Last Updated on May 7, 2024
I’m sharing my Lomi composter review so you can see if a Lomi food composter is the right choice for you, your home, and your zero waste journey. A Lomi machine has been a must-have in my kitchen and one of my favorite zero-waste appliances. Find out why below!
This Lomi compost review will break down how to use a Lomi compost machine, cost effectiveness, and waste reduction, plus answer the overall question everyone wants to know: is a Lomi compost machine it worth it when you can compost for almost free? Lomi composting takes all the guesswork and waiting time out of home composting. Read on for my Lomi composter review that includes everything you need to know!
This post was sponsored by Lomi. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
Table of Contents
lomi composter review
Did you know in the US alone, we waste almost 40% of all food produced? Of that, more than half happens in our homes.
This can happen for a number of reasons, but I truly believe most food waste is accidental. It happens mostly because people get confused by expiration dates, they buy too much food, they purchase something and forget about it, or they simply don’t know how to properly store something.
Food scraps don’t break down in landfills because landfills are designed for storage, not decomposition.
There’s no oxygen in a landfill, so organic matter like paper, wood, and food scraps are stuck in a limbo state releasing methane. Methane is a gas 80x more damaging than carbon dioxide. Minimizing our production of this gas is obviously key to preventing climate change!
One solution to this problem is composting, which transforms your food waste into nutrient-rich soil. Lomi composting to the rescue!
methods of composting:
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter such as leaves and food scraps into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil.
The problem is few Americans have access to food waste pickup. Curbside composting programs collect food scraps, food-soiled paper, and leaf/yard waste and turn it into compost. Think of it as recycling but for your food scraps.
There are several different methods of composting, such as:
- Enclosed bin: Sits on the ground, has a lid, and is aerated along the tops and sides to help with decomposition.
- Backyard compost tumbler: Raised off the ground, a fully sealed container that can be rotated to mix the composting materials.
- Vermicomposting: The use of earthworms to convert organic waste into compost.
- Bokashi composting: An anaerobic fermentation process that relies on inoculated bran to ferment kitchen waste.
- Curbside composting: A program similar to curbside recycling that collects food scraps, food-soiled paper, and leaf/yard waste and turns it into compost.
- Trench composting: Go into your backyard, dig a hole around a foot deep, put your food scraps in, and cover it up.
- Electric composters: An appliance that can turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich dirt — like a Lomi food composter.
Also, local farmers markets and community gardens will typically be happy to take food scraps off your hands if they have a food scrap drop off program set up. Double check this by reaching out to someone in charge.
You can also find someone in your vicinity who already composts and will happily take your food scraps using ShareWaste.
For more information, be sure to check out my other composting blog posts below:
- Your Guide to Backyard Composting
- How to Compost in an Apartment
- Composting 101 (125+ Household Items You Can Compost)
lomi compost review:
When I was first approached to write an unbiased Lomi composter review, I didn’t even know who or what Lomi was.
I loved the idea of compost that doesn’t take months to form, though. And when I learned it processes animal byproducts and bioplastics? I was excited but skeptical to say the least. It sounded too good to be true, but I was pleasantly surprised when working on my Lomi composter review.
Before I get into the reasons why you’ll love a Lomi, you have to first understand what the heck it is.
what is a lomi compost machine?
One of the things that sets a Lomi food composter apart is that it’s a home solution that takes all your food scraps (yes, even animal products) and transforms them into valuable nutrients in under 24 hours.
Yes, Lomi transforms your food scraps in under 24 hours into nutrient-rich dirt. Lomi is a Smart Waste Appliance that breaks down your food scraps using heat, abrasion, and oxygen. It does this by heating and grinding your food waste.
You can better get to know Lomi by understanding the components that make up this Smart Waste Appliance:
- Bucket: It has an aluminum bucket designed to process your food waste and Lomi-approved bioplastics. This is dishwasher safe.
- Filters: There’s a back filter and a top filter that are made from activated carbon to trap moisture, remove gases from circulation, and reduce food rot smell. These are refillable.
- Lid: The lid is designed to stay locked in place while a cycle is in progress.
All these components come together to make Lomi, which can transform your food scraps and Lomi-approved bioplastics into nutrient rich plant food in mere hours. Lomi composting is a great way to ensure food scraps don’t end up in landfills.
Here’s what can go into your Lomi:
- Fruits and vegetables (think strawberry tops, carrot + potato peels, etc.)
- Plant trimmings and yard waste
- Animal products (like eggshells, meat scraps, soft shells, dairy, etc.)
- Grains (like wheat, rice, and corn)
- Lomi Approved Bioplastics (like a Pela phone case)
5 reasons i fell in love during my lomi composter review
1. a lomi food composter can process some bioplastics
My favorite find while working on my Lomi composter review is that it can process Lomi-Approved Bioplastics Such as the Pela Case (a compostable phone case,)and even the packaging that comes with the Lomi and Lomi accessories like charcoal and filter refills.
Most people don’t have access to industrial composting facilities that can break down bioplastics. Without access to this, most of these bioplastics just end up in a landfill where they can last for centuries and release methane (similar to food scraps).
