If you are a keen gardener, you will, at some point, gain an interest in creating your own nutrient-rich compost for your plants. Once you commit to this decision, you will need a composter that will allow you to create your own black gold! To assist you in this search, we have some ideas on what you should look for in a composter and the best ones currently available.
The two main forms of continuous composters are static bin composters and tumbling composters. We recommend the Exaco Aeroplus 6000 3-stage bin composter as the best in the static composter range. The VIVOSUN tumbling composter is our recommendation for a tumbling composter.
The continuous composter you select should meet some basic criteria in what you want from a composter and how much space you have. There are a variety of continuous composters to choose from, each with its benefits and disadvantages. We will look at each type and examine how they could be useful to you and the best model available in that category.
Best Continuous Composter
Continuous composters come in various shapes and sizes, making a choice in composters a daunting one. All continuous composters essentially function similarly, but the method the compost is made differs, as does the size and design of the unit.
Your choice in composter will be mostly driven by the space you have available, and the time you have available for your composting.
Some points of consideration for choosing a continuous composter should include the following.
- Where will your composter be situated? This criterion has an impact on the size and type of composter.
- The durability of the composter. Many composter models will stand outside, exposed to the environment, and some models have moving parts. A durable composter will last years in contrast to a single season.
- Distance from your house to your composter. Large composters will usually be located some distance from your house, which may not be convenient. If your composter is easily accessible, you will be more inclined to use it more frequently and deposit material in the unit for composting.
- Should you consider more than one composter? The different types of composters available and the varying levels of convenience often result in gardeners having more than one composter, but different types.
After considering these aspects of composting, it is time to look at the different types of composters, bearing your needs in mind.
Best Static Continuous Composter
A static continuous composter is a unit that stands in a permanent spot in your garden to produce nutrient-rich compost.
They are usually fairly large, bulky containers that take up ground space in your garden and can detract from the aesthetics backyard or garden if placed incorrectly.
A static continuous composter usually has a lid at the top where fresh organic material is deposited and a hatch at the bottom that can be opened to access the composted material.
The advantage of this style of composter is that there is no need to turn the compost material, but the process takes a little longer. Having worms in a static composter will speed along the process and enrich the final product.
These composters stand outside permanently, requiring robust material and construction to ensure the composter will last for years.
The advantage to a continuous bin composter is the there is no need to turn the compost, and it can take larger volumes of compost than many other composter types.
The disadvantage is that the compost does not break down as quickly, and the unit is large, which takes up space in your garden. The size also means it is generally located away from your house so that insects attracted to the unit do not become a problem.
Our recommendation for the best static continuous composter is the Exaco Aeroplus 6000 3 Stage Compost Bin. This unit is a little pricey, but it provides a 3-stage composting cycle which automatically turns your compost for the aerobic component of the process.
- Clever multi-chamber system saves you from turning the compost over. Hygienic...
- Features large filling and removal doors that snap shut for wind protection....
- Convenient composting: Once a chamber is full, it is emptied into the next...
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The unit is 140-gallons which allows continuous composting. Once you have moved the compost from the top-level first stage to the middle stage, you can start to fill the top bin with fresh organic scraps. Cycling through the stages will cater to the continuous production of compost.
Tumbling Continuous Composter
Tumbling composters are another form of continuous composters that have a different design and method. These composters require a little more attention, but they work faster to break down the organic material into food for your plants.
The advantage of continuous tumbler composters is that they are portable, allowing you to move them around the garden to convenient areas. Most tumbling composters have a two-stage composter bin, allowing the gardener to have a bin with maturing compost and a bin to receive fresh compost.
Another great feature of the tumbler composters is that they come in various sizes, which gives you the option to get the size composter that best suits your needs. The tumbling composters are also generally lower-priced than the static composters.
Our recommendation for a great product in the tumbling composter category is the VIVOSUN Tumbling Composter, a dual bin 43-gallon composter. This composter is economically priced, making it affordable and versatile.
- Twin chambers: Two separate chambers allow one side to finish composting while...
- 360⁰ Tumbling Design: The rotating design prevents you from digging or mixing...
- Excellent Aeration: Air vents can make the air fully circulate and will not...
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your composting needs do not warrant a large compost tumbler, you can opt for a smaller, single chamber composter. The disadvantage of a single chamber composter is that you cannot keep adding fresh material to the tumbler until the first batch has broken down and been removed.
Where possible, for smaller tumbler continuous composters, we would recommend that you still select a two-chamber model. The Miracle-Gro composters have a wide range of various sized composters that offer dual compartments.
We highly recommend the Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler from Miracle-Gro in the range of compact tumbling continuous composters. This tumbler has two separate compartments that rotate individually. The compact size offers more location options for smaller gardens without compromising the quality of the compost produced.
- GROW A HAPPIER GARDEN – Do you look at other’s gardens with envy? Give your...
- KEEP THE NUTRIENTS COMING – Achieve your gardening goals with a steady supply...
- NO MORE HEAVY LIFTING – Miracle-Gro is here to make composting easy for...
Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It has an easy-turn mechanism allowing each batch of compost to be rotated with different frequencies, depending on the maturity of the compost inside. This gives a greater level of control over the composting process.
Conclusion
Continuous composters give you the ability to have a regular supply of fresh, organic, nutrient-rich compost. The compost is made from waste that comes directly from your own kitchen and garden, allowing you control over the ingredients in the compost.
This method of composting reduces organic products going to landfills and lets you produce quality compost from materials you would generally discard. Making your own compost saves you costs in your gardening and ensures a quality product to provide nutrient-rich food for your plants.
The quality products we have recommended will help you to get started generating your own all-natural, organic compost for your garden plants, vegetables, or potted plants!
