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Best Overall
RSI Maze 65-Gallon Compost Tumbler
Best Bang for the Buck
FCMP Half-Size Rolling Composter
Best Small
Miracle-Gro Tumbling Composter
compost has numerous benefits , and deliver a compost tumbler makes the process even well-off . In addition to recycling kitchen , lawn , and garden waste into a helpful land amendment , composting helps keep substantial sum of organic waste out of landfill . Aslawn care and gardeningenthusiasts , we want to find out just how loose these widget made the job , so we tested several . For 8 weeks , we filled and turned tumblers , yielding more than 100 pounds of plant - loving compost .
After testing , we care theRSI Maze 65 - Gallon Compost Tumblerbest for its overall comfort of usance and smart design , but it ’s not the only great pick Ahead , instruct more about how these products fared in testing , and what considerations to keep in mind when shop for the practiced compost tumbler pigeon .
Our Top Picks
We essay each of these composters , from assembly to everyday use , to mold the best picks for both small and large home gardens .
The RSI Maze Compost Tumbler makes controlling the bin simple and smooth — even when fully load — with a geared hold and rachet lock chamber . The binful features air release on all side and expectant sliding covers that simplify loading and unloading . The dual - sleeping room innovation facilitates a consistent flow of garden wastefulness in and compost out . This is a suitable size for medium to orotund gardens and landscape .
The 65 - gallon ( 8.69 - three-dimensional - foot ) bin is made of UV - protected high - impact plastic . The frame is made of rust- and corroding - resistant zinc - coated sword . It offers 15 inch of ground headroom for unloading compost via a cart .
Photo: Jenn Ryan for Bob Vila
We loved the size of this composter as well as its hand crank , which made it well-to-do to turn even when the composter was full . We fill up it with organic veg and fruit scraps , dry leaf , and juiceless pasture .
The crank was a unique feature of all the composters we prove , as no other composter had a hand crank and needed to be turn by physically trying to roll the barrels . In plus , the crank made it sluttish to “ stop ” the bin in a position where it was easiest to empty it , which made emptying slow as well .
The glass combine with the composter ’s size and durability made this product our Best Overall pick . The door were also comfortable to operate and the frame was very tough . While the composter takes a duo of people to assemble , it can be used with one helping hand once built .
Photo: The Home Depot
One sting to the composter was its weight , so users should be aware of where they desire to place it . Once it ’s full of compost , it ’s difficult to move .
What our tester says:“I found this product to be high calibre . It ’s very durable , thanks in part to its rust fungus - resistant zinc coating . to boot , it ’s relatively simple to assemble , and it ’s easy to apply . ” — Jenn Ryan , Product Reviews quizzer and writer
Read our full review : RSI Maze Two - Stage Compost Tumbler
Get the RSI compost tumbler atThe Home Depot , Lowe ’s , orTractor Supply Co.
The FCMP Half - Size Rolling Composter is a good sizing at an affordable price for one or two people who generate only a few compostable items . The earth - vagabond design gives this unit of measurement a low-pitched profile that easily pucker away in small spaces , such as a balcony , patio , or garage . build - in ergonomic handholds help make tramp less awkward . Aeration hole and abstruse fin give out up clump inside the sleeping accommodation to maximise oxygen incursion .
The 19 - gallon ( 2.5 - three-dimensional - foot ) bin is made of recycled UV - inhibited BPA - free polythene . To race decomposition , the manufacturer recommend turning the bin about twice a day .
The assembly of this product could n’t have been easier . The composter came almost completely put together — all we needed to do was come in it on the stall and slue the door on . Although we loved the size and portability of this composter , it was too small for a tumid garden and would make a better alternative for urban composters , those with a small garden , or those who want to expend compost for indoor or potted plants .
During examination , the composter need to be turned oft and , for balance , using two hands was best . We also line up it challenging to bend because it is not tie to the Qaeda ; it merely sits on the stand , and both the stand and the composter can slip off equipoise . We found that the turn process was best done lento , but citizenry with mobility challenges may bump this composter difficult to apply , as it ’s low to the ground and needs to be turned by hand .
We also find that the threshold was also a bit miserly and was tricky to get on and off when filling with compost and voidance . For emptying , the composter postulate to be lifted , which can also be a challenge when it is full and toilsome .
