VITAMIX FOODCYCLER FC-50 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

Warning and Caution (!): Indicates important safety information.

On / Off (Power Symbol): Turns the appliance on or off.

Unplug Appliance: ALWAYS turn off AND unplug the appliance when not in use and before assembling, disassembling, moving, cleaning, & storing.

Electric Shock Hazard (Lightning Bolt): Indicates a risk of electric shock.

Do Not Immerse: NEVER immerse the power cord, power plug, or main body in water or any other liquid.

Read Manual: Read and understand the owner’s manual.

Lock: Indicates the locked position for the lid.

Unlock: Indicates the unlocked position for the lid.

Keep Fingers Away from Hinges: Keep fingers away from hinges to avoid pinching.

Do Not Touch Moving Parts: NEVER touch moving parts or reach your hand inside of the bucket when it is inserted in the FoodCycler FC-50. Remove the bucket if adjustment of contents is necessary.

Do Not Touch Hot Surfaces: NEVER touch hot surfaces; always use the product handles. Allow the FoodCycler FC-50 components to cool approximately 35 minutes after the cycle has completed before opening the lid.

Voltage: 120 V

Frequency: 60 Hz

Power (max.): 500 Watts

Height: 14.2 inches / 36 cm

Depth: 12.6 inches / 32 cm

Width: 11.0 inches / 28 cm

Weight: ~ 20 lbs / 9 kg

Processing Time: 4 – 8 hours

Capacity: ~ 10.5 cups / 2.5 L

ALWAYS use grounded outlets.

NEVER remove the ground.

NEVER use an adapter.

NEVER use an extension cord.

NEVER plug the appliance into a timer or an outlet controlled by a switch.

NEVER put the power cord, power plug, or base in water or other liquid. If the appliance becomes submerged, unplug immediately. Failure to follow instructions can cause death or electrical shock.

NEVER unplug the appliance by pulling on the cord. Grasp the power plug and pull from the outlet.

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). It will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. NEVER modify the plug in any way.

If the appliance will not operate, unplug it and reset the GFCI. If the circuit breaker continues to trip, unplug the appliance and contact a qualified electrician.

Carefully read all instructions before operating for the first time.

This product is intended for HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.

Common sense and caution must be practiced when operating and maintaining the appliance.

This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience or knowledge, unless they have supervision or instruction.

NEVER let children use or play with the appliance. Keep the cord out of reach from children.

ALWAYS ensure the appliance is completely and properly assembled before operation.

BLADES ARE SHARP. NEVER come in contact with the blades.

NEVER block any vents or place objects on top of the lid during operation. Ensure adequate space for proper ventilation. The appliance operates best between 68°F – 82.4°F (20°C – 28°C).

NEVER place the appliance on or near a hot gas or electric burner, in an oven, next to heaters, or where it could touch another heat source.

NEVER use attachments other than those provided or offered by Vitamix.

Alteration or modification of any part of the appliance may cause fire, electric shock, or injury and will void your warranty.

1. Main body with processing lid: The main housing of the appliance. The appliance will not operate with the bucket lid; the processing lid must be installed.

2. Replaceable carbon filters: These wick away odors during processing.

3. Bucket: This is where food waste is ground and processed.

4. Bucket lid: A pre-loaded lid with a filter to contain smells while collecting food scraps on the counter top.

5. Carbon filter caps: These go on top of the replacement carbon filters.

6. Back panel: This panel is removable to provide access to the replaceable carbon filters and caps.

7. Power cord: Supplies power to the appliance.

1. Remove and discard all packaging materials, the power plug cover, and promotional labels.

2. Open the main body processing lid by gripping the handle and rotating it counterclockwise until the arrow on the lid aligns with the unlock symbol. Lift up to remove.

3. Remove the filter caps from inside the bucket. Remove and discard the plastic wrap from them.

4. Remove and discard the paper ring from on top of the bucket.

5. Grip the metal handle and pull straight up to remove the bucket from the appliance.

6. Remove and discard the paper ring from under the bucket.

7. Reinstall the bucket into the main body, aligning the arrow on the bucket with the arrow inside. Fold down the bucket handle and close the lid.

8. Remove and discard the max fill sticker from the inside wall of the bucket.

9. Remove the sticker on the vent inside the bucket compartment.

10. An optional sticker overlay for the control panel is included.

11. Pull down gently on the back panel tab to release it from the appliance and set it aside.

12. Remove the white stickers from the top of each carbon filter and return the filters to their locations inside the back panel.

