8 Best Countertop Compost Bin for Small Spaces

We examined the top compost grinders available online last week. These are clever, space-saving methods of composting lawn, garden, and kitchen waste.

Best of all, they relieve a lot of strain on your back because you won’t have to mix your compost with a shovel or a pitchfork.

But what if you don’t want to carry your compost outside daily? In that situation, a kitchen compost container is a good option.

These are small, compact bins meant to sit right on your counter, allowing you to scrape out food waste as you cook and clean. Look for the greatest countertop compost bin on the market right now.

Bamboozle Food Composter

The Bamboozle bin is an excellent alternative if you want a natural, BPA-free, and metal-free solution. It is also a fully sustainable, eco-friendly solution because it is made of bamboo fibers.

This design is suitable for most kitchen areas in terms of style. It’s subtle, having a white tint that blends well with the surroundings. This unit is a good size and holds 1.25 gallons of compost.

What I admire about it is the environmentally friendly components of the architecture as well as the overall appearance. What I don’t like about bamboo fiber is that it absorbs scents.

To keep the odor from penetrating your bin, use this with compostable bags.

A carbon filter in the lid and a robust bamboo handle round out the package. Overall, if you appreciate the idea of sustainability, this is an excellent alternative.

Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin

Full Circle avoids the cleanup issue with an innovative design that eliminates the necessity for cleaning your bin by collecting garbage in compostable bags.

Simply line the 1.5-gallon container with a bag, fill it, and then empty the contents into your outdoor composter.

The perforated cover and vented base allow air to flow through, allowing the composting process to begin as it should. Because of the huge capacity, you won’t have to empty the bin as frequently as you would with other, smaller kitchen compost collectors.

Full Circle considers the environment in its manufacture as well, seeking to make its products repairable and parts easily replaceable.

Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin

The Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin is one of the best-rated kitchen composters available. It features a traditional stainless steel design that will complement almost any kitchen décor.

There is also an activated charcoal filter inside the lid, which allows for ample airflow while removing odors.

Because of the stainless steel structure, the Epica can withstand many knocks and bumps. It’s also scratch-resistant, so there won’t be any grooves to hold scents.

This item stands 11 inches tall and has a diameter of somewhat more than 7 inches. The total capacity is 1.3 gallons, which is enough for most people’s kitchen scraps for several days.

That means you’ll only have to empty your bin around once a week, depending on how much you use it.

The charcoal filter has a long life and can keep odors at bay for up to six months. This provides good security, and replacement filters are cheaply priced.

However, the top and bottom components of the lid are difficult to detach, making it difficult to change the filter.

Cleaning the Epica is a simple process. There are no welded connections that can corrode and retain odors because it is made from a single piece of steel.

Furthermore, it is dishwasher safe, so you can clean it without getting your hands wet and wrinkly.

Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50

If you’re looking for a countertop composter, another alternative is a FoodCycler. This machine electronically converts garbage into a reduced mixture that may be put into a worm bin or outdoor composter by using heat and a grinder.

This unit does not compost, and the company appears to be quite careful about avoiding the term, which refers to a decomposition process led by bacteria.

The FoodCycler, has a two-phase process that, according to them, “reduces food waste volume by 85 to 93 percent through a dehydration and grinding process.”

What this technique yields from a quart or so of food waste frequently resembles a handful of shredded leaf litter rather than the black dirt-like product yielded by regular composting.

It’s especially good for food leftovers that take a long time to degrade in typical worm bins or compost piles, as well as items that emit aromas or attract pests, such as meat and dairy products.

When the cycle is over, the resulting product is fine enough to add to your garden or a composter for additional processing. This is a more expensive choice than standard indoor compost bins.

Still, it eliminates concerns about a compost bin sitting for an extended period with food scraps inside that may generate odors or attract flies and rats.

The FoodCycler minimizes odor and mess to near-zero levels, which is why I like it so much.

The bucket is dishwasher-safe, but I only hand-washed it occasionally, washing it after a few uses.

