I think it’s fair to say I’ve used my fair share of kitchen compost bins over the years.
Not only do I use a kitchen compost bin at home, I also keep two running at work, one in both of the kitchens.
I’ve used everything from plastic containers (workable if you empty it regularly!) to a high tech electric composter.
So if you’re looking for a new kitchen bin, I’ve brought you a selection to fit every budget, need and even your climate!
Once you have chosen your bin, make sure you check out our guide to kitchen composting!
1. Our Favorite Overall: Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin
This kitchen composting bin gets our highest marks as it covers all of the important bases for us. First and foremost, this bin is dishwasher safe, and it also comes with a replaceable charcoal filter (this is where the composting bin “traps” the odor, so it does not permeate your kitchen).
The carrying handle makes it easy to transport your compost to the backyard or simply place the bin out of view when needed. Chances are, you will not mind leaving this one out in plain view, thanks to its sleek and simple stainless steel design.
It will blend right into most kitchens, and the compact size of the Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin means you will not have to give up too much of your valued counter space.
2. Best for budget: Plastic container with lid
Whisper it quietly, but you don’t always need to buy a specialized compost bin. I’ll admit, I’m sometimes careless and leave my compost bin at the bottom of the garden, where it can get damaged by the wind. When that happens, I simply use a plastic container to store scraps temporarily.
The downside to this approach is the smell. To counter it, I’ve found it’s crucial to empty the container daily—ideally in the morning. As you can imagine, this becomes even more important during the summer, when higher temperatures cause food scraps to deteriorate much faster.
3. Best for in-kitchen composting: The Reencle Food Waste Composter
For a long time, I was skeptical of electric composters. To be honest, I still am in most cases, as many don’t actually make compost—they simply grind and dehydrate food.
However, my experience with the Reencle was much more positive. Unlike other devices, it uses a combination of warmth, bacteria, and heat to produce actual compost. Once set up, it’s incredibly easy to use—just wave your hand over the front, and the lid pops open. I was also surprised by how much compost it generates—not enough to mulch a vegetable garden, but certainly plenty for pot plants.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone. First, it’s significantly more expensive than the other bins mentioned here. Second, you need to balance the food waste you add with brown materials like shredded paper. If you don’t, you might end up with an acidic, vinegary smell. (Here’s a tip: use the dry and purify functions on the device to help counter this.)
Lastly, despite the marketing hype from electric composting companies, the finished compost isn’t quite ready to use. Like all compost, it needs time to mature before being added to your plants.
All things considered, I think the Reencle is a fantastic option for apartment owners who want to make real compost but lack garden space. For those with a garden, I’d recommend sticking with a regular outdoor compost bin, paired with one of the kitchen compost bins mentioned earlier.
To learn more, check out our full, in-depth review, or visit Reencle to buy now.
4. Our Small Spaces Winner: Minky Homecare Food Compost Caddy
I don’t pay much attention to how things look in the kitchen, but appearance is far more important to my wife—and she really likes the design of the Minky Homecare Food Compost Caddy!
While the compact design was a bit too small for our family of four, this bin would be a fantastic option for smaller households with limited kitchen space (or for those, like us, whose kitchen is already bursting with gadgets!).
Available in a pleasing palette of soft colors as well as basic white, this petite composter can still make a big impact in small kitchens. The nonslip feet keep the lightweight caddy sturdy on the counter, and the removable liner can be used with or without biodegradable bags. The stay-open lid is especially useful for busy cooks who want to toss scraps in while preparing meals, and the sturdy handle makes it easy to carry the caddy out to the compost pile in the yard.
Like the Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin, this bin earns high marks for its ability to control odors.
5. Best Bang for Your Buck: OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin
OXO is a trusted brand in kitchen products, and for 30 years, they have created products to make our meal prep easier. So, it is no surprise their composting bin earns our rating as the best value for the money.
A simple and attractive design ensures the composting bin blends seamlessly into your kitchen, and the stay-open lid is useful during meal prep and also fully removable for emptying.
The internal bucket of this compost pail can be removed easily and is dishwasher safe, making cleanup and maintenance a breeze. We also love the fact that OXO supports environmental nonprofits by donating one percent of their annual sales as part of the 1% for the Planet community.
You can not only feel good about the fact that your composting helps the environment, but the product you purchase to do it helps, too!
6. Best Bin for Bags: BioBag Kitchen Counter Food Scrap Bin and Compostable Bag Kit
While this composting kit may not be the best choice for those looking for something compact and discreet to leave out on the counter, it’s a great option if you want to compost a higher volume of scraps in a lightweight and affordable container.