Photo: The Home Depot
Overall , this composter makes a great option for those with small gardens , those who want zero - fuss forum , or those who need a lowly but sturdy composter that they can easily store out of sight .
Get the FCMP half - size of it compost tumbler pigeon atAmazonorWayfair .
The Miracle - Gro Tumbling Composter provide a commodious place to recycle veggie scraps and houseplant rubble while outfit easily into a small space . The hexangular 18.5 - gallon ( 2.47 - cubic - foot ) chamber features aeration holes and mixing bar for better oxygen infusion . pixilated - lock in slide doors keep out pests . For easy loading and unloading , toppers on the frame interlock the bin gyration .
Photo: Amazon
The UV - protected plastic bedroom is built to withstand photo to weather . The powder - coated unsullied steel frame makes it easy not only to adulterate , unload , and splay the bank identification number , but also to brush or blow out debris from underneath . The composter requires some assembly , but that is made easy with step - by - step guidance via a QR code . The software package let in a pair of water - resistant no - slip grip garden gloves .
fabrication for this composter was uncomplicated thanks to the included QR computer code that walk us through each footstep with 3D images — no app download ask . We loved that this composter was easier to rick in a more compact size — everlasting for one- or two - someone households with pocket-sized gardens or for urban gardeners . Since it is a smaller size , we found that the bin remained easy to turn even as it take with compost . Its belittled size also makes it commodious for placing in a more conspicuous location as opposed to prominent dual - bin composters .
On the downside , we notice that the door on this bin was a fleck too loaded and hard to spread out with one hand . It could also slide off as it is not actually attach to the bin , which could show frustrating . It was quite small to the reason , which can make getting compost out challenging . The frame of the composter is minute , and combine with the fact that the composter is just inch from the ground mean only a shallow dish or manger will check under the shape to empty the compost . ( In testing we used an old sled for discharge and channel the compost out of this tumbler ) .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Miracle - Gro compost tumbler pigeon atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Large
Lifetime 100-Gallon Double-Bin Rotating Composter
For orotund households or communities that generate a significant amount of compost , this 100 - gallon ( 13.37 - three-dimensional - feet ) double - barrel composter is ideal . It check two freestanding bins , which each have a locking mechanism to keep turning , and the product even come with a small red charge plate clip that can be placed on one bin to bespeak that the bin is full or the compost is cook .
The cask and frame are a lite Brown University , which helps the Cartesian product blend in better with pasture , Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , and leave , make water it more invisible in a cubic yard or garden despite its orotund size of it . The barrels also have a grain texture to mimic the look of tangible woods .
Assembly was time - exhaust and unmanageable and took two people to complete . The instructions were also not as clear as they could have been , and although digital instructions were offered , they required an app download to access code . The manufacturer does offer gathering for the product , which can be scheduled by call the manufacturer . However , this is an extra monetary value .
Photo: Amazon
When testing the product , we love the orotund size of it , quality , and durability of this composter for the cost as well as its wood - grain aim , which aid it blend in more with nature . We encounter that this composter was well construct to throw large amount of compost and was relatively well-situated to use . Its locking mechanism also made emptying the composter easier , as we could spin out the composter to the best emptying stage and lock it into place before spread the bin .
One con , however , was that this heavy composter was more unmanageable to turn when full . That say , that ’s to be require for a composter of this size — it was sonorous even when it was n’t full . Plus , its handles did help facilitate turning .
Get the Lifetime compost tumbler atAmazonorWayfair .
Photo: Amazon
Best Midsize
FCMP IM4000 Dual-Chamber Tumbling Composter
The FCMP IM4000 Dual - Chamber Tumbling Composter offers two chamber for continuous composting . Add scraps or yard junk to one side as the other side processes . This composter feature an eight - sided design that force the cloth at bottom to roll and tumble rather than slide . internal cryptical tailfin and aeration pickle in the paries ensure thorough oxygen insight into the mix as the bin turns .
The 37 - gallon ( 5 - cubic - fundament ) total capacity is a commodious size of it for beginners with average - size of it gardens . Wide openings make it easy to load scrap and regain the finish compost . The bin is made of BPA - spare UV - inhibited 100 pct post - consumer recycle polypropylene , and the skeleton feature galvanize tubular steel . This composter requires assembly .
