Maybe you’ve been composting for years with a compost pile. Maybe you’ve been using a non-tumbler composter that just doesn’t provide enough aeration and movement to compost at the rate you require. Or maybe you’ve never composted before in your life! If you’re in the third category, you should know off the bat that composting isn’t just for people who are trying to save the environment. Granted, it’s an incredibly eco-sensitive way to dispose of kitchen scraps and a host of other types of waste that don’t have to go to the landfill. But more importantly for most consumers, it turns waste into super-fertilizer; many gardeners refer to compost as “black gold.”
Today, we’re going to look at three different tumbler-style composters that make composting more efficient by adding movement mechanisms to the classic top-down style. All of them operate in a similar way in that they spin or tumble in order to move and mix waste so that it decomposes faster. Each of these models are different, and we’ll lay out the features of each so that you’ll be better equipped to choose the one that’s right for your needs.
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Capacity
Jora Composter Tumbler JK270
One thing we should address right away is capacity. What you need in terms of capacity is going to vary based on how much waste you produce in any given period. This model provides the highest capacity out of all three, offering 70 gallons of space. This is ideal for consumers who produce a lot of compostable waste. If you need 70 gallons, you probably live with a family or a number of housemates.
Yimby Tumbler Composter
Our smallest competitor, this model has a 37-gallon capacity, making it more suitable for smaller houses that produce less waste on a regular basis. At almost half the size of the Jora, it won’t take up as much room, but it also holds a lot less.
Spin Bin Composter 60 Gal.
60 gallons is a solid amount of space for compost. While it’s a little smaller than the Jora, you’ll be able to fit a lot of waste in this model. Because of its movement mechanism, the decomposition process will also be accelerated so you’ll have less to deal with as waste breaks down. While this is true of the other two, as well, it’s important to note since it carries 10 gallons less than our top-capacity model.
Verdict: We always recommend buying with a mind towards growth, and the Jora offers the top capacity of this group. While 37 gallons might be sufficient for you at the moment, there’s not guarantee that you’ll be in the same living situation forever. You want your composter to last for years, so picking one that can grow with you is highly important. 70 gallons gets our recommendation in this category.
Chambers
Jora Composter Tumbler JK270
This model uses two chambers, which seems pretty essential for a capacity this large. You want to be able to start adding waste to a new compartment while you allow the other one to sit and begin the decomposition process. This means high efficiency and turnover. If you’re filling one side while the other decomposes, you’ll be able to convert waste that much faster.
Yimby Composter Tumbler
Like its competitor from Jora, the Yimby utilizes two compartments for faster breakdown of waste. Since it’s a little smaller, you’ll be converting less compost at a time, but you’ll be doing it faster than you were with your backyard pile (which probably smelled bad, anyway).
Spin Bin Composter 60 Gal.
This is the only model in this competition that uses a single-compartment design. Part of this is due to the vertical spin that constantly switches waste on the top with the soil from the bottom, greatly accelerating decomposition and providing soil that’s always ready to use.
Verdict: As far as composting chambers go, the Jora and Yimby tie with two each. While the Spin Bin can definitely take a heavy load due to its capacity, we like the efficient use of energy provided by the two-chamber models. You don’t have to worry about separating the banana peels from the soil as much, since one compartment can always be maturing. Jora and Yimby offer that option by providing two compartments to cycle waste.
Material
Jora Composter Tumbler
While the insulation in this model is polyethylene plastic, the exterior is made of galvanized metal sheets that will stand up to rust and weather. Since most people keep composters outside, good materials are a must if you want your model to last.
Yimby Composter Tumbler
This model is mostly made of plastic. It’s body is constructed from recycled propylene, so the idea of sustainability is baked into its design from the beginning. While it isn’t as sturdy as galvanized metal, it can hold up to a lot of pressure by the sheer virtue of its thickness.
Spin Bin Composter 60 Gal.
Similar to the Yimby, this model is made from recycled plastic. That doesn’t mean that it can’t stand the weather, though. Finding new and creative ways to use recycled materials is paramount in this industry, and the Spin Bin company is firmly sold on this idea.
Verdict: At the end of the day, we have to acknowledge the Jora for its superior construction. The galvanized sheet metal can resist the elements in a way that the plastic models cannot. Ultimately, we have to realize that most composters are utilized out of doors. Because of this, they require a certain durability in order to last through difficult weather challenges.
Conclusion
With a 70-gallon capacity, 2-chamber design, and a strong body made from galvanized metal, the Jora model takes home the number on prize today. While the Yimby might be a good entry-level composter for someone who lives alone, the other two competitors offer items that can stand the test of time. Left with Jora and Spin Bin, Spin Bin loses out simply because it lacks the chamber flexibility of the other two.
After all that, we’re left with Jora’s sturdy offering. While it might seem expensive to compost at the outset, you can always remember that you’re saving the planet (as well as time and energy). Whether you have a garden or you’re starting one, your new composter can provide the kind of soil that makes plants want to grow, and that’s a great gift. We pick the Jora model for all its superior construction and room to grow. The other two options would work well for many homes, but when you buy something that’s going to cut down on waste, you want the most efficiently designed product, and that’s the Jora Composter Tumbler JK270.
Composter Tumbler | Recommended
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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