Are you in search of a faster way to convert your kitchen scraps to compost? If so, what you need is a continuous composter.
A continuous composter helps turn kitchen scraps, organic waste, shredded paper, etc., into nutrient-rich compost in 4 - 6 weeks.
It does this by allowing you to add new scraps without disturbing the decomposing process continuously. Additionally, they are odor-proof, don't have a messy look, and keep off pests & rodents.
There are different continuous composter styles such as the tumbling style, electric style, worm style, etc. So, here's our buying guide of the 10 best continuous composters in 2023, comprising different styles.
Name | Image | capacity | Build | rating | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jora Composter Tumbler |  | 106 Gallons | Metal | 9.5/10 | |
Mantis CT02001 Compact ComposTumbler |  | 88 Gallons | Steel | 9/10 | |
Exaco Insulated Composter |  | 113 Gallons | Plastic | 9.5/10 | |
Worm Factory 360 Worm Composting Bin |  | 8-Gallons (Estimated) | Recycled Plastic | 8.5/10 | |
FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter |  | 37-Gallons | Plastic, Metal | 8.5/10 |
Our 10 Best Continuous Composter Picks:
Here is our detailed reviews on the best compost bins that work continuously-
1. Jora Composter Tumbler JK270: Best Tumbling Composter
The Jora JK270 composter tumbler is arguably one of the best in the industry because it works all season, providing speed and efficiency.
It has a 2.16" polyethylene plastic insulation that allows it to contain heat, which makes high temperatures (above 160 degrees) for composting materials like chicken/turkey bones, fish, fruits, shredded papers, soft plant waste, to mention a few. Also, it has a galvanized steel structure and a powder-coated barrel for longevity and durability.
The Jora JK270 has a dual-chamber that allows the introduction of new waste materials in one chamber while the other chamber's materials mature. Therefore, offering faster and more efficient composting of yard waste with reduced odor.
The dual-chamber doors have a latch mechanism to prevent rodents or household pets from accessing the trash in the composter. Plus, it's positioned off the ground.
Furthermore, its construction makes it very easy and straightforward to rotate. It has perforations for good air mixture.
This composter tumbler can hold a volume of 106 gallons and a capacity of approximately 7-8 gallons a week. It weighs 84lb and comes with a user manual for easy assembling. Also, Jora has a two-year warranty on it.
Pros
- Two-year warranty
- Easy to assemble
- Dual-chambers
- Works fast and efficient
- Right composter for Odorless decomposition
- Off ground position and latch that keeps pest and rodents away
- Easy to rotate
Cons
- May start rusting in a few years
- Expensive
2. Mantis CT02001 Compact ComposTumbler
The Mantis CT02001 compact ComposTumbler is made in the USA with industrial-grade materials. For years, gardeners and homeowners have depended on the ComposTumbler because of its unmatched compost-making capabilities.
It features a well-built non-toxic anti-rust powder-coated galvanized steel drum that's BPA-free and has food-grade plastic end caps.
Its compact body (43″ H x 42″ W x 33″ D) with air vents for oxygen produces and sustains a hot heat core. This makes it create compost out of waste materials very fast (4 to 6 weeks).
The Mantis CT02001 compact size ComposTumbler has a comfortable gear-driven, easy-to-rotate handle that makes tumbling it easy even when it's filled up.
It is 12ft off the ground and has a large removable door for easy entry of waste materials and an effortless exit of composts. This door has a latch mechanism that keeps rodents and other pets from accessing the waste.
Also, there are aeration holes or drainage vents on the door to let surplus moisture leave the composter.
Thanks to the internal fins, you can rest assured that the compost is mixed up properly. All you have to do is turn the composter, and the fins will mix its content thoroughly.
This continuous composter has a 12 cubic feet capacity. It can hold approximately 88 gallons of trash materials. Also, it has a well-written user manual for stress-free assembling.
