A spinning composter can save you money in the long run as you don’t have to keep buying store-bought compost and it also helps reduces landfill – all the kitchen and garden scraps get turned back into soil rather than ending up in a local dump.
To process compost effectively, you need to add air to the mix and the easiest way to add air is to turn it. If you have a basic box type composting system keeping it aerated would involve getting a pitchfork or a shovel and manually turning the heap. Not surprisingly there is an easier way.
With a spinning composter’s ergonomic design this process is done with a fraction of the time and effort by simply spinning the composting box with a turn of a handle or the turning of the spinning composter drum. Turning a compost heap heats it up and keeps away ants, rodents and other animals that are attracted by slowly decaying food.
A spinning composter makes composting your kitchen scraps, garden and lawn clippings a breeze and you will be left with beautiful, rich fertilizer for your garden or indoor plants.
The Different Spinning Composter Models
There are a few different designs of spinning composter models on the market so let’s have a look at each style.
Envirocycle Composter
The Envirocycle has been around for some years and is one of the most well-known styles of spinning composter. The rotating plastic drum fits in a small area and is easy to turn as it sits on a tray fitted with wheels that roll the drum around when it is moved.
Apart from regular compost, you can make compost tea with the solution that drains into the bottom tray/tank. Full instructions are included about keeping the balance of green and brown material and in not filling the composter more than half full to ensure the most efficient compost production. From user reviews it seems to work well in the cold months as well if the composter is kept under cover (e.g. garage, carport or patio).
- It comes in a choice of either green or black
- Compact, durable and user-friendly
- Aeration occurs through small openings in the drum
- Lockable lid prevents access to the compost by small animals
- The drum is indented for easy gripping and rolling
- The base is able to collect up to 5 gallons of liquid fertilizer or compost tea
- Option of direct drainage
- Size: H 30.5” x W 25.5” x D 20.25”
- Weight: 19 lbs
- Holds: 7 cubic feet of compost
- Base Holds: 5 gallons of compost tea.
- RRP is $160 or $125-$159 at Amazon
Achla Horizontal Barrel Spinning Composter
This style of composter sits a barrel horizontally on a stand. The barrel is spun by turning a handle at the side of the barrel and the mechanism is rotated like a pig on a spit.
It requires more effort to turn than the Envirocycle model due to the uneven weight distribution (you are turning heavy load at the bottom to the top using a handle in the middle).
- Turn those table scraps into food for microorganisms
- Made from recycled plastic
- Assembles easily and convenient to use
- Stand included
- Holds 7 cubic feet; measures 33 x 39 x 36 inches; weighs 36 pounds
- RRP is $149 at Amazon
Tumbleweed Vertical Barrel Spinning Composter
This spinning composter uses a similar design to the horizontal barrel composter above but the barrel is mounted vertically instead of on its side. Again, it requires effort to turn the composter on its axis as the load sits on the bottom and you must turn the central handle to turn the barrel. Taller gardeners may have the advantage over smaller gardeners here.
- Produces compost in as few as 21 day
- Rotating barrel composter with a steel rod
- Breaks down the material quicker & improve aeration
- Sturdy, galvanized tubular steel legs
- Two animal-resistant twist lock vented lids
- RRP is $199 or $179 from Amazon
Systems Trading Company 33301 Green Ecomposter
STC have a new spinning composter design that looks like a cross between a lunar lander and the Omnidroid from Pixar’s Incredibles movie. Assembly is an issue so invite some friends over for a construction party. This model works well in confined spaces and looks very modern but has mixed reviews about performance and durability.
- Turn your food and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost in as little as 4 weeks
- Handles all compostable yard, garden, and kitchen waste
- Assembles easily using household tools in 1 to 2 hours
- Attractively designed to fit your backyard décor
- RRP is $349 or $179 from Amazon