10 best compost mixers

Compost mixers, also known as compost aerators or compost turners, are essential tools for maintaining and accelerating the composting process in backyard compost bins or piles. These devices help ensure proper aeration and mixing of organic materials within the compost, which is crucial for efficient decomposition and the production of nutrient-rich compost for gardening and landscaping. Here are some key aspects of compost mixers:

  1. Aeration: Compost mixers are designed to introduce oxygen into the compost pile or bin. Proper aeration is essential for the aerobic decomposition process, where microorganisms break down organic matter. Without sufficient oxygen, the compost can become anaerobic, leading to foul odors and slower decomposition.

  2. Turning and Mixing: Compost mixers feature long handles or crank mechanisms that allow users to turn and mix the compost materials easily. This action helps distribute moisture and heat evenly throughout the compost pile and prevents the formation of compacted layers.

  3. Accelerated Decomposition: By regularly turning the compost with a mixer, you can speed up the decomposition process. Well-aerated compost heats up more quickly, which promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms and speeds up the breakdown of organic materials.

  4. Reduced Odor: Proper aeration and mixing help reduce unpleasant odors associated with composting. Turning the compost allows excess moisture to evaporate and helps prevent the development of anaerobic conditions, which can produce foul-smelling gases.

  5. Enhanced Nutrient Content: Compost mixers ensure that all parts of the compost pile receive adequate oxygen, which helps maintain a consistent temperature and microbial activity. This results in compost with higher nutrient content and improved soil conditioning properties.

  6. Types of Compost Mixers: There are various types of compost mixers available, including hand-cranked models, pole-mounted aerators, and even motorized options for larger compost piles.The choice of mixer depends on the size of your composting operation and your personal preferences.

  7. Ease of Use: Compost mixers are designed to be user-friendly and require minimal effort to operate. They make it easier for gardeners and compost enthusiasts to maintain healthy compost piles.

  8. Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance of your compost mixer, such as keeping it free of debris and rust, can help prolong its lifespan and effectiveness.

In summary, compost mixers are valuable tools for home composting enthusiasts and gardeners who want to create nutrient-rich compost for their plants. These devices facilitate the essential process of aeration and mixing in compost bins or piles, leading to faster decomposition, reduced odors, and higher-quality compost that can be used to enrich garden soil.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best compost mixers on the market
  

Bosmere Compost Aerator, 36"

Bosmere

Based on 116 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This compost aerator is for activating the compost heap at all different levels thus assisting decomposition. It has two sets of activating wings which fold to push into the compost and open out to aerate. The tool is made out of non rust steel with a vinyl hand grip. Handle can be adjusted for left-handed or right-handed use. Measures 36-inch height.

  • Compost aerator for activating the compost heap at all different levels thus assisting decomposition
  • Made of non rust steel with a vinyl hand grip
  • It has two sets of activating wings which fold to push into the compost and open out to aerate
  • Handle can be adjusted for left-handed or right-handed use
  • Measures 36" height

User questions & answers

Question: Origin? made in usa
Answer: not well , they start to peel at the corners and edges

Product features

Bosmere 36" Compost Aerator

Made by Bosmere who has been supplying quality garden tools and accessories since 1979. This compost aerator is for activating the compost heap at all different levels thus assisting decomposition. It has two sets of activating wings which fold to push into the compost and open out to aerate. The tool is made out of non-rust steel with a vinyl hand grip. Handle can be adjusted for left-handed or right-handed use. Measures 36-inch height.

Activating Wings for Aeration

Aerator has two sets of activating wings which fold to push into the compost and open out to aerate.

Designed for Decomposition

The perfect tool for activating your compost heap at all different levels, thus assisting decomposition.

Left and Right Handed Grip Options

Handle can be adjusted for left-handed or right-handed use and has a vinyl hand grip for comfortable use.

FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter, 37 gallon, Black

FCMP Outdoor

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Yimby Tumbler Composter, Color Black

  • Tumbling composter – avoid digging and mixing your compost pile by hand. The tumbling design makes mixing easy and efficient. Just close the door and turn it 5-6 times every 2-3 days. In hot sunny conditions and with a proper balance of ingredients the compost can finish in as little as 2 weeks.
  • Easy to use – fantastic for beginners! The large openings and removable door make it easy to add Scraps/clippings and remove finished compost. Deep Fins on the body provide great ergonomic handholds.
  • Two composter chambers are better than one – two separate sides allow the first side to finish while leaving the second side Available to add fresh Scraps/clippings. Continuously swapping sides after finishing will create an uninterrupted flow of rich, healthy compost. Total capacity 37 gallons (5 cu Ft)
  • Excellent aeration – all our composter models feature aeration holes as well as deep Fins to break up clumps inside the chamber and mix lots of oxygen into the compost. Tumbling composters allow far greater aeration than standard models.
  • Durable construction – BPA free, UV inhibited, 100% post-consumer recycled polypropylene is contact safe and will not degrade under direct sunlight. The galvanized steel frame is corrosion resistant.

User questions & answers

Question: what is the best mixture of scraps to put in the composter to start the first batch in a brand new yimby tumbler composter
Answer: Yes it does. It does not come with a mat.
Question: Any tips for winter usage, once temperatures cause the compost to freeze
Answer: Yes, if you print a cake on a shirt and make decorations for it then you could use it for cake decorating purposes
Question: do you have to put it together and is it difficult we are not good at assembly
Answer: I use a teflon sheet and no you don't have to press too hard. I used to use my iron and this thing is AAAAAmazing!!! Time and heat control... no more guessing or over heating.
Question: Is it bear proof
Answer: Your iron may be greatly superior to mine...But the advantages that this heat press has over my iron are these: 1) I'm able set the exact temperature I need. (I didn't realize what a difference this would make!) 2) The heat press is HEAVY. I want a lightweight iron for ironing clothes, but want pressure (which weight provides) for heat transfer designs. 3) This heat press has a timer. I've been amazed how much better my work turns out when I'm a little more careful about the timing. These are the three major advantages I've found in using a heat press over my iron. To be truthful, any heat press probably delivers these. But the smaller, more compact size (even with the largest, the 12 x 10--which I purchased), and hence, easier storage when not in use...is what tipped the scales for me when choosing the Cricut over the other brands of heat presses. Hope this helps your decision-making!

Product features

Tumbling Design

Avoid digging and mixing your compost pile by hand. The tumbling design makes mixing easy and efficient. Just close the door and turn it 5-6 times every 2-3 days. In hot sunny conditions and with a proper balance of ingredients the compost can finish in as little as 2 weeks.

Two Composting Chambers

Two separate sides allow the first side to finish cooking while leaving the second side available to add fresh scraps/clippings. Continuously swapping sides after finishing will create an uninterrupted flow of rich, healthy compost.

Durable Construction

The composter body is constructed from polypropylene. It is contact safe and will not degrade under direct sunlight. The galvanized steel frame is corrosion resistant.

Excellent Aeration

The composter features adjustable air vents as well as deep fins to break up clumps inside the chamber and mix lots of oxygen into the compost. Tumbling composters allow far greater aeration than standard models.

Redmon Green Culture 8016 Green Culture Compost Turning Tool, Gray

Redmon Green Culture

Based on 45 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Participate in the environment in a positive way by using Redmon Green Culture products. The Redmon Green Culture compost turning tool (The Wingdigger) is one of the perfect tools to get started. Effective composting requires proper aeration of the compost. Using the turning tool eliminates some of the work. Aeration is critical to successful composting. Push the Wingdigger down into the compost back and pull it straight up (no twisting, bending, or flipping is needed). Healthy bacteria brought to the top on the 'wings' will do the job for you.

