Best Compost Tumbler Reviews

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Compost tumblers are more convenient than the other types of composters.

It’s practically the same as a regular composter, but instead of shoveling the compost out you can simply “tumble” the tumbler and the compost will spill out. Easy, convenient, and very practical.

Now that you know how convenient compost tumblers are, you’d probably want to get your hands on one of the best compost tumblers.  Luckily, we have five highly recommended compost tumblers for you to check out. They are all reliable and easy to use.

But, before buying, you need to know what to look for in a compost tumbler.

10 Best Compost Tumblers [Comparison Chart]

Best Composters Buying Guide. Things You Need to Know!

Durability

The ideal composter must be made out of high-density plastics.  If your composter has any screws, hinges, or locks, then make sure they are tightly fitted and that they don’t make any squeaking sounds.

Most commercial composters have frames made of metal. Get a rust-proof or galvanized steel frame if possible.

Portability

Can you carry the composter by yourself? If so, then it’s very portable.

Does it take two people to carry the composter? Then the composter is still portable.

If it takes more than three people to carry it, then you have a problem.

Ease of Use

This is very self-explanatory. Find a composter that is simple and easy to use.  Since we’re looking for a compost tumbler, make sure that the tumbler is easy to “tumble”.

Ventilation

Proper aeration is needed to introduce vital nutrients into your compost and to speed up the composting process. Make sure your composter has multiple entry points for air to come in and out. A composter with no holes is a bad composter.

Insulation

Just like air, heat is necessary for speeding up the composting process. Make sure your composter can be sealed tightly and has extra features that preserve and absorb heat.

Drainage

Draining moisture is important when creating quality compost. Good commercial composters usually have drainage holes or spigots to assist in draining it.

If your composter has no drainage holes, then you’re better off making your own composter than buying a piece of garbage.

Capacity

Do you want a large composter or a small one? Small composters have the advantage of portability, while large composters have the advantage of making more composts.

Large composters are ideal, but if you are simply using your compost for tending a small garden, then you are better off using a small composter.

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Top 5 Best Compost Tumbler Reviews

1. Yimby Tumbler Composter, Color Black

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The Yimby Tumbler Composter is made for fast and efficient composting. It features super-fast composting with its multiple air vents and excellent insulation. The Yimby Tumbler Composter is durable, waterproof, and rust-proof.

However, its greatest and most attractive feature is its dual chambers. The dual chambers will allow you to make batch after batch of high-quality compost.

Features

• The composter can hold up to 37 gallons of compost.
• The composter has an overall dimension of 36 x 31 x 28 inches.
• The composter weighs approximately 26.6 pounds.
• Weather-proof. The composter will be unfazed by heavy rains, scorching summer days, and cold winters.
• The composter has a galvanized steel frame. The frame is sturdy, stable, and rust-resistant.
• The composter has a height of two and a half feet when it is fully assembled. That’s 32 inches.
• The composter provides excellent insulation and traps heat easily with its black colors.
• The composter comes with an instruction manual that is easy to understand.
• The composter features multiple air vents for maximum aeration. The air vents are also adjustable.
• The composter is made out of strong and dense recycled plastics.
• The composter features dual chambers. It will provide a never-ending supply of compost.
• The composter is small and very portable when disassembled.

Pros

• Rodent-proof. The composter is tightly sealed with locks and is made of high-quality It will resist bites and scratches from small animals like rats, cats, and squirrels. Additionally, its galvanized steel frame raises the composter high in the air so that rats can’t even reach it in the first place.
• The composter speeds up the composting process at an alarming rate. You can have a good pile of compost within two weeks if you do it properly.
• Dual chambers allow you to make two separate batches of compost in one composter. You can have a steady supply of compost because of this.
• The company has many online videos and guides on how to properly operate the composter.
• The composter’s parts are very cheap and can easily be replaced if they get damaged.

Cons

• Assembling the composter will take hours. We advise you to ask someone who is mechanically inclined to help you with the assembly.
• The composter doesn’t have an effective drainage system.
• The composter has a very small opening. It’s really hard to scoop out the compost when you are using a shovel.

Summary

The Yimby Tumbler Composter is light, portable, and very durable. But the number one reason you should buy this composter is because of its dual chambers. With its dual chamber, you can make two separate batches of composts at once. It’s basically two composters for the price of one!

It does have a very small capacity of 37 gallons, but its dual chambers more than makeup for it.

We give this composter a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. We highly recommend you get this composter if you are looking for a fast, reliable, and durable composter. You can read the detailed review of Yimby tumbler composter here.

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2. Lifetime 60058 Compost Tumbler, Black, 80-Gallon

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The Lifetime 60058 Compost Tumbler was made to last a lifetime! At least that’s what the advertisements say.  The Lifetime 60058 Compost Tumbler has a maximum capacity of 80 gallons.

