Continuous Flow Through Worm Bins: The Ultimate Solution for Effortless Worm Compost Harvesting
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and turn it into something useful for your garden. One of the most efficient and eco-friendly ways to compost is through worm bins. Worm bins are home to thousands of composting worms that break down organic waste and turn it into nutrient-rich worm castings.
There are two main types of continuous flow through worm bins: flow-through and stacked.
Flow-through worm bins, also known as continuous flow, are becoming increasingly popular because they are easy to maintain and produce high-quality castings. These bins are large containers with open bottoms that allow you to add food waste to the top and harvest out of the bottom of the container. As the worms naturally want to stay near the tops of the bins and also the food, they will congregate to the top. As the worms move up, their castings remain in the bottom and you can harvest without fear of taking worms out of your bin.
Stacked bins follow the same concept, but instead of harvesting castings out of a port on the bottom, these bins have a series of trays with mesh bottoms that allow the worms to move freely between them. As the worms consume the waste in the top tray, they move to the next tray and leave behind their castings. This process continues until the bottom tray is full, and you can harvest the castings without disturbing the worms in the upper trays.
When purchasing a flow-through worm bin, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure the bin is made of high-quality, durable materials that can withstand outdoor conditions. Second, check the size of the bin and make sure it can accommodate the amount of waste you produce. Finally, consider the number of trays the bin has and whether it can be easily expanded if needed.
We spent hours researching multiple flow-through worm bins to identify the best ones on the market.
In the next section, we will share our top picks and explain why they stand out from the rest.
(Note: This article is part of our Worm Farming Series, check out Worm Farming 101 for a starting point for even even more worm farming information!)
The Best Continuous Flow Through Worm Bins
Are you tired of manually turning your compost pile? Do you want to speed up the composting process while reducing the amount of work you have to do? Then a continuous flow through worm bin might be just what you need. We've scoured the market to bring you the best continuous flow through worm bins available. Whether you're a seasoned composter or just starting out, we've got you covered. Let's take a look at our top picks!
We recommend using Red Wigglers in these bins due to their high throughput of food and voracious appetites.
Urban Worm Bag Worm Composting Bin Version 2
If you're looking for an easy and efficient way to recycle organic waste and make vermicompost, the Urban Worm Bag is a great option.
Pros
The new patent-pending design eliminates the bottom zipper, making it easier to use and increasing the composting capacity.
With the continuous flow design, the worms stay happy and reproducing, and there is no need to disturb them during harvest.
The Urban Worm Bag is made of durable 900D oxford fabric, which is breathable and moisture-resistant, and comes with a strong iron frame included.
Cons
If you start from scratch, it may take 4-6 months before you can harvest worm castings from the bottom of the bag.
The bag can only process non-dairy and non-meat household waste, so you may need to separate your food scraps before composting.
The capacity of the bag is limited to 8 lbs of composting worms, which may not be enough for larger households or growing operations.
The Urban Worm Bag is incredibly simple to assemble in just 5 minutes without any tools or confusing instructions. After assembly, just follow the easy start-up directions and start composting using a bed of moist, carbon-based household waste like saturated cardboard or newsprint. Coco coir and aged horse manure are excellent choices, but for best results, start with existing vermicompost. The bag can process up to 3-4 lbs of household waste per day, and the ready-to-use high-yield organic fertilizer can be collected from the bottom of the bag.
The bag features 4 sq ft of vermicomposting space and over 5 cubic ft of volume, making it a great option for small households or those with limited space. The detachable top is easy to open and close, allowing you to control the moisture and temperature inside the bag. And with the continuous flow design, the worms can move freely through the bag, producing nutrient-rich compost without any hassle.
If you're looking for an affordable and efficient way to compost your organic waste and produce high-quality fertilizer for your garden, the Urban Worm Bag is definitely worth considering.
Hungry Bin Continuous Flow Through Worm Bin
We highly recommend the Hungry Bin Continuous Flow Through Worm Bin for anyone looking to compost their food scraps and create high-quality worm castings and tea.
Pros
Easy to use with patented flow-through technology that doesn't require turning or mixing
Processes up to 4.4 lbs of waste per day and produces no odor or flies
Eco-friendly design made from food-grade polypropylene with recycled content and backed by a lifetime guarantee
Cons
Expensive initial investment compared to other composting methods
Requires a steady supply of food to maintain efficient composting
May not be suitable for large households or commercial use due to its 20-gallon capacity
Our experience using the Hungry Bin has been nothing short of amazing. The ease of use and maintenance has made composting a breeze, and the resulting worm castings and tea have been top-notch. We appreciate the eco-friendly design and the fact that it keeps food scraps out of landfills. The Hungry Bin is also incredibly durable and backed by a lifetime guarantee, which gives us peace of mind.
One thing to consider before purchasing the Hungry Bin is its initial cost. While it may seem expensive compared to other composting methods, the long-term benefits and savings in fertilizer costs make it well worth the investment. Additionally, it's important to keep a steady supply of food to the worms to ensure efficient composting.
Overall, we highly recommend the Hungry Bin Continuous Flow Through Worm Bin for anyone looking to compost their food scraps and create high-quality fertilizer. It's easy to use, eco-friendly, and produces great results.
Urban Worm Bag Worm Composting Bin
If you're looking for a worm bin that can produce worm castings quickly and efficiently, the Urban Worm Bag is definitely worth considering. People have had great success with this product and highly recommend it to anyone interested in vermicomposting.
