Do you want to create compost for your garden and move to a more environment-friendly life? Make your work simple with a compost tumbler!
Tumbling composting bins mixes your new material with already hot compost matter. It aerates the mixture and introduces microbial activity, which breaks down any fresh materials to make lush compost.
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Best Compost Tumbler for 2024
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
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1. FCMP Outdoor RM4000 Tumbling Roto Composter | 
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2. Miracle-Gro Small Composter | 
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3. Miracle Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler | 
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4. FCMP IM4000 Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter | 
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5. VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter | 
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6. SQUEEZE Master Compost Tumbler |  | ||
7. Exaco Trading Company Exaco Mr.Spin Compost Tumbler |  |
Our Top Pick Compost Tumbler
Our pick as the best compost tumbler for 2024 is the FCMP Outdoor RM4000 Tumbling Roto Composter! Although the 37-gallon dual chambers are smaller than most, the rapid and continuous flow of organic compost this tumbler produces means you won’t run out of space easily.
In fact, if you fill it up and turn it 5-6 times every 3-2 weeks, you’ll be enjoying your first compost in just 2 weeks! It’s unobtrusive and designed for easy assembly and use, with BPA-free UV inhibited recycled polyethylene that won’t degrade under direct sunlight, and a galvanized steel frame that’s corrosion and pest resistant.
Best Value Compost Tumbler
If you’re a beginner, have a small apartment or patio garden, the Miracle-Gro Small Composter is a fantastic option. It’s affordable and offers great value-for-money, fitting neatly onto patios and balconies with no leaks, smell or pest issues.
It’s made for all-season composting, with a BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic barrel and a high-quality steel frame. In as little as 4-6 weeks, you’ll have transformed your kitchen scraps and organic waste into nutrient-rich, organic compost.
You’ll also get a pair of latex-free, water-resistant gardening gloves with your purchase.
Best Premium Compost Tumbler
If you’re looking for a high-capacity, high-performance tumbling composter, the Miracle Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler is hard to beat!
It’s great for families who want to lower their carbon footprint and produce a good amount of organic, nutrient-rich compost for the yard or vegetable garden.
The dual-chamber design ensures a continuous flow of compost, and the 2x 27.7 gallon chambers are designed to handle grass clippings, kitchen waste, paper waste and much more.
The hexagonal design, mixing bars and aeration system is designed to break down organic matter quickly, with no leaks or smells. It’s easy to use and made from BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic barrels paired with a high-quality pes- and-corrosion-resistant steel frame.
Traditional methods require a pitchfork or a spade to turn the ingredients in an open compost bin. But most gardeners find this task hard. Ease the process with a compost tumbler.
What is a Compost Tumbler?
Source: Amazon
The majority of tumbling composting bins have open bottoms, and their position is on the ground. These features present disadvantages like:
- The open space dissipates heat and slows down the composting process.
- A pitchfork hardly gets inside the compost bin: it makes the turning of the compost difficult.
- A regular compost bin won’t keep rodents away from its content.
“A compost tumbler is an entirely sealed container made to combat these challenges. Turn your materials effortlessly, preserve generated heat, keep rodents away, and make rich compost with a tumbling bin”, comments junk & rubbish professional Luke Hancock.
Learn more: Best Garden Composter Reviews for 2024
Factors Before Purchasing a Compost Tumbler
Source: Amazon
How to compost with a tumbler? Composting usually takes more than 14 weeks. Make yours in a shorter time period by using a compost tumbler bin. Consider these factors before you purchase a tumbler:
- Only buy a tumbler that rotates easily.
- A larger tumble bin is more efficient for composting.
- The more material you add, the longer it takes to create compost. Make it in three months with a bin that has secondary chambers. Fill one chamber with material and compost your additional material in the second chamber while the tumbler is working.
- Consider using the compost tumbler in high-temperature climates. To maintain compost heat in cold temperatures, ensure the tumbler has excellent insulation.
“Compost from a compost tumbler bin is different from compost in a heap. Heaps provide a conducive environment for worms that tumblers do not. Worms use their guts to churn material and add nutrients to the compost”, comments Allan the Gardener.
“Tumblers only rely on bacteria and fungi to make compost. Tumbler compost is suitable for use as mulch because it has a rough and loose character. It kills disease spores and weeds effectively”, he adds.
To add worms to tumbler compost, and make it uniform and rich, put your ready compost aside, and let worms come in and do their work. Do not add worms directly inside your tumble bin.
For more on worm composting, refer to our guide on do's and don'ts on feeding worms.
Best Compost Tumbler Reviews
1. FCMP Outdoor RM4000 Tumbling Roto Composter
This modern, dual chamber compost tumbler is set on 2-foot high legs to deter rodents and pests, and the 43-gallon capacity is more than what’s offered by similar composters.
It’s easy to turn and fairly lightweight, and the durable plastic chamber and coated steel legs mean it’s built to last.
