Whether you live in a small apartment in the city, or a home in a rural town, using an indoor composting bin can be a big part of limiting your carbon footprint and making good use of your food scraps.
Composting food scraps is becoming a popular practice because it has so many benefits for the environment and your backyard.
There are so many indoor compost bins coming on to the market it’s hard to sort through which are the perfect fit for you.
There are many factors to consider, and finding the right compost bin can depend on your experience with composting, space, and intended use of the resulting compost.
Using an indoor composting bin can be a messy, smelly, and sticky business, but some fantastic indoor composting bins can make composting easy, sanitary, enjoyable, and exciting.
So which indoor compost bin is best for you? We break down the best indoor composting units that can start turning your food scraps and organic waste into garden gold.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: Exaco Eco 2000 | A perfectly sized and no-frills indoor compost bin. A simple design that can be placed anywhere and turns food waste into rich organic matter. | Check Price |
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Best Vermicomposter: Worm Factory 360 Composting Bin | The larger size makes this a fantastic choice for seasoned composters. Turns scraps into worm tea. It’s also a lot of fun for kids. | Check Price |
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Best Electric Composter: Food Cycler Platinum Indoor Food Recycler | Speeds up the composting by milling scraps into fine material. For those who don’t have time or interest in highly involved composting. | Check Price |
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Best Bokashi Composter: SCD Probiotics K100 All Seasons Indoor Composter Kit | This composting kit uses a fermentation process to produce compost and compost tea that can be used to make nutrient-rich water. | Check Price |
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Best For Small Amounts Of Waste: Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin | Stylish kitchen counter compost bin. Perfect for those who want to start with a small composting method. | Check Price |
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Best For Convenience: YukChuk Under-Counter Indoor Kitchen Composter | This low-profile, small-size compost bin can be attached to the inside of your cupboard for easy access and discrete composting inside. | Check Price |
How We Narrowed Down the Best Indoor Compost Units
There are quite a few variables to consider when looking into an indoor compost bin, so how did we narrow them down to these 6?
Size
Of course, we’re talking indoor composting units, so having anything the size of a traditional compost bin or compost pile made for an outdoor space would be absurd and troublesome.
We wanted to find the best indoor composters that wouldn’t make it a hassle to compost.
We zeroed in on units that fit on your counter, in a cabinet, under your sink, or in a closet next to your trashcan.
Odor
With indoor composting comes the inevitable smell and fruit flies, and although that’s a sign your compost is doing its magical work, it’s not something we necessarily want to invite into our homes.
So finding indoor compost units that could limit that smell as much as possible, if not eliminate it, was crucial.
So we had found units that utilized hermetically sealing lids and filters to tame the stench.
Practicality
We understand that not everyone has a lovely outside garden where you can throw your organic material when your compost bin is full.
Some people just want to feed their indoor plants or do their part by subscribing to a town composting program.
We wanted to ensure that you had the proper unit to complement your efforts no matter what your situation.
Durability
Those compost units have a lot to handle, so we wanted to make sure our units could handle the task of composting all the food scraps without breaking or leaking.
We wanted the toughest of the tough to ensure your compost stays inside the compost bin and doesn’t end up on your floor!
Best Indoor Composting Unit Reviews
1. Best Overall: ECO 2000 Plus Kitchen Compost Waste Collector
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 |
| Easy To Clean | 5/5 |
| Size | 5/5 |
Size: 8.5 x 9 x 12in | Material: Plastic (HDPE) | Brand:Exaco | Capacity: 2.5 gallons| Weight: 2lbs
What We Liked
- Simple to use
- Locking lid to contain mess and smells
- Handle for easy carrying
- Charcoal filters to prevent smells
- Small enough to fit in cabinets
What We Didn’t Like
- Not a stylish bin
- Plastic is not so durable
No frills, no glitz, no glam, but highly functional and perfect for those looking for a no-nonsense indoor compost bin.
We highly recommend the ECO 2000 Plus for your indoor compost needs, especially for those beginners just getting acquainted with the benefits of the composting process.
This unit holds a fair amount for those who cook often and find themselves with a substantial amount of fruit and vegetable scraps.
It’s still compact enough to fit in a cupboard or cabinet under the sink, so it doesn’t need to hang out anywhere that’s inconvenient.
We really love the charcoal filter. The lid has a charcoal filter, which prevents any strong smells from coming out, but allows air in so the material can compost.
The filters can be a bit pricey, but that didn’t bother us since the unit is very affordable, and the filters work well enough to be worth the money.
How it Works
This unit is pretty simple. You can put it almost anywhere, you can even keep it outside if you like, and it has a handle, so carrying it around is a breeze.
This is your standard compost bucket. It has a locking lid to keep smells in and can be used with or without a compost bag, depending on your needs.
Just throw your scraps in, and let the process happen.
