Last Updated on January 15, 2022 by Grow with Bovees
As you’re here looking for the best compost crock, you’re obviously already a dedicated composter, eager not to miss out on all the gems of compost material that come from inside your home… to add to those from your outside yard.
Trouble is, if there isn’t somewhere convenient to stash it immediately, then it tends to just get chucked in the general trash, right? …There’s also the issue of it potentially being a bit smelly ……eeeeeuw!
So, we’re in agreement…
What you need is a kitchen countertop compost bin!….But which is the best countertop compost bin?
Exactly what design aspects you should consider when choosing the best compost crock for you personally, along with tips on getting the most out of it, are covered later on in this article.
Fact is, there is a wide array to choose from so ‘The Bovees Compost Crockers’ decided to thoroughly investigate on your behalf and have given their top recommendations below, with details of; for whom/what each one is best suited, and why.
In a hurry? Then here they are at a glance…
5 Best Compost Crock/Kitchen Countertop Compost Buckets
1. Abakoo Compost Bin — Best Large Sized Compost Pail
The Abakoo compost bin is available in three different colors and sizes including the 1.8-gallon capacity model that we have chosen here.
It is made from 304 grade stainless steel, and is molded in a single piece, making it strong and durable. Plus, being made from high grade stainless steel, it will not leach toxic chemicals into your compost.
It comes with a thick, activated charcoal filter in the lid, which works to absorb and trap odors in the bin, so your kitchen stays smelling fresh and clean.
Furthermore, the Abakoo compost bucket comes with not one but two filters, which can be cleaned easily with soap and water.
The particular model that we are recommending here measures 8.66″ diameter x 11″H, weighs 2.7 lbs, and can hold up to 1.8 gallons (6.81 l) of household scraps.
To top things off, the Abakoo compost bucket bin is fitted with a handle, making it easy to transport across areas.
Pros:
- Extra large capacity of 1.8 gallons (6.81 l) — fewer trips to empty it!
- 3 colors and 3 sizes available — suits a variety of color schemes
- Thick activated charcoal filter — FREE spare filter also supplied
- Measures 8.66” diameter x 11” high — small enough to fit neatly in the corner of a worktop
- Made from seamless 304 grade stainless steel — Rust and chip resistant
- Fitted with handle — Easy transporting to the compost pile
- 4.6 out of 5-star customer rating on Amazon
Cons:
- A couple of complaints about the filter not fitting snuggly inside the lid
2. EPICA Stainless Steel Compost Bin — Best Budget Compost pail
The EPICA compost bin slots in at the #2 position on this list of the best kitchen countertop compost bins for several reasons, most notably, it is the cheapest on our list and is VERY good value for money!
It measures 7.16” in diameter x 11” in height, and is made from high quality stainless steel, making it both rust resistant and leak proof.
Adding to this, it comes with; an airtight lid to discourage pesky fruit flies, and a replaceable activated charcoal filter, which traps and collects the odors naturally.,
The EPICA stainless steel compost bin comes in a modern design to complement any interior décor and is not prone to any cracking or chipping.
The filter of the EPICA compost bin is easy to clean with soap and water, and lasts for approximately six months with proper care.
Pros:
- Very reasonable priced
- Decent capacity of 1.3 gallons (4.92 l)
- Made from rust and leak-proof stainless steel
- Easy to clean replaceable activated charcoal filter
- 4.8 / 5 Stars for customer satisfaction on Amazon
Cons:
- Limited to 1 color option
3. Norpro Compost Keeper – Best Ceramic Kitchen Compost Bin
For an elegant compost bin that will make a beautiful addition to your kitchen, the Norpro ceramic compost keeper is hard to beat.
The Norpro ceramic compost pail measures 10″ x 7.75” x 6.25”, and is crafted from sturdy & thick ceramic clay, so it will last you for several years to come with proper care.
It can be ordered in a choice of four colors; Red, Black, White or a very attractive Blue & White flowery design.
While being a little on the heavy side at 5.73 lbs, it does have a sturdy stainless steel handle for easily transferring your collected items to your garden compost pile.
The lid of the Norpro compost bin features a replaceable rubber seal and an integrated filter, which lasts up to six months depending on use.
