9 of the best kitchen compost bins
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Writer’s note: The following listicle was originally published on June 25, 2020 at the now-defunct website Lifestyle Reviews. There were originally 16 options, but seven are no longer available. I was determined to keep one of them on this list, and you’ll see my second writer’s note in reference to it. The listicle has been lightly edited for technical details and readability. (If you’re interested in reading more top 10-, 15- and 20 lists for your home upgrades, home offices, tech shopping and everyday living, click here. If you’re a pet lover, you may enjoy this collection as well.)
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There is a reasonable debate going on between the eco-friendly perks of the best kitchen compost bin versus a garbage disposal. Dumping your food scraps into a compost requires no water to dispose of it and no worries about plumbing issues. On the other side of the environmentalism debate is knowing waste from garbage disposals is 70% to 90% water, and can be cleaned and put back into the water system via specialized treatment facilities.
Both options attempt to do something constructive with food wastes other than dump them in the trash. And without food sitting in your garbage cans, potentially leading to odors, you can hopefully and safely discard food without risking rodents or ants on your counters and in your garbage cans.
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So are you leaning more toward a compost bin kitchen option? Then you’re in the right place.
While a countertop compost bin may seem like easier access for unwelcome friends than scooping food down the drain, manufacturers know that a kitchen composting container with a secure lid is a must. The random bucket you may have previously used for food waste has evolved into what could arguably be considered counter and cabinet decor too.
And for homeowners and apartment dwellers with nosy, hungry pets, a kitchen compost bucket or indoor compost bin that cannot easily be tipped over is mandatory. So check out these 16 options below to find your next (and best) indoor composter.
1. OXO Good Grips
If you’ve ever tried using a kitchen compost and ended up with a weird smell in your home after not emptying it immediately, this compost bin is made to decrease those issues from happening.
Key Features
Lid locks but doesn’t seal
Crevice-free interior
Removable lid
The lid is made to stay open when you flip it up as opposed to other compost lids that may flop back down before you can get one forkful into the bin. When emptying, remove the lid and carry by the built-in handle. With the contoured bottom and rotating handle of this compost bin (7 inches x 7 inches x 7 inches), you can easily dump waste out into its necessary cans or bags up to a few days later (up to 12 cups).
Pros
Made to prevent bacteria and/or mold
Dishwasher safe
Cons
Several compost users reported fruit flies, bugs and diaper smells because of no seal
Because of the smooth lining of this compost bin, you can avoid your food waste from locking itself into hard-to-reach corners. This will be especially helpful should you choose the white version instead of the black charcoal version, considering white containers tend to have a “dirty” or grayish appearance if not kept food- and spill-free on a consistent basis.
2. Spigo Indoor
This one-gallon compost bin container may come in handy not just for eco-friendly use of your food waste but also to add nutrients to plants without chemicals.
Key Features
Stainless steel retro design
Removable clean plastic bucket
Handle on each side
While you should still empty your compost bin on a regular basis, this particular compost bin (9.5 inches x 9.5 inches x 10 inches) has an activated charcoal filter to help eliminate bad food smells (or any food smells) in the meantime. This may help keep your pets from trying to knock it over to get the goodies out.
Pros
Charcoal filter for food absorption
Rust, scratch and chip resistant
Cons
Inside bucket takes up space that could be used for food
You can also skip the little bag inside of your compost bin with this one; it already prevents composting acid metal degradation. If this container is not right for you, even with all these perks, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Recommended Read: “Gardening made me the grumpy old man on my block ~ My childhood neighbor would be so proud”
3. Polder
Available in gray, this kitchen composter makes it easier to clean. There will be no more need to dump food wastes out by hand or bang on the bottom of the container with this easy push-through option.
Key Features
Silicone bucket
Adjustable airflow indicator for ventilation
Airflow control
Sit the wireframe of this composter (8 inches x 8 inches x 10 inches) on your counter, and rotate lids to lock and unlock as needed. The bin clip attachments hold the silicone container in place when dumping food out. When placed upright again, rotate the lid to position as needed to reduce decomposition and control food waste odors.
Pros
Bucket flexible enough to empty without touching food wastes
Easy to rinse and clean
Cons
Several users complained of mold and an unbearable smell
With the ability to hold up to one gallon of food waste, this compost container is easy to store food wastes and even easier to clean. Push the silicone through again, and wash with mild soap and warm water.
4. Chef’n EcoCrock
Whether you’re looking for a convenient way to compost inside or would prefer to not make constant runs to an outside compost bin, this plant-like option is a handy option to do so.
Key Features
Drafted bucket shape
Two charcoal filters included
Oval opening
This bin holds up to three quarts of food waste and has a vented lid with a charcoal filter to absorb odors. With an optional plastic bag to line the inside green bucket, you can slide the bag out for easy emptying. Or, rinse the bucket itself out. Rinse the white and green buckets with warm water after food wastes are removed.
Pros
Handle on inside bucket for easy emptying
Odor absorption
Cons
Sharp points inside may tear bag
This compost container also includes two replaceable natural charcoal filters that trap and absorb food odors.
