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Are you looking for the best composters? Are you finding it difficult to decide which composter to buy? In this guide, we review some of the best composters on the market today. We also provide the information you need to consider when choosing a composter to help you make an informed decision.

1.  IM4000 Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter

The IM4000 Dual chamber composter is 8-sided. It is designed with two separate sides that allow one side to cook while the second side is available to add scraps and clippings for composting. You benefit from an uninterrupted flow of compost as you continuously swap the sides.

Additionally, this composter is constructed from polypropylene. It is safe for contact and will not degrade under sunlight. Its galvanized steel frame is corrosion-resistant. It also features adjustable air vents and deep fins to break up clumps inside the chamber and mix them with oxygen. The tumbling design of this composter makes it very easy to mix the scraps and clippings.

       What We Like:

  • Tumbling Design
  • Two Composting Chambers
  • Durable Construction
  • Good Aeration

2.  EJWOX Garden Compost Bin

The Ejwox garden compost features a dual chamber that allows for continuous composting. It is well-aerated with internal bars that allow good airflow. It retains heat with its black double-wall panels. The Ejwox garden compost is designed to turn on its axis for easy and balanced rotation.

Additionally, the Ejwox garden compost has a powder-coated steel frame that provides a sturdy base for the bin. Its galvanized steel feet prevent rusting and degradation.

      What We Like:

  • Dual Chamber
  • Good Aeration
  • Good Heat Retention
  • Tumbling Design

3.  Squeeze Compost Tumbler Bin

The Squeeze compost tumbler features dual chambers that allow one side to prepare the compost while the other side is left empty to receive fresh scraps and clippings. Additionally, it features air slots that provide free airflow for composting. It is made of PP plastic and BPA-free material.

4.  VIVOSUN Tumbling Composter

The Vivosun tumbling composter is a dual-chamber composter. It allows you to fill one chamber and let it cook while to other chamber is available for fresh clippings and scraps. This allows you to always have an uninterrupted flow of compost.

Additionally, this tumbling composter features good aeration with its air vents and deep fins that help the composting process. Its tumbling design makes it hands-free and prevents you from using your hands to mix the compost as it goes through the decomposition process. It is sturdy and durable as it is made of galvanized steel and high-quality PP plastic. Moreover, it is corrosion-resistant.

      What We Like:

  • Dual Chambers
  • Excellent Aeration
  • Sturdy & Durable Construction
  • Tumbling Design

5.  Miracle-Gro Compost Tumbler

The Miracle-Gro Compost Tumbler is a dual-chamber composter and has a high volume capacity. Its design provides a constant supply of rich compost. This is achieved by adding scraps to one side and while it is curing, the other side is available for fresh compost scraps.

Moreover, its tumbling design allows you to be hands-free and not use your hands to mix and turn the scraps over. The Miracle-Gro compost tumbler also speeds up the composting process so that you have rich compost ready for gardening in 4 to 6 weeks.

It is durable with its sturdy side-locking mechanisms, strong galvanized steel base, and seals that keep out pests. Additionally, the BPA-free food-grade UV-protected plastic ensures faster composting.

      What We Like:

  • Dual Chamber
  • Tumbling Design
  • Durable & Long-Lasting

6.  MaxWorks 80699 Compost Bin Tumbler

The MaxWorks 80699 Compost Bin Tumbler is a two-chamber composter. This compost tumbler is made of a rugged and durable polypropylene bin with a powder-coated steel frame. Additionally, it features air vents with two sliding doors to provide the airflow needed for the fast decomposition of the compost ingredients. Moreover, this compost tumbler is designed to be space-efficient. It has a maximum capacity of 42 gallons.

     What We Like:

  • Dual Chamber
  • Durable Construction

7.  Goplus Compost Tumbler

The Goplus Compost Tumbler is made of sturdy iron and nontoxic pp plastic material. With its aerated design, it allows air circulation to help the decomposition process. It has a capacity of 45 gallons.

      What We Like:

  • Durable & Sturdy

      What We Don’t Like:

  • Has To Be Turned By Hand

8.  Joraform Compost Tumbler JK 125

The Joraform Compost Tumbler features dual chambers and is made of galvanized steel. It has good air circulation which helps up the composting process. This compost tumbler has a maximum capacity of 106 gallons.

     What We Like:

  • Dual Chambers

     What We Don’t Like:

  • Has To Be Turned By Hand

What To Look For In A Composter?

1.  Design

It is not uncommon to find compost tumblers built with two chambers today. This makes it easier to quickly produce compost in about 6 weeks. The two chambers allow one chamber to cure the ingredients while the second chamber gives you the opportunity to add fresh scraps for composting a new batch. This design provides a constant flow of compost. When choosing a compost tumbler, a two-chamber compost tumbler is a factor you may want to consider.