That’s 10.72 cubic feet of quality compost! So, if you want to make big piles of compost in one go, then the Lifetime 60058 Compost Tumbler is a great choice.

Features

• The composter weighs approximately 42.1 pounds.
• The composter has overall dimensions of 38.5 x 36 x 44 inches.
• The composter can hold up to 80 gallons of compost or 10.72 cubic feet.
• The composter can be shipped internationally to some selected countries.
• The composter is fast enough to make good compost in less than a month.
• The composter is very easy to turn, even when full.
• The composter is made out of polyethylene, a non-toxic, high-density plastic.
• The composter has a galvanized steel frame that is rust-resistant.
• The composter is well insulated. It contains black, double-walled panels, which trap and retain heat.
• The composter is made of non-toxic materials. It is 100% free of BPAs and PVCs.
• The composter contains multiple vents with an internal mixing system.
• The composter has an online manual that is being updated from time to time.
• The composter’s galvanized steel frame has a “lock” feature which will stabilize and keep the composter in place.

Pros

• The composter has many replaceable parts and they are sold at a reasonable price.
• The composter is UV protected, so you don’t need to worry about the sun spoiling your compost.
• The composter has a very large opening. You can easily put a shovel inside the composter and take the compost out.
• The composter can easily make large batches of compost because of its enormous capacity. 80 gallons is extremely large!
• The composter is rodent-proof. When sealed properly, no pests, such as rats, can enter and steal your compost.
• Its incredible insulation makes sure that compost is hot and stays hot. Pests like roaches won’t be able to live and thrive in this temperature.
• The galvanized steel frame is very sturdy and will hold your compost upright. Things like heavy winds and stormy weather won’t “tumble” your tumbler.
• International shipping is really convenient if you live outside of the USA.

Cons

• The composter has some leakage problems. It also doesn’t contain a spigot so you won’t have control of its drainage.
• The composter takes a long time to assemble and may require some tweaking.
• The composter is not odor-proof, so keep it away from your neighbors.

Summary

We give this composter a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Its greatest feature is its enormous capacity. However, the composter is not odor-proof and will tend to smell really bad.  Furthermore, its time-consuming and complicated assembly is a big turn-off!

But, aside from those problems, the Lifetime 60058 Compost Tumbler is a superb composter that will last for a very long time.  If you don’t mind the bad smell and difficult assembly, then this composter is perfect for you.

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3. Joraform Compost Tumbler JK 270

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The Joraform JK 270 compost tumbler has the second-highest maximum capacity on our list with a whopping 60-gallon capacity. It also has a “continuous-use” dual chamber.

The dual chambers allow you to fill one chamber with compost, while the other one makes compost. The dual chambers and large capacity ensure that you never run out of compost.

If you want the best composter for making compost, then you’d better take a look at the Joraform JK 270 compost tumbler.

Features

• The composter has overall dimensions of 44 x 28 x 52 inches.
• The composter weighs approximately 52 pounds.
• The composter is designed to be odor-proof.
• The composter has a 1-year warranty. The composter can be replaced, repaired, or refunded within the warranty period.
• The composter has great insulation.
• The composter is made of polyethylene, a non-toxic
• The composter’s frame is rust-proof and made of galvanized steel.
• The composter is sealed tightly and made of high-quality plastics.
• The composter has a maximum capacity of 60 gallons.
• The composter has multiple side vents, which provide maximum aeration.
• The composter has a “continuous-use” dual chamber. It ensures a steady and constant production of compost.

Pros

• The composter’s 1-year warranty comes with excellent customer service. They provide a 100% customer guarantee. If you want a refund, then you will get your refund.
• The composter is odor-proof. You don’t need to worry about your neighbors complaining.
• The composter has exceptional insulation. Heat is stored and preserved within the dual chambers to ensure a faster composting And because of the heat, you can even make compost during winter!
• The composter is made of high-density plastics (polyethylene). Additionally, polyethylene is non-toxic. So, you won’t have to worry about being poisoned.
• The composter is pest and rodent proof. Its durable materials and tightly secured locks prevent pests and rodents from entering your composter.
• The composter looks like a tank because it’s built like one. Expect the composter to run smoothly, even when taking significant damage.
• The composter is very durable. It may take a long time to assemble but it makes up for it by lasting for a very long time.

Cons

• The composter is very heavy and very expensive.
• The composter is very difficult to assemble. You might need an expert just to set it up.

Summary

The Joraform JK 270 compost tumbler is one of the best composting tumblers on the market. But that also means that you have to pay the best price as well. It will leave a gaping hole in your pocket if you are on a budget.

However, its continuous-use dual chambers, 60-gallon capacity, and outstanding durability is something worth spending money on.

