Garden composter ratings: which one to choose?

Garden compost is free and also the most valuable fertilizer. A garden composter (composting machine) is a compact structure that helps gardeners prepare high-quality organic fertilizer during the summer and also destroys organic garden waste. A properly installed composting machine is a miniature facility that converts waste into fertilizer and eliminates unpleasant odors and the flies that constantly hover over a compost bin.

Rating table

The table below shows the TOP 10 models of garden composters:

How to choose a garden composter: selection criteria

There are several criteria for choosing the best garden composter. But first, it's important to understand the different types of composters available.

Types of composters

Today, compost production machines are divided into two main types:

• Open. They are affordable, lightweight, and have a good collection capacity. The downside is that unpleasant odors can leak outside the composter.
• Closed containers. They are airtight and equipped with a lid. They are typically smaller in volume (the average manufacturer-produced closed container holds 200-1000 liters), compost matures more quickly, and can be used year-round, regardless of weather conditions. The downside is their higher cost.

If you have a large garden with many plants, we recommend purchasing an open composting machine. An enclosed composting machine is best suited for a summer cottage of 4 to 6 acres.

Existing models

In addition to container types, garden composters are also differentiated by model. Composting machines are available in the following models, each with different appearance and technical specifications:

• Container box. The simplest and most convenient model, easy to assemble and use. This compost container can be either open or closed.
• Vermicomposter. A composting machine that uses worms to break down organic matter. The principle of this device is to place waste and worms in the first compartment. Once the first compost is produced, add a second compartment, and so on. The worms will gradually migrate from one compartment to the next.
• Thermal composter. This is a hot composting machine. The device has a sealed and insulated body and can be used year-round. Due to its long-term heat retention, the rate of composting is several times higher than in a bin. Another advantage is the lack of odor. Thermal composting machines can be hemispherical or barrel-shaped.

Parameters for choosing a garden composter

Although garden composting machines may look simple, they come with a variety of features, and choosing the right one can ensure the container lasts a long time.

Main selection parameters:

• Volume. Bins with a capacity of no more than 300 liters are very convenient because they are compact and easy to move from place to place. Even if you have a large area, this won't be a problem. Don't rush to choose a large container with a capacity of over 1200 liters, as mixing its contents will be very difficult. In this case, it's better to have two or three smaller containers. In most cases, an 800-liter garden composting machine is the preferred choice.
• Material. A homemade wooden composting machine, while simple, is short-lived: after 2-3 seasons, the wood rots and begins to deteriorate. Therefore, industrial models are made of plastic. Its primary advantage is its resistance to harsh chemicals and moisture, and it is corrosion-resistant. While it is recommended to store a garden composting machine in a cool place, the special polymer alloy is also UV-resistant. The plastic will not lose its strength when heated or exposed to direct sunlight.
• Practicality in use. Universal composters are manufactured disassembled, consisting of separate walls and a bottom. No special tools or accessories are required for installation. If the composter doesn't have a bottom, be sure to use a metal grate or wire mesh to prevent rodent infestation. The composter should have a drawer at the bottom to facilitate the removal of the finished compost. A very convenient model is a garden composter with a lid for 800 liters, the solid walls of which are connected by hinges (such as door hinges). When folded, it takes up minimal space and is easy to store.
• Shape and appearance. A garden composter, in addition to being practical, should also fit into the overall design of the cottage. Models can be cylindrical, rectangular, or pyramidal. Color also plays an important role; for example, a green composter could be placed on the lawn—it will be less conspicuous.
• Price. It depends on all the above factors, as well as the brand. The cheapest model costs approximately 2,000 rubles, while the most expensive costs around 30,000 rubles. The price of a composter also depends on how often you visit your dacha. If you only visit during the summer, a basic and therefore inexpensive model will suffice. However, those who live outside the city will need a full-fledged composting machine that can be used year-round, which will be much more expensive.

A full composting process takes about a year, and it's convenient to have two composters instead of just one, and alternate filling them. If you choose a model without a lid, you can replace it with a plant that prefers humus-rich soil, planted nearby and overhanging the bin.

Detailed description of products from the rating

Description and characteristics of the products presented in the rating.

1Composter Prosperplast IKSM800Z-G851

Main characteristics:

• manufacturer – Prosperplast;
• the brand's homeland is Poland;
• weight - 10.4 kg;
• dimensions – 1350x719x826 mm;
• total volume – 800 l;
• material of manufacture – plastic;
• Can be used all year round – no;
• ventilation holes – yes;
• presence of bottom – absent;
• hinged lid for emptying the tank – yes;
• presence of a lid – yes.