It’s worth noting that you don’t need to use bags with a kitchen composter. However, if you prefer to bag your waste, the Biobag kit is one of the best options available and comes with 25 fully compostable bags. The bin itself is made entirely of recycled plastic, making it an environmentally friendly choice for conscientious shoppers.
I found the breathable design helps food waste dry out quickly, which significantly reduces kitchen odors. The bin is also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quick and easy.
The one downside I’ve noticed with this bin is its fragility. The handle or hinges can break if the bin is completely full, so it’s worth being cautious not to overload it.
8. Our Favorite Design: Norpro Ceramic Compost Keeper
Few people would step into your kitchen and guess that this stylish, simple canister is actually a functioning food composter.
The clean design and bright white finish make it an attractive addition to any style of home décor. You can also find this compost crock in black, floral blue and white, or red, giving you plenty of options to match your kitchen.
Not only is the design appealing, but it’s also strong and durable, making it a beautiful piece to display on your countertop. The composter includes an odor-preventing filter in the lid, which can last up to six months, depending on usage.
On the downside, while the stainless-steel handle makes this ceramic compost bin easy to carry, it can come off too easily—which is frustrating when you’re hauling it down to the bottom of the garden!
9. Our Favorite Biodegradable Bin: Bamboozle Food Compost Bin
When it comes to the most environmentally friendly way to compost in your kitchen, it’s hard to find a better option than the Bamboozle Food Compost Bin. Made from finely ground bamboo fibers, this bin is not only practical but also biodegradable, making it a standout choice for eco-conscious shoppers.
You don’t have to sacrifice functionality for sustainability, either—the Bamboozle is both dishwasher-safe and durable. Replaceable carbon filters effectively absorb odors, and its attractive design ensures it won’t be an eyesore on your kitchen counter.
The only downside is that, being made of bamboo, the bin can eventually split over time and may need replacing.
Composting Tips and FAQs
Once you have chosen the perfect composting bin that meets your needs, you can get started on what we hope will become a lifelong habit.
Composting is not only good for the environment by conserving space in landfills, but it is also good for your own garden as compost enriches your soil and protects plants from droughts and freezes.
Once you get the hang of it, composting is easy and almost effortless, as long as you understand the basics. Here are some of the most common questions from composting newbies:
Can I put all my compost scraps in a bin?
That all depends.
If you plan to use your compost in a hot compost, and you are sure you can get your compost hot, then you have more options.
If you don’t think your compost will get hot, then you might want to avoid animal waste, meat and cooked food.
Things you can safely compost from your kitchen scraps:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Peelings
- Cereal
- Bread
- Tea leaves
- Teabags (remove staples)
- Coffee grounds
- Coffee filters
- Outdated herbs and spices
In addition to these common kitchen scraps, you can also add to your compost pile:
- Leaves, grass, and brush from your yard
- Dust from vacuums or brooms
- Dry dog or cat food
- Dryer lint
Also see: Waste Not, Want Not – How to Use Kitchen Compost Bins
Are there any other household waste items I can compost?
There are a number of other items you can add to your composting as long as you keep in mind these will take longer to break down.
- Shredded paper, including newspaper, paper bags, and anything printed on a non-glossy paper
- Tissues or cotton balls (as long as they were not soaked in anything like nail polish remover (or used to soak up any kind of fat or grease)
- Cardboard
- Used textiles from natural fabrics (like bamboo and cotton)
- Twine or string made of natural fabrics
- Wood chips
- Nutshells
- Corn cobs
- Pits from peaches, plums, avocados, etc
- Wine corks
For a more complete guide, see What can you compost?
Will my compost bin stink?
As long as you use a compost bin designed to eliminate smell, and empty it fairly regularly, your bin should not smell.
The bins we have reviewed and recommended are all designed to minimize odor, but if the smells start to bother you, it is definitely time to empty and clean the bin!
Learn more about preventing kitchen bins from smelling.
Can I make actual compost in my kitchen bin?
While it is possible to make compost in your kitchen, most of the bins above are designed to collect kitchen waste, not to actually make compost. The exception is the Reencle, which will make finished compost (although it will still need maturing before use).
Related posts
Easy Kitchen Composting: How to Turn Scraps Into Plants
Waste Not, Want Not: A Guide to Using Kitchen Compost Bins
9 Easy Ways To Stop Kitchen Compost Bins From Smelling