For years I have been using a three-bin system of composting, and I detested the waste of space. Mantis, of the “Mantis Tiller/Cultivator” fame, asked me if I would be willing to try out their Mantis Back Porch Compost Tumbler. Seeing how I have been composting for years and not loving the process I now use, I readily agreed. Preparing my recipes do produce a fair amount of waste product that ends up in the compost pile on the side of the house, so I was happy to try a new method that takes up far less space than I currently use.
My current compost system initially took up a 3′ by 12′ space over in my garden and out of frustration, I reduced it to a 3′ x 6′ space. It works great as it is but uses a good portion of my side yard/garden area, and the dog loves to sneak in there and gobble up some of the delicacies. Messy in every sense of the word and her breath could stop a freight train on some days.
My new Mantis Back Porch Compost Tumbler arrived claiming it only takes up a 31” x 26” space, a considerable reduction of garden space, and with its locking lid, the dog will be losing a few much-needed pounds. I want to go over the assembly and first impressions in today's post.
Back Porch Compost Tumbler – Small box, large capacity!
The assembled size of Mantis Back Porch Compost Tumbler is 37″ high x 31″ wide x 26″ deep and hold a generous 30 gallons of compost material (think of one of those large 32-gallon green garbage cans that most people have to get an idea of the capacity.) A handle and two wheels make it easy to move in your yard too.
The Mantis Back Porch Compost Tumbler is packaged very well to prevent any damage during shipping.
There are very few parts to assemble.
Impressively detailed instructions make assembly very easy to follow with step-by-step illustrations.
Parts are conveniently packaged in bags and clearly label by assembly steps taking the guesswork out of the assembly.
Assembly took roughly an hour to complete and required one beer plus some music (not required by Mantis to assemble.)
I love the sage green color of the Mantis Back Porch Compost Tumbler, making it naturally blending into the backyard.
The wheels allow for smooth movement and the completed assembly is so good looking that I won't be hiding it in the side yard.
There are more wins than loses with this composter!
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Small finished space profile
- Large capacity
- Moves easily
- Great color (Sage Green)
- Large access door
- Fluid spin rotation for composting
- Perfect for most small yard applications
Cons:
- Potentially heavy when full making it difficult to move
I couldn't be happier with the finished product. Makes the three-bin composting system seem clumsy and messy. With the Mantis Back Porch Composting System, you should be able to make as much compost as you need without the dog eating all those tasting morsels in the three-bin pile.
Composting with the Mantis Back Porch Compost Tumbler, Mantis states that you can complete a batch of compost in 4 to 6 weeks depending on temperature and contents being composted. I am looking forward to putting my Mantis Back Porch Compost Tumbler through the Fall composting season.
Full disclosure: Mantis provided the Mantis Back Porch Compost Tumbler and no charge for me to use and review. All words, photos, and opinions are my own and published without stipulation.
