The OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin is the best countertop compost bin for most kitchens: it holds 1.75 gallons, its smooth interior rinses clean, the lid stays open while you prep and owners say it is big enough for two people without crowding the counter.
The short answer
- For most kitchens, the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin is the one: 1.75 gallons, a smooth interior that rinses clean and a lid that stays open while you cook.
- If you want stainless steel and a charcoal filter, the Epica 1.3 Gallon bin is the pick.
- If you have no backyard pile and no city pickup, an electric recycler like the FoodCycler Eco 5 grinds and dries scraps into a soil amendment.
- Empty your bin every two or three days, and skip compostable bags if the scraps go into a backyard pile.
Composting starts in the kitchen, and so do most of the reasons people quit. The bowl of coffee grounds and onion skins by the sink attracts fruit flies by Wednesday, smells by Friday and gets dumped in the trash by Sunday.
A good countertop bin is small enough to live next to the cutting board, easy enough to rinse that you actually do it, and tight enough that nobody in the house complains.
Keeping food scraps out of the trash starts with a bin you are happy to keep next to the sink. The right bin depends on where your scraps go next: a backyard tumbler, a city curbside cart or an electric recycler on the counter.
We compared capacity, odor control, lid design, liners, cleaning and owner feedback for kitchen compost bins sold in the United States. We picked 5 countertop compost bins for small and busy kitchens, stainless steel fans and households with no place to compost outside.
We research and compare products, and we may earn a commission when you buy through links in this guide. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick Picks at a Glance
Best OverallOXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost BinA 1.75 gallon bin with a smooth interior, a stay-open lid and room to tuck bag edges inside for a neat look.Jump to review
Best Stainless SteelEpica 1.3 Gallon Stainless Steel Compost BinA one-piece stainless bin with an airtight lid and replaceable charcoal filter.Jump to review
Best for Small Kitchenssimplehuman 4L Compost CaddyDocks magnetically on the side of a simplehuman trash can, then lifts off to sit by your cutting board.Jump to review
Best Dishwasher-SafeBlue Ginkgo 5L Kitchen Compost BinA square, airtight bin with an inner colander that drains liquid and lifts out for clean emptying.Jump to review
Best ElectricFoodCycler Eco 5 Food RecyclerGrinds and dries food scraps into a dry soil amendment overnight, with a carbon filter for odor.Jump to reviewBest Picks by Climate Zone
Climate changes how fast kitchen scraps smell and where they go. Find your zone on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
| Your climate | USDA zones | Our pick | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot, humid kitchens | 8 to 11 | Blue Ginkgo 5L Kitchen Compost Bin | Warm kitchens breed fruit flies fast. An airtight lid and a dishwasher-safe bin help. |
| Four seasons | 6 to 7 | OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin | Collect all year and carry to a backyard tumbler or bin every few days. |
| Frozen winters | 3 to 5 | Epica 1.3 Gallon Stainless Steel Compost Bin | When the outdoor pile freezes, a filtered bin and a freezer bag of scraps bridge the gap. |
| Apartments, no yard | Any | FoodCycler Eco 5 Food Recycler | Turns scraps into a dry amendment for houseplants and containers with no outdoor pile. |
In cold zones, many gardeners freeze scraps in winter and add them to the outdoor pile once it thaws.
Bin, Caddy or Electric? Choose by Where Scraps Go Next
| Type | How it handles odor | Best if | Our pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vented bin | Air flows through the lid, which OXO says reduces odor | You empty to a backyard pile every few days | OXO Easy-Clean |
| Charcoal filter bin | Replaceable carbon filter in the lid | You want stainless steel on the counter | Epica 1.3 Gallon |
| Docking caddy | Soft-seal lid | Counter space is tight | simplehuman Caddy |
| Sealed bin with colander | Airtight lid, liquid drains away from scraps | Fruit flies are your main enemy | Blue Ginkgo 5L |
| Electric recycler | Grinds and dries, carbon filter | You have no yard pile and no city pickup | FoodCycler Eco 5 |
An electric recycler does not make finished compost. It makes a dry, ground material that the maker suggests mixing into soil. If you have a backyard, a compost tumbler is the place for your scraps.
How Big a Bin Do You Need?
| Household | Typical bin size | Empty every |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 people | About 0.75 to 1.3 gallons | 3 to 4 days |
| Family of 3 or 4 | About 1.3 to 1.75 gallons | 2 to 3 days |
| Big family, lots of produce | 1.75 gallons or two bins | 1 to 2 days |
Bigger is not better on a counter. A bin that holds a week of scraps will smell before it is full. Size it so you empty it every few days.