  • Make your composting easy and effective
  • Makes aerating your compost easy, which is critical to composting success
  • Made for durability
  • Made with alvanized steel for long term use

Product features

Green Culture Composter Tumbler

  • Effective composter for yard waste, food scraps, spent garden plants
  • Create valuable compost
  • Large door access
  • Easy assembly
  • 37 gallon capacity

Kitchen Food Scrap Pail

  • Letter box design with angled opening
  • Perfect under cupboard flush mount
  • Lid stays open for hands-free plate scraping
  • Wide opening
  • Convenient carry handle plus bottom handle for emptying
  • Dishwasher safe

Backyard composter

  • Effective ground contact composter
  • Rugged weather resistant construction
  • Four Door access
  • Easy assembly - no tools required
  • High recycled material content
  • Composting Guide Included

Garden & Yard Bag

  • Holds a whopping 4.6 bushels (over 42 gallon capacity)
  • Zippered lid
  • Heavy duty poly material for many seasons of use
  • Pop up convenience or folds flat for easy storage when not in use
  • Three reinforced handles (3rd handle for easy emptying)
  • Easily cleaned by spraying with a garden hose then air dry

Miracle-Gro Small Composter - Compact Single Chamber Outdoor Garden Compost Bin (27.7 Gallon)

Miracle-Gro

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • NO SPACE? NO PROBLEM! – Don’t let tight spaces keep you from composting! Miracle-Gro’s outdoor compost bin tumbler is small enough for even the tiniest spaces! The 18.5gal (70L) volume perfectly fits your balcony, porch, patio, or rooftop garden. Finally you can compost from anywhere!
  • TURN YOUR FOOD WASTE INTO GARDEN GOLD – Transform kitchen and garden waste into rich, fertile compost – the gardener’s treasured “black gold!” Ready-to-use compost will be yours in just 4-6 weeks, thanks to Miracle-Gro’s unique aeration system. Internal mixing bars speed up decomposition to make growing a happy garden easier than ever!
  • REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT – Studies show that approximately one third of the world’s food supply goes to waste. But with Miracle-Gro’s rolling compost box you can do your part to change that. Save your compostable food scraps, help the environment, and cook up some compost that your plants will love!
  • YEAR-ROUND, HASSLE-FREE – Why should composting be a seasonal activity? Miracle-Gro’s heavy-duty design lets you keep your compost going all year round! The sturdy side-locking mechanism ensures easy loading and unloading, while the durable construction maintains a tight seal. And BPA-free, food grade, UV-protected plastic, means you won’t need to worry about harmful toxins.
  • Achieve your garden goals with a pair of multi-purpose gardening gloves! Each pair is latex-free, water-resistant, and features a no-slip grip, perfect for both indoor and outdoor projects. Grow your green thumb with Scotts and Miracle-Gro!

User questions & answers

Question: How bad is the smell from this unit
Answer: I use the shovel fit into the doors and take the compost out.
Question: Is this BOA free
Answer: about 3' by 2'
Question: Will it have a strong odor during the summer if kept outdoors in NV
Answer: according to the description, yes it is.
Question: Is there a lever to make turning the bin easier
Answer: Hey there! Great question. There is no problem at all with leaving the composter in the sun.

Yard Butler Twist Tiller Heavy Duty Manual Raised Bed Garden and Flower Box Claw Weeder Cultivator Aeration Hand Tool With Solid Steel Shaft Unbreakable Tines – ITNT-4

Yard Butler

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The extra wide high leverage handle and weight centering middle step plate of the Yard Butler Twist Tiller drives six claw spikes deep into the ground breaking up the hard compacted top layer of soil. This allows for easy weeding and planting and promotes the free flow of water, air and fertilizer for a healthier and more beautiful garden. The Twist Tiller can also be used for mixing compost adding soil amendments and digging holes for planting. It is perfect for preparing raised bed gardens for vegetables or flowers and does a better job with a fraction of the effort of other tools. The heavy duty all steel design is built for a lifetime of use. Yard Butler offers a full No Risk 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee so you know you are getting the product you need.

From the Manufacturer

Finally, A Garden Tiller That Really Works! Have you ever been frustrated trying to break up hard packed soil? Garden tillers utilizing claws twisted into the ground are a great idea! The sharp, angled claws dig into the ground to break up the hard, packed soil.

