
No matter where you live (whether in the crowded and fast-paced life of the city or in the quiet and calm life of the countryside), waste management can be a bother sometimes. With the rising amount of waste the country produces annually, there is a huge concern for proper waste management and recycling. Being able to recycle the waste you produce at home will not only help you save money, but it will also cut down the amount of waste you throw out. The solution lies in owning a good composter at home. You can turn your waste into compost and recycle it into fertilizer for your garden. This article will guide you on the best composters available for your composting solutions.
The Best Composter
1
iTouchless EcoWise Compost Bin
The first on our list is the iTouchless EcoWise Compost Bin from iTouchless. This kitchen compost bin is another reason why iTouchless has led the waste receptacle business for twenty years. This EcoWise compost bin is exactly what its name suggests – eco-friendly. It comes with an attractive stainless-steel lid which is also fingerprint-proof and a bucket brushed with stainless steel. The lid is also easy to clean. The bucket has been fitted with two layers of activated carbon filters. These absorb odor while preventing pests from gaining access. The bucket comes in white or cream colors and can contain up to 1.32 gallons of waste from your kitchen. The bucket does not rust, does not leak, is easy to clean, and is safe in the dishwasher. The design is simple yet elegant with handles made from stainless steel to make for easy carrying and handling. Composting has been made easy with this compost bin. The cherry on the cake is that iTouchless is giving a full-service warranty for each purchase with dedicated support from iTouchless for every customer.
It has a stainless-steel lid
It has a capacity of 1.32 gallons of waste
It comes with odor and pest control
It is environmentally-friendly
- BrandiTouchless
- ModelCB01SC
- Weight2.78 pounds
It is safe to clean in a dishwasher
It is easy to handle
It comes with an unconditional warranty
Not sturdy enough
It may attract larger animals
Capacity is limited
2
FCMP Outdoor Tumbling Composter
FCMP Tumbler Composter is an outdoor tumbling composter with a serious look. This eight-sided composter from FCMP is not here to play around. FCMP cautions potential buyers of several imitations of this original product. This composter does all the mixing work for you so you do not have to do it by hand. It has two chambers with a combined capacity of thirty-seven gallons. This means you can empty a lot of kitchen waste into one side. And while you wait, you can fill up the other chamber. It has been designed to be easy to use. It has a spacious opening and a door that can be removed to make it easy to remove compost or add dry scraps. The body has Deep Fins to make it easy to lift and carry at any angle. To provide good aeration, the body of this composter is covered with aeration holes along with the Deep Fins. This will ensure that enough oxygen gets into the compost and avoid odor. The design makes it durable, sturdy, and long-lasting.
It is made from recycled polypropylene and is UV-inhibited and BPA-free
It has eight sides and two large chambers
It has a capacity of thirty-seven gallons
It is fitted with Deep Fins
- BrandFCMP Outdoor
- ModelIM4000
- Weight25.4 pounds
It does not degrade under constant sunlight
It has a large capacity
It is durable
It can be difficult to assemble
The sliding door can freeze shut during winter
The side vents can close on their own
3
Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin
Epica makes our list with the Epica Stainless Compost Bin. This compost container is made from stainless steel which is durable and made to last. It does not leak, does not crack, break, chip away, scratch or rust. Whether in your kitchen or garden, this bin is designed to sit anywhere you want it to. It measures 7.16 inches in diameter and eleven inches in height. Its capacity of 1.3 gallons means that it can contain waste from a number of days. It is designed to be airtight to prevent odor. It comes with a replaceable lid also made of stainless steel. It also comes with an activated charcoal filter which has been specially designed to make sure there is no odor from your compost bin. The replaceable charcoal filter is easy to clean with water and soap. With proper care and handling the charcoal filter can last for more than six months. The stainless steel compost bin is also easy to clean with water and soap.
