RSI Maze Two Stage Compost Tumbler

This thing really cooks. We have the space and a lot of yard waste. we’ve almost filled up both sides of the first one in 2 mos. So much easier than the pile I’ve been hand turning in the yard and no worries that the dogs or pests will get into it. Assembly wasn’t difficult and my husband was very impressed with the quality.

There are a lot of pieces, but they fit together well. I looked through the instructions twice before I started putting it together so that I’d have a good idea of the process. The instructions are diagram heavy and text light. It comes with a few extra pieces of hardware (bolts for instance). I put the barrel caps on the wrong ends initially, but that was easy to fix and a demonstration that the plastic is good quality. They fit just as tightly the second time as the first. We put the composter in the sunniest part of our backyard and started adding kitchen scraps about three weeks ago along with some shredded paper. It seems to be working well so far, especially since it’s winter.

Update after 18 mo: sticking with 4-stars - had to remove and re-install the handle because the gears became dislodged so it wouldn’t turn. This appears to have happened due t the ground underneath having settled so it is no longer level (although only slightly off). Holding off on 5 stars only to see how it works over time - very good and I am pleased. I bought this to replace a much larger compost bin because I need one that allows me to fully use all the compost despite having access to only one side (I couldn't open both doors on the previous version meaning I had a lot of compost that I never used in the back of the bin). And I have grown to dislike bins that require removing a door at the bottom allowing compost to spill out creating a mess to clean up so I could get the door back on. I bought this one because it is the largest rotating bin I found that has 2 compartments so I can continue to add compost on one side while using compost from the other. I just put it together and filled it up - great so far. Assembly was fairly easy after getting the first few screws lined up - that was a challenge by myself. The barrel comes in 6 segments - I recommend having one person hold the segments while another works the hardware. Once thru that, the rest went smoothly. Only one missing screw and it was easy to work around it for now (I am contacting the company for replacement). The instructions were good, but still had a few spots that were vague, like the last piece. Fortunately, at that point, there were only a few unused holes for the bolts so it made sense. The handle, gears, and clutch are all plastic and work well, but don't appear to be "over-engineered." I have it filled to capacity, since I replaced a larger bin, and it works well, but I have a minor concern about its longevity, especially in cold weather. I think I would pay a little more to get studier material on those parts. It is very easy to use, but I haven't taken any compost out yet, so I'm giving it 4-stars until I get to do that part. The doors are easy to slide and can be moved from one side to the other when it's time to change sides from "add" to "use." I love being able to easily mix/spin the compost as soon as I put some in - MUCH easier that grabbing a tool to manually mix it in my previous bin. I have it under my deck stairs where using a shovel meant maneuvering without much head-space limiting my ability to properly mix the compost. UPDATE: one year later - the unit survived a Maryland winter quite well. The missing screw presents no problem. The handle keeps popping off, but is easy enough to pop back in place. The unit is sensitive to being level. I placed it on page stone tiles, but slight settling on one side allows it to slip a little which moves the gear-lock out of place enough to prevent it from engaging. I need to push the drum back every week or so. Minor issue, but enough that I will stick with 4 stars. I use the compost regularly and still haven’t used up one side of it - it is quite nice, working well, and sturdy.

The assembly of this was a beast! It took 2 people, 1 to hold the pieces in place and the other to screw, tighten etc. The directions are diagrams and we had a few cases of "disassembly" when moving on to the next steps and realizing what the diagram was actually showing. In hindsight, I would suggest setting up all parts for each stage ahead of time. We did verify all the parts and hardware were there before assembly. Bottom line, two 70 year old women had success in assembly but we do not wish to ever assemble another one. Hoping the composting capabilities are excellent.

This composter replaces an older tumbler that has a round screw on/off opening. In my opinion this Maze has a much better opening that is easy to load and empty. The build quality is very good and the large number of screws that hold it together makes it very strong. I also like the two chamber design. I have one side cooking so far and will soon start adding to the second side. the crank handle really makes turning it very easy. Unlike most recent products, the large print assembly manual was very easy to follow. Again my opinion, the Chinese could learn a lot from the Australians. Good on ya!

I read a lot of reviews that said it took 2 people upwards of 2.5 hours to assemble. I was able to assemble this, by myself, in 1.5 hours. The steps are well laid out and as others recommend, lay all the parts out before starting to make sure you can see what's needed at each step. It would be easier to assemble with two people but can be done alone. I really like how easy it is to rotate this barrel. The way the gears are set, turning is not hard to do. I've attached pictures showing the parts that were the most confusing to assemble. The last couple steps are a bit confusing but I was able to figure them out. The locking break (two pictures), and the screw on the left side holding the center bar. The center bar does not turn. The barrel rotates on it. Be sure to have it sit on a hard level surface so it's easier to turn. I've had this for about a month now and it's working great. It comes with instructions on what to compost and ideas on how. I would recommend this.

Easy assembly, although it took me twenty minutes or so. Sturdy plastic drum and a stable metal base. Easy to turn, and the lock feature keeps the barrel securely in place with the lid up (or wherever you want it) until you need to turn it again. I like the two-bin setup, where you can use one side, then let it compost in peace while you use the other bin for new green and brown compostables. We had a metal barrel drum for about a year-- it seemed like a good deal but it rusted and broke far too soon. I think that a sturdy plastic barrel is a better bet. We'll see.