If you love to garden and you’re eco-conscious, you may be thinking about composting. Compost is a fantastic way to reuse the waste from your kitchen and yard and turn it into gold for your gardens!
To get started you will need a composting bin which you can store outside but trying to sort through all of the different models can be time-consuming and confusing.
So, in an effort to help you choose the best compost bin, we’ve done the research for you. After sifting through dozens of different models, we’ve narrowed down the options to three different choices: a best, a premium, and a budget outdoor composter.
Below, we provide an overview of each of our picks for these categories. We also provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that consumers have when they’re shopping for compost bins.
Our Top Picks
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: Composting Tumbler Bin
- The Runner-Up Pick: The Worm Factory 360 Worm Composter
- The Budget Pick: FCMP Tumbling Outdoor Composter
Compost Bin Reviews
Best Pick: Composting Tumbler Bin and Compost Tea Maker
Our pick for the best outdoor composter is the Miracle-Gro Composting Tumbler. It’s advertised as “The Most Beautiful Composter in The World”, and while we aren’t sure if that’s true (as there are certainly options that could be better looking), we do have to say that this model is quite aesthetically pleasing and it won’t stick out like a sore thumb in your yard.
It’s made of high-quality, food-safe BPC and it’s rust-free, so you can be sure that your compost will be safe to use as plant food for your veggies and fruits. It’s also UV and antioxidant protected, so you won’t have to worry about rust or the UV rays of the sun.
- NO SPACE? NO PROBLEM! – Don’t let tight spaces keep you from composting! Miracle-Gro’s outdoor compost bin tumbler is small enough for even the tiniest spaces! The 18.5gal (70L) / 27.7 gal (105L) volume perfectly fits your balcony, porch, patio, or rooftop garden. Finally you can compost from anywhere!
- TURN YOUR FOOD WASTE INTO GARDEN GOLD – Transform kitchen and garden waste into rich, fertile compost – the gardener’s treasured “black gold!” Ready-to-use compost will be yours in just 4-6 weeks, thanks to Miracle-Gro’s unique aeration system. Internal mixing bars speed up decomposition to make growing a happy garden easier than ever!
- REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT – Studies show that approximately one third of the world’s food supply goes to waste. But with Miracle-Gro’s rolling compost box you can do your part to change that. Save your compostable food scraps, help the environment, and cook up some compost that your plants will love
- YEAR-ROUND, HASSLE-FREE – Why should composting be a seasonal activity? Miracle-Gro’s heavy-duty design lets you keep your compost going all year round! The sturdy side-locking mechanism ensures easy loading and unloading, while the durable construction maintains a tight seal. And BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic, means you won’t need to worry about harmful toxins.
- Achieve your garden goals with a pair of multi-purpose gardening gloves! Each pair is latex-free, water-resistant, and features a no-slip grip, perfect for both indoor and outdoor projects. Grow your green thumb with Scotts and Miracle-Gro!
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Because it is a tumbler design, turning your kitchen and yard waste into plant food won’t require a tremendous amount of effort on your part, which is definitely a major benefit. And another major benefit: it’s fully assembled, so you can pop it right out of the box and start composting as soon as you receive it.
The Miracle-Gro Composting Tumbler Bin and Compost Tea Maker is an innovative composting system that features an innovative design. It’s compact, which means that it can fit virtually anywhere because it doesn’t require a lot of space.
It also boasts a compost tea collecting base, an advanced feature that was pioneered by the manufacturer. This base allows you to compost on your patio, deck, balcony, porch, or anywhere else, without having to worry about unpleasant odors or messes.
It’s a tumbler single batch composter, which means that you fill it with organic material and the bin will turn it into compost within a few weeks. You can add new matter to the composter, but if you do, the clock will reset.
While two chamber composters allow you to create compost in two different cycles, they’re usually more cost-prohibitive and are a bit more difficult to use. For the amount of time it takes to create compost and the ease of use, the Miracle-Gro is definitely a worthwhile investment.
What sets this composter apart from the crows is its unique two-part system. Waste is collected in the drum, the first part of the system, where it is turned into compost. The second part of the system is the base, where liquid from the drum pours down into.
The base can hold as much as 2.5 gallons of liquid, which often referred to as “compost tea”. You can use the “compost tea” as liquid fertilizer, or you can just leave the tea mixed in with the humus.
