16 Best Kitchen Composters & Compost Bins (2022)

If you’ve always wanted to try kitchen composting, now is a great time to start. With so many kitchen composters on the market, it’s easy to find the right one for you and your lifestyle. Even if you’re a seasoned outdoor composter, adding an indoor compost station is a great way to supplement your outdoor compost pile or try year-round composting.

Read on to learn about our top recommendations for kitchen composters, the different types of bins available, how to choose the right bin, and much more. Or, skip ahead to check out small space compost bins, large bins for big families, and the best odor-free options out there.

• Our recommendations for the 5 best kitchen compost bins
• Types of kitchen compost bins and how they work
• 7 best countertop compost bins for small spaces
• 4 large kitchen compost bins for big families
• 5 odorless kitchen compost bins for a smell-free space
• How to choose the right compost bin for your kitchen
• Top 5 FAQs about kitchen composting

First up - it’s the good stuff! Below, we’ve rounded up the best kitchen compost bin from each category. Want to learn more about composting before deciding which bin to purchase? Check out our post on how to compost for beginners. 

Our recommendations for the 5 best kitchen compost bins  

We’ve gathered the best kitchen composters for each category, ranging from kitchen composting bins for countertop use to large worm towers to electric composters. The best option for you will depend on several factors, such as the size of your kitchen, the amount of food scraps you produce, and your lifestyle.

1. Best kitchen counter compost bin: Bamboozle Composter
2. Best large kitchen compost bin: Essential Living Composter
3. Best cheap kitchen compost bin: Package Free Compost Container
4. Best automatic kitchen compost bin: Lomi Kitchen Composter
5. Best smell-free compost bin: Full Circle Odor-Free Compost Collector

 

 

Types of kitchen compost bins and how they work

While there are countless kitchen composting bins out there, the majority of them fall under just a few categories. Understanding the differences between these four types is a great way to narrow down the right compost method for you.

1. Food scrap collector bin: The easiest way to compost in your kitchen is with a bin - a simple container that holds food scraps and other organic waste until you’re able to empty it into a larger municipal bin, your outdoor compost pile, or your community garden.

2. Electric kitchen composters: An electric kitchen composter takes the process of breaking down food scraps and streamlines it. Whereas traditional compost takes weeks to form, an electric composter like Lomi can create nutrient-rich soil in as little as a few hours.

3. Worm composting bins: Also known as vermicomposting, using worms to break down your organic scraps simply replicates the natural composting process. Indoor worm towers can be purchased and filled with hundreds of worms, who will happily eat your food waste for you - and leave you with healthy compost.

4. Bokashi bins: A Bokashi bin is a regular composting bin with a twist. To speed up the composting process, a special microbial additive is sprinkled on top of the organic material. Bokashi composting helps to reduce odors typically associated with kitchen composting, which makes it a favorite of many indoor compost-enthusiasts.

 

 

7 best countertop compost bins for small spaces

Just because you have a small home doesn’t mean you can’t compost. There are plenty of countertop compost options available - and here are seven of them! 

1. Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin

Both decorative and functional, the Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin fits easily on your countertop, quickly cleans up with a hand wash in soapy warm water and uses a charcoal filter to reduce smells.

What we like	What we don’t like
Made of stainless steel Handle makes carrying easy Reduces odors	Can’t be placed on dishwasher Prone to leaking Lid can be difficult to remove

 

 

2. Lomi Kitchen Composter

If you love the idea of having fresh, nutrient-rich dirt to add to your indoor plants or garden, but aren’t interested in decomposing food scraps sitting on your kitchen counter, then Lomi is going to be your new best friend. An electric kitchen composter, Lomi can process everything from food scraps, organic matter, even approved bioplastic - and all within a few hours!  

What we like	What we don’t like
Fits nicely on countertop Results in nutrient-rich dirt Simple one-button interface	Might not work for large families Sells out fast every month Some modes take several hours to finish

 

 

3. OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin

The Oxo Good Grips Compost Bin makes composting easy with its flip-up lid and compact size. The lid is also removable for quick cleanup and the handle makes carrying it a breeze. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy-to-use flip-up lid Easy to clean Easy to carry	Outdated design Fills up quickly No odor-reducing filter

 

4. Bamboozle Composter

Looking for a non-plastic bin? Check out the Bamboozle Composter, which is made of biodegradable bamboo fibers. If you think that means it has to be hand-washed, the good news is it’s actually dishwasher safe.