When the bucket contained more persistent debris (typically when sugary fruit dried to a hard crust while cooking), I simply soaked it in water until the crust dissolved.

The most significant disadvantage of this unit is the cost, both upfront and ongoing. You’ll have to pay roughly $400 for the unit and an additional $75 per year to keep the filters clean.

That is not a tiny sum for lower-income households, but this is a green luxury item made for people who can afford to spend money on reducing their environmental footprint.

OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin

The OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin is a beautiful and functional plastic bin. If you prefer the ease and light weight of plastic but don’t want anything that appears as it came from a hardware store, this is the product for you.

The outside shell is available in black or white to complement most kitchens, while the inside green layer gives an eye-catching pop of color.

This compost container has a relatively small capacity of 34 gallons. This implies you’ll have to change it frequently.

Kitchen scraps, on the other hand, will not linger long enough to foul up the kitchen.

The exterior dimensions of the Good Grips are 7 inches on all sides, giving it a small design that will fit on most countertops. It’s light and has no wrinkles or nooks where muck can collect and attract pests.

This compost bin is dishwasher-safe, which is something you’ll love. But be cautious. Because the ABS plastic can stretch and melt if it is too close to the heating element, this is exclusively for top rack use.

The cover of the Good Grips allows for some air flow, but there are no vent holes. However, airflow isn’t as important as in a larger bin.

With this small size, it won’t be sitting around long enough for that to matter.

EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin by Chef’n

The Chef’n EcoCrock counter compost bin is a great mix of form and function. The removable plastic inner bucket makes it simple to fill and empty the trash.

It’s also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

The ceramic exterior shell is long-lasting and simple to clean. Two carbon filters installed on the top of the lid keep odors in the bin.

The EcoCrock, at 3.3 liters, is one of the smaller bins on this list. However, its small size, combined with its sleek and modern appearance, makes it an appealing addition to your kitchen.

If there is a drawback to this bin, it is that the plastic lid isn’t of the same quality as the rest of it.

If you have a specific style in mind for your kitchen and don’t want an industrial-looking compost bin to spoil it, the Chef’n EcoCrock is both useful and stylish.

ECO-2000 by Exaco

The Exaco ECO-2000 is a substantial countertop composter with a 2.4-gallon capacity. This is an excellent option for large families or if you have other compostable materials on hand, such as old newspapers or guinea pig bedding.

The base spans 8 12 inches by 9 inches, and the height is 11 inches, so it’s still a good size for most countertops.

While it has a lot of storage space, the ECO-2000 isn’t going to win any aesthetic contests. It’s forest green and shaped like a little garbage can, so depending on your kitchen’s décor, it might not be a suitable match.

This compost bin comes with four carbon filters, each of which will last three months. So you have a year’s worth of odor prevention before you have to worry about replacing them.

With a retractable filter cover that clips in and out with no effort, the filters are simple to change.

Furthermore, the filters and lid allow for a lot of airflows. This is a must on such a huge bin since it allows microorganisms to get a head start on decomposition before you carry your compost outside.

The ECO-2000, like the Good Grips, is dishwasher safe, albeit like with any plastic bin, it should only be washed on the top rack. Because of the big size, this may or may not be practicable; therefore, you may have to hand-wash it.

The ergonomic grip of the ECO-2000 was one of our favorite features. It not only swivels out of the way, but the scalloped design is also easy to handle and will not slip if your hands are wet.

Gardenatomy Kitchen Compost Pail

The Gardenatomy Kitchen Compost Pail is a lovely copper-plated stainless steel bucket with a traditional, vintage appearance. On the one hand, it’s difficult to grumble about the appearance of this container on your counter.

The copper finish, on the other hand, is poorly applied and will begin to fade off after a year or so of washing.

However, if there is a significant problem, you have a backup. Gardenatomy provides a money-back guarantee for life. Simply contact the company and inform them that you require a replacement.

This bin comes with six charcoal filters, each having a two-month lifespan. You’ll have to change the filters more frequently than with other models, but they provide excellent odor control and are simple to slip in and out of the lid.

