Smith And Hawken Compost Bin

Turn Kitchen Scraps into “Black Gold” with the Smith and Hawken Compost Bin

Composting is one of the best things you can do for your garden. It recycles kitchen scraps and yard waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called “black gold” that helps your plants thrive. The Smith and Hawken compost bin makes composting easy and efficient right in your own backyard. With its durable construction and convenient design, this compost bin can handle all your food and garden waste while keeping pests out and odors away.

In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the features, materials, reviews, assembly, and maintenance of the Smith and Hawken compost bin. Read on to see why the Smith and Hawken compost bin is a favorite option for beginner and experienced composters alike.

Sturdy Construction Built to Last

The Smith and Hawken compost bin is made from 50% recycled plastic that is thick, durable, and weather-resistant. The plastic slats connect together easily without any tools required. There’s also an internal aeration bar that promotes good airflow to speed up the composting process.

The thick plastic walls keep pests out while retaining heat to break down waste faster. And unlike wood bins, you don’t have to worry about cracking, rotting, or splintering. The UV-stabilized plastic can withstand sun exposure, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures for years of composting.

Large Capacity

With its 96-gallon capacity, the Smith and Hawken compost bin provides plenty of room for all your food scraps, leaves, grass clippings and more. It measures 33” wide x 33” deep x 36” high when fully assembled.

The large opening makes it easy to mix and scoop finished compost right out of the bin. If you have a large garden or generate a lot of compost materials, you can purchase additional bins and connect them together for even more capacity.

Removable Slats For Easy Compost Harvesting

One of the nice features of the Smith and Hawken compost bin is its removable slats. The front panel of the bin is made up of vertical slats that you can take out one by one when it’s time to harvest your finished compost.

Just slide the slats off and out as you scoop your compost from the bottom of the bin. Removing the slats provides full access so you can harvest compost effortlessly without having to reach over or around anything.

Odor-Reducing Design with Tight Lid

No one wants a stinky compost bin right next to their house. Fortunately, the Smith and Hawken compost bin is designed to contain odors. The tight-fitting lid seals the top of the bin when closed to trap smells inside.

There are also internal baffles that direct air down through the compost materials instead of letting it escape out the top of the bin. This circulates oxygen to aid the composting process while retaining odors effectively.

Easy Tumbler Accessory Available

For occasional aeration, you can get an accessory tumbler designed specifically for the Smith and Hawken compost bin. Just insert the tumbler into the bin and crank it around to mix up and aerate the compost.

The tumbler handle makes it easy to rotate even with a full, heavy load inside the bin. Tumbling the compost helps introduce oxygen to speed decomposition.

The tumbler can be removed after use so it doesn’t take up space in your yard. It offers an easy way to give your compost pile a quick mix when needed.

Ventilated Aeration Bar Promotes Air Circulation

Inside the bin is a ventilation bar that runs horizontally across the bottom. This aeration bar helps promote good airflow up through the compost.

Slots in the aeration bar allow oxygen to permeate the compost pile from underneath. Proper aeration advances the composting process and reduces odors.

Dual Latching System Keeps Pests Out

Pests like raccoons and rodents love getting into compost bins for an easy meal. But the Smith and Hawken compost bin is designed to block these furry intruders.

The lid features two sliding latches on either side that securely lock the lid in place. Just slide both latches toward the center to fasten the lid shut and keep scavengers from getting inside.

Corner Hinge Makes Lid Easy to Open and Close

Despite having a tight, pest-proof seal, the lid of the Smith and Hawken compost bin is quite easy to open and close. That’s thanks to the corner hinge design.

With the hinge located on the side, the lid can flip open and lay flat against the adjacent wall of the bin. You won’t have to hold the lid up or rest it awkwardly against the side while adding waste.

The corner hinge also lets the lid open fully so you can access the entire top opening without obstruction. Closing the lid is just as easy with a simple flip upwards until the latches click into place.

No Special Tools Needed for Assembly

Assembling the Smith and Hawken compost bin is quick and easy thanks to its slide-together design. No special tools are required.

The vertical slats feature interlocking knobs on the edges that fit into corresponding notches on the panels. Just align the slats and gently pound each row into place with a rubber mallet until the knobs insert securely.

Assembly takes just 10-15 minutes from start to finish. The intuitive slide-together construction means you’ll be composting waste in no time.

Compact Size for Small Spaces

While large enough to handle significant composting, the Smith and Hawken bin is relatively compact. The slim profile takes up minimal ground space.