What we like	What we don’t like
Made of bamboo Easy to transport Easy dishwasher cleanup	Less affordable than similar composters Not very durable Low capacity

 

5. Chef'n EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin

Another stylish-looking countertop compost bin is the Chef’n EcoCrock. Comes with two charcoal filters to reduce odors and a reliable inner bucket to make emptying it quick work.

What we like	What we don’t like
Fits in small spaces Made of ceramic Looks nice on countertop	Low capacity Handle gets in the way during disposal Inner bucket may stain

 

6. Silky Road Composting Bin

If your kitchen has a rustic, vintage, or farmhouse vibe, then this composting bin from Silky Road will fit right in. Plus, it comes with seven washable charcoal filters so you can keep your kitchen smelling fresh and looking cute at the same time.

What we like	What we don’t like
Cute design Made of carbon steel Easy to cleanup	Not sealed so fruit flies may get in May dent or chip if dropped Susceptible to rust

 

7. Exfoil Kitchen Compost Bin

Another composter that will look great on your countertop is the Exfoil Kitchen Compost Bin. Made from bamboo, which is one of the world’s most sustainable materials, as well as rust-free stainless steel. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Made of bamboo and stainless steel A stylish countertop composter Stainless steel bin is dishwasher safe	Lid doesn’t seal shut May attract fruit flies Needs to be emptied frequently

 

 

4 large kitchen compost bins for big families 

Got more than a countertop compost bin can handle? Then you need one of these larger options. Whether you have a big family or just have a lot of fruit and vegetable scraps, these bins take up a bit of floor space, but are totally worth it when you consider all of the amazing compost you’ll get out of them!

8. VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin

Always wanted to give worm composting a try? Then you should definitely try the VermiHut Plus! The worms start in the bottom tray, turning food waste into compost before migrating to the higher trays. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Made from recycled plastic Worms eat food before odor can form Worms easily able to travel from level to level	Worms have to be kept at room temperature Takes up floor space Not fully sealed

 

9. Worm Factory 360 Composting System

Need an even larger worm composting system? The Worm Factory 360 comes with four trays, but is expandable up to seven trays - which can house thousands of worms! This composter also comes with a DVD so you can learn all about the fabulous world of vermicomposting. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Expandable when needed Made from recycled plastic Comes in three color options	Extra trays need to be stored until ready to use them Not fully sealed Requires small worms only

 

10. Urban Composter Family Size Kit

The Urban Composter by Ahisma Eco Solutions comes in two sizes - city and family. If you’re looking for a larger-sized bin then the family size is the way to go. Holding up to 22 liters of kitchen scraps at a time, the bin comes with a specially formulated accelerator spray to help speed up the composting process.

What we like	What we don’t like
Can add meat, fish, eggs, and dairy Made of recycled plastic Comes in four color options	Drain sometimes leaks May attract flies Accelerator spray needs to be purchased on an ongoing basis

 

11. Essential Living Composter

If you like the idea of vermicomposting, but don’t like the look of most of the worm composters on the market, the Essential Living Composter is a stylish option. Made of recycled plastic, this small kitchen composter would work for apartment-dwellers who need more than just a countertop unit.

What we like	What we don’t like
Doesn’t look like a worm composter Comes in four color options Has a moisture control water retention channel	Smaller than other vermicomposters Doesn’t come with detailed instructions Can attract fruit flies

 

 

5 odorless kitchen compost bins for a smell-free space 

Love the idea of composting your food scraps, but hate the smell? These five odorless indoor composters eliminate smells completely.

12. Full Circle Scrap Collector & Freezer Compost Bin

One of the best ways to keep compost-related smells at bay is to freeze your organic scraps. The Full Circle Scrap Happy Bin makes this super easy thanks to its wire rim and flexible silicon. Simply hang the bin off the edge of your countertop, swipe the scraps in, and stick it in the freezer until it’s time to empty it.

What we like	What we don’t like
Hangs below counter for quick cleanup Dishwasher safe Freezer storage eliminates odor	No lid means spills can happen Too small for a larger family Takes up space in the freezer

 

13. Exaco ECO 2000 Compost Pail

Another great way to reduce smells emitted from compost is to buy a bin with an odor-absorbing filter. The Exaco ECO 2000 comes with a carbon filter, plus it’s easy to keep clean - just throw it in the dishwasher with all your other kitchen items.

What we like	What we don’t like
Reduces odors with a filter Easy to hang under the sink Lid snaps shut	Made from high-density polyethylene Susceptible to breakage Filters don’t always stay in place

 

14. SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter

If you’ve spent any time reading about composting methods, you’ve likely come across Bokashi, which relies on an added microbial matter to speed up the compost process. The SCD Probiotics All Season Indoor Composter uses the power of Bokashi to activate your food waste’s fermentation process, eliminating odors and leaving you with healthy compost.

