The 5 Best Kitchen Compost Bins of 2024

The best kitchen compost bins let you turn those leftover fruit and veggie scraps into soil for your garden. If you’re new to the process, you can compost almost anything, including the fruit rinds leftover from this Honey Lemon Fruit Salad Recipe or the bell pepper cores and corn cob and husks from these Shrimp and Summer Vegetable Quinoa Bowls. 

After doing a ton of research on the leading sellers in the market, Blair and I put together a list of the best kitchen compost bins for your specific composting needs. It includes some basics like small countertop bins and durable stainless steel options, as well as electric composters that accelerate the composting rate by more than half. Keep reading for our top picks for the best composting bins for kitchen spaces of all kinds.

Our Top Picks:

1. Best Overall: Bellemark 1.6-Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin – $49.99 at Amazon
2. Best Small Kitchen Compost Bin: Bamboozle Bamboo Compost Bin – $40 at Amazon
3. Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Compost Bin: Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin for Countertop – $19.99 at Amazon
4. Best Electric Kitchen Composter: Lomi Bloom – $319 at Amazon
5. Best Splurge Kitchen Compost Bin: Vitamix FC-50-SP Food Cycler – $399.95 at Amazon

Reviews of The Best Kitchen Compost Bins

1. Best Overall: Bellemark 1.6-gallon Kitchen Compost Bin

When it comes to the best composting bins for kitchen spaces, this is our favorite because its design is so different from the others on this list, that you can barely tell it is a compost bin. The sleek acacia wood and stainless steel material make it look like a fancy storage solution that’s aesthetically pleasing. The interior bucket is dishwasher-safe (which is always a plus), and at around $50, it’s mid-priced. 

Since it makes the most use of horizontal space, it does take up some precious counter space, but we do like that it holds a little bit more than the average gallon-sized bin. This one’s large enough to accommodate a family of two or three—without you having to dump it out all the time. And perhaps most importantly of all, we can’t see how even one fruit fly could make it past the secure, rust-proof lid.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 1.6 gallons
• Material: Acacia wood and stainless steel
• Weight: 6 pounds
• Dimensions: 13.75” x 7.75” x 6”
• Self-composts: No
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes

The Pros:

• Stylish, inconspicuous design 
• Not too expensive
• Rust- and rot-resistant
• Ideal for families of two to three

The Cons:

• Takes up more counter space than others
• Scraps can get stuck between stainless steel bin and wooden outer shell
• Might not be big enough for some households

What Others Are Saying

The Bellemark Kitchen Compost Bin has a 4.7-star rating out of over 1400 reviews on Amazon.

Buy the Bellemark 1.6-Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin:

2. Best Small Kitchen Compost Bin: Bamboozle Bamboo Compost Bin

The main draw here is that out of all the best kitchen counter compost bins on our list, the Bamboozle is made entirely from eco-friendly materials. Not only is it kinder to the planet, but it also looks pretty cute when displayed on the countertop, especially since it’s available in so many different colors! The handle is also more comfortable than a stainless steel or wire handle, so it doesn’t bother your palm and is easy to grip during transport. 

The included hemp filter is a nice touch, too, as filters will always keep your kitchen compost containers fresher for longer, but it is worth noting that it will need to be repurchased and changed often, or else it might develop mold. We love that it’s dishwasher-safe and therefore effortless to clean.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 1 gallon
• Material: Biodegradable bamboo fiber and hemp filter
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 8” x 6.25” x 9”
• Self-composts: No
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes

The Pros:

• Made from eco-friendly materials
• More durable than it appears
• Lightweight and easy to transport

The Cons:

• Depending on color, can stain easily
• Have to keep buying and replacing the filter
• The filter can get moldy
• Only ideal for small households

What Others Are Saying

Bamboozle was voted the “best countertop compost bin” by Good Housekeeping and House Beautiful found it to be the best overall.

Buy the Bamboozle Bamboo Compost Bin:

3. Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Compost Bin: Utopia Countertop Compost Bin

We chose the Utopia as the best stainless steel kitchen compost bin since it is extremely affordable, long-lasting, and basically fruit-fly proof. It’s nice and compact—but still able to fit a lot of food scraps—and is easily portable and feels like it’s very well made. It certainly will be able to withstand a few dings over time and should last you many, many years as long as you clean it semi-regularly. 