If you have a smaller yard or garden with limited room for a compost pile, the compact 33” by 33” footprint can fit into tight spots. The vertical orientation also keeps the system tall rather than wide.

Made in the USA from Recycled Materials

Smith and Hawken proudly makes its compost bins in the USA. The bins utilize EcoChoice HDPE recycled plastic that is sourced and processed within North America.

Using high-quality recycled plastics makes the bins environmentally-friendly and very durable. It’s feel-good composting knowing your bin is American-made with sustainable practices.

Available in Black or Tansu Brown

The Smith and Hawken compost bin comes in your choice of two neutral earthy tones.

The Black color has a modern, high-contrast look that disappears against dark backgrounds. It also absorbs heat to keep the interior warmer for better composting conditions.

Tansu Brown has a warm, natural wood-like appearance that blends into landscapes and gardens seamlessly. The brown color masks dirt and stains over time.

Both colors look great in any yard and resist fading for years in sun or shade. It’s simply an aesthetic choice, as the performance is identical between the two options.

Excellent Customer Reviews

Overall, customer reviews of the Smith and Hawken compost bin are very favorable across various retailers. The bin earns high marks for its large capacity, durability, and pest resistance.

Owners say it handles food scraps and yard waste without any issues. Many mention how sturdy and well-made the thick plastic is. They also appreciate how easy it is to assemble right out of the box.

Negative reviews are uncommon and tend to involve isolated issues like missing hardware or damaged parts. Most defects can be addressed quickly with Smith and Hawken’s customer support team.

Based on hundreds of customer reviews, the consensus is that the Smith and Hawken compost bin is a high-quality backyard composter built to last for years. It makes composting almost effortless.

10-Year Warranty Against Rust, Rot, and Corrosion

Confidence in the construction of the Smith and Hawken compost bin is backed up by an impressive 10-year warranty. This warranty covers the bin against structural failure and defects in workmanship or materials that result in rust, rot, or corrosion.

If anything happens to the bin under normal use over the next decade, Smith and Hawken will repair or replace the damaged parts free of charge.

The long warranty period exemplifies the brand’s faith in the compost bin’s durability and longevity. Very few compost bins on the market today can match that level of manufacturer support.

How Does It Compare to Other Composters?

When shopping for a compost bin, the Smith and Hawken model stacks up very favorably to competitors. Here’s how it compares:

• More volume than entry-level compost bins
• Thicker, heavier-duty plastic than cheap bins
• Removable slats for easy harvesting unlike tumbling composters
• Effective odor control unlike open bins
• Pest-proof latching system that bins without lids lack
• Doesn’t require maintenance like wood bins
• More stylish look than utilitarian concrete bins

For a mid-priced backyard composter, the Smith and Hawken bin outshines most competitors in quality, functions, and appearance. The excellent balance of value and performance makes it a top choice for households producing moderate amounts of compost.

Cedar and Stainless Steel Options Also Available

In addition to the standard recycled plastic compost bin, Smith and Hawken also offers cedar and stainless steel models.

The cedar compost bin provides a more natural, rustic cedar appearance. However, the wood does require periodic maintenance to keep it looking fresh.

For modern, sophisticated yards, the stainless steel compost bin delivers sleek durability. Stainless steel doesn’t crack or peel, but it comes at a higher cost.

Ultimately, the classic recycled plastic version offers the best value for performance and maintenance. But it’s nice having other material options depending on your landscape style and budget.

Easy Maintenance Keeps It Looking Like New

Caring for the Smith and Hawken compost bin over the years is simple and easy. To keep it clean and tidy:

• Wipe down outside surfaces periodically with mild soap and water
• Hose out the interior as needed to rinse away debris
• Use plastic cleaner or UV protectant spray to restore sheen
• Avoid harsh cleaners, chemicals, or abrasive tools
• Remove lid before pressure washing
• Tighten hardware if slats get loose over time

With basic maintenance like occasional washing and inspection, your compost bin will maintain its good-as-new appearance and function properly for years on end.

An Excellent Composting System for Households

From its heavy-duty recycled construction to convenient slide-open slats, the Smith and Hawken compost bin has everything you need in an efficient backyard composting system. It blends durability, ample capacity, and simple maintenance into a compact, pest-resistant package.

While reasonably priced for its premium quality, the 10-year warranty provides peace of mind on your investment. If you’re looking for an odor-free, critter-proof composter that churns out fertile, organic “black gold”, the Smith and Hawken compost bin delivers composting excellence.