Pros
The Urban Worm Bag has a high-capacity design that allows for rapid worm reproduction and organic waste recycling with its continuous flow concept. This means you won't have to screen your harvests or perform tedious sorting as the worms will remain at the top of the bin.
The bag is made from durable 900D Oxford fabric that breathes without losing moisture too quickly. The feed-thru top and interior fabric enclosure make it easy to feed your worms and harvest the castings without any mess.
The Urban Worm Bag is much larger than stackable systems and 33% the price of the most expensive home worm bin. This means you get the highest capacity-to-price value.
Cons
The bag does not come with a frame, so you will need to build your own or purchase one separately. However, the instructions are easy to follow and you can customize the frame to your liking.
While the bag is made from durable fabric, it may not be as sturdy as a plastic or metal bin. However, if you take care of it properly, it should last for several years.
Some users have reported that the bag can be difficult to move once it's filled with compost. However, this is a minor inconvenience and can be easily solved by placing the bag on a dolly or wheeled platform.
The Urban Worm Bag is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-capacity worm bin that is easy to use and produces high-quality worm castings. We love the bag's durable design and continuous flow concept, which make it a great investment for anyone interested in vermicomposting. The bag is also very easy to set up and use, and the instructions are clear and straightforward. Overall, we highly recommend the Urban Worm Bag to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient worm bin.
Worm Factory 360 Worm Bin
If you're looking for a compact and expandable worm bin system to recycle food waste at home, the Worm Factory 360 is a great option.
Pros
The Worm Factory 360 is made in the US with durable high-quality plastic that can withstand years of use.
It houses thousands of worms that can consume several pounds of waste each week, making it a highly efficient composting system.
The continuous flow through design means you can keep adding food waste to the top tray while the worms are working on the lower trays, creating a never-ending loop system.
Cons
You'll need to purchase worms separately, which can be an added expense.
The system can get heavy when all trays are full, so it's not the most portable option.
The grid bottom of each tray can sometimes get clogged with worm castings, making it harder for the worms to migrate upward. We recommend Red Wigglers for this type of bin due to their smaller size.
The Worm Factory 360 is a great investment for anyone who wants to reduce their food waste and create nutrient-rich compost for their garden. With its odor-free operation and compact design, it's perfect for indoor use year-round. Plus, the 5-year limited warranty gives you peace of mind knowing that you're investing in a quality product.
We've been using the Worm Factory 360 for a few months now and have been impressed with how quickly the worms have been able to break down our food waste. We started with just a half-pound of worms and have gradually increased the amount of food waste we add to the system as our worm community grows. The resulting compost is fine and nutrient-rich, perfect for our garden.
One thing to keep in mind is that you'll need to purchase worms separately, which can be an added expense. But overall, we highly recommend the Worm Factory 360 for anyone who wants to reduce their environmental impact and create high-quality compost at home.
VermiHut Plus 5 - Tray Worm Compost Bin
If you're looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of kitchen food waste while producing nutrient-rich compost for your garden, the VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin is an excellent choice.
Pros
The smallest footprint for the highest composting efficiency
Odorless, thanks to the V-board component and coconut mat built into the air-vented lid
Moisture control, thanks to the improved lid design that holds moisture and provides a comfortable environment for the worms
Cons
The amount of material you can fill in each container is very limited
The unit is quite heavy, making it difficult to move around
The setup process can be a bit confusing, especially for first-time worm composters
Our experience with the VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin has been positive overall. We appreciate the innovative design features, such as the V-board and coconut mat that keep odors at bay and the moisture control that ensures a comfortable environment for the worms. We also like the fact that the bin is compact and easy to store, making it a great choice for those with limited space. However, we did find that the amount of food scraps we could add to each container was quite limited, and the unit itself is quite heavy, making it difficult to move around. Additionally, the setup process can be a bit confusing, especially for those who are new to worm composting. Despite these minor drawbacks, we feel that the VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin is an excellent investment for those who are looking to reduce their environmental impact while producing high-quality compost for their garden.
Overall, we would recommend the VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin to anyone who is looking for an easy and effective way to compost kitchen food waste. With its innovative design features and high composting efficiency, this bin is sure to be a valuable addition to any eco-conscious household.
Buying Guide
When it comes to finding the perfect continuous flow through worm bin, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some features to consider:
Size and Capacity
First and foremost, you'll want to consider how much waste you'll be producing and how many worms you'll need to accommodate. A bin that is too small will not be able to handle your waste, while a bin that is too large will make it difficult for the worms to process everything efficiently. Consider the size of your household and how much organic waste you generate to determine the appropriate size for your bin.
A good way to determine the size you need is to weigh how much food scraps you produce in a week, and determine the average number of pounds of food scraps per day that would be available for your worms.
Drainage System
Since continuous flow through worm bins rely on moisture control, a good drainage system is essential. Look for bins that have a built-in drainage system or come with a spigot for easy draining.
Material
Worm bins can be made from a variety of materials such as plastic, wood, or metal. Each material has its pros and cons, so consider what is most important to you. Plastic bins are lightweight and easy to clean, but may not be as durable as other materials. Wooden bins are sturdy and provide good insulation, but may require more maintenance. Metal bins are durable and long-lasting, but can be heavy and prone to rust.
Ventilation
Worms need oxygen to survive, so proper ventilation is important. Look for bins that have ventilation holes or a breathable lid to ensure proper airflow.
Price
Worm bins can range in price from under $50 to over $200. Consider your budget and how much you're willing to spend on a worm bin. Remember that a higher price doesn't always mean better quality, so do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.
By keeping these features in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect continuous flow through worm bin for your household. Happy worm composting!
