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The drum composter, also known as a rotary composter, is an uncomplicated way to produce valuable compost from garden and kitchen waste. In contrast to other composters, with a drum composter you do not have to rearrange the rotting material, you only have to turn the composter. Due to the high internal temperatures, the rotting process is also completed after a few weeks. In our guide you can find out which drum composters are particularly popular on Amazon and which criteria you should pay attention to when buying.
A drum composter is practical and inexpensive
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Drum composter 160 liter capacity rotatable compost rot
90.33 EUR To the product| capacity | 160 liters |
|---|---|
| material | recycled plastic |
| frame | steel pipe |
| number of chambers | 2 |
| Dimensions | 72.5 x 66 x 93.5 centimeters |
| Weight | approx. 11 kilograms |
This Wiltec drum composter has a volume of 160 liters in a two-part drum made of recycled plastic. The two separate chambers allow the material to be collected and composted separately. The composter is filled through an opening that can be closed with a sliding door. The compost drum is suspended at a user-friendly working height on a robust tubular frame. In their reviews, most Amazon customers are very satisfied with the model, only the rather complex assembly of numerous individual parts is criticized. In return, however, you get an almost dense and well-composting product that hardly loses any liquid and also doesn't take up too much space. our recommendation
UPP drum composter 105L | Roll Composter | Composters | internal ventilation | Safe from vermin | quick composter
79.89 EUR To the product| capacity | 105 liters |
|---|---|
| material | recycled plastic |
| frame | recycled plastic |
| number of chambers | 1 |
| Dimensions | 61 x 60 x 84 centimeters |
| Weight | approx. 5.6 kilograms |
This handy UPP drum composter with a volume of just 105 liters is perfect for small households and/or for setting up on the balcony or even in the kitchen. The model is equipped with internal ventilation so that no unpleasant odor occurs. Two sliding doors on either side of the recycled plastic drum ensure easy filling, and thanks to the stoppers it cannot rotate during filling or emptying. The manufacturer describes the plastic material as weather-resistant and UV-resistant, so that nothing should stand in the way of years of use. Amazon customers describe the composter as uncomplicated to set up and well-functioning. our recommendation
UPP drum composter 180L composter | Composters | internal ventilation | Safe from vermin | Quick Composter [Anthracite]
To the product| capacity | 180 liters |
|---|---|
| material | plastic |
| frame | plastic |
| number of chambers | 1 |
| Dimensions | 76 x 104 x 107 centimeters |
| Weight | approx. 8 kilograms |
If a small drum composter is not enough - for example because you have a large household with a lot of garden and kitchen waste - then this drum composter from the manufacturer UPP with a capacity of 180 liters offers enough space. This model also offers the same advantages as the smaller one from the same manufacturer already presented: internal ventilation, two stoppers and uncomplicated construction and easy handling. In addition, this drum composter also has an opening on each side of the drum, which makes filling and removal easier. Unfortunately, the model has only one chamber, but this does not affect its functionality. Despite the large volume, the composter is compact in size and takes up very little space.
Purchase Criteria
material
No matter which material you choose: the drum composter should be black if possible, as this color absorbs sunlight best and thus promotes heat development. This in turn accelerates the rotting process.
plastic: Most drum composters on the market are made of plastic, often from recycled material. The plastic used should be weatherproof and UV-resistant so that it lasts a long time and the composter does not become brittle and therefore unusable within a few months. In addition, plastic keeps the heat generated in the composter very well and has a low weight.
metal: Metal, on the other hand, has a higher dead weight than plastic. When buying, make sure that metal drum composters are made of rust-free material such as e.g. B. stainless steel, so that the model does not rust through. Galvanized sheet steel is also suitable, but is more susceptible to corrosion. Another disadvantage of metal is that it generates less heat, so the material decomposes more slowly than in a plastic composter.
Construction and number of drums
Drum composters are available with one or two chambers. A two-chamber model is particularly recommended for products with a large filling capacity, since you only ever fill one chamber and the second, filled chamber does not have to be disturbed during the rotting process. Complete compost soil can often be removed from this. Another difference is the insulation: while single-walled drum composters work perfectly, they can allow odors to escape. Double-walled models are less odor nuisance, and higher temperatures develop inside.
measurements and weight
In principle, of course, the rule applies that a drum composter is larger, the higher its capacity is. Nevertheless, many models - including the larger ones - are very compact, so they don't take up much space in the garden, on the balcony or in the kitchen. Please note, however, that the weight given in the product description is an empty weight: when filled, such a drum composter weighs 20 to 30 kilograms or more, depending on the size and filling. The statics - for example on the balcony - must be able to withstand such a weight.
capacity
Drum composters are available in many different sizes: while the smaller models only hold 60 to 70 liters, there are composters with a capacity of 180 liters and more for larger households. How much you need depends on what and how much you want to compost. Do you just want to turn kitchen waste into compost? Then a smaller model will suffice. On the other hand, if you have a large garden, you need a correspondingly larger one.
accessories and equipment
A drum composter usually consists of a drum and a frame to which the drum is attached so that it can hang freely. Extras such as fixing options (so-called "stoppers") are also advantageous, so that the drum does not rotate during filling or removal. Several removal flaps - which should be large enough to fit a standard bucket - on different sides of the drum also make handling easier. Roll composters - i.e. drum composters with wheels - are easier to move from one place to another.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a drum composter?
A drum composter consists of a rotatable drum mounted on a frame, which is provided with at least one opening for filling and removing the material. Inside, drum composters develop high temperatures that cause organic materials to decompose very quickly. Instead of rearranging the composting material and mixing it together, the drum is simply rotated periodically.
How does the drum composter work?
How the drum composter works is easy to explain: the well-chopped kitchen and garden waste is simply put into the device, it is closed tightly and then rotated every one to two days. Inside, the well-insulated container develops very high temperatures, which, along with various microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, ensure rapid composting. The compost is ready to be removed after just a few weeks.
What are the differences between drum composter and thermal composter?
The drum composter is actually a thermal composter. However, the completely self-contained system - after all, the drum is not open at the bottom - allows the organic material to decompose even faster. This is further favored by high outside temperatures (e.g. in summer) and a location in the sun.
What are the advantages of a drum composter?
With a drum composter, you can even compost organic waste on the balcony or terrace, especially since the closed circuit means that bad odors can only escape when the flap is opened. Pests such as mice and rats cannot settle in this composter either, and the turning mechanism means that the compost heap does not have to be rearranged. In addition, drum composters are not tied to one location, but can be quickly relocated.
Can I also make vermicompost with the drum composter?
Worms and insects play an important role in composting. However, these can hardly survive with the strong heat development, especially in the summer months, which is why vermicompost cannot be produced with a drum composter. For this you should better use an open system or a special worm composter.
equipment
compost accelerator
our recommendation
Dehner Bio Compost Accelerator, 5 kg, for approx. 6-8 square meters of green waste
To the productCompost is created when organic matter is broken down by microorganisms. In a drum composter, these are largely missing, so you have to clog them. Since worms are unsuitable because of the strong heat they develop, a compost accelerator consisting essentially of poultry manure helps. You simply have to sprinkle this as a thin layer over the compost layers - just a few days later, the thermal fermentation starts.