Looking into loos

Building off-grid doesn't have to make you cross your legs in panic. We've taken a look at loos including what's hot, expert reviews, customer feedback, and product specs. 

Our handy guide looks at ease of setup and use, price and availability of spare parts. 

Let's dive in (not literally!).

OGO™ Origin Composting Toilet

• Ease of Setup: Moderate. Requires a compost mix (½ part Brunnings Peat Compost Mix + 500 ml water)
• Ease of Use: High. Features an electric agitator and urine sensor for automated waste management
• Price: Around AUD $2,095
• Spare Parts: Available via Campera and other Australian retailers
• Customer Reviews: Highly rated for its compact design and automation. Ideal for caravans, boats, and tiny homes

Pros:

• Sleek, compact design
• Electric mixing reduces manual effort
• Odour control is effective

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Toilet paper should be disposed of separately

Tiny® by Separett

• Ease of Setup: Very easy. No compost mix required
• Ease of Use: High. Uses biodegradable bags and urine separation
• Price: Approx. AUD $1,895
• Spare Parts: Readily available in Australia
• Customer Reviews: Praised for simplicity and odour control

Pros:

• No need for composting material
• LED display for urine container alerts
• Compact and lightweight

Cons:

• Requires regular emptying (every 5–7 days)
• Not suitable for high-volume use

Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet

• Ease of Setup: Moderate. Requires installation of a vent and composting medium (e.g., coconut coir)
• Ease of Use: High. Manual agitator and separate urine bottle
• Price: Around AUD $1,750–$1,950
• Spare Parts: Widely available
• Customer Reviews: Very popular among off-grid users for reliability and durability

Pros:

• Long intervals between emptying (up to 80 uses)
• Durable and marine-grade construction

Cons:

• Manual mixing required
• Bulky compared to others

BOXIO Composting Toilet

• Ease of Setup: Very easy. Lightweight and portable
• Ease of Use: Moderate. Basic urine-diverting system
• Price: Around AUD $450–$600
• Spare Parts: Limited availability
• Customer Reviews: Great for budget-conscious users and short-term use

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lightweight and compact

Cons:

• Not ideal for long-term or high-frequency use
• Basic odour control

Compo Closet Cuddy

• Ease of Setup: Easy. Plug-and-play design
• Ease of Use: High. Electric fan and urine separation
• Price: Around AUD $1,200–$1,400
• Spare Parts: Available online
• Customer Reviews: Loved for its modern design and ease of use

Pros:

• Compact and stylish
• Good odour control

Cons:

• Smaller capacity
• Requires power for fan

Best Option for a Family of Four

For a family of four, the Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet is the best option. It is highly reliable and durable, with long intervals between emptying (up to 80 uses). The manual agitator and separate urine bottle make it easy to use, and it is widely available in Australia. However, it requires installation of a vent and composting medium, and manual mixing is required.

Best Option for Airbnb or Holiday Let

For an Airbnb or holiday let, the Tiny® by Separett is the best option. It is very easy to set up and use, with no compost mix required. The biodegradable bags and urine separation make it simple to maintain, and it is praised for its simplicity and odour control. However, it requires regular emptying (every 5–7 days) and is not suitable for high-volume use.

Best Option for a Single Person

For a single person, the OGO™ Origin Composting Toilet is the best option. It features an electric agitator and urine sensor for automated waste management, making it very easy to use. It is highly rated for its compact design and automation, and is ideal for caravans, boats, and tiny homes. However, it has a higher price point and requires a compost mix.

Summary Table