  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN 38” tall with a step plate that centers you over the tool, a solid ½” powder coated steel shaft and a wide 12” T handle that reduces the effort of twisting, using the force of your body to easily rotate sharp angled claw tines into hard compacted soil.
  • LOOSENS, TURNS, TILLS AND AERATES soil promoting the free flow of water, air, and fertilizer for a healthier and more beautiful yard and garden.
  • PERFECT SIZE FOR RAISED BEDS, flower boxes, around shrubs or bushes and other hard to reach areas. Ideal for mixing fertilizer or peat moss amendments and preparing a bed for planting. Makes weeding easy.
  • EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY AND VALUE, this is the best garden hand tiller cultivator available

User questions & answers

Question: what is the measurment(length) of the top(horizontal) handle
Answer: Weight 5.83lbs
Question: Can this be used to remove moss from the lawn
Answer: united states
Question: What is the hight and width of the clawed part
Answer: I suppose you could, considering the way it is made. But this rack is already pretty tall, and I would think if it were taller it would be more likely to tip over if the floor is not stable and level. Just my opinion. If it were any taller, I would need a step stool to reach the upper shelves, or I wouldn’t be able to see wha5 was on them.
Question: Is this made in China
Answer: Premium metal and real wood for this display shelving rack.Industrial style makes room decent and tasteful.

Product features

About Yard Butler

Tough, Sustainable, Innovative and Built For Life: the values that form the core of our vision devoted to connecting people with the earth. Yard Butler tools help people work with the land sustainably while helping stoke gardeners’ passions for their yards and gardens. Our primary mission is to design products that make it easier and more satisfying for you to fulfill your gardening dreams. Everyone knows that the right tool makes the job easier. Now, more than ever, we can say, 'There’s a tool for that!'

Yard Butler’s roots stretch back over 60 years to my father, Jim Wright, who was a lifelong gardener and the original Yard Butler. Jim got his start tending the family’s 'Victory Garden' during WWII. Throughout his thousands of hours weeding, hoeing, tilling and planting, he was always looking for a better way to get the job done. Yard Butler honors Dad’s original vision to produce the highest quality innovative solutions for most common yard and gardening tasks. Our tools are built to work and to last. We share the planet and we welcome all who share our love of the land and who believe that we can elevate our spirits by digging in the soil.

- Dan Wright, President.

Aerator

Tumbleweed

Based on 46 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Reln Garden’s aerator has been ergonomically designed to make mixing and aerating your compost light and easy - simply insert the aerator into the heap and twist it through in several places to create the ideal environment for rapid decomposition. With just a few minutes of light work each week, you can thoroughly mix and aerate your compost – and in doing so, create the perfect condition to encourage rapid decomposition of your organic waste. In fact, research shows that a Reln Garden aerator will produce rich compost five times faster than organic waste that’s left to decompose without turning and aeration. You can even use the Reln Garden aerator to quickly bring rich, finished compost from the bottom of your bin to the top - then use it in your garden.

  • Ergonomically designed comfort handle
  • Aerates your compost bin for better results
  • Easy to use
  • Clean, convenient and effective way to operate your compost bin
  • Galvanized steel finish and plastic handle

Lotech Products Compost Crank Compost Aerator

Based on 301 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Shouldn't you enjoy everything in your garden? The Compost Crank is built to last. It's an easy, highly effective, and enjoyable way to tend your compost bin. It penetrates any material like an auger. Simply grasp the free-spinning handles, and crank clockwise into your pile. Lift without turning and the corkscrew pulls compost up from the bottom to thoroughly mix and aerate. Depending on how heavy your compost is, you may need to repeat this step layer by layer because it could be too heavy to lift. Once you've loosened the material you can go deeper. The tool is long enough to reach every corner of the bin, and light so you are lifting the compost and not the tool.



From our heap to yours,

The Ambrose Family



"Compost Crank" is a registered trademark of Lotech Products.

  • Handcrafted in Tucson, Arizona, USA on machinery made from recycled parts.
  • Crank clockwise into compost, then lift without turning. Corkscrew reliably aerates any compost bin.
  • Highly durable - made of solid 3/8 inch stainless steel, with comfortable free-spinning glass filled nylon handles, and stainless steel washers.
  • 45" tall. Effective depth of 29". Easily works through vines and other troublesome ingredients.
  • Lifetime Limited Warranty. Note: Please notify seller if you require a specific shipping carrier. See shipping policies for details.

