On this page, we’re reviewing and talking about the best countertop compost bins, and how to integrate them into your kitchen routines. Sometimes, it just makes more sense to throw food scraps and leftovers in a handy, accessible countertop bin. More people are turning to kitchen composters because of how easy they are to use. Furthermore, it is much more sustainable than throwing food scraps away.
Why Does Composting Matter?
According to a recent report by WRI (World Resources Institute) and UNEP, about 1/3 of all globally produced food gets lost or wasted. That means approximately 1 in 4 calories intended for consumption never actually gets eaten.
In this article, we have selected the top 10 best countertop compost bins. You can find our comparison table below, and then our product reviews. After that, we included some tips on what to look for in our selection guide.
Comparison Table: 10 Best Kitchen Countertop Compost Bins
Here are the 10 most popular kitchen-ready composting units. The products are sorted by price ascending. For mobile users, you will see a compact price ascending list instead of the full table for easier viewing. No worries, it still has all the info just in a mobile-optimized format. The reviews below follow the same order for easy reference.
| Image | Composter | Size | Colors | Cost | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Sure-Close Kitchen Composter | 1 pound ; 1.9 gallon | 1 | 💰 | ⭐⭐ |
 | Exaco Kitchen Compost Waste Collector | 1.4 pounds ; 2.4 gallon | 1 | 💰 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
 | Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin | 2.7 pounds ; 1 gallon | 1 | 💰💰 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
 | 4W's Countertop Kitchen Compost Bin | 2.8 pounds ; 1.2 gallon | 3 | 💰💰 | ⭐⭐ |
 | Norpro Ceramic Compost Keeper, | 5 pounds ; 1 gallon | 4 | 💰💰 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
 | OXO Good Grips Compost Bin | 1.1 pounds ; 0.75 gallon | 2 | 💰💰 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
 | Full Circle Fresh Air Kitchen Compost Collector | 2.4 pounds ; 1.5 gallon | 4 | 💰💰 | ⭐⭐ |
 | Chef'n EcoCrock | 4.5 pounds ; 0.75 gallon | 1 | 💰💰💰 | ⭐⭐ |
 | Third Rock Compost Bin | 1.8 pounds ; 1 gallon | 2 | 💰💰💰 | ⭐ |
 | PriorityChef Stainless Steel Compost Bin | 2.3 pounds ; 1 gallon | 1 | 💰💰💰 | ⭐⭐ |
Review Section: Top 10 Best Countertop Compost Bins Picks
Here is a line-up of the best kitchen composters on the market. These are the top choices of eco-conscious families. You really don’t need bags or liners as you can just fill them up and dump them into your compost pile. But if you are going long spans (3+ weeks) in between emptying the kitchen composter then it is a good idea to use them. These units can be cleaned with warm and soapy water.
1. Sure-Close Kitchen Composter
Sure-Close Kitchen Composter is another great plastic bin that will blend in with your kitchen and decor. The micro-perforated lid on this model keeps smells, fruit flies, and insects out of your house. It will easily fit under the sink, cupboard, or the corner of your countertop. The lid latches closed and pops open with the press of a button.
It’s dishwasher safe, so you can make sure that it continues to keep things clean in your home. A compostable liner will easily fit into the bin. One feature we also find agreeable is that the plastic contains recycled content.
- Size: 9 x 11 x 9.5
- Capacity: 1.9 Gallons
- Weight: 1.1 Pounds
- Best Feature: Click Open Lid
2. Exaco Trading Kitchen Compost Waste Collector
Admittedly, if looks are important, this particular kitchen composter is not as easy on the eyes as most—but it made our list of best composters for a reason. It holds up to 2.4 Gallons of compost which is much more convenient for families or anyone that has a lot of food scraps and uses other compostable objects in a given day.
This unit uses a carbon filter to reduce smell and allow airflow, and the bin itself is dishwasher safe which makes for convenient cleaning. The bin works the best when the ECO 2500 filters are used.
