In the world of composting toilets, Sun Mar sets a standard of excellence that few other brands are able to match. (Though if you want something without the bells and whistles, and for a whole lot less money, check this out.)
The Tiny House Blog has combed through the various models they have to offer, and we think these are the best two options:
Sun Mar Mobile Electric Composting Toilet
Designed for use in a mobile marine environment, this model is perfect for those who want to have an indoor composting toilet with NO odor and a minimum of maintenance, as well as those who are living out their tiny house dreams on the open road.
It’s comparable in price to similar competitive models, but has a three-chamber system to reduce the number of times the unit has to be emptied – everything goes in the same reservoir, so there will never be a need to empty urine and wash a separate tank for liquids. A special gasket, intended to prevent leakage on the high seas, means that this model is particularly odor-free.
A 4” ventilation duct is necessary to evacuate gasses resulting from microbial decomposition, assisted with a small electric fan and heater, making this model less accessible to folks living off-grid. Sun Mar offers a filter for boat owners to filter the exhaust of their toilet at deck level – this will be useful to tiny-house-on-wheels owners who want to stay well within road-worthy legal requirements.
Price: $1,775.00
Pros:
– Carbon Zeolite filter available to help tiny-house-on-wheels owners vent their toilet effectively while staying within road-worthy legal requirements
– Rated for 1 full-time user, or three part-time users
Cons:
– Requires a steady supply of electricity to function smoothly
– Fan and heater operate continuously, creating a constant draw of electricity
– Overflow drain and holding tank required
Sun Mar Excel Non-Electric Compost Toilet
This model, unlike the one above, is specifically designed for use in an off-grid environment. It does not require the aid of electric fan or heater to vent gasses created by microbial decomposition. Instead, it relies on a 4” vertical ventilation shaft that extends two or three feet above the roof line to create a natural air convection current. This could prove a challenge for mobile home owners, because the ventilation pipe could alter the overall height of your vehicle, relative to road-worthy height requirements.
Price: $1,789.00
Pros:
– High usage capacity of 2 full timers, a couple with one child, or as many as five part-time users
– No electricity required to use
Cons:
– Ventilation relies on installation of a shaft that will stand 2-3 feet above your roof line
– Overflow drain and holding tank required
If you’re interested in learning how Sun Mar stacks up against some of its competitors, check out this article comparing Sun Mar with Airhead.