We are very happy with the Solon. The quality is exceptional. Our cabinet maker suggested we buy an extra bucket to use as a future replacement and he immediately changed his mind when he saw how heavy-duty it is. The size is just right, we empty it every other day or as needed. Best of all is how cleanable it is. The bucket and lid can go in the DW. The ring that creates a seal between the bucket at the whole in the counter is designed for ease of cleaning as well. Every new kitchen to have an inset compost bucket.

Thank you so much for your reply. Hopefully I can get clients as excited about this solution as you clearly are. Thanks!

What type of counter that?

Those are soapstone countertops as designed by Joanna Mattson. For more details, see her Houzz portfolio.

What about Solon's ability to seal out odors and fruit flies? My wife is concerned about having it on our island where people will sit on stools as I cook. Worried about odor and fruit flies. Does the seal keep both out?

Awesome. This is exactly my wife's concern such that she wants to put it elsewhere, away from the prime prep area. Hopefully your experience will allay her concerns and allow us to place it exactly where it's needed. Cheers! Michael

We empty our bucket every 1-3 days and only notice an odor when there is something in there that has NO business being in the house in the first place (e.g. fish skin, spoiled food, etc.) fyi - I always stick a paper towel at the bottom before we start filling the bucket. Usually a quick rinse is all it takes to clean it out well after emptying. Fruit flies are a nuisance for us in the summer months too. They find their way into the compost bucket and everywhere else, but they aren't concentrated in any one place. I've found more frequent emptying along with trapping fruit flies to be the best defense.

Is there a handle for lifting the bucket out?

Yes, Emily, there is a handle. It hides below the protective flange when the bucket is in use. When you lift out the flange though, there is a handle to lift out the bucket. and empty its contents. It is all made of very high quality stainless steel.

Since I first posted this comment years ago, I have remodeled two kitchens for our personal use and put the Blanco Solon in both. For us, it has become a crucial element of our kitchen...as important as the rest of the appliances. Won't have another kitchen without it!

Great- thanks so much! I'm definitely keen on installing one in our kitchen. We're renovating soon and this seems like a great solution for dedicated composters!