Stainless steel construction
It comes with a replaceable charcoal filter
It measures 7.16 inches in diameter and 11 inches in height
It has a capacity of 1.3 gallons
- BrandEPICA
- ModelSYNCHKG123584
- Weight2.4 pounds
Easy to clean with soap and water
It is easy to handle and carry around
It does not leak, rust, scratch or break
It has a limited capacity
It can be knocked over by large animals
It is not sturdy enough for some users
4
OXO Good Grips Easy Clean Compost Bin
OXO Grips Clean Compost bin is a smaller-sized composter. Measuring just seven inches in height and seven inches in diameter, it can be sat conveniently on top of your kitchen counter while you fill it up. It has a limited capacity of twelve cups because it was not designed to carry too much. It comes with a lid attached to it. The lid can be lifted up without separating it from the compost container. It falls back on the container and locks the content in. It is airtight and thus seals any odor. The mouth of the container is wide enough to make for easy filling and removal of its content. The interior has been made smooth to ensure that liquid and food does not build up. It comes with a rotating handle that makes for convenient carrying and handling.
It comes in a convenient seven inches height by seven inches diameter measurement
It has a rotating handle attached to it
It has a wide mouth with a lid
It has a capacity of twelve cups
- BrandOXO
- Model1596000
- Weight13.9 ounces
Its small size makes for convenient usage
Its wide-mouth ensures easy filling and emptying
It is airtight and prevents odor
Its small size means very limited capacity
It is not sturdy enough
It is breakable
5
Envirocycle Composter
Envirocycle has branded the Envirocycle Composter as the most beautiful composter in the world. There is very little argument to make against that. This composter is made of plastic that is resistant to water but can also resist almost anything else nature will throw at it. It comes as a complete construction and takes away the headache of assembling it by yourself. The container sits on a platform attached to it. The platform has rollers under it to make for convenient movement. The composter also comes with removable drain plugs that allow the liquid waste to drain out into a hole made in the base. It, therefore, produces solid and liquid compost. It has a capacity of thirty-five gallons but it also available in a smaller version with a capacity of seventeen gallons. So you have options to choose from. The tank is durable, does not rust, and is made from UV-free materials. Plus, Envirocycle assures buyers of reliable after-sales customer care.
It is made from water-resistant plastic which is also UV-free
It has a capacity of thirty-five gallons
The smaller version has a capacity of seventeen gallons
The tank is mounted on a platform which contains the liquid compost
- BrandEnvirocycle
- ModelE20C-BK
- Weight24.7 pounds
It produces both solid and liquid compost
It comes as a complete and requires no assembly
The rollers under the platform make for easy movement
When it gets full, it is hard to rotate the bin
It has only one chamber
The tank gets very warm when composting
6
Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin
Utopia Kitchen Stainless Compost Countertop bin is the next on our list. This is a counter-top compost bin. Its small size makes it a good fit on top of your counter while you fill it. Aside from its size, it has been given a sleek and stylish design so it is not out of place when sitting on top of your kitchen table or counter. It has a rotating handle also made of stainless steel. So this makes it easy to carry. It is made of stainless steel to make it durable, give it longevity, and make it easy to clean. It does not break, scratch or leak. It is airtight and keeps out flies and pests whilst trapping any odor inside. Speaking of odor, Utopia’s Kitchen Stainless-Steel Compost Bin comes with a charcoal filter that traps any bad odor inside it. But the lid has aeration vents on it to allow in some oxygen. It can store food scraps for at least a number of days before depositing into a compost maker. The bin is easy to wash with warm water and soap. The charcoal can also be washed in warm soapy water and used again.
It is constructed of stainless steel
It has a capacity of 1.3 gallons
It is designed to fit on top of a kitchen counter
It comes with a rotating handle to make for easy handling
- BrandUtopia Kitchen
- ModelUK0051
- Weight2.05 pounds
It is easy to use and handle
It is durable and log-lasting
It comes with a charcoal filter
It has a limited capacity
The lid is a little difficult to clean because of the slats for storing the charcoal filter
Some users complain that the bucket is too thin
7
Algreen Products Soil Saver Classic Compost Bin
Algreen Products-Saver Classic Compost Bin is exactly what its name says it is – classic. It has a large capacity of ninety-four gallons. This is one of the largest capacities in this review. This means there is a lot of space for household kitchen scraps. It measures an impressive twenty-seven by twenty-seven inches by thirty-two inches. It is made from environmentally-friendly recycled material which is BPA-free. Its construction is robust and sturdy to make to give it a solid and mean look. It is designed in a way to make it easy to harvest because, by the time the waste materials reaches the bottom, it will already have become compost. It comes with two large openings; one at the top for filling and the other at the bottom for shoveling the compost.
