The 7 Best Compost Aerators – [Reviews & Rankings]

Let’s just face it; turning is still the best way of aerating a compost pile today. The time you will spend maintaining your compost bin will mainly depend on the system you have in place.

Lawn aeration has much to do with perforating the soil with smaller holes, letting nutrients reach the roots much better (Source).

However, more work on the compost materials does not necessarily translate to increased temperature and faster results. Rather than using traditional compost turning methods, such as shoveling, using the right tools will guarantee faster results with minimal energy input.

In this regard, buying a compost aerator will eliminate the hard labor associated with traditional compost management and turning methods. If you are shopping for the right turning solution for your compost, you need to buy a reliable compost turner to get the job.

If you want to irrigate your lawn and garden, consider buying top-rated lawn sprinkler heads. Especially in the dry summer months, regular watering is key to keeping the grass growing.

How Does A Compost Aerator Enhance Compost? 

With the help of an aerator, you are improving the quality of the organic fertilizer by making it more porous in the compost bin. Porous compost tends to help plants grow healthier and faster.

The spikes or blades of a compost aerator dig into the fertilizer and separate the organic ingredients so that they can mix up with the air evenly. Furthermore, a compost aerator stick distributes the moisture and bacteria in the mixture as well.

That way, it enhances the mixture to provide you with balanced layers of brown and green waste. Additionally, the compost, if left unchecked for several days, may become hard, which decreases proper airflow in the soil.

You can help the soil and compost regain its health by using this aerating tool.

Which Is The Best Compost Aerator? 

Plenty of factors need consideration when you have to choose the best compost aerator tool. One such aerator that fits all such elements is the Garden Weasel 91316 Compost Aerator Claw. It delivers the versatility and productivity you need for preparing healthy compost.

Its high-end and ergonomic design features a 38-inch sturdy body for convenience. That means you do not have to bend and grind through the compost pile for using it. The tilted spikes at the bottom of the tool can easily separate the toughest of granules in the soil.

The robust yet straightforward built quality makes it a cost-effective garden tool for quick use. For extra strength, it comes equipped with anti-skid grips on the handles that keep the equipment steady in your hands too.

The 91316 Garden Claw is an instrument that does not need any assembling before use, which is why it promises high and quick productivity for your garden chores. Furthermore, you can easily store it in narrow spaces in sheds, etc., when not in use.

Quick Comparison of Top 5 Compost Aerators

1. Garden Weasel 91316 Garden Claw – Best Overall

Are you looking for versatility on your compost turning tool? Get the Garden Weasel 91316 Garden Claw, an American product that is really versatile. As the name suggests, garden C.L.A.W is a tool that is specifically designed to help you cultivate, loosen, aerate, and weed your gardens. When not using it in your garden or flower bed, you will find this tool very useful at turning compost materials in the composter.

Likewise, If you are worried about the season’s turn and leaves cluttering in your garden. We highly recommend buying the top-rated backpack leaf blower that keeps your garden clean.

This medium-duty versatile compost turner is manufactured in America. This implies that its design and construction is in line with industry standards and requirements. In addition to high-quality construction, this product is packed with likable features. To begin with, the turner is equipped with comfort-grip handles. As such it feels great in your hands, allowing you to do even more with the tool.

This tool has four turning tips that produce a spiral turn action. This ensures thorough results whenever you are turning the organic heap in your compost bin for enhanced aeration. The cultivating and aerating tips on this aerator tool are made of sturdy stainless steel material. As such, you will not experience any bending or lifting, regardless of the material or soil, you are turning.

You will also like the fact that the tool is comparatively long. The 38-inch length of the Weasel 91316 allows you to reach a decent turning depth. This makes it ideal for the taller compost tanks available today.

2. Compost Crank Compost Aerator – The Best Long Shaft Compost Turner

Do you own a compost tank that has high walls and would love to turn the decomposing materials without having to empty the tank? Get one of the longest compost aerators available today, such as the Compost Crank Compost Aerator. With an overall height of 45 inches, this tool allows you to reach the bottom of the compost tank and turn the materials thoroughly.

In addition to its remarkable height, this turner has several features to offer. The free-spinning handles fitted on this compost turner are friendly to the hands. Additionally, their positioning makes it easier for you to turn your compost pile while standing in an upright posture. Again, the product is built to last. In this regard, it is made of durable material. This being the case, your compost aerator will not warp or bend if used to turn heavily packed compost materials.

If you push the tool into your compost whilst turning it in a clockwise direction, it will penetrate the materials to the bottom like cheese. You should then lift it upwards without turning. This action allows the corkscrew to pull the materials around it upwards. This leads to enhanced mixing and aeration of the compost materials.

3. Yard Butler ICA-36 Compost Aerator – Most Affordable Compost Aerator

Would you rather go for the affordable compost aerators? If so, do not just opt for the cheapest. Instead, you should try to find the right balance between affordability and features offered by your preferred turner model. In this regard, the Yard Butler ICA-36 Compost Aerator is not just an affordable option; it offers you great value for money. This may be attributed to the many appealing features it has to offer.

