Hotbin composter

[ChrisB]

Was just watching a bit of the Chelsea coverage and got interested in the new Hotbin composter

Has anyone got one and if so, how do you rate it?

TIA for any info ...

[Graeme]

I would need to see one at £200 as the pictures look like black Styrofoam and I would be concerned about the durability outside

I had been thinking a couple of sheets of 100mm house insulation and a couple of cans of foam round a plastic composter 

[Gail]

I've had one for probably 3 years. The actual bin is lasting well although I threw away the cam straps as the fastener was really too fiddly to use. The hatch is awkward to open and then once you get it open, I really struggle to get it back on again. I'm sure if you are a very organised/obsessive composter and follow the instructions to the letter then it would work well but unfortunately I am neither of those things and have certainly never seen it get anywhere near 60 degrees - I am pleasantly surprised if it gets to 30, so the promise of compost in 90 days gets an ironic laugh.
Must say though it makes a brilliant slug breeding factory - particularly when it is running at around 30. Just nipped out to take some photos and at the moment it is unusually underpopulated, some days when you lift the lid there will be dozens of big, beautifully mottled slugs in there...

[brianw]

The last time I looked at these they suggested emptying and refilling it to mix every 4 weeks or so. I assumed this was how the temperature was kept up. I have 2 heaps but they only get used and turned over ~ once a year. Each time I cut all the grass and stack it on the heap it gets quite warm, for a few hours, but it is a lot of work turning ~cubic meter of material, apart from needing an empty space to work with. I could line the pallet sides with 50mm polystyrene I guess.

[ChrisB]

Thanks folks, thought it looked to be too good to be true.  It won product of the year at Chelsea this week.  Clearly the theory and practice are two different things ....