Real Composting Results: NPK Comparison of Traditional Methods vs. the R800 in Action

We're thrilled to bring you an in-depth review of our hands-on experience with the Airthereal R800 Kitchen Composter! In this comprehensive post, you'll see real before-and-after images that clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of both Bio and Eco modes. Additionally, we conducted an in-depth secondary test to analyze and compare nutrient levels between traditional composting methods and the R800 when paired with the Revive Magic Compost Starter.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn everyday kitchen scraps into rich, plant-friendly compost with minimal effort, this post is for you. Keep reading to learn how this cutting-edge, second-generation composter saves you time, reduces food waste, and contributes to a greener planet.

Product Overview

The Airthereal R800 Kitchen Composter is an innovative solution designed to revolutionize the way households handle food waste. It provides two distinct composting modes, catering to different needs and lifestyles:

• Bio Mode: This mode rapidly decomposes food scraps by applying higher temperatures, expediting the composting process for those who need quick results.
• Eco Mode: Designed for energy-conscious users, this mode employs a slower, more natural process that retains microbial richness while conserving power.

As a second-generation model, the R800 boasts upgraded grinding and drying features, allowing for more efficient waste breakdown. However, these improvements come with slightly longer processing times compared to its predecessor.

Mode Durations:

• Eco Pre-Compost Mode: 2-9 hours
• Bio Compost Mode: 5.5-15 hours
• Self-Clean Mode: 1 hour (for effortless bucket cleaning)

No matter which mode you choose, the R800 makes it easier than ever to repurpose your food waste into high-quality compost that benefits both your garden and the environment.

Test 1: Weight Reduction of Food Scraps

Testing Setup & Methodology

To ensure fair, reliable, and transparent results, we established a structured testing methodology:

• Ingredients Used: We used a consistent mix of food waste, including pork ribs, ginger, onion, carrot, corn, and egg, with a total starting weight of approximately 1700g.
• Procedure: Each test run included capturing before-and-after images, weighing the waste at the start and after composting, and tracking key performance indicators.
• Metrics Measured: The primary metric was weight reduction, a key factor in evaluating each mode’s effectiveness at processing food waste.

Bio Mode Results

• Weight Before Treatment: 1.22kg
• Weight After Treatment: 0.14kg
• Total Reduction: ~88.5%

Processing Breakdown:

• Drying Phase: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Stirring Phase: 6 hours
• Cooling Phase: 10 minutes
• Total Operating Time: ~10 hours

Summary of Bio Mode Benefits:

Quickly turn waste into nutrient-rich compost—fast, efficient, and perfect for plant lovers.

Eco Mode Results

• Weight Before Treatment: 1.15kg
• Weight After Treatment: 0.20kg
• Total Reduction: ~82.6%

Processing Breakdown:

• Drying Phase: 1 hour
• Stirring Phase: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Cooling Phase: 10 minutes
• Total Operating Time: ~7.5 hours
  

Summary of Eco Mode Benefits:

Energy-efficient and eco-friendly, this composting solution retains vital nutrients and microbes, perfect for reducing waste without compromising soil health.

Key Takeaways from Test 1:

• Bio Mode is perfect for those who need quick results, reducing waste by 88.5%.
• Eco Mode is better for long-term soil enrichment and sustainability, reducing waste by 82.6%.
• The second-generation model features enhanced grinding and drying for better performance, although it operates slightly longer than its predecessor.

Test 2: Impact of Food Waste Composter and Compost Starter on NPK Levels

Beyond weight reduction, we also analyzed the compost’s impact on soil health by comparing the R800’s compost with traditional decomposition methods.

Recommended Food Waste Ingredients for Composting

To ensure your composting results are consistent and scientifically sound, we recommend using a balanced mix of common kitchen scraps. A good compost mix should include both carbon-rich ("brown") and nitrogen-rich ("green") materials in appropriate proportions.

Here’s a suggested ingredient breakdown to get the best results from your food waste processor:

Suggested Ingredient Categories & Proportions

• Vegetable and fruit peels (50%)
  Examples: Apple peels, banana peels, carrot skins, zucchini, potato peels. These provide moisture and essential nutrients.
  
• Leftover grains and starchy food (20%)
  Examples: Rice, bread, noodles. A good source of quickly decomposing organic matter.
• Eggshells and coffee grounds (10%)
  These help add calcium and support microbial activity.
• Small amount of protein (10%)
  Examples: Soy pulp (okara), small amounts of cooked egg white. Avoid meat to reduce odor and improve breakdown efficiency.
  
