Rating of dry closets for summer cottages and private homes: popular models + recommendations for buyers

A wide selection of autonomous sanitary systems allows you to quickly resolve a delicate issue in any conditions.Below is a rating of dry toilets for a summer cottage, home, outdoor trips or caring for sick people.

Modern devices differ in their operating principle and a number of additional parameters. Among them there are stationary and portable models. Offers vary in type of design, material of manufacture, ease of operation and maintenance.

The rating of the best dry closets for the home includes units from different brands. The review is supplemented with technical characteristics, a description of operating principles, advantages and disadvantages, as well as user reviews. The list includes models from the budget series, mid-range and premium class.

TOP 12 best dry closets

Place
Product
Rating
Tank volume, l
Dimensions, cm
Separate waste collection
Price
Dry toilets cabins
#1
97
/ 100
250
115x223x111
-
Electrical recycling models
#3
94
/ 100
24
55x65x71
-
Dry toilets for chemical recycling
#3
93
/ 100
10
37x30x42
-
Peat dry toilets
#2
94
/ 100
120
60x82x80
+

Dry toilets cabins

#1

Bioecology Pragma

Stationary cabin with chemical processing method

Expert rating:
97
/ 100

The stationary toilet stall from the Bioecology company has a simple design. The building is assembled from 4 profiled walls and a translucent roof. The package includes a spacious 250-liter tank-reservoir, an exhaust pipe and a door with a latch. Waste processing is carried out chemically.

The weight of the dry closet is 75 kg, so the cabin, if necessary, can be moved from place to place.

Specifications:

  • processing method – chemical;
  • installation option – stationary;
  • storage tank volume – 250 l;
  • dimensions – 115*223*111 cm;
  • flushing - not provided;
  • Features: reinforced wooden pallet, open type storage tank.

The universal tank combines the possibility of using a seat or using a footrest. The set includes a paper holder, loops for a lock, and a coat hook.

The company managed to achieve competitive costs due to the presence of a full cycle production. You can purchase Bioecology Pragma for about 15-16 thousand rubles.

Advantages
  • Independence from water and power supply
  • Universal tank
  • Acceptable cost
  • Good equipment
  • Translucent roof
Flaws
  • No tank heating
#2

Bioecology Ecolight Summer Resident

Universal cabin for a summer residence with the possibility of installation on a cesspool

Expert rating:
96
/ 100

The Ecolight Summer Resident stationary toilet is perfect for those who already have a cesspool prepared on their site. The prefabricated structure will eliminate the need to erect a brick or other structure.

If digging a cesspool is not part of the plans of summer residents, then the cabin can be equipped with a storage tank with a capacity of 225 liters. In this case, waste processing will be carried out using a chemical method with the addition of reagents.

Specifications:

  • processing method – compost or chemical using a storage tank;
  • installation option – stationary;
  • storage tank volume – 225 l;
  • dimensions – 115*230*115 cm;
  • flushing - not provided;
  • Features: reinforced tray, possibility of additional equipment, toilet seat with lid.

The model comes with a chimney, a paper holder, a seat with a cover and a coat hook. Cabins are available in grey, blue or green. To put it into operation, the toilet does not need to be connected to communications.

Advantages
  • Two installation options
  • Roof made of translucent material
  • Easy to assemble and light weight
  • Independence from water and power supply
  • Variability of colors
Flaws
  • The basic version does not have a storage tank
#3

Toypek Toilet cabin

Rugged construction and attractive design from Lex Group

Expert rating:
96
/ 100

A popular model from a well-known domestic brand specializing in the production and sale of toilet stalls and dry toilets. The Toypek design is made by injection molding, so the strength of the parts is high.

The reliability of the booths is confirmed by users, and the manufacturer itself provides a five-year warranty on the product.The tray is made of high-strength plastic, so it is not afraid of temperature fluctuations and humidity.

Specifications:

  • processing method – chemical;
  • installation option – stationary;
  • storage tank volume – 250 l;
  • dimensions – 100*225*100 cm;
  • flushing - not provided;
  • Features – reinforced tray, possibility of additional equipment with a washstand, urinal or pump flush system.

The booth is equipped with a durable door and a durable locking lock with an "Free/Occupied" indication. The opening of the storage tank has been increased in size.

The Toypek model can be ordered with bright side walls - blue, orange, light green or crimson. The coloring pigments used have good color fastness, so the booths retain their color for a long time.