It’s also dishwasher safe, so once you empty it, you can place it in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning and get it back to composting.
What it Produces
The Exaco ECO 2000 is a standard composting unit. You just throw the appropriate refuse in, and at the end of a 2 to 4-week process, you’ll be rewarded with compost for your garden.
The aesthetic design left us wanting more. It isn’t the most stylish unit, and if you want a unit to compliment your stylish kitchen, this may not be your choice.
It has the bulky green look of something that belongs outdoors or tucked away, but that’s the benefit of its size.
Our only serious complaint is that the plastic bucket is slightly flimsy and may warp over time or due to heat exposure. The issue that arises from this is that the lid won’t lock tightly, and the odors can start to escape.
See Price on Amazon2. Best Vermicomposter: Worm Factory 360 Composting Bin
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 |
| Easy To Clean | 4/5 |
| Size | 4/5 |
Size: 17.95 x 17.95 x 14.95 inches | Material: Plastic | Brand: Worm Factory | Capacity: 4-8 Gallons | Weight: 11lbs
What We Liked
- A large capacity bin
- Nutrient-rich results
- Produces worm castings, compost, and worm tea
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires a bit of maintenance
- Requires more than just food scraps
If you’re looking for a more interactive composting experience, we highly recommend the Worm Factory 360.
Not only is this worm farm effective, but it’s enjoyable and makes you feel like more of a participant in the composting process.
Worm composters produce a type of compost called “vermicompost,” a nutrient-dense product created by worms that contain castings and organic matter.
That’s right, the sign of good soil is the presence of our wriggly little buddies, and they are a key factor in the development of fertile soil.
This set of worm bins recreates that process by keeping a home for your worms, and it only requires about 15 minutes of weekly upkeep.
Also, since you’re feeding worms, you have to add what’s appropriate to their diet, so no meat, bones, or dairy are allowed in the Worm Factory 360.
How it Works
The Worm Factory 360 comes with multiple levels and a “worm ladder.”
To begin the process, you have to begin with the lower layer, fill it with the shredded paper and coconut mulch, and then introduce your wiggly friends to the mix.
You’ll add them to this first layer as you accrue food scraps, feeding your worms.
As you continue to add to it, the mound will grow higher, and when it gets high enough, you can add the next level, or the next worm bin, right on top.
You will repeat the same process as the bottom layer, and eventually, the worms will climb up to that second layer as you add food scraps, and the first layer will now be a nutrient-rich compost with worm castings.
Worm castings are essentially the nutrients left behind by the worms, which are the benefits of vermicompost.
What it Produces
The product of this worm farm is vermicompost. However, it also creates a “worm tea,” the liquid runoff from the vermicompost itself.
There’s a catch at the very bottom of the worm factory, where all of the liquid runoff from the vermicompost gathers, and a spigot.
Just open the spigot, and you get that runoff in the form of this “tea,” which can be used to feed plants when diluted with water. It gives anything you’re growing a nice boost of nutrients.
This composter would be in our top position, but it is a little bit more involved, and some of the more busy composters out there may not have the patience or time to feed and work with the little critters.
Also, it requires the addition of paper scraps and something to aerate your soil.
It includes pumice, but you have to invest in more once you run out. We believe the resulting compost is worth the investment, especially if you want to increase your sustainability.
See Price on Amazon3. Best Electric Composter: Food Cycler Platinum Indoor Food Recycler
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 2/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Scent | 5/5 |
| Easy To Clean | 5/5 |
| Size | 3/5 |
Size: 12.6 x 11 x 14.2 in | Material: Plastic (Outside) Steel (Inside)| Brand: Vitamix | Capacity: 2L | Weight: 27lbs
What We Liked
- An interesting and stylish look
- No odor
- Easy to use
- Can break down scraps quickly
What We Didn’t Like
- Pricey
- Requires electricity
- Doesn’t create traditional compost
The FoodCycler should be at the top of your list for those who aren’t so interested in the recycling process and don’t want to wait.
This nifty and more technologically-inclined unit can be placed on your counter or put in a cabinet when not used.
The FoodCycler isn’t at all like a normal composter. Composting is a process initiated and propagated by bacteria, but this unit creates what the makers of the FoodCycler call “Foodilizer.”
Yes, we believe it is a cool word as well, and it’s an interesting alternative to traditional compost.
How It Works
After filling your FoodCycler with scraps, you can put it through a cycle. The process begins with the push of a button, and the cycle will run for about 6 hours.
Through heating and blending of the material, you’re rewarded with a product comparable to coffee grounds.
It will reduce the material by up to 90%.
There isn’t as much space as the Exaco, so if you normally produce a lot of compostable material at once, this may not be for you since you can only have up to 2L of material in there at a time.
However, if you run it every day, you can let it run overnight and empty it the next day.
