Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

It works well enough. With no handle to turn the barrel, you must do it by hand using the grooves in each section. Every time it rains, the grooves fill with water. You can't really turn the barrel by standing on the side, so after a rain, you get drenched when you turn the barrel. There's no drainage in the grooves.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I love this compost tumbler, have used it for 2 years now, it's easy to use and easy to transport from back porch to garden. The only drawback is that it takes 2 people to empty it completely.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Years later (maybe 4) the door will not stay on when turning, not even when bound with bungee cords. Two years ago I had to move it off the patio and into the "way-back" because when the bin dumped the half-cooked compost onto the patio, I couldn't scoop it up fast enough to keep it away from the dogs. Now even the latch is broken. As soon as I can clear out the mass sitting inside, the whole bin will go in the trash.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

My wife and I use the composter to create healthy organic fertilizer for our vegetable garden. We love that it is mobile and we can role it directly to where we will apply the compost. We add our kitchen scraps and fallen leaves to the composter weekly, add a little water from the hose, and give it a few turns. It doesn't get any better!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I am a Maryland Master Composter & have a variety of composters. This little one is fine for turning provided you don't overload it. Processes garden wastes & kitchen scraps well. May need two if you have a large garden or family. HOWEVER, a pair of mice chose to eat their way through the plastic by the centerbar, and now it will not turn easily. Centerbar area is most vunerable in any TURNING frame type composter.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

The door is large enough however it rolls around and you can not empty with only one person

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

After purchasing our first composter, my husband and I quickly discovered that a single composter was not sufficient for our purposes. Once it was about half full and the organic material began to break down, it became necessary to stop adding new compostable materials and just let it work. Thus we spent all winter either throwing our food scraps out with the trash or down the disposal. What a waste! So we bought a second composter identical to the first. They sit side by side in front of our garden shed.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

This product is just about perfect for a small garden. The assembly is not hard, but you do need an electric drill to screw in the screws. It doesn't say that in the directions. Otherwise, its very simple. I have put kitchen and garden refuse in it and it tumbles easily and the material shrinks quickly so I know it's working. I've only had it a few weeks and am looking forward to beautiful compost.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Having had my composter for only a month I am eager to turn the drum and find compost, one of these days. It sits in a very visual area and does not detract!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I have a small yard but collect all my clippings and garden waste as well as kitchen scraps. I already had a pretty good sized pile before I made this purchase and it is still taking some time to work through it. If I'd started out with the composter from the beginning maybe the process would be a little more efficient. Not all I'd hoped for but maybe because I wasn't being realistic.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

We have had one of these for about 3 years and in that time have really only had 2 lots of compost that we have been able to extract. We live in Colorado (5000 ft) and it does not work in the winter here at all. In addition you have to stop putting stuff into it in order for it to actually turn the waste into compost. This means that unless you have two of them (which we don't) you cannot use it consistently. This lack of consistency is my biggest complaint. I want to be able to compost all of the time, not just some of the time. It does work for making compost of pretty good quality, but it is pretty lumpy and the simple turning is not really enough to break down the material (I have to go in with a hand fork periodically otherwise we get huge lumps)

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

The pieces didn't fit together in the beginning. [...].I also had difficulty attaching the handle. I thought I may have ruined it so I bought another handle and was then able to screw it on.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I have not yet added enough compostible stuff to know how this will go. However, I love having it for vegetable waste and cannot wait to start the process so I can have rich mulch from stuff I didn't send to the land fill!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I've wanted the Compost Tumber for years, and the Easy Pay made it possible. I love it. I'm learning the value of properly probortioned green and brown, moisture content, etc. My back is completely fused, I have a 5# limit for lifting. With the right mix, my tumbler is full, and it's so easy to turn. I think I would have trouble with the side crank. I put it together myself, except needed a second set of arms to mount it on the frame. I started with large pieces, but now cut peelings up. I also added accelerator.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

It took my husband and I two days to assemble this. Thankfully he is mor patient than myself or else it would have been shipped back!!!! directions were very confusing.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I have two composters for mostly kitchen scraps. This one is too small to handle more than 1-2 peoples kitchen scraps, expecially in spring and fall when composting is slower.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Just right size

