Every feeder gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Feeders are grouped as hanging feeders, tripod and standing feeders, and feeder kits, and each is ranked against its own group.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per lb of hopper capacity (kits: kit price) | 30% |
| Capacity | hopper capacity in lb of corn (kits: midpoint) | 20% |
| Timer | feed times per day and app control | 25% |
| Power | 12 V, 6 V or AA power, and solar charging | 15% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 10% |
Where the numbers come from
Capacity, feed times, power, solar, warranty and the other specs come from the maker’s product pages and warranty policies, or from the maker’s own copy on a retail listing. Where the maker’s own figures conflict, the conflict is noted on the product page and the figure for the listing linked here is used, or the figure is left out. Prices are checked at Amazon and the maker’s own store, and the lowest price at a store the page links to is used.
The factors
Value for a feeder is the price divided by hopper capacity, in dollars per pound of corn, on a log scale, so halving the price always counts the same. $3.00 per lb scores zero and $0.40 per lb full marks. A kit has no hopper, so its value is its price on a log scale: $200 scores zero and $50 full marks.
Capacity is the hopper capacity in pounds of corn, on a log scale: 25 lb scores zero and 600 lb full marks. Every kit scores the midpoint (50), because it works with whatever drum or bucket you mount it on; this is the rule for the whole group, not an estimate.
Timer is 70% feed times per day and 30% app control. Two feed times a day scores zero and 12 scores full marks for the first part. A feeder or kit you can program from a phone, over Bluetooth or a cellular link, gets the app part. If the maker doesn’t publish how many feed times the timer offers, that part scores zero and is marked estimated, since the timer is what separates feeders most.
Power is a base for the battery the feeder runs on, plus a bonus for solar, capped at full marks. A 12 V battery (or a kit that runs on 6 V or 12 V) gives 50, a 6 V battery 30 and AA batteries 10. A solar panel in the box adds 50, and a port or pre-wiring for a panel adds 25. If the battery type isn’t published, the base scores zero and is marked estimated.
Warranty is the maker’s warranty: 1 year or less scores zero and 5 years full marks.
What isn’t scored
Throw radius, run time per feed, fill height, legs, material, varmint guard, whether the battery is included, broadcast or directional spread, and release date are listed but not scored. A cellular plan’s monthly fee is shown on the product page but not scored.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated. The exceptions are capacity, feed times, battery type and warranty, which score zero when unpublished and are marked estimated, so a thin listing never ranks above a documented one.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.