For lovers of traveling in motorhomes or owners of houses without sewerage outside the city, sooner or later the question of purchasing a dry toilet arises. Moreover, most people strive to buy an easy-to-maintain dry toilet for their summer cottage without odor or pumping. There are a large number of different options available in stores today. In order to buy the best model offered in this segment, a review has been made of the best dry closets for summer cottages that successfully combat unpleasant odors and do not require pumping.
How to choose a dry closet for your dacha - types of dry closets
Among biotoilets for summer cottages, there are 4 types of devices that combat odor without pumping:
- electrical;
- liquid;
- cassette;
- peat.
Electronic dry closets require an outlet at the dacha. They look like home toilets and are the best non-pumping and odor control devices.
The operating principle is to separate liquid and solid waste. Through an attached hose, liquids are discharged into a special tank. And solid ones are dried with a compressor and collected in a separate part of the dry closet.
Once the tanks are filled, they do not require pumping, waste is easy to dispose of, and the tanks are easy to clean. Some models of such biotoilets for summer cottages are equipped with a ventilation system.
There are electric models for gardening that freeze or burn waste.
The price of such dry toilets for a summer residence without odor and pumping is quite expensive.
Liquid dry closets used in the country consist of two reservoirs; water from the upper one is poured into the lower one by pressing a button, where it processes waste chemically using special products poured into it.
Before you buy such a device for your garden, you need to pay attention to the type of pump and the volume of tanks. The more people who use the dry closet, the larger the tank is needed for long-term use without cleaning.
A cassette dry closet is a device with a retractable bottom tank called a cassette. It can be easily pulled out for cleaning or replacement. It can be placed both in the country house and in an outdoor cabin.
Peat dry closets for dachas also do not require pumping, and they not only dispose of waste, but also allow you to use it to obtain fertilizers for your garden plot. Neither water nor electricity are needed for these dry toilets; special mixtures with peat are used here, which are poured into the upper tank.
The price of peat models for dacha owners is the most affordable.
Dry toilets without the need for pumping in the country can be either stationary or portable. The former are more stable, have more weight and are convenient for use in one room. The latter are suitable not only for indoor use in the country, but also when traveling in a motorhome or on a hike.
Peat
They are among the most inexpensive and easiest to use. Structurally, it is a plastic container with two compartments, upper and lower.
Before use, or rather, the compartment is filled with a special peat mixture, which contains special bacteria responsible for processing waste. Therefore, the use of ordinary peat from the nearest swamp will not bring the necessary results.
A centimeter layer of the same mixture is poured onto the bottom of the tank intended for collecting feces. After each visit to the toilet, using a special handle, a dosed portion of peat is discharged from the upper compartment to the lower one, ensuring the filling of a fresh batch of waste.
After this, bacteria get to work, converting feces into fertilizer, which can be used to feed plants in your area. Despite the small size of peat dry closets, loading one batch of the mixture is enough for a fairly long time.
This is possible due to the high absorbency of the peat mixture, one kilogram of which is designed for ten liters of liquid waste.
Advantages:
- Maximum environmentally friendly;
- There is no need for frequent cleaning;
- Recycled waste is used as fertilizer;
- Low cost of consumable components.
Flaws:
- Uneven dispersion of the peat mixture by the batch release mechanism;
- Mandatory ventilation device when located indoors at home;
- For complete cleaning, rinsing with water is necessary.
How a dry closet works - how to use it - operating principle and maintenance
The operating principle of a dry closet depends on the type that the dacha owner wants to buy. Most residents prefer models without waste pumping.
Using modern dry toilets in your country house is just as convenient as using toilets at home. After defecation, you need to press the drain button, then the device will do everything on its own.
Liquid models installed at the dacha will begin to process waste chemically. In peat, they decompose naturally under the influence of heat, and composting toilets powered by electricity dry or burn them.
Maintenance of all these options is made as simple as possible for dacha owners. When filling the lower tank, it must be cleaned and rinsed to prevent the appearance of a nasty smell.
After this procedure, the tank is installed back into the device.
Country dry toilets: types and their features
On the Russian market, it is customary to refer to the entire family of structures as dry toilets, regardless of how waste is disposed of. However, each variety has its own characteristics.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in water supply and sewerage.
Chemical
Chemical and biological toilets have a second name. They are often called liquid because various liquid compositions are required for operation. A liquid chemical is added to the lower chamber to break down waste and inhibit bacterial growth. In addition to water, liquid products (flavoring shampoos) are also added to the upper chamber. They not only deodorize the air, but also additionally clean the internal walls and moving parts of lime deposits.