The Best Countertop Compost Bins, Reviewed
Best Overall
1. OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What We Like
- 1.75 gallons, room for two people without crowding the counter
- Smooth interior rinses clean
- Stay-open lid while you prep
- Bag edges tuck inside for a neat look
What We Don’t Like
- Several owners say the lid does not seal tightly
- Not dishwasher-safe as a whole
OXO designed this bin around the chore people skip: cleaning. The interior is smooth with no ridges, and the lid lifts off for emptying. Owners say it is big enough for two people and small enough to stay on the counter.
The lid is meant to let air through, which OXO says reduces odor and pests. If you want an airtight seal, look at the Blue Ginkgo instead.
Skip it if: you want an airtight lid.
Climate fit: Any zone, for households that empty to a backyard pile or curbside cart.
| Capacity | 1.75 gal (6.62 L) |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Lid | Soft-close, stay-open, vented |
| Liners | Optional |
| Weight | 0.74 kg |
| Cleaning | Smooth interior |
Best Stainless Steel
2. Epica 1.3 Gallon Stainless Steel Compost Bin
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What We Like
- Stainless steel, one-piece molded body
- Airtight lid with replaceable charcoal filter
- Fits under most sinks at 7.16 by 11 inches
- Owners report no odors
What We Don’t Like
- Filters need regular replacement
- Hand wash only
The Epica is one of the most popular kitchen compost bins in America. Owners say it holds a week of scraps for small households and does not smell, thanks to the charcoal filter in the lid.
Epica recommends emptying and cleaning it weekly and rinsing the filters. Many owners empty it more often in summer.
Skip it if: you want to toss the whole bin in the dishwasher.
Climate fit: Any zone, especially winter kitchens in cold zones.
| Capacity | 1.3 gal |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Odor control | Charcoal filter |
| Size | 7.16 x 11 in |
| Lid | Airtight |
| Cleaning | Hand wash |
Best for Small Kitchens
3. simplehuman 4L Compost Caddy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What We Like
- Docks magnetically on simplehuman rectangular and slim trash cans
- Lifts off to sit by the cutting board
- Removable, dishwasher-safe inner bucket
- Includes 30 custom compostable liners
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller than some expect at 1.1 gallons
- Some owners report the lid breaking
In a small kitchen, the simplehuman caddy saves counter space by hanging on the side of your trash can. When you cook, lift it off and set it next to the cutting board.
It works best if you already own a simplehuman can. The included liners are compostable; check whether your city accepts them, and skip them for a backyard pile.
Skip it if: you do not own a compatible simplehuman trash can.
Climate fit: Any zone, for small kitchens and apartments.
| Capacity | 1.1 gal (4 L) |
|---|---|
| Mount | Magnetic dock |
| Lid | Soft-seal |
| Inner bucket | Removable, dishwasher safe |
| Liners | 30 included |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
Best Dishwasher-Safe
4. Blue Ginkgo 5L Kitchen Compost Bin
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What We Like
- Airtight lid keeps odors in and bugs out
- Inner colander drains liquid
- Dishwasher safe
- Square shape saves space
What We Don’t Like
- Some owners report the handle breaking
- Best for 1 or 2 people
Fruit flies breed in wet scraps. The Blue Ginkgo lifts scraps out of the liquid with an inner colander and closes with a tight lid, which owners say contains odors well. The whole bin goes in the dishwasher.
Its square shape fits against a backsplash or under the sink, and it can even sit in the fridge.
Skip it if: you are a large family that cooks every night.
Climate fit: Zones 8 to 11, where warm kitchens draw fruit flies.
| Capacity | 5 L (1.3 gal) |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic, made in South Korea |
| Lid | Tight-sealing |
| Insert | Colander with handle |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Weight | 0.73 kg |
Best Electric
5. FoodCycler Eco 5 Food Recycler
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What We Like
- Grinds and dries scraps, cutting volume by about 75 percent, one owner reports
- Carbon filter for odor
- Removable bucket for scraping as you cook
- One-button operation
What We Don’t Like
- Output is not finished compost
- Mixed durability reports
- Uses electricity and filters
For apartments and homes with no backyard pile or city pickup, an electric recycler is the only way to keep scraps out of the trash. The FoodCycler grinds and dries food into a dry material you can mix into potting soil or garden beds.
Owners say it is odorless and easy to set up. Budget for replacement carbon filters.
Skip it if: you have a backyard tumbler or curbside composting.
