Compost is a valuable, natural garden fertilizer that you can also produce yourself with little effort. All you need is plenty of organic waste from the kitchen and garden, a composter and a little patience. Composters can be made of wood, plastic or metal, with metal composters being particularly durable. You can read in our guide what types of metal composters there are and what you should pay attention to when buying one.
A metal composter made of wire mesh is cheap and quick to set up
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Brista composter100X100X80 cm
EUR 66.50 To the product| kind | wire mesh |
|---|---|
| grid / mesh size | approx. 40 x 15 millimeters |
| corrosion protection | galvanized |
| Dimensions | 100 x 100 x 80 centimeters |
| volume | 800 liters |
| Weight | 13 kilograms |
| Assembly | plug-in system |
The Brista metal compost silo is one of the most popular metal composters on Amazon, as shown by the numerous positive customer reviews. The product convinces with its solid workmanship as well as the uncomplicated structure. You can set up the composter in no time at all using the plug-in system, but you should strengthen the connection with cable ties - as several customers report, the hooks sometimes bend. The big advantage of the Brista composter is its narrow wire mesh, through which worms and other microorganisms important for compost production can easily pass - but not mice and rats. This means that you can also add kitchen waste to the composter, provided you still have a tightly closed lid.
our recommendation
myowngreen composter 91 x 91 x 85 cm (W x L x H) made of hot-dip galvanized metal - infinitely expandable - fresh and mature compost can be separated using expansion sets - durable plug-in system - simple assembly
EUR 199.90 To the product| kind | metal boards |
|---|---|
| grid / mesh size | k. A |
| corrosion protection | galvanized |
| Dimensions | 91 x 91 x 85 centimeters |
| volume | 700 liters |
| Weight | 23 kilograms |
| Assembly | plug-in system |
This metal composter is designed like a classic wooden composter, but consists of metal and therefore more durable strips. The model also has a large volume in which you can compost a lot of organic waste. It is also a modular, i. H. if required, expandable composter. The distances between the metal strips are described by users as sufficiently small that the compost hardly falls out to the side. But it is well ventilated. However, rats and mice have easy access, which is why the additional installation of a close-meshed protective grid is recommended. Amazon reviewers see the comparatively high price as the only disadvantage, but the composter is also very stable and durable.
our recommendation
Sia leaves & lawn clippings composter Heptagon XXL 2,400 liters - heavy quality
99.00 EUR To the product| kind | grid composter |
|---|---|
| grid / mesh size | approx. 200 x 50 centimeters |
| corrosion protection | galvanized |
| Dimensions | 186 x 166 x 83 centimeters |
| volume | 2400 liters |
| Weight | 21 kilograms |
| Assembly | plastic compounds |
The XXL composter Heptagon from the manufacturer Sia is also modular and can therefore be expanded at will. The model has a capacity of up to 2400 liters and can be set up in various shapes: a heptagon with a circle diagonal of 186 centimeters or a rectangle with two chambers with a basic size of 83 x 166 centimeters are possible. The manufacturer also supplies other sizes on request. The side parts are simply plugged together and fastened with rot-proof plastic connectors. However, you can also purchase and use stainless steel connectors for an extra charge. The only disadvantage of this very robust metal composter is the large gaps between the grids, so the compost falls through quickly. However, this circumstance can be counteracted by using a close-meshed protective grille.
Purchase Criteria
composter type
meshes: Metal composters with wire mesh have the advantage that the tight mesh retains the compost material well, but at the same time ensures effective ventilation and does not allow unwelcome animal visitors such as mice or rats to get inside.
grid: Grids have a similar effect to wire mesh composters, provided the spacing between the bars is close enough. In addition, they are easy to set up, as usually only the individual side parts have to be plugged together and attached to each other.
