This study was an initial attempt to adapt a fixed-dome digester to meet the demand for small-scale digesters in small and medium size dairy farms in the U.S. Limitations and improvements that will be important while pursuing this technology for U.S. farms include the low methane yield obtained when temperatures drop below 20 °C, the need to better insulate the system, including the loading tank and the compensation tank. Additionally, the need for water to dilute the manure limit applications to water abundant areas. In the case of temperature, the digester can operate in climates similar to the Midwest U.S. for about six months (169 days), with digester temperatures above 20 °C, with acceptable methane yields (0.168 m3/kg VS added) and no signs of inhibition. If digester temperatures fall below 20 °C, the organic loading rate should be lowered year round to keep the digester stable, but this management option will lower gas production throughout the year. Despite the limitations observed at temperatures below 20 °C, the results of this study demonstrate that burial of digesters, located in temperate regions, can moderate and increase digester temperature during the colder months. A complementary approach is to keep the digester temperature above 20 °C by heating the digester.