A Gardening Controversy Part 5: Overall Impression

What's a Reencle Anyway?

First, let me break it down for you: The Reencle is an indoor electric composter that uses a fascinating self-perpetuating microbial system to turn your food waste into usable compost. Think of it as Bokashi composting on hyperdrive - same fermentation concept, but engineered for speed and convenience.

Living with My Kitchen "Pet"

Here's the thing about the Reencle that makes it unique - it's actually alive! Well, sort of. Those hardworking microbes inside need some TLC, which initially had me a bit anxious. My friends even jokingly ask how my "composter pet" is doing. But trust me, once you get past the learning curve, it's pretty low-maintenance. As long as things are breaking down, you're good to go. If it seems sluggish, just give it a day to catch up - like a food coma for microbes!

The Daily Grind

The Reencle has been a champ at handling our kitchen scraps. Most foods break down within 24 hours, which still amazes me. I've emptied it multiple times, and it's a breeze - just scoop out the nutrient-rich compost with the included shovel. During warmer months, it went straight to my backyard compost pile. Now that winter's here, I'm collecting it in a garage bucket (with a compost sieve to catch any chunks that need more time).

The Good, The Bad, and The Quirky

What I Love:

• Stellar customer service - quick responses within a day
• Surprisingly odor-free thanks to the triple-filter system
• Super quiet operation
• Self-sustaining microbe system (no need to buy refills!)
  
  

Minor Quirks:

• Sensitive top buttons (my dog actually turned it off with his nose - solved by getting a stand!)
• Auto-open foot sensor might need deactivating if you have curious pets

The Smell Test

Let's talk odors - or lack thereof! When closed, you wouldn't know there's food decomposing inside. Opening the lid releases a mild fermented scent, like brewer's yeast. Sometimes you get fun surprises - those stale donuts I composted made everything smell like brown sugar for a week!

Practical Tips from Experience

• Water is key - add some if you hear grinding or notice it's too dry
• It handles up to 2.2 lbs of food daily
• Most foods are welcome, except bones, hard pits, plastics, and pet waste
• Going on vacation? The manual has instructions for storing your microbe friends
• Leave some compost at the minimum line when emptying - those microbes need a home!
  
  

The Verdict

After three months, I'm genuinely happy with my Reencle. Sure, there was a learning curve, and yes, training the household took some effort. But for someone in suburbia without easy composting options, it's been a game-changer. It's not just a kitchen appliance - it's become part of our daily routine and our commitment to reducing waste.

Does it take some getting used to? Absolutely. Is it worth it? For me, definitely. If you're ready to take your kitchen waste game to the next level and don't mind befriending some helpful microbes, the Reencle might just be your next favorite kitchen companion.