1. Product Overview
The FOHERE Electric Kitchen Composter, Model FC-386, is designed to efficiently process kitchen food waste into natural fertilizer. It features a 4-liter capacity, an LED display, auto-clean function, and a carbon filter system for odor control.
Figure 1.1: FOHERE Electric Kitchen Composter with various food scraps and resulting fertilizer. This image illustrates the composter's function of converting organic waste into nutrient-rich soil.
Key Components:
- Main Unit: Houses the motor, heating element, and control panel.
- Composting Bucket: 4-liter capacity, made of stainless steel.
- Grinding Blades: Low-speed, high-torque blades for processing food materials.
- Activated Carbon Filters: Two compartments for odor adsorption.
- LED Display: Intuitive interface for operation and status monitoring.
- Viewing Window: Transparent window to observe the composting process.
2. Safety Instructions
WARNING: Failure to follow these safety instructions may result in fire, electric shock, or injury.
- Always use the auto-clean function to minimize contact with waste.
- Do not compost sharp objects or hazardous materials.
- Keep the compost bin in a well-ventilated area.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling the compost bin or its contents.
- Ensure the appliance is unplugged before cleaning or maintenance.
- Do not immerse the main unit in water or other liquids.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Only use the appliance for its intended purpose as described in this manual.
3. Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all packaging materials and inspect the composter for any damage. Retain packaging for future transport if needed.
- Placement: Place the composter on a stable, flat, and heat-resistant surface in a well-ventilated area. Ensure adequate space around the unit for air circulation.
- Filter Installation:
The composter uses activated carbon filters to neutralize odors. These filters are typically pre-installed or included separately.
- Open the composter lid.
- Locate the two filter compartments on the top of the unit.
- Remove the filter covers.
- Insert the activated carbon cartridges into the compartments. Ensure they are seated correctly.
- Replace the filter covers securely.
Figure 3.1: Illustration of the dual activated carbon filter system. The filters are crucial for odor adsorption during the composting process.
Video 3.1: This video demonstrates the installation of the activated carbon filters and the types of food waste that can be processed. It also shows the composter's operation and the resulting fertilizer.
- Power Connection: Plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Adding Food Waste
- Open the composter lid.
- Place food scraps into the removable composting bucket. Ensure the waste does not exceed the "MAX" fill line.
- Close the lid securely.
Figure 4.1: Examples of food waste suitable for the composter, including vegetable and fruit scraps, staple food, seafood, eggshells, yard waste, coffee grounds, degradable kitchenware, and meat scraps.
4.2 Acceptable and Unacceptable Waste
| Acceptable Items | Unacceptable Items |
|---|---|
| Vegetable & Fruits | Hard Bones |
| Meat & Soft Bones | Fruit Pits |
| Eggshells & Soft Shells | Shellfish |
| Cereal & Grains | Metal, Glass, Plastic, Styrofoam |
| Dairy (in moderation) | Cooking Oils & Greases |
| Coffee & Tea Grounds | Lined Bags, Foil Wrap |
| Beans & Nuts | Cigarettes, Alcohol |
| Tissues & Papers (non-coated) | Soiled Diapers, Baby Wipes |
| Yard Waste (small pieces) | Chemicals, Hazardous Waste |
Note: For optimal results, cut larger items into smaller pieces. Avoid overloading the composter.
4.3 Selecting a Composting Mode
The FOHERE composter offers different modes for processing food waste:
- Auto Mode (A): The composter automatically weighs the food waste and calculates the optimal processing time (typically 4-6 hours). Press the 'Auto' button to start.
- Manual Mode (M): Allows you to manually select a processing time (e.g., 1-3 hours). This can be useful for smaller loads or specific types of waste. Press the 'Manual' button and adjust the time as needed.
Figure 4.2: The LED display and control panel, showing options for On/Off, Auto mode, Planning Time, Remaining Time, Manual mode, and Menu. The display also indicates Clean, FMT (Fermentation), Weight, and Filter status.
Once a mode is selected, the composter will begin its cycle of drying, grinding, and cooling. The transparent viewing window allows you to observe the transformation of waste.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Auto-Clean Function
The composter features an auto-clean function for convenient maintenance:
- After removing the processed compost, ensure the composting bucket is empty.
- Add approximately 1/3 of the bucket's volume with water.
- Close the lid and select the 'Clean' function from the control panel. The cleaning cycle typically runs for 30 minutes.
- Once the cycle is complete, empty the water and wipe the interior with a soft cloth. Leave the lid open to air dry.
Video 5.1: This video demonstrates the self-cleaning system of the composter, showing how to add water and initiate the cleaning cycle.
5.2 Manual Cleaning
For thorough cleaning or if the auto-clean function is insufficient:
- Unplug the composter from the power outlet.
- Remove the composting bucket and wash it with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- The grinding blade assembly can be removed for better access. Refer to the diagram in the product overview for removal instructions. Clean the blades and surrounding area with a brush or damp cloth.
- Wipe the exterior of the unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or immerse the main unit in water.
- Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and using the composter.
5.3 Carbon Filter Replacement
It is recommended to replace the activated carbon filters every 3 months to ensure continuous odor-free performance. The LED display may also indicate when a filter replacement is due.
- Open the composter lid and remove the filter covers.
- Carefully remove the old carbon cartridges. Dispose of them responsibly.
- Insert new activated carbon cartridges into the compartments.
- Replace the filter covers securely.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Composter not turning on | Not plugged in; power outage; faulty outlet. | Check power cord connection; test outlet with another appliance; contact support if issue persists. |
| Odor present during operation | Filters need replacement; lid not sealed properly; excessive moisture in waste. | Replace carbon filters; ensure lid is closed tightly; reduce liquid content in food waste. |
| Waste not fully processed/too wet | Overloaded composter; high moisture content; insufficient processing time. | Reduce load size; drain excess liquid from waste; select a longer processing cycle. |
| Unusual noise during operation | Hard items in the bucket; foreign object; normal grinding sound. | Ensure no hard, non-compostable items are present. If noise is excessive or unusual, unplug and inspect. Some grinding noise is normal. |
| Filter indicator light on | Time for filter replacement. | Replace both activated carbon filters. |
7. Specifications
- Brand: FOHERE
- Model: FC-386
- Capacity: 4 Liters
- Material: Stainless Steel (casing and bucket)
- Color: Gray
- Product Dimensions: 13.2"L x 10.1"W x 13.5"H
- Item Weight: 23.6 Pounds
- Voltage: 120V/60Hz
- Power Consumption: 500W
- Carbon Filter Quantity: 2
Figure 7.1: Visual representation of the composter's dimensions and key specifications, including capacity, voltage, and power consumption.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or to purchase replacement parts (such as activated carbon filters), please refer to the manufacturer's official website or contact their customer service department. Contact details are typically provided with the product packaging or on the FOHERE brand website.
Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
