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The compost tumblers that I've chosen are all made from durable materials so that they'll last out in the weather for years to come.
Another consideration for my choices was that the tumblers had two chambers. This is quite important because it allows you to fill one chamber and then let that rest to create the nutrient-rich compost that you're after. At the same time, you can start to fill the second chamber. By the time that chamber is full, the compost in the first chamber should be ready to use. This means you can empty it and then start all over again. This is a very convenient way to have compost brewing away on a regular basis.
Of course, for a compost tumbler to work effectively, it needs to be turned on a regular basis. The common recommendation is to turn the tumbler six times at least once a week. I normally do this every time I add some more kitchen or garden scraps to one chamber. This allows for adequate aeration inside the chambers and helps to speed up the decomposition.
It's also important that the compost tumblers have tightly closing lids. Not only does this secure the contents but also stops rodents and other pests from getting into your compost.
Lastly, I selected compost tumblers that were reasonably priced. Bear in mind, that these tumblers will last for many years, so they're definitely a good investment. I've had my own tumbler for around 6 or 7 years now and it's still going strong.
So, let's look at the top 5 compost tumblers that I've chosen for you.
FCMP Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler 37 Gallon
It's made from 100% recycled resin or polypropylene. Like many tumblers, it's only available in black.
The tumbler has two chambers with a lid that slides from side to side. There's a plus marked on one side of the lid and a minus on the other side. This allows you mark which side you add more material to and which side is composting and should be left alone.
There are aeration panels on the sides and you just turn the tumbler manually. The slots all around the drum allow you to get a reasonable hand hold for turning it when needed.
The manufacturers of this unit suggest that you turn the tumbler for around 5 to 6 rotations every 2-3 days. Doing this will produce compost in the least amount of time. In fact, if you can place this tumbler in a sunny spot in the garden and follow these instructions, you can have compost ready in 2 weeks. Of course, this is based on you adding a variety of materials including kitchen scraps, dry leaves and grass clippings to get a good mix.
Vivosun Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler 43 Gallon
The two chambers are accessed through separate "doors" that slide from side to side. These doors don't have any markings on them, so you'll have to remember which side to add scraps to. Alternatively, you could just mark them with a piece of red electrical tape so that you don't have to rely on your memory.
This tumbler also has deep slots around the drum that allow you an easy grip when rotating the tumbler. Plus, there are aeration holes in the side of the drum.
As a bonus, you get a free pair of gardening gloves with digging claws when you purchase this tumbler.
Miracle-Gro Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler 37 Gallon
The tumbler is made from recycled plastic and has a powder-coated stainless steel frame, making it durable and weather-resistant.
I particularly like the design of the dual chambers on this model because a single drum tumbler can get quite heavy to turn when one side is full.
You also get a bonus of a pair of heavy duty gardening gloves with this unit. And, if you go through gardening gloves as fast as I do, that's a nice bonus to get.
Miracle-Gro Large Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler 55.4 Gallon
It features the same separate dual chambers as the smaller model, plus you get a free pair of heavy-duty gardening gloves as well.
Maze Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler 48 Gallon
I particularly like the addition of a little color and a handle on the side that allows you to turn the drum with less effort. The slide on, slide off door has the same markings as my tumbler so you always know which side to add fresh material to.
I also like the rounder design of the drum as I think this would be far easier to turn than the hexagonal models.
It also appears that Maze have made the frame a little higher so that you can easily fit a garden cart underneath. This makes harvesting the compost from the "cooked" chamber so much easier.
Here's a photo of my own basic compost tumbler that I've had for over six or seven years. As you can see, it's faded a little but it's still perfectly serviceable and makes great compost.
