Metal bins allow internal heat to escape more quickly in cold weather, slowing the composting process, and they can corrode over time. Since it resists both weather and corrosion and transfers heat slowly, plastic makes an ideal material for the bin. MaterialĪlthough some versions use steel, compost tumblers typically have a UV-protected plastic bin with a frame made of tubular steel or plastic. For a steady stream of debris in and compost out, go for a double chamber tumbler that will process and finish compost on one side as you feed new material on the other.
If you need a bin that will handle greater quantities on an irregular basis, such as at the end of a garden season, go for a large capacity 50- to 80-gallon compost tumbler. For instance, will you use it primarily for kitchen scrap disposal? Or, will it also process weeds, grass clippings, and other garden debris? Will it be filled irregularly, with additional content added periodically until it’s full? Or, will it receive a steady stream of material on a regular basis?įor processing small amounts of kitchen scraps and occasional houseplant debris, look for a compost tumbler in the 15- to 25-gallon size range. Purposeīefore buying one, narrow down your purposes for the bin. The following criteria helped lead to these picks. Consider the way you intend to use the bin, the amount of space available, and your garden environment, to name a few. Several characteristics can help you determine the best compost tumbler for your gardening needs. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Compost Tumbler This kind of tumbler might be a good choice for children, seniors, or gardeners with reduced physical strength. Handle-operated tumblers require less physical strength than other types of tumblers. When the operator cranks the handle, it turns the bin in a smooth, controlled manner. The geared handle matches up with a gear built into the end of the bin. Handle-operated compost tumblers use gears to make turning the barrel much easier. Some models feature wheels, so users can easily relocate the bin to a different area of the yard or garden.
Secondly, the axle allows the bin to spin freely to aerate its contents.Ĭentral axis compost bins are a good choice for those who suffer from back problems since the user can load and unload the material from a standing, rather than stooping, position. First, it elevates the bin to a height that reduces bending and stooping while filling, turning, and emptying the bin. Central AxisĬentral axis compost tumblers are built on a metal framework with an axle running through the midpoint of the bin. The added warmth keeps composting microbes active instead of allowing them to go dormant in the cold. The reduced exposure to wind and cold allows the bin to retain heat. Rollers built into the curved surface of the base allow the loaded bin to spin freely when pushed or pulled.īecause they sit at ground level, ground-rolling compost tumblers are a good choice for those who live in cold climates. The base has a curved upper surface that cradles the bin, holding it in place without fasteners. Ground RollingĪ ground-rolling compost tumbler has two separate pieces: the barrel, or bin, and the base. The tumblers rotate via one of three turning methods: ground rolling, central axis, and handle operated. The most important difference among the types of compost tumblers is in the way they turn. Photo: Types of Compost TumblersĪll compost tumblers are enclosed bins, typically barrel-shaped, and owners must turn their contents occasionally.