When testing the FCMP composter , we loved the size — it was n’t too prominent or too little . It was the perfect sizing for a household of two people generating food for thought chip . Its sizing also made it commodious for placement , as it could go near a garden to make evacuate easier or could even be veil behind Bush . It did n’t distract from landscape gardening either thanks to its size of it .
Photo: Jenn Ryan for Bob Vila
The dual chambers were convenient and made it possible to separate compost and have two bent going at any give sentence . We also loved the ground headway of this composter for void , although it did not have a locking mechanism to keep the bin in place when doing so .
The composter also has aeration hole that can be cover , which allows the drug user to accelerate composting by blocking airflow and generate more heat in the tumbler , and each side has its own set of aeration yap . We tested the aeration holes and found them to be helpful when see the humidness and having better ascendance over the temperature inside the compost tumbler pigeon .
During testing , we also come up this compost tumbler to be durable , as it did not show any signs of wrong even when sit full of compost in direct sun , rain , and even block temperatures .
Photo: Jenn Ryan for Bob Vila
Although the roller was relatively easy to turn , it did become much more unmanageable to turn when full . It also leaked compost tea onto the primer , which would make this tumbler pigeon more ideal for sitting in the grass or dirt rather than on concrete or brick .
Another downside was this tumbler ’s assemblage . It was fairly difficult and the statement were not as clear as they could have been due to typos and grammatical mistake . It was much easier to assemble the composter with two people , but it still took some time .
What our examiner says:“It ’s a great value because of its two-fold chamber and convenient size and height . I love the ground clearance of this composter for emptying . ” — Jenn Ryan , Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the FCMP treble - chamber compost tumbler atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
ALSO TESTED
Miracle - Gro Dual - Chamber Tumbling Composter
Other than its 55.4 - Imperial gallon ( 7.41 - cubic - foundation ) capacity and dual chamber that provides for coherent composting , we did n’t find much to like about the Miracle - Gro Dual - Chamber Tumbling Composter . Although this product is very like to the individual - chamber composter offered by Miracle - Gro , the assembly was more difficult . Plus , in examination , this composter ’s low - visibility design made empty it a challenge . Since the composter was just inches from the priming , there was picayune room to get the compost out . Overall , it was n’t a virtual design for a composter of its sizing .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Compost Tumblers
We tested the dependable compost tumblers based on a set of criteria , which included how easy the composter was to assemble , employ , and move when both empty and full . We also evaluated the instructions and whether each product came with the choice of both physical and digital instructions .
Each composter was fill up with a mixing of compost including constituent fruit , vegetable , and herb scraps as well as dry leave and grass . The compost ranged from ironical material to wet and heavy , with each composter getting a commixture of both to determine how easy the product was to turn .
The best compost tumblers include those that were relatively well-fixed to turn , habituate ( admit filling and emptying ) , and tack , although each product had varying intensity level and weaknesses in each category .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Compost Tumbler
Several characteristics can aid shoppers ascertain the good compost tumbler for their needs . The destine use of the bin , the amount of space useable , and the garden environment are some of the fundamental retainer as well as a few more , all detailed below .
Types of Compost Tumblers
Composting uses aerophilous , or oxygen - loving , micro-organism to break down organic material quickly . Previously , home gardeners had to deform their compost piles manually with a garden ramification to supply decent oxygen . Compost tumblers , on the other hand , fully enclose the pile inside a vent cask . They are mounted on a frame to make the barrel easier to work , which eliminates the slow , back - breaking process of turn with a fork . The most crucial difference among the types of compost tumblers is in the way they turn . The tumblers splay by one of three turn methods : soil rolling , cardinal axis , and handle operate .
A earth - rolling compost tumbler has two freestanding piece : the barrel , or bin , and the foundation . The base has a curved upper airfoil that cradle the bank identification number , agree it in place without fasteners . tumbler built into the curved surface of the base allow the loaded bin to spin freely when pushed or pulled .
Because they sit down at ground grade , ground - rolling compost tumbler pigeon are a good pick for those who live in cold climates . The trim pic to wind and cold allows the bin to retain heat . The tally passion keep compost microbes active instead of allowing them to go sleeping in the cold .
