I Tested a Countertop Composter That Makes Ready-to-Use Soil Literally Overnight

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As a seasoned gardener and plant parent, I fully get it—compost is THE way to feed your soil. So I have two systems set up in my suburban Atlanta yard: a tumbler and a stationary bin. The only bummer about creating your own soil? Traditional composting takes literally months. So when I saw the ads for the Pela Lomi Kitchen Composter claiming it can transform kitchen scraps into compost in just hours, I was skeptical, obviously. I pored over online reviews and real-user comments and still wasn't convinced. I had to try this thing for myself.

When it arrived, I was immediately impressed with the 100% recyclable packaging. Even better? All the packing materials can go right in the Lomi—including the bioplastic protective covering. Aside from the composter itself, the box came loaded with activated charcoal for the filters and Lomi Pods, the brand's proprietary probiotic blend that speeds up decomposition while keeping odors in check. A step-by-step manual walks you through loading the filters and gives you the dos and don'ts of composting. I was ready to go. Lomi has three cycles, each giving food waste the perfect balance of moisture, warmth, and oxygen to create compost, speeding up the natural decomposition process. Eco Express mode delivers the fastest results using the least energy—it runs three to five hours, no Lomi Pod needed. But this mode produces immature compost best added to a larger compost bin to finish. Approved mode breaks down only Lomi-approved bioplastics, runs five to eight hours, and requires a Lomi Pod. The longest cycle, Grow mode, runs about 16 to 20 hours, using low heat to preserve beneficial microbes from the Pod. All Lomi compost can go to indoor or outdoor plants at a 1-to-10 ratio of Lomi compost to soil.

So does Lomi really work? Yes, you guys. It does exactly what it claims: reduces your waste volume by up to 90 percent. It takes most food scraps, leftovers, houseplant trimmings, and paper. The whole process happens right in the bucket—no transferring to a larger heap. I tried all three modes, and at the end of each one, my scraps were transformed into something that looked like actual dirt, so I fed it to my houseplants. They seem very happy and are thriving. One thing to note, though: you can't just throw anything in. Composting is all about the right mix of browns and greens for a well-balanced result. I did one cycle with leftovers and shredded paper, not really paying attention to the balance. The result? A gooey mess I eventually had to scrape out. (Thank goodness Lomi's bucket is dishwasher-safe!) Lomi makes it really easy to get the balance right—as long as you follow the recommendations.

More for the pro column: the setup is ridiculously easy—basically plug-and-go. The machine is sleek with a simple interface, so it looks stunning on the kitchen counter. The process is practically dummy-proof. There are really only two things I'd change. First, it's an investment—the Lomi retails for $499, not counting replacement filters and Pods (though the price is comparable to competitors). And while this isn't a deal breaker, it's loud while running—similar to a noisy dishwasher, with periodic squeaky and grinding sounds. I found it distracting, and it was hard to fall asleep when I ran Grow mode. Then again, it literally makes usable soil overnight. Chef's kiss.

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