Most of us are well aware that compost has magnificent qualities, that we call it black gold for a good reason. Knowing and doing are different things, if it weren’t we would all be composting our waste and turn it into the best soil enhancer available.
We are busy people and the thought of maintaining and regularly turning a compost heap isn’t high on our priority list. Let alone the space constraints and the possibility to sent odors of decaying organic materials in the direction of our neighbor’s new patio.
Composting The Easy Way
It would be different when the composting process is easy, hassle free and speedup up a little. The 20 bushel ComposT-Twin from Mantis is a solution to the problem. And is a well designed user friendly product. The Two 10 Bushel containers guarantee a constant and trouble free supply of high quality compost.
MANTIS® ComposT-Twin – for a continuous supply of compost! Free Activator and Guide to Composting. One-year money-back guarantee.
Assembly of the ComposT-Twin
After ordering the ComposT-Twin you will receive several boxes, which can, when you are anything like me this could bring on feelings of impending disaster. Yet not to worry as a pleasant the manual is well written and will walk you through each stage of the construction.
The actual assembly of the Mantis composter is a 2 person job. This is where the manual really shines, with the guidance of detailed photo’s and drawings the unit is easily set up. You will have your composting facility ready to produce your black gold in no-time. The free compost recipes ensure a head start and should be mentioned in this review.
Two Chamber or Twin Tumbler Design
The Mantis CompostT-Twin has a two-chamber design. This means that when one bin or chamber “cooks” you can fill up the second with more garden or kitchen waste. The system is much faster than a compost heap. Although the question of how long the composting process takes is dependent on many factors the waste on your heap could take about a year to break down.
This comparison table is dependent on many outside factors and should only be used as indication
| Composting Method | Time to Decompose | Curing |
| Passive | 6 – 24 months | 1 – 2 months |
| Pile Infrequent Turning | 4 – 8 months | 1 – 2 months |
| Worm Bin | 4 – 6 weeks | n/a |
| Tumbler | 3 – 8 days | 1 – 2 months |
The ComposT-Twin is a what we call a Twin Tumbler system. The whole idea behind the compost tumbler to make the turning, mixing and aeration heap easier and more effective and will allow the bin to heat up as it should.
With a tumbler system allows for composting in badges which speeds up the process considerably. The Compost T-Twin makes it possible to have a 1o bushel compost bin in production and one on standby.
Handling and Every Day Use
The handle and gear system of the ComposT-Twin is trouble free, just take the handle and rotate the compost barrel once or twice a day is what it takes to get a really good compost fast.
To speed up the decomposition process further Mantis offers compost activators and thermometers to monitor the heat in the decomposing core. This is quite handy during warm periods or when you are composting more solid waste.
The composter’s galvanized drums are off the ground and so avoid pests and odors. There are two aerator vents needed to for the oxygen the decomposition process takes.
The Mantis composter comes with a very good guide to composting, that will show you the basics of recycling and has recipes to help you compost even better and faster.
On the whole the ComposT-Twin is a good investment, the capacity of 20 bushels is sufficient for the average gardener to produce all the black gold he or she needs.
What you will get:
- TWO 10-bushel capacity bins Holds almost 25 cubic feet of raw material.
- Two aerator vents on each door allows essential oxygen into your mix.
- Easy to load and unload: Sits 32″ off the ground; convenient height for loading, unloading and rotating the drum.
- Sturdy tubular steel frame and galvanized metal drum provide years of use. The Mantis Compost-Twin is warranted for two years against parts and workmanship.
- Vented end caps assure even air flow and proper drainage of excess moisture.
- Interior “fins” help to mix material as drum is rotated.
- Fatigue-free mixing: with easy-to-turn handle and gear system.
- Overall size: 65″ wide x 66″ high and 41″ deep.
Backed by the Mantis Promise: Try any product that you buy directly from Mantis with NO RISK! If you’re not completely satisfied, send it back to us within one year for a complete no-hassle refund.