  

Ingredient Selection Tips

• Avoid greasy or oily food scraps, such as deep-fried items — they slow down decomposition and may cause odor.
  
• Avoid highly acidic items, like citrus peels or large amounts of vinegar-based foods, as they can disrupt the microbial balance.
• Avoid salty or heavily processed foods, such as pickled or preserved items, which may harm beneficial microbes.

Methodology

(1) Sample Preparation

• Each group begins with 500g of mixed food waste.

• Group B: Add 20ml Airthereal Revive Magic Compost Starter → process with R800 Bio-compost mode.

• Group C: Process with R800 Eco mode → add 20ml Airthereal Revive Magic Compost Starter.

(2) Composting Conditions

• Group A: Decomposes under stable conditions (25–30°C, 50–60% humidity), manually aerated.

• Groups B & C: After machine treatment, placed under the same conditions as Group A for further decomposition.

(3) NPK Testing Methods

• Measurement Tools: Electronic NPK tester (photometric colorimetry/electrochemical detection).
• Process: Soil extracts reacted with chemical reagents; absorbance measured to assess nutrient concentration.
• Fertility evaluation includes electrical conductivity + NPK range values.

Key Results: Nutrients & Fertility Over Time

Day	Group	Nitrogen (N) (mg/kg)	Phosphorus (P) (mg/kg)	Potassium (K)(mg/kg)	Fertility (mg/kg)	Notes
Day 1	A	53	71	137
Day 1	B	144	204	401
Day 1	C	144	200	401
Day 7	A	112	158	315	480	Odor, mold, and insects
Day 7	B	165	226	447	689	Clean, no mold
Day 7	C	176	244	487	744	Some mold, no insects
Day 14	A	180	247	489	753	strong odor, mold, insects
Day 14	B	203	279	556	852	Clean, no mold
Day 14	C	205	290	577	879	Clean, some mold

Test Charts

Day 1

•  

Day 7

Group A: Significant mold growth, a strong sour odor, and fruit flies were present after seven days.

Group B: No mold, fruit flies, or sour odor were detected in Group B’s compost.

Group C: Some mold was observed, but there were no signs of insects or unpleasant odors throughout the composting process. The materials were evenly turned with a tool during the process.

Day 14

Group A: Strong odor, visible mold, and insects were present.

Group B: Clean and stable with no odor or insects, though slight mold was observed. Regular turning is recommended to reduce mold growth.

Group C: Slight mold appeared, but no odor or insects. After evenly turning the materials on day 7, the mold significantly improved by day 14.

Conclusion

• Group A, relying on pure natural fermentation, experienced the most significant issues with mold and insects, which negatively affected the quality despite increasing fertility.
• Group B, utilizing Airthereal Revive Magic Compost Starter and R800's Bio-compost mode, maintained the highest quality throughout the experiment with no mold or insect issues, indicating optimal conditions for fertility improvement.
• Group C, combining R800's Eco mode with Airthereal Revive Magic Compost Starter, fell between Groups A and B in terms of quality, showing moderate mold issues but no insects, with fertility still improving over time.

Disclaimer: Please note that these results are based on non-standard laboratory testing conditions and may vary depending on different environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and specific types of kitchen waste used. Therefore, these findings should be interpreted with caution and considered indicative rather than definitive.

The Airthereal R800 Kitchen Composter is an excellent solution for efficiently managing food waste while producing nutrient-rich compost.

• Want fast composting? Bio Mode is ideal.
• Prefer a more sustainable process? Eco Mode is the better choice.
• Want the best plant nutrients? Adding Revive Magic Compost Starter further enhances the quality and usability of your compost.
  
  

How to Use Your Compost Output:

Once your composting cycle is complete, the resulting material can be used immediately or stored for later use. Here are a few easy ways to put it to work:

• Mix into soil: Blend the compost directly into your garden beds or potting soil to improve texture, moisture retention, and nutrient content.
• Top-dress houseplants: Add a thin layer of compost to the top of indoor plant soil for a slow nutrient release.
• Store for future use: Keep the finished compost in a sealed container or compost bin until you're ready to use it.

By using the R800, you can minimize waste, improve your garden’s soil health, and contribute to a cleaner, greener planet.

Ready to transform your kitchen scraps into valuable compost? Discover more about the Airthereal R800 Kitchen Composter and order yours today!