Pros
- Heavy-duty Galvanized Steel & BPA Free plastic build
- Made in the USA
- Well-thought-out mechanism
- Removable door for easy loading and unloading
- Fast compost making time
- Large capacity composter
Cons
- Not rust resistant
3. Spin Bin 60 Gal. Outdoor Compost Tumbler Rotating Garden Composter Bin (Black)
With just being around for almost a decade, this Spin Bin compost tumbler has made its way to the heart of many gardeners. Its structure is built from 100% recycled plastic in the USA.
Spin Bin intentionally painted it black to absorb the sun's heat, which helps heat the materials and speed up composting time. Its interior has ribbed walls for extra strength and thorough mixing.
This compost tumbler has twenty ventilation holes to ensure enough oxygen gets into it. When you stand it straight, the slots help drain out compost tea into the soil.
Additionally, this Spin Bin Composter can hold 60 gallons of waste with no stress. It has robust powder-coated steel legs (1" thick each) that hold it firmly off the ground. This makes tumbling it straightforward. Thanks to its dual mixing bar, you can adequately mix waste materials.
Its wide twist lock-lids at both ends provide easy access to loading/unloading of materials.
Plus, it keep-off pets and rodents. There are instructions embossed on each lid's interior on what can and cannot be composted by the bin.
Additionally, it has compost thermometer ports on each of its four panels for a comfortable and clean reading of the bin's interior temperature without opening it.
This composter tumbler is easy to put together, requiring just a Phillips screwdriver. Also, it has a two-year warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Budget friendly but excellent ventilation
- Easy to put together
- 2-year warranty with a 90-day money-back guarantee
- It works well
- Black color to increase the composting time
Cons
- The lids don't have a handle, which makes it stressful to open
- Leg stands are flimsy
4. Worm Factory 360 Worm Composting Bin
The worm factory 360 composting bin, as the name implies, is a bin where you feed worms kitchen scraps and other kinds of waste, and they convert them to nutrient-rich compost.
This method produces 10X more nutrient-rich compost from paper waste, food waste, etc., than traditionally produced compost. However, you'd have to get worms that will convert the waste to compost.
The worm factory 360 composting bin takes less than fifteen minutes to set up. It comprises four trays that expand vertically to become eight trays, offering larger compost storage.
Each of the trays weighs 12.5lb, which makes lifting and arranging them an easy task. The bottom tray houses the worms, and once they are done breaking down waste materials, they migrate to the next tray above with fresh waste.
You can then take out the bottom tray and use the nutrient-rich compost on your garden, then repeat the whole process year in, year out.
Furthermore, this composting bin has a lid that serves as a tray when offloading compost.
It has an integrated "worm tea" collector tray and spigot for straightforward draining. This composting bin doesn't give out any odor, nor are there any issues with flies.
Also, it comes with a magnetic infographic that sticks to your refrigerator as a reference to ensure you don't lose sight of what you should feed the worms.
Pros
- Easy to set up worm bin
- Compact and expandable trays
- Produces nutrient-rich compose
- Reference infographic
Cons
- None
5. FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter
The FCMP outdoor tumbling composter offers fast conversion of kitchen wastes to compost soil with its dual-chamber design. The dual-chamber works hand in hand by allowing one side to compost waste and the other to collect fresh scraps.
They have in-built deep fins handholds that offer easy handling and turning experience. In as little as a fortnight, it converts your waste materials into nutrient-rich compost.
This tumbling composter structure is made from recycled materials, UV-inhibited polypropylene free of the toxic organic compound Bisphenol-A.
Thus, it won't degrade under sunlight. Its frame is galvanized steel with corrosion-resistant properties to ensure durability. Furthermore, it dual-chambers, together, has a volume of 37 gallons.
They have wide openings and removable sliding doors for easy entry of waste materials and exit of compost.
Thanks to the aeration perforations coupled with the deep fins, oxygen penetrates well into the compost. Also, it is easy to assemble but time-consuming.
Pros
- Dual-chambers
- Cheap but good composter design
- Converts waste to compost well and fast
- Heavy-duty
- Made from recycled polypropylene free of BPA
- Easy tumbling
Cons
- May not last long
6. Aerobin 400 Exaco Insulated Composter
Suppose you don't want to go through the stress of turning a composter. Then we present to you the first composter on this list that doesn't require any turning.