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I bought this and ended up returning it. It smelled and after few months I still did not have any soil. I was told I need to add more "browns" - which is hard to get in a normal household with kitchen scarps, grass and seasonal leaves. This model will not work me.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I first heard of this product from the actual company who indicated in their paraphenalia that pet waste could be composted within this particular item. Very, very false. It also indicates that your compost will be ready within 14 days. I have put in an additive and after 2 months just about still no compost. It looks great but I had to call the thank-goodness-for-wonderful customer service reps because there was a step missing and one of the instructions did not match the illustration. Don't waste your money there is another tumbler out there that's extremely cheaper and doesn't decieve you with false claims. There wasn't even fine print to fall back on just false claims and bad instructions which being new I gullibly believed. It's too hard and messy to return for the guaranteed money back which I'm sure the company knew.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

This is a very convenient way to compost kitchen and yard waste. I was surprised by how easy it was to assemble - all parts fit together perfectly. Love the wheels. It is more attractive than most composters.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Easy to asemble, like that I can roll to garden.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

The "some assembly required" is a joke. The entire composter needs to be put together and the instructions are not real clear. I have only had it for a few weeks and live in Colorado so not much composting has occured yet.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

We haven't harvested our first batch yet but it's only 40 degrees out. We can tell things are working and add fruit, veg, and coffee scrap almost every day will let you know how it comes out in the spring. The wifes the gardener I just do what I'm told. (most of the time.)

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I wanted this product for a long time and it didn't disappoint. My back loves it too.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

EASY TO USE

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

It is great

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I ordered this composter because I have a small yard and it was portable. I mainly put in kitchen scraps and having a place to compost them is good. However, the drain gets clogged so the compost is too wet most of the time even if I leave the lid open some times. Therefore it takes forever to make compost.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

For light items to go into a compost bin.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

We traveled 2 hours to view this composter. It was unavailable. I questioned using it on a back porch or patio because of seams which would surely leak. The sales person assured me that it would not leak - well it does. All the wonderful juices seep out drawing stench, bugs, and sticky mess. I would like to return it but unable to get a driver and the postage would be steep. Beside the leaking, its a very limited system. Only a small amount of compost will be created each season in the unit, it is not quick, and as other customers noted, you can't keep adding to it. I love my garden supply products and buy many. This one however is a very expensive disappointment and I still don't have a composter that I can keep near the house. It certainly should not be called a back porch composter.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

much easier to turn and maintain than stationary composters

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

The assembly was very easy. The volume will not allow for very high temperature development hence no weed seed or pathogen degredation is expected. I just started the first batch so we'll see what happens?

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

It was fairly easy for me to put it together. Previously I would just dig a deeper hole in the existing garden and put my scraps there. I understand rotting compost in the garden encourages the good nematodes. I should probably add soil to the mixture in the container then?

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

After reading a few reviews we expected it to be difficult to assemble, but found the task reasonably easy. So far the items seem to be composting. We haven't gotten it full yet so are waiting to get a final product.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I feel better about being able to re-use my kitchen scraps!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Easy assembly with this baby! I'm so pleased with the drum capacity also. We've only had it up for two weeks so we haven't had enough time to get a batch of compost yet. I add kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, lawn clippings and dried leaves and give a spin couple times a week. We recycle here in our town anyway but now I will get the good compost for my garden instead of the Waste Management Company and it's organic also - love it!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I have wanted to compost again for a long time, but I did not want to use the same box structure I had used previously and been disappointed with. This tumbler was the right price, has a good capacity and does the job. It was pretty easy to assemble and it's easy to use. I put my extra yard clippings that might overfill the tumbler or throw off the green/brown mix, in a bin.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

We are building a container garden for vegetables and herbs. It is nice to have something productive to do with kitchen scraps and coffee grounds. We haven't had it long enough to have a full mulch yet, but almost.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I have a tiny yard and desired a sensible way to get rid of yard and kitchen waste so I wouldn't just throw them away in the garbage. Here in south coastal CA, I am gardening year-round and there is always yard waste: fallen leaves, plant trimmings, etc. There was no room in my yard for a large composter, and this one seemed perfect for my needs.