In addition to the unique design, the Miracle-Gro is a very durable composter. It’s comprised of food safe BPA-free material and it’s both antioxidant and UV protected. As such, you’ll be able to use all of the compost that it yields for your crops without having to worry about them being tainted by harmful contaminants.
It’s durable enough to withstand a variety of climates, including hot and freezing temperatures, excessive dryness, and high humidity and moisture levels. Cleaning and maintenance is easy, as is operating the composter.
All you have to do is turn the container every couple of days and within a few weeks, you’ll have nutrient-rich, organic compost that you can use in your garden.
- Available in a 17- or 35-gallon drum
- Unique two-system design creates both compost and “compost tea” or liquid fertilizer
- Durably constructed
- Made of BPA-free, food safe materials
- UV and antioxidant protected
- Easy to use
- Easy to maintain
- Doesn’t require a tremendous amount of effort to turn
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Compact size
- Comes fully assembled
- Minimal odor
- Safe locking mechanism
- Available in both black and pink
- Some users said that it was heavy to roll
- Others said that it was difficult to access the compost tea
Runner-Up Pick: The Worm Factory 360 Worm Composter
If you’re looking for minimal work and the least amount of odor possible, theWorm Factor 360 Worm Composter should definitely do the trick. Because it relies on worms to compost the organic material, there’s no need to worry about tumbling or manually turning the composter; the worms to all of the work for you!
It features a standard 4-tray size that can be expanded up to 8 trays, which makes it the largest home composer, in terms of volume. It also boasts a built in “worm tea” or “compost tea” collector, complete with a spigot, so you can easily drain the fertilizer.
- All plastic parts USA Made in the Pacific Northwest
- 3 stacking trays, collection base with spigot, worm ladder and Lid, but there is more…shredded paper, coir brick, yellow scrapper, printed instruction on the lid, access to our online book, Complete Guide to Vermicomposting
- Fully assembled, ready to go
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Worm Factor 360 Worm Composter relies on worms to do the composting work for you. This not only makes the job of composting easier, but it also makes it a lot less smellier; in fact, this composter generates virtually no odor at all. Setting up and operating the composter is really easy. The composter comes in a standard 4-tray size, but it can be expanded to hold up to 8 trays, so you can easily maximize the volume.
To set it up, begin with the bottom tray and the included bedding material. Then add a pound of composting worms and fill the tray with your waste materials. The worms will begin processing the material into super-fine, nutrient-rich compost in no time.
When the first ray is full or organic material, add another tray to the top and continue the process until you are making as much compost as you want or you have used all eight trays.
As the waste breaks down, all moisture flows through the filtration system. You can easily access the “worm” or “compost” tea from the spigot in the front of the composter and use it as liquid fertilizer for your plants.
- Virtually odorless composting
- Completely organic process
- Excellent aeration
- Collects compost tea, which can be easily accessed via the spigot
- Easy to use
- Comes with four stacking trays, mineral rock dust, an accessory kit, and easy to follow instructions
- Requires no tumbling or manual turning
- You do have to purchase composting worms, which may be difficult to find in some areas
- Some users said that they had a hard time trying to figure out how to set it up
Budget Pick: FCMP Tumbling Outdoor Composter
If you’re looking for a quality composter that’s easy to use but isn’t as hard on the budget as the Envirocycle or the Worm Factor, the Tumbling Outdoor Composter from FCMP is a great option.
It can accommodate up to 37 gallons of organic waste material, which is more than the Envirocycle, and you just have to spin it a few times every couple of days, and within a few weeks, you’ll have nutrient-rich organic compost that you can use to feed your gardens or lawn.
- Made in Canada from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic - The original 8-sided dual chamber tumbling composter.
- TUMBLING COMPOSTER – Avoid digging and mixing your compost pile by hand. The tumbling design makes mixing easy and efficient. Just close the door and turn it 5-6 times every 2-3 days. In hot sunny conditions and with a proper balance of ingredients the compost can finish in as little as 2 weeks.
- EASY TO USE – Fantastic for beginners! The large openings and removable door make it easy to add scraps/clippings and remove finished compost. Deep fins on the body provide great ergonomic handholds.
- TWO COMPOSTER CHAMBERS ARE BETTER THAN ONE – Two separate sides allow the first side to finish while leaving the second side available to add fresh scraps/clippings. Continuously swapping sides after finishing will create an uninterrupted flow of rich, healthy compost.
