Sage the FoodCycler SWR550 - Food Disposal Machine Manual

Components

1. Locking Lid
2. Control Panel
3. Main Housing Body
4. Back Panel
5. Air Vents
6. Power Cord Outlet
7. Set of EcoFilters
8. Filter Cavities
9. Filter Reset Button
10. Filter Air Guides
11. Bucket with Agitators
12. Bucket Lid Assembly
    1. Carbon Foam Lid Liner
    2. Back Cover
    3. Locking Screw

NOT PICTURED

• Non-Slip Feet
• Power Cord

Rating Information
220–240V ~ 50/60Hz 500W

Control Panel

1. Power On / Off button with indicator light
2. Drying indicator light
3. Grinding indicator light
4. Cooling indicator light
5. Change filter indicator light

Features

SAGE FOODCYCLER

Your Sage FoodCycler transforms your household food waste into nutrient rich EcoChips™, using an intuitive three stage cycle. The FoodCycler pulverizes and dehydrates nearly all types of food waste.

Agitators turn inside the grinding bucket, reducing food waste to small particles, while simultaneously the FoodCycler aerates and heats the bucket content, decomposing and sterilising the food waste.

Stage 1 - Drying

Dehydrates household food waste

Stage 2 - Grinding

Grinds food waste down by over 80% of the original volume**

Stage 3 - Cooling

Cools down the remaining EcoChips™ for safe disposal

** The volume of the bucket contents may be reduced by over 80% depending on the amount and moisture content of the food scraps being processed.

The FoodCycler comes equipped with the following items:

Removable, porcelain-coated aluminium bucket

The grinding bucket is designed to fully grind and process food waste, with perfectly calibrated resistance and strength testing.

Carbon Filter Bucket Lid

Complete with an activated carbon foam lid-liner to capture odours, the versatile carbon filter bucket lid allows for accumulating food waste outside of the FoodCycler until ready to start your next cycle. Keep the bucket on its own on your benchtop using the carbon filtered lid while you accumulate your daily food waste, then when full, place the bucket in the FoodCycler to process (remove bucket lid before placing into FoodCycler).

A set of 2 activated carbon EcoFilters (SWR050BLK)

Activated carbon filters are designed to reduce odours during cycling.

Filter Air Guides

Two small air guide covers sit on top of the carbon filters, ensuring that the air and water vapour is properly directed toward the FoodCycler vents.

Locking Lid

Seamless design, slides and locks smoothly into place prior to every cycle to help insulate sound, reduce odours, and ensuring a safe, reliable cycle. Removing the lid will pause operation.

Each one of these parts forms the complete FoodCycler system.

Assembly

BEFORE FIRST USE

Ensure all packaging is removed from the FoodCycler, EcoFilters and filter air guides before using.

• Remove and safely discard any packaging material or promotional labels attached to your FoodCycler.
• Remove the stickers located on the top of the two activated carbon EcoFilters that come fitted in the FoodCycler and ensure that the filters and filter air guides are in place before first use.
• Follow the direction found in Replacing the Filters.

Failure to remove the stickers located at the top of each of the filters before first use may impede air flow and cause the FoodCycler to fail to operate properly.

• Select a flat, level and dry location for the FoodCycler.
• For proper air flow, locate the FoodCycler at least 20cm from any wall or furniture.
• Ensure the air inlet and outlets are not blocked before use.

NOTE
When moving the FoodCycler, always lift using two hands under the base and set down gently on a flat, level and dry surface.

Functions

OPERATING YOUR FOODCYCLER

1. Open the lid by turning counter-clockwise until the arrow on the bucket lid is facing the unlock symbol pictured on the top part of the FoodCycler. Lift to remove.
   
2. Lift the bucket up straight and away from the FoodCycler using the folding metal handle.
   
3. Add your food waste into the bucket. Do not load the bucket beyond the marked fill line.

Before starting to operate the FoodCycler each time, clean any dirt or food residue on the external surface of the bucket and the surface of the heating plate.

