A great compost solution is a near-necessity for the ecologically concerned. Rather than dumping all of your old food scraps and yard trash in a landfill, composting your organic waste and reusing it as fertilizer is a more sustainable option.

And if you have a backyard garden – or simply a few flower beds – you have many options for using your storage. You may now just use a conventional compost bin.

However, conventional compost bins need a significant amount of room and may take up to a year to yield good results. To assist you in expediting the process, we set out to discover the finest compost tumbler available.

Five of the best compost tumblers

Now that you know the pros and cons of using compost tumblers and the specifications you should look for in one, here are some of our recommendations to guide you in your purchase.

EJWOX Composting Tumbler

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If you are looking for an inexpensive two-chamber tumbler, the EJWOX Composting Tumbler is the right one. The pricing is very cheap, especially given the robust design.  Rather than being constructed as a single, massive tub, each side is separately filled and drained. Fill one side first, followed by the other. Once the second side is filled, you may empty the first.

Features:

  • 43 gallons size for multiple times, periods, and seasons a year usage
  • Both sides have their sliding doors, but they are not self-closing. 
  • With a remarkably robust polypropylene shell and weather resistance.

Downside:

  • Assembling the EJWOX Composting Tumbler is challenging. 
  • Confusing instruction booklet.
  • Disorganized hardware.

Few reminders:

This implies that patience is required during installation and that no screws or bolts should be fully tightened until the device is completely completed. If you inserted the screws in the incorrect holes, you’d need to be able to remove and replace them quickly.

FCMP outdoor IM4000 tumbling composter

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This Canadian-made compost tumbler is built to withstand even the most inclement weather, no doubt; the FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter is a best seller. This is the best option in very cold conditions. If you live in a cold climate, this is an excellent tumbler.

Features:

  • With a cold-weather-friendly construction that makes it perfect for cold regions,
  • With a two-sided design. Both chambers are attached to a single tub by a separating wall; they rotate in unison rather than separately. 
  • Chambers share a single door that can be moved to either side for adding compost or emptying it into a wheelbarrow.
  • A thick, black polypropylene is used to build this composter that warms up rapidly under the sun, preventing your compost from freezing.

Downside:

Disadvantageous in hotter regions. Even though the plastic is UV-resistant and durable, leaving it in full sunshine will cause it to get excessively hot and dry. 

Few reminders:

Keep your FCMP in the shade or partial shade under these circumstances to keep it as cool as possible. Be sure to flip it every two to three days if you live in a hot environment.

Miracle-Gro large dual chamber compost tumbler

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The Miracle-Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler is an excellent option for anybody with back issues or limited strength since only half of the tumbler has to be turned at once. This two-chamber tumbler is manufactured by Scotts Miracle-Gro, a company known for producing high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and lawn equipment. 

Features: 

  • Chambers may be controlled independently. 
  • With 54 gallons overall capacity (27 on each side for a low weight rotation)
  • It can process compost more quickly than most bigger units.
  • Both the structure and chambers are constructed of stainless steel and polypropylene drums. 

Downside: 

There are concerns regarding the product’s long-term longevity, even if it seems very robust when initially built because the drums are secured to the frame using plastic clips rather than screws and brackets. 

Spin bin composters

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The Spin Bin is a newcomer to the composting industry and the manufacturer’s only offering. Because this is a drum-style composter, the body resembles an oil drum rather than anything ecologically friendly, allowing enough circulation. However, do not discount this made in the US Spin Bid just because of its youth. It has a great deal to offer. 

Features: 

  • With a 60-gallon capacity for year-round usage 
  • Made of durable, heavy-duty polypropylene that can withstand a pounding. 
  • With vertically inclined drum for more aeration
  • With 20 ventilation holes on the outside for better aeration
  • With a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee. 

Downside: 

It may be rather hefty when filled and not ideal for those with back issues or limited arm power.

Jora tumbler composter JK270

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The Jora Composter Tumbler JK270 is the only composter on our list with a metal body giving it a sleek, glossy, and new look for years. Because of its material, it is very durable and can withstand much more damage than a standard plastic tumbler.

Features: 

  • With a capacity of 70 gallons
  • This unit’s walls are insulated for added warmth.
  • With a door that closes well for stench containment.
  • Made of galvanized steel, you’ll notice only rust on the bolt heads that protrude from the frame. 

Downside: 

The metal body weighs 52 pounds which is considerably more than a typical plastic compost tumbler. Not a one-person job in assembling bolts. 

Why Ground-Rolling Compost Tumblers are a Game-Changer for Cold Climates

If you’re gardening in a colder climate, managing your compost pile can be a bit of a headache. But here’s the good news: Ground-rolling compost tumblers might just be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Engineered with both the barrel and the base, these tumblers are designed to make composting a hassle-free experience.

The Basics of Ground-Rolling Compost Tumblers

Ground-rolling compost tumblers consist of two essential components: the barrel or bin and the base. The base is uniquely designed with a curved surface that allows the bin to roll freely, thanks to the integrated rollers. What sets this apart is its insulation capacity. Reduced wind exposure keeps the internal temperature higher, promoting active composting even in chilly weather.

What to Consider Before Buying: A Detailed Guide

Understanding Your Needs

To select the perfect compost tumbler, you need to be clear about its intended use. Are you focusing mainly on kitchen waste, or is garden refuse more of your concern? Knowing your needs will directly influence the size you choose.

Considering Size

  • For Small Yards: Opt for a 15- to 25-gallon compost tumbler to handle kitchen waste and occasional garden waste.
  • For Large Yards: If you have an expansive garden, you might need a 50- to 80-gallon compost tumbler to handle the volume of organic waste you generate.

Material Matters

Plastic tumblers are great conductors of heat but make sure they’re not too thin.

Metal tumblers are harder to damage, yet susceptible to rust.

Wooden tumblers, made from durable woods like cedar, can be an excellent choice but are generally pricier.

Importance of Aeration

Choose a compost tumbler designed with ventilation features such as air holes or vents in the walls and internal fins. These features enhance the aeration, a vital factor in rapid composting.

Convenience

The easier it is to rotate your compost tumbler, the better. Look for designs that offer hand cranks or exterior grips for simple spinning. Also, consider lids that are easy to open yet securely lockable to keep pests at bay.

Managing the Composting Process

Controlling Odor

A well-balanced compost tumbler shouldn’t smell bad. If it does, it’s an indication of poor aeration or imbalance between nitrogen and carbon elements.

For nitrogen-excessive compost: Introduce more carbon-rich elements.
For carbon-deficient compost: Add more nitrogen-rich materials.

Pest Control

Lids that lock or slide into tracks can effectively keep rodents and other small critters out of your compost tumbler.

Final Thoughts

Ground-rolling compost tumblers are an excellent investment for gardeners in colder climates. Before making a purchase, ensure you know your needs and understand the crucial features that make a compost tumbler effective and easy to use. With the right choice, composting can become a much simpler and more efficient task, no matter the size of your yard or garden.

By taking into account the size, materials, aeration features, and ease of use, you’ll be well on your way to a more fruitful and sustainable gardening experience.