Yes, this Aerobin 400 Exaco insulated composter converts kitchen wastes, shredded paper, and other waste into nutrient-rich compost without the need of tumbling it. It works with an innovative lung® or aeration core sealed inside it to transfer air from the surrounding to the organic waste.
This composter has top and bottom compartments. The top compartment has an insulated lid block, and it is where you drop organic waste and leave it to turn into compost.
While the bottom compartment has a dual removable slid access door, and it's where you collect the prepared compost. Underneath the bottom is a liquid fertilizer (leachate) reservoir with an outlet for the liquid’s removal.
The Aerobin 400 Exaco insulated composter has dimensions of 29" L x 29" W x 47" H. Plus, it can contain 113 gallons of trash. It has 1.5" thick double-wall panels insulated with polystyrene to ensure the composting process goes on all season, even in cold weather.
Additionally, it is pests and rodent resistant. Thanks to the well-written user manual, this composter is straightforward to put together. However, this composter is a bit pricey.
Pros
- It doesn't require turning
- It works quite well and fast too
- Double-wall panels with polystyrene insulation ensure it works all season
- Large composter capacity of 113 gallons
- Manual helps to assemble it easily
Cons
- Expensive
7. Food Cycler Indoor Kitchen Composter
Perhaps you live in a city where there are limited spaces for storing an outdoor composter, and you need to do away with your waste adequately. If that's the case, then this Food Cycler indoor kitchen composter is for you. It is the first electrical composter on this list.
A fascinating feature about this composter is that in under 3-hour, it effortlessly turns kitchen waste into high-grade compost. It offers the fastest and easiest way to turn waste into compost indoors.
The Food Cycler indoor composter has a lid with an ergonomic handle for easy accessibility.
To use this machine, all you need to do is load the kitchen scraps into its removable dishwasher-safe basket and place it in the machine, lock the lid, and on it.
Its three-step process (drying, grinding, and cooling) convert the waste to high-grade compost for garden use and landscaping.
Furthermore, it works well without vents, additives, or draining and doesn't give any odor.
It has a compact body with dimensions of 17" x 17" x 15", and weighs 20lb. This composter works on 120V, and it costs a lot.
Pros
- Odorless composting, good for indoor use
- Beautiful composter, Works on electricity
- Takes about 3-hour to convert waste to nutrient-rich compost
- Compact with an ergonomic lid cover
- Easy-to-use kitchen compost waste collector
Cons
- Very expensive
- May not last long
8. EJWOX Large Composting Tumbler - Dual Rotating Outdoor Garden Compost Bin
Another dual-chamber composting tumbler is this one from EJWOX. Its dual-chambers are made from premium-quality polypropylene.
Also, it features galvanized steel frame legs with anti-rust properties to ensure they last long. The EJWOX composting tumbler rotates 360-degrees and converts kitchen/garden waste into high-grade compost in 4 to 6 weeks or less in the summer.
Its compact design, 28.5" x 26" x 37", is ideal for small yards. Plus, it has a capacity of 43 gallons.
Like other dual-chambers composting tumblers, one side collects fresh scraps while the other is curing. The dual-chambers have in-built sliding doors for effortless loading of waste materials and unloading of compost.
Each door has a size of 10.23" L x 6.1" W, and they prevent rats and other pests from toying with the materials in it.
Thanks to its aeration system comprising an interior bar and large fins, oxygen mixes with the compost well.
This composting tumble double-wall panel has a black color for absorbing and retaining heat. It also comes with a manual for simple set up.
Due to the tumbling option, you can have better and perfectly fresh compost out of these compared to stationary bins.
Pros
- Works well to make high quality compost
- Dual-chambers retain heat perfectly
- Nice and sturdy construction
- Good aeration system
Cons
- Stressful to assemble, even with manual
9. Miracle-Gro Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler
This hexagonal dual-chamber compost tumbler from Miracle-Gro is a little bit different from the rest we've reviewed. This is because the chambers have two colors (green and yellow) to help you identify the one maturing and the one empty for dumbing fresh scraps.
