Composting is not only great for your garden but also for the environment. If you are a home composting enthusiast and are dedicated to recycling your leftover food scraps, an indoor compost bin is a smart storage solution for your kitchen.
The 10 Best Indoor Compost Bins
- Cooler Kitchen 1.3 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin
- Epica 1.3-Gallon Compost Bin
- Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel 1.3-Gallon Compost Bin (Our Top Pick)
- OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin
- Vremi Kitchen Compost Bin
- LINKYO 1-Gallon Compost Bin
- Chef'n EcoCrock Compost Bin
- YukChuk 1.5-gallon Indoor Compost Container/Bin System
- Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin
- Food Cycle Science Indoor Food Recycler and Kitchen Compost Container
Our Top Pick for the Best Indoor Compost Bin
Our top pick for the best compost bin is the Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin. Stylish and sleek, the Utopia Kitchen compost bin is the smart choice for home kitchen composting. The sturdy bin features a stunning stainless steel design that shines like the sun, an effective built-in odor-eliminating charcoal liner, and a lid with holes that maximizes airflow to create a fresh and clean kitchen.
Organic Recycling Creates a Healthy Garden
A compost pile is an essential organic recycling solution. Instead of throwing away left-over food scraps, you can put them to work in a compost pile or feed them to your hungry chickens in their chicken coop.
Once the organic matter has decomposed in your compost pile, these nutrient-rich materials are ready to be spread on your garden, to create rich healthy soil that will produce a bountiful harvest of fruit, vegetables, and vibrant flowers.
Smart Compost Storage Bins
But what is the best way to safely store food scraps before they reach your compost pile? Smart gardeners have an indoor compost bin in their kitchen.
There are 6 reasons why you need an indoor compost bin in your kitchen.
1. Safely store smelly rotting food away from pests and insects.
2. Cut down the amount of food waste in your everyday kitchen bin.
3. Compost your food scraps every day.
4. An environmentally friendly way of disposing organic material and reducing landfill.
5. A cleaner solution for transporting food scraps from your kitchen to the compost pile.
6. Ideal for urban gardeners who do not have access to a compost pile.
How To Choose the Best Indoor Compost Bin
Kitchen composters come in a range of designs: free-standing, under-counter, or countertop bins.
Some compost bins double as a compost maker, like the Food Cycle Science Indoor Food Recycler Compost Container.
Construction
A compost bin is made out of stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic.
Stainless Steel or Carbon Steel
Stainless steel and carbon steel are extra strong and durable materials. A stainless steel compost bin looks beautiful; with a brushed or highly polished surface, like the Epica or Utopia Kitchen compost bins. Carbon steel, like the Cooler Kitchen bin, has a fresh white finish. Both stainless steel and carbon steel are excellent choices for storing food scraps as these materials do not absorb unpleasant smells and are very easy to keep clean.
Ceramic
Ceramic is a great choice for a contemporary style kitchen as its clean, sleek lines suit any type of kitchen decor. The ceramic is durable and resists stains and odors like stainless steel. Ceramic can chip or break easily, so if you like ceramic, take good care of it.
Plastic
Plastic or polypropylene is so easy to maintain and comes in a range of attractive colors like the Full Circle compost bin. The plastic may or may not be BPA-free so always check the fine print.
The main problem with plastic is that it can stain over time and smells can leach into the plastic unless the bin has been specifically designed to resist odors like the YukChuk compost bin.
Size
Compost bins range in sizes from a small compact 0.85-gallon size, which is perfect for a small household of one or two people. 1.3 or 1.5-gallon bins are ideal for a larger family.
As compost bins are designed to be emptied every couple of days, your choice of size will depend on how often you use the bin and where you want to store it, on the floor, under the kitchen counter or on the countertop.
Charcoal Filters
Carbon filters are extremely important for controlling the nasty odors that come from decomposing food scraps. These filters are usually placed in the lid and they absorb and trap the odors and stop them from spreading through your kitchen. Filters last up to 3 or 6 months depending on how often you use the bin. Some filters are washable like the Vremi compost bin.
