I Had 11 Compost Bins in My Kitchen for Weeks to Find the Best, Least Stinky Ones

Not to brag, but it takes a lot to gross me out. I have no problem scraping the mold off of cheese or slurping raw oysters. I once field-dressed and braised a wild rabbit. My bravery falters, though, when it comes to decay. I cannot stand the stench and slippery textures of rotting food. 

My sensitivity makes home composting challenging. Without the right bin, this task can be too stinky for my taste. In search of a mess-free solution, I put 11 compost bins through a series of tests and sought advice from master composter Devin Reitsma, the project manager of the NYC compost initiative at The Big Reuse. 

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Kitchen Compost Bin

Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin

$40 $28 at Amazon

The Epica Countertop Compost Bin is simple and effective. Its sleek stainless steel frame resists discoloration and bacteria buildup. It’s easy to wash the smooth walls and the lid includes an embedded charcoal filter to reduce odors. 

The Best Extra-Large Kitchen Compost Bin

Exaco ECO 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail, 2.4 Gallon

$28 at Amazon $30 at Walmart $26 at Home Depot

The Exaco Eco 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail has a whopping 2.4-gallon capacity—it’s by far the largest product I tested. The extra room makes this bin a good solution for larger families or high-volume cooks. It’s efficient to use while you’re cooking. The lid snaps tightly into place. It’s easy to flip open the hinged top and use both hands to add scraps.

The Best Small Kitchen Compost Bin

Typhoon Otto Compost Caddy

$40 at Williams Sonoma

The Typhoon Compost Caddy packs a lot of features into a small footprint. It comes with a plastic insert that can be removed for easy cleaning or transporting scraps to a municipal or backyard collection site. If you use a liner, you can tuck the edges inside of the insert to keep the bag in place and hide it from sight.

The Best User-Friendly Kitchen Compost Bin

simplehuman Compost Caddy Detachable and Countertop Bin

$50 at Amazon View on Crate & Barrel View on Simplehuman

The sleek SimpleHuman Compost Caddy boasts several user-friendly design features. If you don’t want to keep your compost bin on the counter, this model can be mounted on the side of compatible garbage bins (like this one, also made by SimpleHuman). It includes a hinged lid, a plastic insert, and a removable top that holds liners in place. 

Editor’s Pick

OXO Good Grips 1.75 Gallon Easy-Clean Compost Bin

$33 at Amazon $33 at Target $33 at Oxo

Serious Eats editor Rochelle Bilow adores the OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin. (Not something most people can say about their compost bins!) This model lives up to its name—it’s truly easy to clean. The base and lid separate for individual scrubbing, and food scraps slide right off its smooth plastic walls. This bin is large enough to hold three to four days of scraps and small enough to fit neatly in tight spaces.

The Tests

• Smell Test: I used each compost bin for two weeks, making small additions every day. I monitored each compost bin for escaping odors throughout the testing period. 
• Bug Test: I checked each compost bin to see if they attracted fruit flies during the two-week testing period. 
• Usability Test: I set up, used, and cleaned each compost bin, taking note of any features that affected the process. 

What We Learned

What's the Best Way to Keep Kitchen Compost from Smelling?

The best way to keep your compost bin from smelling bad is to empty it daily. (An annoyingly pragmatic answer.) But a compost bin with a breathable lid and charcoal liner will minimize smells, too.

Master composter Devin Reitsma explained that airflow reduces the smell of a compost bin. Tightly sealed lids create anaerobic conditions, which can lead to fermentation. Solid tops might contain odors when shut, but they’ll release a noxious cloud of stench whenever you open them to add a scrap. The Minky Homecare food compost caddy, OXO Easy-Clean compost bin, and Brabantia Sort & Go food trash can all featured solid plastic lids. These bins started stinking up my kitchen by day five—by day seven, I was afraid to open them. It’s worth noting that keeping food scraps in the bin for two weeks is a little extreme, so plastic lids might not be a dealbreaker if you dispose of scraps frequently. Rochelle empties her bin every other day and has never had a problem with odors. 

To minimize odors, Reitsma recommends a perforated lid that allows for some oxygen exchange. Charcoal filters can also help, but they should be changed or washed every three to six months. The Epica Countertop Compost Bin, Norpro Stainless Steel Compost Keeper, Enloy Compost Bin, and OGGI Countertop Compost Bin were basically identical—they all use perforated stainless steel lids lined with thick charcoal filters (Epica’s low price nudged it ahead of these competitors). The Typhoon Compost Caddy includes a smaller but similar style top. These models all managed to contain odors for over seven days. One model, the BioBag Kitchen Counter Food Scrap Bin, took air exchange a step too far. This bin is designed like a basket. Its ventilated sides and top are so porous that I felt like I was setting my compost in an open bowl. 