Another part that is always present in chemical units is the flush pump; Three types of pumps are installed:
- Piston . Allows you to dose the incoming liquid, but it operates with some effort. In the event of a breakdown, such a device can be replaced quite easily.
- Mechanical pump for draining water. It operates effortlessly, but does not have a liquid dispenser. It takes a master to fix it.
Mechanical pump Source skelbiu.lt
- Electric pump for draining water. It is more common in chemical toilets and looks like a button. The battery-powered device is equipped with pressure control and a dispenser. You will also have to call a specialist to fix it.
Chemical toilets have many advantages, including:
- Compactness . Most models are small in size and weigh up to 5-7 kg.
- Mobility . The device is installed in any place convenient for you.
- No smell . Chemicals suppress the formation of gases, and the valve closes the lower container. Thanks to this, there is virtually no odor, and ventilation is not needed.
- Stylish design and comfortable shape.
TOP 6 best dry toilets for a summer residence without odor and pumping - rating 2020-2021
Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365
The Porta Potti Qube 365 composting toilet model from one of the best manufacturers, Thetford (Holland), is a global bestseller in this segment and a sales leader throughout Russia.
This dry closet has many advantages:
- Full autonomy of work in the country.
- No pumping required.
- Large containers (15 l and 21 l) allow you not to empty the dry closet every day. It is enough to drain it once every 7-8 days.
- The lightweight, portable design allows you to use Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365 not only at the dacha, but also take it as a camping option.
- The comfortable high seat imitates a regular toilet. This makes it comfortable for use by the elderly and disabled.
- The poured liquid prevents the appearance of microorganisms and harmful bacteria in the dry closet.
- The consumption of water and liquids is very economical.
- The presence of an indicator indicating the filling of the fecal tank.
- Convenient emptying without splashing liquid thanks to a special valve that relieves pressure in the lower tank.
- An environmentally friendly liquid that, when drained at a dacha site, does not threaten plants, insects, or the health of animals and people.
- The pump is a piston type model. It is long lasting and washes off well.
Owners of dachas who use this dry toilet for their dachas note in their reviews the complete blocking of odors, a pleasant unobtrusive design, the compactness of the model, excellent quality of materials, as well as ease of use in the dacha.
Considering all the advantages of the model, the Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365 dry closet, which does not require pumping, can be called a universal, odorless option at the best price, which is worth buying for home use in the country.
The box with the dry closet contains two tanks and two types of concentrated liquid, which are poured in for the effective functioning of the structure and blocking unpleasant odors. The model is available in stores in white and beige. The Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365 is guaranteed for 3 years from the date of purchase.
The price for this dry toilet for a summer residence is 6,800 rubles. You can buy it in hardware stores, as well as departments of goods for the garden.
Thetford Porta Potti Qube 165
Thetford Porta Potti Qube 165 is one of the best models of liquid composting toilets for a summer residence without pumping available on the market. It has a safe, ergonomic toilet-style design. To make it convenient to open the lid at the dacha, it has a convenient recess. Porta Potti Qube 165 is compact and easy to transport in a car, it is easy to assemble and disassemble, which means the model is suitable not only for a summer house, but also for a motorhome or camping.
The Porta Potti Qube 165 summer toilet has a pump that flushes mechanically and does not require frequent and constant battery changes.
The seat in the model is located low, thanks to this the dry closet is comfortable not only for adults, but also for children relaxing in the country.
Dacha owners say that they can successfully use this dry toilet without cleaning or pumping for a week.
Porta Potti Qube 165 is made of very durable plastic, which makes it extremely reliable. The smell is blocked instantly, thanks to this you can install a dry closet in very small rooms (in a cottage, kiosk, small booths for security guards, etc.)
Cleaning the model is extremely simple: the lower tank is removed and liquid pours out of it without an unpleasant odor. After this, the tank must be rinsed with water without adding additional products.
This dry closet is completely environmentally friendly and ideal for a summer residence.
You can buy it inexpensively in retail stores or on the Internet. The price of the model is 4,600 rubles.
Thetford Porta Potti Qube 165 Luxe
For a comfortable trip or vacation in places without sewerage, you should buy a dry toilet for the Thetford Porta Potti Qube 165 Luxe. This model represents the best combination of price and quality and does not require pumping.
