To go green is more of a principled mindset than a phrase. To talk about changes in the environment is not enough; real change begins at home. One thing you can start with is composting. Composting is not only beneficial for your garden but also the environment.
Have you ever heard of the indoor compost bin? You can throw everything from your leftover food scraps to recycling into a natural fertilizer in an indoor kitchen compost bin. They make an excellent eco-friendly addition to any household.
Read on to know the detailed insights about features, pros and cons of the 10 best indoor compost bins. Also, know about the checklist for buying an indoor compost bin.
Table of Contents
List of Top 10 Indoor Compost Bins
It is a very challenging task to find the right indoor compost bin for your home. And with so many choices available in the market, it becomes quite confusing to choose the one. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best 10 indoor compost bins for your reference.
- EPICA Stainless Steel Compost Bin
- Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin
- Full Circle Fresh Air Kitchen Compost Bin
- Chef’n 401-420-120 EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin
- Food Cycler Platinum Indoor Kitchen Compost
- Worm Factory 360 Composting Bin
- NEW OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin
- Abakoo Compost Bin
- Cooler Kitchen Oversized Compost Bin
- Exaco ECO-2000 Plus Kitchen Compost Collector
Indoor Compost Bins – Detailed Reviews
Now, it’s time to get into the detailed reviews of our 10 indoor compost bins so that you can start composting your kitchen waste and become more environmentally conscious.
1. EPICA Stainless Steel Compost Bin
Composting is a powerful step to create a greener earth for everyone. However, it can be a messy and smelly affair. EPICA Kitchen Compost bin is designed to make composting easy and odor-free.
The stainless steel bin is 11 inches high and weighs 1.3 gallons that can fit easily on the countertop. The compost bin’s lid boasts a vented, double-ply charcoal filter that helps to keep the odor intact. You can clean the filter with water and soap. Moreover, it can last up to 6 months with proper maintenance.
The stainless steel finish protects the countertop compost bin from leaks and rusts. Also, the high-grade steel does not allow the smells to leak. Being lightweight, it is easy to carry and empty the bin with a sturdy steel handle.
Pros
- Long-lasting and Durable
- Rust and leak-resistant
- Great size- it can hold several days of kitchen leftovers
- Compact countertop design
- The activated Charcoal filter eliminates odor.
Cons
- Can rust if left wet
- Large countertop footprint
2. Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin
Add a stylish touch to your kitchen counter with Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin. The compost bin is designed to store all kinds of kitchen waste that can be stored perfectly under the sink or on kitchen countertops.
The kitchen counter compost bin will lock the odor inside while keeping your kitchen cleaner and odor-free. Moreover, it does not nurture any bacteria or harmful chemicals like many other plastic containers.
This 1.3-gallon countertop compost bin can hold your food scraps for about a week without any issues. Made from high-quality grade 201 stainless steel, the compost bin won’t chip, rust or scratch. You can easily clean it with soap and water to make it look new.
Pros
- Mirror polished high-grade stainless steel
- Exceptional durability and longevity
- Charcoal filter control odors
- Lightweight
- Rust-resistant
Cons
- You have to purchase bins liners separately
- Offers only one charcoal filter
- Not ideal for dishwasher
3. Full Circle Fresh Air Kitchen Compost Bin
Anyone can use a little less waste and a little less gross in their kitchen. The Fresh Air compost collector follows the slow decomposition process and lets the oxygen move through organic waste. What you get is an odor-free environment to work in.
The countertop compost bin is made from BPA-free plastic that means no harmful products, coatings, or chemicals are used in the process. Moreover, it is long-lasting and durable. It is not only safe for your family but the planet too.
Full Circles feature three liner bags for Breeze and five compostable liner bags for the Fresh Air bin to get you started with composting. Additionally, you get to choose the compost bin from three colors to match your kitchen interior, including ruby red, green slate, and black and white.
Pros
- Partially recycles steel and Recycled BPA-plastic
- Unique design minimizes odor and maximizes airflow
- Weighs 1.5 gallons, perfect for the home
- Safe to use in Dishwasher
- Large and small size available
Cons
- No handle on the lid
- Plastic may wear out quickly than metal or ceramic
4. Chef’n 401-420-120 EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin
With style and functions together, Chef’n has designed to make this countertop compost bin an attractive addition to any kitchen. EcoCrock is designed in a bucket shape that stops the liquids from pooling at the bottom and allows the food scraps to come out easily.
With a 3.3 liter capacity, the compost bin can easily store enough food scraps and traps the odor with a tightly vented plastic lid fitted with a charcoal filter. It includes two disposable natural charcoal filters. Moreover, it comes with a green handle such that the whole compost bin looks like a plant.
The most appealing feature of EcoCrok is that you do not have to touch the food scraps while emptying. The indoor compost bin has a removable plastic pail that does not absorb odor and allows you to comfortably empty the bin.
