When I first lifted the Epica Kitchen Compost Bin out of its packaging, my immediate thought was “haven’t I seen this before?”
The design is strikingly similar to the Utopia Kitchen
That said, stunning is the word that comes to mind. Just like the Utopia, this is a beautifully crafted piece of kitchen kit.
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See how the Epica stacks up against other top-rated bins in our best kitchen compost bins roundup.
First impressions & build quality
The Epica comes with exceptional build quality – solid stainless steel construction throughout – sturdy, well-made, built to last. It’s hard to beat stainless steel when it comes to countertop compost bins, and Epica haven’t skimped on quality here.
I chose the stainless steel finish, which looks great, though it’s not quite as eye-catching as the copper finish on the Utopia bin. But that’s purely down to the color I opted for – the actual construction quality is every bit as good.
The lid mechanism is what I’d call a snug fit – it seals properly without being awkward to remove. The handle is solid too, a far cry from the flimsy affairs of the cheap plastic bins.
Daily use: the reality test
During testing, we kept ours on the countertop where it wouldn’t have taken up much space if it hadn’t been for three other bins we’re simultaneously testing!
For our household – typically three of us, four when my daughter’s back from uni – the size works brilliantly.
Adding scraps daily is straightforward: lift the lid, drop it in, done. That said, it doesn’t quite match the convenience of the Oxa’s always-open lid design. There’s a trade-off here between easy access and odor control, and Epica have firmly chosen the latter.
Odor control: where this bin really shines
This is where the Epica earns its keep. The odor control is genuinely excellent – I’d rate it a solid 5 out of 5, even when I’ve been storing chicken food that contained cooked scraps (yes, my hens get the royal treatment with our kitchen waste).
I should mention we’re testing this in winter, so I can’t speak to how it performs in the height of summer yet, but so far it’s been faultless.
Do note that it only comes with one charcoal filter in the lid, whereas the Utopia has two. With the bins so similar, I’d suggest choosing the Utopia if both are available.
As for pests – fruit flies and the like – I’ve had precisely zero issues. Again, winter testing caveat applies, but the seal is doing exactly what it should.
Maintenance: refreshingly simple
Frequency-wise, I don’t find myself cleaning it that often – the non-porous stainless steel doesn’t harbor smells or stains the way plastic bins can.
When I do, it gets a a 5 out of 5 from me. The stainless steel wipes clean easily, there are no awkward corners or crevices that trap grime, and yes, it’s dishwasher safe.
One area where the Epica actually outperforms the Utopia: In dishwasher testing, the stainless steel Epica came through unscathed, while the Utopia’s coating showed some flaking. This could be related to the specific color finish we selected on the Utopia, but it’s worth noting if you’re planning to regularly dishwash your bin.
Important note though: you must remove the charcoal filters from the lid before dishwashing, otherwise the heat destroys their odor-absorbing properties.
Emptying is straightforward too. Just pop the lid off and tip the contents into your
The verdict: style meets substance (with one small caveat)
Solid stainless steel countertop compost bin with excellent odor control, a clean, attractive design, and an effective charcoal filter that copes well even with cooked food scraps.
The Epica is both stylish and functional – a combination that’s harder to achieve than you might think with compost bins. It looks good on the countertop rather than being something you want to hide away.
But with the two bins otherwise almost identical, the Utopia wins for one simple reason: two charcoal filters instead of one. That means you can go for up to 6 months before needing to buy more – or frankly not worry about it if it’s winter and you’re emptying the bin daily.