This composter is ideal for average-sized families with small to medium sized yards, as it produces a continuous flow of compost from kitchen scraps, grass clippings and other biodegradable material.
One great feature is that you can completely remove the door, making filling it with grass clippings easy.
Pros
- Holds 43 gallons of material
- Easy to assemble
- Dual chamber design
- Option to use as single chamber composter
- Rodent proof
- Ideal for the average family
- BPA-free
Cons
- Chamber doors may freeze shut in very cold weather
2. Miracle-Gro Small Composter
Small, neatly designed and functional, this small-capacity compost tumbler is great for individuals, couples and apartment dwellers. It’s clean and discrete, perfect for patios and small gardens, and it’s built to last.
The 18-gallon capacity makes the composter easy to turn, producing rich, organic compost in just 4-6 weeks. It composts through all seasons and it's sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about pests or difficulty loading and unloading this composter.
It’s also manufactured with BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic, so you don’t need to worry about harmful toxins leaching into your compost.
Pros
- Compact design for individuals and couples
- Ideal for apartments and patios
- BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic
- Good for beginners
- 18.5 gallon capacity
- Compost in 4-6 weeks
- Free gardening gloves
Cons
- Can be a bit challenging to assemble
3. Miracle Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler
This compost tumbler is ideal for anyone who is passionate about their garden and wants to live a greener life. It has a dual chamber design, so you can fill each tank with organic matter to produce a continuous flow of compost, and the polygon design, aeration vents and deep fins help to churn organic waste without it clogging up the sides of the barrel.
Together, the tumbler can accommodate a massive 55.5 gallons of organic waste, producing compost in just 4-6 weeks. It’s built to last, designed to prevent pests, and is easy to assemble. It also comes with a free set of gardening gloves!
Pros
- 10-inch doors for easy loading
- Dual chamber design
- Easy to turn as each chamber turns separately
- 2 large 27.7 gallon chambers
- Durable materials
- Year-round composting
- Easy to assemble
- Free set of gardening gloves
Cons
- Expensive
4. FCMP IM4000 Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter
This tumbling composter will fit in well in any garden, producing compost in as little as two weeks and ensuring a continuous supply due to the dual chamber design.
It is ideal for organic kitchen and garden waste for small families or individuals. It’s easy to use, designed with pest prevention in mind, and the 37 gallon capacity barrel is made of durable, BPA-free, UV-inhibited recycled polypropylene.
This means it’s great for green gardening and is built to last through all seasons. It also has adjustable air vents and deep fins to help break up organic materials while ensuring good aeration.
Pros
- Sturdy, compact design
- BPA free, UV inhibited, 100% post-consumer recycled polypropylene
- Easy to operate
- Pest resistant
- 37 gallon capacity
- Quick compost production
- Dual composter chambers
Cons
- A bit small for larger families
- Assembly can be a bit challenging
5. VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter
This dual chamber composter allows you to compost in batches for a continuous supply of rich, organic compost that your garden will love. The 43-gallon capacity is ideal for small to medium yards and vegetable gardens, and the compact design makes it unobtrusive.
The deep fins and aeration vents help promote rapid compost production while breaking up heavy clumps of organic matter. It is made of galvanized steel and high-quality PP plastic to make it corrosion-resistant, weather-resistant, sturdy, and durable for long-lasting life of compost production.
Pros
- Dual chambers
- Continuous, rapid compost production
- 43 gallon capacity
- Ideal for small to medium-sized yards
- Sturdy, BPA-free construction
- Free garden gloves included
Cons
- Assembly is a bit challenging
- Doors are a little small for emptying compost
6. SQUEEZE Master Compost Tumbler
This is a great all-rounder for families who want to compost and green up their yard. It has a useful 43 gallon capacity, and the dual chambers are well-aerated for quick compost production.
It’s made of high quality materials, with a PP & BPA-free barrel and steel frame. The maximum load bearing is 352lbs and it is designed for use in cold winters. It’s easy to use and rotate, and the wide doors make loading up your composter simple.
Pros
- BPA-free polypropylene with a steel frame
- Simple, effective design
- 43 gallon capacity
- Good for beginners
- Aeration vents
- Dual chambers
- Cold resistant
- Pest resistant
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- May leak a little
7. Exaco Trading Company Exaco Mr.Spin Compost Tumbler
This compact, unobtrusive compost tumbler has dual chambers for continuous production of compost, and the 43 gallon capacity makes it well-suited to smaller families.
It’s great for your vegetable or flower garden, and the BPA-free, recycled plastic construction means it has good green credentials!
The steel stand keeps it stable and inaccessible to most pests, and the tumbler is easy to turn even when full. It’s easy to assemble too, taking just 30 minutes and requiring only a Phillips screwdriver.