13. Install the filter caps onto each filter, ensuring the half-moon shaped opening faces towards the back panel.

14. Reinstall the back panel by aligning the two bottom tabs into the appliance cavity and pushing it in until it snaps flush.

The VITAMIX FOODCYCLER FC-50 can process most types of kitchen waste. For best results, use a variety of food scraps.

YES (Generally processable):

• Most fruit & veggie scraps

• Beans, seeds, & legumes

• Meat, fish, shellfish & poultry scraps

• Coffee grounds, filters & tea bags

• Cereals & grains

• Pet food

• Eggs & shells

• Poultry & fish bones

The following items should be cut into smaller pieces before processing:

• Fibrous herbs

• Citrus fruit rinds

• Corn cobs & husks

• Whole fruits & vegetables

• Celery, asparagus, & other fibrous plants

The following items should be processed in small amounts, mixed with other food scraps:

• Dairy products

• Jellies, jams, & puddings

• Starches (bread, cake, & rice)

• Sauces, soups, dressings, & gravies

The following items should not be placed in the appliance:

• Oils & fats

• Paper towel or tissue

• Coffee pods

• Candy & gum

• Cardboard, glass, wood, or metal

• Large beef, pork & lamb bones

• Pineapple leaves

• Hard pits (peach, apricot, lychee, mango, & avocado)

NEVER process large bones, pits, candy, gum, nuts, or hard shells as these may cause serious damage.

NEVER add oil, flammable materials or compounds, or water to the appliance.

1. Open the main body processing lid by gripping the lid handle and rotating it counterclockwise to align the arrow with the unlock symbol. Lift the lid to remove it, then remove the bucket. Removing the bucket before adding waste prevents damage to the motor.

2. Add food waste to the bucket up to the thin, indented fill line on the inside wall. The appliance runs more efficiently when the bucket is full. NEVER add waste above this line or pack it down, as overloading can cause the appliance to jam.

3. When the bucket is ready to process, insert it back into the main body, aligning the arrow on the bucket with the arrow inside the main body. Fold down the bucket handle. You may need to twist the bucket slightly until it seats correctly.

4. Close the main body processing lid by gripping the lid handle and rotating it clockwise until the arrow on the lid aligns with the lock symbol.

5. Plug the appliance into a power outlet. The On/Off button will flash, indicating it has entered STANDBY mode. No LED lights will be illuminated in STANDBY mode.

6. Press the On/Off button once to start the cycle. The On/Off symbol and the Drying LED will illuminate. The cycle will proceed through Grinding and Cooling modes, lasting approximately 4 to 8 hours depending on the amount and moisture content of the food. DO NOT open the lid during a cycle.

7. The appliance will beep once the cycle is complete and will remain in Standby for up to 30 minutes.

8. Unplug the appliance from the power outlet once the cycle is complete and no lights are on. Allow the components to cool for approximately 35 minutes before opening the lid and removing the bucket. ALWAYS use the product handles as surfaces will be hot.

To put the appliance into STANDBY, cancel processing, or to reset the appliance, press and hold the On/Off button for 3 seconds.

Cleaning the appliance every 3-4 months is recommended.

1. Using a wrung-out cloth damp with mild soap and water only, wipe down the outside surface of the appliance.

2. Wipe around the bucket compartment of the appliance.

3. Remove any remaining moisture with a clean, dry towel or cloth.

Warning: ALWAYS turn off and unplug the appliance before cleaning. NEVER use household cleaners. NEVER put the power cord, plug, or base in water.

1. Remove all material from the bucket and wipe out any residue with a paper towel.

2. Place the bucket into the lower rack of the dishwasher.

3. If using the hot cycle in the dishwasher, allow the bucket to cool before handling it or placing it back in the appliance.

NOTE: The bucket can also be hand-washed using warm water, a small amount of dish soap, and a dish cloth. Scrub around and beneath the grinding arms as much as possible to clean all surfaces.

If the Change Filter light illuminates, it is time to replace the carbon filters.

1. Pull down gently on the back panel tab to release it from the appliance and set aside.

2. Remove the filter caps.

3. Remove the filters by turning each filter counter-clockwise. Dispose of filters according to local regulations.

4. Remove the packaging on the replacement filters and filter caps, including the stickers.

5. Install the new filters with the threaded end facing downward into the appliance and rotate clockwise until the filter stops turning.