Hinged Lids Were Easiest to Use

During testing, I found that hinged lids made it easier to add scraps. The Epica and Typhoon open like a cookie jar—the lids are completely removable. To add two hands' worth of food scraps, you need to find a place to set the lid. If you’re squeamish about compost juice (which I am), placing the lid on the counter is not an appealing option. With a hinged lid, you can flip the bin open, add your scraps, and snap it shut again. I loved the SimpleHuman Compost Caddy’s steel hinged top, but the Exaco Eco 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail took the top spot for lid design. It was the only model that included all three of the most important features—its lid is hinged, perforated, and contains a charcoal filter. 

Stainless Steel vs. Plastic Kitchen Compost Bins

Countertop compost bins store food scraps until they’re ready to be processed at a facility or in a backyard pile. The resulting compost can be used as mulch or added to soil. Storing your scraps in the right kind of bin can create higher-quality compost. Food waste can be acidic. As Reitsma explained, “There is some evidence that acidic contents can leach phthalates (chemical compounds also known as plasticizers) out of plastic.” Choosing a stainless steel bin like the Epica reduces the risk of contamination. Several bins, including the Typhoon Compost Caddy and SimpleHuman Compost Caddy, featured stainless steel exteriors and removable plastic liners. Bin liners provide a convenient solution for transporting compost and they’re easy to clean, but the addition of a plastic liner undermines the durability of stainless steel construction. 

What's the Best Size for a Kitchen Compost Bin?

Food scraps have a short shelf life. Even with the very best bin, it’s a good idea to empty your container at least once a week. Frequent disposal will make cleanup easier and reduce the risk of attracting fruit flies, but there’s no need to perform this chore every day. The ideal bin should be large enough to hold several days’ worth of scraps but small enough to fit neatly in your kitchen. The smallest model that I tested—the Typhoon Compost Caddy—holds just 84 ounces of material. This compact bin fits neatly on kitchen counters. It would be a good solution for one- or two-person households. The largest model, the Exaco Eco 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail, holds up to 307 ounces of compost—plenty of space for an entire family. Medium-size households will fare well with average bins, which range from 120 to 170 ounces. 

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Kitchen Compost Bin 

Look for a kitchen compost bin that is large enough to hold three to four days' worth of food waste for your household. Seek out a model with a perforated lid and charcoal filter to reduce kitchen odors. If convenience is a priority, opt for a bin with an easy-access hinged top. 

Our Favorite Kitchen Compost Bins

The Best Kitchen Compost Bin

Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin

$40 $28 at Amazon

What we liked: 

The Epica Countertop Compost Bin is constructed from sturdy stainless steel—a material that will resist discoloration and bacteria buildup. Its perforated lid reduces odors by filtering air through an embedded charcoal filter. During testing, it contained odors for over a week and never attracted fruit flies. This medium-sized bin works well with or without a compostable bag. It’s easy to clean and large enough to hold several days' worth of food scraps for most households. 

What we didn’t like: 

This model features a cookie jar-style removable lid—you’ll need to find a place to set it down when adding scraps. This may be slightly unsanitary. 

Key Specs

• Material: Stainless steel
• Dimensions: 7.16 x 7.16 x 11 inches
• Capacity: 166 ounces
• Dishwasher-safe: No

The Best Extra Large Kitchen Compost Bin

Exaco ECO 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail, 2.4 Gallon

$28 at Amazon $30 at Walmart $26 at Home Depot

What we liked: The Exaco Compost Pail features a user-friendly lid and has a whopping 307-ounce (2.4-gallon) capacity. I loved the hinged lid, which swings open easily and snaps shut firmly. The charcoal filter attaches to the outside of the perforated lid—even if you stuff this bin to the brim, scraps will never brush against the filter. It’s dishwasher-safe and comes with two replacement filters. You can buy additional filters online.

What we didn’t like: This bin’s garbage can-inspired design might not fit in every kitchen. It’s constructed from plastic, which may degrade more quickly than steel. The oversized footprint offers convenience for large households, but you’ll have to reach in up to your elbows if you choose to wash this bin by hand.

Key Specs

• Material: Plastic
• Dimensions: 9 x 8.5 x 11 inches
• Capacity: 307 ounces 
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes

The Best Small Kitchen Compost Bin

Typhoon Otto Compost Caddy

$40 at Williams Sonoma

What we liked: This Typhoon Compost Caddy is an excellent space-saving solution for small households. This model also wins the beauty award. Its stainless steel body is coated with a matte finish and is available in navy, cream, and grey. It has a perforated lid and charcoal filter that keeps food scraps smelling clean during my tests. This bin is designed with a removable plastic insert that can be removed for easy cleaning or transporting scraps. If you use a liner, you can tuck it between the steel body and the insert. This keeps the bag in place and hides the edges. Replacement liners are available at most grocery stores or online.

What we didn’t like: The included charcoal filter was very thin. This didn’t have a noticeable impact on performance, but the material did not feel durable. The plastic lining negates the durability of the stainless steel, although it may be possible to use the bin without the lining. 