BONUS: The FoodCycler is surprisingly quiet, so you don’t need to worry about it being too loud.
It also does let off some steam since there is a heating mechanism in the process, but that’s nothing to be concerned about.
What it Produces
This “Foodilizer” produced from this process can simply be added to your household plants or your garden. We recommend that you add this to a batch of compost and let it settle for at least a week if you intend to use it in a garden.
This will then allow it to become inoculated by bacteria and become proper compost. Using straight from the unit won’t give you the benefits a standard compost can, but it still has nutritional value for your soil.
Side Note: Some reviewers have mentioned that it doesn’t break down certain materials, such as bones, but that doesn’t mean the resulting product is unusable, especially if you’re adding it to a larger composting unit outside or your garden.
That said, it can be a bit of a disappointment if you’re looking for it to breakdown everything into finer material.
This unit is very impressive and stylish, but with that comes a higher price. So if you aren’t looking to make your composting journey a higher investment, you may choose one of the more affordable options from this list.
See Price on Amazon4. Best Bokashi Composter: SCD Probiotics K100 All Seasons Indoor Composter Kit
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 3/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 |
| Easy To Clean | 4/5 |
| Size | 4/5 |
Size: 12 x 12 x 18 inches | Material: BPA Free Plastic | Brand: SCD Probiotics | Capacity: 5 gallons | Weight: 6lbs
What We Liked
- A large capacity bin
- Produces compost and compost tea
What We Didn’t Like
- Can have a very distinct odor
- Requires a continued source of Bokashi
As discussed, composting utilizes bacteria to break the food down and endow it with that nutrition that gives your soil a thriving and productive microbiome.
You get to introduce the bacterial culture that works for this particular unit.
How It Works
Bokashi is a type of fermenting culture that relies on an anaerobic process, which means that it ferments without oxygen.
Traditional composting utilizes an aerobic process, which, you guessed it, requires oxygen.
When you receive your bucket, you also get a bag of Bokashi, which is the consistency of little pebbles or pellets. Whenever you add a layer of food scraps, you add a layer of Bokashi.
Over time the fermentation process will take place, and with every layer of waste, you will add more Bokashi.
This unit’s smell is something to get accustomed to.
If you have experience with the yeast scent from brewing beer, fermenting vegetables, or even making sourdough, the scent will be familiar, but for those who aren’t accustomed to that smell, it can be unpleasant.
We recommend placing it into a garage or even outside if this is a unit that interests you, but you are put off by the possibility of that type of odor.
What It Produces
In addition to the composted material, the Bokashi produces its own “tea,” or liquid, that can be a nutritious food for your plants when diluted with water.
Our friends at SCD Probiotics were kind enough to add a spigot at the bottom of the unit to easily access and use it immediately.
As for the compost itself, the process of fermentation may be different from standard compost, but it can still be used in the same way.
You can throw it in your garden or add it to any standard compost.
Much like the Worm Factory, you want to be a bit careful about what you put in. We found that adding moldy foods could lead to some issues since it can interrupt the process.
See Price on Amazon5. Best for Small Amounts of Waste: Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Odor Control | 5/5 |
| Easy to Clean | 5/5 |
| Size | 3/5 |
Size: 10.87 x 8.66 x 7.91 inches | Material: Stainless Steel | Brand: Epica | Capacity: 1.3 gallons | Weight: 0.01 oz
What We Liked
- Compact and can be placed anywhere in your kitchen
- Sleek and stylish design
- Very little odor
- Tight lid to keep food and odors secure
What We Didn’t Like
- On the smaller side
If you want something sleek and stylish but also practical, this is going to be your new best friend!
The Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin can easily fit into the aesthetic of your kitchen and is a perfect unit to have on your counter as you’re cooking.
As you can tell by its capacity, it’s the smallest of the units on our list, but it’s perfect for those who don’t do a lot of composting or have a large outdoor compost unit and just need something small inside for when they’re cooking.
How it Works
As with any standard compost bin, it’s a simple design.
What’s fantastic about this particular unit is that the lid has a nice tight seal and a filtration system. You place the filter within the lid, and you should be safe from offensive odors.
The filters are also inexpensive and, if properly cared for, can be used for up to 6 months, so this is a very affordable unit, and best of all, since it’s made of stainless steel, it’s durable and easy to clean.
Some reviewers have mentioned that they encountered issues with the latching mechanism for the lid.
It didn’t close tightly and resulted in the odor coming out, but we didn’t experience that issue with the lid.
What It Produces
Due to the size of this unit, if you’re using it often with a lot of refuse, you’ll need to empty it too often for it to produce any kind of finished compost.
However, if you find you don’t often compost, this unit will be able to compost your material in at least 2 weeks, and then you have the proper compost for a small garden.
We also found this as a perfect bin if you’re signed up for a composting program and just need a convenient little unit to place your scraps while waiting for your pick-up date.