2Composter Piteco K1130 (300 l)

Main characteristics:

• manufacturer – Piteco;
• the brand's homeland is Russia;
• weight – 6.3 kg;
• dimensions – 800x600x600 mm;
• total volume – 300 l;
• material of manufacture – plastic;

• Possibility of year-round use – yes;
• ventilation holes – yes;
• presence of bottom – absent;
• hinged lid for emptying the tank – yes;
• presence of a top cover – yes.

3Composter Prosperplast IKEV850C-S411 (850 l)

Main characteristics:

• manufacturer – Prosperplast;
• the brand's homeland is Poland;
• weight - 12.7 kg;
• dimensions – 900x910x1345 mm;
• total volume – 850 l;
• material of manufacture – plastic;

• Can be used all year round – no;
• ventilation holes – yes;
• presence of bottom – absent;
• hinged lid for emptying the tank – yes;
• presence of a top cover – yes.

4Garantia Eco-King Composter (627001/627002) (600 l)

Main characteristics:

• manufacturer – Garantia;
• the brand's homeland is France;
• weight – 11.9 kg;
• dimensions – 800x800x950;
• total volume – 600 l;
• material of manufacture – plastic;

• Possibility of year-round use – yes;
• ventilation holes – no;
• presence of bottom – absent;
• hinged lid for emptying the tank – yes;
• presence of a top cover – yes.

5Composter Prosperplast IKL320C-S411 (320 l)

Main characteristics:

• manufacturer – Prosperplast;
• the brand's homeland is Poland;
• weight – 4.9 kg;
• dimensions – 700x800x700;
• total volume – 320 l;
• material of manufacture – plastic;

• Possibility of year-round use – yes;
• ventilation holes – no;
• presence of bottom – absent;
• hinged lid for emptying the tank – yes;
• presence of a top cover – yes.

6Composter Prosperplast Module IKSM800C-S411

Main characteristics:

• manufacturer – Prosperplast;
• the brand's homeland is Poland;
• weight - 10.5 kg;
• dimensions – 1350x720x826 mm;
• total volume – 800 l;

• material of manufacture – plastic;
• Can be used all year round – no;
• ventilation holes – yes;
• presence of bottom – absent;
• hinged lid for emptying the tank – yes;
• presence of a lid – yes.

This unit has a 4.1 rating from users on Yandex.Market. Reviews often note the model's aesthetic appeal and lightweight lids.

7Prosperplast Compogreen 380L Green Composter IKST380Z-G851

Main characteristics:

• manufacturer – Prosperplast;
• the brand's homeland is Poland;
• weight - 6.4 kg;
• dimensions – 719x719x826;
• total volume – 380 l;
• material of manufacture – plastic;

• Can be used all year round – no;
• ventilation holes – yes;
• presence of bottom – absent;
• hinged lid for emptying the tank – yes;
• presence of a top cover – yes.

8Composter Prosperplast Compogreen IKST380C-S411 380l

Main characteristics:

• manufacturer – Prosperplast;
• the brand's homeland is Poland;
• weight – 6.8 kg;
• dimensions – 720x720x826;
• total volume – 380 l;

• material of manufacture – plastic;
• Can be used all year round – no;
• ventilation holes – yes;
• presence of bottom – absent;
• hinged lid for emptying the tank – yes;
• presence of a top cover – yes.

9Composter Piteco K1130 300l

Main characteristics:

• manufacturer – Piteco;
• the brand's homeland is Russia;
• weight – 6.1 kg;
• dimensions – 800x600x600 mm;
• total volume – 300 l;
• material of manufacture – plastic;

• Can be used all year round – yes;
• ventilation holes – yes;
• presence of bottom – absent;
• hinged lid for emptying the tank – yes;
• presence of a top cover – yes.

10MasterSad 800L Green Composter

Main characteristics:

• manufacturer – MasterSad;
• the brand's homeland is Russia;
• weight - 14.5 kg;
• dimensions – 120x105x84 mm;
• total volume – 800 l;
• material of manufacture – plastic;

• Can be used all year round – yes;
• ventilation holes – yes;
• presence of bottom – absent;
• hinged lid for emptying the tank – yes;
• presence of a top cover – yes.

Comparison table of products from the rating

Choosing a composter begins with its capacity. For small plots (up to 600 square meters) or for processing food waste, a 300-400 liter composter is suitable. Larger areas will require a larger capacity—up to 1,000 liters. Sometimes, in the summer, gardeners purchase two or three composting machines and then place organic matter in them to ensure a continuous supply of organic fertilizer.

Frequently Asked Questions