A more affordable version in Australia is the Joolca for about $350 AUD and you can buy extra containers for inside, it doesn't come with the agitator or fan and doesn't look as nice though... in Australia the non-agitator version of this is around $1250, closer to $1500 for the agitator version
You mentioned the Cuddy Lite, that comes without an agitator. Without the agitator you can line the solids container with a plastic bag, which some people prefer. What you didn't mention is that the agitator-free solids container will fit in the standard Cuddy, and is available separately.
I like the concept, but ever seen one? It's about forty bucks worth of plastic. Cheap as cheap can be. The mark up is too outrageous for me. The poo pail is literally a five dollar bin from a dollar store.
really good review - the use/maintenance comparison with the other brand you mentioned was also very helpful information, especially since it was based on your personal experience.
Good Review. What is the maximum number of days you would go with out emptying the solids for the (Trelino vs CompoCloset) For the CompoCloset you mentioned needing 1 brick of coco core, to fill the container up past the agitator. Did you find you would use more than 1 brick of coco core before emptying the trelino since with that one you were layering more coco core for each use.
The compo closet can go so much longer since it has an agitator and actually compost the medium and breaks it down. It depends on how many uses. I would estimate 20+ uses
Thank you, this seems way more polished and just overall better designed compared to the nature's head toilet. Better than the trelino too i think... I don't blame the older companies too much because they had to experiment and figure this stuff out via trial and error.
I dont like having the agitator I think just having a biodegradable bag and filling it with the compost is better. You can just throw/add in more compost after you are done. The problem with the agitator is thats another thing you need to clean the idea of wiping down those metal parts to clean them off poop is kinda disgusting tbh.
Is it really considered “composting” if you just put the waste in a garbage bag and throw it away. I agree, it does look nice and easy to clean…love your videos, thanks kids
You know that’s a good question. Whatever it is it works pretty good. We’ve been using a natures head for almost 6 years now and this thing is pretty slick! Thanks Susan!
I've found that toilet paper in the solids container is no problem, if instead of folding the paper you break it into individual sheets and stack them up.
You have used the Trelino, which does not have an agitator? How does this compare? I have neuropathy in my hands and would never be able to carry that pee jug with my fingers.
This is soooo helpful! You guys crack me up remind me of me and may bf (we have minivan tho lol) does it smell???? Thoughts on everything? I'm disabled and looking for easiest and least smelly toilet for my tiny house!! Thanks!!🎉🎉❤
We bought the Trelino (the Evo not the Origin) based on your previous review, but frankly we are disappointed with it. Urine spray (for us women) is going back into the poop area and down under the containers (we keep the lid on the poop bucket). The "ridge" between the urine and poop sections is simply not high enough. We had a C Head previously and did not have this problem... (wish we had kept it). Does this CompoCloset have a higher ridge between the 2 sections? Thanks for all you do for us!
We never had that problem. We just always kept the lid on occasionally we had to wipe some small splashes off the lid. I’m sorry to hear that. The CompoCloset and Natures head have a nice mechanism that shuts the solids off. Every now and then a little gets into the solids but it’s not enough to cause any issues (small splashes). We were really stoked on the Trelino at first just because it was easy to use and clean. But then we got this one and realized how important the mechanical open/shut is for the solids. Also the compoCloset has a ridge between the two that’s maybe 2cm tall that’s seems to help where as the trelino didn’t. I’ll keep that in mind here when we compare all three here in a few weeks. Thanks for the feedback and I’m sorry it didn’t work out. We used to have a C-Head too and sold it with a van but that one was pretty cool. But I felt that it didn’t do the best job agitating. Thanks 😊 🙏
How do u vent it ? BC poo really smells if you leave it contained in heat. The square kitty litter containers work great for #2. Just line with a plastic bag do your business, pull the bag and tie it.
@@Vankookz You don't have to cut a hole. The default configuration is to have the fan pull air from inside the box, through a granulated charcoal filter, and then back into the box. Which does great at keeping smells down, but doesn't address moisture. There's a deflecting part connected to the fan that can be flipped, so that air is blown through a 20mm diameter external port at the bottom rear of the toilet, that can be vented outside the van. This bypasses the charcoal filter, but keeps the moisture down.
Update: The discount code is back up and functioning. Thank you for the detailed review and the discount code, we are very excited for the new throne. Happy trails everybody!
I do. I like them both the Cuddy is a new product. I would say this is better for everyday use. The agitator makes a big difference. The only thing is this is about $200 more than the Trelino. So I still like the Trelino for an entry-level composter.