Afford: Composters made of "metal boards" are constructed in the same way as the classic composters made of wooden boards, but are much more durable due to the material. However, the disadvantage is often that rats, mice and other vermin can get to the waste more easily.
dimensions and volume
Since metal composters are usually open systems, multi-part or modular models are recommended. Here you place up to three composters next to each other: The fresh compost ends up in the first composter, which is transferred to the second after a few weeks and mixed thoroughly. Finally, fill the finished hummus into a third composter. How much content the composter should hold depends entirely on the size of your garden: the larger it is, the more waste there is (e.g. lawn and tree clippings) and the larger the compost container needs to be.
Mesh or grid size
Make sure that the mesh or lattice spacing in metal composters is as narrow as possible. This not only prevents the composting material from falling out of the compost bin, but also prevents rats, mice and other vermin from entering the compost heap and feasting on the waste. For larger distances, a close-meshed protective wire, which you can buy in rolls, helps. our recommendation
Windhager vole grid, aviary wire, vole protection, mole grid, mole barrier, protective grid for raised beds, 2.1 x 1.1 m, mesh size 6.3 mm, galvanized and spot-welded, 79013, silver
EUR 34.90 To the productcorrosion protection
Metal has the advantage over wood or plastic - which composters are also often made of - that it is much more durable. Wood rots over time, more or less slowly depending on the type of wood used. Plastic, on the other hand, is literally made brittle by sunlight and weather influences such as frost and heat. So that the metal composter does not rust, the material should be provided with a corrosion protection. Metal compost bins are therefore often hot-dip galvanized.
Assembly
Metal composters that are assembled using a plug-in system are particularly easy to set up. In addition, the individual parts are connected to one another by means of plastic or stainless steel connections. Stainless steel connections are preferable to those made of plastic because they are more durable. With composters made of metal strips, it is better to wear gloves when assembling them, as the strips are often quite sharp and can cause injuries.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is the difference between metal, wooden and plastic composters?
The difference is not only in the different materials and their specific properties, but also in the way of composting. Plastic composters, for example, are primarily used for closed systems such as thermal composters. Wooden and metal composters, on the other hand, are traditionally used for open systems, whereby you can choose between models with and without a lid.
How does a metal composter work?
The open composting method works by decomposing the composting material with enough mass and microorganisms such as earthworms, but also bacteria and fungi. These metabolize the material, which releases a lot of energy - which is why it quickly gets warm in compost heaps. After a few weeks to months, the compost heap must be rearranged so that the composting takes place evenly.
What are the advantages of a metal composter?
Compared to plastic and especially wooden composters, models made of metal have one major advantage: they do not rot and can therefore be used for many years, provided they are protected against corrosion. In addition, metal composters are more permeable than plastic models and can hold more volume.
Does a metal composter also have disadvantages?
The disadvantage of metal composters is that, compared to closed plastic composters, they take one to two years to complete the composting process. However, this does not specifically apply to composters made of metal, but generally to open systems. The same applies to any unpleasant odors that may occur and to pests such as rats or mice.
Which brand manufacturers offer metal composters?
You can obtain high-quality and durable metal composters primarily from manufacturers such as Brista, Neudorff, Deuba, Dehner, Graf, Juwel or D&S Vertriebs GmbH. The various models are available both on the Internet and in hardware stores such as Obi, Toom, Hornbach or Hagebau. Sometimes you can also get them as seasonal specials in discounters like Lidl or Aldi.
How much does a metal composter cost?
Wire or grid composters are particularly cheap: you can get them for prices from EUR 30 to 40, with the high-quality models costing around EUR 60 to 70. On the other hand, composters made of metal strips are somewhat more expensive and can cost more than 100 euros. In principle, however, you should not only pay attention to the price, but give preference to high quality.
equipment
Roll sieve / compost sieve
our recommendation
Scheppach roller screen RS400 (360 watts, screen drum length: 900mm -Ø: 400mm, speed: 42 min-1, material throughput: 3m³/h, tiltable drum)
To the productYou must thoroughly sieve the composted humus and remove coarse components before using it. For this purpose, a roller sieve or compost sieve is very well suited, which refines large quantities of fresh humus. We also recommend models that allow different degrees of fineness. Roll screens are also suitable for screening sand, earth and other materials.