It is made from BPA-free recycled material
It has a large capacity of ninety-four gallons
It measures 27 inches by 27inches by 32 inches
It has a large opening at the top and another one at the bottom
- BrandAlgreen
- Model01512
- Weight27.5 pounds
It has a large capacity
The bottom access makes it easy to shovel out the compost
It is easy to use and requires little maintenance
It is not animal-proof
The instructions are not clear enough
The plastic bolts do not hold well
8
GEOBIN Compost Bin
GEOBIN’s Compost Bin is next on our list. This compost bin is the largest in our review. With a massive capacity of two hundred and sixteen gallons, it has more than two times the capacity of the other composters on our list. It is easy to assemble and inexpensive considering its size. It is easy to use when it is set up. All you have to do is simply fill it up at the top as the compost forms at the bottom. In this way, it is similar to the classic composter. The only difference is in the size and the design. GEOBIN’s compost bin has more style and elegance. It is made from fifty percent of recycled plastic material. It also has a lot of ventilation holes punched all around it to allow enough oxygen into it.
It has a large capacity of two hundred and sixteen gallons
It is made from fifty percent recycled plastic material
It requires assembling
It is expandable
- BrandGeobin
- ModelSYNCHKG043886
- Weight7 pounds
It has a large capacity
It is inexpensive
It is easy to assemble
It requires a lot of material in it to make it work effectively
The package does not come with stakes to hold it in place
The ventilation may cause the pile to dry too quickly
9
EJWOX Composting Tumbler
EJWOX Compositing Tumbler is a rotating garden compost bin designed for outdoor use. It comes with two chambers with a combined storage capacity of forty-three gallons. This allows for continuous composting since you can fill up the other chamber when one in full. It has an internal bar which is very well aerated to allow enough oxygen into the chamber. There are double wall-panels in place to absorb the heat that will emerge and retain it. It is designed to stand in the garden without looking out of place. It is made to give it a balanced rotation when it turns on its axis. It has two large doors that can slide easily out of the way to make for effortless filling. Each door measures 10.23 inches in length and 6.1 inches in width. Its frame is made of powder-coated steel that gives it a sturdy and balanced position.
It is designed to be placed outdoor
It comes with a storage capacity of forty-three gallons
It has two storage chambers
It comes with a frame made of steel and coated with powder
- BrandEJWOX
- Weight27.4 pounds
It has two large storage chambers
It is easy to use and requires low maintenance
It is sturdy, durable, and long-lasting
It can be difficult to assemble
The sliding door can freeze shut during winter
The instruction manual is not clear enough
10
Nature’s Footprint Worm Composter
Worm Factory WF360B Composter by Nature’s Footprint is our final entry for this review. This worm composter comes in a four-tray size which standard. However, it can be expanded to eight to give it a larger volume. It comes with a lid that has been redesigned to be converted to a stand for the trays when collecting the compost. A ‘worm tea’ collector tray has been built into it and it comes with a spigot to make draining easy. Nature’s Footprint has included an accessory kit which contains the basic tools needed to assemble and manage the Worm Factory 360. Along with the accessory kit is a user manual with instructions on how to assemble it and a warranty after you register your Worm Factory 360. It designed to be airtight and trap any odor inside it. It also keeps the fruit flies, other insects, and pests out.
It comes in a four-tray size which can be expanded to eight
It comes with a lid which can be used as a stand when harvesting
It comes with a user instruction manual
It comes with an accessory kit
- BrandNature’s Footprint
- ModelWF360 Black
- Weight11 pounds
It comes with a warranty
It is airtight and traps odor inside it
It has an instruction manual
It does not come with a voucher for ordering worms
The added bedding is not of good quality
The user manual is not clear enough
Best Composter Buying Guide & FAQ
What Is A Compost Bin?
A compost bin is a structure designed for making compost from kitchen waste. This is done with good aeration and enough moisture retention to produce the ideal condition for aerobic organisms that are responsible for transforming the organic materials into compost using high temperatures. The difference between using a compost bin and a natural compost heap is that a compost bin speeds up the decomposition process. Whereas with a natural compost heap, the process will take quite a long period. A compost bin also keeps away pests and rodents while giving you a ‘controlled’ compost-making process.