Furthermore, the chambers have internal mixing bars that help mix the scraps, speeding up composting time (4 to 6 weeks).
Its hexagonal shape makes it very easy to tumble and mix scraps. Plus, it has lock/unlocking stoppers to help rotation. Thanks to the big sliding doors on each chamber, entry of kitchen scraps/exit of compost are stress-free.
The doors also keep out insects and rodents. Each chamber can hold up to 18.5 gallons. However, filling it to its full capacity can significantly reduce its lifespan.
Miracle-Gro made this heavy-duty composting tumbler from all-season materials with UV inhibitors. Its stainless steel frame stand has rustproof properties for durability. It has a 25.6" x 32.3" x 23.6" size, making it compact, taking up less space.
Oxygen supply is sufficient because of its well-thought-out aeration process. There's an online manual for easy assembling of this unit. It comes with a pair of Scott's outdoor/indoor multi-purpose gardening gloves that's latex-free, water-resistant, and has a no-slip grip.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Dual-chamber
- Stainless steel construction
- Comes with a multi-purpose pair of gloves
- Its hexagonal shape makes it easy to turn
Cons
- May not last long
10. Redmon 8000 Composter
The last composter on this list happens to be the cheapest, and it is no other than the Redmon 8000 composter. It has a rugged weather-resistant structure made from 80% recycled plastic, free from BPA and phthalate.
This structure makes the Redmon 8000 composter last long, without degrading under sunlight. Furthermore, this composter doesn't require any turning or tumbling.
It has a trapezoid shape and a dimension of 26" L x 26" W x 30 ¾" H that makes it ideal for small yards and gardens with limited spaces.
With a capacity of 65 gallons, the Redmon 8000 composter converts a large volume of scraps to compose at a go. The top of this composter has a convenient lift-off lid for easy loading of scraps.
It is an open bottom composter for easy worm access, and it has powerful ground contact. There are four access doors, each having a size of 13" width x 8" height for easy retrieval of compost.
There are vent holes around the Redmon 8000 composter for adequate aeration. However, these holes aren't rodent-proof. If you live in an area filled with squirrels, you'll have squirrels penetrating the holes always.
So if you don't like squirrels or live in such areas, don't get this. Overall, this composter works well all-weather, and it lasts long. It's effortless to assemble and comes with a composting guide.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Heavy-duty and Durable Construction
- No need for turning or tumbling
- Cheap and offers excellent value for money
- Last long
Cons
- Not squirrel proof
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Continuous Composter
If you are a fan of organic manure like I am, you need to know the things to consider when choosing the best composter. Let’s talk about the factors to look out for when you are getting a continuous composter.
Thickness of wall
A good continuous composter must have thick walls and there are many benefits to that. Thick walls ensure durability, as well as other protective functions.
Rodents are prevented from having access to compost materials and the heat generated within helps to accelerate the process of decomposition. Typically, good composters usually have a thickness of about 2.5mm and there are a few of them with a thickness of about 5mm.
Also, there are double-walled alternatives and some are even insulated with polystyrene. The insulation keeps the heat conserved within the composting chamber.
Capacity of Chamber
The size of composter you need is totally dependent on the volume of finished compost you need or work with. That being said, big chambers are not necessarily better.
If you work on a large scale, or you are looking forward to expansion, then you may need to consider size as a major factor. While there are quite of a lot of continuous composters with a capacity of 100 gallons and below, there are very few that offers more than that in size. For example, Dr DF Omer’s garden composter bin has a capacity of 110 gallons and there is room for extending it up to 165 gallons, that’s probably the biggest continuous composter available in the market.
I have also seen a few composters with double chamber. While one chamber is at work or full, there is an option of an extra chamber to use.
Expected durability
When it comes to composters, durability is not a testing factor or something that is based on guesses. Most continuous composters have an estimated durability that is to be expected, that can be up to 20 years in some cases.