Here’s a full list of Lomi-approved products and packaging that Lomi can break down. All Lomi-approved products have passed Lomi’s rigorous research and testing process, including verification that they will not release toxic chemicals or harm the environment.
To process Lomi-approved bioplastics, make sure you choose the “Lomi Approved Mode” setting. It will take about 5-8 hours to transform your scraps and bioplastics into usable Lomi Earth.
2. lomi composting is fast and easy
A Lomi food composter is easy to operate and requires minimal maintenance. It has three modes, all of which serve a different purpose (more on that below).
The default mode is Eco Express, but you can change modes by simply pressing the button for 2-3 seconds.
Each mode accomplishes something different and takes different amounts of time to process your materials:
- Eco Express: This is the fastest mode to break down food scraps; it processes materials in 3-5 hours and should only be used with food scraps.
- Lomi Approved Mode: Use this when adding Lomi-Approved bioplastics and products, along with packing materials; it processes materials in 5-8 hours.
- Grow Mode: Best for gardeners that want to retain maximum nutrient value in Lomi Earth; it processes materials in 16 to 20 hours and should only be used with food scraps.
Once you know which mode to put your Lomi on, things get super simple from there on out.
3. beautiful + functional design
As a bonus, the Lomi Bloom is a beautiful appliance designed to seamlessly fit into any kitchen space. It comes in three colors white, black, and sage green — which is the one I have!
With Lomi, there’s no fussing: You just place it on a countertop and let it do its thing. It’s functional, simple, and accessible. Basically, all you need to do is place your food scraps in and run the cycle.
4. ideal for everyone
Curious if Lomi is right for you? Whether you’re limited on space, love plants, or just want the easiest way to compost, it can seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle. Using it just twice a week can reduce your waste footprint by 50%!
And 180 million pounds of food scraps have been diverted from the landfills with units already sold.
plant lovers
If you’re big into houseplants, or have a garden, this may be your favorite reason to love Lomi. Lomi creates nutrient-rich Lomi Earth (aka pre-compost) which is rich in microbial cultures and organic matter. This is perfect to use on plants of all kinds, lawns, and gardens as it will help them flourish.
When Lomi is done doing its thing, just take the Lomi Earth that’s left and sprinkle it onto your lawn, garden, or houseplants. You can also get a big bag and save it up over time if you prefer to work with bigger batches.
For the best results in the garden, consider choosing Grow Mode, as this will retain maximum nutrient value in Lomi Earth.
people without access to industrial compost
Are you someone who doesn’t have access to an industrial composting facility? Lomi may be the best choice for you.
Industrial composters can handle a much wider range of organic matter, including things like bioplastics and bones, that can’t be processed in home compost bins.
But Lomi can break down certain animal products, like meat scraps and dairy, which makes life a lot easier for people without access to industrial composting.
apartment dwellers
If you have an overall smaller space, like in an apartment, Lomi may be right for you. You can put it on a countertop or place it on a sturdy display table.
You do need ample countertop space, so be mindful of this before you get a Lomi. Lomi is 16″ in width, and 12” in height.
5. ample reward opportunities
Each time you run a cycle with Lomi Bloom, you can also earn points every time you run a cycle, refer a friend, or place an order — just by connecting your device. You can redeem your points for free products and special discounts from Lomi and other great eco-friendly brands.
Here are a few more of Lomi Blooms offerings:
- In-app usage guide, shop, and support
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled
- Over-the-air software updates and improvements.
- Faster, more responsive Lomi Cycles
- Tracking your household’s carbon impact
- Earning reward points for simply running Lomi Bloom
- Real-time troubleshooting information
how to use lomi
step 1: fill the bin
Put all of your food scraps, coffee grounds, and any Lomi-approved products into Lomi.
step 2: select your mode
Select the mode that best works for you. Push the button and Lomi works to break down your waste. It will only take hours to break down.
step 3: nutrient rich dirt
What you’re left with is nutrient-rich Lomi Earth, which can be used in several ways (mentioned previously).
faqs about lomi composting
is lomi expensive?
Lomi can be cost prohibitive to some. However, when compared to other kitchen appliances — especially those that tout themselves as eco friendly — it’s pretty on par! Their website often runs promotions for holidays and offers discounts for their subscription program, making it much more accessible than it would be otherwise.
what do the other reviews say?
I’m so glad you asked! Other Lomi compost reviews state that they use their Lomi daily and their machine is still running as good as new. They also mention an absolute lack of pests and odors, which is a huge selling point when it comes to a kitchen composter! Others still say that it’s a gardener’s dream, eliminates the need to buy compost, and makes creating your own soil mixtures much easier. I’m not the only one who loves my Lomi!
does lomi provide accessories?
You betcha. You can get replacement filters and LomiPods (their version of a compost accelerator) directly from the website. You can get these accessories as part of their subscription service or buy them individually as needed!
Would you consider using a Lomi in your home? Let me know in the comments.
And, a huge thank you to Lomi for sponsoring this post. Be sure to visit https://lomi.com/ to learn more about Lomi and start reducing food waste today.