Compost bins may come with a charcoal filter already installed while other brands require to you buy your own filter and compost bags.
Airtight Lid
Airtight lids help to control nasty odors and keep out fruit flies and other pests. Compost bin lids may also come with holes to allow the air to flow throughout the bin, which keeps the bin and your kitchen clean and odor-free.
Best Indoor Compost Bin Reviews
1. Cooler Kitchen 1.3 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin
Featuring a classic white design, the Cooler Kitchen compost bin is a stylish choice for storing food scraps. The high carbon steel construction is sturdy, super strong and rust-resistant and will not retain any odors. The bin is slightly larger than an average food bin and can hold up to a week’s worth of food scraps. Save on precious kitchen space and store the compact bin on a countertop or under the sink, for quick food disposal during food preparation.
The thick, activated-carbon filter fits into the lid and traps and absorbs any odors so that your kitchen smells fresh. The EZ-No Lock design keeps the lid securely on the bin to effectively block smells from escaping and keeps fruit flies away.
One of the great features of the Cooler Kitchen compost bin is that it has an inner black bucket. When the bin is full, just grab the handle and empty the compost bucket. Once it is empty, re-insert the bucket into the white bin for more recycling. The compost bin and bucket can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Cooler Kitchen offers a 45-day money back guarantee, and the bin comes with two charcoal filters.
Pros
- High-quality
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for a small kitchen
- Sturdy and strong high carbon steel
- White painted finish
- Simple classic modern design
- Can be placed under the sink or on a countertop
- Generously sized bin can hold up to a week's worth of scraps
- Thick activated-carbon filters
- Black inner bucket
- Easy to assemble
- Odor-blocking lid
- EZ-No-lock lid
- Sturdy handle
- Comes with 2 filters
- Dishwasher safe
- 45-money-back guarantee
Cons
- Inside plastic bucket can crack easily
- No compost bag liners included
2. Epica 1.3-Gallon Compost Bin
Made from gleaming stainless steel, the Epica compost bin will complement other stainless steel appliances in your kitchen.
Its high-grade stainless steel is molded in one piece, so it is strong, highly durable and will not scratch, crack or chip or leach toxic chemicals.
The airtight lid has holes that allow the bin to breathe while the replaceable activated-charcoal filter traps and controls odors naturally, so there will be no offensive odors pervading your kitchen.
Carrying and emptying the bin is made easy with the sturdy steel handle.
The 1-gallon size can hold several days worth of compostable organic kitchen waste like vegetable peels, fruit, and coffee grounds, which makes it ideal for compost making gurus.
The Epica compost bin comes with a specially designed activated-charcoal filter that lasts up to 6 months. Both the filter and bin can be cleaned with soap and water.
Pros
- High-quality
- Good price
- Stylish modern design
- Premium stainless steel
- Durable and long-lasting
- Rust-resistant
- One-piece design
- Specially designed activated-charcoal filter effectively eliminates odors
- Filter lasts up to 6 months
- Good size – can store several days of food scraps
- Air-tight lid has holes to allow the bin to breathe
- Sturdy carrying handle
- Compact countertop design
- Easy to clean
- Washable filter
Cons
- Large countertop footprint
- Can rust if the bin is not dried properly
3. Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel 1.3-Gallon Compost Bin
The Utopia Kitchen Compost bin is an attractive choice for compost storage as its silver stainless steel finish has that signature mirror shine. Its high-quality 201 stainless steel construction is strong, rust-resistant and prevents any scratching, cracking or chipping so you can expect long-term durability.
For a clean and odor-free kitchen, the built-in charcoal filter will control any nasty odors naturally and the stainless steel does not harbor bacteria or leach harmful chemicals. The tightly fitting lid keeps any odors in while the holes allow air to move around inside the bin.