To begin with, it is one of the most durable units out there. The innovative stainless steel makes this aerator withstand harsh conditions for many years. Although this is an affordable product, it features a relatively long shaft, measuring 37.2 inches. The unit features folding wings that open when pulled. In this regard, you only need to pierce through to the bottom of the pile with this tool and then pull upwards.

This will give your thorough turning and aeration of the pile without consuming much of your energy.  Just like the other tools by the Yard Butler manufacturer, the ICA-36 Compost Aerator comes with a lifetime manufacturer guarantee.

4. Compost Crank Twist Compost Aerator – Most Lightweight Compost Aerator

Are you looking for an aerating tool that does not feel heavy in the hands, yet is made of durable material? The Compost Crank Twist Compost Aerator will be a great choice. Having been produced by one of the reputable manufacturers in the industry, this tool is one of the best corkscrew compost aerators you can find today. Owing to its innovative design, you will find it easy, effective, and fast to use in almost any compost bin.

The innovative handle design of the product allows you to use either two or one hands to easily turn your compost heap. Regardless of this, you will find the tool easy to use in light leaves or even the dense vine and sticks compost heaps. In this regard, you should drive the tool into the pile by rotating in a clockwise direction. You should then lift it without turning. This pulls compost materials all the way from the bottom for thorough mixing and aeration.

5. Bosmere P845 Compost Aerator – Highly Durable

Get yourself an aerating tool that has been proven to activate compost heaps at all levels. In this regard, the Bosmere P845 Features 2 sets of folding wings. When folded, these wings give the tool a streamlined structure, which makes it easier for you to push the turner into the compost pile. To activate the wings, you only need to pull the tool upwards. The activated wings will pull the decomposing materials upwards for enhanced mixing and aeration.

Durability will not be a problem with this product; the P845 features steel construction. The grip, on the other hand, is made of vinyl and may be customized to meet user’s needs. In this regard, you may adjust the handle to make it friendlier to left-handed or right-handed users.

6. Yard Butler ITNT-4 Twist Tiller Tool – Most Innovative Compost Aerator

The ITNT-4 Twist Tiller by Yard Butler is a unique combination of versatility, comfort, and toughness. With a centralized-grip handle on the top of the pole, you get to control this tool much efficiently while aerating the compost.

Bulky Design

This tool will undoubtedly add more productivity to lawn chores like digging holes, mixing compost, etc. That is possible because of the 38-inches tall pole weighing at 4.5 pounds to push through the hardest soils without much effort.

The corrosion-resistant coating of the tool ensures better longevity while you handle the twisting and turning motion using this ergonomic tool.

Fast Output 

While holding the handlebar, you can dig its six sharp spikes through the compost to loosen it. Furthermore, this tool features a convenient space for stepping over the claw to dig deeper. The spikes have been twisted to aerate the soil and help it mix more skillfully.

7. Garden Weasel Carbon Steel CLAW Pro –  Best Adjustable Compost Aerator

The Carbon Steel Claw Pro by Garden Weasel is a multipurpose garden tool that features an innovative set of claws. The CLAW in its name is an acronym that describes its operations, namely Cultivate, Loosen, Aerate, and Weed. Thus, this tiller tool is worth it if you want to take care of heavy composts and soils, such as clay.

Adjustable Tines

We award it as the most adjustable because of the flexible tines that you can adjust as per your operation. If you want to weed, aerate, or perform any other medium or heavy tasks with it, just switch the tines as per your requirements.

Its ergonomic handle, space for foot placement, and long pole adds further support to ensure that you work effortlessly while tackling with the compost or ground.

High Durability

Additionally, the tough body it possesses is due to the presence of carbon steel, which makes it a super-sturdy tool for daily use. Even its shiny claws will offer you a corrosion-free operation for years without requirement for frequent maintenance.

Which One Is Better: Plunger or Corkscrew Compost Aerator?

Both compost aerators are equally efficient at aerating the compost, soil, fertilizers, etc. However, some might find it more comfortable to use a plunger type and others might stick with a corkscrew one.

The ones with strength have a better productivity with a plunger type, as it digs deep in the soil at a faster pace. On the other hand, the corkscrew one needs to be twisted to let the spike drill through the soil, which takes a little bit longer.

Plunger ones are usually costlier than corkscrew ones, which is another factor at deciding the one you want to choose.

Why Should You Compost? 

The need for compost arises to add fertility in the soil meant for growing plants. Compost acts as a natural fertilizer for enhancing its growth. Therefore, adding it to the ground gives you a cost-effective nutrient for your gardens, etc.

However, composting is not just a requirement for enhancing the growth of fauna. It is also a necessity that keeps environmental hazards like global warming under check.

