Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

After a great deal of research I purchased both the Jr. Wizard 7 cubic foot model [referred to as Jr. in my review] and the larger 12 cubic foot model Good Ideas 12-Cubic-Foot Compost Wizard [referred to as full sized FS in my review]. Here is my comparison of the two models. Performance: Both models make great compost. The design is extremely simple and both are holding up well. When fully loaded the drum rubs on the base a bit, but that doesn't bother me. If you aren't able to make good compost, you're doing something wrong -- wrong ratio of green to carbon, too dry, too wet. My first batch in the Jr. never heated up -- because I didn't have green material in it... my fault. I googled how to make compost, and making compost is now a snap. GREAT Compost FAST: I'm SHOCKED how fast I can make compost in both these models. Wow! It takes me about 3 weeks to make great compost with grass clippings and carbon material (shredded paper and leaves). Simply give it a couple of turns every day or two and add some water with a watering can (especially on the sides where the holes are) a couple times per week... and that's it. I love the fact that I can roll them to their final destination before unloading the compost. My preferred transportation technique: tilt them on their ends, and use a cheapo dolly to cart the black gold to its new location. Easy. Size Comparison: I really like the larger size of the FS model. It doesn't take up too much space and the opening is larger and easier to get material in/out of. If you have a large area with lots of composting material, the volume difference between the models is noticeable. Unfortunately, there is a "BUT" **The FS model is really difficult to turn when fully loaded** I am a 46 year old male in fairly good shape. I can turn it fairly well, but it is tough. My 15 year old son can barely turn it, and I'm sure my wife could NOT. I have developed a technique that works for me. I pull up on the bottom of one side and push down on the other side. She turns pretty well when I do that. It get's easier once the material cooks down a bit, and gets lighter. The Jr. model works perfectly and is much easier to turn. I'm confident most people 'fit' enough to do yard work can turn the Jr. But, it simply isn't as large as the FS model, and the opening is smaller. Getting the stuff in and out of the FS model is so much easier and enjoyable. Which One Would I Choose? If I could only have one, I would choose the FS model... only because it holds so much more stuff and the opening is heavenly large in comparison. If I was rich, I might opt for two Jr. instead of one FS because it is so much easier to turn. BOTTOM LINE: I love both these models and highly recommend them. If you have lots of compost material and think you can turn it, get the FS model. If you have smaller needs or have concerns about the difficulty of turning it, get the Jr. model. Either way, you will be happy.