16 Best Indoor Composters & Compost Bins (2022): Countertop, Electric & Worm

One of the best ways to reduce food waste is by composting your scraps. However, many people don’t practice this under the assumption that composting cannot be done indoors. Fortunately, composting inside is an option.

There are plenty of composters available for indoor use. In this article, we have handpicked 16 of our favorite indoor bins for you to browse through to find one that suits or needs. However, if you know exactly what type of bin you are looking for, you can jump ahead to one of following sections to find the best indoor compost bins in that category:

• Our top 5 recommendations for compost bins to use indoors
• 5 best countertop compost bins for small spaces
• 3 best indoor electric composters for easy composting
• 3 best indoor worm composting bins for your kitchen
• 5 cheap compost bins for those on a budget
• How do indoor compost bins work?
• How to choose the best compost bin for indoors
• Top 5 FAQs about indoor composting

Before we explore some options, let’s narrow down on the best indoor compost bins in each category.

If you’re working on reducing food waste, check out our guide on zero-waste kitchens.

Our top 5 recommendations for compost bins to use indoors 

Choosing an inside compost bin doesn’t have to be time-consuming. To help narrow your search, here are our picks for the best indoor composting bins:

1. Best electric kitchen composter:  Lomi Countertop Composter
2. Best countertop compost bin:  Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin
3. Best indoor worm compost bin:  VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin
4. Best bokashi indoor composter:  SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter
5. Best budget indoor compost bin:  Full Circle Scrap Happy Scrap Collector & Freezer Compost Bin

5 best countertop compost bins for small spaces

Opting for an indoor compost bin for counters is a great choice for those living in small spaces, especially those wanting to compost in an apartment. One large downside to these bins is that they do not break down food, so you’ll need to give your scraps to a local industrial composting program when the bin fills up. Here are some top picks for kitchen countertop compost bins.

1. Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin

The Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin lets you collect food waste without having to worry about smells. This bin can easily fit on your kitchen counter, making it both decorative and practical. It's easy to wash and is durable. 

What we like	What we don’t like
Sleek design Odor free Easy to carry	Hand wash only Can’t break down food scraps Fills up quickly

 

2. OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin

Another countertop compost bin made with home cooks in mind is the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin. The bin is designed to sit perfectly on your kitchen counter while providing easy access with its flip-up lid. It's also easy to carry and clean.

What we like	What we don’t like
Keeps odors contained Simple cleanup Easy to carry	Dated design Small capacity Can’t be used with carbon filters

 

3. Bamboozle Composter

One of the most sustainable options is the Bamboozle Composter. Made of bamboo, this indoor composting bin lets you collect scraps for composting while preventing smells. It's easy to transport and is dishwasher safe.

What we like	What we don’t like
Absorbs smells Hassle-free transport Dishwasher safe	Pricier than similar composters Poor durability Smaller capacity

 

4. Chef’n EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin

The Chef'n EcoCrock Counter Compost Bin is another option that will look great in your kitchen. The ceramic pot is designed to fit nicely into any space, making it easy to toss scraps. It also comes with a charcoal filter to combat smells and is easy to clean.

What we like	What we don’t like
Fits in narrow spaces Prevents smells Prevents smells	Handle not ideal during disposal Filters might fall out during disposal Too small for large families

 

5. Silky Road Composting Bin

Another choice for a bin that will look great in your kitchen is the Silky Road Composting Bin. This bin is made of carbon steel, which helps to give it a vintage look. While prone to the odd chip, it's still fairly durable and is able to fight off smells.

What we like	What we don’t like
Vintage design Durable Easy to clean	Might chip and dent despite durability Fruit fly access possible Might rust over time

 

 

3 best indoor electric composters for easy composting

If you’re wanting to complete the composting process right in your kitchen, use an indoor electric composter. Below are a few options for a great indoor electric composter.

6. Lomi Countertop Composter

 

Lomi is an electric kitchen composter that can break down food waste into nutrient-rich dirt in just a few hours. The only of its kind, this instant kitchen composter accelerates the composting process to create microbially-rich dirt that is ready to be applied to houseplants, gardens, or even lawns.

Lomi’s three modes optimize for any use-case and schedule. It can be used to break down almost anything, from food waste to approved bioplastics. Did we mention it can even break down the packaging it ships in? Not to mention, Lomi is the only certified carbon neutral electric composter.

If you are looking for an eco-friendly electric composting option or if you want to make microbially-rich dirt for your plants in under 24 hours, Lomi is definitely the product for you!

What we like	What we don’t like
Compact & easy to use Multiple composting modes Can break down Lomi Approved bioplastics Creates high-quality nutrient rich dirt	Might be a little small for large families Some composting modes take several hours Sells out fast each month

 

 

7. KALEA

Another electric composter is KALEA, which breaks down organic waste in 48 hours. It's safe and easy to use, and it has an app to monitor its activity. The end product is not microbially rich and therefore will not benefit plants. Unfortunately, it has so far only been made available through crowdfunding efforts, so it is definitely a risky purchase.