5. Full Circle
Full Circle literally takes pride in making sure their products go through a full circle. They are compostable, renewable, made from recycled sources and last long too.
Key Features
Push-button opening
Patented air flow design
Five compostable bags included
Available in ruby red, black and white, or green slate, this partially recycled steel and recycled plastic container holds up to 1.5 gallons of food waste.
Pros
Designed to keep bottom lid off counter
No harmful coatings, dyes, plastics, chemicals
Cons
Compostable bags necessary due to holes at bottom of container
This BPA-free container (11.4 inches x 8.5 inches x 9 inches) keeps your food waste odor-free in a convenient push-button frame.
Recommended Read: “10 irrational gardening thoughts ~ Unsolicited facts from my social isolation gardening days”
6. Kitchencraft
Whether you want to sit the compost bin in the center of your counter or slide it to the side, the container (8.23 x 5.83 x 10.35) fits anywhere.
Key Features
Available in four colors (blue, sage green, pale grey, cream)
“COMPOST” printed on front
Integrated carbon filter to reduce odor
With the ability to hold up to three liters of food waste, this container is portable and has an integral carbon filter to absorb odors. Handwash after emptying wastes to keep the container clean.
Pros
Swing handle for easy carrying
Wooden grip to avoid slipping
Cons
One reviewer reported the lid falls inside of container sometimes
Living Nostalgia has been helping household needs since 1850. If this isn’t the compost bin for you, there’s a 12-month guarantee.
7. Exaco
For gardeners who are interested in using food wastes as compost, this compost bin has a liquid fertilizer option. (Writer’s note on August 14, 2024: I’ve removed any prior listings that were no longer in stock, but I really liked the idea of this one. It is no longer available at Amazon and out of stock at Walmart, so this site is the only place I could find it. There are Klarna options, considering it is a higher price than the others in this list. The spray is still available at Walmart though.)
Key Features
Snug lids
Bokashi organic flat top waste management system
Choice of four gallons or 1.8 gallons composter capacity
Dimensions (small): 10 x 10.5
Dimensions (large): 12 x 10.6
Available with black, green, purple and red tops, this Australian-designed compost bin works best with your own URBAN EM compost accelerator spray. With a flat-top system and screen platform inside, this composter collects leachate (liquid run off) for compost tea.
Pros
Odor-free
Locking spout
Cons
URBAN EM compost accelerator spray not included
If you’re interested in Bokashi (Japanese word for a fermented organic matter), this compost bin is a two-in-one. Use the “tea” on your inside plants and/or test it out on your outside plants too.
8. iTouchless
This silver and green bucket not only has a clean look and feel; it also helps you responsibly discard food wastes without worries about strange odors and bugs.
Key Features
Fingerprint-proof
Easy to clean
Brushed titanium stainless steel
Protective coating
This 1.6-gallon kitchen composter is dishwasher safe and won’t leak onto your countertop. The wide opening and convenient handle on the container (6.6 x 10 x 11.25) with an opening width of 8.25 makes it easy to carry out and empty in an outside can.
Pros
Odor control
Tight seal to avoid fruit flies
Cons
No lock on lid
The full-service warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee clearly confirms that this manufacturer stands by its product. After more than 20 years of supplying waste receptacles, this makes sense.
9. Norpro
Some compost bins pretty much look like small garbage cans on your countertop. This ceramic version with butterflies and plants will fit right in with your sugar and flour containers, and give a spring vibe.
Key Features
Stainless steel handle
Filters made from PET (polyethylene Terephthalate), 5 percent charcoal, 95 percent pet acrylate
Ceramic material
This compost container (10 x 7 x 7) holds up to one gallon of food waste. Hand wash composts in hot, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Pros
BPA and rust free
Charcoal in the filter absorbs the odors
Cons
Fragile container
Norpro, which was founded in 1973, has been creating items for your homes for several decades and counting so you can put your trust in their ability to make the best compost bins on the market.
Bottom Line
If you’re a houseplant person or have a garden, check out which food wastes would work better to help grow your plants. Compost bins usually hold food waste from your fruit, vegetables, flowers, eggshells, tea leaves and coffee grinds. Instead of dumping them into a larger compost bin outside (or with a compost company), you may be able to use your food waste to do double duty for other parts of your home.
Pay attention to any guidelines about what can and cannot be put into each of the nine compost bins above though. Generally speaking, fish, meat and dairy are always bad options to leave in your bin for any amount of time because they leave lingering smells.
While there are users who complained about insects and bugs, or the potential for rodents, making sure to empty the compost bin on a regular basis helps. “Regular” for one person may be a week, if you’re someone who tends to empty dry items (i.e., egg shells). For another person (or family), this may become a daily occurrence.
With one of these nine, get into the habit of taking your recyclables to an outside recycle bin and compost to your outdoor compost tumbler on the same days and times. You can then develop a regular routine and keep your home unwanted-friends free.
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