Lomi setup: how to set up the original Lomi step by step

To set up the original Lomi, unbox it and place it on a flat, dry, stable surface at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the wall. Open the back panel, fill the rectangular filter box with activated charcoal, then fill the cylindrical top filter from the second bag. Attach the power cord to Lomi before plugging it into the wall. Fill the bucket up to 75% with mixed food scraps, seat it, lock the lid, and press the button to start the default Eco-Express cycle, which takes about 3 to 5 hours.

This walkthrough covers the first-generation Lomi, often called Lomi Classic. If you have a newer model, such as Lomi 3, which Lomi now sells as its current machine, follow that model’s quick start guide instead, since filters and controls differ. For the original unit, choose Eco-Express for fast volume reduction, Lomi Approved for certified bioplastics, and Grow mode when you want material to mix into garden soil.

Disclosure: This Lomi unit was gifted to me by Pela, the manufacturer of Lomi.

Step 1: Unbox the Lomi unit & parts

Start by unpacking the main Lomi unit and all the parts, accessories, and documentation. Right out of the box, the main unit is largely assembled. Only the power cord is not yet attached. The air filters are in place inside the unit but are not yet filled with activated charcoal.

The box includes two bags of activated charcoal for the two filters, plus a package of LomiPods. The LomiPods are not part of the initial setup. You add one to the bucket before a cycle.

Step 2: Place the Lomi unit on a flat surface

After unboxing, place Lomi on a flat, dry, stable surface near an electrical outlet, such as a kitchen counter or a laundry room or mudroom counter. Lomi’s original instruction manual (version 1.2) says to store it indoors between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C), and never in a garage or outside, because of temperature swings and humidity.

Keep the back of the unit away from the wall, since the rear vent needs good airflow. The manual calls for at least 6 inches (15 cm) of space from all walls while a cycle runs, a well-ventilated spot, and no overhead cabinets above it. Do not plug Lomi in yet. Read more about the unit and how it works in this Lomi overview article.

Step 3: Fill the back air filter with charcoal

Check that the unit is not plugged in. Turn it around so the back is accessible, and open the back panel using the white plastic tab at the top of the vented panel.

Look for the rectangular filter box near the bottom of the back vent space. Lift and pull the filter box out. Locate the two metal wingnut screws. Gently unscrew each wingnut and lift off the lid of the filter box.

Pour charcoal from one of the two bags into the filter box, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top, as the manual directs. I used the smaller bag here. Seal the bag and save any leftover charcoal for the first filter change. The manual says the change filter light comes on every 3 to 6 months, depending on use.

Replace the lid of the filter box and fasten it by screwing on the two side wingnuts. Place the filter box back into the back of the Lomi unit. Replace the back ventilation panel so it clicks into place.

Step 4: Fill the top air filter with charcoal

Open the top lid of the Lomi unit. The top filter is located off to the side of the main chamber bucket. Using the little white tab on top of the filter, twist and lift up the filter cylinder and remove it from the unit.

Twist the lid off of the cylindrical filter. Fill the cylinder up with the activated charcoal bits with the charcoal from the second, larger bag. Twist the lid back onto the top of the filter and place the filter back into the top of the main Lomi unit.

Step 5: Plug in the electrical cord

Locate the black power cord and plug the small end into the Lomi unit. On my unit, the socket is at the bottom on the right-hand side. Push it in firmly. The manual says to always attach the cord to Lomi before plugging it into the wall outlet.

Step 6: Fill up Lomi bucket with food waste

Lomi is now ready for food scraps. Lomi’s original instruction manual (version 1.2) says waste should fit into the bucket without force, larger pieces should be cut up, and the bucket should be filled to about 75% full. It also recommends unplugging Lomi and lifting the bucket out before adding waste. A varied mix of scraps gives the best results.

