If you want to cut down on kitchen waste without dealing with the hassle of outdoor composting, the Reencle Smart Indoor Composter is worth a look. It promises to turn your scraps into usable compost in just 24 hours. After several weeks of testing it in a real kitchen, here’s a straight take on how well it works, what it gets right, and where it falls short.
What It Does Well
The Reencle uses microbes to break down food waste fast much faster than traditional compost bins. Most days, it turns leftovers into rich, soil-like compost within a day. It runs quietly at around 28 decibels, so it won’t disrupt anything, even in small apartments.
The design is smart and low-effort. A motion sensor opens the lid automatically, so you don’t have to touch anything. The three layer filter keeps smells from escaping, which makes a big difference if you’re keeping it in the kitchen. It handles up to 2.2 pounds of food waste per day, which is enough for a typical household.
Real Life Use
In day-to-day use, the Reencle handles most scraps easily fruits, vegetables, and even small amounts of meat or dairy. You’ll need to avoid big bones or too much oil, but that’s standard for most compost systems.
Power use stays low, under 3 kWh per day, even though it runs nonstop. The compost it produces is light and crumbly. It needs to be mixed with potting soil (about one part compost to four parts soil) and left to cure for a couple of weeks before using on plants. It’s an extra step but easy enough.
What Stands Out
Fast Composting: Most scraps turn to compost in 24 hours.
Quiet: You’ll barely notice it’s running.
No Odor: The filter system actually works.
Energy Efficient: Low power draw, even running 24/7.
Simple to Use: Hands-free lid, easy maintenance.
Where It Falls Short
Price: At around $499, it’s not cheap.
Prepping Food Waste: Bigger items need to be chopped up first.
Compost Not Instant: It takes a few weeks to cure before use.
Overly Sensitive Lid: The motion sensor sometimes triggers by accident.
Eco Impact
The biggest plus? It keeps food scraps out of the trash. That means less landfill waste and fewer methane emissions. It also avoids energy-heavy grinding or drying, which some other systems use. The compost feeds your plants and cuts down on store bought fertilizer, which is another win.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re serious about cutting food waste and want a tidy, indoor solution, the Reencle is a solid choice. It’s easy to use, doesn’t smell, and fits into everyday routines. Just be ready for the upfront cost and a little prep work with certain scraps.
For eco conscious households looking for a long-term way to reduce waste, the Reencle delivers. It won’t solve every sustainability problem, but it does make a dent and that’s a good start.