User questions & answers

Question: What’s the difference in the cheaper and more expensive one besides the price
Answer: Its made in Taiwan. Its was invented & patented by the factory.
Question: How long is this auger
Answer: I doubt it. I wouldn't even hold fabric hearts.
Question: Has anyone used this in a pile that has a lot of compacted leaves? My pile is really big and has compacted down a lot making it hard to turn
Answer: The glue dries super quickly and you only need a very small amount so it doesn’t seep through the clothing other wise the glue shows a little bit.
Question: Is this a tool that an active 80 year old woman can use? Have had to give up turning my compost pile by using a pitchfork
Answer: It should. Just don't put too much.

EJWOX Garden Compost Bin from BPA Free Material, Dual Rotating Outdoor Composting Tumblers (43 Gallon,Black)

EJWOX

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • DUAL CHAMBER COMPOST BIN - Dual chamber composter allow for continuous composting. Fill up one while the other nears the end of the compost process, the rich black stuff ready to use. Once empty, that becomes the one to fill up while the other completes the cycle.
  • AERATION SYSTEM- Aerated internal bar mixes compost & allows needed airflow.Black, double-wall panels absorb and retain heat.Perfectly suited for your garden and for people not wanting to mix the organic waste in their traditional compost bin.
  • INGENIOUS TUMBLER DESIGN - Turns on axis for easy and balanced rotation.Easy slide doors will help keep track of each batch,the length of 1 door is 10.23” and the width is 6.1
  • CONVENIENT LOADING HEIGHT - Enough height to put a cart under the composter.Easy to turn barrel, waste mixed easily, fast batch composting.
  • STURDY POWDER-COATED STEEL FRAME - Powder-coated steel frame provides a sturdy base for the large bin.Galvanized steel feet prevent rusting and deterioration.

User questions & answers

Question: How long before the compost become usable in the garden
Answer: We notice no smell. The bin sits on our patio. We also haven't noticed much (or any) decomposition and it has been about four to five weeks.
Question: Is the plastic BPA free
Answer: I'm not sure what you mean by BOA? Do you mean BPA?
Question: How many cubic yards does each dude hold
Answer: Hi I’m in hot, humid Houston, and we didn’t notice any strong odor, as it’s got To be a mix with grass clipping and whatnot. Of course, it wasn’t right next to our door, but all the same, it was not bad at all. I’d like to add that I highly recommended this product!
Question: Can this composter be assembled without the devider to use it as a single chamber tumbler
Answer: I don't have a lever on mine, but it is very easy to turn, even when full.

Product features

COMPOSTING - REDUCE,REUSE,RECYCLE!
Fast and Efficient Composting All year Around!
360 Degree Rotation Design

Turn it every few days and can fast the composting.

Health and Environmental Protection

Made by High Quality BPA Free Plastic

Weatherproof

Sturdy powder-coated steel frame for long-lasting using

Outstanding Aeration System

Aerated internal bar mixes compost & allows needed airflow.

Enviro World 82 Gallon Compost Bin

Enviro World

Based on 121 reviews Check latest price

Product description

"Compost Happens" The Free Garden EARTH compost bin is an efficient, durable, and economical tool that saves money and provides many benefits for homeowners and gardeners. Manufactured of 100% recycled content, its single-unit main body construction means no difficult assembly, and no structural integrity issues over time or in extreme weather conditions. The animal and pest resistant lid twists for variable ventilation control, and covers a large 19.5" (49.5 cm)opening that offers easy, generous access to add material and maintain the pile.

  • Large 11 cubic feet capacity
  • Single Body design no assembly required
  • Twist locking lid
  • Strategically located ventilation to maximize the composting process
  • Free Garden EARTH comes complete with metal grounding pegs, Composting Guide booklet

User questions & answers

Question: Do you have to turn the compost
Answer: Yes
Question: Is it as tall as the lady in the picture? Looks huge
Answer: No attachment needed. Unless they didn't ship one with it. You can order additional blade attachment from amszon
Question: How is this different then cutting the bottom out of a garbage can and cutting some holes for ventilation
Answer: Don’t know never tried to replace.
Question: Is this container bear proof
Answer: Thank you for your question. This shaver can't be used when recharging. This shaver can be used cordless for 60 minutes after two hours of charging, which is very worth buying.

Product features

FreeGarden rain barrel

- Large 55 Gal. capacity.