What we like	What we don’t like
Larger size Multifaceted composting process	Expensive Takes too long to compost (48 hours) Too big for small households Inferior quality end product

 

8. Vitamix FoodCycler

The FoodCycler is an electric composter that is sized to fit on your countertop, making composting easy. Like others, it’s able to block odor and runs fairly quietly. However, it does not produce an end product that is nutrient dense or microbially-rich like Lomi's dirt, so we wouldn't recommend using it for your garden. If you still wish to use it for your garden, Vitamix recommends that you cure the end product for 2 weeks before feeding it to your plants.

What we like	What we don’t like
Compact Easy to use Odorless	Questionable durability  Can’t break down bioplastics Inferior quality dirt that cannot be used for plants

 

 

3 best indoor worm composting bins for your kitchen 

An all-natural method of composting right in your kitchen is to use an indoor worm compost bin. These are a few of the top indoor vermicomposting bins.

9. VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin

The VermiHut Plus Worm Compost Bin is an advanced solution for those wanting to explore vermicomposting. This worm bin can convert waste into organic fertilizer (or worm castings) as the worms consume your scraps. It's an easy-to-use system that works by stacking composting trays on each other and easily draining the liquid from the bottom.

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy setup and low maintenance Odorless Moisture, fruit fly, and ant control	Can kill worms in warmer climates Limitations on what you can compost Not suited for small spaces

 

10. Worm Factory 360 Composting System

Another great indoor worm farm composter is the Worm Factory 360 Composting System. This worm bin lets you dispose of a variety of waste - including fruits, vegetables, grains, paper, eggshells, leaves, and coffee grounds - and harvest organic liquid fertilizer or “worm tea”. The initial product comes with 4 trays but is expandable up to 7 trays, letting you create a worm bin that fits your lifestyle.

What we like	What we don’t like
Compact and expandable Odorless Available in black, green, or terracotta	Only works with small worms Might attract fruit flies Need space for extra trays to start

 

11. Urban Worm Company Urban Worm Bag

For a worm composter that requires less maintenance than the tray models, the Urban Worm Bag is a great choice. Unlike worm bins, the setup for this composter makes it really easy to add waste into the bag, while collecting the worm castings and allowing you to drain worm tea at the bottom. It can compost fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds, shredded paper, and cardboard.

What we like	What we don’t like
Durable Low maintenance Continuous flow design	Need to purchase compost worms Can get a little smelly Can attract flies

 

5 cheap compost bins for those on a budget 

There are many great composters, but the best indoor compost bin for you doesn’t have to be costly. Here are some of the best indoor composters that are affordable.

12. Full Circle Scrap Collector & Freezer Compost Bin

The Full Circle Scrap Happy Scrap Collector & Freezer Compost Bin is an affordable bin that's great for combating smells and pests. This bin is specially designed for freezer storage, using its wire rim to attach to drawers. It's dishwasher safe and is made with flexible silicon, so it can be turned inside out and cleaned easily.

What we like	What we don’t like
Wire rim for drawer attachment Freezer storage Flips inside out and is dishwasher safe	Have to regularly replace bags Bags can get caught on inner grooves Too small for large families

 

13. Exaco ECO 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail

Another great affordable bin is the Exaco ECO 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail. This compost collector is easy to use and has a handle for easy transfer once full. Like others, it uses carbon filters to help reduce odors.

What we like	What we don’t like
Protects against odors Can be hung in a cabinet or under the sink Easy to use	Made from HDPE plastic Can leech over time Recommended to use with compostable bags

 

14. SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter

Those wanting to try Bokashi composting should try the SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter. This composter is designed to begin the process right in your kitchen. It's able to drain moisture while combating odor and flies, leaving you with pleasant smells.

What we like	What we don’t like
Eliminates odors and deters flies Activates food waste’s fermentation Liquid can be used as fertilizer or drain cleaner	Not ideal for small spaces Takes time to drain a good amount of liquid Need to be able to bury bokashi compost

 

15. Full Circle Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Collector

Also from Full Circle, the Fresh Air Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Collector is a great choice for those wanting to keep their kitchen smelling great. The design of this bin allows for airflow, which helps keep odors and some insects away. It's also made with a button that makes opening and sealing the lid really easy.

What we like	What we don’t like
Easy to use Dishwasher safe Less odor and fewer flies	Bulky design Has to be used with bags Latch wears out easily

 

16. Package Free Compost Bin Container

 

The Package Free Compost Bin Container is another affordable option that looks great too. The compact size of the indoor bin makes it great for kitchen storage, while the stainless steel design allows it to also act as decor. It uses charcoal filters to fight smells and can also be stored in the freezer, if needed.

