[swaine]

I'm having problems with my new "HotBin" composter. The advertising claims that they operate within a 40-60 degrees centigrade temperature range . I'm not getting anywhere near that.

Has anyone else had a similar problem?

[Comfreypatch]

Mine don't get that hot either, maybe 40c in summer, they are also in a shady place. However they still compost quickly. Usually they are around20-30C.

[Aunt Sally]

John has reviewed it here:

http://www.allotment-garden.org/store/reviews/HotBin-Composter.php

[SusieB]

I think it's getting the mix right.  I put  a good couple of handfuls of shreddings, with each lot of  kitchen waste or grass clippings.  Also, try adding nettles or chicken poo (I have plenty of both).  I think I read they both can help to get it heating up. 
And failing that, trying emailing the website, I understand they are keen to give advice if you're struggling.

[surbie100]

What material are you adding, how much material and how often? Do you use the hot water bottle it comes with? (I don't, I live too far away from mine to have boiling water ready!)

I can keep it to 50-55C if I religiously and regularly add a good amount of greens and browns and mix it up - I find it gets a bit compacted & colder without a careful poking about. If I can't add lots of material to it the bin settles to about 30C on the top gauge.

As Susie says, the Hotbin people are really good at helping.

[colin120]

Wow just looked at the price for one of those Hot bins £165.00 I have a normal  composter that's looks the same without the hot bit.

Mines plastic with a lid and I just add Organic Compost Activator and fresh horse manure to mine and it starts looking good after a few months , Ok I have to turn it every now and again 

[surbie100]

They are pricey. You can get them secondhand though. I was very lucky and got mine free. And it does make compost fast!