KITCHEN ESSENTIALS · BUYING GUIDE

Best Kitchen Compost Bin

Updated

The best kitchen compost bins: countertop caddies, a freezer bin, a large pail and an electric food recycler from OXO, Full Circle, Exaco and Lomi, compared by capacity, odor control and care.

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Our picks at a glance

ProductAwardScore
Best overall 7.4 Check price
Full Circle Counter Catcher Compost Bin Silicone, recycled stainless steel
Best budget 7.6 Check price
Lomi 3 Electric recycler with removable 3L bucket and rotating blade; 110V North American
Best premium 7.7 Check price
Full Circle Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin (Fresh Air) Recycled plastic, partially recycled steel
Best for odor control without filters 7.8 Check price
Exaco Eco 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail High density polyethylene
Best large capacity 8.1 Check price
How the editorial score works

The score rates documented features and practical tradeoffs on a 10-point scale, using the weighted criteria below. An 8 means strong support with one clear limit; a 9 means particularly complete support with minor limits. It is our editorial judgment from manufacturer information, not a hands-on test or a customer rating.

  • Odor control30%
  • Capacity25%
  • Cleaning & care25%
  • Placement & convenience20%

The order of the picks also reflects who each product suits best, so it is not decided by the score alone. More on our method

  1. 01 · Best overall
    OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin - 1.75 Gal

    OXO · 13273400 (white; charcoal 13294600)

    OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin - 1.75 Gal

    7.4/ 10
    Editorial score
    Odor
    6.5
    Capacity
    7.5
    Cleaning
    7.5
    Convenience
    8.5
    Why this score?
    Odor control · 6.5
    No filter; air flows through lid, so odor control relies on regular emptying
    Capacity · 7.5
    1.75 gal countertop bin
    Cleaning & care · 7.5
    Body dishwasher safe; all other parts hand wash
    Placement & convenience · 8.5
    Soft-close stay-open lid, fold-down handle, tucks bags out of sight

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forEveryday cooks who want a tidy countertop bin that is easy to wash

    A 1.75-gallon (6.62-liter) countertop bin with a soft-close, stay-open lid and a smooth interior, designed to keep compost bags tucked out of sight. It has no filter; OXO says oxygen flows through the lid to contain odors and reduce pests, and the fold-down handle makes it easy to carry.

    Strengths

    • Stay-open lid lets you sweep scraps in while you prep
    • Body is dishwasher safe; smooth interior also works without bags

    Weaknesses

    • Hand wash all parts other than the body
    • No filter, so odor control relies on emptying it regularly

    Dimensions, material and details

    Capacity
    1.75 gal / 6.62 L
    Filter
    None (oxygen flows through the soft-close lid)
    Dimensions
    8.3 L x 10.15 W x 12 H in
    Material
    Plastic
    Care
    Body is dishwasher safe. Hand wash all other parts.
    Weight
    1.6 lb

    Details checked against the oxo.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  2. 02 · Best for odor control without filters
    Full Circle Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin (Fresh Air)

    Full Circle · FC11301-GY

    Full Circle Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin (Fresh Air)

    7.8/ 10
    Editorial score
    Odor
    7.5
    Capacity
    7.0
    Cleaning
    9.0
    Convenience
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Odor control · 7.5
    Patented vented design, no filters; maker says it cuts odor and flies
    Capacity · 7.0
    1.5 gal, smaller than the OXO
    Cleaning & care · 9.0
    All parts dishwasher safe on top rack
    Placement & convenience · 7.5
    Push-button lid; five compostable bags included

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forKitchens that want fewer smells and flies without buying filters

    A 1.5-gallon countertop bin with a patented vented design that lets air move through the scraps, which Full Circle says slows decomposition and cuts odor and flies. It opens with a push button, all parts go in the dishwasher, and it comes with five compostable bags.

    Strengths

    • Airflow design instead of replaceable filters
    • All parts dishwasher safe (top rack); includes five compostable bags

    Weaknesses

    • Smaller than the OXO at 1.5 gal
    • Only one color (grey) listed on Full Circle's store

    Dimensions, material and details

    Capacity
    1.5 gal / 5.7 liter
    Filter
    None (patented airflow design)
    Dimensions
    11.38 x 8.5 x 9 in (28.91 x 21.59 x 22.86 cm)
    Material
    Recycled plastic, partially recycled steel
    Care
    Dishwasher safe: all parts on the top rack

    Details checked against the fullcirclehome.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  3. 03 · Best budget
    Full Circle Counter Catcher Compost Bin

    Full Circle · FC11302-S

    Full Circle Counter Catcher Compost Bin

    7.6/ 10
    Editorial score
    Odor
    8.5
    Capacity
    5.5
    Cleaning
    9.0
    Convenience
    7.0
    Why this score?
    Odor control · 8.5
    Kept in the freezer, which stops smells and fruit flies
    Capacity · 5.5
    Small 0.6 gal capacity
    Cleaning & care · 9.0
    Dishwasher safe; silicone body flips inside out to empty
    Placement & convenience · 7.0
    Clips to cabinet door or drawer; no lid and needs freezer space

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forSmall kitchens that store scraps in the freezer

    A 0.6-gallon silicone catcher with a wire rim that clips over a cabinet door or drawer, so you can slide scraps straight off the cutting board. You then keep it in the freezer to stop odors and flies, and the flexible body flips inside out to empty.

