Hotbin Mini Composter

After a few failed attempts at 'normal' composting we thought we'd give hot composting a go. The unit seemed a bit pricey for what is basically a polystyrene construction but I was willing to try it to save buying loads of garden centre compost. Followed the instructions to the letter to start it off and later the same day the temperature gauge started to climb. It's been going up ever since and then settled at a steady 50 degrees. You can feel the warmth on the front of the unit and there is warm air coming out the vent so I suppose it's getting on with the job - all good so far. Will need to wait a while until we can try out the compost but I'm hoping my roses will love it. Word of warning though - think about where you site it as we made the mistake of sitting it next to the house wall and every time you walk past you experience the smell of compost cooking. Not great on a warm breezy day. Will need to move it further up the garden I think. Other than that no complaints.

Makes great compost in quick time.

I love this hot bin. I have tried the original composting & I still have some rotting a year later.I bought this in November 2023. It took a few weeks to heat up but that was my fault as I'd forgotten to open the little vent located at the top of the bin & the temperature quickly changed.I haven't had my first lot of compost yet as it's too soon. However, it is so easy to use.I've not had any issues with cats or rodents at all. No smell, nothing.I'm going to purchase a 2nd one & get rid of the council collection green waste bin.I highly recommend!

I have used an original hotbed composter, good to see a few changes in design. I have set it up and now it has increased in temperature already. Also good to see the instruction book that comes with it which i can't remember in the first one.

Highly recommended. We managed to put it together very easily and it wasn’t difficult to start up. It’s really amazing to watch the temperature rise and now a few short weeks later it’s 80 degrees and we are getting fantastic compost.

Sent it straight back (at my own expense!). Couriers reluctant to take it due to very bulky outer box. Local cats using composter to jump in and out of my small garden would shred the lid within days. Using the stirring implement would shred the insides. Nice idea - way too much fuss.

It’s December, and I’ve had the hotbin for two weeks. It is eating the box it came in, all kitchen waste, and as it’s been around 60 degrees for a week the shredded leaves from the garden are going in. It is literally steaming. Once you have the mixture right of waste, cardboard and bark it works very well. It is very effective, and I am finding it unusual not to be putting so much into the waste bins. No subscription to Council’s scheme for collecting garden waste, and free compost - so it will pay for itself in the first year, I think. No smell, it isn’t intrusive, and it is doing its job very quickly. I am impressed!

Brilliant product which I am delighted with. It came highly recommended by several acquaintances. Not quite time to harvest my first compost yet, but it is doing away nicely and is so easy to use.