- EXCELLENT AERATION – All our composter models feature aeration holes as well as deep fins to break up clumps inside the chamber and mix lots of oxygen into the compost. Tumbling composters allow far greater aeration than standard models.
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The FCMP Tumbling Outdoor Composter is an eight sided dual chamber tumbling composter. That means that you can compost in two different cycles; add organic material to one chamber and while it’s composting, add more material to the second chamber, and you’ll have a constant supply of fresh, nutrient-rich fertilizer for your gardens.
Made of BPA-free, UV-protected 100 percent recycled polypropylene, this composter is as durable as it is safe. You can use the compost that it creates on your fruits or veggies without having to worry about contaminants. The dual-chamber drum sits on a galvanized steel, corrosion-resistant frame, so it can withstand all types of weather and will last for years to come.
The chamber offers outstanding aeration, as there are aeration holes throughout the chamber, as well as deep fins, which help to break up large clumps of material. Plenty of oxygen will make its way into your compost.
The large openings and removable door make it really easy to place yard waste or kitchen scraps into the composter and remove the finished compost from it. It also offers deep fins on the body, which serve as excellent handholds.
The tumbling design is highly efficient and easy to use. Make sure the doors are closed and turn it about 5 to 6 times every 2 to 3 days and you’ll have fresh, rich compost in about 2 weeks time.
- 37 gallon drum
- Dual-barrel design
- Offer outstanding aeration for excellent oxygenation
- Easy to use
- Made of BPA-free, UV-resistant materials, 100 percent recycled materials
- Galvanized steel base
- Makes compost in as little as 2 weeks
- Space efficient; it doesn’t require a tremendous amount of room
- Easy to clean
- Affordably priced
- It doesn’t come assembled, so you’ll have to put it together yourself, and some users said that assembly was a bit tricky.
- Other users noted that within a few months, they started having issues with leakage
Compost Bin by GEOBIN
If you’re looking for a simple, yet functional and economically-friendly compost bin, the GEOBIN compost bin is a great choice. It offers a perforated, open-air design that allows for excellent airflow and fast decomposition.
The unique design, which features five interlocking keys, allows the size of the bin to be expanded from 112 gallons to 216 gallons with ease. The lightweight, easy to assemble design makes it really easy to move to different locations.
Composting is eco-friendly on its own, but when you compost in this bin, the process is even more environmentally friendly, as it’s made of 50 percent recycled plastic materials.
- Made in the USA
- Large capacity—expandable to 4 feet (246 gallon)
- Maximum ventilation promotes accelerated decomposition
- Made from premium high density polyethylene formulated for long-term outdoor use
- Inert material will not degrade or leach into compost or the environment
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The material is durable and weather-resistant, so you can expect this compost bin to last a long time. The design is very simplistic. It’s barrel-shaped and black in color, so while it may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other composting bins on our list, it’s compact and stands at just 4 feet tall, so you can easily tuck it away in a corner and keep it concealed.
The most notable benefit of the GEOBIN composter is its flexibility. As mentioned, the capacity can be adjusted from 112 gallons to 216 gallons, so it can expand or contract with your composting needs.
You can start with just a few scraps of organic refuse and then increase the size as you add more material to it, so there’s no need to invest in several bins as your composting needs grow. There are some downsides, though. It doesn’t come with stakes, but you can you can insert your own to keep it anchored into the ground.
Something else that could become problematic is that it is thin and made of plastic, so it isn’t pest-proof and some users have said that they had issues with animals chewing through it; with that said, however, most people who used this composter said that it lasted for about three years without any issues.
- Simple flexible design. The capacity can be adjusted from 112 gallons to 216 gallons with ease
- Lightweight, compact design is easy to transport and tuck away in a corner to conceal
- The perforated, open-air design allows for great air flow and increases the speed of composting
- Made of 50 percent recycled plastic materials for an environmentally friendly design
- Very easy to assemble
- It’s one of the most affordable composters on the market
- It isn’t pest-proof and some users have said that they had issues with squirrels and other critters chewing through it
- It lacks stakes to secure it in place and several users said that they had issues with the composter falling over; however, you can add a few stakes of your own to combat this problem.
DF Omer 60 Gallon Extension for Your Garden Composter
If you already own a composter and you’re looking to increase its capacity, the DF Omer 60 Gallon Extension for Your Garden Composter will definitely get the job done.
