Kildwick MiniLoo

The Verdict

Compact and comfortable, if the price doesn't put you off

The MiniLoo is the mid-sized model in Kildwick's range.

The MiniLoo is the mid-sized model in Kildwick's range. With a height of 45 cm (17.7 in), a width of 34 cm (13.4 in), and a depth of 38 cm (15.0 in), the toilet weighs just 8.5 kg (18.7 lb). This makes the MiniLoo suitable for mobile use, for example in a camper van, on a boat, or in small tiny houses.

Since we had already tested the assembly of the Kildwick EasyLoo in the past, and this process is identical across all Kildwick kits, this time we deliberately opted for the pre-assembled variant at 469.90 €, against a kit price of 319.90 €. Anyone who wants to get hands-on themselves can instead go for the MiniLoo kit. And anyone who wants to be extra safe, for example in high humidity or with a lot of water contact, should take a look at the waterproof MiniLoo HYDRO, which, however, is only available as a kit.

Assembly

Compared to the EasyLoo test, assembly this time was pleasantly straightforward, not least because we went with the pre-assembled version. In hindsight, that was definitely a good decision, because we can still remember only too well the pitfalls of the EasyLoo kit, which cost us not only a lot of time but also quite a few nerves.

With the pre-assembled MiniLoo, we only had to place the two containers in their spots and line the solids container with a matching inlay, done. It's a bit of a shame, though, that no roll of inlays was included in the package. Luckily, we still had some on hand. Anyone not prepared for this otherwise can't use the toilet right away.

Material and workmanship

Like Kildwick's other models, the MiniLoo is made from poplar-eucalyptus wood with a maple-decor middle layer. This wood doesn't belong to the premium class, but with the MiniLoo, the lower material quality simply matters less than with the significantly larger EasyLoo. Given its small size, the construction feels sufficiently sturdy, and the bamboo toilet seat also makes a solid impression.

Of course, you shouldn't expect particularly premium materials, but in our opinion that's also not necessarily needed for a product in this price range. It should be mentioned, though, that the wood used isn't sourced locally and therefore can't be described as ecological or sustainable. A genuine drawback for us.

What we also noticed negatively is the toilet seat, which can hardly even be called that. It's actually more of a toilet seat ring held in place by magnets, while the toilet itself has a kind of box lid. Here we find that the EasyLoo's solution is far more practical and comfortable, and even comes in noticeably cheaper.

Comfort

With a seat height of 45 cm (17.7 in), the MiniLoo offers the same level as a regular toilet, a clear plus for seating comfort. Even though the toilet overall is built noticeably narrower than the EasyLoo, seating comfort doesn't suffer noticeably as a result. The reduced width actually pays off when space is tight: the MiniLoo stows away well and fits into narrow nooks, which is a big advantage for mobile use. Bottom line, the MiniLoo can be used comfortably and in an ergonomically sensible way, despite, or perhaps precisely because of, its compact dimensions.

Odor development

As with all composting toilets, odor development strongly depends on correct use, and the MiniLoo is no exception. The clean separation of urine and solids works reliably, providing a good basis for low-odor use.

For additional odor control, Kildwick recommends the use of bedding material, for example in the form of humus bricks or miscanthus bedding. We already tried both variants in our EasyLoo test. Our favorite remains the humus brick, even though it's fairly dusty when handled dry. The miscanthus bedding didn't win us over in terms of odor binding.

Anyone wanting to go a step further can equip the MiniLoo with an optional exhaust system, available in two variants: 5V via USB or 12V via vehicle power, both operating pleasantly quietly for a surcharge of around €100 on the pre-assembled price.

Still somewhat bothersome is the fact that the urine container has no integrated odor seal. Kildwick does offer a so-called Spillguard kit, which can reduce odors, but only as long as a plug is manually inserted into the toilet. In practice, this means: after every use, this plug has to be reinserted, which isn't exactly the most hygienic solution.

Value for money

It's worth noting here that the price is higher than that of the significantly larger EasyLoo, even though the latter has a full-fledged toilet seat with lid, unlike the MiniLoo. Still, for a hefty sum, you get a compact and functional composting toilet, particularly well suited for temporary or mobile use. While the MiniLoo's material is neither especially high-quality nor ecologically flawless, it's entirely sufficient for its intended purpose.

Anyone looking for a permanently installed solution might be bothered by the material quality. Everyone else, especially campers, weekend gardeners, or tiny house fans, can be recommended the MiniLoo without hesitation, as long as price isn't too big a concern. If you're neither particularly handy nor keen on gluing and hammering, in our view the surcharge for the factory-assembled variant is simply set too high.

Our conclusion

With the MiniLoo, Kildwick has a well-thought-out, space-saving composting toilet in its lineup, distinguished above all by its compactness and user-friendliness. The pre-assembled version saves time and nerves, a clear advantage especially for less experienced DIYers like us.

Criticism of the material remains here too, but given the fairly good entry price and the successful functionality, that doesn't weigh too heavily. Anyone looking for a simple, mobile composting toilet won't go far wrong with the MiniLoo.