The Best Compost Aerators and Save Your Back

Most people think of composting as just throwing trash in a big pile and forgetting about it. If you’ve ever had a compost pile then you know there is actually a lot of work to be done. As with all other gardening projects, time is everything. The aerators we gathered here are the best on the market to help save you time and get your compost ready sooner. Not only that, we know how hard it is to get on your hands and knees to prep the compost so all of these aerators are ergonomically designed to help keep your back from hurting.

Composting is a rewarding exercise, not only because you are being more eco-friendly, but because you get to use your homemade compost in your garden. There are many ways to compost at home but composting with high quality aerators is key. 

A traditional way to aerate your compost is to use a pitchfork. However, this can be very taxing on your back because of the way you have to move the pitchfork. The aerators listed here are of great quality and are also ergonomically designed to save your back.

The best kinds of compost aerators are made of aluminum or treated steel, so as not to rust, have soft handles for a comfortable grip, and are made-well and will not easily break.

Additionally, you’ll learn why aeration is important in the decomposition process, and why you want to invest in an aerator tool.

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What is a Compost Aerator?

A compost aerator is a tool that serves to sift through and aerate the contents in your compost bin. Using an aerator tool affords you a quicker and cleaner aeration process (as opposed to reaching in with your garden gloves to churn the mix.) 

Why Aerate your Compost?

The process of aeration is necessary, whether you use an aerator tool or not, to help your compost decay and transform, and be virtually odor-free. This is especially necessary in hot temperatures. Aeration also assists in reducing any moisture within your compost. Moisture especially leads to rot and strong odors.

Do you Need to Use a Compost Aerator Tool?

If you want to compost quicker, more successfully, and get your hands less dirty, you want to invest in an aerator. The type of aerator you choose depends entirely on the amount of compost and kind of items you are putting in your compost. 

Aerator tools are by no means required to compost, there are plenty of compost bins, especially small ones, that do not utilize aerators. We empathize if you are reluctant to add yet another tool to your gardening toolbox. However, compost aerators do make composting significantly easier. 

The Two Types of Compost Aerators

Not all compost aerators are made the same. There are two types which we’ll go into further detail about: corkscrew and plunger. 

Corkscrew

The corkscrew compost aerator functions by attaching to the curled handle of the composter and twisting it clockwise down the pile. In doing this, the compost is pulled from the bottom up to the top, so that it gets thoroughly mixed up and properly aerated. Corkscrew aerators are best for light compost

Plunger

A plunger compost aerator had a pointed pole or stick that poses two different retractable blades.

When the aerator is pushed into the pile, the blades zip through and pull up the compost, to mix it up.

This type of aerator is ideal for heavy composting with a fair amount of dry green refuse. The spikes make a significant difference in the level of ease, as they can more through the toughest of soils.

Other Tools to Use instead of Aerators

If you don’t want to purchase a compost aerator, the following tools can be used in their stead:

• Pitch Fork
• Salad spoons (double sift that compost, baby!)
• Hands
• Gardening shovels
• Metal chopsticks
• Thick, short tree branches

What Makes for a Reliable Compost Aerator?

Now that you know of the best compost aerators available to you, here’s an investigation into what qualifications are need for an aerator to be considered ‘the best,’ and most high quality. The type of qualifications you should look for in any aerator are:

• Rust Proof – by far one of the most crucial aspects of any tool is that it functions and be long lasting. When you purchase an aerator tool you want it to last you a while. Since some compost can be wet, you want an aerator that won’t rust after encountering moisture.
  The best types of non-rusting aerators are made with either aluminum or treated steel. Purchasing a rust-proof aerator means you’ll get to use the tool for years to come and not have to buy a new aerator every year.
• Ergonomic – when wielding a tool meant to make your job easier, make sure to get a tool that is ergonomic and comfortable to use. There is no point in purchasing an aerator tool that hurts to hold. Make sure your aerator comes with comfortable, padded handles. This may not be a concern for everyone, but it’s worth taking into consideration! 
• Made Well – make sure your aerator feels sturdy and of materials not easily broken. Additionally, it doesn’t hurt to check and see if your aerator comes with a warranty! 

The Key Take Away

The aeration process in composting is crucial and helps prevent foul odors and rot from growing within the compost mix. While you certainly can aerate by hand or using make-shift tools from your garden shed, aerator tools make the process of aeration far easier and cleaner. When looking for the ideal aerator, always consider the thickness, weight, and material make-up of your compost. 

If your compost is small and light, invest in a corkscrew aerator.

If your compost is heavy and/or wet, be sure to buy a plunger aerator!

Regardless the type of aerator, make sure the brand you buy is rust-free, ergonomic (easy and comfortable to use) and made by a trustworthy manufacturer that offers a warranty!