Despite its small dimensions (38 by 43 by 41 cm), the composting toilet for the Thetford Porta Potti Qube 165 Luxe. has an increased volume of drain tanks. When used by two or three people, it is enough to drain it once every 6-8 days. An unpleasant odor will not appear. The red color of the indicator will promptly indicate that the container is full and needs to be cleaned.
There is a convenient recess on the lid of this bio-toilet for the dacha that helps to lift it, and on the drain tank there is a special fastener that simplifies the fixation of the upper part with the lower part.
This dry toilet for a summer residence is easy to maintain. Draining is carried out using a mechanical pump. The waste is washed away after pressing the accordion-shaped button. The flushing water flow in this model is very economical.
Dacha owners who use this dry closet especially note the locking mechanism in the design of the model. It securely snaps the lid on, protects the structure from accidental opening, and also blocks all unpleasant odors, which is especially important for an indoor dry closet.
For ease of carrying, the dry closet is equipped with a folding handle.
This model can be purchased in stores in white and beige colors. The price is 5,000 rubles.
Thetford Campa Potti Xgl 21 l
Thetford Campa Potti Xgl is one of the best composting toilets for a summer house, without the need for pumping, that you can buy. Buyers of this model especially note the easy assembly and operation of this dry toilet for their summer cottage. It is convenient thanks to its large capacity (21 liters) and hard, smooth plastic that can be washed with a regular hose.
The design of the Campa Potti Xgl is very light (4 kg), which makes it easy to carry around the dacha, but at the same time it is extremely stable.
A convenient pump washes away waste from the first press even with a small amount of water in the upper tank, washing the entire container around its circumference. This prevents the appearance of bacteria and foreign odors.
A special damper on the Thetford Campa Potti Xgl composting toilet closes access to the lower tank, completely blocking unpleasant odors. This allows you to install it in very small baths or in one-room cottages that combine a toilet and a kitchen in one room.
It is very convenient to drain liquid from the lower container even when it is completely full thanks to the special handle on it.
The Campa Potti Xgl model is sold in many hardware stores. The price for this dry toilet for a summer residence is 5,100 rubles.
Mr Little Ideal 24 l
Mr Little Ideal is the best portable dry toilet, ideal for the garden and does not require pumping.
The large tank (24 l) allows it to be used for several weeks without cleaning. The model is designed not for one or two people, like most dry closets, but for a full-fledged family of 4-5 people.
This bio-toilet for a summer residence has two indicators at once - one for each tank.
There is a convenient handle on the bottom for carrying and pouring liquid from it.
The air release valve on it helps reduce pressure and prevent spilled waste from splashing.
For greater structural stability, the Mr Little Ideal biotoilet for the garden is equipped with additional guides and special fasteners. This makes it much more reliable when used not only indoors, but also in outdoor conditions.
Mr Little Ideal is a tall dry closet for the disabled, which sets it apart from many competitive models.
Another advantage of the model of this Canadian dry toilet for a summer residence is the impact-resistant and frost-resistant white glossy plastic from which it is made. All materials of the model do not absorb odors and can be used outdoors even on cold winter days.
The two-way drain irrigates the entire surface of the lower container, and the piston pump guarantees drainage even with low water consumption. The damper between the tanks reliably blocks odors.
You can buy Mr Little Ideal for 7,000 rubles.
Piteco 506
Piteco 506 is the best model of a peat dry closet, which is especially popular among dacha owners. It is made of impact-resistant polypropylene and equipped with a ventilation pipe.
The composting toilet comes with a 30 liter bag of peat composition. Peat is poured into the upper tank, from where it then flows into the lower one, collecting all the waste along the way. For easy cleaning, the lower tank is equipped with comfortable handles.
Consumers in their reviews of the Piteco 506 composting toilet for their summer cottage note the following advantages:
- ease of operation;
- quick cleaning without pumping;
- separation of waste into liquid and solid using a filter element;
- good ventilation that blocks unpleasant odors.
The drainage system meets high requirements. Peat distribution is improved thanks to the presence of a special ejection disc.
You can buy a composting toilet for your summer cottage Piteco 506 in the official online store of the manufacturer. Its price is 5,600 rubles, delivery is free.
Price comparison
Perhaps, after a detailed acquaintance with the main parameters and features of each dry closet model, readers of this article still have some doubts or questions. To dispel them, the table provides clarifying, more detailed characteristics and average cost, which will allow you to sway your choice in favor of one device or another.
