I bought a used one at a sale several years back and didn't shed a tear when I resold it on craigslist. I was probably doing it wrong, but I never got a batch out of it in the "19 days!" (or whatever time frame they claim). I think you need to shred everything that goes in it very fine and keep it at an ideal moisture. It might work great with what you see them putting in it in the ads - grass clippings and shredded leaves only. Also, when a load is in it, you shouldn't put more stuff in, so where do you put it? In the pile you were looking to avoid, of course! I built myself a 3 bay pile out of used cinder blocks. and am happy with that.

Farmerboy I had the same results about 10 years ago! I sold mine at a garage sale for 10 bucks was glad I didn't have to look at it anymore.

We sourced both the Mantis Twin and Compostumbler off Craigslist. Never tried the 19 day thing, but they work good for us. I think the biggest benefit is they keep it tidy, pets out etc. Cons wood be that they take strength and ambition to turn. I had thought of running one on a timer and motor when we first got going. We do the majority of our composting now via the black soldier fly/ worm bin in season, or toss goodies out for the hens. I'll toss one of them on CL this spring I think. BTW, if you look for them used, watch to make sure the metal isn't rusting thin from being stopped in the same spot forever. I would agree with farmerboybill that the three bin system is the best way to go if you have room and no snoopy dogs.

I agree with Farmboy. Our Compostumbler never had the chance to compost. It sat in direct Arizona sun and cooked. It needed to be watered every day or more often. I sold it for $50.00 to a woman who promised to treat it much better. A pile works good for some of us, 'cause I can run a tiller through it to finish it off. Works great.
Norm