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 Oversized Kitchen Compost Bin
- EPICA Compost Bin
- Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin (Our Top Pick)
- OXO Good Grips 1.75-Gallon Compost Bin
- Vremi Kitchen 1.2-Gallon Compost Bin
- Abakoo 1.8-Gallon Compost Bin
- Chef’n EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin
- Tiyafuro Under Sink Indoor Kitchen Compost Bin
- Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin
- Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50
Our Top Pick for the Best Indoor Compost Bin
Our top pick for the best indoor 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 maximize airflow to create a fresh and clean kitchen.
Check the price on AmazonOrganic 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
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.
- Safely store smelly rotting food away from pests and insects.
- Cut down the amount of food waste in your everyday kitchen bin.
- Compost your food scraps every day.
- An environmentally friendly way of disposing organic material and reducing landfill.
- A cleaner solution for transporting food scraps from your kitchen to the compost pile.
- 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, such as the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50.
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, such as the EPICA or Utopia Kitchen compost bins. Carbon steel, such as the Cooler Kitchen Oversized Kitchen Compost 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 such as the Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen 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 such as the Tiyafuro Under Sink Indoor Kitchen Compost Bin.
– Size
Compost bins range in sizes from a small compact 0.85-gallon size, which is perfect for a small household of 1 or 2 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 such as the Vremi Kitchen 1.2-Gallon Compost Bin.
Compost bins may come with a charcoal filter already installed while other brands require you to 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.
10 Best Indoor Compost Bins – Reviews
1. Cooler Kitchen Oversized Kitchen Compost Bin
Featuring a classic white design, the Cooler Kitchen Oversized 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 2 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 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 1.3-gallon size can hold several day’s worth of compostable organic kitchen waste such as 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 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 1.3-gallon capacity can fit a few day’s 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 airflow
- Effective charcoal filters trap and control odors naturally
- Easy to carry
- Lightweight
Cons
- Need to purchase bins liners separately
- Only comes with 1 charcoal filter
4. OXO Good Grips 1.75-Gallon Compost Bin
The perfect fusion of modern style and convenience, the OXO Good Grips 1.75-Gallon Compost Bin is designed for everyday food recycling needs.
This sleek compost bin is made from strong and durable plastic and its smooth interior makes the bin so easy to clean.
Featuring a unique lid design, the OXO compost bin has a stay-open lid that allows you to throw food scraps into the bin while you are working. The soft-closing lid stops any nasty odors from escaping. Emptying the bin is made easy with the sturdy rotating handle and both the lid and the internal bucket are removable too.
The 1.75-gallon/6.62-liter bin has a large capacity that can hold a few day’s worth of compost, but the bin is still compact enough to fit snugly on the kitchen countertop.
OXO offers the compost bin in charcoal/gray, charcoal/green, white/gray, and white/green and a smaller 0.75-gallon bin is also available.
Although the internal bucket can be cleaned in the dishwasher, it is best to handwash it.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Very affordable price
- Strong and durable plastic
- Modern design
- Convenient size
- Large capacity
- Ideal for everyday counter-top use
- Unique stay-open lid
- Securely closing lid locks in odors
- Good odor control without a filter
- Smooth interior prevents foods and liquids from building up
- Sturdy rotating handle
- Removable lid and internal bucket
- Available in charcoal/gray, charcoal/green, white/gray, and white/green
- Available in 2 sizes
Cons
- Lid does not have any holes for ventilation
- High temperatures in the dishwasher can discolor the plastic
5. Vremi Kitchen 1.2-Gallon Compost Bin
Practical and stylish, the Vremi Kitchen 1.2-Gallon 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 black painted finish will make a stunning addition to a small 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. Its space-saving bin fits on a kitchen countertop or under the sink and its sturdy handle can be used for easy hanging storage.
The 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 also includes two charcoal filters, a square filter, and a round filter.
Maintaining the bin is effortless as both the bin and the lid are dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Great quality
- Affordable price
- Durable, rust-resistant stainless steel
- Stylish black painted finish
- Activated charcoal filter traps odors naturally
- Filter lasts up to 6 months
- Leak-proof
- Generously-sized bin
- Sturdy handle can be used for easy hanging storage
- Space-saving design
- Comes with 2 activated charcoal filters
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Lid can dent easily
- Paint can chip
6. Abakoo Compost Bin
Add some style to your composting with the Abakoo Compost Bin.
The Abakoo compost bin features a one-piece scratch, crack, chip-resistant, leak-free, and rust-resistant stainless steel construction. It is compact enough for storage on a countertop and the fabulous shine will complement other stainless steel appliances.
Keep your kitchen smelling fresh and stop flies in their tracks with the thick built-in carbon filter that absorbs and traps any odors. For even more odor control, the tightly fitted lid has holes that maximize airflow.
The sturdy rotating handle with a comfortable plastic grip makes it so easy to empty the contents onto the compost pile or feed the scraps to your chickens.