Feel free to read the extended review of Joraform JK270 compost tumbler on our website. If you have the money to spend and the time to assemble this masterpiece of a composter, then the Joraform JK 270 is right for you.

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4. Envirocycle Composting Tumbler Bin and Compost Tea Maker

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The Envirocycle Composting Tumbler Bin and Compost Tea Maker are often said to be the “most beautiful composter in the world”. It may seem like an arrogant thing to say, but when you feast your eyes upon this beauty, you’ll have no choice but to believe.

Aside from the looks, the Envirocycle Composter can dish out fine quality compost. It is very small, with a capacity of only 35 gallons.

However, don’t be fooled by its size because the Envirocycle Composter may be small, but it sure isn’t terrible. It’s actually great and is the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Features

• The composter is the most beautiful composter in the world.
• The composter is made in the USA.
• The composter is made of 100% recycled plastics and is eco-friendly.
• The recycled plastics are strong and highly durable.
• The composter has overall dimensions of 25.4 x 21.5 x 27.7 inches.
• The composter has an impressive drainage system.
• The composter doesn’t need water to start.
• The composter is odor-proof. It is tightly sealed to ensure no foul odor seeps out.
• The composter weighs approximately 24.6 pounds.
• The composter is rodent-proof.
• The composter has a capacity of 35 gallons.
• The composter is safe and BPA free.
• The composter contains multiple air vents.

Pros

• Unlike other composters, you can put this composter in your front lawn for everyone to see. It is so beautifully crafted, that people would mistake it for a masterwork plastic figurine.
• Envirocycle, the creator if this composter, is an outstanding company. They provide excellent customer service, and sometimes reach out to their customers and upgrade their composters for free.
• The composter is very portable because it is so small.
• The composter is already assembled. So, no need for assembly.
• The composter features an impressive drainage system. It contains a spigot located below so you can adjust and control your drainage.

Cons

• The composter is expensive and small.

Summary

There isn’t much to say about this composter, except that it’s really, really great.  It scores a perfect 10 in durability, portability, ease of use, ventilation, insulation, and drainage.

We give this composter a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. The only downside to this composter is that it is very expensive and has a very small capacity.

So, if you want a great composter that passes our buying guide with flying colors, then look no further. The Envirocycle Composter (see full review) will provide you with the best composting experience an eco-friendly gardener could ever ask for.

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5. Good Ideas EZCJR-BLK 7-Cubic-Foot Compost Wizard Jr

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The Compost Wizard Jr is FDA approved and free of toxic elements like BPA. Aside from its safety features, the Compost Wizard Jr is simple but efficient at making compost.

The Compost Wizard Jr will quickly convert your organic wastes and turn them into high-quality compost. It’s so fast and efficient, that you’d think magic was actually involved.

The Compost Wizard Jr is probably one of the most simple and easy-to-use composters on our list. So, if you’re a beginner at composting, we highly recommend you check it out.

Features

• The composter has a 1-year warranty.
• The composter is FDA approved and free of BPAs.
• The composter has a capacity of 50 gallons.
• The composter has overall dimensions of 22 x 23.5 x 30 inches.
• The composter weighs approximately 27 pounds.
• The composter is weatherproof.
• The composter comes with wheels.
• The composter has an 18-inch opening.
• The composter is 100% made from recycled plastics.
• The composter is made in the USA.
• The composter needs no assembly.

Pros

• No assembly required. Comes assembled when ordered.
• The composter is rodent-proof.
• The composter is well insulated, and its black color easily absorbs heat.
• The composter can be carried by a single person. It’s that lightweight.
• The composter is easy to use.
• The composter is weatherproof. Whether it be heavy rain, strong winds, and snow, the composter will remain unfazed.

Cons

• The composter doesn’t have effective drainage.

Summary

We give this composter a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Sturdy, efficient, and makes compost like its magic. Those are the only things you need in a functioning composter. The Compost Wizard Jr is probably the simplest composter on our list.

We highly recommend this composter to beginners, since it is very easy to use and comes fully assembled. Interested in more details about this compost tumbler? Check out our extended review of this compost starter kit.

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Final Verdict

Each and every one of the five compost tumblers is a viable choice.  It all depends on your preference.

If you like to create large batches of compost, then you’re better off buying the Lifetime 60058 Compost Tumbler or the Joraform JK 270 compost tumbler. Both compost tumblers have large capacities and will be useful for creating large batches of compost.

If you like small but useful composters, then buy the Envirocycle Composter or the Yimby Tumbler Composter. We prefer the Envirocycle Composter since it outperforms the Yimby Tumbler Composter. However, Envirocycle Composter is really expensive.

And lastly, if you want it pre-assembled, then either get the Envirocycle Composter or the Compost Wizard Jr. It all depends on your preference.