It took almost an hour to put together, which I did by myself. It took a bit of muscle, and a bit of ingenuity to figure out the right part from the drawing, but the instructions were rather clear. It seems rather solid in construction and that it will last a long time.

I started using it about a month ago, and it's mostly in the shade, so I use an accelerator which seems to be helping. Besides yard waste which I cut up somewhat, I am also putting in vegetable waste and coffee grounds, white paper such as napkins, and basically anything that will break down. One drawback, which is more unpleasant for me are small flies inside the composter that came from the banana peels that I put in. I am no longer putting them in, hoping the flies will go away!

The composter is about half-filled now, and is already making compost!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Waited a long time before I could really afford to buy it....am retired and, though an avid gardener, I have limitations, and am always looking for ways to save my bones and muscles....this thing is an answer to a prayer!

Am very pleased.....the assembly directions were very clear, though it did take an entire afternoon to assemble.

It is super easy to use.....a little water, a little soil, a little turn,....and there you go!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I was told by the customer service rep that I could continue to add materials to the unit during the composting process. After using it for several weeks it is clear that you have to stop adding in order to execute the composting process. Not advantageous, especially considering the expense of the unit.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Good product. I found assembly fairly easy despite reviews to the contrary. I have yet to make my first batch of compost but the product is easy to use and with proper brown to green matter it seems to be breaking down fine without any smell which was of concern as I live in bear country.
I would recommend this to a friend.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Haven't completed a composting cycle with the tumbler yet but results so far look promising. I'm an avid gardener but have never had much luck with composting. It looks like my luck is about to change. I'm extremely happy with the tumbler.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

A modest 50% volume loading caused the 1/4 inch bolts to bend and prevent drum rotation. Re-drilling axial holes and replacing 1/4" with 5/16" bolts will support heavy wet loads.

Also, the bottom drain clogs easily and cannot be removed for cleaning due to corrosion of galvanized retaining bolt. The clogged drain builds up heavy load of water and worm tea. A stainless steel bolt would have been a better choice for this one bolt.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Difficult to pour mulch out into a wheel barrow because the door is so low. Had to get a small shovel. Trying now to fabricate a platform to raise the frame twelve inches.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Who would have ever thought composting was fun? I love this product and feel like I am contributing to the environment by recycling kitchen and yard waste. Thanks, Garden Supply Company

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

5/11/09
So far I can say that I am having good results with the back porch compost tumbler. I am in the process of making my first batch of compost with it and it looks like it will be ready to go in a couple more weeks - and it smells great!

This is definitely a batch composter, so if you are looking for continuous composting - this is not the tumbler for you. That said, if you have the components to fill it in a couple of weeks, I definitely think you can have a batch of compost within 6 weeks.

It was a bit challenging to put together by myself, but once I figured out a good way to hold the panels to the bottom round, it came together pretty quickly. I thought the directions included were easy to follow. I would strongly recommend an electric screwdriver (or a drill with a screwdriver bit) over a conventional one - it made the process SO much easier.

I will post again once my compost is done cooking and let you know how it turned out. I have this located right off my back door and I give it a spin once a day when I get home from work.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I've had my compost tumbler for about a month now and it seems to be doing what I wanted. I'm almost ready to stop adding material and let it really get to work now that the weather is getting warmer. I'm looking forward to seeing my black gold and sharing compost tea with my friend and family for their yards.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

The composter is attractive and secure enough to keep near the kitchen door for conveience. Perfect size for me to turn and move about. I just started and hope the final product is rewarding.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Nice size, rolls easily, turns smoothly,easy door access.
To be fair, our first batch has not completely composted yet so I am not certain about the mulch consistency or needing to add solution.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

THis composter is the best one I have ever used. It goes together nicely, is well engineered and produces compost in record time. Very easy to tumble. Fabulous design

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

It's an eco friendly item that I use for garden and kitchen waste along with recycling paper and newspapers as well. In other words......It works very well for me!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

This is my first time using a compost tumbler, but I’m already satisfied with the product. It has an unexpected capacity and it’s attractive at the same time. I’ve always had that unattractive heap of compost in the far corner of my yard and always struggled to get at the prime compost. Also aerating the old way was for the most part ineffective.

