Thank you for the informative demonstration. It was worth the stop. I have the FCMP model and just getting started using it. I am interested in learning how others are using it as I just recently received mine. I also had a little difficulty in assembling the unit and wasted time by not reading the instructions carefully before beginning the process. The unit does look sharp in my small garden and I think it will be the perfect size for my purpose. Incidentally, a phillip's screwdriver will work better than a flat headed device. I didn't need a wrench which is called for as I started the nut to bolt by hand tightening with the screwdriver. Allow a couple hours for completion. My reward is knowing I am reducing my landfill footprint with a very positive result!
I’ve had the FCMP about two years and like it. I add 3-5 lbs of food scraps and coffee grounds per week, and balance it with dry oak leaves. It produces compost tea when I add water, so I’d never use it on an apartment balcony, patio or deck. I only remove finished compost a couple times per year as the materials seem to exit with the tea. It can get heavy, so rotating it can be hard at times. The slots fill with water when it rains, so watch out when you go to rotate it after a storm. The sliding doors can freeze tight in winter. And the base, while steady, won’t tolerate relocation when the tumbler has much weight to it, so put it where it will stay. It was a chore to assemble but it has served me well. It’s a bit pricier than when I bought it. The manufacturer posts a much higher price than the usual suspects, so shop around. I use a plastic 24.5 oz coffee container to store scraps in my kitchen. No need to spend on anything fancy. I mark the lid as compost and it seals nicely. If the lid cracks it’s time for a replacement. Keep in mind that composting takes weight out of your trash, so it saves you taxes if your muni pays by weight at the landfill.
I live in a high rise with a balcony facing north with very windy conditions. I do not like bugs. Thanks for this comparison. I am leaning torwards the smaller one but I like dual chamber.
You can fit a small fork or just your hand inside with gloves on to remove the compost. Or if you have the strength, you can lay on the side to spill it out.
@@adamsnyder9088 at this point, then, almost a year after your review, which composter of the two do you prefer for a) ease of use (incl. getting compost out) and b) effectiveness/performance to compost and c) value for money? Thanks for the video!!
Rachel Phelps The one with the metal frame stand is easy to use, very efficient with twin bins, sometimes a little tricky to unload but was lower cost. However, still very good. The low tumbler works well in making compost however it only has one main compartment and a tea base which I personally don’t use, but some people may. More expensive, perhaps will last longer, but honestly both are good options.
Several questions: 1) can you put just kitchen garbage in the FCMP, or do you need to add clippings; 2) will it attract bears (we have lots around here) even if you don't add meat; and 3) can you start this in the winter when it's freezing outside? Thanks much.
I would suggest adding clippings to your compost, at least the same volume as clippings as kitchen scraps or more. I have never seen bears personally go near my bins, but I won't say it couldn't be possible. I've made compost through the winter, the scraps just take longer to break down. During the day, the compost sometimes will have a chance to thaw and thus start breaking down. Hope this helps!
Mike Fa both held up well this summer. The envirocycle one is a more thicker composite so I assume it will last longer and has less steel components that could rust.
Being a mechanical engineer, you should have went with the FCMP RM4000 tumbler composter, rather than the FCMP IM4000. The FCMP RM4000 adheres to the KISS (Keep It Simple...Stupid) engineering principle, and everyone can appreciate that, not just engineers. Single bin with greater biomass volume for better hot composting, and one piece barrel design with no panels to be screwed together, making it much faster and easier to assemble as well as stronger and more reliable in the long run. After reading hundreds of reviews and watching over a dozen videos, it appears to be the best mid-size tumbler composting bin, in all respects.
Hey Leah, unfortunately I do not know of one at this point of time from my testing. I only know Envirocycle has a smaller 17 gallon version for a little less money. If you find one though, let me know here to share with others.
Thank you for the informative demonstration. It was worth the stop. I have the FCMP model and just getting started using it. I am interested in learning how others are using it as I just recently received mine. I also had a little difficulty in assembling the unit and wasted time by not reading the instructions carefully before beginning the process. The unit does look sharp in my small garden and I think it will be the perfect size for my purpose. Incidentally, a phillip's screwdriver will work better than a flat headed device. I didn't need a wrench which is called for as I started the nut to bolt by hand tightening with the screwdriver. Allow a couple hours for completion. My reward is knowing I am reducing my landfill footprint with a very positive result!