Model | Processing method | Storage tank volume, l | Dimensions, cm | Weight, kg | Average price, rub. |
Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145 | chemical | 12 | 38.3x33x42.7 | 3,6 | 4350 |
Enviro 10 | 20 | 41x35x42 | 4,3 | 4199 | |
Bioforce Compact WC 12-20VD | 20 | 43.5x37x42 | 6 | 4997 | |
Piteco 506 | compost peat | 44 | 39x59x70.6 | 8,2 | 5690 |
Separett Camping 1165 | 23 | 67.2x43x54.1 | 4 | 6480 | |
Thetford Porta Potti 565P | chemical | 21 | 33,8×44,8×45 | 5,3 | 10300 |
Kekkila Ecomatic 50 | compost peat | 50 | 50x47x51 | 7 | 11680 |
Separett Villa 9000 | electric | 23 | 45.6×54.1×67.2 | 13 | 43980 |
Which dry toilet is better, peat or liquid - pros and cons
Before you go to the store and buy a dry closet, you need to decide on the type of this device.
Peat devices for summer cottages have the following advantages:
- Does not require pumping.
- You don't need to buy chemicals for them. This means complete environmental friendliness and safety for the environment.
- Recycling waste results in compost, which is successfully used to fertilize the soil.
- Suitable for use by the whole family. For example, a 100 liter tank is suitable for four people. You will only need to clean it once every three to four weeks.
- A complete ventilation system that can be taken outside. In this case, unpleasant odors are guaranteed not to bother you.
- No need for constant access to water.
- No complicated waste pumping.
- Affordable prices for most peat dry closets for summer cottages.
Among the disadvantages of devices of this type, dacha owners highlight the following:
- You need to regularly spend time and money buying peat to fill the toilet, and then transporting it to your dacha.
- Complex arrangement of the ventilation system. Without it, there is a possibility of an unpleasant odor.
- Not suitable for small rooms, kiosks, booths and one-room cottages.
- At low temperatures, the rate of waste processing decreases sharply.
A liquid dry toilet has the following advantages over a peat structure:
- Mobility.
- Can be used both outdoors and indoors.
- Efficient processing at any temperature.
- Easy assembly/disassembly, transportation and operation.
- Quickly blocks unpleasant odors, making it suitable for use in small spaces.
- There is no need to additionally install a pumping system or ventilation in the country house.
- Easy to drain and clean without pumping.
- Large selection of tank volumes. You can choose a model for one person or for a whole family relaxing in the country.
Among the disadvantages, dacha owners note:
- It costs money to buy products to fill both tanks. The price of most of them is quite high.
- Not all liquids are environmentally friendly. Before you buy a product, you need to make sure that it does not harm plants or animal health.
- It is necessary to clean a liquid device for a summer residence more often than a peat device.
- You cannot buy and use regular toilet paper, otherwise the toilet will clog. You need to use a special expensive one or place a paper bucket nearby, which can create an unpleasant smell in the dacha.
- More expensive prices for liquid models for dachas.
Which option is better is up to the owner of the dacha to decide. The choice depends on the future operating conditions of the device.
Brief overview of manufacturers and models
Before going to the store, you need to correctly assess the required capacity and dimensions of the plumbing fixtures in question. If a compact design is required, then it is better to opt for a liquid model with a lower capacity of up to 21 liters.
And if you need a more convenient option with longer reboots, then you should take a closer look at the peat analogue with a storage capacity of 100 liters or more.
But which dry toilet for a summer residence is better from the point of view of the country of manufacture and manufacturer? The choice here is frankly small.
The country of production is not particularly important. Both in Russia and in Europe, this plumbing fixture is produced using common technologies and standards. You should not buy only frankly cheap products of unknown origin.
Russian liquid and peat dry closets are in no way inferior to imported analogues, but are slightly cheaper due to the proximity of production to the buyer
Among the main manufacturers:
- for liquid models - “Thetford” (Netherlands), “BIOFORCE” (China) and “Enviro” (Canada-USA);
- for peat devices - “Kekkila” (Finland), “Piteco” (Russia), “Compact-Eco” (Russia) and “Biolan” (Russia).
- for electrical appliances – “Cinderella” (Norway) and “Separett” (Sweden).
Choosing the right model in a plumbing store largely depends on the needs of the buyer. The product range of each presented manufacturer is quite extensive; there are options both portable for transportation by road and stationary for installation in the country on a permanent basis.
