Compost, in one form or another, has been around since the “beginning”! The natural process of a compost pile has given way to more organized and scientific methods, and the process is now simpler than ever with “inventions” like the Aerobin 400 Composter.
It may have taken a few “years”, but technology has finally caught up with composting and it’s in the form of the Aerobin. Turning organic waste into rich fertile compost that is jam-packed with nutrients, without the drudgery of constant turning or aeration and the disgusting aroma, has never been this easy.
We have prepared a thorough review of the Aerobin to help you in choosing a tool to make composting easier than the traditional pile. We have also included several comments or suggestions from current customers and their experience with this particular composter.
Also, below is a very helpful video that demonstrates the Aerobin’s patented process and it also compares the bin to 2 other bin products during a 12-week testing period.
Aerobin 400 Video Demo:
Technological Features of the Aerobin 400:
Nutrient-rich compost, which is the quest of every serious gardener, can only come about from a unit that is designed well and ruggedly constructed. The Aerobin 400 Composter reflects these two important criteria.
The Aerobin 400 is built like a Sherman tank. Sturdy is much too wimpy a word to describe this durable composter. At 29 x 29 x 47 inches and 56 pounds, it won’t tip over or fall apart. Plus, it’s double-insulated with polystyrene ensuring that the heat necessary for composting stays in the unit, and the cold of winter won’t affect the process.
The most interesting feature of this high-tech gardening tool is its unique, patented self-aeration lung. This means that there is no longer any need to constantly turn the decomposing debris. This process also helps to eliminate the less-than-pleasant aroma that has been the bane of composters since the Roman Empire!
Another important feature of the Aerobin 400 Composter is its tough, plastic base. This base is designed to be a reservoir for the liquid nutrients that drain from the organic materials that are “cooking” above, and instead of their being deposited in the ground below the compost pile, they can be used where they can do the most good – in your flower beds or vegetable gardens!
Since most gardeners are do-it-yourself type of folks, there is another feature of this unit that’s important to note. The assembly instructions are clear, concise and easy to understand. When it arrives, the Aerobin 400 can be functioning in about 15 minutes! There will be no more of the “wife” telling the “husband” to read the hour-long instruction book!
Benefits of the Aerobin 400 Composter:
More and Better Compost! Serious gardeners will immediately recognize the benefits of the Aerobin 400 Composter.
- Faster: The heavily insulated unit retains the heat that stimulates faster decomposition of the materials.
- Self-Aerating: The patented, self-aeration lung in the unit, allows oxygen to circulate throughout all of the materials deposited which, in addition to nitrogen, carbon and water, is one of the mandatory elements necessary for composting.
- No Rotation or Turning Needed: This self-aeration also precludes the gardener from being forced to manually turn the decomposing materials, eliminating the labor in the heat of summer or cold of winter.
- No More “Smell”: Constant aeration also eliminates the most obnoxious aspect of composting – the smell.
Aerobin Customer Reviews:
The Aerobin has 11 customer reviews at Amazon. Six reviewers gave it a 4 out of 5 Star Rating. Two reviewers gave it a 3 Star Rating. Two reviewers gave it a 2 Star Rating and 1 reviewer gave it a 1 Star Rating.
A common tip among the reviewers was the suggestion or tip to place the Aerobin on a “pedestal” such as cinder blocks. This suggestion will help raise or place the drain for the compost liquid higher and more easily accessible for draining. When it is placed on just slab or flat surface, it is harder to access the drain.
A common “pro” was the fact that the composter can actually be put together easily in 15 minutes time as mentioned above.
A common “con” was the fact that the bin does “bulge” when it gets full.
Just as email forever changed communication, the technology of the Aerobin 400 Composter changed gardening. This will leave more time for the fun things like being chosen “yard of the month!”
February 26, 2012 at 11:25 pm
The one thing I like about this composter is the fact that you don’t have to dig it out of there with your hands it actually has a place to dump it out at the bottom. This was a very interesting blog and I appreciate the information. I am going to research these a little more and get one eventually. You did an excellent job on your blog and I appreciate it very much.