With this handy device, you will be able to get more out of the composter that you already own because it will extend its size and make it an additional 230 liters.
Made from premium-quality recycled plastic materials, this composting bin extension is BPA-free to ensure that the nutrients in your compost aren’t reduced and that your compost isn’t affected by toxins.
- Extended your composter with another 60 gallon.
- Easy to connect
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The black color attracts and maintains heat and regulates moisture, too, to shorten the amount of time it takes to compost. This extension piece is easy to attach to the composter that you already own so that you can maximize your composting efforts.
Do note, however, that the DF Omer 60 Gallon Extension for Your Garden Composter is just an accessory; it doesn’t come with the main chamber, so if you don’t already have one, you will need to purchase a composting chamber to use the accessory with.
- Extends the size of your garden composter with an additional 230 liters to maximize your composting capabilities
- Made of BPA-free recycled plastic material to ensure the safest, most nutrient-rich compost possible
- The plastic color of this extension feature helps to attract and maintain more heat and regulates moisture, which will shorten the amount of time it takes to compost
- Easy to use
- Affordably priced
- It’s only an extension feature; it does not come with a composting chamber
- Some customers said that there weren’t openings for the doors on the panels and that they had to cut through the plastic material
Squeeze 34 Gallon Compost Tumbler
With the Squeeze 34 Gallon Compost Tumbler, the job of turning your organic waste into nutrient-rich compost will be a breeze. The simple barrel design of this composter, which sits on a sturdy powder-coated steel stand, offers a certain degree of visual appeal.
The bin is made of 100 percent recycled plastic, which is molded in the USA. It features 20 ventilation slots, which allows for great air flow and drainage, and the black color of the bin attracts and maintains heat for faster composting.
- 🌱Tips:Please open the liquid collector when you compost;Please close it when rotating
- 🌱Huge opening:Fantastic for beginners! The huge opening and detachable door make it easier and faster to put in fresh fertilizer and remove mature fertilizer. Not only you can wear gloves to operate, but also can use a shovel directly into the sphere for one-time operation.
- 🌱Original liquid funnel:the bottom is equipped with an original liquid collector. Just by turning the switch, the liquid produced during the fermentation process can flow out from the bottom of the sphere.
- 🌱Lightweight and fast assembly:with the weight of 15.6 pounds allows one person or even a lady to move easily.7 parts in total, you can easily install in 20 minutes
- 🌱Durable and safe:The recycled plastic that we use to build outdoor composting bins is BPA-free, UV-protected, toxin-free and frost-resistant.
Last update on 2024-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Squeeze can accommodate up to 6 gallons of organic material, which is a substantial amount. The walls are ribbed, which strengthens the construction and improves the mixing action.
A dual mixing bar enhances the mixing action and allows the compost to aerate each time you turn the bin. It features twist-locking lids on both ends of the barrel, which provides easy access and keeps the composter securely closed so that you don’t have to worry about issues with pests.
There are a total of four compost thermometer slots, so you can easily check the temperature to make sure that the material is decomposing properly. Easy to assemble, portable, and affordably priced, the Squeeze simplifies the composting process.
Overall, we are impressed with the Squeeze 34 Gallon Compost Tumbler. With a 34 gallon capacity, you’ll be able to make plenty of compost. A total of 20 ventilation and drainage slots and the black color allows for faster decomposition of organic material.
- Holds up to 34 gallons of composting material
- Barrel design allows for easy rotation
- Wide openings with locking lids on either side of the bin allow for easy access and keep pests at bay
- A powder-coated steel stand keeps the composter off the ground and increase the ease of use
- 20 ventilation and drainage slots allow for proper air flow and drainage of compost tea
- Black color attracts and locks in the sun’s heat
- Affordably priced
- Some users said that they weren’t fond of the design
- Others said that its difficult to turn when It’s about half-full
Outdoor Composter: Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to selecting an outdoor compost bin, the most important factor to consider is safety. While the waste is being transformed into compost, it creates a stinky mess that can attract wildlife. It can also draw the attention of children. If you don’t want your kids getting into your compost bin and you don’t want to invite unwanted critters, then choosing a bin that features a special locking system is an absolute must.