Climate fit: Any zone, especially apartments and condos.
| Type | Electric food recycler |
|---|---|
| Odor | Carbon filter |
| Bucket | Removable |
| Controls | One button |
| Output | Dry soil amendment |
| Weight | 13.6 kg (shipping) |
Compare the Best Countertop Compost Bins
| Model | Capacity | Material | Odor control | Liners | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OXO Easy-CleanBest Overall | 1.75 gal | Plastic | Vented soft-close lid | Optional | Rinse by hand |
| Epica 1.3 GallonBest Stainless Steel | 1.3 gal | Stainless steel | Charcoal filter | Optional | Rinse by hand |
| simplehuman CaddyBest for Small Kitchens | 1.1 gal | Plastic | Soft-seal lid | Custom liners | Dishwasher-safe insert |
| Blue Ginkgo 5LBest Dishwasher-Safe | 1.3 gal (5 L) | Plastic | Tight-seal lid | Not needed | Dishwasher safe |
| FoodCycler Eco 5Best Electric | Bucket | Electric | Carbon filter | Not needed | Removable bucket |
Pick the Right One for You
If you want the easiest bin to live with
Get the OXO Easy-Clean.
If you want stainless steel
The Epica 1.3 Gallon has a charcoal filter.
If counter space is tight
The simplehuman Caddy docks on the trash can.
If fruit flies drive you crazy
The airtight, dishwasher-safe Blue Ginkgo 5L.
If you have nowhere to compost outside
The FoodCycler Eco 5.
Stop the Smell and the Fruit Flies
- Empty often. Two or three days is the sweet spot for most kitchens, sooner in summer.
- Rinse every time. A quick rinse removes the film that fruit flies love.
- Add a little brown. A sheet of torn newspaper or a paper towel in the bottom absorbs moisture.
- Change charcoal filters on the schedule the maker recommends.
- Think before you bag. The EPA lists compostable bags among things to avoid in a backyard pile. Use paper liners or none if your scraps go to a home tumbler; follow your city rules for curbside pickup.
- Freeze the worst offenders. Meat-free but smelly scraps like melon rinds can wait in the freezer until emptying day.
Mistakes Owners Make with Kitchen Compost Bins
- Buying for looks over cleaning. Bins with ridges and seams trap gunk. Smooth interiors and removable inserts win.
- Expecting an airtight seal from a vented lid. Vented lids are designed to breathe. If you want airtight, choose a sealed or filtered bin.
- Forgetting the filter. A charcoal filter that has not been changed in months does nothing.
- Adding what the pile does not want. Meat, dairy and greasy food belong in the trash or a city program, not a backyard pile, according to the EPA.
Buying Guide
Size you empty often
About 1 to 1.75 gallons suits most homes. Bigger bins sit too long.
Odor control
Vented lids breathe, charcoal filters absorb and sealed lids lock in. Pick the approach that matches how often you empty.
Easy cleaning
Smooth interiors, removable inserts and dishwasher-safe parts make the daily rinse painless.
A lid you can open with one hand
You will be holding a knife or a peel. A stay-open or easy-lift lid matters.
Liners that match your destination
Paper or no liner for a backyard pile; check city rules for curbside programs.
How We Picked These
We do not run a test garden. We compared capacity, materials, odor control, lids, liners, cleaning and patterns in owner feedback for kitchen compost bins and an electric recycler sold in the United States, and we followed EPA guidance on what belongs in a home compost pile.
We picked 5 countertop compost bins that cover busy kitchens, stainless steel, small spaces, fruit fly prevention and homes with no place to compost outdoors.
Why Trust Garden Guide US
We compare garden gear for American yards using manufacturer specifications, product manuals, warranty terms, cooperative extension guidance and patterns in owner feedback. We do not run a test garden, and every claim comes from a maker, a manual, an extension service or owner feedback. Every guide notes which USDA zones and conditions each pick suits. Read how we review.
The Bottom Line
For most kitchens, the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin is the one to buy. It is the right size, easy to clean and pleasant to use every day.
For a related pick, see the best tillers for clay soil. Every guide in this category is listed on Yard Work Tools buying guides.
Pair it with a backyard tumbler or your city curbside program, empty it every few days and the fruit flies will find somewhere else to live.
Common Questions
How do I keep fruit flies out of my compost bin?
Empty it every two or three days, rinse it each time and keep a tight lid. A paper towel in the bottom soaks up moisture.
Should I use compostable bags in my kitchen bin?
Only if your city program accepts them. The EPA advises against compostable bags in backyard piles.
How often should I empty a countertop compost bin?
Every two to three days for most households, more often in hot weather.
Is an electric composter the same as composting?
No. It grinds and dries scraps into a soil amendment rather than making finished compost.
What can go in a kitchen compost bin?
Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, filters, tea bags and crushed eggshells. Leave out meat, dairy and oils for a backyard pile.
Does a charcoal filter really stop odors?
It helps when it is fresh. Replace it as the maker recommends.
Sources and Further Reading
- Composting at Home, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Composting, Clemson Cooperative Extension
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, USDA Agricultural Research Service
- Yard and Garden, Colorado State University Extension
- Home Gardening, Penn State Extension
