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10 Best Kitchen Compost Bins – Reviews & Analysis

Last Updated: 02.11.24

 

Top Compost Bins for Kitchen – Guide & Comparison

 

If what you are looking for is the best kitchen compost bin, then you surely know that there are multiple options available in this line and figuring out what benefits each one has can be a very time-consuming task. Luckily, you are here, reading this article, which is meant to make your life easier by bringing you directly the answer. Our team has carefully considered the features offered by the top compost bins on the market and concluded that the one you should consider as a first option is Utopia Kitchen’s Stainless Steel Compost Bin for Kitchen Countertop. This unit can be easily placed on a kitchen counter for easy access and use, and it features a stainless steel construction that is going to successfully withstand the test of time. The stylish design means you don’t need to hide it around the kitchen, while the charcoal filter keeps pests, insects, and odors at bay. In case you cannot find this particular unit, the most suitable alternative is Green Hills Health’s Kitchen Compost Bin.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

The Good
The Bad
Verdict
Price

 

 

10 Best Kitchen Compost Bins (Updated Reviews) in 2019

 

 

Finding the best compost bin for kitchen can sometimes be a rather overwhelming task, as there are many products out of which you can choose. However, the selection you’ll find below showcases the top-rated models, so you can choose the one that works best for your needs.

 

 

1. Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin for Kitchen Countertop 

 

This Utopia Kitchen product is the right choice if what you are looking for is an affordable kitchen compost bin that you can store on the counter for easy use. One of the first things you are going to notice about it is the stylish design that can enhance any interior space, so it will look great in your home and you won’t need to hide it under the sink or cabinet.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the high-quality construction that includes 201 grade stainless steel. Therefore, you can rest assured that it won’t scratch throughout time and that you’ll be able to use it for a very long period before needing to get a new one.

What makes it great is that you can gather scraps throughout the week without being hindered by bad smells. This is due to the great design that includes charcoal filters which are extremely efficient in keeping odors in the bin.

 

Pros

Thanks to the sturdy and sleek design that adds a stylish touch to any kitchen, you can keep this kitchen counter compost bin around wherever it’s most useful.

It can be easily maintained using warm soapy water, and the filter can be cleaned as well, so you can keep the bin in excellent condition all the time.

The sturdy stainless steel construction makes this a very good investment, as it won’t get scratched or damaged for a very long time.

Given the charcoal filter it comes with, the unit effectively traps and controls odors, so you won’t have to deal with pests or flies in your kitchen.

 

Cons

The lid gets tightly closed, so you may need to use two hands to remove it.

If you don’t want to clean it after each use, you can purchase some compostable bags to place inside.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Green Hills Health Kitchen Compost Bin 

 

If what you need is a compost bin for kitchen that you can place on the counter without running the risk of having to deal with bad smells, this Green Hills Health model could be just the solution for you. First of all, the unit is made of food-grade 410 stainless steel which adds to its overall durability and strength.

In case you purchase this compost bin for the kitchen, you won’t need to get a new one anytime soon. There are no seams that might gather debris, making this a leak-free alternative. Plus, thanks to this particular feature, it’s also easy to clean and maintain.

Its 1.3-gallon capacity means that it can hold food waste for up to 1 week, from 2 people. Furthermore, its dimensions of 11.5” in height and 7” in diameter make it small enough to be stored on the counter or under the sink.

 

Pros

The elegant design makes this a very nice addition to any kitchen, while the one-piece construction means that the user won’t have to buy liners or bags.

If someone in your family is into gardening, then this can be a great gift idea that will also prove to be useful and effective.

Thanks to the firm sealing lid that includes charcoal filters as well, bad odors won’t be an issue, and neither will be insects or pests.

This beautiful metal compost bin kitchen can be easily placed anywhere you need to use it around the kitchen, given its dimensions.

 

Cons

Given that the lid seals firmly, the compost can create condensation so keep this in mind, depending on how you need to use it.

The lid can be a bit difficult to remove, so you might need to use both hands for this.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Third Rock Compost Bin for Kitchen Counter 

 

We know that composting at home is not always very easy, as you need to find the right unit, but if you are looking at kitchen compost bin reviews to make your next purchase, this Third Rock product is one that is definitely worth a try. The rustic vintage design looks great and adds a home-like touch to any kitchen, while the bin itself is highly effective.

You won’t have to buy separate bags unless you want to, as this bin’s lid includes charcoal filters to trap and control odors. Furthermore, this also means that flies are not going to be an issue either. The bin is also made with a double layer of carbon steel and stainless steel, so you will be able to use it for a very long time.

If you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to maintain the bin, it won’t crack or rust.

 

Pros

Cleaning this compost bin is a very easy task, as all you need to do is use some warm soapy water, and the inside pail can be removed as well.