This is a great product! It’s easily assembled, has eye appeal and most of all it’s very easy to use and so far very effective.

I’d readily suggest to anyone to purchase this product.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I use this composter for small volume yard waste and kitchen scraps and a very pleased with its ease of use. It's portable, which is a big bonus, and tumbles easily. My only remotely negative comments are 1) it wants to tumble with the lid open when you are newly loading it (not a problem once you have a volume of materials in it!) and 2) the vent screen didn't come with a fitting to hold it in place well. These are just minor details that do not diminish my opinion that it is worthy of a 5-star rating. It's the best composter I have had so far.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I have one for my own use purchased in 2008 and have already had two loads of good compost. I bought one for my son and will start using in May 2009. The tumbling is easy and hastened production.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Just give it a few spins every time you go outside and, before you know it, you have lovely compost! Very stable and well built.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

The composter is very easy to move from my back door to the garden area. It's also very easy to turn daily and has a large opening for leaves and grass.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

This was easy to put it together and it spins very well! The clasp lock makes for a tight closure. I am looking forward to how everything turns out as it's still early in the season. The wheels don't move as freely on flat surface as I had hoped, not sure how it will go pulling it through the garden and grass. I have it by the back door outside my kitchen and I have noticed the smell right away through the aerator hole- I can only imagine the smell once the heat of summer comes. I am worried about this being destroyed by a bear or a rodent/pest. The price was right however and what I was looking to get started!!!!!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Fairly easy to assemble. Comes with great instructions. Easy to use....even FUN to use! Things started composting right away if small....takes a little longer if you put big stems and pieces of rinds in it but overall, I love it!!!! It's wonderful for the home gardner. It emits a little odor but not bad. I just keep it a little further away from my back porch, put a little pan underneath to collect the "compost tea" drippings, and use that as well!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

This is my first time creating compost. It is great to use kitchen waste, fruit peels, coffee grounds, leaves, etc and turn it into beautiful compost! We just got started so our first batch is in the works. No odor and looks great up my side yard. Love that it is on wheels so when compost is ready I can wheel it to where I need it.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Believe it or not, the air holes on the sides of the barrel were easily accessible for raccoons, who completely emptied it every night for a week. We had to make covers with air holes for the holes, which we had to screw on. I tried duct tape, but the little devils just peeled it off. Now it works perfectly.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Well, i have had mine for 5 years now and mine works and Looks as good as it did when i got it. now for me it went together well i had no problem. I LOVE MINE! and the composte it makes is so wonderful, YOU WILL SEE IT IN YOUR PLANTS they love it!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

It didn't compost very well. It also kept falling apart. The bottom finally fell apart and dropped all of the "stuff" under it.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

assembly somewhat tedious/
looks pretty good for what it is. Ok on back deck.
just started using it, but seems fine.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Was easy to put together and after about a month it is almost full. Can't wait to see the final compost product!
Easy to tumble... no odor.... looks attractive next to my garden.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Attactive enough near my raised garden beds. Seems very sturdy and the design is well thought out. I wish I had a third hand, however, because it's not easy to keep the lid open by itself... You'll need one hand to keep the lid open while having only one hand remaining to dump your scraps inside. No biggie though.... You can also remove the lid fairly quickly.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Everything is fine so far, too early to tell because it is cold here in PA

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

With little upper body strength, this is perfect for me. It's easy to turn, even in our cold winter weather.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I purchased this product for my daughter. The ability to move it to the garden was a big selling point.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

easy to assemble, can't wait for first fertilizer from our kitchen waste

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I've used a half dozen different models/types of composters over the years. This is the easiest one to use, so far. Even though it's small in size compared to some models, it's great for the average gardener who is mostly composting kitchen scraps, leaves and small plant litter. This model is sturdy, compact and I keep it in my vegetable garden area for ease of use. I've found that the hinged door is easier/more convenient to open and close than models with a "sliding" door access.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

This is a really nicely-designed compost tumbler. I'm not mechanically inclined, yet I found the assembly directions easy to follow, so it was assembled overnight and ready for use the next morning.