Features To Look For When Buying A Compost Bin
There are several factors to consider when making your decision to purchase a good compost bin.
- The Type Of Container
The type of compost container to choose depends on what you are looking to with it. Do you intend to make your own compost from your food scraps or are you looking for a container to store waste temporarily?
- Size Of The Container
The amount of material you can store depends on the size of the compost container. How much waste do you produce daily? Do you have enough space to store the container whether in your backyard, garden or kitchen?
- The Material Of The Compost Bin
Compost bins come in various materials from recycled plastic to stainless steel. Plastic compost bins are comparatively cheaper to buy. They also have the ability to retain odor. Most of them are also resistant to weather changes and sun damage. Albeit after some time they do yield after long usage and become brittle, damaged or fall apart. Metal compost bin usually lasts longer but are heavier than the plastic ones.
Types of Compost Bins
Another very important decision you have to make before purchasing a compost bin is deciding which type you want. There are generally three types to choose from.
- Stationary Compost Bins: These are the most traditional ones. As the name suggests, they are meant to stand at one place; ideally in your backyard or garden and are not supposed to be moved. They are designed in a way that allows you to pile material on top, stir with a rod or pitchfork, and harvest at the bottom.
- Tumbling Compost Bins: These bins are designed for easy compost-making and usage. The design allows you to only rotate the tank. Compared to the stationary ones, Tumblers make compost faster but have smaller tanks.
- Worm Compost Bins: These composters make use of living worms which makes them efficient and quick. However, because of the worms, certain materials like garlic, meat, and citrus cannot be put into the composter.
Best Composter FAQ:
Q: How Does A Compost Bin Work?
A: A compost bin works by making use of good oxygen supply and enough moisture retention to produce the ideal condition for certain aerobic organisms that are responsible for transforming the organic materials into compost using high temperatures. All you have to do is to fill it up with the scraps from your kitchen and stir or turn the tank a number of times in a day. With time, the materials are decomposed and turned into compost. It works the same way a natural compost heap or pile does. The difference between using a compost bin and a natural compost heap is that a compost bin speeds up the decomposition process. Whereas with a natural compost heap, the process will take quite a long period. A compost bin also keeps away pests and rodents while giving you a ‘controlled’ compost-making process.
Q: What Is The Best Location For A Compost Bin?
A: The best location for a compost bin depends on the type of bin you are using. A traditional stationary composter is designed to stand outside at one place without being moved. Thus, the best location for it will be in your backyard or garden.
Tumbling compost bins are movable but are not designed to be used indoor if they have large capacities. They can also be placed in the backyard or garden. However, most Tumblers come in beautiful designs that make them good enough to stand right in front of your house for easier access. Others are made purposely to be placed in the kitchen or on top of the counter. They are usually small, lightweight, and used to transfer kitchen scraps to the composter.
Worm compost bins can either be placed indoors or outside depending on where you want them. They are airtight so you don’t have to worry about odor, fruit flies or sneaky worms.
Q: What Size Composter Should I Get?
A: The amount of material you can store should determine the size of the composter you should get. How much waste do you produce daily? Do you have a large household? Do you have enough space to store a large size composter? Answering these questions will help you decide what size best suits you. Only keep in mind that larger composters have larger capacities. But space and quantity of material you can put into it also count.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick for this review is the iTouchless EcoWise Compost Bin. Just to give a quick recap, this Compost bin comes with an attractive stainless-steel lid which is also fingerprint-proof and a bucket brushed with stainless steel. The lid is also easy to clean. The bucket has been fitted with two layers of activated carbon filters. These absorb odor while preventing pests from gaining access. The bucket comes in white or cream colors and can contain up to 1.32 gallons of waste from your kitchen. The bucket does not rust, does not leak, is easy to clean, and is safe in the dishwasher. The design is simple yet elegant with handles made from stainless steel to make for easy carrying and handling.
Sources:
- How Composting Works - HowStuffWorks
- How To Start Composting And Reduce Your Trash In Half - HuffPost