2.  Wide Opening Slots

There may be different sizes and types of scraps you collect for composting. When you choose a composter, you want one that features good size opening slots to put in the scraps.

3.  Purpose

When you choose a composter, you want to determine the purpose. Will it be used for regular kitchen scrappings for a family of four to five individuals? Will it be used regularly and has a constant supply of food scraps or will it be used sparingly?

The answer to these and other questions will determine which type of composter to buy and its size. If you will use it sparingly for kitchen scraps, then you might consider one with a capacity of about 25 gallons. However, if it will be used regularly for food scraps and tree leaves, and other scraps constantly, then you might want to consider one with a large capacity of about 50 to 100 gallons.

Additionally, you may want to consider a tumbler that rotates and mixes the scraps by itself rather than you having to physically turn a handle or mix it with your hands.

4.  Material

Another factor to consider when choosing a composter is the type of material it is made of. Most composters are made of UV-protected plastic bins with tubular steel or plastic frame. Plastic is an ideal choice for the bin as it is a bad conductor of heat and heat transfer will be slow. Additionally, plastic can easily withstand the weather and has no issues of corrosion.

Metal bins, on the other hand, are a good conductor of heat and allow heat to escape quickly in cold weather thereby slowing down the composting process. Metallic bins also corrode.

5.  Capacity

The capacity of the composter is another factor to consider when you choose a composter. The type of scraps and how often your compost should be major factors to determine the capacity of the composter you choose. Small and medium-sized composters are in the range of 15 to 30 gallons while large composters range from 75 to 100 gallons.

6.  Aeration

The food scraps in the composter need oxygen for the microorganisms to break them down. The more oxygen that gets into the composter, the faster the composting process. Many composters are designed with air slots and fins to allow air in and circulate throughout the composter. When you choose a composter, make sure it is designed with good air circulation features that work.

7.  Pest Control

Rodents and other pests are a nuisance to your composting process. When you choose a composter, make sure it is well-designed to keep rodents and other pests out of the composter. Some are designed with lids that can be closed with mechanisms. This ensures there is no way for pests to enter and consume the composting materials.

8.  Odor Control

You want to choose a composter that is well-designed to keep the odor in the composter and not leak out in the atmosphere. Its aeration should prevent the odor from being released into the air. Well-designed composters do a good job of odor control.

9.  Ease of Use

When you choose a composter, you want to consider its ease of use. A fast and easy-to-turn composter is more desirable than one that requires more effort to turn. Additionally, you might want a composter that closes completely and prevents pests from getting in. A composter that is easy to move from one location to another is also a good feature.

Types of Compost Tumblers

1.  Stationary Compost Tumblers

Stationary compost tumblers are rotating drums that are turned by a handle. They can easily get heavy to turn as more and more compost material is added. Hence, some are designed for it to turn on its axis.

2.  Mobile Compost Tumblers

Mobile compost tumblers are designed like a barrel. They have a concave base and built-in wheels that make them portable.

3.  Ball Compost Tumblers

Ball compost tumblers are designed to roll on their base or on the ground. It has two parts, the barrel or bin, and the base. The base holds the bin in place. The base has a curved upper surface that allows it to hold the base.

Best Composters

How do I choose a compost tumbler?
To choose a composter, you have to consider factors such as the purpose that you will use it for, the size you need, the design, its aeration design, how durable it is, and what material it is made of. You also want to consider how good is its odor control features, how well it prevent pest from entering, and how easy it is to use.
What should you not put in a compost tumbler?
Meat, fish, egg, lard, grease, oils, and fats are not the best to put into a compost tumbler. Additionally, pet wastes, coal poultry scraps, and dairy products are also not to be put in a compost tumbler.
Can banana peels go in compost?
Yes, banana peels can be put into a composter.
Should I pee on my compost pile?
Yes, urine is good for compost. The nitrogen and moisture will help the composting process as well as the uric acid.
Are eggshells good for compost?
Eggshells contain calcium and other nutrients that are beneficial to plants. Therefore, eggshells are good for compost.
What is a composter?
A composter is a bin or container used to turn garden and kitchen waste into compost.
What is the purpose of a composter?
A composter turns food and other waste into fertilizers for crops. It also helps condition the soil with the compost as well as increase the humus or humic acid contents of the soil.

The Bottom Line

Composters are very useful for a gardener. They constantly produce rich compost for plants. Today there are many different types of composters on the market. The IM4000 Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter is our pick that we recommend. We hope that this guide has helped you make your decision on the best composter for your needs.

If you are also interested in the best compost bins, the best raised garden beds, and the best garden tool sets, you can read our reviews of them.