Compost Bins : Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentAmazon.com presents owner ratings on several compost bins and tumblers, although most models received only a handful of reviews. Several versions of the Nature's Footprint Worm Factory are reviewed, all of them earning between 4 and 5 stars. Other models that receive at least 4 stars with at least 10 reviews apiece include the Earthmaker, the Back Porch ComposTumbler, the Tumbleweed Composter, the Exaco Kitchen Compost Waste Collector and the Garden Composter sold by Bargain Outfitters.

Our AssessmentThis is a thorough single-product review from an author with over 15 years of experience as a tool reviewer. Leon Frechette says the Mantis ComposT-Twin compost bin is worth the investment for those serious about composting, but this article gives a good overview of both the pros and cons for this model.

Our AssessmentCleanAirGardening.com welcomes owner reviews, but only a few have been submitted. The Tumbleweed composter, identified as a bestseller and staff pick, has four user reviews, all overwhelmingly positive. Another bestseller, the Tumbler Compost Bin (Composter) and Compost Tea Maker, gets four reviews, ranging from enthusiastic to withering. Of the two products cited for best value, the Large Recycled Plastic Compost Bin has no reviews; the Big Round Compost Bin has two, both from unsatisfied buyers. The site also names a Stainless Steel Compost Pail for collecting food scraps as one of its bestsellers. Finally, the site offers a short, but helpful buyer's guide for choosing among different types of compost bins.

Our AssessmentThe Triformis Can-O-Worms has the most owner reviews here: seven 5-star ratings and one 1-star rating. All other compost bins rated receive no more than three user reviews. These include the Garden Gourmet, the Back Porch ComposTumbler, the Smith and Hawken Biostack (discontinued) and the Garden Composter.

Our AssessmentThis retailer of eco-conscious products for the home has user reviews of several compost systems, although most products have only a few reviews. The company's Spinning Composter has the most positive reviews. Two Sun-Mar tumbling composters also receive high marks from users. Two compost pails, the plastic Compost Bucket and the ceramic Compost Crock, are very well rated.

Our AssessmentThe staff of the environmental magazine Mother Earth News tests seven compost tumblers to see how they fared against open compost piles. Although this article is not recent, it covers several widely available models, and it offers a useful description of the different styles of tumblers tested. The reviewers discuss the pros and cons of each type, but they do not recommend specific models. The article also includes tips on operating a compost tumbler that should be useful for any model.

Our AssessmentThisNext.com describes itself as a "community of shoppers sharing our best finds." There are fewer user reviews on this website than on Amazon.com or Epinions.com, with most compost bins and pails receiving only a handful of recommendations. Several popular models are mentioned, as well as some compost bins not rated on the other user review sites. The NatureMill indoor composter receives the most recommendations overall, although it is difficult to distinguish which recommendations are for the NatureMill Plus and which are for the more expensive Pro model.

Our AssessmentThis article discusses urban composting with a focus on vermicomposting. Although it does not recommend any specific brand of commercial worm bin, it provides useful information for those having trouble with worm bins or unsure of how to get started. The article also mentions the NatureMill indoor compost bins as an alternative to using worms.

Our AssessmentTreehugger.com recommends 10 tools for composting organic waste, of which five are indoor or outdoor compost bins. The descriptions of the composters are brief, focusing on the one or two key features of each. One of them (the Stiga Kitchen Composting System) does not appear to be available in the United States. Readers add their tips on composting at the end of the article.

Our AssessmentThis article from London's Daily Mail recommends the Triformis Can-O-Worms for those composting in smaller spaces. It profiles a woman who has been using the worm bin in her London home.

Our AssessmentThis site provides reviews and ratings of 10 compost bins, mostly tumbling models. The reviews are generally positive, even glowing. Ratings submitted by readers are more varied, ranging from wildly enthusiastic to downright dismissive. However, since most of the ratings are based on the opinions of only one or two users, their usefulness is limited.