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Composting is the managed decomposition of organic materials like food scraps, paper waste and yard trimmings, and is a great way to reduce the amount of food waste headed to landfills. Traditionally, home composting was something you could only do outside by digging a hole or using an outdoor compost bin — but now there are methods that can be done from the comfort of your home.
When it comes to countertop composting you can either store your food scraps in a countertop compost bin or recycle your food waste with an electric countertop composter. And while you could use your countertop solutions as short-term storage before bringing your scraps to an outdoor compost pile, you don't need any outdoor space at all. Bring your food waste to a local farmers market, give to a friend who composts or your community might even offer curbside compost pickup.
Our pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab evaluated countertop composters in their own kitchens and in our Lab. We also relied on our knowledge of sustainability and product design, selecting bins and electric composters that consumers will want to store on their countertops (think: less odor, compact and relatively quiet).
Pros
Convenient carrying handle- Replaceable hemp filter
Cons
- Needs to be emptied frequently
Type: Compost bin | Dimensions: 8" x 6.25" x 9" | Capacity: 3.6 liters | Weight: 2.4 pounds
The Bamboozle countertop compost bin is a great choice for beginners, apartment dwellers and avid composters alike because of its stylish design and useful features. Testers liked the bamboo handle for carrying to a large compost pile or to empty into a municipal compost bin, and the rich colorways — although note that many are currently out of stock.
Store scraps temporarily in this chic container that has both a secure, vented lid (allowing for airflow) and a replaceable hemp filter. According to the manufacturer, the filters are dishwasher safe, compostable and can be used for up to two months each.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Our experts found that this model was easy to clean after emptying and can even be thrown in the dishwasher. Though we like that this bin is compact, it does mean you'll need to empty it frequently if you have collected a lot of compostable waste.
2
Best overall electric
Lomi Bloom Food Waste Recycler
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Pros
- Deep clean function
- App to monitor your filter and track your impact
Cons
- Wide dimensions for a countertop appliance
Type: Electric composter | Dimensions: 16" x 13" x 12" | Capacity: 3 liters | Weight: 19.8 pounds
Composting outdoors can be done in the winter, but it requires more effort to ensure the pile remains warm and of course you have to spend additional time outside tending to it. Our solution? The Lomi Bloom Food Waste Recycler, which is a countertop electric option that lets you compost year-round from the comfort of your kitchen countertop. It also works well for those who live in apartments, thanks to its sleek, decor-friendly design.
This compost bin stirs the contents of the inner bucket, and uses both drying heat and microbial tablets to break down the waste. It includes enough microbial tablets — as well as activated charcoal for the top and bottom built-in filters — for around three months; you'll then have to purchase replacement tablets and charcoal.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: We just started testing this exact model, but we have tested the since-discontinued Lomi 1. We found that the previous model had a quiet run time and that its filter controlled odors well. The dried and cooled compost it produced was easy to dispose of as well.
This upgraded model has two new features — a deep clean function, so you don't need to clean the composter manually and the Lomi app which helps you track your impact, earn rewards and monitor your filter. Keep in mind that while this appliance is designed for your countertop, it does take up quite a bit of space.
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Pros
- Removable lid for easy emptying
- Compact, countertop-friendly design
Cons
- Lid can be loud when it drops closed
Type: Compost bin | Dimensions: 6.6" x 6.4" x 7.5" | Capacity: 2.8 liters | Weight: 1.2 pounds
The compact footprint of this affordable OXO compost bin makes it unobtrusive for under-sink or freezer storage and the clean, simple design means it's also suited to countertop use. It works with compost bags, but our Lab pros like that the smooth interior and removable lid ensure that the bin is easy to clean when you don't use bags. You can also run the bucket through the dishwasher if it gets too dirty.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: The handle makes this compost bin easy to carry to your yard or a drop-off center. The lid helps reduce odors in your kitchen and is removable for easy emptying, but we did note that it doesn't seal, is not soft-close and can be a bit loud when it shuts. Keep in mind, you also have to empty this bin often since it doesn't have a filter or sealing lid to mitigate odors.
4
Most Compact
Simplehuman Compost Caddy
Pros
- Compact design works well for kitchen counters and for mounting on some Simplehuman trash cans
- Large lid collar keeps bags from slipping and showing
Cons
- Hanging option does not work for all trash cans
Type: Compost bin | Dimensions: 9.6" x 5.7" x 8.5" | Capacity: 4 liters | Weight: 3 pounds
Simplehuman trash cans have earned praise from our Cleaning Lab experts, and now our kitchen pros recommend the brand's compost caddy as well. The large collar on the lid helps secure and conceal compost bags for the removable inner bin. Many compost bags will work, but for the best fit, the company recommends its custom-fit compost bags.