I’ve had the FCMP about two years and like it. I add 3-5 lbs of food scraps and coffee grounds per week, and balance it with dry oak leaves. It produces compost tea when I add water, so I’d never use it on an apartment balcony, patio or deck. I only remove finished compost a couple times per year as the materials seem to exit with the tea. It can get heavy, so rotating it can be hard at times. The slots fill with water when it rains, so watch out when you go to rotate it after a storm. The sliding doors can freeze tight in winter. And the base, while steady, won’t tolerate relocation when the tumbler has much weight to it, so put it where it will stay. It was a chore to assemble but it has served me well. It’s a bit pricier than when I bought it. The manufacturer posts a much higher price than the usual suspects, so shop around. I use a plastic 24.5 oz coffee container to store scraps in my kitchen. No need to spend on anything fancy. I mark the lid as compost and it seals nicely. If the lid cracks it’s time for a replacement. Keep in mind that composting takes weight out of your trash, so it saves you taxes if your muni pays by weight at the landfill.
Thanks Pat for the in-depth reply!
I live in a high rise with a balcony facing north with very windy conditions. I do not like bugs. Thanks for this comparison. I am leaning torwards the smaller one but I like dual chamber.
QUESTION: What do you do with the compost, if you want to store it through out the winter? Can I still make compost during the winter?
We live in Wisconsin. So, we have lots of snow and temps around zero.
I just ordered this from Amazon.
So you prefer the lower to the ground one? Does it hold more compost?
Where did your get that shovel. I am severly disabled and have been looking for a shovel that I can operate from my electric wheel chair ?
Thanks. How do you get the finished compost out of the Envirocycle?
You can fit a small fork or just your hand inside with gloves on to remove the compost. Or if you have the strength, you can lay on the side to spill it out.
@@adamsnyder9088 at this point, then, almost a year after your review, which composter of the two do you prefer for a) ease of use (incl. getting compost out) and b) effectiveness/performance to compost and c) value for money? Thanks for the video!!
Rachel Phelps The one with the metal frame stand is easy to use, very efficient with twin bins, sometimes a little tricky to unload but was lower cost. However, still very good. The low tumbler works well in making compost however it only has one main compartment and a tea base which I personally don’t use, but some people may. More expensive, perhaps will last longer, but honestly both are good options.
Several questions: 1) can you put just kitchen garbage in the FCMP, or do you need to add clippings; 2) will it attract bears (we have lots around here) even if you don't add meat; and 3) can you start this in the winter when it's freezing outside? Thanks much.
I would suggest adding clippings to your compost, at least the same volume as clippings as kitchen scraps or more. I have never seen bears personally go near my bins, but I won't say it couldn't be possible. I've made compost through the winter, the scraps just take longer to break down. During the day, the compost sometimes will have a chance to thaw and thus start breaking down. Hope this helps!
@@adamsnyder9088 - Thanks so much, Adam ... this helps a lot! :)
I have the big one I love it.
crocs with white socks....nice
Can you open the sliding door of the FCMP when it is on the bottom so it opens under the bottom of the frame?
Great question. I just tested this out and YES it does open when under the frame.
Thanks for the comparison review! ... which one do you think will last longer under the hot sun all year round?
Mike Fa both held up well this summer. The envirocycle one is a more thicker composite so I assume it will last longer and has less steel components that could rust.
Thank you
Being a mechanical engineer, you should have went with the FCMP RM4000 tumbler composter, rather than the FCMP IM4000. The FCMP RM4000 adheres to the KISS (Keep It Simple...Stupid) engineering principle, and everyone can appreciate that, not just engineers. Single bin with greater biomass volume for better hot composting, and one piece barrel design with no panels to be screwed together, making it much faster and easier to assemble as well as stronger and more reliable in the long run. After reading hundreds of reviews and watching over a dozen videos, it appears to be the best mid-size tumbler composting bin, in all respects.
Hey Adam, I'm not good at all with putting things together. How about an easier, affordable alternative for an old lady with no man help.
Hey Leah, unfortunately I do not know of one at this point of time from my testing. I only know Envirocycle has a smaller 17 gallon version for a little less money. If you find one though, let me know here to share with others.
Leah you can do it.
There are some good videos about assembling it on RUclips. I am putting mine together now.