    Strengths

    • Lowest price of these picks
    • Freezer storage stops smells and fruit flies; flips inside out to empty

    Weaknesses

    • Small 0.6 gal capacity
    • No lid or filter, so it is not meant to sit out on the counter for days

    Dimensions, material and details

    Capacity
    0.6 gal / 2.23 liter
    Filter
    None (designed to be kept in the freezer)
    Dimensions
    8.27 x 5.24 x 5.51 in (21 x 13.3 x 14 cm)
    Material
    Silicone, recycled stainless steel
    Care
    Dishwasher safe. Place upside down on the top rack.

    Details checked against the fullcirclehome.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon
  4. 04 · Best large capacity
    Exaco Eco 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail

    Exaco · Eco 2000

    Exaco Eco 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail

    8.1/ 10
    Editorial score 3 of 4 criteria rated
    Odor
    7.5
    Capacity
    9.0
    Cleaning
    n/a
    Convenience
    8.0
    Why this score?
    Odor control · 7.5
    Carbon filter in lid; replacement about every 3 months, sold separately
    Capacity · 9.0
    Largest here at 2.4 gal
    Cleaning & care · Not rated
    The documented information does not establish this criterion.
    Placement & convenience · 8.0
    Sits on counter or hangs inside a cabinet on screws or hooks

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forBig households and gardeners who empty into an outdoor compost bin

    A 2.4-gallon high-density polyethylene pail with a carbon filter in the lid to reduce smells. It can sit on the counter or hang from screws or hooks inside a kitchen cabinet.

    Strengths

    • Largest capacity here at 2.4 gal
    • Carbon filter; can hang inside a cabinet door

    Weaknesses

    • Filters need changing about every 3 months (replacement filters sold separately)
    • Exaco does not publish care or dishwasher guidance

    Dimensions, material and details

    Capacity
    2.4 gal
    Filter
    Carbon filter (replace about every 3 months)
    Dimensions
    8.5 x 9 x 12 in H
    Material
    High density polyethylene
    Weight
    1.5 lbs
    Color
    Green

    Details checked against the exaco.com product page.

    Check price at Exaco
  5. 05 · Best premium
    Lomi 3

    Lomi · L3B-A01 (White)

    Lomi 3

    7.7/ 10
    Editorial score
    Odor
    8.5
    Capacity
    7.5
    Cleaning
    8.0
    Convenience
    6.5
    Why this score?
    Odor control · 8.5
    Activated-carbon filters, 45 cycles included; filters are an ongoing cost
    Capacity · 7.5
    3 L bucket processed each cycle, shrinking scraps to dry material
    Cleaning & care · 8.0
    Bucket dishwasher safe; Cleaning Mode listed
    Placement & convenience · 6.5
    Needs power (about 1 kWh per Express cycle), 16 lb, 3 to 6 hour cycle; under 45 dB

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How the editorial score works

    Manufacturer information

    Best forHouseholds that want to shrink food waste without an outdoor pile

    An electric countertop food recycler that heats, grinds and dries scraps in a 3-liter bucket into what Lomi calls 'Lomi Earth', in 3 to 6 hours on Express mode or 11 to 17 hours on Grow mode. Odors are handled by an activated-carbon filter system, and it has WiFi and app control.

    Strengths

    • Turns scraps into a dry soil amendment in as little as 3 hours
    • Under 45 dB; bucket is dishwasher safe

    Weaknesses

    • Much higher price, plus ongoing filter (and optional LomiPod) costs
    • Smaller 3 L bucket than plain caddies, and it needs power (about 1 kWh per Express cycle)

    Dimensions, material and details

    Capacity
    3 litres
    Filter
    Charcoal (activated carbon) filter system; filters for 45 cycles included
    Dimensions
    11" W x 11" D x 12" H
    Construction
    Electric recycler with removable 3L bucket and rotating blade; 110V North American
    Power use
    Express: 1 kWh; Grow: 1.1 kWh; Cleaning Mode: 0.2 kWh
    Weight
    7.25 kgs (16 lbs)
    Care
    Bucket is dishwasher safe

    Details checked against the lomi.com product page.

