Constructed from 100% recycled UV-resistant polyethylene, this composter is a convenient garden accessory. Its design makes it one of the most efficiet composters for kitchen and yard waste. The easy access lid, adjustable air vents and sliding bottom exit door make it easy to use. No tools are required for assembly - the panels snap together. Composting and users guide included. Overall Dimensions: 23"W x 23"L x 40"H and weighs about 28 pounds.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Composter details
Comment: The composer is plastic and easy to assemble if you are patient. The top doesn't lock on and can be blown off by a stiff wind. The plastic stakes aren't strong enough to keep it from being blown over so use steel rods or concrete blocks to hold it up. Other than that,it holds compost.
Customer Rating: Summary: My Experience So Far
Comment: The composter I purchased from Gaiam arrived incomplete; in fact it was missing several pieces. I contacted the manufacturer of this unit and no one returned my call. I followed Gaiam's return intructions, which were fairly clear and which also cost me $35 FedEx to return. I have not received an exchange unit yet (which is what I requested).
I did receive an email from Gaiam explaining that they received the composter in return and that a new one would be coming to me in December. Apparently they are out of them at this time (11/13/2008).
I will update when this matter resolves.
TP
Customer Rating: Summary: Animal problems
Comment: It was quick and easy to assemble. But it's rather slow to compost materials (and, I'll be honest, I don't rotate it much - it's a nuisance to do it). But the big problem is that small animals either knock off the top, or chew holes through the part where you can take the compost out. And they create quite a mess in our yard. Next time, I'll get an "off the ground" version, and perhaps a tumbler that I can turn with a handle.
Customer Rating: Summary: Best composter so far
Comment: I've used a number of composters over the last 13 years. This is the best so far, and coincidentally, the most inexpensive.
Strengths: fast composting, compared to my tumbling composter and another similar (closed box) design.
Easy to assemble and to add raw vegetation.
Contact with the ground seems to make a big difference, since it attracts earthworms. Also I believe the dark color helps a lot.
Plants near the composter do extraordinarily well.
Weaknesses: lots of work turning it. I find a garden fork works well, the specialized tools work fine but actually require a bit more effort (less time, more physical strength).
This composter has served me extremely well. Unfortunately, like I'm sure happens with all its competitors, time takes its toll on it. The lower pieces warp and degrade. By about year 10 (if in full sun) it needs replacing. I've cannibalized parts from 2 to make one but finally, at year 13, I need another. Which will be my 3rd Garden Gourmet, of 5 composters owned so far, including ones costing more than twice as much.
Regarding the review of the person who couldn't keep the lid open: she has a point. However, for large amounts of materials, I just take the entire top off. It's easy to do and I have to do this anyway to do a better job turning the compost. I'm actually surprised that reviewer hasn't figured this out herself. This top is much easier to remove than the openings of many other composters.
Regarding the person who mentioned occasional flies: just turning the compost should be sufficient. One need not always look for yard waste to cover kitchen scraps.
Customer Rating: Summary: Disappointed
Comment: Quicky delivery of this produce and assembling was easy. Definitely a 4 star on how it fits in my yard. Doesn't take up a lot of room. Disappointed tho in the lid of this composter. It doesn't lock in. The two swinging doors on wach side of the lid have terrible hinges - very flimsy. The big problem? When you go over with your kitchen or yard scraps to dump in, the swinging door doesn't stay up. So you need a free hand to hold it open which can be a real pain if you have a heavy pail full or cumbersome yard scraps. Really not worth $99.
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