Long durability will obviously expand the cost but it is something you want to get, especially if you are into composting as a full time enterprise.
Support of worm composting
This factor is not a necessity but it is important to note that worm composts are way faster than the typical methods of traditional compost. A worm composter allows worms to consume your food wastes, digest them and excrete as worm casting.
Worm castings as composts are directly ready for use. Most times with continuous worm composters, you have multiple trays that can be stacked. Each tray is a movable compost bin. When one is filled, the worms move to the next one to start work. This system allows you to have quick supplies while composting continues.
If you are opting for this option, you must have access to worms or get yourself a reliable supply. You can harvest fresh compost every month, depending on the level of activities and number of worms. Another thing to look out for is tray expansion, you don’t want to be limited to 4 trays, some worm composters allows you to expand up to 8 trays.
If the extra trays cost too much and you don’t actually need to much volume of compost, then you might just settle for composters that don’t leave room for expansion.
Aeration system
This factor is one that I consider very important. Circulation of air is a necessary part of decomposing and it is one you cannot do without in the compost business.
You don’t have to routinely open the bin and vigorously turn the compost if you have a self-aerating continuous composter. Some composters have ‘lung’ function in middle of composting chamber or chambers, this system supplies all the air that is needed for decomposition to happen.
That ways, you don’t have to be exposed to the unpleasant smell of compost material and you also prevent the escape of heat.
Leachate tap
Leachate is a liquid content produced as a result of percolation of water or other fluid through permeable compost, it is also known as the compost tea. It has a couple of uses, mostly used as a direct manure.
Some continuous composting bins have taps at the base, where you can access the compost tea. Most of the composters that gives you this access allow the composter bin to be lifted. If the base can be lifted, that will also help with insulation too.
Self Watering lid
Some continuous composters come with lids that allow self-watering. This will save you from exposure to the smell of compost and the stress of manually supply water frequently.
This function is the game bringer for summer periods when the sun is scorching and compost can easily dry off. Keeping the compost in moist form is very crucial.
Some self-watering lids also have air allowance to support aeration. While this function is quite handy, make sure the lids fit well.
Warranty
Composters are known for warranty and durability. While there are a lot of continuous composters with 2-year warranty, the competition is real. Various manufacturers offer 5-year warranties but definitely, it doesn’t stop here. Worm Factory 360, a company based in the United States of America, offers 10-year warranty.
To slay the warranty game, Algreen Products from Canada offers a whole 20-year warranty, the family company claims that they trust their composter that much. Just get a satisfying warranty that is within your budget.
Final Thoughts
Compost significantly improves the soil. It adds rich, valuable microorganisms that make plants grow more healthy, which is much better than its previous form that releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, to the soil.
However, traditional composting takes a lot of time for these organic wastes to convert to compost. So people opt-in for a continuous composter to speed up the process.
In conclusion, each continuous composter that made it to this list was handpicked and has been carefully reviewed with their specs, capacity, and composting time. We hope you've found the right one for your garden needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of compost bin is best?
To determine which type of compost bin would be best for you and your family, give some thought as to how much space you have in your yard or garden and what size of materials you want to put into the composter.
If you have a yard or garden with ample space, then one of the large compost bins is going to be best suited for your needs. If there's not much room in your backyard and you want something that will store more materials than just food scraps and other organic waste, then our recommended composters should serve you perfectly.
Are rotating compost bins any good?
Rotating compost bins are a great way to speed up the decomposition process. When you turn the bin, it exposes all of its contents to air and water so they can start breaking down more quickly. In addition, rotating allows for even distribution throughout the batch and reduces uneven heating that could lead to burning or poor quality compost.
What is the best way to turn my compost?
The perfect turning implement can be a large rake, tree branch, or pitchfork. It's important to never use sharp tools like shovels because you might damage your bin and inadvertently scatter fresh ingredients into an area too close for decomposition. In addition, to maintain a healthy balance of nitrogen and carbon, it's important to never use too many nitrogen-rich materials like manure.
What are the best ingredients for compost?