Abakoo also includes 2 activated charcoal filters that are designed to last for 6-12 months of happy composting, and replacement filters can be purchased online for a very affordable price. As well as the 1.8-gallon bin, you can choose a 1.3-gallon bin and a 1.6-gallon bin.
Pros
- High quality
- Affordable price
- Great value for money
- Durable one-piece stainless steel construction
- Scratch, crack, and chip-resistant
- Leak-free
- 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
- Two activated-charcoal filters are included
- Replacement filters can be bought online
- Three sizes
Cons
- Not enough room for a lot of compost
- Filter may not last for the stated time depending on the type of compost in the bin
7. Chef’n EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin
Combining style and functionality, Chef’n has designed this contemporary-looking Counter 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-liter (0.75-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
- Two-in-1 design
- Generous 3-liter (0.75-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. Tiyafuro Under Sink Indoor Kitchen Compost Bin
If you have a small kitchen that does not allow for a lot of storage space, the Tiyafuro Under Sink Indoor Kitchen Compost Bin is a great fit for a small kitchen, and you can even use it in the bathroom.
Designed for your convenience, this smartly designed compost 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 2.4-gallon/9-liter large capacity high-density polypropylene bin is sturdy, strong, and durable and its smooth interior stops any smells leaching from the food scraps into the plastic.
You have 2 options for installation. The sturdy hanging hook can be placed on a cabinet door, or peel and stick the pasting board onto any surface: glass, wood, metal, or marble, wherever you need quick and easy access to the compost bin. To minimize nasty smells, the lid creates an airtight seal and stops odors and fruit flies, without the need for charcoal filters.
Tiyafuro includes a convenient cleaning scraper in the lid of the trash can, which can be used to clean up the trash without getting your hands dirty.
There are 2 ways of opening the lid. Use the integrated handle to flip the lid up, or slide up and down, and 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 wash it out with soap and water.
Tiyafuro also includes a 20-pieces trash bag roll, but once these bags are used, you can use grocery bags. The compost bin is covered by a 100% refund. You can also choose from 3 colors: coffee, gray, and white.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Perfect for a small kitchen
- Can be used in the bathroom
- Sturdy and strong polypropylene
- Mounts behind the kitchen sink or cabinet door or can be stuck on any surface
- Two ways of opening the lid
- Easy opening lid closes securely
- Generous size
- One-handed use for loading and just lift to carry
- Doesn’t smell or attract flies
- No charcoal filter replacement costs
- Comes with a convenient cleaning scraper and 20-pieces trash bag roll
- 100% refund guarantee
- Available in coffee, gray, and white
Cons
- Thickness of a cabinet door has to be less than 0.95-inch
- 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 2 attractive colors, the Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen 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 2 sizes, the Fresh Air 1.5-gallon bin or the smaller Breeze 0.85-gallon bin that fits on the countertop.
Full Circle 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 composting 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 2 colors to match your kitchen’s décor: green slate, and black and white.
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 5 compostable bags for the Fresh Air and 3 bags for the Breeze
- Small and larger size available
- Available in 3 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. Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50
The Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 is an environmentally friendly compost bin solution for food recycling enthusiasts or urban gardeners who do not have access to a compost pile.
A clean way of recycling food scraps, the 2-liter container stores your food scraps and reduces the waste up to 90% of its original volume, which makes the compost easy to dispose of in your garden or on indoor plants.
The FoodCycler is activated by just pressing a button. Just toss your food waste into the bucket, lock the lid, and push go. There are no liquids, pellets, enzymes, or chemical additives needed, and the recycling action is very quiet. The composting process takes 4-8 hours to transform food waste into nutrient-rich compost which helps your plants to thrive.
To keep your kitchen odor-free, the new carbon filter lid effectively eliminates odors. The Grinding, Drying, and Cooling functions have LED lights and the Change Filter light alerts you when it is time to change the filter.
Highly versatile, the FoodCycler accepts a large variety of foods: fruit cores, vegetable peels, dairy, chicken bones, and more.
This lightweight compost bin is portable so you can use it anywhere there is access to a power outlet and as it is compact you can place it on a countertop or under the sink. When you have emptied the removable waste bucket, it can go straight into the dishwasher.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Store food scraps and creates compost in one unit
- Accepts a large variety of food scraps even animal products
- Decomposes and reduces the waste up to 90% of its original volume
- Quick 4-8 hours composting cycle
- Easy to use
- No liquids, pellets, enzymes, or chemical additives required
- Environmentally-friendly composting solution
- New carbon filter lid eliminates odor
- Press button controls have LED lights
- Change Filter light
- Removable bucket has a handle for easy carrying
- Portable and compact
- Quiet
- Dishwasher safe waste bucket
Cons
- Expensive
- Does not have a very large capacity
- Not ideal for large bones
Our Top Pick for the Best Kitchen Compost Bin
Our top pick for the best indoor 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 maximize airflow to create a fresh and clean kitchen.
Check the price on Amazon