February 27, 2012 at 2:20 am
Thank you Caroline and you’re welcome. You do not have to “dig” to get access to the compost, but as noted in the review, it is best to place the Aerobin 400 on a pedestal or slab of cement so that it is easier to get access to the spigot. The spigot drains your compost liquid!
February 27, 2012 at 6:39 am
The Aerobin 400 Composter appears to be seriously cool. Precisely where have you discovered the best price for the product? And, have you located any place that features totally free shipping and delivery since it really is such a good sized item to be dispatching through the postal mail! Oh, do they come sized in any other measurements?Thanks a lot for the review and the video also.
February 28, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Rayford, Amazon has free shipping on many of their products and the Aerobin 400 is tagged with this over at their site: “item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping”. They also have a slight discounted price right now. But, the most important thing about Amazon is its integrity…they are just a good solid merchant to buy from!
February 29, 2012 at 6:37 am
Do you actually have any idea if it shows up with any sort of e-book or guide about just how to use it and what type of ingredients to add to the container? I seriously want to quicken my composting endeavours and I would certainly like to be able to also make use of the tea on my household plants and flowers. Do you happen to know if you need to dilute the tea from the compost at all before using it on your vegetation and such?
March 13, 2012 at 8:23 pm
Yes, the Aerobin does come with literature or a guide book from the manufacturer. We also have a post or two about what types of ingredients to add as far as carbons and nitrogens. Yes, you should always dilute the compost liquid before using it on your vegetation.
March 1, 2012 at 6:37 am
Thanks for the overview on the Aerobin 400 Composter system. I happen to be thinking about buying one and so I seen in your current evaluation that you only display photos of the bin model. I was wondering if the size is the only one available at Amazon online marketplace?
March 2, 2012 at 4:46 am
James, the Aerobin 400 model only comes in one size that is available through Amazon.
March 2, 2012 at 7:11 pm
This sounds like the composter for me. I like the idea that it is kept warm in there and the aero rater keeps it from smelling and from needing mixed all the time. I thought about the stand alone one in a previous blog but I think this one will serve my purpose better. Thank you for posting this information. Does compost help the grass as well as the flowers and bushes?
March 13, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Emma, you’re welcome for the post. Yes, compost does wonders for your grass as well. You may need to “aerate” your lawn first…meaning pull some “plugs” of grass/roots/soil here and there so that the compost can get mixed in deep!
March 3, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Wow! Really? I was not aware that throwing away organic waste contributes to green house gasses. I am seriously considering purchasing this item. it requires no maintenance work. Apparently you just scoop the compost from the bottom bin. The one thing I am worried about though, is whether there foul odors will permeate throughout the surrounding area of your house. What about roaches? It is almost impossible to keep them out of anything. I wouldn’t want to create a haven for roaches.
March 16, 2012 at 1:17 am
Bruce, if you mix the right ingredients of your browns and green (carbons and nitrogens) as far as your compost ingredients goes, you should just have an “earthy” aroma! As far as roaches go, not sure on that one as I live in an area where they are not a problem. But, you will have other critters that occupy your compost and these “critters” are the ones that do the composting…some are microorganisms and some are larger!
March 4, 2012 at 6:00 pm
When I consider that it takes the organic materials to become compost in about a month, I wonder if the trash of a three person household would be enough garbage to produce enough compost that would generate a supplemental income. That is what I am considering. I am all in favor of doing things that will help the environment, but it would certainly motivate me to buy this if I determine it can make me some money.
March 16, 2012 at 1:18 am
Richard, I’m not sure if you would have enough compost to “sell”! Although, I know that there are lots of gardeners who buy compost and do not make it themselves!
March 5, 2012 at 5:08 pm
I really like the looks of this composter and I like the idea of the self aeration lung keeping it cooking evenly and keeping it from smelling. I also like how sleek it is being as it is going to be setting outside our house in full view I want it to look nice. The durability is good to because critters will like the smell of rotting food and try to get in it.