Pros
- The ceramic material is durable
- The Filter is long-lasting
- No-mess disposal
- Compact countertop composter
- 2-in-1 design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The charcoal filter can come out while dumping the compost
- The lid doesn’t fit securely
- Small capacity
5. Food Cycler Platinum Indoor Kitchen Compost
FoodCycler food recycler takes your composting process to a whole another level. It can reduce your food waste up to 90 percent in just three hours and makes compost to dispose of in your indoor plants or garden. It is a great choice for urban gardeners or compost enthusiasts who do not have access to the compost pile.
Food waste can result in an increase in harmful greenhouse gases in the environment; the FoodCycler aims to reduce the emission of methane gas. By doing so, it beautifies the planet overall and your garden in general.
To keep your kitchen away from unpleasant odors, the kitchen counter compost bin comes with a unique carbon filter filtration system. The compost comes with an automatic shut off system, and the new Filter Monitoring System will alert you if it is time to change your filter.
The unit is highly versatile as it can store a large variety of food scraps, including animal products such as meat, chicken, pet food, and fish.
Pros
- 3-hour composting cycle
- No pellets, liquid, chemicals required
- Environmentally-friendly composting solution
- Removable bucket handle
- Easy to use with Press button control
- Dishwasher safe
- Portable and Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- Take quite a space in your kitchen
- Small capacity
6. Worm Factory 360 Composting Bin
Worm Factory 360 makes use of the worm to decompose the waste and have ten times more nutrients than the traditional backyard compost. It is easy to compost paper waste, cardboard, and kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer with worm composting.
The composter offers you a standard 4-size tray, which you can expand up to eight trays that is the biggest volume for any other home composter. You can easily convert the lid into a handy stand as you harvest the compost.
Operating and setting up the worm composting is very easy. You can begin by adding organic waste and worms at the bottom of the tray.
When the tray is full, add more organic waste so that worms can do their work by coming upwards. It can take up to 3 months to decompose depending on the type of waste added to the tray.
Along with the composter, you get a kit that includes a Worm Farming pH Meter and Worm Farming Moisture Meter to keep the worms out of danger. Your bin’s conditions should be favorable to worms.
Pros
- In-built pH, temperature, and moisture gauge
- 4-tray size expandable up to eight
- Efficient than traditional backyard compost
- Easy to operate and maintain
- Ideal for four people
- Can be used for both outdoor and indoor composting
Cons
- Not ideal for outdoor during hot months
- Leakage in the liquid tray
7. NEW OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin
Start composting your organic waste with this budget indoor compost bin from OXO. The design and style are convenient for countertop use.
This kitchen counter compost bin is easy to clean and maintain due to the smooth and crevice-free interior line. The interior walls do not allow liquids and foods from building up and, thus, reduce the odor. Moreover, the compost bin comes with a lid that promotes oxygen and prevents odors.
To handle and carry the compost bin is easy with the help of a rotating handle. Additionally, the removable lid and contoured bottom make it easier for you to empty the compost.
Pros
- Perfect size for countertop use
- Lightweight and Portable
- Rotating Handle
- Interior Walls prevent odors
Cons
- No charcoal filters included
- Need regular maintenance to keep the odors away
8. Abakoo Compost Bin
Beautify your kitchen with this stylish looking stainless steel canister; Abakoo Compost bin offers long-lasting durability and strength. It is made up of premium and rust-resistant grade 304 stainless steel that will never harbor harmful chemicals to your compost.
The Akaboo compost bin boasts a one-piece stainless steel construction, which is chip, crack and scratch-resistant, rust-resistant and leak-free. The bin’s compact size allows you to comfortably store the bin on the countertop or under the sink.
With a thick activated charcoal filter, the indoor compost bin will trap and absorb odor, leaving your kitchen smelling clean and fresh. It includes two charcoal filters that last up to 6-12 months. To control the odor, even more, it comes with a tightly fitted lid that maximizes airflow and reduces odor.
The compost bin can hold about 1.8 gallons of food scraps for a week without attracting any pests or flies into your home. Additionally, cleaning and emptying the content is easy with a sturdy rotating handle that offers a comfortable grip.
Pros
- Compact countertop design
- Lid with holes to maximize airflow
- Rotating Handle
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Rust-resistant and leak-free
- Value for Money
Cons
- Small Capacity
- The filter may not last long, as stated.
9. Cooler Kitchen Oversized Compost Bin
You can practice your gardening skills with this easy compost bin. You just have to put your food waste into a kitchen counter compost bin and produce high-quality soil that is purely organic and cheaper than the store.
The soil you get from composting is rich and dense with nutrients. You will not require any chemical fertilizers as the soil will be created from recycling your coffee grinds, eggshells, and other food scraps. You will get a natural fertilizer as a result.
If you talk about its construction, the indoor compost bin has a high carbon steel construction, rust-resistant, strong, and sturdy. Additionally, it will not leak any unpleasant odors.
The activated carbon filters in the lid will trap the odor, and your kitchen will always smell fresh. Moreover, the EZ-No Lock design will secure the lid to effectively block the smell from escaping.
Pros
- Ideal for small kitchen
- White painted Finish
- Can be placed under the sink or on the countertop
- Can store about a week’s food scraps
- Black inner bucket to easily empty the contents
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Does not provide you with compost bag liners
- The inner bucket is prone to cracking.