- No cheap imitation that looks worn out after one season.

- Sleek flat back square design fits naturally in any location around the home.

- High quality injection molded easy to keep clean and look new year after year.

- Comes complete with all brass standard size spigot, extension hose, powder coated steel screen and child locking screws, no base required.

- Modern sleek flat back design.

- Mosquito proof stainless steel mesh screen.

- Overflow hose and hose clamp.

- No base required.

- All you need for years of use.

FreeGarden Earth compost bin

- Large 11 cu. ft. capacity.

- No assembly required FreeGarden Earth compost bin ready to use.

- Twist locking lid.

- Single body design virtually no maintenance with proper ventilation.

- Adjustable upper body vents to regulate airflow.

- FreeGarden Earth comes complete with metal grounding pegs, composting guide booklet.

- Single body.

- No assembly required.

- Made from 100% recycled material.

- Twist lock lid.

- Ample body vent.

- Includes composting guide.

LoTech Products Compost Crank Twist Compost Aerator

Lotech Products LLC

Based on 265 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Introducing a new way to "crank" up your compost heap from Lotech Products, the inventors of the original corkscrew compost aerator, the Compost Crank.



The Compost Crank Twist is a fast, easy, highly effective, and enjoyable way to tend your compost bin. Modeled after our original Compost Crank, the corkscrew aerator design easily works its way into any sort of compost, whether it's just light leaves or dense sticks and vines. It can be comfortably used with one or two hands. Simply grasp the curled handle, and twist the tool clockwise down into your pile. Lift straight up without turning, and the corkscrew pulls compost up from the bottom to thoroughly mix and aerate. Twist in, and twist back out to create air holes. Twist in the center, lift out and shake compost to the side to dig a hole and bury fresh material. The Compost Crank Twist is a complete, high quality composting tool.



The aerator never clogs. Simply lay the spiral on top of your compost or on the edge of your bin, and "unscrew" the stuck on material. Built to last for as long as you compost, you can rest assured the Twist will be there ready to mix your pile whenever you are.



Lotech Products is committed to making it as easy and effective as possible for people to compost.



From our heap to yours,

The Ambrose Family



"Compost Crank" is a registered trademark of Lotech Products.

  • Handcrafted in Tucson, Arizona, USA on machinery made from recycled parts.
  • Twist clockwise into compost, then lift without turning. Corkscrew reliably aerates any compost bin.
  • Highly durable, made of solid 3/8 inch stainless steel with a comfortable non-slip grip.
  • 32" tall. Effective depth of 29". Easily works through vines and other troublesome ingredients.
  • Lifetime Limited Warranty. Note: Please notify seller if you require a specific shipping carrier. See shipping policies for details.

User questions & answers

Question: can i use this crank on a pile of horse manure
Answer: The Compost Crank Compost Aerator has been outside in rain, sleet, snow, -30F degree temps and 100+F degree heat since 2015 and still works incredibly well. If you are referring to the $28 "umbrella" style handle versus the offset "crank handle" In my opinion, the design of this handle would work easier and faster to screw in to the compost than the less expensive "umbrella" type handle which would take more effort to screw down into the compost. In my opinion, it is a well made product and well worth the cost.
Question: Can it be left outside? Any problems with rust? Thanks
Answer: Roughly about 40-45 inches long, total length. The auger portion is around 6 inches long. I didn't actually measure as it was out near the compost pile ready to do its great jobchurning up and oxygenating the pile.
Question: has the handle coming off issue been resolved with the design
Answer: My compost pile is pretty compacted too. I just start by not turning the compost turner all the way down into the pile. Just start with a shallow layer near the top and once that is broken up, go through again turning deeper into the pile. I am not too strong either so this worked for me.
Question: Is it tedious to continually drill down with this model, which doesn't have the 2-handed crook mechanism of the more-expensive model
Answer: Absolutely. I am an active 70 year old woman and I can manage it. It turns into the compost like one of those old hand drills our dads and grandpas used to use. You can drill down deep or only 6 - 8 inches depending on the amount of strength you want to exert to pull it back up. If you go deeper than you can pull, just turn it out backwards. I am pretty sure you will like it. There are two models...get the more expensive one...it is worth the money.

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