Compost Mixer

I intend to write a few reviews as my composting progresses. So far, the machine has been delivered and I've built it ... just. The instructions are modest but ok, but as you build the thing, you don't get the reassuring 'clicks' that the instructions suggest you listen for. Unfortunately, I snapped sections 3 times as some bits of the plastic are weak. But I perservered. One suggestion, if using a battery/power screwdriver, have it on the lowest torque setting as it's a bit easy to shred the plastic. So, 3 applications of glue later and we're up and running. Next review will be soon!

I agree with Claire and Jane. I found the instructions not straightforward. Initially I put it together with the drum the wrong way round, and had to almost completely disassemble it and start again. The door has opened during rotation, dumping the contents on the ground. Fortunately, I keep it in a remote part of the garden, so the leakage is not so much a problem. I'm trying to figure out if there's a way to get the compost out without just emptying it out and shoveling - into a wheelbarrow, perhaps.

As the composter is rotated the door drops out depositing compost all over the floor. It's fixings are too flimsy and I have to use a metal rod to hold the door in place whilst turning. The drum leaks compost tea constantly as it's not water tight (despite vents being closed), and I need a large tray permanently in place beneath the composter to collect it. The tray has to be emptied regularly as it overflows, is smelly and attracts flies. Compost in six weeks?

Despite due care our composter has always leaked smelly "compost tea". But worse was to come. Two days ago (admittedly one of the hottest days of the year) the bottom panel failed completely and the composter spewed it's half digested contents all over the patio. The pong was revolting and the clean up job took most of the morning! We have now dumped the thing in the most remote corner of the garden and thrown a "no go" cordon around it. Close inspection (well, as close as I wanted to go) showed that the screw holes in the panel concerned had torn through.