Last Updated on September 2, 2020
Are you looking for the best composting toilet?
I have reviewed the most popular options on the market today, and after reading this article you will know which composting toilet is best for your needs.
Check out the quick list below for price and customer reviews if you are in a hurry, or read on for the full reviews:
- Nature’s Head Dry Composting Toilet with Standard Crank Handle
- Nature’s Head Composting Toilet with Spider Handle
- Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet with Close Quarters Spider Handle
By opting for a composting toilet, you can stop putting the waste into your sewer system and move it instead into a composting tank. This is a great option if you are worried about unpredictable water supply either on a regular basis or in an emergency situation.
There are two main types of composting toilets that you will need to consider when you are looking.
The first is a self-contained toilet that has the toilet, as well as the composting tank together in a single unit.
These are very easy to install and to move and require significantly less space than a central composting toilet.
Central composting toilets, on the other hand, don’t require as much maintenance as self-contained toilets and are much better at controlling odor.
They do require more space for installation and aren’t as mobile.
Advantages to Using a Composting Toilet
May people are surprised at all of the benefits of switching to a composting toilet.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not this is a good move for you, then make sure that you educate yourself on the following advantages that composting toilets have to offer.
One main benefit, and an advantage that I love, is that when you install a composting toilet you won’t have to have nearly as much water to operate it as you do with traditional toilets.
This means that if you live in an area that is prone to droughts or simply want to prepare for a grid-down situation that you won’t need to worry about having enough water for your traditional toilet.
These toilets are also incredibly environmentally friendly, as they will take your waste and then turn it into free compost that you can use in your yard or garden.
If you love to garden or produce your own food, then a composting toilet may be right for you.
Finally, these toilets do not require a ton of space and are perfect for a situation where you do not have room for a traditional septic tank or installing one would be cost prohibitive.
If you live in a very rural area or are trying to go off the grid, then using a composting toilet is a great alternative to traditional toilets.
Features to Look For
To make sure that your foray into composting toilets is as successful and stress-free as possible, make sure that you look for a toilet that has the following features.
First, you need to make sure that it is easy to empty the tank, as you do not want to have to rely on having a second person around to help you with the process.
You also need to make sure that it has a powerful fan that is designed to help prevent odor.
Make sure that you choose a model that is easy to use and will help you to break down your waste, such as one with a standard crank handle that is comfortable to hold and easy to use.
Using Your Composting Toilet
Because there is a little bit of a learning curve when using a composting toilet, I think it’s important to discuss this slightly comical topic.
With that in mind I’ll spare you the potty jokes.
Remember: it takes more skill for you to use a composting toilet than it does a traditional model that you only have to flush.
The most important thing that you need to remember and be aware of is moisture management, as this will play a huge role in your success and happiness.
Your composting toilet has to have enough moisture or it won’t be able to work properly.
Without enough water, or with too much water, you will run into problems.
Especially when you opt for a self-contained model.
You have to monitor and control how much moisture is in your toilet, your ventilation fan speed, and the output on your internal heating coil.
There are some toilets that have a built-in gauge that will allow you to easily tell how much moisture there is in your toilet, which makes this much easier than simply guessing.
Additionally, you need to pay attention to the ratio of carbon and nitrogen that’s inside the toilet.
These two elements need to be properly balanced.
Since waste is high in nitrogen, you have to add something that is high in carbon, such as peat moss.
Without enough carbon your toilet will begin to smell, while too much carbon will halt the decomposition process.
Check out this great video from Gone with the Wynns. They explain exactly how your new composting toilet works and will give you the peace of mind and confidence that you need to use your composting toilet and what to do with your waste.
Composting Toilet
This is a great composting toilet if you are looking for a self-contained unit for use in your home, camper, RV, or boat. It’s perfect for both daily use and for use in survival situations, as you can easily use and empty the toilet to reduce problems with odors and flies. Allowing you to use the toilet without requiring water. Made with stainless steel hardware, this composting toilet is built to last and has a robust and rugged construction.
Pros
● Enjoy fast composting with the hand crank agitator included in the base
● Fast and easy installation
● Very easy to use
● Molded design is attractive and comfortable
● Includes the accessories you need to install your toilet
● Completely self contained
● Diverts urine
● Doesn’t require any water
● Provides wonderful odor control
Cons
● Tends to attract flies, especially in hot and humid climates
● Lid and composting chamber flap aren’t airtight
● When fan breaks, the toilet will smell
Even if you have multiple people in your home using the toilet every day you won’t have to worry about emptying this toilet on a daily basis or dealing with bad odors. As long as you clear the gasket of solid debris before reassembling the toilet and bin, you won’t have problems with odors or with the toilet not working the way that you want it to.
Pros
● Comes with five-year warranty
● Large capacity means that it doesn’t have to be emptied as often as other composting toilets
● Easy to empty in just five minutes
● Can hold around 60-80 uses without problems
● Results in organic compost
● Wired to be used in a 12-volt outlet
Cons
● Wall adapter is optional, but isn’t included
● Fan is necessary to prevent odor buildup
● Vent van tends to die after a year of use
Made from high-quality parts and designed to last for a long time without you having to deal with odors or regular maintenance, this is a powerful toilet that is easy to use. This is a great self contained composting toilet.
Pros
● Vent hose and fan are included
● Can be disassembled in seconds for emptying
● Seat is full size elongated to ensure that you are comfortable
● All hardware is stainless
● Easy to lift, move, and install, as it is one contained unit
● Solids start composting quickly, requiring you to empty the toilet around every 80 uses
Cons
● Fan needs to be left on 24/7 so that you don’t experience odors
● Urine jug needs to be emptied every day
● Very difficult for a single person to lift and empty the toilet on their own
● You need to manually mix in the dirt at least once a cycle, as the mixer doesn’t grab the dirt on the edges
The clear winner is the Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet with Close Quarters Spider Handle. I love that this toilet has been designed to work perfectly in small spaces. It is professionally designed to provide you with a comfortable seat you’ll enjoy using. Additionally, the hand crank agitator is easy to use. The seat cleans with ease, and it comes with stainless steel hardware. Unlike other composting toilets that are much larger and more difficult to install, this one is fairly easy to get set up.
Fred is the Ready Zeal owner and editor. He has been passionately pursuing all things emergency preparation since working alongside his grandfather as a boy growing up in the Midwest. When not working on the family homestead he can be found brewing coffee and reading a good book or backpacking in the wilderness. Contact Fred at fred@readyzeal.com