BLACK+DECKER 40-Gallon Dual Chamber Compost Tumbler Outdoor (BDSTGA9701)

Having experienced single unit bin composters, which are strong, large and last years, I wanted another way to compost because stirring the compost heap requires much effort and having to get on my knees to open the bin doors at the bottom to retrieve aged compost that settles is difficult. I decided the Black and Decker Tumbling Composter is the one for me because it offers 2 sides for composting right above my waist, so I can place my finely chopped vegetable and fruit scraps and crushed baked eggshells and coffee and tea grounds and carbon sources into the "+" side and spray it with effective microorganisms I use for accelerating composting and providing healthy microbes for the soil. I can easily turn the composter, and the locking mechanism is easy to use with the well-built gear system from the outside by the handle. The wide base of support allows me to place a garden cart I have purchased previously underneath it when I harvest it by opening the same door, I place compost in and dump it into my cart for use. I can easily wheel the compost to my garden, which is adjacent to the composter. I placed the composter behind my garden shed in partial sun, so the composter may heat up to the proper temperature to allow efficient composting. I placed a garden watering source, which is convenient for gardening and composting. The air vents permit proper oxygenation and permit rainwater to enter and excess to drain decreasing need to moisten the compost pile. The directions are easy to follow for putting the composter together and a lot easier when 2 people did it. The directions simply explain composting and using the composter for beginners or new users too. I don't miss the old single stationary 80-gallon bin because the 2-bin system is more efficient taking weeks instead of months to achieve usable compost in smaller ready-to-use batches. Ergonomic at waist height for working, and easier to crank a compost bin mechanism than using a compost bin tool or spade. The smaller 20 + gallon bin composting capacity allows me to keep filling it and easily turn it and by the time it is full, start on the adjacent bin while the other bin completes composting. The composter has thick heavy-duty walls, and the turning mechanism is a strong metal rod painted black. The finished compost achieved is crumbly, dark and smells like soil and when used in my garden enriches it and supports worm health and grows healthy plants. A picture of the bin on my garden path behing the shed and what finished compost looks like are included. Best value for the money I spent.

This comes in a flat box, so assembly starts with flat panels. It comes with a combination wrench and hex wrench that are way better than the average tools that usually come with assemble yourself furniture. It's a Black+Decker brand, so it makes sense that it would come with decent tools. Given the finished size of the unit, I would recommend a second set of hands while assembling. With the help, we had this fully assembled in about 20 minutes. The assembly instructions are really clear and everything is easily identified and labeled as needed. The overall quality seems pretty good. The drum is all plastic panels with reinforcing ribs molded in. The stand is painted steel. I'll have to see how well this stands the test of time and the outdoor elements. Design-wise, the drum sits a little bit higher off the ground than some other units. It's almost high enough to clear my standard wheelbarrow, but it will work better with a lower height garden cart that I ordered separately. The legs are in a cantilever arrangement so there's no front crossbar to contend with, especially when setting a cart underneath for unloading. There are adjustable vents on one panel to help regulate air flow, along with smaller slits in other areas. The 2 sliding doors easy slide off so they can be out of the way for loading and unloading. I like that this is designed with a geared crank so it's easy to turn over versus a direct crank. And there is a simple latch lock to keep the drum in a fixed position when needed. I already loaded it up with garden waste, but since it's getting colder here I don't expect compost to be ready until spring. UPDATE: I've had this a full season now and I can say that I'm still pleased with it. I've been adding material throughout the season, and giving it a few rotations every couple weeks. The plastic and steel construction has held up nicely while sitting out in the elements. There's no visible rust on the steel. The only marks on the plastic drum are at the seams where some of the liquids seep thru and leave some residue (the drum isn't advertised as liquid tight, so understandable).

Arrived quickly and was easy to put together. Seems to be made very well and is very sturdy. Only had it a few days but it's working properly and the hand crank is easy to turn. It has two chambers but no easy way to transfer material from one side to the other. The only improvement I would recommend is if it had a bottom hatch with a sifter or screen of some sort so only the finished product would fall out. I could then slide my wheel barrow underneath it when I'm ready to transfer it to the other chamber or use it in my garden.

I have just set this up, so I don't know yet how well it will produce compost (I'll know better next spring). But I concur with other reviewers that it is made of high quality components, the design is thoughtful and simple , and the directions for assembly are excellent. It does take a while to assemble, so don't be in a hurry. The only glitches come from the close tolerances with which the components are made. This is a problem that is easily cured by patience, and I will take it over sloppy fits anytime. In one step a second person would be helpful, but not necessary. I completed it by myself without a problem.

J'ai mis 4 étoiles à Robustesse parce qu'avec la chaleur le plastique se déforme légèrement; ça fait moins beau mais ça fait la job.