Key Specs

• Material: Stainless steel and plastic
• Dimensions: 6.75 x 6.75 x 9.5 inches
• Capacity: 84 ounces
• Dishwasher-safe: No

The Best User-Friendly Kitchen Compost Bin

simplehuman Compost Caddy Detachable and Countertop Bin

$50 at Amazon View on Crate & Barrel View on Simplehuman

What we liked: The Simple Human Compost Caddy has several user-friendly design features. If you don’t want to keep your compost bin on the counter, this model can be mounted on a cabinet door or the side of a compatible garbage bin. I also liked its minimalist stainless steel look and hinged lid. 

What we didn’t like: The lid is sleek and easy to use, but the solid stainless steel construction prevents airflow. Compared to perforated models, this bin yielded grosser food scraps.

Key Specs

• Material: Stainless steel and plastic 
• Dimensions: 9.6 x 5.7 x 8.5 inches
• Capacity: 135 ounces
• Dishwasher-safe: No

Editor's Pick

OXO Good Grips 1.75 Gallon Easy-Clean Compost Bin

$33 at Amazon $33 at Target $33 at Oxo

What we liked: The OXO bin has a clean, sleek appearance. Its 1.75-gallon capacity has plenty of space for three to four days of scraps (depending on household size). The hinged lid provides easy access for active cooks—you can flick it open with one hand, add your scraps, and keep on moving. The smooth-walled design and removable lid make washing by hand simple.

What we didn’t like: This model started to smell faster than bins with perforated lids. That may be a drawback if you don’t empty your compost very often.

Key Specs

• Material: Plastic 
• Dimensions: 8.3 x 10.15 x 12
• Capacity: 224 ounces
• Dishwasher-safe: No

The Competition

• OGGI Countertop Compost Bin: This is a well-made stainless steel compost bin. It’s basically identical to the Epica (but $4 more expensive). 
• Brabantia Sort & Go Food Trash Can: This small bin is made from solid plastic. During testing, the lid tended to fall off whenever I opened the flap. 
• Enloy Compost Bin: This is a well-made compost bin with many similarities to the Epica and Oggi. The Epica prevailed because it’s slightly more affordable.
• BioBag kitchen Counter Food Scrap Bin and Compostable Bag: This large plastic bin is designed with vented sides and a vented top. It requires a compostable bag liner, but there’s no way to hold the bag in place. I was terrified that the bag would slip and spill compost juice through the slotted walls onto my counter. 
• Minky Homecare Food Compost Caddy: A small bin with a cute handle, this model lost points because of its solid plastic construction. 
• Norpro Stainless Steel Compost Keeper: The Norpro is very similar to the Epica bin in both design and construction. Given the similarities, it was difficult to justify the price and the less expensive Epica came out on top. 

FAQs

Can you use a mixing bowl for kitchen compost?

You likely already own the cheapest, lowest-maintenance kitchen compost bin: a mixing bowl. As you cook, you can toss food scraps into the bowl. Because mixing bowls don't have lids, you'll want to empty the bowl every day to avoid smells and pests. A metal mixing bowl is ideal because it won't pick up smells. This recycled plastic mixing bowl is also a good option, but you may want to dedicate to exclusively for compost, as the material can hang onto odors.

Can you compost meat?

The types of food that you can add to your compost bin depend on where you send your scraps or what you do with them at home. Check local guidelines to see what your composting facility can handle. If you manage your own compost pile, it's up to you whether or not you want to add animal products. Dairy, bones, grease, and decaying meat could contaminate your scraps with bacteria such as E. coli. They can also attract hungry pests if you maintain a compost tumbler or pile outside.

What do you do with a full compost bin?

If you’re lucky enough to live in a city with a municipal composting program, disposing of food scraps is easy. Check your local sanitation department’s website to find information about how to participate. Unfortunately, city-run composting programs are still rare in the US. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance provides a map of community composting centers across the US—enter your zip code to find a drop-off site near you. 

How often should you empty a kitchen compost bin?

Emptying your bin frequently is the best way to reduce odors. As a rule of thumb, if your compost smells, it’s time to take it out. You don’t need to head to a collection site every time you empty your bin—compost can be stored in the freezer until you have a chance to dispose of it. 

Are kitchen compost bin liners really biodegradable?

Bin liners are made of compostable plastic—this material can be processed at industrial sites, but it won’t break down in home compost piles. Check the guidelines for your local composting service to determine if it can process bin liners. 

What’s the difference between a compost bin and a composter?

Bins are designed to store food scraps until they can be composted. Home composters are barrels or tubs that turn and agitate the scraps as they break down into compost. There are also products like the Lomi composter: electric appliances that heat and mill scraps to process them into ‘dirt’—a compost-adjacent product. 

Why We’re the Experts

• Madeline Muzzi is a food writer with over 10 years of experience testing products.
• She has written numerous reviews for Serious Eats, including toaster ovens and salad spinners.
• For this review, Madeline tested 11 compost bins in her home kitchen and interviewed a composting expert.
• Madeline has practiced home composting in five different homes and always removes the sticker before composting banana peels.