- Size: 8.5 x 9 x 11
- Capacity: 2.4 Gallon
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Best Feature: Dishwasher Safe/Size
3. Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin
This one-gallon, best-selling unit, will fit comfortably in with your stainless steel appliances and fits easily on the majority of countertops. The steel will not release any harmful chemicals into your compost stock, and the charcoal liners hold in odors while allowing the necessary ventilation.
Replacement filters are easy to find and install. Stainless steel look is a popular theme for many kitchens and this composter will fit right in if that’s your fancy.
- Size: 7.16 x 11
- Capacity: 1 Gallon
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Best Feature: Stainless Steel
4. 4W Countertop Kitchen Compost Bin
4Ws 1.2 gallon countertop kitchen collector is a stylish way to spruce up the composting routine. Its airtight lid and the odor-reducing filter will make it easy to keep out on the counter. It is made from a combination of stainless steel and cast iron which makes it an extremely durable product.
4W compost bin filters are also easy to find and replace. This looks great with a darker-themed kitchen. It is very durable and the black paint resists chipping and scratches.
- Size: 7.7 x 10.6
- Capacity: 1.2 Gallon
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Best Feature: Stainless Steel/Cast Iron Hybrid
5. Norpro Ceramic Compost Keeper
As mentioned before, your choice of kitchen composter or countertop collector might boil down to what is going to look the best. A ceramic compost keeper on your counter is hardly going to stand out among other countertop displays.
The filter will keep away odor, and at 3 quarts of size, it has a much smaller footprint. The unit can be washed in the dishwasher, including the filter, and the decoration will not wear off quickly. The only downfall is that the filter is not included, but they are easy to find in sets of two or more so that you’ll be set to compost for life!
- Size: 7 x 10
- Capacity: 1 Gallon
- Weight: 4.8 lbs
- Best Feature: It’s adorable!
6. OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin
OXO is a reputable brand of kitchen and home utensils, and we give their Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin a seal of approval. It’s a convenient size and shape, with an easy-carry handle. The lid props open, making it more sanitary, and it’s removable for when you need to empty it out.
The interior is completely smooth, making it easy to clean and prevent the build-up of gunk. It is quite compact and fits only 3/4 of a Gallon, but that’s more than enough for scraps from multiple meals. It comes in two different colors, white and black, and will fit into your kitchen easily.
- Size: 7 x 7 x 7
- Capacity: 0.75 Gallons
- Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Best Feature: Smooth Interior
7. Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin
Full Circle brings you a patented design unlike any other we’ve seen in the compost game. The vented bottom allows airflow to prevent odor and fewer flies. The top latch lid opens with the simple click of a button. It comes ready to use and includes compostable bags for your use. It’s the perfect size for your home, fitting perfectly under or on the counter.
The material is made from recycled plastic and partially recycled steel. It’s also available in three unique color combinations, to make sure it fits well with your home. The one downside to this composter is that you are required to use it with a compostable bag due to the holes in the bottom of the bin. We’re aren’t crazy about that part of the design, but overall it still is a great addition to your composter.
- Size: 11.4 x 8.5 x 9
- Capacity: 1.5 Gallons
- Weight: 2 Pounds
- Best Feature: Patented Air Flow Design
8. Chef’n Counter Compost Bin
Another modern design for a counter compost bin comes from Chef’n! Their catchy and practical designs for kitchen gadgets exceed expectations. You can collect up to 3 quarts of waste in the bin, and with the removable liner dumping it out is a breeze.
The exterior of the EcoCrock is made from ceramic, making it extra durable. Reviewers approve of the design but complain of the size being a tad on the smaller size.
- Size: 12.95 x 6.4 x 8.35
- Capacity: 0.75 Gallons
- Weight: 4.5lbs
- Best Feature: Removable Bin Liner
9. Third Rock Compost Bin
Shrinking your carbon footprint doesn’t mean sacrificing style. The Third Rock Compost Bin is small and adorable. The above picture is one of 4 designs that differ greatly. The gorgeous tree design is perfect for a retro kitchen, or you can get the Vintage American look to fit your cream and grey designs.