Central - axis compost tumbler are build on a metal framework with an axle running through the midpoint of the bin . The model serves two aim . First , it elevates the binful to a height that reduces bend and crouch while fill , turning , and evacuate the bank identification number . Second , the axle allows the bin to spin freely to oxygenize its contents .
fundamental - axis compost BIN are a good pick for those who meet from back job since these bins allow the substance abuser to load up and unload the material from a stand position rather than a stooping one . Some fashion model also boast wheels , so users can easily relocate the binful to a unlike area of the yard or garden .
Handle - manoeuvre compost tumblers use gears to make call on the barrel much easier . The geared handgrip oppose up with a gear wheel built into the goal of the bank identification number . When the operator crank the hold , it move around the bin in a smooth , curb style .
Handle - operated tumblers require less strong-arm strength than other types of tumblers . This form of tumbler might be a good choice for kid , old adults , or gardener with reduced physical strength .
Purpose
Before buy one , shopper will want to constrict down their design for the bin . For example , will it be used principally for kitchen scrap disposal ? Or , will it also process smoke , grass clippings , and other garden debris ? Will it be filled on an irregular basis , with extra subject add sporadically until it ’s full ? Or will it obtain a unbendable stream of fabric on a steady basis ?
For serve small amount of money of kitchen scraps and episodic houseplant rubble , a compost tumbler pigeon in the 15- to 25 - gallon size range work well . To compost bang-up quantities on an irregular cornerstone , such as at the end of a gardening time of year , large - capacity 50- to 80 - congius compost tumblers can fill that challenge . For a steady stream of debris , duple - chamber tumblers can easily handle consistent loads , as they process and stop compost on one side while the drug user eat new stuff on the other .
Material
Although some translation use steel , compost tumblers typically have an UV ( UV)-protected plastic bin with a shape made of tubular steel or plastic . Since it resists both weather and corrosion and transfer heat up tardily , plastic defecate an idealistic textile for the bin . Metal bins permit home oestrus to escape more quickly in cold weather , slow down the composting process , and they can rust over time . tube-shaped steel frames are the criterion for cardinal - axis and handgrip - operated tumblers . Most earth - rolling bins feature a plastic foot , some of which admit a reservoir for capturing the fluent overspill from the bank identification number called “ compost tea leaf , ” another utile horticulture culture medium .
Capacity
binful capacity is measured in either Imperial gallon or three-dimensional invertebrate foot ; 1 cubic foot equals 7.48 gallon . The pocket-sized compost tumbler make about 15 gallons , or about 2 cubic feet , while the largest holds more than 80 gallons , or 10.7 cubic foundation .
shopper will also want to consider the amount of stuff and how often they desire to compost . It choose at least 10 week , on average , to sue a clutch of compost full . For this intellect , many gardeners go two tumbler at the same time or use a dual - sleeping accommodation tumbler . With a dual - sleeping room bin , user can add to one bank identification number for 10 workweek , then come together it , allow it to litigate , and gradually occupy the second bin .
Aeration
acrobatics helps render air to compost and reduce moisture , both of which are lively in the decomposition process . Look for a compost bin with built - in aeration complex body part , such as tune holes or vents in the walls , fivesome on the home wall , flat side , and mixing bars .
As the material inside happy chance down , it can become compacted . Turning the bin loosens the material and breaks down the bunch . Air hole and venthole allow the exchange of petrol in the microorganisms in the decaying matter and let the excess wet outflow . Flat walls , such as in a hexangular shape , force the material to get onto rather than slide . Additional texture total from features such as fins and bar that help invoke the material and add oxygen .
Pest Control
An enclosed compost tumbler also helps composters obviate pests like rodent and insects . The lids on these unit thread , door latch , or slide into caterpillar tread , which keep out gnawer and other lowly animals . Durable , heavy - duty plastic is unmanageable for gnawer to manducate through , and blade makes the binful almost impossible to penetrate . Bears even find them take exception , but do n’t test that theory ! Avoid adding animal favorites , such as inwardness scraps , bones , and item with high blubber content , to the bin .
Odor Control
A foul odor emitting from the bin is an indication that the compost is either not well oxygenize or that the carbon copy - to - atomic number 7 proportion of the compost ingredients is out of balance . Compost tumblers are specially designed to deal with the first issue quickly and easily . Simply rotate the binful once or twice each week infuses O into the mixing and boost the development of beneficial aerophilic - composting microbes . If the compost smell like rotten egg , it postulate air . Spin the bin .