The comparison with the Nature Head toilet is valid, but the Nature Head toilet, initially, is poorly designed. I have never understood the craze for Nature Head toiletr among vanlife enthusiasts. For $300 less, Cuddy seems made with poor quality plastic and a puny crank. The handles on the plastic toilet bowl and urine tank don't impress me. You have to lift the lid to get rid of the urine, this is not ideal. That's not counting the silicone valves. ??? For me, the light that indicates the urine level is not a good idea. Waste of battery and it's not good for the environment. Why make it complicated when a simple eyelet on the container does the job like on the Air Head toilet. We have been using the Air Head toilet for 4 years in a Sprinter 144. For the 3 inches more in height and its better design with quality materials (5 year warranty), I can only recommend it. Especially since it doesn't share the design flaws of the Nature Head. You always get what you pay for. You cannot cheat on the quality of the components. I still hope that you will enjoy your toilet, it's still expensive. I would like to see your long-term appreciation.
The airhead does look nice! I’ve just never used it so I don’t compare it much. Iweve had the natures head for 7 years now and it’s built like a tank. Yeah it has some drawbacks clunky design/not a deep enough urine diverter. This is great info. I agree with the plastic I even mentioned in the video as well as the dinky handles and plastic that it seems like it’s going to shatter. Also I mentioned that the crank seems like it could crap out after a few years. Thanks for this amazing comment! I appreciate this. I’m going to compare a few here soon. The air head is the only one we have never used. Thanks 🙏
For $300 less than a Natures head and $500 less than an airhead this does not need to be removed and disassembled just to empty the solids. You don't have to squint at a scummy pee bottle thanks to the LED (I had a NH and we overflowed our pee bottle like other reviews many times) the drop zone is larger - in fact the Airhead solids flap doesn't even open fully so some people use coffee filters to prevent mess? The Natures head plastic is covered in tiny pitholes that harbinger bacteria and dirt and cannot be cleaned. You have to bear hug an airhead to twist the seat off the base, and manouvering a NH outside to empty also requires beast mode activated. The valve is to stop splashing and an ammonia smell - it has since become common on all newer composting toilets that copied CompoCloset. Both Natures head and air head require lots of space around them (including he back) to operate and access. And you can vent it if you like, otherwise there's an activated carbon filter.
@@richardpeter3722 If this is a sales pitch, you have not convinced me and I reiterate that the Air Head is the best designed toilet and of clearly superior quality to the competition. Obviously, this comes at a price. I can understand that some people don't want to pay that price for a toilet, that's their business. Most of the arguments you make concern the Nature Head toilet. Nature Head is chosen by many people because they have seen UA-camr videos and followed the herd. The flaws in the Nature Head's design are obvious and I would never recommend it to anyone. You criticize the Air Head for not having a light indicating when to empty urine. Honestly, are you serious? Why complicate and use batteries (unnecessary source of waste in the environment) On the AirHead, there is an eyelet on the container indicating the level. Simple and practical. If, despite this, you have had urine overflow in your camper, I believe that the problem does not come from the toilet. For the Cuddy Toilet, be sure to change the batteries before each trip!!!!! and check that the sensor is working. :-) You say "The valve is to stop splashing and an ammonia smell -" We never had this problem with the AirHead and therefore we did not have to pay for the replacement of this useless gadget. The argument that competitors are now doing the same thing is no guarantee of utility. It is an additional source of income for these companies. As for solids with the AirHead, contrary to what you say, using a coffee filter is not an option (too small) and we never had a problem with opening the hatch. With the Airhead we use what is recommended by the company, namely “Paper Carriers pack of 50” ($4). As for space, we have been using the Air Head in a small Mercedes Sprinter 2500 (144 inches) for 6 years. The toilet is under a bench seat on a tray on a rail to take it out. Simple and discreet. The space argument is overstated. Finally the Air Head is comfortable as at home, a solid full-size seat. Comparing a cheap, thin plastic toilet that still costs $900 CAD is irrelevant. I would like to have a follow-up after 5 years. Have a good day.
@@vojo58Airhead toilet seems too much work compared to this and the Trelino. It uses power and needs a vent on top of being large and looking like a toilet. And it's expensive too? I like the Trelino and this Cuddy design better. You can move it around and even sit on it inside the camper.
Given this debate amongst experienced users, I’d be interested in opinions on the OGO design. Or any of the.many simple, lightweight, inexpensive separator toilets now available.