See Price on Amazon6. Best for Convenience: YukChuk Under-Counter Indoor Kitchen Composter
Product Ratings
| Affordability | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 |
| Easy To Clean | 5/5 |
| Size | 4/5 |
Size: 10.5 x 6 x 12.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Brand: YukChuk | Capacity: 1.5 gallons | Weight: 16 oz
What We Liked
- Can be mounted inside your cabinet
- Easy to open with one hand
- Tight closing lid to contain odors and scraps
What We Didn’t Like
- Process can take longer to create compost
- Doesn’t use filters
Since YukChuk has been featured in Martha Stewart Living Magazine, you know you can’t go wrong with this compost bin.
We really enjoyed this particular unit because it can be mounted inside cupboard doors to save space.
We also found that it was very convenient when cooking since we could open it with one hand.
How it Works
Because it can be tucked away, the process may not work as quickly as other units. Placing it in a dark, cool space can slow it down. This is compounded by the fact that there’s no filter.
This causes a lack of airflow, which can slow the process. It will still occur but not as quickly. The tight sealing lid contributes to the slowing process, as well. However, it is great for keeping odors inside the bin.
Since the unit mounts onto the door, we suggest you use compost bags inside. You don’t want to remove the unit every time you need to empty it.
What It Produces
Due to the stunted compost process and its size, this bin may be best to commence your compost process, and then, once it’s full, transfer it to a larger compost bin that you have dedicated to the long-term process.
That being said, if you don’t produce so much waste, this is a great bin to have. It’s discrete and has a fair amount of space.
See Price on AmazonComparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | Best Vermicomposter | Best Electric | Best Bokashi | Best for Least Waste | Best for Convenience |
| Overall Rating | 4.6/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Affordability | 5/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy to Clean | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Size | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Ease of Use and Compost Time
| Products | Capacity (Gallons) | Ease of Use | Time to Compost Waste |
| Exaco 2000 | 2.4 | Easy | 2-4 Weeks |
| Worm Factory | 4-8 | Difficult | 6 Weeks |
| FoodCycler | 0.5 | Very Easy | 3-6 Hours |
| Bokashi | 5 | Medium | 4 Weeks |
| Epica | 1.3 | Easy | 2-4 Weeks |
| YukChuk | 1.5 | Easy | 2-4 Weeks |
What Can You Compost?
| Products | Composts Veg and Paper | Composts Meat and Bones | Composts Dairy and Fat |
| Exaco ECO 2000 | X | ||
| Worm Factory | X | ||
| FoodCycler | X | X | X |
| SCD Probiotics K100 | X | X | X |
| Epica Compost Bin | X | ||
| YukChuk Under Counter Composter | X |
The Winner
Overall, our favorite was the Exaco ECO 2000.
In terms of size, it had a perfect capacity while still being compact enough to place anywhere.
It didn’t require any additional care or extra materials like some of the others on our list.
In our opinion, composting doesn’t need to be complicated or flashy, and it certainly shouldn’t be expensive.
So for the average composter, we highly suggest this compost bin.
How to Choose the Best Compost Unit for Your Home
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best indoor compost unit for your home.
These are the things that we took into consideration when choosing indoor composting units to test and review.
Will it Fit?
First and foremost is the size of the unit itself.
Are you in a small apartment or a spacious home with a garage?
If you are in a smaller space, you don’t want to be overburdened by a large unit like the Worm Factory, and a little unit like the Epica would probably be best.
What Do You Intend To Use The Compost For?
The end result of compost is a versatile product, and depending on what your circumstances are will help you to choose your unit.
If you’re just doing your part for the environment and are signed up for a compost service that picks it up every couple of weeks, you just need a unit that can hold the amount you normally accumulate over that time before pick up.
A unit like the Worm Factory may be too involved, or something like the FoodCycler may be too pricey to justify your purchase.
However, if you intend to use it for your own garden, something like the Worm Factory or the Bokashi is great because it produces such nutrient-rich compost.
Those are units that are perfect for the avid gardener, or if you’re attempting to become more sustainable in the long run, some of these units may be extremely helpful.
How Involved Would You Like to Be In the Process?
Some compost units are quite straightforward.
The YukChuk, Epica, and Exaco are all pretty simple and just require you to place your refuse inside and wait until it is full or emptied on composing pick-up day.
However, a unit like the Worm Factory is great if you want to be more involved and have a deeper interest in the actual process.
The same goes for the Bokashi. Although it isn’t as involved as the Worm Factory, it’s a different composting process than the other units.
If you don’t want to be much involved in the process, don’t want to risk any odor, and have the extra funds, we suggest you lean towards the FoodCycler since it’s hassle-free.
If you have household plants, a tiny garden, or a cool rooftop garden, we hope these indoor compost bins help make your life a more sustainable one!