Composting is corresponding to keeping a pet , only in this font , the “ deary ” are millions of aerophilic bug . They need a consistently warm , moist environment with the good sort of “ food for thought . ” Their food initially consists of about 30 contribution carbon to 1 part nitrogen . Nitrogen come from green compost ingredients like vegetable refuse , coffee dry land , and smoke clippings . Carbon comes from so - call brown ingredient , such as fall leaves , pale yellow , sawdust , and newspaper . One way to check an fair to middling supply of carbon copy with kitchen scraps is to include newspaper production like umber filters , used newspaper towels , and tea bags in the mix . When user add new scraps to the binful , they can cover the combat with sliced newsprint or cardboard .
A properly work compost tumbler should heat up from the action of the microbe and bring on a somewhat perfumed , earthy scent . If the ingredients are far out of balance , the germ can not process the compost efficiently , maybe causing unpleasant odors . If the variety is worthless or has an ammonia odor , the N level is too high . It needs brownish component . If too much carbon is in the bin , it wo n’t heat properly ; it need green ingredients .
Ease of Use
Compost tumbler offer numerous convenience over stationary compost piles . They ’re neat . They inclose the mess for a respectable coming into court . Moreover , they are degraded and leisurely to plow . user only have to spin the tumbler for a minute or two alternatively of the half hour that it take to turn a compost down with a garden fork . Gardeners can move them into a garden shed or garage for efficient winter compost ; however , a stationary stilt simply goes dormant during cold weather .
Of course , ease of usance depends on the individual nurseryman . To pass around the compost , user can simply knock down it from an high-minded binful into a wheelbarrow . However , cold - weather condition nurseryman who sue compost outdoors may favor a ABA transit number that sits directly on the ground . This is because a tumbler on an rarified frame would be exposed to cold on all sides ; the compost procedure would slow up down and stop with the rapid cool down . A binful right away on the reason would be insulated from that effect longer .
But some characteristic appeal to almost everyone . A wider opening spend a penny it easier to load and unload , and , unlike latches and threaded lids , sliding covering seldom get clogged with debris . Exterior handgrips on the bin or a hand grouch make it easier to rotate the bin .
The Advantages of Owning a Compost Tumbler
Composting has several benefits , including slim down landfill waste . It also eliminates the need for a hand truck to drive around picking up material for off - site composting . Plus , users get to take advantage of their own compost to elevate a healthy garden , landscape , and houseplant . It also helps obviate the traditional downsides of composting : the amount of work involved , the mess and odors consort with it , the veneration of pull animal pests , and more . Compost tumblers eliminate these objections .
FAQs
New to composting ? Keep learn to learn more about using and maintaining your new compost tumbler .
Set up the compost tumbler in a sunny location to advertize quick growth of composting microbes . satisfy it ( either all at once or over several calendar week ) with a mix of kitchen flake , shredded paper , garden debris , grass press clipping , fallen folio , and other scraps . Moisten the mixture ( it should feel like a not - quite - saturated quick study ) and exit the lid . splay the ABA transit number according to manufacturer focal point . After a week , the ingredients should be strong to the touching , with no fouled odors . keep rotating the binful as indicated and inspect the contents each week . The temperature will continue to get warmer as the stuff breaks down , and it will step by step cool as more and more of the cloth completes the decomposition cognitive process . Add water as needed to maintain the moisture level . When it ’s cool and appears benighted and crumbly with no placeable particles , the material is completely processed and ready to apply .
The clip it takes to make compost varies , depending on the temperature , time of year , and the counterbalance of the ingredients within . It ’s potential to have compost within less than 10 workweek if all of the correct weather condition come together .
For the fast processing and to eliminate smell , twist the compost tumbler two to three time per week , or more often if the manufacturer commend it .
The compost should have the feel of a gently wrung - out poriferan . As the material is processed and establish heat energy , moisture vaporise . mark the bank identification number weekly and add up water as needed .
Meet the Tester
As a free-lance writer , Jenn covers many different topic , admit light-green buildings , natural and sustainable tegument care products , natural health remedies , and disease prevention — and she utterly loves learn about raw things through her work .
Additional enquiry supply by Mark Wolfe .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll aid you coif up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a heighten bed , or an in - ground plot of ground out back — and select the right flora for your soil and region .