The bin's compact design fits well on the countertop and the 1-gallon capacity can fit a few days worth of food scraps. The sturdy handle makes it easy to transport the compost to your garden. To keep the bin clean just wash it out with warm, soapy water.
The Utopia Kitchen compost bin comes with a charcoal filter.
Pros
- Excellent-quality
- Affordable price
- Very good value for money
- Mirror polished high-grade stainless steel
- Rust-resistant
- Optimal longevity and durability
- Compact countertop design
- Tight-fitting lid and sturdy handle
- Holes in the lid maximize air flow
- Effective charcoal filters trap and control odors naturally
- Easy to carry
- Lightweight
Cons
- Need to purchase bins liners separately
- Only comes with one charcoal filter
4. OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin
A perfect fusion of modern style and convenience, the OXO Good Grips Compost Bin is designed for everyday cooking.
The sleek compost bin is made from strong and thick durable double-walled polypropylene and its smooth interior walls and countered bottom prevent food and liquids from building up.
Featuring a smart lid design, the compost bin provides you with a hygienic solution for storing messy food scraps. The ergonomic hinged lid flips up and down with a swift one-handed operation and closes securely shut to stop any nasty odors from escaping. Emptying the bin is made easy with the sturdy rotating handle.
The bin has a good 12-cup capacity which can hold a few days worth of compost. For easy food scrap disposal, the bin has an ultra-compact design that fits snugly on the kitchen countertop.
OXO offers the compost bin in two stylish colors: grey or white.
The compost bin is very easy to keep clean, just pop it into the dishwasher.
Pros
- Excellent-quality
- Very affordable price
- Strong, thick plastic
- Convenient size and design
- Good 12 cup capacity
- Ideal for everyday counter-top use
- Innovative ergonomic hinged lid locks in odors
- One-handed operation
- Good odor control without a filter
- Smooth interior walls and contoured bottom prevent foods and liquids from building up
- Sturdy rotating handle
- Removable lid
- Easy to clean
- Available in grey or white
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Need to clean regularly to stop odors
- No charcoal filters included with the bin
5. Vremi Kitchen Compost Bin
Practical and stylish, the Vremi Kitchen Compost Bin is a perfectly-sized indoor compost bin.
The Vremi compost bin features a strong, durable, leak-free stainless steel one-piece construction and its white painted finish will make a stunning addition to your kitchen.
With a generous size, the bin has a 1.2-gallon capacity that holds up to a week’s worth of vegetable skins, fruit peels, coffee grounds and other types of compostable kitchen waste. This space-saving bin fits on a kitchen countertop or under the sink and its sturdy handle can be used for easy hanging storage.
The organic activated charcoal filter traps odors naturally and keeps your kitchen fresh. The reusable eco-filter can be cleaned with soap and water and it lasts up to 6 months.
Vremi offers the compost bin in black or white and includes 2 reusable charcoal filters.
Maintaining the bin is effortless as both the bin and the lid are dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Great-quality
- Beautiful smooth stainless steel
- White paint finish
- Organic activated charcoal filter traps odors naturally
- Filter lasts up to 6 months
- Leak-proof
- Durable, rust-resistant stainless steel
- Perfectly-sized indoor compost bin
- Sturdy handle can be used for easy hanging storage
- Comes with 2 odor trapping reusable charcoal filters
- Available in black or white
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Lid can dent easily
- Paint can chip
6. LINKYO 1-Gallon Compost Bin
Add a little style to your composting with the Linkyo Kitchen Composter Bin.
The 1-gallon compost bin features a durable one-piece, leak-free, rust-resistant, high-grade stainless steel construction and its fabulous shine will look great with other stainless steel appliances.
Keep your kitchen smelling fresh and stop fruit flies in their tracks with the thick carbon filter that absorbs and traps any odors. For even more odor control, the tightly fitted lid has holes that maximize airflow.