6. Install the filter caps onto each filter, ensuring the half-moon shaped opening faces towards the back panel.

7. If the change filter indicator light does not reset automatically, reset it manually by pressing and holding the small round button until an audible beep is heard. The light should go off.

8. Reinstall the back panel by aligning the two bottom tabs into the appliance cavity and pushing it in until it snaps flush.

If the bucket odors become unpleasant, it is time to replace the bucket lid filter.

1. Remove the bucket lid from the bucket.

2. Turn the bucket lid over and remove the wingnut in the center of the slotted metal plate.

3. Remove the slotted metal plate.

4. Remove the filter and discard according to local regulations. NOTE: DO NOT wash the filter.

5. Once the filter is removed, the bucket lid and slotted metal plate can be washed in the dishwasher or handwashed.

6. Install the new filter.

7. Install the slotted metal plate.

8. Reinstall the wingnut.

9. Return the bucket lid on top of the bucket to contain material odors.

The VITAMIX FOODCYCLER FC-50 can be used in any indoor area with a power outlet and sufficient space, including basements and heated garages. Ensure the appliance is on a flat, dry surface with temperatures between 68°F – 82.4°F (20°C – 28°C). NEVER place it near a heat source or use it outdoors exposed to the elements.

It is not recommended to leave unprocessed food waste in the appliance for long periods. The carbon filters are designed to wick away odors during processing. Decomposing organic matter left in the appliance will generate odors, methane gas, and may attract pests.

The by-product can be used as plant food at a ratio of 1 part plant food to 10 parts soil. For cycles with an abundance of animal protein (meat, dairy, etc.), a ratio of 1:15 is recommended. Wait a minimum of one week (four weeks for best results) after soil application before planting seeds or transplanting. Foods high in fat, oil, sodium, or sugar may not produce optimal results.

DO NOT add the plant food directly to the soil surface, as this will not feed the soil sufficiently and may lead to mold or attract pests.

The plant food can also be placed in a green bin or garbage can (check local regulations).

The Carbon Filter Replacement Indicator assists with replacing filters every 3 to 6 months or approximately 500 cycle hours. However, the best indicator for replacement is the presence of odors. To extend filter life:

• Running a cycle with only citrus rinds (lemons, oranges, etc.) will help mitigate filter odors.

• Turning off and unplugging the appliance when not in use will extend filter life.

• Including coffee grounds regularly can help mitigate odors and keep the bucket clean.

If the operating system needs to be reset, perform the following steps:

a. Plug the appliance power cord into an outlet.

b. Press and hold the On/Off button for 3 seconds until an audible beep is heard and the appliance powers down.

c. Unplug the appliance for 1 minute.

d. Plug the appliance back in and wait ten seconds.

e. Press the On/Off button to restart the appliance.

f. If the Manual Reset does not work the first time, perform the manual reset again.

The appliance is in STANDBY mode; no action is required other than collecting food waste and starting processing when the bucket is filled.

If you suspect a power issue, verify that both ends of the power cord are connected to the appliance and the power outlet. If it is plugged in properly, try unplugging and plugging it in again.

This indicates the lid is unlocked or the sensor is dislodged. Lock the lid properly.

A flashing Drying light can indicate several issues:

• Food waste is in the main body: Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool for at least 35 minutes. Then open the lid, remove the bucket, and remove the food waste from the main body.

• Appliance is overloaded: Unplug and let it cool for 35 minutes. Remove the bucket and manually turn the gear on the underside of the bucket counter-clockwise. Remove food waste until it is below the fill line. Reinstall the bucket, plug in, and restart.

• Food waste is too large: Unplug and let it cool for 35 minutes. Remove the bucket, remove the food waste, and cut it into smaller pieces. Reinstall the bucket, plug in, and restart.

• Grinding arm issue: Unplug and let it cool for 35 minutes. Remove the bucket and manually turn the gear on its underside counter-clockwise. If the grinding arm turns with hesitation or not at all, it indicates a machine issue.

This indicates a machine issue that requires technical support.

No, this is not a defect. This cosmetic damage is a result of food waste scraping along the bucket during processing and will not affect the appliance’s function. A faded or chipped coating is also not covered by the warranty.