The filters last for up to two months before they need to be replaced, so you won’t have to take care of this aspect too often.

The unit’s size makes it a very good choice if you want to keep the bin on the kitchen counter, and its effective odor-trapping capability means that you won’t deal with any discomfort.

It’s a very nice gift for friends or family members who are passionate about gardening and live in an eco-friendly household.

 

Cons

The lid might need some getting used to in order to close it properly, so give a try before adding scraps inside.

In case fruit flies insist on making their appearance around the compost bin, you can use a compost bag to keep them at bay.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin 

 

This OXO model is a cheap kitchen compost bin that features a very cool-looking design and that gets the job done effectively. You can choose between two sizes, depending on your composting needs, and you can easily place the unit on the kitchen counter to have everything you need within reach.

The lid is specially designed to allow easy filling, and it also flips down in order to lock in any odors that might otherwise create discomfort. If you decide to purchase this bin, you’ll have a handy solution right where you need it to create the right compost for your garden.

Furthermore, the interior walls are smooth which means that they prevent liquids and foods from building up. Of course, this also means that you’ll have an easy time cleaning and maintaining this bin between uses, so this is not something that you should worry about.

 

Pros

This unit’s design makes it suitable for any kitchen decor, while its size means that it can be kept on the counter, right where you need to use it.

Thanks to its innovative design, this small kitchen compost bin comes with a lid that flips up right away through one-handed motion, and it also stays open so you can dump the scraps inside without any trouble.

The convenient handle makes the bin easy to move around, while the smooth interior walls prevent build-up that might otherwise become an issue.

This is a filter-free product, so you won’t have to purchase such items every few months.

 

Cons

Keep in mind that this unit is available in two different sizes, and make sure you choose the right one, as the smaller version can fill up rather quickly.

This is not a completely airtight design, so depending on how you use it, it might attract some gnats.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Kitchen Oversized 1.3 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin 

 

In case you need to find a kitchen compost bin that looks very good and that does a great job in keeping fruit and vegetable scraps sealed, this Cooler Kitchen model is probably the solution you’ve been looking for. The lid is specially designed to contain odor and keep flies away, and it does this thanks to the thick charcoal filters the unit includes.

This is a compost bin that can be used in homes, apartments, offices, and other similar spaces. Furthermore, given its size, it can be stored on the kitchen counter so that you can use it anytime you need to with ease.

The kitchen will remain smelling fresh, and you’ll be able to continue your gardening efforts. Plus, the lid features a construction that doesn’t include a lock or clasp, so you won’t have any obstacle when you’ll need to open the bin.

 

Pros

This compost bin can be used multiple times when you are preparing a meal, thanks to its intuitive design and easy-to-handle lid.

Given the high-quality construction that features metal-carbon steel as the primary material, you can be sure that you are going to use this product for a very long time.

It requires almost no assembly, as all you need to do is insert the filter into the designated space within the lid, and you’ll be all set to start using it.

You have nothing to worry about in terms of maintenance, as the inner bucket is a dishwasher-safe product.

 

Cons

This is a rather large kitchen compost bin with a capacity of 1.3 gallons, which works very well, but it might be a bit big for a kitchen counter, depending on how much space you have available.

Fruit flies might still be attracted to the compost bin if this is an issue in the area in which you live.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. Modern Barnhaus Compost Bin for Kitchen Counter 

 

Available in a very nice turquoise color, this Modern Barnhaus unit is the right choice if you want to compost in your kitchen and you live in an apartment or you have a small kitchen. Given that the bin includes charcoal filters, it keeps the odor trapped, so you don’t have to deal with any discomfort.

With its help, you can include a new eco-friendly way of dealing with food waste, while the unit’s size makes it suitable for kitchen counters as well. You can keep it next to you as you prepare meals, while the durable construction that features stainless steel is both rust-resistant and food-safe.

The unit’s maintenance is a breeze as well, given that all you need to use it is some warm water and soap to wash it between uses. In case you like this compost bin and decide to buy it, you won’t be disappointed by the benefits it brings.

 

Pros

This stylish bin features a beautiful design that brings a bit of color in every kitchen, making it a very nice addition to your home, especially if you are into rustic decor.

The unit is delivered with a year’s supply of accessories such as biodegradable liner bags and charcoal filters.

You’ll also get a user’s manual to understand how you can obtain great composting results using this bin, making it a very good choice for beginners as well.

It can be a great choice for a friend who is into gardening and living an eco-friendly lifestyle.

 

Cons

The lid can be pretty tricky to put on, given that it has to trap odors, but with a little practice you’ll get used to it in no time.