Advantages
  • Anti-vandal door with "Free/Occupied" indications
  • Ease of movement and transportation
  • Large toilet seat
  • Warranty - 5 years
Flaws
  • Complaints about the difficulty of assembly

Electrical recycling models

#1

Thetford C224-CW

Stationary cassette toilet with piston flush mechanism

Expert rating:
95
/ 100

The electric dry closet consists of two parts - an upper tank with a capacity of 9 liters and a lower storage box with a volume of 18 liters. The model belongs to the category of cassette devices. The unit is equipped with a light indicator indicating the need to empty the lower tank.

The Thetford C224-CW dry closet has a mechanical flushing system - water is supplied when the piston is pressed. The volume of supplied water can be dosed.

Specifications:

  • processing method – electric;
  • installation option – stationary;
  • storage tank volume – 18 l;
  • dimensions – 39*73*58 cm;
  • flush - piston mechanism;
  • features - full indicator, pressure relief valve, handles for moving the drain tank, wheels on the storage container.

To fill the drain tank, you need to purchase a WATERFILL DOOR SC 200/224 hatch, which is not included in the basic configuration. Its cost is about 1500 rubles.

Advantages
  • Swivel seat
  • Electronic tank full indicator
  • Piston flush mechanism
  • Pressure relief valve
  • Comfortable seat height - 49 cm
Flaws
  • Small storage tank volume
  • High price
  • The kit does not include a hatch for the drain tank
#2

Separett Villa 9000

Dry toilet with separate waste collection and built-in ventilation system

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

Compact electric toilet from a Swedish company. The cost of Villa 9000 is quite high - about 42-45 thousand rubles. The main reason is the improved operating principle. Liquid sewage is discharged through drainage into the drainage pit, and solid sewage is dried using a compressor, reducing in volume by 70%.

This allows the storage container to be cleaned approximately once every quarter. An exhaust air duct and a built-in fan are provided to remove unpleasant odors. A mandatory requirement for operation is power supply from a 220 V network, connection to a car fan is possible.

Specifications:

  • waste treatment method – electric with separate collection of sewage;
  • installation option – stationary;
  • storage container volume – 23 l;
  • seat height 44 cm;
  • flushing - direct distribution of waste, connecting a water supply or adding dry substances is not necessary;
  • features - the presence of a child seat, a tank for collecting solid sewage, bags for accumulating and subsequent ripening of compost.

The body is made of polished polystyrene, which is impact resistant. Polished polypropylene makes the seat durable. The internal containers are made of frost-resistant and chemically inert polyethylene.

When it comes to ease of maintenance, the Villa 9000 outperforms its competitors. However, it is worth considering some points. The storage chamber opens only when sitting on the toilet, so using the dry closet is only possible in a sitting position. Additional disadvantages: high cost, need to connect to the mains.

Advantages
  • Separate waste collection technology
  • Clean the tank every 3-4 months
  • Good equipment
  • Compact dimensions
  • Attractive design
Flaws
  • High price
  • Seated operation only
  • It is necessary to organize ventilation and liquid waste disposal
#3

BioLet 25

A practical device with an innovative recycling scheme is an excellent solution for a family of 3-4 people

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

An expensive dry closet from a Swedish company, powered by electricity. Its feature is the automatic processing of waste into compost by stimulating the natural processes of decomposition and rotting.

Biolet 25 is a technologically sophisticated unit. It is equipped with a ventilation and exhaust system, a heating element and thermostat, a chamber with indicator sensors and an automatic mixer.

A humus catalyst and compost filler are added to the receiving tank; mixing them activates the decomposition processes. Subsequently, solid waste is included in the processing.

Specifications:

  • waste treatment method – electric with composting;
  • installation option – stationary;
  • the volume of storage containers is designed for a family of 3-4 people;
  • toilet height – 50.8 cm;
  • flush – the curtain lid opens automatically when used;
  • Features – electricity consumption per day – 50 W, there is a heater and a fan.

The smart Biolet 25 unit monitors the liquid level and, if necessary, intensifies the evaporation process, enhancing ventilation.

The model is quite easy to install and looks aesthetically pleasing. There are no problems with emptying the storage tank - the compost from the tray can be used to fertilize plantings without preliminary preparation.

Advantages
  • Automatic conversion of excrement to compost
  • Does not require frequent maintenance
  • There are almost no odors in the room
  • Has a built-in fan and heating element
  • Tank level indicator
Flaws
  • High price
  • Use only in a sitting position

Dry toilets for chemical recycling

#1

Thetford Porta Potti Qube 145

Portable portable toilet with pump flush mechanism

Expert rating:
95
/ 100

The manufacturer has developed an analogue of the Potti Qube 365 with a smaller storage tank. This was done in order to increase the mobility of the sanitary system and facilitate the process of emptying it.