WAAAAAAAY too expensive!!! You're not paying for anything other than what someone can charge for a convoluted piece of plastic AND THEIR engineering egoism! MOSTLY engineering. These may cost $50 to make! RIDICULOUS!!! Aloha ~ ~ ~
It seems that way… but it’s worth it. I’m looking at a cost of 30,000 for a septic tank on my property so I can get an occupancy permit, when a system like this exists. Plus, it’s the way things work… for eg… the original VCRs were like 1000 bucks in the eighties then they went down to like 300-400 after a few years of mass production and sales to probably 80% of America plus other parts of the world. There are probably only 5% of the population in the USA that’s even wants something like this. Maybe there’s more camping people that would want this, but they will use the basic bucket system outdoors… or in a tent… This is just a great option right now. And I’d be thrilled to help the company who came up with this if I had the money… sure, you don’t have the money… see if you can pick up on offer up etc… or just go with the cheap and easy bucket system w sawdust… but that will still smell in a van/rv situation, and you’ll need to hook up a fan/ventilation… totally doable… there are so many obvious things to love about this!
Great review @vankookz you should check out the OGO composting toilet, a bit pricier but definitely a great product
A more affordable version in Australia is the Joolca for about $350 AUD and you can buy extra containers for inside, it doesn't come with the agitator or fan and doesn't look as nice though... in Australia the non-agitator version of this is around $1250, closer to $1500 for the agitator version
Ok I've never seen this unit. If I was still living in Australia maybe they would send me one to review. Thanks!
You mentioned the Cuddy Lite, that comes without an agitator. Without the agitator you can line the solids container with a plastic bag, which some people prefer.
What you didn't mention is that the agitator-free solids container will fit in the standard Cuddy, and is available separately.
I did not know that it was sold separately. We just posted a review for the Cuddy Lite on our channel
@@Vankookz A year or so back, CompoCloset posted a video on how to remove the agitator. A few months later they came out with the Cuddy Lite.
I like the Trelino composite toilets.
I like the concept, but ever seen one? It's about forty bucks worth of plastic. Cheap as cheap can be. The mark up is too outrageous for me. The poo pail is literally a five dollar bin from a dollar store.
really good review - the use/maintenance comparison with the other brand you mentioned was also very helpful information, especially since it was based on your personal experience.
Good Review. What is the maximum number of days you would go with out emptying the solids for the (Trelino vs CompoCloset)
For the CompoCloset you mentioned needing 1 brick of coco core, to fill the container up past the agitator. Did you find you would use more than 1 brick of coco core before emptying the trelino since with that one you were layering more coco core for each use.
The compo closet can go so much longer since it has an agitator and actually compost the medium and breaks it down. It depends on how many uses. I would estimate 20+ uses
I am toying with your last suggestion..a home depot bucket and cutting a pool noodle sliced to fit around the top for the seat. Thanks for this video!
I love that idea! Lol
Great review. Thanks for the video
Yeah our pleasure!
Great review! Thanks!
You could fabricate a lifting strap similar to one for a 12v battery for lifting the larger container
Yeah. It would be an easy addition for the manufacturer to do it as well.
Thank you, this seems way more polished and just overall better designed compared to the nature's head toilet. Better than the trelino too i think... I don't blame the older companies too much because they had to experiment and figure this stuff out via trial and error.
One small correction. Men can stand with the Thinktank toilet. But it might be too big for some vans.
Love this, thanks for the review, I love the lite version!
Looks like a good alternative to the Natureshead, sharing this video 👍
Yeah it’s pretty awesome.
I dont like having the agitator I think just having a biodegradable bag and filling it with the compost is better. You can just throw/add in more compost after you are done.
The problem with the agitator is thats another thing you need to clean the idea of wiping down those metal parts to clean them off poop is kinda disgusting tbh.
It usually dries out and falls off. I never really clean mine.
Cheaper alternative to the Trelino is Ogo Nomad for $199
Oh wow. Thanks I’m going to check this out.
Is it really considered “composting” if you just put the waste in a garbage bag and throw it away. I agree, it does look nice and easy to clean…love your videos, thanks kids
You know that’s a good question. Whatever it is it works pretty good. We’ve been using a natures head for almost 6 years now and this thing is pretty slick! Thanks Susan!
It's a desicating toilet. It's only composting if you dispose of the contents in a compost heap.
I assume you would not recommend toilet paper in this one since it has the agitator?
Yes true!
I've found that toilet paper in the solids container is no problem, if instead of folding the paper you break it into individual sheets and stack them up.