The bags might fall into the bin, depending on how you place them, but you can use a large rubber band to keep them in place.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. ENLOY Stainless Steel Indoor Odorless Compost Bin 

 

One of the main things that you are going to appreciate about this Enloy compost bin is the airtight lid that keeps odors contained. The unit is both airtight and spill-proof, so you won’t have to take care of messy situations as you are composting in your kitchen. This is also due to the effective charcoal filter that keeps the smell trapped and the kitchen fresh and clean.

The durable stainless steel construction is what makes this a cost-effective alternative as well. You won’t have to spend more money on a new compost bin anytime soon, as this one is both solid as well as rust-resistant.

Plus, the materials used don’t release any potentially toxic chemicals in the compost, so you can use it for vegetables and flowers without any concern. This is a safe and durable compost bin that makes a fine addition to any kitchen, so if you are thinking about giving it a try, you shouldn’t hesitate to do so.

 

Pros

Given that you can keep this bin on the kitchen counter, you won’t have to go outdoors to a compost area every time you prepare a meal, making this a handy solution.

Its size makes it suitable to store food waste for multiple days, while the charcoal filter will make sure that any potential odor won’t be an issue either.

Its maintenance is easy to ensure as well, given that all you should be using is warm water to keep it in top shape between two uses.

The stylish design makes this a very nice addition to pretty much any kitchen, while the unit itself doesn’t take up too much space.

 

Cons

Make sure that you don’t use acidic or alkaline detergent to clean the bin, as this might create some damage.

The lid might need to be removed using two hands, so this is something to be aware of.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. The Relaxed Gardener Kitchen Compost Bin 

 

The product this kitchen compost bin review showcases is a pretty great one offered by The Relaxed Gardener, so take a closer look at all its features, as it might be just what you need for your home. The first aspect that any user will surely be happy about is the fact that the lid can be opened using only one hand.

The unit’s unique design means that you won’t be hindered when you’ll need to add scraps as you prepare your meals. The entire process is quick and easy, while the product’s construction is leaf-proof.

The interior liner bucket is specially added to prevent the steel from leaking or rusting, while the compost is kept safe from any chemical substances. The kitchen counter will remain clean and you won’t have to deal with odors either as the two filters the lid includes do a great job of keeping everything contained.

 

Pros

Each bin comes with two carbon filters and each one lasts for up to 6 months if you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to use the bin.

The fact that you can use the compost bin for up to 1 year without additional purchases makes this a cost-effective product.

Thanks to its size, this model doesn’t take up too much space, so it’s suitable for use even in a small kitchen where counter space might be limited.

In case you need to find a great gift for a friend who is passionate about gardening, this unit is an excellent choice.

 

Cons

The inside lining makes this unit a bit smaller than expected, so make sure that you take a look at the measurements to see if it fits your composting needs.

If you compost too many scraps, the lid might fit loosely on top of the bin.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. Granrosi Stylish Farmhouse Kitchen Compost Bin 

 

If you are living in an eco-friendly home, then a compost bin such as this one offered by Granrosi is surely going to prove to be of great help in making the most out of food scraps. The stylish unit can be easily placed on the counter where you can use it whenever you need to, while the 1.3-gallon capacity is quite generous.

The lid is made of high-grade stainless steel and it features a handy knob that can be used for composting without any effort. Furthermore, pesky flies and odor are kept at bay thanks to the charcoal filter included. The rounded lid is easy to operate, and this unit will prove to be the right partner for your composting needs.

In terms of construction, the bin is made to last for a long time given that it features special coating both on the inside and on the outside. This renders the unit rust-proof for superior results in the long run.

 

Pros

Besides the filter included in the unit, you’ll get another two filters delivered with the product, and each lasts for up to 4 months.

The stylish design makes this a great addition to your kitchen, and you won’t have to hide the compost bin under the sink anymore.

Thanks to the handy design, this compost bin is easy to clean, and all you need to use is some soapy warm water.

The charcoal filters and the tight lid do a great job of keeping the small scraps trapped, which means that you will be able to enjoy preparing meals in your kitchen while also composting.

 

Cons

Some fruit flies might still make their way toward the bin if these are an issue in your area.

This is a rather large unit, so make sure that you have enough counter space to keep it there.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. ÉLEVER Compost Bin for Kitchen Counter 

 

With a 1-gallon capacity, this ÉLEVER product works great for those who want to keep their bins on the counter. One of the first things that anyone is going to notice about the unit is the beautiful design that enhances any interior space.

If you want to compost food scraps for a few days before taking them to the composting space outdoors, then you should definitely give this bin a try. In terms of construction, this unit features a two-bucket design, the inner one being made of plastic.

You will be able to remove it and wash it every time you want to without any worry. There is no need to use plastic compost bags either, which is a better alternative to make this an eco-friendly solution. The unit’s design features a special ventilation system that keeps the moisture and temperature at optimum levels for composting.

 

Pros

This model comes with a unique fly-trapping charcoal filter that is specially made to prevent any odors from becoming a discomfort and for keeping pests at bay.

