- Performance & Quality
- Design
- Ease of Use
- Features
Summary
Super Feeder CSF-3 automatic cat feeder gets the job done without all the bells and whistles on the other best automatic pet feeders. This classic automatic cat feeder is well-built and is even outdoor safe. Setup can be finicky, but once its set you're good to go. Great buy for those not interested in controlling their auto feeder with a smartphone app.
Super Feeder CSF-3 Automatic Cat Feeder Review
The Super Feeder CSF-3 Automatic Cat Feeder is built with your cat’s convenience in mind. It has features which allow you to leave your cat alone with the assurance that they will receive food on time. Super Feeder has unique features which lets you cater to two cats instead of one with some modifications and additional accessories.
The initial setup of this feeder requires a little bit of work. It does not come pre-assembled from the factory and requires the owner to assemble it themselves. However, it does come with a good amount of instructions with clear illustrations which makes the initial assembly straightforward.
Digital timer
Super Feeder CSF-3 has multiple ways of setting up the timing of the meals. It can be made to turn on feeding as soon as its power outlet is turned on, allowing you to use the feeder with home automation systems which can automatically control the system. The feeder also comes with a digital timer which can be used instead of a home automation system to setup the frequency and timings of each meal. The timer can even be set to run on specific days instead of repeating the same schedule every 24 hours, for example you can set it to feed your cats during weekdays only. Super Feeder also supports up to 8 meals a day with a minimum difference of 3 minutes between every meal.
The feeder is powered using AC cords and the digital timer has a battery backup for maintaining the schedule even during power outages.
Analog timer
The Super Feeder also has an analog timer which can be set to feed up to 48 times in a day with a difference of 30 minutes each. If power is lost, the feeder will keep the feeding schedule but it may become inaccurate. The analog timer works on a 24 hour cycle and, unlike the digital timer, it cannot be made to run on specific days of the week.
Customizable portions for your cat’s meals
Setting the amount of food dispensed for each meal is certainly the most difficult part of the initial setup. Amount of food dispensed is dependent upon two factors, the opening size of the chute and the amount of time the feeder dispenses food. For reference, at about full opening the dispenser can dispense one full cup in 60 seconds. The included instructions for setting the proper quantity dispersed are rather lacking and the setup requires quite a bit of trial and error to get right. The recommended kibble size of small, rounded pellet generally results in best accuracy for consistently dispensing the same amount of food.
Can be safely placed outdoors
A lot of automatic pet feeders do not work outdoors due to materials which are not suitable to be placed under sunlight or due to inadequate weather-proofing which can cause the food to go bad in unsuitable weather. However, this is not the case with Super Feeder CSF-3. This automatic cat feeder is made of very durable plastic which is sun resistant as well as capable of withstanding strong impacts. One thing you should keep in mind is that the feeder needs to be used without its stand when placed outdoors.
Pros:
- Gives complete control over portion and frequency of meals.
- Included digital timer helps simplify scheduling and maintains its schedule even through power outages.
- The digital timer can also be used to feed at certain days of the week.
- Feeder is compatible with home automation system.
- It can be easily placed outdoors.
- Well-built and protected.
- Instructions for assembly are well illustrated.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- Initial assembly can be challenging.
- Setting the amount of food to be dispensed requires quite a bit of work and lacks proper instructions.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Super Feeder CSF-3 automatic cat feeder is a classic and well-built product. While the technology is quite a bit behind compared to other automatic pet feeders on the market, Super Feeder gets the job done without all the bells and whistles. The Super Feeder CSF-3 can hold 4.75 cups of dry cat food (38oz) which can be increased to 24 cups (192oz) using an increased capacity hopper. The entire feeder is made of parts which can be replaced and removed. Each part is dishwasher safe which makes it very easy to clean and maintain. Super Feeder is equipped with a tough polycarbonate chute which protects the food from your cats. A built-in protection system protects against overfeeding your cats in case of power surges or outages.
On the other hand, Super Feeder can be a little challenging to set up, requiring a bit of patience and work before your cats can start feeding from it. However, its features and flexibility make the effort quite worthwhile. It is one of the few feeders available in the market which can be used outside, as well as being able to feed two cats at once. You can see a few instructional videos present on the product’s website to know how to set the feeder for two cats. If you are looking for a feeder which is rugged and reliable then the Super Feeder CSF-3 will serve you well.