When purchasing, it is advisable to focus on the rating of the best dry closets for summer cottages and private homes and reviews from the owners of the model you like.
The price range of dry toilets is wide - from 3000–3500 for a peat model to 80000–90000 for an electric unit with a heated toilet seat. The service life of these devices is the same for almost all manufacturers - up to 10 years.
By definition, they are resistant to filler chemistry; they are more likely to simply break due to old age or mechanical stress.
Don’t want to buy a cheap model, but the option you like is quite expensive? In such a situation, you can make a dry closet yourself. We described in detail what materials are needed and how to assemble it correctly in the next article.
FAQ
How long does a dry closet last?
The service life of a bio-toilet for a summer residence without pumping directly depends on the volume of its tanks and the number of people using it. For example, a dry closet with a 21 liter tank is enough for 10 days when used by 1 person and for 6-7 days for 2-3 people.
Where to drain the dry closet at the dacha?
The lower reservoir from the dry closet is drained into a compost pit at the dacha. There are environmentally friendly liquids that can be drained anywhere.
How to clean a dry closet yourself?
You can clean the dry closet using running water from a hose at your dacha. When cleaning, do not use aggressive detergents and bleach; they corrode the plastic parts that make up the dry closet, and its shelf life is sharply reduced.
How to fill a dry closet with liquid?
First, water is poured into each tank, then the liquid itself; the required ratio should be looked at on the packaging of the product. Stirring will occur automatically after the first drain.
How to remove the smell from the bottom tank of a dry closet?
If an unpleasant odor appears in the dacha, the lower tank must be drained, thoroughly rinsed with water and a mild detergent (soap or dishwashing liquid) and a special liquid must be refilled there in the required volume.
How can I replace the liquid from the top tank of a dry closet?
The liquid poured into the upper reservoir can be replaced with any aromatic product or tablet used for a regular toilet. You can also use regular aromatic liquid soap, which will help block unpleasant odors in the dacha.
The history of the appearance of modern dry toilets
Peter Büsing is the man whose invention is so popular all over the world today. The story began in 1979, when the young man’s grandmother suffered a stroke and ended up in the hospital. The grandson often visited his relative and saw the inconvenience that she faces every time she needs to go to the toilet. Needless to say, a duck in a hospital is not the most convenient device? Therefore, every time the grandmother called the fragile nurse to help and take her to the restroom.
The young man, seeing the difficulties of his relative, decided to help her. It was not so difficult for the man to do this, because by occupation he was an aircraft designer. Peter knew everything about the design of vacuum toilets in the aircraft being developed, so he took them as a basis for his invention. The man worked for several weeks before he was able to present his grandmother with an innovation - a compact, mobile toilet. By the way, he filed a patent a little later - in 1981.
The portable latrine was independent of water and electricity. It was hygienic: the parts tightly fitted to each other blocked the unpleasant odor inside. Also, the toilet could withstand a decent load. Peter’s grandmother recovered, but had no idea that her grandson’s invention was the beginning of an entire industry in the production of important and necessary devices. Dry toilets began to be used everywhere: on car trips, at dachas, when caring for sick people and in other situations.
Which one is better to buy?
How to choose a dry toilet? The answer depends on the purpose of the application. If you plan to live in the country for a long time, then you should think about a stationary peat toilet. Here you can “kill two birds with one stone”: you can relieve yourself comfortably and generate fertilizer for the site. If you are interested in inexpensive but convenient restrooms for the whole family, disabled people or elderly relatives, then liquid designs are suitable. The budget is unlimited and you want the very best? Then you should pay attention to environmentally friendly electric models. It is important to choose a unit that will delight you with its appearance and ease of use.
Electric dry toilets
A rare group. Works only when electricity is available. There are two types of electric bio toilets. In some, the liquid and solid fractions are separated. The liquid is discharged through a special tube, which can be connected directly to the sewer or discharged into a waste pit. The solid fraction is burned in a sealed container. The remainder is a small pile of ash that can be used as fertilizer.
The second type of electric toilets dries feces and urine, and then fills the remains with a special composition. In this form, excrement weighs very little and can be stored for a long time.
Container into which ashes are poured
In order for the drying or burning processes to take place without odors, it is necessary to create or connect to ventilation, which adds complexity to installation. Another common disadvantage of this type of composting toilet is its dependence on electricity. Without it, nothing will work. The next significant disadvantage is the high price. All of them together limit the use of this type of units.