Unfortunately, it’s not dishwasher-safe, so you will have to douse it in soapy water approximately once a week, but its ability to staunch down smells more than makes up for it. The vented lid, included charcoal filter, and the overall stainless steel construction work together as a one-two-three punch against stinky stenches and unwanted pests.

The Specs:

• Capacity: 1.3 gallons
• Material: Stainless steel
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Dimensions: 8.4” x 7” x 11”
• Self-composts: No
• Dishwasher-safe: No

The Pros:

• Charcoal filter and vented lid keep it odor-free
• Very affordable
• Will last a very long time
• Easy to transport back and forth

The Cons:

• Lid can be tricky to pull off
• Hand wash only
• Small capacity
• Requires filter replacements
• The resulting product is dried-out scraps (not pure compost)

What Others Are Saying

The Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin has a 4.6-star rating from more than 17,000 Amazon reviews. It has also been named Best Value by Good Housekeeping and the Best Overall Runner-Up by The Spruce Eats.

Buy the Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin for Countertop:

4. Best Electric Kitchen Composter: Lomi Bloom

For the best electric kitchen composter, you can’t beat the Lomi Bloom (though our #5 choice, the Vitamix, definitely gives it a run for its money). The Lomi Bloom automates the composting process, and all you have to do is fill it with scraps and turn it on. With only one button, it’s extremely easy to use and frankly, hard to mess up. 

Over time, add scraps to your Lomi, and when it’s full to the brim, turn it on, and you’ll have self-made, nutrient-rich fertilizer in less than 24 hours. Add it to your houseplants, your compost pile, or the gardens, or, ready it in a bio bag for curbside pickup. Either way, you just cut the composting process by more than half, and you don’t have to wait for your stinky scraps to slowly compost, because the Lomi already did it for you.

The Specs:

• Capacity: .8 gallons 
• Material: Polycarbonate
• Weight: 15 pounds
• Dimensions: 20” x 16” x 14”
• Self-composts: Yes, electric
• Dishwasher-safe: No

The Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Makes nutrient-rich fertilizer in less than 24 hours
• “Set it and forget it”
• Can be turned on again and again before dumping it out
• Mess-free

The Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy and so not as portable
• Needs to be by an outlet
• The resulting product is dried-out scraps (not pure compost)

What Others Are Saying

The Lomi has 1,100 ratings on Amazon and has been independently reviewed by USA Today, Serious Eats, Bob Vila, and CNET. The Spruce Eats named it the “best overall pick” and Good Housekeeping ranked it the “best compost bin for apartments.”

Buy the Lomi Bloom:

5. Best Splurge Kitchen Compost Bin: Vitamix FC-50-SP Food Cycler

If you’re serious about composting and are willing to shell out a couple hundred dollars, Vitamix has pretty much perfected its electric composter and made it one of the best kitchen composters there is. 

More of an appliance than a composting bin per se, the Food Cycler does what the Lomi does: drying, grinding, and cooling food scraps until they’re converted into soil. Although the two are very similar, The Vitamix is a little more heavy-duty and can handle some harder items, like chicken bones and avocado pits, while the Lomi cannot. 

Fill it up throughout the day, or over the course of a few days, then run a cycle before you go to bed; in the morning, you’ll have dry, compact soil ready to go out into the yard. It is worth noting that, with constant, long-term use, some customers have experienced issues with parts needing to be replaced.

The Specs:

• Capacity: .5 gallons 
• Material: ABS plastic shell cast and aluminum bucket
• Weight: 21.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 12.6” x 11” x 14.2”
• Self-composts: Yes, electric
• Dishwasher-safe: No

The Pros:

• Relatively easy to use and set up
• Interior bucket can be removed for cleaning
• Turns scraps into soil overnight
• “Set it and forget it”
• Runs very quietly

The Cons:

• Very heavy
• Must be plugged in
• Expensive
• Pretty bulky

What Others Are Saying

The Vitamix Food Cycler has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from over 2,300 reviews. 

