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

After we’ve gone over our reviews, let’s take a closer look at what makes a countertop compost bin worth buying – or not.

Dimensions and capacity

Size

Size is an issue because this compost bin must fit in your available counter area. Before you make your order, check sure you have adequate space available.

There will be a compromise here: the less room your bin takes up, the less capacity it has. Most countertop types have a capacity of 1 to 2 gallons. However, some larger models have even more.

Material

Stainless steel is the most commonly used material for residential compost containers. It does not absorb odors, is sturdy and long-lasting, and is simple to clean.

Furthermore, it is an excellent fit for practically any décor, so you won’t have to worry about color clashes.

Compost bins made of ceramic are very popular. They’re a little heavier than stainless steel, but they’re also more robust and easier to clean.

However, if dropped on the floor, they are prone to shattering, so avoid porcelain if you have butterfingers.

Another prevalent material is plastic. While it is not as durable as stainless steel or ceramic, it is substantially less expensive.

On the one hand, it is simple to clean. Plastic, on the other hand, is often easier to clean. Furthermore, plastic is easily scratched, and scratches can provide a safe haven for scents even when the bin is not in use.

Odor Reduction

But here’s the thing: compost stinks. It smells like rotten vegetable debris. This isn’t a problem if you have a large outdoor bin far away from your house, but it’s a problem when it’s practically right under your nose when you’re cooking.

The majority of the bins on our list are equipped with carbon filters. They are all securely closed. These are crucial characteristics to search for.

Physical Attributes

On the one hand, the physical appearance of a composter informs you nothing about how it will work. Looks are still a significant factor.

One of the most crucial rooms in your house is the kitchen. And, aside from your living room, there is probably no other place in the house where guests will spend as much time.

So take the time to select a bin that complements your décor and looks excellent on your counter.

Dishwasher-Safe Construction

The majority of countertop compost bins are dishwasher-safe. However, you should double-check before tossing one in there.

However, be especially cautious with plastic containers because some plastics will melt if they are too close to the drying element.

Get Ready for Fruit Flies

One disadvantage of allowing fruits and vegetables to rot in your kitchen is that they attract fruit flies. So, how do you deal with these pests?

First and foremost, keep your eyes open. One fly may not seem like much, but each female may lay up to 500 eggs at a time. With high reproduction rates, a minor problem can quickly become a big infestation.

When the eggs hatch, the larvae consume the decaying fruit for 2 to 3 days before maturing into adults. Once this occurs, you have two days until they begin mating again.

So you can go from a single fly to hundreds in less than a week.

The first step in preventing this is to keep your countertops and sinks clean. Fruit flies will feed on spills as well as garbage near your drain.

You’ll have significantly fewer problems if their primary food source is a sealed compost bin.

Setting traps is another approach to keep fruit flies at bay. You can either create your trap or buy one from the store.

Apple cider vinegar is a common type of homemade fruit fly trap. Put it in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke small holes in the top with a big sewing needle.

The fruit flies will get inside to drink the apple cider vinegar, but they will not be able to get out in the same manner.

An even less expensive technique to catch fruit flies is to leave an old, half-empty beer bottle out. The stale beer will have a delicious aroma, attracting fruit flies within the bottle.

The neck, on the other hand, will confuse them, and they will be unable to fly out again.

Alternatively, a professional fruit fly trap, such as the Raid Fruit Fly Trap, can be used. This device is really successful, and it comes with a refill pack that provides a 180-day supply of bait.

That should be enough to keep the flies out of your kitchen from April until October. And after six months of making apple cider vinegar, dish soap, or beer traps, the cost is roughly the same.

What is composting?

Simply said, composting is the process of breaking down and converting food scraps and other organic materials such as twigs, leaves, and paper into nutrient-rich soil.

A few ingredients, particularly time and heat, are required for these objects to disintegrate.

After collecting your food scraps at home, bring them to a drop-off location such as a farmer’s market, community garden, or farm, or add them to your compost pile.

One of these solutions will be best for you depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Read our comprehensive composting guide for more information and instructions on how to compost.

What are the advantages of composting

Composting enriches your soil with beneficial microbes and nutrient-dense humus.

Beneficial bacteria from your compost will remain in the soil for many years. They will break down organic material in the soil and help prevent unfavorable microorganisms from infecting your plants.

Furthermore, the compost material itself is extremely nutritious. Kitchen garbage is abundant in nitrogen, which is required for the growth of both flowers and garden vegetables.

Composting helps to reduce landfill garbage.

According to the EPA, yard and kitchen garbage account for more than 28 percent of all waste created in the United States. Despite this, only 8.9% of US garbage is composted.

By doing the arithmetic, this indicates that if every American composted their food scraps and yard trash, we could reduce landfill waste by more than 19%.

Chemical fertilizer is no longer required, thanks to composting.

Chemical fertilizer eventually washes off the land and into our rivers and streams, ending up in the ocean. This results in algal blooms, which kill off local species.

While huge agricultural businesses are responsible for the majority of this runoff, we all have a role to play in reducing fertilizer pollution.

Best countertop compost bins brands

When purchasing new home products, it is important to understand the manufacturer’s reputation. You would not purchase a car from a firm you had never heard of. What makes your countertop composter any different?

Here’s a quick rundown of the brands we’ve discussed today.

Epica

Epica Products was started in 2007 near New York City. They make everything from shower curtains to pet nail clippers and fabric steamers to the kitchen compost container we’ve included here.

They’re known for employing high-quality materials and providing quick, responsive client service.

Linkyo

Linkyo is a corporation based in Southern California that was started in 2002. They began by producing replacement ink cartridges for popular printers at a fraction of the cost of the OEM cartridges.

Since then, they’ve expanded their product line to include home items, such as their kitchen composter.

OXO

OXO is another New York-based company. Sam and John Farber, a father and son duo, started it in 1990.

They’re most known for their rugged, long-lasting coffee machines, but they also make a wide range of kitchen and bathroom products, as well as newborn care items.

Exaco

Exaco was formed in 1987 in Austin, Texas, and it is still a family-owned company today. They began as a garden supply store and have now expanded to include a wide range of tools and supplies for gardening, building outbuildings, and even sandboxes for children.

Composting is merely a logical expansion of their primary business.

Gardenatomy

Gardenatomy is a Phoenix, Arizona-based company known for its strong, long-lasting compost pails. This is a boutique brand that does not make any other products.

Goldsol Living, a holding company that owns several smaller companies around the world, now owns them.

FAQ

When kitchen, lawn, and garden waste decomposes or rots, it leaves behind dark, damp humus that resembles nothing resembling food or grass.

The scent may be unpleasant to humans, but it is caused by a combination of germs and nutrients that your plants will appreciate. But how do you create an effective blend?

Here’s a basic overview of composting in general.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the ideal countertop compost bin will be determined by your specific requirements. The size and capacity of the bin, as well as its compatibility with your kitchen, are the most important factors to consider.

However, if we had to choose one bin as the ultimate finest, the Epica checks almost every box. First and foremost, the stainless steel body is appealing and will complement practically any kitchen.

Second, it provides exceptional odor prevention while yet allowing for ample airflow.

Finally, the charcoal filters have a six-month lifespan. Even if they are a little more difficult to change than some of the other filters on the market, you will spend less time changing them, if only because you will be doing it infrequently.

That being said, any of these countertop compost containers would be an excellent choice. Consider your requirements and make an informed decision!

Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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