10. Exaco ECO-2000 Plus Kitchen Compost Collector
If you like a simple looking and sober indoor compost bin for your home, then Exaco ECO-2000 Plus is your best option. The simple but still efficient compost bin is among the largest in the small-sized composters.
Being large, it can store more food scraps for many days. It also comes with carbon filters to eliminate any foul smells that are produced during decomposition. Moreover, the carbon filters can be replaced, which makes the compost bin a high-performing and long-lasting option.
Pros
- Long-lasting and durable
- Replaceable carbon filters
- The tight lid to prevent foul odors
- Handle and latch for easy transportation
Cons
- May attract fruit flies
- Difficult to open with one-hand
A Detailed Buying Guide
Now that you have read all the reviews of our 10 best indoor compost bins, you must have found the one that meets your requirements. However, before you make a final decision, you should know what exactly you need to look for in your compost bin.
In this buying guide, we will help you out by providing all the information regarding the countertop compost bins so that you can reach a well-informed decision.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing an Indoor Compost Bin
What should you look for in your indoor compost bin? Will it prevent the foul odor? What about the size? Is it durable? These are some questions that you want to ask before making a purchase.
Let us discuss them one by one.
Odor Prevention
When the foods decompose, they tend to leave a foul smell. You do not want the foul smell always lingering in your home all the time. Therefore, your compost bin needs to have an activated charcoal filter.
Charcoal filters are generally placed inside the lid to trap the foul odor and prevent them from spreading in your kitchen. Some compost bins have inbuilt charcoal filters, while others require you to purchase them separately.
Size
The compost bin’s size should be considered according to the amount of space you have in your kitchen. The compost bin comes in different sizes. The most basic compost bin is about 0.85-gallon size, which is perfect for two people. For a big family, you need a 1.3 or 1.5-gallon compost bin.
Construction
A compost bin is generally made of three materials, including plastic, ceramic and stainless steel.
Plastic compost bins are easy to maintain and offer you a wide range of colors to choose from. However, make sure you check for BPA-free plastic before purchasing.
Ceramic is a great choice to give your kitchen an elegant look. The ceramic compost bins can resist odor and stains. However, ceramic can break easily, so you need to take good care of them.
Stainless Steel compost bins are more durable and stronger than the other two materials. A stainless steel construction looks refined with a highly polished surface. Moreover, they are easy to clean and do not absorb any foul smell.
Airtight Lids
Indoor compost bins require sufficient airflow to strengthen the composting process. Without any air, you will not get any compost. It will work just like a dustbin.
Most of the models have holes in the lids that allow air to pass through the container. However, other containers have airtight lids.
The airtight lids are beneficial as they can control the amount of oxygen leaving and entering the composter. These lids also prevent the leakage of odors in the kitchen.
Methods of Composting
You must know what method of composting you will be performing in your compost bins. Will you be doing vermicomposting or aerobic composting?
In vermicomposting, you require a bin that provides a place and food for the worms from what you throw in the compost bin. Worm tea is made through worm castings. Therefore, you need to drain the worm tea out of your bin.
One advantage of using vermicomposting is that the process is quite fast and has fewer odors. Moreover, you can use it for both outdoor and indoor composting.
The second type of composting is aerobic composting. This method of composting uses microbes from the gardening soil or Bokashi to turn food scraps into compost. The decayed and decomposed organic matter works as a fertilizer for your garden or indoor plants.
Prerequisite for Indoor Compost Bins
For vermicomposting, you need to have nightcrawlers or mealworms. You need them to feed on the paper products or food scraps to decompose. Additionally, you can also use a Bokashi, but you have to purchase it separately.
Benefits of Indoor Composting Bins
Let us look at what benefits you get if you own an indoor compost bin.
Easy Storage
The indoor compost bin is compact and small in size that can fit anywhere in your kitchen. It doesn’t matter if you live in a small apartment; you can easily store your compost bin just about anywhere you like.
Just make sure, wherever you store the compost bin, the place should be dry and dark. You can put it in a closet, on the counter, or below the sink on your kitchen counter.
Compost Anytime
With a kitchen counter compost bin, you can compost all year without worrying about the weather conditions. You cannot control the outside temperature, but you control the temperature inside your home.
Indoor composting works efficiently in a controlled environment. The indoor compost bins can work productively when the temperature is between 40 to 80 degrees.
This is the reason the outdoor compost bin won’t work effectively in winter due to the low temperature. The bins should be well-insulated if the temperature reaches below 40 degrees. Moreover, you should protect the compost bins from heavy precipitation and direct sunlight.
Final Thoughts
An indoor composting system can turn your food waste into a natural fertilizer. The compost bins are compact, and therefore, you can easily store them. If you want to make the whole composting process seamless and effortless, an indoor compost bin is what you need.
Before you select one countertop compost bin for your home, consider what features you want and how much you will be composting. When you answer these questions, you can choose from the ten indoor compost bins mentioned above.
James Fields is the founder of Gardener to Farmer. His passion for gardening goes back to his childhood days when he would visit his grandfather during the holidays and help him with the plants in the backyard. This has now translated to creating a dependable resource for gardening.