Things to put into a Lomi composter

• Fruit and vegetable scraps, soft peels, and rinds
• Food leftovers and plate scrapings
• Meat scraps and soft fish bones
• Soft shells, such as eggshells and shrimp shells
• Coffee filters, coffee grounds, and tea bags
• Starches such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cereals, and oats
• Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt
• Nuts
• Houseplants, plants, flowers, and yard trimmings

Cut rigid stems and fibrous vegetables, such as broccoli or kale stems, into small pieces so they do not jam the grinder. Lomi’s What Can Go In Lomi page adds that too much sugar or starch in one cycle can harden in the bottom of the bucket, and suggests limiting any one fruit or root vegetable to about 1 cup per cycle. Certified compostable bioplastics only go in the Lomi Approved mode.

Things not to put into a Lomi composter

• Hard bones (chicken, beef, pork, lamb)
• Fruit pits (avocado, peach, apricot, nectarine, mango)
• Cooking oils, grease, and liquids
• Alcohol
• Lined bags, such as chip or cookie bags
• Soap and shampoo bars
• Diapers, wipes, and hygiene products
• Cat litter, dog waste, and cigarettes
• Metal, plastic, glass, foil, Styrofoam, and produce netting

See my Lomi Review for more tips on using Lomi in your household.

Step 7: Add LomiPod and water

Add a LomiPod to the bucket, on top of the waste. I also pour about 50 mL of water (just under 1/4 cup) right over the pod to start dissolving it. It may bubble a little.

According to Lomi’s original instruction manual (version 1.2), LomiPods are a blend of probiotics that speed breakdown, reduce odor, and help produce a healthier end product for gardens. I find them most useful in Grow mode, where the goal is soil-ready material.

Step 8: Place the bucket into the Lomi unit

Set the bucket into the main chamber. Line up the arrow on the bucket rim with the arrow inside the unit, and it will drop into place. If it does not seat, slightly turn the bolt on the bottom of the bucket and try again.

Step 9: Replace the lid

Put the lid on with its open-padlock arrow lined up with the arrow on the Lomi body, then turn it clockwise until the closed-padlock arrow lines up. Check around the sides to confirm the lid is fully closed.

Step 10: Select the desired Lomi mode & start the cycle

The original Lomi has three modes. Lomi’s original instruction manual (version 1.2) lists the times as Eco-Express at 3 to 5 hours, Lomi Approved at 5 to 8 hours, and Grow at 16 to 20 hours. Eco-Express is the fastest, lowest-energy option for food waste. Lomi Approved is for food waste plus Lomi-approved bioplastics and compostable packaging. Grow runs at low heat to preserve helpful microorganisms. Do not add bioplastics or packaging in Eco-Express or Grow mode.

Lomi has one button. A short press of about 1 second starts a cycle. Holding it for 2 to 3 seconds switches modes.

The default mode is Eco-Express, marked with a small clock icon. To use it, press the button firmly once without holding it.

To switch modes, hold the button for 2 to 3 seconds. The LED moves right, under the Lomi Approved icon, which shows the word Lomi with a check mark. Give the button a short press to start that cycle.

Grow mode is the third option. Use it if you want to make Lomi compost for your plants. Hold the button for another 2 to 3 seconds until the LED moves to the Grow icon, a small sprout with leaves, then press briefly to start. The manual says Grow mode output can be mixed into garden soil at 1 part Lomi material to 10 parts soil.

When the cycle finishes, all the LED lights turn green and Lomi beeps once. The bucket and contents can be hot, so let them cool before you empty it.

Lomi setup FAQ

How long does a Lomi cycle take?

Lomi’s original instruction manual lists Eco-Express at 3 to 5 hours, Lomi Approved at 5 to 8 hours, and Grow mode at 16 to 20 hours. Times vary with the amount and type of waste.

How far from the wall should a Lomi be?

The manual says to keep Lomi at least 6 inches (15 cm) from all walls while a cycle runs, in a well-ventilated spot and not under overhead cabinets.

How full should I fill the Lomi bucket?

Fill the bucket to about 75% full, with waste that fits without force. Cut large or fibrous pieces into smaller bits first.

How often do Lomi charcoal filters need changing?

The original Lomi’s change filter light comes on every 3 to 6 months, depending on use. Save the extra charcoal from the box for the first refill.

Can I put chicken bones in a Lomi?

The original Lomi manual lists soft fish bones as fine but hard bones from chicken, beef, pork, and lamb as items to keep out, along with fruit pits, cooking oils, and liquids.