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In hands - on examination of five of thebest compost tumblerson the securities industry , theRSI Maze 65 - Gallon Compost Tumblertopped the list . This expectant compost tumbler beat out others because of its durability and unequalled geared handle and rachet lock , which cook it easy to change by reversal compost even when the roller is overweight and full .
This compost tumbler is one of the hundreds of home , lawn , and garden products made byRiverstone Industries ( RSI ) Corporation . RSI sharpen on offering caliber , environmentally friendly products , 90 percent of which are made in the United States ( though this compost tumbler is not one of them ) .
Photo: Jenn Ryan for Bob Vila
After weeks of examination at my habitation outdoors and in direct sunlight , I incur this RSI product to be high quality . It ’s very perdurable , thanks in part to its rust fungus - resistant Zn coating . Additionally , it ’s comparatively simple to assemble , and it ’s easy to use — peculiarly compared with other large composters that I test .
RSI Maze 65-Gallon Compost Tumbler: At a Glance
Rating:9/10
PROS
CONS
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What is the RSI Maze 65-Gallon Compost Tumbler?
TheRSI Maze two - stage composteris designed for out-of-door composting . The tumbler pigeon is attached to a metal frame and has a hand crank that leave for light turning of the compost . The tumbler is tumid enough to accommodate scraps from average to large households , and it measures 44.5 inches tall by 41.3 inches wide of the mark by 30 inches deep .
What coif this compost tumbler aside from the contest is its geared handle and ratch lock . This unique feature makes the compost tumbler loose to turn even when it ’s full , although it may call for two custody to call on for some individuals . It also has a higher ground headroom , which cook evacuate compost into a cart , bin , or onto a tarpaulin light .
Made from UV - resistant credit card and a atomic number 30 - coat frame to prevent rusting , this durable composter weighs 54 Irish pound when to the full assembled and empty . It also has air vents with construct - in cover version that allow for good ascendancy of flow of air or to cut off off airflow and allow the compost to cook .
Photo: Jenn Ryan
How easy is the RSI Maze to put together?
The product is comparatively bare to assemble , but it requires some work and is easygoing with two people . ( My husband helped me assemble this one and it still took more than 2 hours . ) It includes an Allen wrench , screws , and the shaping attachments necessary to put it together . In addition to the included pieces , I also used a screwdriver to assist with the bod .
The ware did not have digital instructions but or else include an instruction booklet for assembly , which was relatively straightforward . Still , I would have preferred the option of digital command along with the folder , as I have find with composters that the digital instructions with actual photos of the composter ( rather than illustrations ) can be much clearer and are helpful when assembling a orotund ware such as this .
How to Use the RSI Maze 65-Gallon Compost Tumbler
To use the composter , place it outdoors once it ’s assembled . Keep in judgement that the composter is operose , so once it is place and full of compost , it will be difficult to move . Keep summate compost to one side , mixing green constituent such as vegetable and fruit scraps with ironical ingredients such as dry grass and leaves . ferment the compost about 10 rotation every few days . Once one chamber is full , alternate the room access to put the “ + ” sign door on the other side where wise ingredients will be added . Continue to add new component while the composter cooks the sitting compost .
When it ’s fourth dimension to use the compost , use the hand screwball to turn the bin toward the footing . The binful will automatically interlace wherever the helping hand fruitcake is stopped . open up the door and empty the compost into a humble cart or container , then use it in your garden , raised beds , or planters as involve .
Is the RSI Maze Tumbler easy to use?
Yes , specially when compared with other turgid compost bins . The product has a few features that make it easy to utilise .
The first is its hand crank , which allows the dual - chamber bin to be turned easy even when full of compost , although some people may need to employ both hands to operate the Methedrine when the bank identification number is full . However , I found during testing that the deoxyephedrine did get jammed on occasion when the composter was full . I subsequently find out that this was due to the doors of the composter not being entirely closed . The doors must be shut whole to prevent jamming when turning the compost .
The 2nd feature is the composter ’s solid ground clearance , which make empty compost via a go-cart easy . The lasting doors are also easy to slip off and on , and they can be exchange when the compost on one side is done to designate which side of the bin to fill : One door is marked with the “ + ” signaling , think of the user can add up compost to that side , while the other has a clock symbolisation , meaning that the compost needs to “ cook . ”
Photo: Jenn Ryan
How well does the RSI Maze Compost Tumbler cook compost?
TheRSI Maze 65 - Gallon Compost Tumblercooks compost well , depending on the stuff added to the compost , the temperature , and whether bugs avail develop down the compost .
The tumbler also has aeration hole that can be blocked with built - in cover , which help control the temperature and the humidness in the tumbler for accelerated decomposition . For wetter compost , the aeration holes should remain open . For dry or consummate compost , the holes can stay closed bet on the temperature and humidness levels and how ironical or wet the compost should be .
Since the binful can be turned easily and frequently , it helps accelerate compost decomposition combined with the aeration hole . The compost took or so 2 calendar month to fudge , and I added organic fruit , veggie , and herb scraps for the green textile and dry leaves and grass for the brown fabric .
Photo: Jenn Ryan
Is the RSI Maze Tumbler good quality?
Yes , the compost tumbler has a long-wearing construction . The physical body is made out of metal that is coat with atomic number 30 to forbid rust . The flesh also help balance the tumbler even when it ’s full , so the tumbler is less likely to fall or tumble over . The high - impact plastic used prevents damage from the sunlight , gnawer , and even freezing temperatures .
However , if the compost is wet or it has rain and the temperature drop , the doors can freeze shut . This was n’t a major inconvenience , but it did prevent me from filling the composter when it was very stale outside . I waited until the next day when the Lord’s Day warmed up the composter enough to unfreeze the doors before adding more leaves and vegetable rubbish .
Is the RSI Maze 65-Gallon Tumbler worth the cost?
The RSI Maze 65 - Gallon Compost Tumbler is deserving the cost because of its durability , relaxation of utilization , and size . The regular retail cost hovers around $ 280 to $ 290 , but there are cut-rate sale prices for less than that . Some options allow the tumbler to be purchased with a handcart , which can make drop compost and transporting it loose . The tumbler does not require any maintenance out of doors of wiping it blank when it gets dirty or has debris on it . It can also be hose down off for cleaning . Compared with other great composters I tested , this binful is worth the price , peculiarly consider that compost can help replace ( or at least supplement ) plant food , depending on the quality and nutritious capacity of the exist soil .
Should you buy the RSI Maze 65-Gallon Compost Tumbler?
TheRSI Maze 65 - Gallon Compost Tumbleris best for spiritualist to magnanimous households ( two to six people bet on the amount of “ scraps ” generated ) that want an easy means to compost their food scraps and make food for a garden or potted plants . The size of this composter urinate it best for those with average garden of roughly 130 hearty invertebrate foot , depending on how much compost is necessary for the plant life . This compost tumbler is also a worthy circumstance for those with limited mobility or other physical challenges because it is so simple to reverse with its hand crank . Its size of it and color can make it appear obvious in a small yard , so it may be comfortably placed out of sight or behind bush or verdure if potential .
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Photo: Jenn Ryan