The lid also has a sturdy rotating handle which makes it easy to empty the contents onto the compost pile or feed the scraps to your chickens.
Linkyo includes four carbon filters that are designed for a year of happy composting, and replacement filters are easy to purchase on their website. The compost bin is covered by a 100% quality money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Affordable price
- Great value for money
- Ideal for kitchens with limited space
- Sturdy, durable, rust-resistant high-grade stainless steel
- One-piece construction
- Scratch, stain, and odor-resistant
- Stylish
- Blends in with other stainless steel appliances
- Compact countertop design
- Charcoal filter is designed to trap and absorb odors within the bin.
- Tightly fitted lid
- Holes in the lid maximizes airflow and minimizes odors
- Rotating handle
- Easy to clean
- Four filters are included
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not enough room for a lot of compost
- Can develop small pin holes in the bottom
7. Chef'n EcoCrock Compost Bin
Combining style and functionality, Chef'n has designed this contemporary looking Ecocrock ceramic compost bin that will make an attractive addition to any kitchen.
With a no-mess, no-fuss approach to composting, the EcoCrock bin has a special rafted bucket shape that allows food scraps to slide out easily and stop any liquids from pooling on the bottom. The EcoCrock 3.3-liter (.75-gallon) bin can store a lot of food scraps and it fits easily on the kitchen countertop, for easy food disposal during food preparation.
The tightly fitted vented plastic lid has a charcoal filter that absorbs and traps odors and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh. An extra cute feature is a green handle on the lid which is shaped like a plant.
The stand-out feature of the EcoCrock is that it has a removable plastic pail that does not discolor or absorb odors. You do not have to touch the food scraps. Just lift out the bucket and empty the scraps straight in your compost pile.
Clean-up takes just a few seconds, simply rinse the bucket and the bin with warm water, and dry.
Chef'N includes 2 disposable natural charcoal filters with the compost bin.
Pros:
- Sleek and modern design
- 2-in-1 design
- Generous 3.3-liter (.75-gallon)
- Contemporary stylish design
- Durable ceramic
- Compact countertop composter
- Tightly fitted lid
- Odor-free
- Specially sized charcoal filter
- Easy to empty and clean
- Filters can last for many months each
- Plastic removable internal bucket does not discolor or absorb odors
- Includes 2 charcoal filters
Cons:
- Smaller capacity
- Lid does not fit securely when the bucket is full
- Cheap looking plastic lid
8. YukChuk 1.5-gallon Indoor Compost Container/Bin System
The YukChuk under-counter compost bin is a great fit for a small kitchen, especially an apartment. But do not be fooled by its compact size, its 1.5-gallon design can hold quite a lot of food scraps.
Designed for your convenience, the bin can be hidden away under the sink, or fitted on the back of a kitchen door or cupboard. You can throw your food scraps directly into the compost bin during food preparation and close the cupboard door to stop any odors from escaping into the kitchen area.
The 1.5-gallon high-density polypropylene bin is sturdy and strong and stops any smells leaching from the food scraps into the plastic.
YukChuk has introduced an innovative “living hinge” design, which means the container and lid are molded as one piece. To minimize nasty smells, the Twin Lid Locks create an airtight seal and stops odors and fruit flies, without the need for charcoal filters.
The compost bin has bio-hooks which keep the liner bag securely attached to the bin so it does not slip down inside the bin when you put your scraps into it.
As the lid has an integrated handle and the lid opens outward, you can use the bin one-handed without any mess or fuss.
Emptying the bin is easy too. Just lift the lid, remove the compost bag and empty the contents onto your compost pile or plants. To clean the bin, remove the bin from its mounting and pop it in the dishwasher.
