Compost Tumbler Styles

Compost tumblers fall under four general groups according to their construction:

Crank-operated drums. A flat mounted drum rests on the elevated framework. A crank set up allows you switch the drum easily, as the internal baffles help mix the types of materials, adding air.

Since the drums are elevated relatively high, draining them is straightforward. Basically push a wheelbarrow underneath the drum, squeeze door and open it up. Compost flows into the wheelbarrow.

This kind of tumbler has a tendency to cost about two times around other kinds. But, just like other things, you receive that which you purchase. Within this situation, you trade money for easy operation.

The Mantis ComposTwin and also the ComposTumbler are good examples of the design the previous includes a double drum and also the latter includes a single drum (obtainable in two dimensions).

Center-axle drums. A up and down mounted drum rotates around a main, horizontal axle based on a wood, metal or PVC frame. Operation is usually easy, particularly using the appliances have doorways on finishes.

The central axle functions to interrupt up and blend the types of materials. Many of these tumblers are mounted low down, however, so draining them could be a chore unless of course you've got a low-boy wheelbarrow which happens to fit under them.

The Urban Compost Tumbler (UCT) and also the Tumbleweed are this kind.


Base moving drums. A flat set up drum comes on the ground-level base. A number of them really have paint rollers, while some have molded rounded suggests suspend the drum and allow it to rotate.

Clearly, the tumblers with paint rollers are simpler to show. To make rotating simpler, a number of this style have steps molded in to the body, so that you can make use of your ft and legs to show them, thus theoretically reducing back strain.

Since the base moving tumblers virtually sit on the floor, draining them could be awkward. You need to shovel the compost out — through relatively small openings — instead of flowing it.

Usual for this design would be the Envirocycle, the Step-lower Composter and also the EZ Composter.

Roll-Around Sphere Compost Tumblers. They are giant molded angular balls that you simply fill with composting material after which roll around your yard. The concept is initially intriguing used, however, they have a tendency to he probably the most awkward to make use of and the most challenging to empty.

Roll-around composters aren't actually round, but they are faceted just like a geodesic dome. Consequently, they merely roll on which could be their equator. And, rather than moving just like a snowball, they swing left or in sharp arcs.

The heavier they're loaded, the less control you've.

The Bio Orb and also the Large Batch Composter are good examples of the style.