You have used the Trelino, which does not have an agitator? How does this compare? I have neuropathy in my hands and would never be able to carry that pee jug with my fingers.
This is soooo helpful! You guys crack me up remind me of me and may bf (we have minivan tho lol) does it smell???? Thoughts on everything? I'm disabled and looking for easiest and least smelly toilet for my tiny house!! Thanks!!🎉🎉❤
The carbon filter does an amazing job of keeping the smells at bay.
I can’t wait to try it out 💩
😂
We bought the Trelino (the Evo not the Origin) based on your previous review, but frankly we are disappointed with it. Urine spray (for us women) is going back into the poop area and down under the containers (we keep the lid on the poop bucket). The "ridge" between the urine and poop sections is simply not high enough. We had a C Head previously and did not have this problem... (wish we had kept it). Does this CompoCloset have a higher ridge between the 2 sections? Thanks for all you do for us!
We never had that problem. We just always kept the lid on occasionally we had to wipe some small splashes off the lid. I’m sorry to hear that. The CompoCloset and Natures head have a nice mechanism that shuts the solids off. Every now and then a little gets into the solids but it’s not enough to cause any issues (small splashes). We were really stoked on the Trelino at first just because it was easy to use and clean. But then we got this one and realized how important the mechanical open/shut is for the solids. Also the compoCloset has a ridge between the two that’s maybe 2cm tall that’s seems to help where as the trelino didn’t. I’ll keep that in mind here when we compare all three here in a few weeks. Thanks for the feedback and I’m sorry it didn’t work out. We used to have a C-Head too and sold it with a van but that one was pretty cool. But I felt that it didn’t do the best job agitating. Thanks 😊 🙏
How do u vent it ? BC poo really smells if you leave it contained in heat.
The square kitty litter containers work great for #2. Just line with a plastic bag
do your business, pull the bag and tie it.
It has a built in fan you would just have to cut a hole and run a tube.
@@Vankookz You don't have to cut a hole. The default configuration is to have the fan pull air from inside the box, through a granulated charcoal filter, and then back into the box. Which does great at keeping smells down, but doesn't address moisture.
There's a deflecting part connected to the fan that can be flipped, so that air is blown through a 20mm diameter external port at the bottom rear of the toilet, that can be vented outside the van. This bypasses the charcoal filter, but keeps the moisture down.
Is this available in New Zealand?
Just had a look online for Aus & they do ship to NZ & AU 😊
So you bag it and then throw it out? Why not then just use a bag in a bucket?
Hey kookz, trying to use your discount code and it’s not working 😮
It should be vankookz50
I’ll reach out to see if maybe it changed
Vankookz50 only available the US and Canada
Your discount code is not working on their site.
Ok thanks I’ll see what’s going on
Update: The discount code is back up and functioning. Thank you for the detailed review and the discount code, we are very excited for the new throne. Happy trails everybody!
I thought you liked the trelino?
I do. I like them both the Cuddy is a new product. I would say this is better for everyday use. The agitator makes a big difference. The only thing is this is about $200 more than the Trelino. So I still like the Trelino for an entry-level composter.
No
When you're favorite thing about the toilet is the tiny LED light, I can stop watching.
lol it totally looks like a toilet
The comparison with the Nature Head toilet is valid, but the Nature Head toilet, initially, is poorly designed. I have never understood the craze for Nature Head toiletr among vanlife enthusiasts. For $300 less, Cuddy seems made with poor quality plastic and a puny crank. The handles on the plastic toilet bowl and urine tank don't impress me. You have to lift the lid to get rid of the urine, this is not ideal. That's not counting the silicone valves. ??? For me, the light that indicates the urine level is not a good idea. Waste of battery and it's not good for the environment. Why make it complicated when a simple eyelet on the container does the job like on the Air Head toilet. We have been using the Air Head toilet for 4 years in a Sprinter 144. For the 3 inches more in height and its better design with quality materials (5 year warranty), I can only recommend it. Especially since it doesn't share the design flaws of the Nature Head. You always get what you pay for. You cannot cheat on the quality of the components. I still hope that you will enjoy your toilet, it's still expensive. I would like to see your long-term appreciation.