All organic material can be used in your compost pile as long as you keep an eye on how much nitrogen content is being added at any given time. In general, green leafy materials like kale or lettuce are nitrogen-rich and should only be added in small amounts. On the other hand, brown material like fallen leaves can provide a lot of carbon--making them great for compost piles.
What is vermicompost?
Vermicompost, also called worm castings, is organic material that has a high amount of nitrogen and can be used to balance out the carbon in other compost piles.
What are some benefits of vermicompost?
Vermicomposting offers numerous benefits including increased soil nutrient levels, reduced smell, decreased need for watering plants because worms help aerate nutrients
Can you continuously add to compost?
Yes, you can continuously add to the compost pile. This will cause it to heat up faster and decompose more quickly. Just be sure not to overfill the compost container because that may lead to anaerobic conditions which would prevent composting from occurring at all. You should also monitor your temperatures for a few weeks after adding new materials to the pile.
What are compost worms? Are they helpful to have in a composter?
Composting worms, also known as red wigglers or brandling worms, will help speed up the decomposition of your organic waste by eating it and excreting nutrient-rich "worm castings". They grow quickly when given food and don't require any help like other types of worms.
What is the difference between composting and vermicomposting?
Composting is a natural process that uses microorganisms, such as bacteria, to break down organic materials into a soil-like materials. Vermicomposting (involving earthworms) does the same thing, but faster.
What is the best way to start a compost pile?
The simplest method of creating your own compost pile is by piling up fresh organic materials such as fallen leaves or grass clippings in an open space and covering them with dry material like straw or shredded paper. You can also use large plastic containers for a more contained pile.
Are tumbling composters better?
Composters turn the material inside to aerate it and speed up decomposition. The action of turning can also mix materials like fresh leaves with browner, drier stuff on top (like dry leaves). If you don't want compost heaps that get too mixed together, a static composter might be better for you.
Should I pee in my compost?
The answer is no. Urine contains ammonia, which can be toxic to soil bacteria and plants. That’s why composting toilets are not just for hippies anymore! Who knew pee could be so powerful?
Can banana peel be composted?
Banana peel can be composted. The most important thing to remember about banana peels is that they will take months for them to break down completely in a compost pile, which could become an issue if you have excess fruit flies due to the rotting material since it's likely attracting more of the pests. If you have an outdoor compost space, the best way to use a banana peel is by adding it to your pile as one of the top layers and then once or twice per week turn over the contents so that the peels are buried in at least two inches below the surface.
How often should I tumble my compost?
The answer depends on where you live. In warmer climates, it might be more often, but in colder ones, less frequent use will extend the life of your tumbler composter. If you can make compost out of food scraps every day then start with that schedule if not go for weekly or monthly depending on what works best for you.
What should you not put in compost?
Do not put these items in your compost: meat, bones, dairy products, oils, and fats.
What will make compost break down faster?
What will make compost break down faster: adding more nitrogen to the mix (e.g., coffee grounds, animal manure), turning or aerating regularly so it gets oxygenated, and allowing for good drainage by keeping your pile damp but not waterlogged. The ideal ratio of nitrogen-to-carbon is 25:75, which you can get by adding 25% nitrogen-rich materials like coffee grounds and 75% carbon material such as leaves, grass clippings, etc.
What makes compost break down slower?
Compost breaks down more slowly in cold or wet environments (i.e., when there is not enough oxygen).
What will happen if you left the compost too long?
If the compost has been left to decompose for too long, it will start rotting. This is not a healthy process and can lead to bacteria or fungi which may cause illness such as diarrhea.
Are eggshells good for compost?
Yes, eggshells are great for compost. Eggshells provide calcium and other nutrients to the soil in your garden. It can also help with pest control if you pour boiling water on top of the shells before placing them in your composter or bin.
Where should compost be in sun or shade?
Composting is an aerobic process, which means you need oxygen in the pile to produce compost. If your composter is sitting in the shade or has a cover of any kind on top it will not work well and can smell bad too. This also applies if you have plants that are shading the area around the composter as they may be stealing the sunshine and preventing the composter from working efficiently.
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