The interior bucket has smooth walls which prevent liquids and foods from building up and becoming an issue.

If you want to place the inner bucket in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning, this is not going to be an issue either.

The filters can be cleaned, making this bin’s maintenance an easy one, while the outer pail features a rust-resistant stainless steel construction for enhanced durability.

 

Cons

The exterior handle might come out of the slot, so you may want to tighten it a bit or check it from time to time.

The interior bucket might be a bit small for some compost plastic bags, if you choose to use these, even though this is an optional measure.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

If you’ve decided that a kitchen compost bin is the next purchase you are going to make, this is a very good idea to sustain any gardening and environment-preservation efforts you are making. In case you are already used to having such an item around, you are already aware of the many benefits it offers.

Those of you who are just getting started in this matter might not know that, besides the fact that you can create compost that you can later use in your garden, having a kitchen compost bin can definitely make a significant difference to reducing the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.

You can be sure that the environment is going to be grateful for your choice. However, it’s also true that there are multiple products available on the market, and it might not always be very clear which ones are effective and which ones are not. Therefore, in the next lines, we’re going to see what particular characteristics you should keep in mind before making a purchase.

 

 

Size and design

The great thing about kitchen compost bins is that they come in a wide range of sizes and colors, and they tend to look pretty great. This means that you won’t have to hide yours under the sink anymore, even if you have friends over.

In terms of size, the first thing you should consider is where you want to place it around the kitchen. The most obvious answer is the counter, given that you’ll be able to use the bin as you are preparing any meal.

However, it all depends on how much space you have available on the counter, as some compost bins might be a bit too large for you to comfortably work around them, while others might be too small to actually make your life easier by keeping food scraps over a few days. The most common size you can find is the 1.3-gallon capacity option which seems to fit both needs.

Another aspect you should keep in mind, especially when it comes to larger units is that they take longer to fill up, so they might end up having a stronger smell. However, if you have a large family and the kitchen generates important amounts of waste, then you’ll probably end up emptying the unit quite frequently.

 

Other features to keep in mind

The most important aspect when it comes to compost bins is to keep any odors inside, and the lid needs to be airtight in order for this to happen. Of course, buying a product that comes with charcoal filters is also a good idea, as these do a great job of keeping everything contained.

Filters also control the level of moisture within the bin, given that both moisture and temperature need to be optimal for the scraps to turn into compost. As you go through the various options, you will notice that some are delivered with more filters from the beginning. If you want to avoid spending extra money for a while, then you can definitely go for such an option.

You can also think about getting a pedal-operated bin which means that you won’t have to touch the compost as you add more scraps, making it a more comfortable alternative.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Q: What is a kitchen compost bin?

A kitchen compost bin is a specially-designed unit that you can use to recycle organic waste generated around the kitchen, such as vegetable and fruit scraps. These can be turned into compost and used to grow other plants instead of simply being thrown away.

A compost bin is an environmentally-friendly solution that you can use especially if you are into gardening and into growing your own organic vegetables. These units are usually made of rust-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, and they can be used with or without compost plastic bags.

It’s important for the lid to be airtight as you don’t want any smells coming out of it and into your house, and the most useful positioning around your home is on the kitchen counter. Some models feature an interior bucket as well, so it’s up to you to decide which option works better in your case.

 

 

Q: What should you not put in a compost bin?

If you want to make compost that you can use for your own garden, then there are several types of materials that should not be added there. The first thing would be tea or coffee bags. While tea and coffee themselves are a great addition to compost, the bags need to be removed as they might contain synthetic fibers that won’t break down in the compost pile you are making.

Onions and citrus peels are other examples. While this might come as a surprise, they are not a great addition to compost because their acidity and natural chemicals can slow down the decomposition process in the pile. Coated paper or meat are other examples of things you shouldn’t add to the mix.

If you want to keep your compost pile as effective as possible, you can quickly research some details every time you want to add a new organic material there besides those you usually use.

 

Q: Do kitchen compost bins smell bad?

The answer to this question depends on how well the bin is maintained. If you go for an airtight lid model that includes charcoal filters too, the smell should not be an issue. Furthermore, you need to empty it every time it gets full and make sure that it’s well maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you get a high-quality kitchen compost bin, you should be able to use it without being hindered in any way by the smell. The only exception is, of course, when you lift the lid to add some more scraps, but even this might not be a problem, depending on how often you empty it.

You can reduce the risk of having any odor-related issues by getting a smaller bin that you can empty more frequently. Of course, this is a good solution if you don’t have a large family that generates large amounts of waste, in which case a bigger bin is necessary.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Most of your kitchen waste can be composted at home 

2) Composting At Home

3) Composting as a Waste Management Technique

4) How Does Composting Work?

 

 

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