What we like	What we don’t like
Durable Can be placed in the freezer Prevents smells	Tendency to sell out Hand wash only Can attract flies

 

How do indoor compost bins work?

When searching for a compost bin for indoors, it’s important to know the different types and how they work. These are the different types of compost bins for indoor use:

1. Aerobic bins: Composters that require oxygen to decompose food waste.
2. Worm composting bins: Systems that use worms to complete composting cycles.
3. Anaerobic bins: Composters that can decompose food waste without oxygen. Bokashi composters would be included in this category.
4. Instant kitchen composters: Also known as electric composters, these appliances speed up the composting process using a little bit of science!
5. Kitchen scraps collector bins: Any bin that collects food scraps to later dispose of in an outdoor composter. Some include filters to prevent odor.

How to choose the perfect compost bin for indoors

Now you know what composting bins are out there, but how do you pick the right one? This section covers the different factors to remember when exploring indoor composters.

1. Type

As mentioned above, understanding the different types of indoor composters is important. Different types of bins function in different ways, so consider what composting method you want to try and explore the options for it. You also should be mindful that the bin is compatible with the type of composting you want to do, even if you decide to just purchase a scrap collector bin.

2. Odor

With compost, indoor bins can produce smells. Due to this, odor prevention should be considered while shopping for a food composter for indoor use. Explore the filtration for your bins to see if they come with filters or have an alternative solution. Also check the make of the bin to determine if the material will hold up against certain smells or if there are flaws in the design that allow for smells to escape. 

To learn more about how you can keep your compost from smelling, check out this article. 

3. Flies

Another big issue with using a composter indoors is fruit flies. Since these bins are often full of food waste, flies can be attracted to them and take over your kitchen. Like with odors, research the design and functionality of your bins to ensure they’ll prevent flies and leave you with a nice, clean kitchen.

4. Material

As mentioned, the material(s) a compost bin is made of can play a role in the way it interacts with waste. Depending on the types of food thrown away, certain materials might be unable to prevent odors as well as others. A compost bin’s make will also determine how well it can be cleaned and whether or not it’s dishwasher safe. Some materials also offer better durability than others, so always read reviews before buying

5. Size

Paying attention to the size of different bins is also important. With any indoor food compost bin, be sure that it will fit nicely inside your kitchen. Some types of bins are larger than others, and they will only serve you if there’s space for them. Also be mindful of how much waste your household generates. Larger families might require a larger composter, while a single-person household should suffice with a smaller sized bin.

6. Effort

Something else to keep in mind is how much effort you’re willing to put into using your bin. Different types of composting, and their respective bins, require different amounts of maintenance. Be sure to choose your indoor composting bin based on the amount of work you’re up to doing.

7. Cost

One final thing to note while choosing a compost bin is how much you want to spend. Some types are more expensive than others, while the make and quality of a bin can also affect the price. Be aware of the average cost of each type of indoor compost bin to narrow your search.

Top 5 FAQs about indoor composting

Still have questions about indoor composting? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

1. How do indoor compost bins work?

So how do indoor compost bins work? Exactly the same as an outdoor compost bin. The difference is indoor bins can fit and function in your kitchen and include features, like filters, to prevent odors and flies. There are different types of indoor bins, but they all work as well as outdoor bins.

2. How do I start a compost bin inside?

Knowing how to start a compost bin inside is easier than you think. After buying your bin, choose a spot for it in your kitchen and (depending on the type) follow any instructions for setup. Once set up, remember to toss waste into it and begin composting.

For full instructions on how to get started, see our ultimate guide to indoor composting.

3. Can I use compost for my indoor plants?

Yes! Compost can be a great addition to the soil of indoor plants and help increase their lifespan. As waste goes through the composting process, it becomes a nutrient-rich component that plants can feed off of. Just be sure to continue allowing your plants to get plenty of water and sunlight.

4. How do I keep fruit flies away from my compost bin?

There are a couple tips for freeing your indoor compost bin of fruit flies. Make sure to wash your compost bin with warm, soapy water between each collection and that it's always sealed properly. You can also purchase a compost bin that includes filters and/or a design that helps keep flies away.

5. How do I keep the compost from smelling?

There are a few ways to make sure your indoor compost bin has no smell. If possible, consider storing your bin in the freezer to prevent smells, or at least try to keep the bin out of the sun. You can also line the bottom of the bin with newspaper to absorb excess moisture and be sure to empty it regularly.

There are also plenty of bins that come with carbon or charcoal filters, which help eliminate odors. Purchasing one of these can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your kitchen smelling fresh and clean.

 

That’s everything to know about choosing the best compost bin for indoor kitchens. Tailor your choice to your needs and the reliability of the product. If you need help choosing an indoor compost bin, check out what people are saying about Lomi.

Written by: Karyn Little