Pros
- 43 gallon capacity
- Dual chamber design
- BPA-free, recycled plastic construction
- Pest resistant
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable air vents
Cons
- Centre divider between chambers doesn’t fit snugly
Best Tumbling Composter for 2024
Our Top Pick Compost Tumbler
Our pick as the best compost tumbler for 2024 is the FCMP Outdoor RM4000 Tumbling Roto Composter! Although the 37-gallon dual chambers are smaller than most, the rapid and continuous flow of organic compost this tumbler produces means you won’t run out of space easily.
In fact, if you fill it up and turn it 5-6 times every 3-2 weeks, you’ll be enjoying your first compost in just 2 weeks! It’s unobtrusive and designed for easy assembly and use, with BPA-free UV inhibited recycled polyethylene that won’t degrade under direct sunlight, and a galvanized steel frame that’s corrosion and pest resistant.
Best Value Compost Tumbler
If you’re a beginner, have a small apartment or patio garden, the Miracle-Gro Small Composter is a fantastic option. It’s affordable and offers great value-for-money, fitting neatly onto patios and balconies with no leaks, smell or pest issues.
It’s made for all-season composting, with a BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic barrel and a high-quality steel frame. In as little as 4-6 weeks, you’ll have transformed your kitchen scraps and organic waste into nutrient-rich, organic compost.
You’ll also get a pair of latex-free, water-resistant gardening gloves with your purchase.
Best Premium Compost Tumbler
If you’re looking for a high-capacity, high-performance tumbling composter, the Miracle Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler is hard to beat!
It’s great for families who want to lower their carbon footprint and produce a good amount of organic, nutrient-rich compost for the yard or vegetable garden.
The dual-chamber design ensures a continuous flow of compost, and the 2x 27.7 gallon chambers are designed to handle grass clippings, kitchen waste, paper waste and much more.
The hexagonal design, mixing bars and aeration system is designed to break down organic matter quickly, with no leaks or smells. It’s easy to use and made from BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic barrels paired with a high-quality pes- and-corrosion-resistant steel frame.
Advantages of a Compost Tumbler
Source: Amazon
Tumblers make the turning process effortless. A compost tumbler is useful in many other ways:
It provides a fast output
As we already mentioned, it takes around three weeks to create compost with a tumbling bin. But prepare yourself. You need precision to turn and mix the materials.
Measure ingredients carefully to ensure your nitrogen and carbon balance is optimal. Monitor moisture and temperature levels as well.
Lack of worms gives you a rough compost. However, it is as effective as mulch. Buy a compost tumbler with “how to make compost” instructions to get ultimate results.
It seals the unpleasant odor inside
The combination of significant amounts of soft sappy and grass clip material leads to anaerobic decomposition, which in turn releases an unpleasant odor.
A compost tumble bin seals the compost within and prevents the distribution of bad odor. It provides excellent aeration, which reduces the production of the bad smell.
Some tumblers also have drainage holes that allow the liquid to escape the bin. Collect the nitrogen-rich liquid and use it to feed foliar.
It combats vermin
Certain tumble bin features solve your raccoon, rodent, and pest problems. Manufacturers make compost tumblers from very strong and durable material and they ensure the tumbler gets perfect aeration, which eliminates the need for air gaps.
The slightly off the ground position of compost tumblers reduces vermin access to the compost and allows you to add taboo food material, such as fat, meat, and fish since the high tumbler temperatures speed up the breakdown process.
Read also: How to Get Rid and Prevent Maggot in Compost
It protects your back
You might strain your back during the compost turning process. A tumbler protects your back by making the rotation effortless. Avoid a tumbler with a pivot around the central axle: it positions most of the compost at the bottom.
Purchase one with a handle and a gear cog since it is easy to swing over, but it is more expensive. Place a wheelbarrow underneath the tumbler to unload the compost easily.
It is space-conscious
Compost tumblers are hot garden addition perfect for your urban or suburban properties. They are clean, and their design makes them an acceptable addition to your home. Tumblers are ideal for small spaces.
Disadvantages of a Compost Tumbler
Source: Amazon
They are more expensive
Regular compost bins support zero weight because of their bottom hole. In contrast, tumblers hold wet and heavy compost materials for a certain period of time.
That’s why manufacturers use thicker materials and rollers or legs to support compost tumblers. These features are expensive to manufacture. It costs more to produce a tumbler than it is to make a compost bin.
The 9.5 cubic tumbler capacity
A compost tumbler’s standard size is 9.5 cubic feet to ensure the turning process is not difficult especially when the bin is full. Larger and smaller sized composters exist.
Turning a smaller drum is effortless but larger bins require gear and rod mechanical systems to turn the tumbler.
Wrapping Up Our Tumbler Composting Guide
A compost tumbler provides several benefits. It enhances the turning process, protects your back, keeps vermin away, prepares compost fast, and takes up minimal compound space.
Purchase a large and high-quality tumbler bin, and fill it with compost material. Turn the contents regularly to make compost with bacteria and fungi.
Set your decomposing material on the ground for a period of time to enrich it with additional nutrients from worm churn. Now you know how to use a compost tumbler.
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