When the Epica and Utopia bins arrived, I was smitten – gleaming stainless steel, premium feel. The OXO? Not so much. It’s sturdy plastic that my wife diplomatically called “neat and tidy.”
But after a month of daily use, this unassuming bin has won me over. And if you value function over form, you might find it the best option too.
Let’s take an in-depth look…
Looking for more options? Check out our comprehensive guide to the best kitchen compost bins where we compare the OXO with the Epica, Utopia, and other top-rated models to help you find your perfect match.
Build Quality
The build quality is solid—this is a well-made plastic bin—but let’s be clear, it’s still plastic. On our 1-5 sturdiness scale, we’d give it a 4.
It’s no flimsy knockoff, but it doesn’t have that premium heft of its metal competitors.
The Game-Changer: That Stay-Open Lid
Here’s where things get interesting. The OXO has one feature that makes cooking much easier: a lid that stays open when you want it to.
My wife was particularly happy with this, but as I cooked breakfast for us before work – four poached eggs, cooked at speed, egg shells flying everywhere – I noticed it too.
When you’ve finished cooking, simply push it down again.
It's not fancy, but after weeks of testing, that stay-open lid has won me over. Just be aware it has no charcoal filter - empty daily in summer.
The Charcoal Filter Question
The OXO takes a minimalist approach: no charcoal filter. The lid seals well enough to contain odors without being annoyingly tight to remove, but we have tested this in winter.
So far, we haven’t had any odor issues, but I’m realistic about what summer might bring.
Without a charcoal filter, you’ll want to empty this daily during warmer months. If you’re the type who sometimes forgets to empty your bin for a few days (no judgment), you might want to consider a bin with better odor control.
Straightforward Cleaning
We give it a 5/5 for ease of cleaning. The lid pops off effortlessly, there are no awkward corners to scrub, and it (just) fits in the dishwasher.
When it’s time to empty, you simply flip it upside down. We didn’t have to do any scraping, or coaxing of stubborn scraps from tight corners.
Living With It: Practical Performance
The OXO sits on our countertop without hogging space. Now that we’re down to three people at home (one child away at university), the size works well for our household. We’ve had zero issues with leaking, and given the build quality I don’t expect any going forward.
So far we haven’t had any issues with pests, but again bear in mind that we’re testing in winter – in summer, if there were fruit flies around, I’d prefer to have a charcoal filter.
Style vs. Substance
This isn’t the prettiest bin we own. The grey finish is fine but unremarkable, and my wife maintains the white version would look better in our kitchen. If you’re prioritizing aesthetics, the stainless steel Epica and Utopia bins are simply more attractive.
But for ease of use, it slightly outperforms the Epica and Utopia bins, simply because of that stay-open lid.
The Verdict: Know Your Priorities
You’ll love the OXO bin if you:
- Cook frequently and value ease of use over aesthetics
- Don’t mind emptying your bin daily, especially in summer
- Want something genuinely easy to clean
- Appreciate thoughtful, functional design
Alternatives:
Choose the Epica or Utopia bins if you:
- Want something that looks luxurious on your counter
- Prefer going several days between emptying
- Want the extra odor protection of a charcoal filter system
Would we buy it again? Absolutely.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Does the OXO compost bin have a charcoal filter?
No, the OXO Good Grips
Is the OXO compost bin dishwasher safe?
Yes, the OXO Good Grips
What colors does the OXO compost bin come in?
The OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean
How does the stay-open lid work on the OXO bin?
The lid on the OXO bin flips open and stays in that position, allowing you to add scraps hands-free while cooking. When you’re finished, simply push it back down to close. This feature is particularly useful during meal prep when you’re working quickly.
Can you use compost bags with the OXO bin?
Yes, you can use compostable bags with the OXO bin if you prefer, though the smooth interior makes it very easy to empty without them. Simply turn the bin upside down over your outdoor compost pile or bin.
How often should I empty the OXO compost bin ?
In summer or warm weather, we recommend emptying daily due to the lack of a charcoal filter. In cooler months, you can go 2-3 days between emptying without odor issues. The frequency also depends on what you’re composting—wet scraps will need more frequent emptying than dry materials.