Buy the Vitamix FC-50-SP Food Cycler:

Other Kitchen Compost Bins to Consider

Simple Human Compost Caddy

While this isn’t a standalone compost bin, the best part about this portable bin is that it is, in fact, a caddy. If you already own the Simple Human garbage can, this 1.06-gallon caddy magnetically attaches right onto the can’s side without taking up additional space. Alternatively, you can remove it and leave it on the countertop. However, this option is probably best for those who own the compatible trash can already or those willing to buy the set. The Simple Human Compost Caddy is available at Amazon for $44.99.

Epica Countertop Compost Bin

This 1.3-gallon stainless steel bin is very lightweight—only a couple of ounces—and can hold a lot of scraps, but since it doesn’t have a built-in liner it can get messy quickly unless you line it with a compostable bag. Because it’s not dishwasher-safe and doesn’t have a removable bin inside, it can be a lot of work to keep this kitchen compost bin clean. The Epica Countertop Compost Bin is available at Amazon for $28.99.

Tiyafuro 2.4 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin

We love how this heavy-duty kitchen compost container can be stored on the countertop or mounted under the sink or in a cupboard to make the most efficient use of vertical space, which also makes it great for using it on the go, too, like if you’re camping or RV-ing. While it can theoretically hold a lot of scraps, it’s held up with adhesive hooks which may not be strong enough to hold a bin full of heavy food waste. Plus, because it’s so out-of-sight, out-of-mind, you might forget to dump it out. The Tiyafuro 2.4 Gallon Kitchen Compost Bin is available at Amazon for $21.99.

Oxo Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin 

This inexpensive bin is one of the most popular kitchen compost containers on peoples’ countertops. The plastic design is easy to clean, lightweight, and convenient to use, but it has a small capacity and doesn’t have any filters or air holes, making it more of a storage bin rather than an actual compost bin. Overall, it’s just too simple to justify the price. The Oxo Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin is available at Amazon for $22.99.

Exacto Eco-2000 NP Kitchen Compost Pail

For households that typically go through a lot of food, this 2.4-gallon option is the best large kitchen compost bin. At 9” x 8.5” x 11”, it holds a lot, but it is super lightweight at only two pounds, so it’s easy to carry out your scraps to the compost pile. Ultimately though, there are plenty of cuter options out there, so if you’re going to leave it sitting on your kitchen counter, you’ll likely want a compost bin that’s more aesthetically pleasing. Exacto Eco-2000 NP Kitchen Compost Pail is available at Amazon for $25.72.

Why You Can Trust Us

I’m Stephanie, a lifestyle writer and product reviewer with an extensive background in sustainability. I’ve been using my Vitamix FC-50-SP Food Cycler for composting at home for years, and I’ve been known to compost everything from coffee grounds to eggshells (although coffee grounds are great for houseplants, too!). 

I worked on this roundup of the best kitchen compost bins with Blair of The Seasoned Mom, maker of Fig Preserves and Amish Friendship Bread, the proud owner of a Virginian farmhouse, and the head of her homestead.

What to Know About Kitchen Compost Bins

Things to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Compost Bin

When choosing the best composting bins for kitchen spaces, you’ll want to consider location, material, size, electric vs. non-electric, and filters.

Location

You already know you want your composting bin indoors in your kitchen, but where will it go? There are the bins that are best for countertops and then there are some more unique styles that can be hidden under the sink, attached to the side of the trash can, or in a cupboard, or closet. Also, consider where you’d store an electric composter if you went that route; it needs to be close to an outlet so you can plug it in and these composters are typically bigger—maybe even too big to take up space on your counter. 

Material

Composting bins for kitchens come in a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, and earth-friendly bamboo, however, stainless steel bins have a good reputation for deodorizing smells—especially when paired with a filter. Wood may rot over time (so you definitely can’t accidentally leave it outside) and while plastic will last long, it’s not the best option for the environment and may not be dishwasher-safe. 

Size

The size of your composting bin is crucial for three main reasons: how many food scraps it can hold, how portable it is, and if it fits comfortably in your kitchen. If it’s too big, it may not be a good idea to leave it on the counter; opt for under the sink or in a closet instead. If it’s not big enough, you might find yourself filling it and dumping it out constantly. 