A lot of new outdoor compost bins features enhanced locking mechanisms, but not all do, so when you’re shopping, make sure that this is feature is a priority. If you’re planning on using the compost to feed fruits or veggies, it’s important to choose a bin that’s made of materials that are deemed food-safe, otherwise there’s a chance that you could get sick when you eat your bounty.
When shopping for a compost bin, you’ll find that there are a few different designs to choose from. Stationary and tumbling are among the most popular, but there are also options that utilize worms, which aid in the decomposition of the organic material you fill the bin with.
The type you choose really depends on your specific needs, the amount of space you have to devote to your bin, and how much you’re looking to spend. While stationary compost bins are usually the most affordable option, you will have to do the majority of the composting yourself, which means turning over the organic matter on your own.
Tumbling bins are a bit more pricy, but you don’t have to manually turn the compost; instead, the bin features a device that allows you to tumble the organic material. Lastly, worm-based bins require the least amount of work, as the worms to the job for you.
Worm-based compost bins also don’t produce any smell, which is another benefit. However, you can only use red wiggler worms to do the job (which may be hard to locate in your area) and you certain food items can’t be composted, such as citrus fruits, dairy products, or meat.
With the above food-for-thought, you’re ready to start shopping for an outdoor compost bin. There’s just one problem: there are so many different options to choose from! While having options is certainly great, it can also be overwhelming.
When you’re purchasing a composter, it’s important to make sure that you choose the right one for your needs. Below, we take a look at some important factors that you should take into consideration that can help you choose the right composter for you.
The Type
As mentioned in the beginning, there are three main types of composters: manual, tumbling, and worm composters. While manual composters are usually the least expensive, you will need to manually turn the compost, which can be a stinky and messy job.
With a tumbling composter, you simply spin the barrel and the material will turn, so you don’t have to turn it by hand, but they’re a little bit pricier than manual models. Worm composters rely on a compost worms to turn organic matter into fertilizer.
While this method is virtually odorless, you do have to supply the worms and you may not be able to compost all types of materials, such as dairy and meat.
Consider how much effort you want to put into composting to determine which type would best work for your specific needs.
For example, if you don’t mind manually turning the compost and you want to save a few bucks, than a manual composter would work for you; however, if you aren’t interested in turning it and can afford to spend a bit more, a tumbling composter may be a better option for you.
The Size
It’s also important to consider the size of the composter. Determine how much compost you want to make in order to choose the right size for your specific needs.
Additionally, you should also consider the amount of space you have to accommodate the composter to select the appropriate size.
Ventilation
You’ll also want to consider the ventilation. Organic matter composts faster when it has access to plenty of oxygen. Ideally, the composter should have plenty of aeration holes, which will speed up the amount of time it will take to turn the waste into compost.
Composting Bin FAQs
In this section, we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about composters.
What can be put in a composter?
You should only put organic materials into a composter; however the type of material you can put into it depends on the type of composter you’re using. For example, with worm composters, you usually can’t compost dairy or meat products; however, with manual and tumbling composters, you can compost pretty much any type of organic material.
But, do be advised that you should avoid putting items that contain seeds, spreading weeds, fats and oils, or bones into any type of composter.
How can I reduce the odor?
To reduce the amount of odor coming from your composter, add brown material, such as hay or leaves to prevent it from getting dry, turn the pile frequently to ensure proper aeration, and avoid adding materials that have a high nitrogen content.
Why isn’t anything happening to my compost?
Turn the compost more frequently and add some water or water-rich organic matter to the mix. You should also make sure that you have an even mixture of green and brown materials.
How can I keep pests at bay?
To avoid pests, make sure to keep meats, fish, and fats to a minimum. The more of these items you add to your compost bin, the more pests are going to be attracted to it. Additionally, make sure that you keep the bin closed and that it is securely locked as soon as you finish adding or removing material.
When it the best time to compost?
The ideal time to compost is when the temperatures are relatively warm and when there is a decent amount of humidity in the air. Make sure that the temperature is above freezing.
If you live in a dry climate, you can add water to your compost pile to aid in the decomposition process.
If you compost when the temperature is close to freezing, the decomposition process will slow significantly, as the nitrogen levels will be reduced, which can prevent your organic matter from turning into compost.
Conclusion
Outdoor composting is a great way to reuse organic waste materials and turn them into food for your gardens. The outdoor compost bins listed in our review are all great choices. To determine which one you should choose, be sure to consider the factors that were mentioned above. Good luck and happy composting!