The airhead does look nice! I’ve just never used it so I don’t compare it much. Iweve had the natures head for 7 years now and it’s built like a tank. Yeah it has some drawbacks clunky design/not a deep enough urine diverter. This is great info. I agree with the plastic I even mentioned in the video as well as the dinky handles and plastic that it seems like it’s going to shatter. Also I mentioned that the crank seems like it could crap out after a few years. Thanks for this amazing comment! I appreciate this. I’m going to compare a few here soon. The air head is the only one we have never used. Thanks 🙏
For $300 less than a Natures head and $500 less than an airhead this does not need to be removed and disassembled just to empty the solids. You don't have to squint at a scummy pee bottle thanks to the LED (I had a NH and we overflowed our pee bottle like other reviews many times) the drop zone is larger - in fact the Airhead solids flap doesn't even open fully so some people use coffee filters to prevent mess? The Natures head plastic is covered in tiny pitholes that harbinger bacteria and dirt and cannot be cleaned. You have to bear hug an airhead to twist the seat off the base, and manouvering a NH outside to empty also requires beast mode activated. The valve is to stop splashing and an ammonia smell - it has since become common on all newer composting toilets that copied CompoCloset. Both Natures head and air head require lots of space around them (including he back) to operate and access. And you can vent it if you like, otherwise there's an activated carbon filter.
@@richardpeter3722 If this is a sales pitch, you have not convinced me and I reiterate that the Air Head is the best designed toilet and of clearly superior quality to the competition. Obviously, this comes at a price. I can understand that some people don't want to pay that price for a toilet, that's their business. Most of the arguments you make concern the Nature Head toilet. Nature Head is chosen by many people because they have seen UA-camr videos and followed the herd. The flaws in the Nature Head's design are obvious and I would never recommend it to anyone. You criticize the Air Head for not having a light indicating when to empty urine. Honestly, are you serious? Why complicate and use batteries (unnecessary source of waste in the environment) On the AirHead, there is an eyelet on the container indicating the level. Simple and practical. If, despite this, you have had urine overflow in your camper, I believe that the problem does not come from the toilet. For the Cuddy Toilet, be sure to change the batteries before each trip!!!!! and check that the sensor is working. :-)
You say "The valve is to stop splashing and an ammonia smell -" We never had this problem with the AirHead and therefore we did not have to pay for the replacement of this useless gadget. The argument that competitors are now doing the same thing is no guarantee of utility. It is an additional source of income for these companies. As for solids with the AirHead, contrary to what you say, using a coffee filter is not an option (too small) and we never had a problem with opening the hatch. With the Airhead we use what is recommended by the company, namely “Paper Carriers pack of 50” ($4). As for space, we have been using the Air Head in a small Mercedes Sprinter 2500 (144 inches) for 6 years. The toilet is under a bench seat on a tray on a rail to take it out. Simple and discreet. The space argument is overstated. Finally the Air Head is comfortable as at home, a solid full-size seat. Comparing a cheap, thin plastic toilet that still costs $900 CAD is irrelevant. I would like to have a follow-up after 5 years. Have a good day.
@@vojo58Airhead toilet seems too much work compared to this and the Trelino. It uses power and needs a vent on top of being large and looking like a toilet. And it's expensive too?
I like the Trelino and this Cuddy design better. You can move it around and even sit on it inside the camper.
Given this debate amongst experienced users, I’d be interested in opinions on the OGO design. Or any of the.many simple, lightweight, inexpensive separator toilets now available.
WAAAAAAAY too expensive!!! You're not paying for anything other than what someone can charge for a convoluted piece of plastic AND THEIR engineering egoism! MOSTLY engineering. These may cost $50 to make! RIDICULOUS!!! Aloha ~ ~ ~
You are also paying for engineering, prototyping, labor
Heck just start making them 😂
Tell me you don't know about the cost of mold tooling without telling me you don't know about mold tooling.
It seems that way… but it’s worth it. I’m looking at a cost of 30,000 for a septic tank on my property so I can get an occupancy permit, when a system like this exists. Plus, it’s the way things work… for eg… the original VCRs were like 1000 bucks in the eighties then they went down to like 300-400 after a few years of mass production and sales to probably 80% of America plus other parts of the world. There are probably only 5% of the population in the USA that’s even wants something like this. Maybe there’s more camping people that would want this, but they will use the basic bucket system outdoors… or in a tent… This is just a great option right now. And I’d be thrilled to help the company who came up with this if I had the money… sure, you don’t have the money… see if you can pick up on offer up etc… or just go with the cheap and easy bucket system w sawdust… but that will still smell in a van/rv situation, and you’ll need to hook up a fan/ventilation… totally doable… there are so many obvious things to love about this!
Still doesn't account for the price pay attention@@christianriedel7017