Electric vs. Non-Electric 

There is no one “right” answer, but part of the brilliance of electric composters is that they take the work out of composting. With traditional composting, you typically, get usable compost after a month of labor—and that’s in the most optimal conditions, even.

With a worm bin, you’re looking closer to three to six months, and if you’re not constantly turning your compost or don’t have the right nitrogen-to-carbon ratio, it can take up to a year. Electric composters take all of that out of the equation, although the result is not the same quality “black gold” that you’d get with the longer process. 

With electric composters, you fill it up, then hit the button. Once the cycle is done, you have organic material that’s already ready for your gardens. Non-electric kitchen composters don’t do that part; they are simply vehicles that hold food scraps before you dump them into the compost pile. 

Filters

Compost filters are usually made out of charcoal or hemp, both of which have deodorizing properties that help quell stenches. Do you need a filter for your kitchen compost bin? Not necessarily. A filter will, however, keep the smell at bay for longer. If you’re good at upkeep and dump the bin and clean it often, you can keep it stink-free without a filter. Otherwise, filters add extra precaution.

But be wary of filters, too: If you don’t replace them often enough, they can grow moldy. Most can be rinsed off and reused, too, but you’ll want to let them dry out before placing them back inside the bin, or else they can get moldy when wet, too.

How do Kitchen Compost Bins Work?

Compost bins should not be airtight (although you would think that would be good for locking the smell in). It’s the opposite, and the compost bin requires proper ventilation, so it’s ideal to look for one with air holes. Oxygen allows the organic matter to decompose aerobically and speeds up the process. Without proper oxygen, the compost will take longer to break down and release harmful gases, too, like methane, which is not ideal.

What Can I Put in My Kitchen Compost Bin?

Most of your food scraps from cooking can go in kitchen compost bins—except meat, dairy products, and bones (although some machines, like the Vitamix, can handle small bones). You should also refrain from putting pet waste in your kitchen compost bin.

Foods that are fair game for your kitchen compost bin include fruit and vegetable rinds, cores, and scraps, coffee grounds (and their paper filters), eggshells, compostable paper tea bags, pasta, and more. You can add some citrus fruits to your compost, but do so sparingly as too much citrus will ultimately impact the nitrogen-to-carbon ratio. 

How to Make Compost at Home with Kitchen Waste

When the compost bin fills up with scraps, it’s time to start the composting process. If you have an electric composter, all you have to do is turn the cycle on! Depending on which electric composter you have, you could end up with dried organic material after as little as eight hours. Once it’s ready, add it to your gardens. 

If you do not have an automatic way of creating compost, you’ll need to start a compost pile outside. You can do this relatively simply by digging a hole about 12 to 14 inches deep and burying your nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich food scraps inside. Add leaves and if you desire, composting earthworms that aid in the process. The compost pile should be neither too wet nor too dry because there needs to be some moisture retained throughout. You should turn the compost pile with a rake every few days.

How Do You Keep Flies Out of the Kitchen Compost Bin?

Make sure your kitchen compost bin has a lid (but not an airtight one). To keep away fruit flies, the best thing you can do is dump out the bin and clean it out often. You can also line the bottom of the compost bin with compostable “browns,” like used paper towels, newspapers, or even a brown paper lunch bag. This helps slow down the process of the food decomposing by mopping up any liquids. The more liquids, the faster it rots, and the faster it rots, the quicker the flies find it.

To help quell the smell, you can use a carbon or hemp filter, however, the most impactful thing you can do to stop flies and smells is to dump it often and wash it with warm, soapy water after each use.

Favorite Fresh Fruit & Veggie Recipes

Fruit is one of the easiest foods to compost since the cores, stems, and scraps can go right in the bin. Make some of Blair’s favorite fruit-based recipes, then add the scraps to the bin when you’re done. Does the recipe call for a farm-fresh egg? Add those shells in, too!

• Blackberry Jam (With or Without Pectin)
• Damson Plum Preserves
• Strawberry Chicken Salad
• Best Ever Banana Nut Bread
• Easy Fruit Salad

Prices were accurate at the time of publication.