Been looking into composting toilets lately since we're planning to go off-grid part-time, and man, there's way more options than I thought. Here's what I did: first, narrowed down to a few popular brands like Nature's Head, Separett, and Air Head. Then checked reviews for ease of use, odor control (big one, trust me), and how often you gotta empty it. Finally compared prices, warranty stuff, and installation complexity. Seems solid so far, but maybe someone here has a better way or knows something I missed?
You've covered most bases, but a couple things I'd add:
- Check availability and cost of replacement parts—some brands can be tricky or pricey.
- Consider power usage if you're relying on solar; fans in certain models draw more juice than you'd expect.
- And yeah, odor control is key... trust me on that one.
"Consider power usage if you're relying on solar; fans in certain models draw more juice than you'd expect."
Good point on power usage, but honestly, I've found the fan-less models to be surprisingly effective. Had a client living off-grid who went fan-free, and as long as the venting was properly installed, odor wasn't much of an issue. Plus, fewer moving parts means less maintenance down the road.
Also, while replacement parts can be pricey, I've noticed that many composting toilet issues can be resolved with simple DIY fixes or generic hardware store parts. Sometimes manufacturers push specialized replacements when standard plumbing fittings or basic electrical components do the job just fine.
On odor control... completely agree. But I'd add that proper moisture management—getting the balance right between too wet and too dry—is equally important. Saw one setup where odor was a nightmare until the owner adjusted their compost mix and airflow. After that, smooth sailing.
Fan-less models can definitely hold their own if the venting's done right. Had a neighbor who went fan-free, and honestly, you'd never guess it—no odors at all. Agree on moisture management too; people underestimate how much of a difference the compost mix makes. I've seen setups go from nightmare to no-issue just by tweaking moisture levels or adding something simple like coconut coir.
Also, good call on DIY fixes. Manufacturers love pushing those pricey proprietary parts, but most times you can rig something up yourself with basic hardware store bits. Saved myself a decent chunk of change more than once going that route.
Sounds like you've got a solid handle on this already though—good luck with your setup!