Our favorite feature? It comes with a magnetic mount that lets you attach the compact caddy to Simplehuman trash cans so that it's stored out of the way and accessible for quick use. Because this composter is attached to the trash can, our tester found it streamlined the step of tossing waste into the caddy. One downside is that the mount is not universal and will not work for all trash cans.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Many members of our team have tested this pick in their homes. Our pros liked that the bin is very narrow, so you can detach it from its trash can mount and use it on your kitchen counter when you're prepping food or cleaning up after a meal — it doesn't take up much space. Keep in mind that there isn't any filter in this bin to mitigate odors and it might get smelly if you leave food scraps in it too long, so be sure to empty it at least daily.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Simplehuman Trash Can
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Pros
- Easy to empty thanks to the removable bucket with a handle
- Reduced fruit flies and food odors in our testing
Cons
- Fairly long cycle and squeaks a bit during operation
Type: Electric composter | Dimensions: 13" x 9" x 11" | Capacity: 3.5 liters | Weight: 28.2 pounds
Some electric composters can fit on your countertop, but they take up quite a bit of space, but this new model from FoodCycler is the most compact we've tested. "It has a small footprint, but I find I can fit a fair amount of scrap in it," said one analyst, who has been testing this model in her home for the last six months. "That said, I do live alone, so it might not be as well suited to those cooking for a large family."
The FoodCycler Eco 3 operates similar to other FoodCycler models by drying, cooling and grinding food waste. And the grinding system is so powerful that it can handle pits, peels, bones and leftovers; many of which aren't traditionally composted. It also features an intuitive one-touch button for operation and easy-to-read LED interface.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Our analyst found this composter reduced the amount of fruit flies and food odors (thanks to the refillable carbon filter) in her kitchen. While she kept it on her floor during testing because of space constraints, she found it to fit nicely on a countertop as well. It was easy to empty because the interior removable bucket has a handle, but it was a bit fussy to click the bucket back in place. Also keep in mind that the compost cycle is relatively long and can make a squeaky noise during operation.
How we test the best countertop composters
To find the best countertop compost bins and electric composters, our pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab reviewed the capacity, material and type of filter for each model. We considered any data on the run time and noise level of each and whether the device includes a removable inner bucket. We also read the specifications and consumer reviews for the top products on the market.
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Our pros used the models at home to best approximate the frequency and variety of home use. We also tested models in our Lab as we have a lot of food scraps after a day of testing. We focused on food scraps and household waste, rather than yard trimmings. We also sent some models to at-home consumer testers and provided them with a feedback survey.
What to look for when shopping for the best countertop composter
✔️ Type: Indoor countertop composting options are available in two main types, the non-electric compost bin or the electric composter.
- Compost bin: These are usually lightweight, affordable and pretty compact. They are only designed for short-term food waste storage though, and should be emptied out in a compost pile.
- Electric composter: These indoor appliances will dry and grind your food scraps, mitigating odors and pests, with no outdoor compost pile required. They're more expensive and larger than compost bins, but quite similar in size to an air fryer or toaster oven.
✔️ Size: Countertop composters can vary in size. If you in fact want it to stay on your countertop, we recommend measuring your space and picking a model that would fit best. We've provided dimensions for each of our picks to make this process even easier.
✔️ Seal: Compost bins with tight-fitting lids will help contain odors, which is essential for indoor bins. A tight seal will also deter any rodents or pests that are curious about the bin even when scent is minimized. But you do want a bin that opens with ease.
✔️ Filters: Some indoor models rely solely on a sealed lid to prevent odors, but many include a filter. Look for removable filters that can either be washed or replaced. It's a bonus if your version includes replacement filters with the purchase of the bin.
✔️ Special features: Compost bins have fewer special features than electric composters. When it comes to electric composters, some have app capabilities, clean cycles and interfaces that allow you to track your system's composting progress.
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Sarah Gregory is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute. She holds a certificate of culinary arts from the International Culinary Center and has been cooking professionally and testing kitchen gear since 2016. She composts at home and has used several of the bins on this list.
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliance and Innovation Lab. She has tested all kinds of kitchen gear for GH, including gas ranges, microwaves, and blenders. She holds a B.S. in Food Studies, Nutrition and Public Health from New York University, where she studied sustainability practices. Eva has tested a few different electric and non-electric compost bins in her home and in the Lab and grew up in a household that composted regularly.
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Kitchen Appliance and Innovation Lab. She has worked in kitchen product development since 2014, and she oversees all testing related to cooking appliances and tools. She tested many of the bins on our list in her own home.
Sarah Gregory
Deputy Editor, Editorial Operations & Special Projects
Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
Eva Bleyer
Kitchen Appliances Lab Reviews Analyst
Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.
Tested byNicole Papantoniou
Kitchen Appliances Lab Director
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