Specifications:

  • accumulation method – chemical;
  • dry closet type - portable;
  • waste tank volume – 12 l;
  • seat height 32.4 cm;
  • flush – water, hand pump;
  • Features: carrying handles, pressure relief valve.

Potti Qude 145 is more suitable for one person - the container will have to be cleaned every week. You can also use it outdoors - enough for a family of 3-4 people for a weekend.

The downside of this mobile dry closet is its low seating position. For use by an adult, it is advisable to build a pedestal.

Advantages
  • Low cost
  • Low seating - seat height 32 cm
  • Pressure relief valve
  • No unpleasant odor
  • Light weight and easy to transport
Flaws
  • Small storage tank
  • Expensive original tank fillers
  • No tank full indicator
#2

Thetford Porta Potti 565E

Portable chemical toilet with electronic flush system

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

Model from a Dutch manufacturer in the mid-price category. It differs from other dry toilets in its design - a streamlined body resembling an ellipse shape. A waste tank with a capacity of 21 liters is suitable for a family of 3-4 people. With such a load, cleaning the container is necessary every week.

Porta Potti 565E, like other chemical dry toilets, is completely autonomous. There is no need for a water supply or drainage or ventilation system. An electric pump is provided for flushing - powered by batteries.

Specifications:

  • accumulation method – chemical;
  • installation type – portable;
  • container volume for sewage – 21 l;
  • seat height 44.3 cm;
  • flush – water, equipped with an electric pump;
  • Features: toilet paper holder, fullness indicators for both tanks, pressure relief valve, carrying handles.

Most consumers are satisfied with the purchase. However, in practice, the toilet has to be serviced more often - about once every 4 days, provided that it is used by 3-4 people.

Pros of Porta Potti 565E: comfortable height, suitable for adults and children, practical option of an electric pump, when using proprietary reagents, there is no unpleasant odor during operation.

Advantages
  • Comfortable seat height - 44 cm
  • Attractive design
  • Water and waste level indicator
  • Pressure relief valve
  • Built-in lock on the lid
Flaws
  • High price
  • Risk of electric pump breakdown
  • The need to periodically change batteries
#3

Enviro 10

Compact and inexpensive dry closet made of frost-resistant plastic

Expert rating:
93
/ 100

A portable dry toilet with a chemical recycling method is in great demand among buyers. The model belongs to the budget class, but at the same time has good technical characteristics. The unit is made of high-quality frost-resistant plastic, so the toilet can be used in an unheated room.

The Enviro 10 model is equipped with a bellows flush pump, a 10 liter clean water tank and a storage tank. Handles are provided for carrying and emptying the container.

Specifications:

  • processing method – chemical;
  • installation option – portable;
  • storage tank volume – 10 l;
  • dimensions – 37*30*42 cm;
  • flush - bellows;
  • features - toilet seat, handles for carrying the drain tank, wheels on the storage container.

To extend the service life, the manufacturer recommends using sanitary fluids without chlorine. The dry closet has a circular flush using a pump pump.

Users note ease of maintenance, good equipment and versatility of use in various rooms.

Advantages
  • Low cost
  • Compact dimensions and light weight
  • No unpleasant smell
  • Possibility of use in unheated rooms
  • Pump pump
Flaws
  • Small storage tank
  • No tank full indicator
  • Low seat height

Peat dry toilets

#1

Separett Camping 1165

A collapsible composting toilet is a good option for temporary use.

Expert rating:
95
/ 100

A convenient kit for quickly setting up a temporary toilet. The model is used mainly on construction sites, tourist sites, campsites, boats, but it can also be useful on a summer cottage. Separett Camping 1165 is easy to assemble and disassemble.

There is no recycling of waste - liquid sewage is discharged through a drainage hose, and solid sewage goes into a biodegradable bag. After filling, the container is removed from the body and the contents are thrown into the compost pit.

Specifications:

  • accumulation method – compost;
  • installation type – portable;
  • waste tank volume – 23 l bags;
  • seat height – 54.1 cm;
  • flushing - not provided;
  • Features – complete set for installation and operation, carrying bag.

The set includes: a folding bed, a toilet seat with a compartment for draining liquid sewage, a flexible drainage hose, and bags.

The dry closet is very simple in design, its operation does not require the use of chemicals, and maintenance is not difficult. However, there is no need to talk about special comfort here. This is more of a temporary solution for the dacha.