    Check price at Amazon

COMPARE

Side-by-side comparison

Select a column heading to sort.
OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin - 1.75 Gal Everyday cooks who want a tidy countertop bin that is easy to wash1.75 gal / 6.62 LNone (oxygen flows through the soft-close lid)8.3 L x 10.15 W x 12 H in
Full Circle Odor-Free Kitchen Compost Bin (Fresh Air) Kitchens that want fewer smells and flies without buying filters1.5 gal / 5.7 literNone (patented airflow design)11.38 x 8.5 x 9 in (28.91 x 21.59 x 22.86 cm)
Full Circle Counter Catcher Compost Bin Small kitchens that store scraps in the freezer0.6 gal / 2.23 literNone (designed to be kept in the freezer)8.27 x 5.24 x 5.51 in (21 x 13.3 x 14 cm)
Exaco Eco 2000 Kitchen Compost Pail Big households and gardeners who empty into an outdoor compost bin2.4 galCarbon filter (replace about every 3 months)8.5 x 9 x 12 in H
Lomi 3 Households that want to shrink food waste without an outdoor pile3 litresCharcoal (activated carbon) filter system; filters for 45 cycles included11" W x 11" D x 12" H

How we chose

We compared each manufacturer’s stated capacity, odor control (filter type or airflow design), materials, dimensions and cleaning instructions, plus how and where each bin is meant to be used: on the counter, inside a cabinet, in the freezer or plugged in. We spread the picks across budgets, from a small freezer catcher to an electric food recycler. We did not test these bins; specs come from manufacturer pages, with any retailer data named.

What to look for in a kitchen compost bin

Size it to how often you will empty it. A bigger bin means fewer trips, but scraps that sit for days smell more. Many households do well with a bin they fill and empty every two or three days.

Decide how you want to control odor. Carbon filters absorb smells but need regular replacement, which is an ongoing cost. Vented, filter-free designs let scraps breathe, and freezer storage stops odors entirely.

Make cleaning easy. Look for smooth interiors, removable parts and clear dishwasher guidance. Compostable liners help, but a bin you can wash without bags gives you more flexibility.

Think about where it will live. Measure your counter, cabinet or freezer space. Some bins hang inside a cabinet door or clip to a drawer, which keeps them out of sight and close to where you prep.

Consider whether you need an electric recycler. If you have no garden or compost pickup, an electric food recycler can reduce scraps at home. Weigh the purchase price, power use and replacement filters against a simple caddy.

Frequently asked questions

What size kitchen compost bin do I need?

It depends on how much you cook and how often you empty it. The Full Circle Counter Catcher holds 0.6 gal, the Full Circle Fresh Air 1.5 gal, the OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin 1.75 gal and the Exaco Eco 2000 2.4 gal. The Lomi 3 electric recycler has a 3-liter bucket that it processes each cycle.

Do kitchen compost bins need a filter?

Not always. The Exaco Eco 2000 uses a carbon filter that Exaco says to change about every 3 months, and the Lomi 3 uses activated-carbon filters. The OXO and Full Circle Fresh Air skip filters and rely on air flowing through the lid or vents, while the Full Circle Counter Catcher avoids smells by living in the freezer.

How do you keep a compost bin from smelling?

Empty it often, keep the lid closed, and wash it regularly. The OXO body and all parts of the Full Circle Fresh Air and Counter Catcher are dishwasher safe, which makes washing easier. Storing scraps in the freezer, as the Counter Catcher is designed for, stops odors and fruit flies.

Is an electric food recycler the same as composting?

Not exactly. A countertop bin like the OXO just holds scraps until you take them to a compost pile or collection bin. The Lomi 3 heats and grinds scraps into a dry material it calls Lomi Earth in 3 to 6 hours on Express mode, and it uses about 1 kWh per Express cycle plus replacement filters.

What is the best kitchen compost bin for avoiding fruit flies?

Storing scraps in the freezer is the surest route, since Full Circle says the Counter Catcher is kept in the freezer to stop odors and flies. If you want a bin that stays on the counter, the Full Circle Fresh Air has a vented design that Full Circle says cuts odor and flies, and OXO says oxygen flowing through its lid helps contain odors and reduce pests. Odor control still relies on emptying the bin regularly.

What is the best electric kitchen composter?

The Lomi 3 is the electric option here. It heats, grinds and dries scraps in a 3-liter bucket, taking 3 to 6 hours on Express mode or 11 to 17 hours on Grow mode, with an activated-carbon filter system for odors and WiFi app control. It runs under 45 dB and the bucket is dishwasher safe, but it costs much more than a caddy, needs power and has ongoing filter costs.

What is the best kitchen counter compost bin?

The OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin (1.75 gal) is the best overall pick for a countertop bin. It has a soft-close, stay-open lid so you can sweep scraps in while you prep, a smooth interior that also works without bags and a dishwasher-safe body. For bigger households the Exaco Eco 2000 holds 2.4 gal and can hang inside a cabinet, but its carbon filter needs changing about every 3 months.