It fits just under 1 gallon of compost scraps and features enough air vents to allow flow without allowing odors to escape. One thing that we aren’t fond of is that it is hand wash only, which can make clean up take up more time.
- Size: 8.6 x 8.2 x 8
- Capacity: 1 Gallons
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Best Feature: Design
10. PriorityChef Compost Bin
Our final option for you is a double-filtered compost bin made from stainless steel. It features a soft silicone handle for easy transporting. As long as you continue to use the filters, you won’t be smelling anything that comes from this compost bin. The 100% stainless steel is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee from Priority Chef if you aren’t satisfied.
However, we don’t think you’ll be needing that option if you go ahead with this design. It’s the perfect discreet pail for your kitchen that will help you shrink your carbon footprint.
- Size: 10.6 x 7.9 x 7.6
- Capacity: 1 Gallons
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
- Best Feature: Double Filtration System
Buying Guide Part I: General Thoughts on Countertop Compost Bins
Composting starts the second you’re done with your food and have scraps left over. You might think that it would work just to dump everything into a bucket, close the lid, and take it out to your outdoor compost pile or bin when you get the chance.
However, oxygen is everything. Not allowing proper airflow to your compost even within the first day can create harmful chemicals that will ruin your compost before it even reaches the batch.
While it may seem like a cheaper route, stockpiling in a regular bucket is less than ideal in achieving an optimal composting process. A countertop compost bin is perfect for storing vegetable and fruit peelings such as banana peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and other such compost material.
That’s why many companies have set out to design effective kitchen collectors and bins that will do the job properly. Essentially kitchen composters are a temporary storage solution. They are a quick place to drop scraps and leftovers so you don’t have to make multiple trips to your composter every day. In addition, these bins eliminate odors and keep your kitchen from smelling like compost.
Countertop Compost Bins and Filters
When it comes to kitchen collectors and composters, the cost of the unit and filters are probably most important for the majority of shoppers. However, since these will find a home in your kitchen, the aesthetic is also important.
Many of these kitchen compost bins are very well designed, you don’t need to worry about hiding them whenever guests come over. You can keep them in plain view, making them easy to access at all times.
Another thing to keep in mind is that these bins can be cleaned with warm soapy water. If you get one small enough, you can simply pop it into the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.
For more information on the chemical process and the importance of oxygen to composting, check out our FAQ and information about composting. We have a large composting section where you can find additional articles.
In the meantime, here’s a great video to reference about composting, and what you can and can’t put in your bins.
Buying Guide Part II: What to Look for in a Countertop Compost Bin
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the right countertop compost bin. Probably the biggest difference in countertop bins is their size. While many are about a gallon in capacity size, they can range to be much larger. Some of these larger kitchen composters could potentially be stored below the sink, in the pantry, or in a utility room.
If you have a spot already selected for the bin in your kitchen just make sure it is going to fit before making a final purchase decision.
Features of the Best Countertop Compost Bins
- Appearance. Since these are placed in the kitchen, it is important that they aren’t an eyesore. Ideally, the composting unit needs to fit in with your other kitchen appliances. Many companies have adapted designs so their composters are a welcome addition to most kitchens. Of course, this isn’t on everyone’s list, and if you are moving the bin to the garage or pantry when not in use it isn’t nearly as important.
- Size. The composter obviously needs to fit on the space you have selected for it. Sometimes the best thing to do is take out your measuring tape before making a final purchase.
- Material. Stainless steel is known for its longevity, but it isn’t the only route to go. Some manufacturers offer hybrid cast iron and stainless steel composters. One of the composters is even made out of ceramic material.
- Odor protection. This factor is a big one because you don’t want to be welcomed by an unpleasant smell every time you enter your kitchen to make food. All of the countertop bins we selected are odor-proof. Many of these use filters or liners such as a carbon filter or charcoal liner that can be replaced to keep unwanted smells at bay. Extra filters are available to purchase online so you’ll always have a supply.
- Dishwasher machine safe. The benefit of this feature is it is easy to clean up and keep fresh. After many uses, it is a good idea to clean the unit.