WHAT CAN THE FOODCYCLER PROCESS

• Meat fish and poultry scraps (no bones)
• Most fruit and vegetable scraps, including peels
• Cereals and grains
• Cheese
• Beans, seeds and legumes
• Coffee grounds and paper tea bags
• Eggs and eggshells
• Pet food (no bones)

WHY CAN'T THE FOODCYCLER PROCESS

• Hard bones such as beef, lamb and pig bones.
• Candy or gum
• Cooking oils or greases
• Hard pits (peaches, apricots, nectarines)
• Nuts and other hard shells
• Hard fruit and vegetable leaves (example, pineapple leaves)

The FoodCycler is designed for processing household FOOD WASTE only. Do not add non-food waste to the FoodCycler.

The FoodCycler can handle organic materials that traditional composters can't and performs best when fed a wide variety of foods.

To ensure optimal food waste breakdown, mix food waste together, with heavier foods interspersed with lighter, dryer foods.

Avoid high concentrations of the following foods:

• starches (bread, cake, rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, stuffing)
• citrus fruit rinds
• condiments, dressings, sauces & soups
• nut butters
• jam, jellies, marmalades
• high sugar fruits (grapes, cherries, melon, oranges, bananas, etc.)
• meat, dairy and eggshells- sour creams, yogurts, spoiled milk.
• The dense, starchy and/or moisture-rich composition of these foods make them difficult to process in large quantities.

When processing food waste that is high in starches and sugar, sauces or fatty food waste, be sure to mix them with other food waste. If these types of food waste are processed without mixing, there is a chance that the end product may become stuck to the bottom of the bucket and fail to process entirely.

If your end product comes out less than optimal, simply add more food waste and start the cycle again. Be sure to cut up long food waste such as corn cobs, corn husks, etc. into smaller pieces as these items are highly fibrous and may cause a jam if left whole.

Always ensure that no food waste falls outside of the bucket and into the FoodCycler.

This may cause damage to the motor and other internal components. You should remove the bucket from the FoodCycler prior to adding food waste. You can keep the bucket on your kitchen benchtop and fill with food waste throughout the day/week until you are ready to start a cycle by using the carbon filtered bucket lid.

Do not overfill your bucket.

The bucket comes with a full line (approx. 2 Litres capacity) inside along the interior of the bucket. Do not add food waste above this line. Do not pack down food waste to keep it beneath the full line once full. Overfilling the bucket might cause the FoodCycler to jam and not process.

1. Replace the filled bucket into the FoodCycler by sliding the bucket straight into the cavity. The arrow on the bucket rim should line up with the arrow on the interior of the FoodCycler cavity. This will engage the interlock on the FoodCycler and the bucket gears.
   
2. Replace the FoodCycler lid by inserting it into the top of the FoodCycler over the bucket. Turn the lid clockwise until the arrow on the lid aligns with the lock symbol picture on the top part of the FoodCycler.
   

NOTE
The FoodCycler will not operate without locking the lid properly in position.

1. Plug the power plug into a 220V or 240V power outlet and turn the outlet on.
2. Press the Power On/Off button once to turn the FoodCycler on to Ready mode and the fan is running in low speed. The light will illuminate.
3. Press the Power button again and the 3-stage cycling will start with a green light illuminating against each cycle.
   
4. The FoodCycler will transition through 3 cycles – drying, grinding and cooling - then beep once when all cycles are complete and revert to Standby mode. All lights turn off and the FoodCycler shuts off. To turn the FoodCycler off manually, press and hold the Power On/Off button for 3 seconds. Turn off at the power outlet and unplug before opening the lid and removing the bucket.

Pause Feature

If you find that you have more waste to add to your cycle while the FoodCycler is running, you can use your FoodCycler's Pause feature.

Pause feature should only be performed during drying cycle, otherwise the new food scraps will not be processed properly. Pausing the FoodCycler to add more food scraps will impact the accuracy of the cycle time, which will extend the overall cycle period (though the cycle will never last longer than 8 hours).

The EcoChips may not be fully processed by the end of the cycle. In this case, you may want to run the FoodCycler a second time to completely dehydrate the bucket contents.

To Pause the FoodCycler, press the Power On/Off button once or open the lid while the unit is processing. Pressing the Power On/Off button once again after locking the lid back in place will resume processing.

