grow and Express.
The Lomi 3 is smaller and, supposedly, quieter than its predecessor, though my decibel meter showed the difference as minimal. One feature I missed from the Lomi 2 is the Lomi mode, which could break down certain bioplastics, including Lomi’s own packaging. Unfortunately, this new model can’t accept bioplastics.
Similar to the Lomi 2, there’s an app available for basic management, but I enjoyed not relying on it—just press a button and the Lomi powers up. Once the cycle is complete (which takes anywhere from 3 to 16 hours based on the amount and moisture of the contents), it chimes, and you can either use the processed grounds, which are very fine and resemble Folgers coffee, in your outdoor compost pile, on your lawn, or mixed into soil at a 1:10 ratio (1:15 if you include meat or dairy). I also appreciate that the Lomi 3 comes with a clear lid so you can see its progress throughout the cycle.
While it’s a bit pricey for what is essentially a grinder and dryer, I usually recommend the Reencle for those wanting something closer to actual compost. However, if your goal is to cut down on kitchen waste or if you live in an area with composting penalties, the Lomi 3 is a well-designed, intuitive option that most users will find satisfactory. One note: my test unit initially had a lid that warped after several months, releasing odors and attracting fruit flies. Lomi acknowledged that the first batch of lids was made from faulty plastic and sent a replacement, but this new lid has also started warping after a couple of months.
Another Great Grind-and-Dry Recycler
FoodCycler Eco 3 Compact Kitchen Food Recycler
First off, I appreciate that FoodCycler is upfront about its purpose. “The FoodCycler is a food waste recycler,” they stated before agreeing to send me a test unit. “Our main aim is to provide a modern food waste solution for those who may not have access to traditional composting or other landfill-diverting disposal options. Therefore, the byproduct cannot be labeled as ‘compost.’” Indeed, the FoodCycler breaks down food so quickly, with no microbial aid, that it’s impossible to mistake the output for actual compost. If you’re going for a grinder/dryer, the Eco 3 does make more creaking noises during operation compared to the Lomi 3, but it remains a solid choice.
Launched in 2024, the Eco 3 is a smaller version of the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 (read our full review here) and boasts a larger 3.5-liter capacity along with improved grinding capability, according to FoodCycler. Measuring 11 x 9 x 13 inches, it fits easily on a countertop or table. The real convenience lies in its auxiliary pail. You simply fill the sleek, 8-inch-tall container with scraps (for my household of three, it took about three days to fill) and, once it’s full, swap out the lids, place it in the machine, and press a button.
A few hours later, you’ll have a handful of “Foodilizer,” a “homemade soil amendment” that resembles finely ground dirt. In fact, the output is among the most finely ground available from these types of machines. There’s no assembly required (other than filling a filter with carbon granules), no app to download, no account to create, and no pods or tablets needed—you don’t even have to plug it in until you’re ready to use it.