Advantages
  • Good equipment
  • Low cost
  • Comfortable seat height
  • Separate package
  • Small dimensions and easy installation
Flaws
  • The need to purchase replacement bags
  • Small volume storage bag
#2

Piteco 905

Stationary dry closet with a spacious storage tank and a ventilation pipe

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

The model of the domestic manufacturer stands out from its analogues with a large receiver; the tank volume is 120 liters. Composting type unit - waste processing is carried out by adding a peat mixture. The body is made of high-strength polypropylene.

The upper part of the Piteco 905 includes a seat and a peat container, the lower part includes a storage tank with filtration elements and drainage.

Specifications:

  • waste processing method - composting;
  • type – stationary dry closet;
  • storage container volume – 120 l;
  • toilet height – 48 cm;
  • flushing - dry, spreading the composting mixture;
  • Features: wheels for transporting the tank to the emptying location, installation on a special base.

Piteco 905 is equipped with the necessary elements for installation and commissioning: a ventilation pipe, a drainage outlet with a clamp, couplings, fasteners for fixing the ventilation ducts to the wall, a seat with a cover. The dry closet is supplied with peat filler (30 l).

Most buyers are satisfied with their purchase. There are practically no odors - the vertical ventilation pipe copes with the task. Recycled waste can be used for compost.

Some people complete the construction of the ventilation duct - the provided 1.8 m pipe may not be enough.

Advantages
  • Comfortable seat height
  • High quality plastic
  • Aesthetic appearance
  • Good equipment
  • Possibility of using compost for fertilizer
Flaws
  • Difficulty of emptying - heavy tank
  • Probability of leaks between base and drive
  • Installation of ventilation and drainage system is required
#3

Tandem Compact-Eco

Peat composting toilet, separator type, dry flush

Expert rating:
93
/ 100

A composting toilet model with a medium-sized storage tank – 60 liters. Such a dry closet would be a good solution for a summer house inhabited by 3 people. A special feature of Tandem Compact-Eco is waste separation.Liquid fractions are discharged through the drainage hole, and solid fractions accumulate in the tank and, in combination with peat, are converted into compost.

The dry closet is equipped with a mechanical peat supply system - the dispenser handle must be turned several times in different directions.

Specifications:

  • processing method – peat compost;
  • installation option – stationary;
  • storage tank volume – 60 l;
  • dimensions – 53*67*76 cm;
  • flush – dry;
  • features - dispenser handle, ventilation pipe, handles for carrying the tank, “warm” foam seat.

Buyers often choose a peat toilet for their garden because of the possibility of later using compost to fertilize the garden and vegetable beds. The Tandem Compact-Eco model is no exception. The dry closet has relatively compact dimensions and is made of high-quality plastic.

Users note that when using the built-in peat distribution dispenser, there is a high consumption of dry matter. Many people prefer to pour peat by hand.

Advantages
  • Attractive design
  • Comfortable seat height
  • Separation of waste into liquid and solid fractions
  • Using compost for fertilizer
  • Possibility of placement in an unheated room
Flaws
  • Installation of ventilation and drainage system is required
  • No compost mixing mechanism
  • Poor quality drain hose
  • High consumption of peat

How to choose the right option?

The dry closet must be selected taking into account the conditions of its operation. You should consider where the sanitary system will be installed, whether portability is needed or whether a stationary model is suitable. It is important to decide on the type of unit - the installation method and maintenance requirements depend on this.

Features of different dry toilets

There are three types of autonomous toilets on the market: chemical, peat, mechanical and electric. Which dry toilet is better?, it is more convenient to solve by comparison.

The first type is often called liquid. It consists of two tanks. The upper container contains water for flushing, the lower container contains storage containers. Waste is dissolved by chemical liquids. The storage tank has a valve that prevents the spread of unpleasant odors.

Chemical dry toilet
The volume of the lower compartment is relatively small - 12-24 liters. The frequency of cleaning depends on the number of users, on average – once every 5-7 days

The advantages of chemical toilets: complete autonomy, mobility, compactness and light weight. The installation does not require ventilation, the unit absorbs odors.

Disadvantages of liquid systems:

  • toxicity - if ammonium or formaldehyde solvents are used as reagents;
  • expenses for purchasing chemicals;
  • the need to frequently empty the tank;
  • acrid smell of chemical reagents.

A peat biotoilet is most often chosen by summer residents. The design is two-section - at the top there is a seat and a compartment for peat, at the bottom there is storage capacity. The volume of the lower tank varies between 40-120 liters.