As per EPA or Environmental Protection Agency, at least 30% of the organic waste that people throw in the garbage is responsible for the production of methane gas. If this gas remains untreated, it is likely to cause global warming.

Thus, reducing the presence of organic garbage is obligatory for keeping the environment clean. Additionally, reduced trash keeps the foul smell under control as well. Therefore, utilizing one of the cheapest fertilizers for growing fauna is undoubtedly worth it.

How Should You Aerate Compost More Effectively?

Here are some tips for adequate aeration of compost:

• Puncture Holes With A Grinding Motion – Poking the compost in a vertical position is not enough to make the compost aerated. It would help if you also twisted a compost aerator to grind the fertilizer and help its ingredients distribute evenly. That is one reason why compost aerators have tilted spikes to help dig the compost and let the air move through them.
• Aerate The Compost Consistently – Compost aerating is an easy but lengthy process, as you have to involve in the activity consistently. It does not mean you have to stand and use a compost aerator for creating aerated compost continuously for hours. However, it does need your involvement every couple of days.
• Add Green Waste To The Compost – Green organic waste tends to release more Nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for giving it more aeration. As a result, plant growth is more vibrant.

How Much Do Compost Aerators Cost?

You can find compost aerating tools available anywhere between $15 and $100. Their prices vary based on the material of construction, ergonomics, brand, and quality.

Some aerators have a much complex and automated design, which make the workload easier, but does require one to spend more than $100. But, it would be wise to invest in such tools only if you have tons of compost to be piled.

Things You Need To Know Before Buying a Compost Aerator

Without turning, your compost pile will still decay, but a comparatively slower rate. To enhance the rate of decay of your compost heap, you should consider using the right tools.

In this regard, you should not only invest in a good composter; you also need to buy the best compost aerator, also referred to as a compost turner. Basically, this tool is used to turn a compost heap, allowing for air and moisture to penetrate the decomposing materials.

If you are shopping for a compost turner today, here are some of the things you need to know:

Why Do You Need a Compost Aerator?

Using a compost aeration tool will help aerate the decomposing materials because most of the bacteria that take part in the decomposition are aerobic.

This means that they need a constant supply of oxygen for them to act on the compost materials. By turning and aerating the materials, you significantly improve the supply of oxygen to the bacteria.

As aeration of compost increases the rate of decomposition, thus you should be ready to use your compost in 4 to 8 weeks. This is a commendable reduction in the time you need to get compost, bearing in mind that traditional compost management requires 3 to 8 months.

Additionally, a reduced supply of air into the pile may lead to an array of problems. Here is how a good compost aerator can solve those problems:

• Enhances influx of Moisture

Just as oxygen is, moisture is also important in the process of decomposition. As the compost pile decays, the materials will reduce in size, shrink, and start to compress against each other. When this happens, the supply of air and moisture to the particles that are yet to decompose is limited.

With a turning tool, you will be turning the materials periodically, hence enhance the supply of moisture throughout the compost pile.

• Prevents Odors

If allowed to sit for a long time without turning, compost materials are more likely to become stale in compost bins. In other cases, a bad odor in compost piles is an indicator of excess moisture or nitrogen within the pile. Turning and aerating your compost pile from time to time will expose the various materials to air and increase the surface area being acted upon by the bacteria.

This will increase the rate of decomposition and make it easier for waste gases to escape. As such, turning has been proven to prevent the development of bad odor in compost heaps.

How is a Compost Aerator Used?

Currently, there are numerous makes and models of compost aerators in the market. However, the various compost turners may be categorized into two main types, namely:

• Corkscrew compost aerators
• Plunger compost aerators

The two types of turners are effective at turning and enhancing the flow of moisture and air in compost piles. However, you should make sure that you are buying the best turning tool in the market. So, how do these tools function?

The working of compost turners is rather simple; they are pushed into the compost pile and their turning action creates air pockets in the decomposing particles. The various plunger compost turners available today feature pointed poles with 2 folding tines.

It is the pulling action created by such compost aereator tools that moves the particles in the compost heap and circulates air within the pile. The corkscrew compost turners are rather different in operation. These turn within the compost pile whilst pulling upwards. This comes in handy when it comes to turning and aerating your compost materials.

Ready To Buy The Best Compost Aerator?

Providing nutrients to your garden plants organically makes them healthy for a long time. That’s why turning compost is the right way to nourish the greens. Compost aerator tools can help you with that, but finding the right one can be challenging.

Rather than just going for the cheapest compost airator, make sure to look for a product that offers the features you need. For instance, the handles should be comfortable, and the tool should be easy to use. Additionally, the build quality, durability, height as well as versatility of the compost turner should be considered as well.

In this regard, this guide will help you choose the best compost aerators in the market.

Your journey to a high-end and well-nourished garden does not end here. There are plenty of tools to get more results with less effort. Check out our other garden tool guides for helping you enjoy gardening like never before.

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