I love the way it conceals the compost and limits odor, and the tumbler function works really well. I also bought the little ceramic kitchen compost pail (blue), thus the complete kitchen to back yard system is up and running!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Very clear insructions as how to put it together. Does compost slowly.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Our first attempt at composting and is working well although we just started so don't have a first finished batch yet. Easy to turn and aerate and easy to add kitchen waste and leaves. [...]

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

For a tumbler, it has an attractive appearance and it opens and closes easily... It seems to work easily and smoothly for all my garden weeds and waste, and when combined with kitchen scraps, it turns the soul quickly into useful organic matter...

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

its been a month and we are half full
put my paper shredder scrap in it and just about everything but yard scraps
looking foward to my first load of compost
I think we will be full up before our first load
then what do we do may have to get a larger composter??????????

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

It light and compact enough for this old lady to use.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Used for kitchen scrap, fruits & coffee from office.
Attractive and easy to use. 1/4-20 bolts bent under weight of half-loaded bin. I had to redrill frame & bin for 4" long 5/16-18 bolts. Also added fender washers to protect plastic around new bolts.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Easy to fill. Haven't emptied yet so I can't say. Rolls easily. Stable and well contructed, although the latch seems rather flimsy compared to the barrel structure. I used the Compost Plus but it doesn't seem to be breaking down too fast. I don't really know as I have never used a composter before and have no point of reference. The unit is compact and portable and seems sturdy so I am glad I have it. My neighbor was complaining of exposed compost heap and this was an economical alternative.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

The product was pretty easy to assemble [...] I'd buy this product again in a heartbeat.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Now that I have it put together it works just great. Composts things very quickly and there is absolutely no odor. Very convenient to wheel it back and forth from my patio where I fill it with things to my garden where I empty it out and I just give it a twirl to aeriate things after adding items. Assembly by myself was a bit tricky. An extra set of hands probably would have made things a bit speedier but with a bit of ingenuity on how to brace things to hold the barrel frame together before screwing things to a permanent hold finally did the trick.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

This replaced a different model of composter and this is far superior. Just wish it came with a drain tray for the tea so the outside wouldn't get quite so compost streaked from rain.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Good product. Sturdy. Because it's pretty tightly sealed, if I put too much 'green' waste in it, it can get a bit stinky. I've added more 'brown' waste to compensate.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

easy to set up and use, even looks nice. no smell and beautiful free soil.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I like this compost tumbler. It's handsome and easy to use. However, it was not easy to put together and some of the instructions were difficult to follow. Also, it was missing one essential part, which I'm still waiting for the manufactured to send.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I think this product is great.
There may not be a bin to catch the liquid that drains from the inside,but I have placed a bin of my own under it. I use that to water my plants.
This product definitely does what is supposed to do.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

What's not to love about the porch composter! It's easy, convenient and it works! I have a large garden and can use all the compost I can find.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

This composter is a great size for my backyard. It is perfect for small yard waste, and fruit and vegetable scraps. I would recommend it to anyone!

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Very convenient - rolling composter easy to move around yard.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Easy to use and spin for faster composting. Once full, will have to find alternate place to compost until contents are fully decomposed

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Made beautiful, rich soil in no time at all. Of three tomatoe bushes, I used it on one and the bush took off and produced bigger and prettier tomatoes faster than the other two bushes.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

I think I should have filled it fuller. After several months, I have a small amount of sludge. I left kitchen scraps in biobags and think that may be slowing the composting. I'm not sure the screen is draining properly but it's too messy to check on it till this batch is finished.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

The best thing about it is that looks good and has no odor. It is easy to rotate and takes only a minute to do this. I am catching the "tea" and using it on my tomatoes. I hated to throw my kitchen scraps in the garbage and now I no longer have to do that.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

Wheels are Ok. It was very difficult to put together. Composting is very slow.

Comments about Back Porch Compost Tumbler:

This is a great composter for an average size family. Compact enough to not be an eye sore, yet efficient enough to take care of our composting needs. BEST of all, this unit is rodent proof! My last "stackable" composter was turning into the local rat condo. Also, it's fast, with consistent turning and proper balance, before you know it, you have compost!!!