Peat dry toilet
The larger the storage container, the less often you will have to clean it. However, this work is not easy - moving a container of 100-120 kg to the drainage point is difficult

Installation of a dry closet is possible in a house or outdoor cabin, operation is year-round. The system does not provide for a water drain; the waste is covered with peat. Before purchasing, it is generally important to find out in advance how to clean a dry toilet. It is possible that any of the methods for emptying the storage tank simply will not suit you.

Pros of a composter toilet:

  • fertilizer production, environmental friendliness;
  • there is no need to frequently empty the tank;
  • availability of consumables - peat mixture.

Disadvantages of composting units: poor cleaning of the dry closet due to the lack of water drainage, the need to remove the drainage pipe and connect the ventilation duct. A peat toilet is difficult to move; a permanent place must be allocated for it.

Electric dry closets are advanced sanitation systems. The waste is dried in the storage tank, which allows you to use the toilet for a very long time (about 4-6 months) without emptying the container. Liquid sewage is discharged through the drainage channel.

Electric dry closet
Such dry closets require the connection of a ventilation riser and mandatory power supply from the electrical network. The storage tank opens under the weight of a person, so you can only use the toilet while sitting

The main advantages: absence of odors, simplicity and infrequency of cleaning. Disadvantages include dependence on electricity and high cost.

Accounting for operational parameters

After determining the type of dry closet, it is necessary to compare the parameters of models of this type.

It is worth considering the following characteristics:

  1. Volume of storage container. The capacity of the tank should be compared with the number of regular users, as well as the frequency of operation of the dry closet. For permanent use, it is better to choose a model with a large tank.
  2. Seat height. The seat height of a standard toilet is 40-45 cm. From an ergonomic point of view, this height is the most comfortable.
  3. Dimensions. For permanent installation in a house or outdoor building, you can choose large models. If you plan to transport the dry closet, move it from place to place, then portable products are suitable.
  4. Material of manufacture. The body is usually made of polypropylene, polystyrene or polyethylene. If the dry closet will be used in winter in an unheated room, then it is better to discard the latter material.

It is important to clarify the maximum possible load on the equipment, the average is 120-150 kg. You should focus on the weight of the largest family member.

Dry toilet in the country
Additional options that increase comfort: two-way tank flush, toilet paper holder, pressure valve, filling indicator

For ease of unloading and carrying, the storage tank must be equipped with reliable handles and wheels for transportation.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Comparison of peat and liquid dry closets:

Review of models from the manufacturer Thetford:

For constant use in the country, a stationary peat toilet is suitable, which additionally “generates” fertilizer for the site.

If you need an inexpensive compact model, then you should pay attention to chemical units. With an unlimited budget, the optimal solution would be to purchase an environmentally friendly electric model.

Tell us about how you chose a portable toilet for use in your dacha. Share the criteria that were decisive in your choice of a mobile toilet. Please leave comments in the block below, post photos and ask questions about the topic of the article.

Visitor comments
  1. Marina

    At our dacha we have a standard 24 liter dry closet. The cleaning system is chemical, since we already had a bitter experience with an outdoor toilet, the operating system of which was composting. I think it’s better not to bother and add chemicals for recycling. But such a toilet is a temporary phenomenon until a permanent one is installed in the house. There is no better stationary toilet, especially in winter.

  2. Dmitriy

    We spend almost the entire summer at the dacha. Initially there was an idea to build a serious toilet, but in the end I made do with a simple classic option - a cesspool. The house itself was built from corrugated sheets and the pit was lined with bricks. Of course, the dry closet is the most practical and environmentally friendly option, and this is not the future, but the present, but the “old-fashioned” method should not be written off at all.

  3. Grisha

    What can you say about the Thetford Porta Potti model? The price suits me. How about maintenance? Should only original fluids (chemicals) be used?

    • Expert
      Amir Gumarov
      Expert

      Hello. You forgot to add which model you are talking about. The article discusses three of them:

      - Thetford Porta Potti Qube 365;
      - Thetford Porta Potti Qude 145;
      - Thetford Porta Potti 565E.

      The models are similar in operating principle, but their price ranges are different. Let's use the THETFORD Porta Potti Qube 365 as an example; such a dry toilet costs about $120. It is not fussy to maintain and consists of two parts. For the upper and lower sections, different types of liquids are needed; non-original chemistry can be used. For example, Shuttle WC Rinse, green bottle for the bottom, pink for the top.

      As for service, here's a visual video - there is nothing complicated.

      Attached photos:
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