Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

About the FC50

Is the FC50 a composter? Not in the traditional sense. Rather than breaking waste down slowly with microbes, the FC50 dries and grinds food scraps into a dry material we call PlantMix, reducing their volume considerably in a single cycle — typically overnight. PlantMix is a useful base for the garden, though it is not finished compost on its own — more on that below.

What can I put in it? Most everyday kitchen scraps: fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, cooked leftovers, bread and grains. Meat and fish are fine — bones are not. Along with bones, keep out fruit pits and hard seeds (such as avocado, mango and peach), soups and liquid-heavy foods, and anything that isn't food — plastics, metals and glass. Hard items strain the grinding mechanism.

Do I need to add microbes or enzymes? No. The FC50 works through drying and grinding alone, so there are no microbes, enzymes or additives to buy.

How much can it hold? The bucket has a 3L capacity, which suits everyday household food waste.

Running a cycle

How long does a cycle take? Dry scraps can finish in around five hours, while a typical mixed load runs overnight. The FC50 adjusts to the moisture and stops on its own — longer cycles are normal, not a fault.

Does it stop on its own? Yes. The FC50 adjusts its drying time to the moisture in the waste, runs a final deodorising and air-circulation stage, and stops once the cycle is complete.

Mine has been running much longer than I expected — is something wrong? Wetter loads hold more moisture and take longer to dry, so a longer cycle on its own is usually normal. Every cycle also ends with a final deodorising and air-circulation stage that clears any remaining odour before the machine finishes. Once the contents have turned to a dry powder or fine grit, the processing itself is complete — so if you would rather not wait for the deodorising stage to finish, you can stop the cycle manually at that point.

Why does it keep running after the contents already look dry? After the scraps are dried and ground, the FC50 moves into a final deodorising and air-circulation stage, reducing any remaining odour before the cycle ends. This is a normal part of the cycle rather than a fault. If the PlantMix is already dry and there is no noticeable odour, the useful work is done — you can let the stage complete or stop the machine manually. If you ever notice an error light, unusual noise or smell, or excessive heat, stop using the machine and contact us. And if the cycle never finishes even once the contents are fully dry, let us know as well, and we will check it for you.

Can I run it overnight? Yes. The FC50 is designed for unattended operation, and many households run a cycle overnight.

Odour and noise

Does it smell while running? It is built to keep odours in check. An activated carbon filter absorbs odours through the cycle, which makes it well suited to everyday indoor use.

Is it noisy? It is designed for quiet, low-vibration operation, and is noticeably quieter than many common kitchen appliances.

PlantMix

What is PlantMix? PlantMix is the dry, ground material the FC50 produces at the end of a cycle. It is not fully matured compost yet — it continues to break down — so it works best when left to mature a little further and then mixed into soil. Our guide on using PlantMix covers this in detail.

Is PlantMix safe for pets? PlantMix is intended for gardening and soil use. It is not designed or recommended as food for animals.

Filter and cleaning

How often should I replace the carbon filter? Under normal household use the carbon filter lasts around six months. A single replacement is $30, and we also offer a 2 Pack ($58) and a 4 Pack ($109) so a year or two of filters arrives in one delivery. Spent filters go in your general waste bin.

Can I wash the bucket? Yes. The bucket lifts out fully and is straightforward to clean after use.

The coating inside my bucket looks worn — do I need a new one? No. Light wear marks inside the bucket are normal, appearing where the grinding action presses the material. This is cosmetic only and does not affect how the unit performs.

Is bucket coating wear covered under warranty? Cosmetic marks and normal wear inside the bucket are part of regular use rather than a manufacturing fault, so they are not treated as a defect. If anything about your unit concerns you, contact us and we will help.

Warranty

Is the FC50 covered by a warranty? Yes. The FC50 — like all NAMU NAMU products — carries a 12-month warranty against manufacturing faults, in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. Details are in our Refund & Return Policy.

Power, voltage and connectivity

What are the running costs? The FC50 does not draw its full 570W continuously — it cycles the heating on and off — so actual consumption is modest, at roughly 0.8–1.2 kWh per cycle. For most Australian households that works out to around AUD $0.25–$0.40 per cycle, depending on your electricity rate.

Does it restart after a power outage? No. For safety, it does not resume on its own after a power interruption — simply start a new cycle once power returns.

Can I control it from an app? No. The FC50 has no Wi-Fi or app connectivity. It is made to be simple and reliable, operated through the touch panel on the front.

What voltage does it use, and can I use it overseas? The FC50 runs on AC 220–240V (570W), which matches mains power across Australia and New Zealand, so no transformer is needed here. In other regions, check your local voltage first: 220–240V countries are compatible, while 110–120V countries would require a suitable step-up transformer.