If the FoodCycler is overloaded or operated continuously for too long, the safety cut-out switch will stop the FoodCycler to prevent the motor from overheating. If this occurs, switch the FoodCycler off, unplug from the power outlet and allow to cool for approximately 30 minutes. Once the motor has fully cooled, it is ready for use again. If overheating is caused by the bucket being overfilled, remove some of the food waste and process in smaller batches.

Control Panel Indicator Lights and Cycle Time

1. The Power On/Off button (blue light) will illuminate when the FoodCycler is in Standby mode or in operating.
2. The Drying cycle (green light) can last anywhere between 60-100 minutes and will automatically move to Grinding once cycle has finished.
3. The Grinding cycle (green light) is the longest cycle and can last anywhere between 4-6 hours. Once this cycle is complete, the FoodCycler will move automatically to Cooling.
4. The Cooling cycle (green light) is the last cycle before completion. The Cooling mode lasts under 30 minutes.
5. The Change Filter light (red) will illuminate when it is time to replace the filters.
   

NOTE
Typical processing time takes an average of 4 - 6 hours. Cycle time will vary depending on the types of food being processed and the total moisture content. Total maximum processing time is 8 hours. The cooling phase takes up to an additional 30 minutes.

REPLACING THE FILTERS

Your EcoFilters should be replaced regularly or as indicated to ensure an odourless cycle.

If the FoodCycler is used regularly, the filters will need to be changed every 3-4 months (500 Hours).

At the end of this period, the Change Filter light will illuminate red indicating that the filters need to be replaced.

• Remove all packaging from the EcoFilters and Filter Air Guides before first use. Remove all packaging from replacement filters before fitting into the FoodCycler. Follow the steps described below.

NOTE
Always change both filters at the same time.

The filters are not washable. Do not immerse any part of the filters in water as it will cause damage.

To replace the EcoFilters:

1. Open the back panel of the FoodCycler by pressing down on the plastic tab at the top of the panel (with the arrow), then pull outwards to release. Remove the two filter air guides sitting on top of the filters by tilting slightly towards you, then lift them up and out of the FoodCycler. Do not discard the filter air guides.
   
2. Keeping the used filters straight, twist each of them counter-clockwise to remove from the filter cavities. Remove one at a time.
   
3. Remove the packaging from the filters before fitting. Keeping the new filters straight, insert the right, then the left, into the filter cavities and twist clockwise to secure.
   
4. Slide the filter air guides over the top of the filters so they sit straight. Push down slightly to fit.
   
5. Locate the filter reset button along the upper, inner lip of the filter cavity and press and hold for 3 seconds. The 'Change Filter' light will turn off when it is reset. Replace the back panel.
   

On first use, remove the filters as described above and remove the filters stickers. If the 'Change Filter' light is not illuminated, do not reset.

REPLACEMENT FILTERS

Replacement filters may be purchased from the Sage website† or at participating retail outlets.

†Delivery charges may apply.

Please contact Sage Customer Service Centre for further support.

Only use the original Sage filter specially intended for this appliance. Do not use any other filter.

CARBON FILTER BUCKET LID

For convenience, you can store the FoodCycler under the bench or even outside of the kitchen in an accessible area of the house, like the laundry or garage. Keep just the FoodCycler bucket on your benchtop to accumulate your food waste hassle and odour-free by using with the carbon filter bucket lid. When full, remove the bucket lid before placing into the FoodCycler to process.

Assembling your bucket lid

1. Place the carbon filter foam liner inside the bucket lid.
2. Place the back-lid cover on top of the carbon filter foam liner.
3. Ensure that all pieces are properly aligned within the ridge of the lid.
4. Place the locking screw into the centre hole of all the aligned lid parts.
5. Turn locking screw clockwise until the lid parts are secure.
   

Your carbon foam lid liner should be replaced every 2-3 months to help reduce odours released from collecting food waste inside the grinding bucket.

• To replace, simply remove all packaging from the replacement carbon lid liner and place inside the lid as described above.

The filters are not washable. Do not immerse any part of the filters in water as it will cause damage.

REPLACEMENT CARBON FOAM LID LINER

Replacement carbon lid liners may be purchased from the Sage website†.

†Delivery charges may apply.