YukChuk includes the bracket and stainless steel screws, and the compost is covered by a lifetime guarantee.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Sturdy and strong polypropylene
- Innovative “living hinge” design
- Container and lid are molded as one piece
- Twin lid locks
- Bio hooks to hold the bin liner in place
- Easy opening lid
- Generous size
- One-handed use for loading and just lift to carry
- Mounts behind kitchen sink or cabinet door for easy access
- Doesn’t smell or attract flies
- No charcoal filter replacement costs
- Dishwasher safe
- Mounting bracket and stainless steel screws included
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Not very stylish
- May attract bugs under the sink if used improperly
9. Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin
Featuring an innovative odor-free lid design and 3 attractive colors, the Full Circle Compost Bin is a smart choice for kitchen food scrap storage.
The Full Circle compost bin is made from strong and sturdy BPA-free recycled plastic and partially recycled steel, so as well as being safe for you and your family, it is safe for the planet.
You can choose from two sizes, the Fresh Air 1.5-gallon bin or the smaller Breeze 0.85-gallon bin that fits on the countertop.
Full Circle Fresh has created a uniquely designed lid that maximizes airflow through the organic kitchen waste without having to use charcoal filters, which slows down decomposition, and stops liquid from pooling up on the bottom. With fewer bad smells and flies, and less clean up, this compost bin is perfect for any compost enthusiast.
The compost bin opens with the push of a button and the compost liner is easy to remove from the bin, and the bin is dishwasher safe.
You can choose from three colors to match your kitchen's décor: green slate, black and white, and ruby red.
Full Circle includes 5 compostable liner bags for the Fresh Air bin and 3 linger bags for the Breeze to get you started on your composting journey.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Strong and sturdy recycled BPA-plastic and partially recycled steel
- Perfect size for home and office
- Patented design maximizes airflow and minimizes odors
- Opens easily with a push of a button
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with five compostable bags for the Fresh Air and three bags for the Breeze
- Small and larger size available
- Available in three colors
Cons
- Expensive
- Plastic material may wear out quicker than ceramic or metal
- You have to buy liner bags, as there is no inner bucket
- No handle on the lid
10. Food Cycle Science Indoor Food Recycler and Kitchen Compost Container
The Food Cycle Science Food Recycler and Compost Container is an excellent choice for compost enthusiasts or urban gardeners who do not have access to a compost pile.
The container stores your food scraps and decomposes and reduces the waste up to 90% of its original volume, which makes the compost easily to dispose of in your garden or indoor plants.
The composting unit is activated by pressing a button. Just toss in your food waste into the bucket, lock the lid, and push go. There are no liquids, pellets, enzymes or chemical additives needed. The composting process takes less than 3 hours to make nutrient-rich soil compost which helps your garden or indoor plants to thrive.
To keep your kitchen odor-free, the unique carbon filter filtration system effectively eliminates odors. A smart composting device, the composter has an automatic shut off system and the new and improved Filter Monitoring System alerts you when it is time to change the filter.
Highly versatile, the compost bin recycler can accept a large variety of foods especially animal products like pet food, meat, fish, and chicken.
The unit is lightweight and portable so you can use it anywhere there is access to a power outlet. When you have emptied the removable bucket, it can go straight into the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Store food scraps and creates compost in one unit
- Decomposes and reduces the waste up to 90% of its original volume
- 3-hour composting cycle
- Easy to use and maintain
- No liquid, pellets, enzymes or chemicals required
- Environmentally-friend composting solution
- Unique carbon filter filtration system eliminates odor completely
- Press button controls
- New and improved Filter Monitoring System
- Automatic shut-off system
- Removable bucket has a handle for easy carrying
- Can handle a wide range of materials even animal products
- Lightweight and portable
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Expensive
- Does not have a very large capacity
- Takes up a lot of counter space
Our Top Pick for the Best Kitchen Compost Bin
Our top pick for the best compost bin is the Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin. Stylish and sleek, the Utopia Kitchen compost bin is the smart choice for home kitchen composting. The sturdy bin features a stunning stainless steel design that shines like the sun, an effective built-in odor-eliminating charcoal liner, and a lid with holes that maximizes airflow to create a fresh and clean kitchen.