You also get a roll of 50-liner bags to make emptying the Gardenatomy as clean and simple as possible.

The big air vents on the lid provide plenty of ventilation. On a 1-gallon bucket, this isn’t technically necessary because your garbage won’t be resting for long.

But it never hurts to give those microbes a head start when it comes to breaking down your vegetable scraps.

Purchasing a Countertop Compost Bin

Dimensions and Capacity: Size Matters!

• Size: Choosing the right size for your countertop compost bin is vital. Ensure it fits comfortably in your available counter space without taking up too much room. A common capacity ranges from 1 to 2 gallons, with larger models available if needed.

Material: Quality Makes a Difference

• Stainless Steel: Durable and odor-resistant, stainless steel is a popular choice. Its neutrality ensures that it will blend seamlessly with your kitchen’s décor.
• Ceramic: Though heavier, ceramic compost bins are robust and easy to clean. However, be careful; they can shatter if dropped.
• Plastic: A budget-friendly option, plastic is easy to clean but less durable. Scratches can retain odors, so handle them with care.

Odor Reduction: Keep Unwanted Smells at Bay

Compost inherently smells like decaying vegetable matter. Carbon filters and tightly sealed lids are essential features in reducing this unpleasant odor in your kitchen.

Physical Attributes: Beauty in Functionality

The appearance of your compost bin might not affect its function, but it can add to or detract from your kitchen’s aesthetic. Choose a design that complements your kitchen, as it’s a space often frequented by guests.

Dishwasher-Safe Construction: Easy Cleaning

Most compost bins are dishwasher-safe but always check, especially with plastic containers, as they can melt if too close to the heating element.

Get Ready for Fruit Flies: A Preventable Nuisance

Fruit flies are attracted to decaying fruits and vegetables. Keep your kitchen clean and utilize traps if necessary. Homemade solutions like apple cider vinegar or commercial traps like Raid Fruit Fly Trap can effectively keep them at bay.

What is Composting? An Eco-Friendly Practice

Composting is the process of breaking down organic material into nutrient-rich soil. It requires time, heat, and specific ingredients like food scraps, twigs, leaves, and paper.

The Benefits of Composting

• Enriches Soil: With beneficial bacteria and nutrient-dense humus, compost adds vitality to your garden.
• Reduces Landfill Waste: By composting, we can significantly reduce waste going to landfills.
• Eliminates the Need for Chemical Fertilizers: Compost is a natural, eco-friendly alternative.

The Best Countertop Compost Bins Brands

• Epica: Known for high-quality materials and excellent customer service.
• Linkyo: Offers home products at a fraction of the cost.
• OXO: A robust brand with a wide array of products.
• Exaco: A family-owned business focused on gardening and outdoor tools.
• Gardenatomy: Specializes in strong, durable compost pails.

FAQ: Your Composting Questions Answered

• Nitrogen and Carbon Balancing: Understand the importance of nitrogen and carbon in your compost. Adjust the balance if needed.
• Moisture Level: Your compost should feel damp, not dripping wet.
• Microbe Starter: Generally, not needed as there are enough natural microorganisms to start the process.
• Usage of Countertop Bin: Use it as a temporary holding place for food scraps, regularly emptying and cleaning it.
• What to Compost: Stick to plant material; avoid meat, dairy, and other non-compostable items.
• What Not to Compost: Stay away from animal waste, certain weeds, treated sawdust, and any materials that can contaminate your compost.
• Odor: If managed correctly, compost shouldn’t emit a terrible smell. However, improper care can lead to unpleasant odors.

Conclusion: Embrace the Green Lifestyle with Composting

Purchasing a countertop compost bin is more than an addition to your kitchen; it’s a step towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. From selecting the right size and material to understanding the composting process, every decision you make impacts both the aesthetics of your kitchen and the health of our planet.

By understanding the ins and outs of composting and choosing a countertop bin that suits your needs, you are investing in a greener future. Happy composting!

Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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