Compost Tumbler vs Compost Pile

Do you want to start composting this year? I’m going to compare a compost tumbler vs a compost pile. Is a compost tumbler worth the investment? We will run through the pros and cons of both methods, so that you can make a more informed decision.

The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pile it Up or Tumble it Around

In third grade we learned about composting. I went home and started a compost pile behind the shed. Thank goodness my mom was supportive of such shenanigans. We spent all summer filling our compost pile. Trouble was getting the dirt out, but that wasn’t really what 8 year old me was worried about. After the pile experience, my mom bought a tumbler. I much preferred the compost tumbler vs compost pile.

When we made our wedding registry, I put a compost tumbler on the list. I’d learned from experience that I had preferred the tumbler. We set it up in the backyard, despite not having a garden or even any landscaping, I was ready to start making soil.

Pin it for Later!

Compost Tumbler

Compost Tumbler Pros

It is easy to turn the pile.

Maybe it’s just me, but I love going out to spin the compost tumbler. A pile requires a shovel and some time to turn it. A tumbler can be rolled in just a couple minutes. Even little kids can turn the compost when it’s in a tumbler.

It turns to soil faster.

Most of the time a compost tumbler will help things break down into soil faster than they would in a compost pile. The black plastic heats up with the sun. The confined space keeps the heat and moisture inside. In practice does it work for me? No, because I don’t measure my browns and greens. I toss whatever I’ve got in the bin and give it a roll.

Animals can’t get into it.

This was a big plus for us when we lived in town. We didn’t want the neighborhood strays digging through it and making a mess. Now it keeps out racoons, opposums, and other wild critters.

There is no smell.

I like to keep the compost tumbler close the house, so that it is convenient to put the compost in. That being said, I don’t want to smell compost every time we open the windows. The tumbler is great for the purpose.

Compost Tumbler Cons

The soil is difficult to remove.

The small opening on a tumbler makes it difficult to remove the soil. It is only big enough to fit a handheld shovel, but that isn’t of much help when emptying the entire bin. The next best thing is to turn it upside down and give it a good shake. Unless done directly over the garden, the compost must then be moved to the appropriate location. It is a hassle I dread every year.

There is a limited amount of space.

A compost tumbler only provides so much space. When it runs out, then you either have to empty it or wait. A dual bin tumbler tries to solve this problem, but if one side gets full before the other is finished composting you still run into a problem.

Compost Pile

Compost Pile Pros

There is unlimited space.

A compost pile solves the space issue. If you need more space, you can make the pile bigger or start another one. The only space limitation would be your willingness to give up space in the yard or garden.

It’s easy to see how the pile is doing.

With a compost pile, you can see it breaking down into soil over time. This makes it easy to see how the pile is doing and if it needs more greens or browns. The inside of a tumbler is dark and not easily seen.

Insects can climb in to help the process.

A compost pile is exposed, which means things can climb into the pile. That means worms and other beneficial insects can help the compost to break down faster. An enclosed tumbler doens’t have that advantage.

Compost Pile Cons

It is unattractive from the neighbor’s perspective.

If you are living in town or near neighbors, they may not see the beauty of turning waste into soil. They may see it as a pile of stinky trash that the weird neighbor is collecting. A tumbler will hide it from the judgmental eyes of an HOA.

It can take a long time, if the ratio of greens and browns is off.

A compost pile will take much longer to compost if your ratio of browns and greens isn’t right. This is especially true in cooler climates or places with a cold winter season. It isn’t as hot and humid as it would be inside of a tumbler.

The smell may bother you in a a small yard.

If you are in a small yard, the smell may bother you. Most of the time, a compost pile will not smell, but on the occasions that it does you’ll have company arriving for an outdoor get together. That’s just how those things work.

Animals may dig in the pile or carry off treasures.

Stray dogs, racoons, opposums, and other critters may dig in a compost pile. This could leave you with a considerable mess to clean up. If you’re going to have a pile, I suggest putting fence around it to prevent as much of this as possible.