What we like	What we don’t like
Eliminates odors Speeds up fermentation process Compost liquid can be used to fertilize plants	Too big for small kitchens Takes a long time to drain liquid Need to cut scraps into small pieces before adding to bin

 

15. Full Circle Odor-Free Compost Collector

Another odor-neutralizing product from Full Circle is the Fresh Air Compost Collector. Designed to maintain airflow, the bin opens with the push of a button and is made from recycled plastic and steel. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Lets air flow through to reduce smell  Good-looking design Dishwasher safe	Requires bags  No handle Lid doesn’t snap closed

 

16. Package Free Compost Container

The tall and narrow design on the Package Free Shop’s Compost Container means it takes up little counter space without sacrificing the amount of food waste it can hold. A great choice for those who want a simple, no-fuss, nice to look at stainless steel compost bin.

What we like	What we don’t like
Reduces odor with charcoal filter Made from stainless steel Can be stored in the freezer	Tends to be sold out Can’t be placed in dishwasher Known to attract flies

 

 

How to choose the right compost bin for your kitchen

Now you know of the many kitchen composter options out there, you’re likely wondering which indoor compost bin is right for you and your home. Here are four important things to consider when deciding the type of compost unit you should choose.

1. How big is your kitchen?

Probably the number one thing that will impact the type of kitchen composting method you choose is how much space you have. Sure, you might like to try vermicomposting, but if you don’t have the floor space a worm tower just won’t work. If all you have the space for is a small countertop compost bin, then that will narrow down your choices considerably. 

2. How much food waste do you produce?

How much food waste you produce on a daily basis is another big factor in choosing the right bin for your kitchen. The amount of fresh fruit and veggies you eat each day, whether you have eggshells or meat bones to process and the amount of people living in your home largely impacts the size of composter you’ll need.

3. Which composting method interests you most?

Even if you have the space for a worm tower, the idea of worms in your kitchen may not sit well with you. Alternatively, perhaps the thought of watching worms do nature’s work is exciting and is something you’d like to take part in. At the end of the day, you’re more likely to use an indoor composter if it compliments your lifestyle. 

4. What’s your composting end goal?

Some people compost to reduce the amount of food waste heading to the landfill. Others do so because they want to be able to use the broken down material to amend their garden soil or fertilize their plants. If you’re one of the people that want to end up with usable compost, you should choose an electric automatic kitchen composter, a worm composter, or a Bokashi bin. 

Top 5 FAQs about kitchen composting

Still have questions? Here are five of the most frequently asked questions about getting started composting in the kitchen.

1. How do kitchen compost bins work?

How a compost bin for the kitchen works depends on the type of bin being used. While some bins simply store food scraps until they can be moved outside, others recreate the process of an outdoor compost pile. Vermicomposting, Bokashi and electric composters are all popular ways to produce usable compost indoors.

2. How to clean a kitchen compost bin?

Most kitchen composters can be cleaned with either hot water or dish soap. For a deeper clean, use a mixture of 1/4 cup of vinegar, 2 tbsp of baking soda, and 1 tbsp of lemon juice. Many compost bins on the market are also dishwasher safe and can be placed alongside your other kitchen items when you run a cycle. 

3. How to keep flies out of my kitchen compost bin?

The easiest way to keep flies out of your kitchen composter is to keep it sealed. This will stop the flies from getting in and laying eggs. However, if you already have flies in your bin, it could be a sign that you need to add more brown, carbon-rich matter such as newspaper or paper bags.

4. How to stop the kitchen compost bin from smelling?

The best way to stop your compost bin for the kitchen from developing an odor is to be proactive. Empty your bin every 2-3 days. After emptying ensure you wash and fully dry your bin before adding more food scraps. Also, consider investing in a bin that comes with charcoal filters and replace the filters every few months. 

5. Where to store the compost bin in the kitchen?

The best place to store your composter is wherever you’re most likely to use it. While some people have success storing it under the kitchen sink, others prefer to keep it on the counter. If you have a large composter that needs to sit on the floor, keep it as close to your food prep area as possible. 

And that’s pretty much everything you need to know about kitchen composting and the types of compost bins available. Once you’ve gotten started, you may come up with more questions - and that’s great! Because we have articles covering topics such as apartment composting tips to creating a zero waste kitchen.

If electric composting sounds like your kind of thing, then order your Lomi today. Even if you think you’d also like to try another method, such as worm composting, having more than one compost going at the same time is a great way to learn while at the same time creating fresh material to add to your garden and potted plants!

Written by: Larissa Swayze