Please contact Sage Customer Service Centre for further support.

Only use the original Sage filter specially intended for this appliance. Do not use any other filter.

ECOCHIPS DISPOSAL

NOTE
The following is a guide to EcoChips disposal only.

• Country, State/Territory and individual council regulations regarding food waste disposal will vary.
• Check with your local council for more information before disposing.

There are two ways of disposing your EcoChips:

1. In the General Bin
   • Refer to state/territory and individual council regulations for appropriate disposal.
2. Applied in the Garden
   • If applied to your garden, EcoChips must be incorporated as part of the topsoil, not just surface applied
   • The EcoChips can be incorporated into soil around fruit or nut trees or vines at any time. Fallen produce must not be collected off the ground for 90 days after each application.
   • The EcoChips can be used in agriculture, home gardens and landscaping. If it is applied to land to grow food that comes into direct contact with the soil (such as carrots, lettuces and leafy herbs) consumers must wait 90 days before planting to minimise potential health risks.

Care, Cleaning & Storage

Keeping your FoodCycler clean will help ensure that your FoodCycler performs cleanly and efficiently. Both the exterior of the FoodCycler and the removable bucket should be cleaned regularly.

NOTE
Before starting to operate your FoodCycler for each time, clean the bottom of the grinding bucket and the surface of the heating plate using a clean and dry cloth.

Follow the directions below to keep your FoodCycler looking (and working) at its best.

Always ensure the FoodCycler is turned off, switched off at the power outlet and unplugged and allow the FoodCycler to cool before performing any cleaning or filter replacement.

Cleaning the outside of the FoodCycler

DO NOT immerse your FoodCycler in water. This will damage your FoodCycler beyond repair and might cause electric shock. Exterior, cosmetic cleaning only!

NOTE
Use a clean, dry cloth to clean external surface, internal surface and heating plate surface of the FoodCycler. With particularly stubborn grime, you can add a small amount of dish soap to your damp dish cloth before thoroughly wringing out most of the moisture.

NOTE
Exposure to cooking oils and cleaning chemicals may cause colour fading and discolouration to the FoodCycler. If the FoodCycler is exposed to oils or chemicals, turn off and unplug the appliance and use a damp cloth to clean the external surface of the FoodCycler. Dry thoroughly using a dry, lint-free cloth or paper towel to remove all moisture before use.

DO NOT use gasoline, benzine, thinner, harsh cleaners, etc. on and/or in the FoodCycler while cleaning as they will damage the FoodCycler.

NEVER use alcohol or other solvents on this FoodCycler.

Cleaning the Grinding Bucket

The grinding bucket is made from tough aluminium with a protective porcelain coating, making your bucket dishwasher friendly for ultimate convenience.

Allow your bucket to cool before handling or placing it back in your FoodCycler.

1. Remove bucket.
2. Remove all blockages and loose particles from grinding bucket.
3. Place bucket in lower rack of dishwasher.

If you find that the bucket contains a residue from the previous cycle and you would like to remove it, you can run a cycle with only citrus rinds (lemons, orange, etc.). The citrus peels will help clear any residue or caked-on food waste.

If a jam occurs and you cannot remove the blockage manually, soak the bucket overnight in warm water (soap optional). Avoid using metal tools or metal wire brushes to clear out the blockage.

You can also hand wash your bucket using warm water, a small amount of dish soap and a dish cloth. Scrub around and beneath the agitators as much as possible to clean all available surfaces.

Troubleshooting

Before carrying out any of the following service checks, unplug the FoodCycler from the mains.

A Manual Reset is necessary if your FoodCycler operating system needs to be reset to an earlier mode following a minor malfunction.

Follow these instructions to properly complete a manual reset:

1. Plug FoodCycler in.
2. Press and hold the Power On/Off button for 3 seconds, until you hear a beep and the FoodCycler shuts off.
3. Unplug your FoodCycler for 1 minute.
4. Plug your FoodCycler back in and wait ten seconds.
5. Press the Power On/Off button as you normally would to start a cycle.

If the Manual Reset does not work the first time, try resetting again.

NOTE
If your FoodCycler is signalling a components issue, do not continue using. Contact Sage Customer Service Centre.