Pros:
- Four different colorways available — including an especially attractive blue/white floral design
- Perfect for a ‘country styled’ kitchen
- Made from thick & sturdy ceramic
- Robust Stainless steel handle
- Spare parts available — No worries if you accidentally smash the lid!
- 4.5 / 5 stars for Customer satisfaction on Amazon
Cons:
- Extra filter not included
- A little on the heavy side at 5.7lbs — this ceramic compost bin is probably not the right one for you if you have difficulty carrying heavy items or are a bit clumsy, then rather go for an unbreakable stainless steel compost bucket
4. Modern Barnhaus Compost Bin – Best Stylish Compost Pail
The Modern Barnhaus compost pail is available in a highly appealing turquoise color that is sure to prompt compliments from visiting family & friends.
It measures 7.5 inches (19.05 cm) diameter and 10.8 inches (27.43 cm) in height so will enhance your worktop without taking up too much space while at the same time fulfilling a very useful function with its 1.3 gallon (4.92 l) capacity.
The Modern Barnhaus compost bin is easy to clean, and is ideal as a collecting point for household compost materials including; houseplant debris, vegetable off cuts, fruit peelings, crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, scrap paper and teabags.
The Modern Barnhaus compost collector is a perfect gift for a, compost-making or keen gardening, friend.
It comes in a lovely gift box along with six replacement charcoal filters that last six months each and an extremely generous bonus of 50 replacement bags!
The helpful instruction manual also makes it ideal for ‘newbie composters’ to give it a go! – A perfect Birthday or Christmas gift!
Pros:
- Attractive turquoise color
- Cute modern, rustic design
- 6 FREE replacement filters
- 50 FREE replacement bags
- 1.3-gallon capacity
- Beautiful presentation gift box
- 4.7 / 5 stars for customer satisfaction on Amazon
Cons:
- Some complaints about paint chipping and rust over time.
5. CozmicDriftr Compost Bin
The CozmicDriftr compost bin is a delightful, quirky, premium quality ceramic compost crock.
Built to last awhile, it also boasts an appealing traditional ‘Mason Jar’ design in a combination of pale blue body and an off-white lid that will add charm to any kitchen while providing composting functionality at the same time.
The CozmicDriftr compost bin is designed to accommodate a 10 cm carbon filter, and includes a pack of three filters to get started.
It can be used with or without a composting bag, and is suitable for 1.2 gallon bag sizes.
The inside of the CozmicDriftr compost pail is coated with a smooth glaze, which makes it a joy to wash without putting in much effort.
It is fitted with a metal handle, so you can carry it around easily to your main compost pile.
The CozmicDriftr measures 5.5 x 5.5 x 10 inches, and weighs just three pounds.
Pros:
- Appealing color and ‘Mason Jar’ design
- Lightweight (for a ceramic jar) — a little over 3 lbs
- 3 filters included
- Smooth glazed interior for easy washing
- Integrated handle
Cons:
- A little small in size
What’s A Countertop Composter?
A countertop composter just as the name would suggest is a compost bin that sit neatly on your countertop rather than hanging inside a cupboard door, for instance.
Most kitchen countertop compost bins are fairly lightweight, and come with handles to move the scraps into your compost pile.
How to Save and Store Kitchen Scraps for Composting
There are several ways to store and save kitchen food scraps, starting with a basic plastic bag in the cupboard under the sink.
You can even freeze these scrap-filled plastic bags if it’s the autumn and you’re only going to start composting in the spring.
However, food scraps collected in plastic bags will emit odors (and some can be strong!) and may linger for a while in your kitchen.
So the best way to store food scraps and other organic kitchen waste is in a custom designed composting bin which has a tight-fitting lid with a seal and a charcoal filter to absorb the ‘miffy’ smells, and to prevent any grubs in the composting material from escaping.
Bad smelling compost tends to be due to too many green materials compared to brown, so it is wise to occasionally chuck in a bit of ripped up egg box or newspaper to keep the balance right.
Just be careful to avoid bits with shiny finishes or glue attached to them.
Does a Kitchen Compost Bin Need Air Holes?
Short answer is yes, and here’s why!
The air holes in kitchen composters help the composting material breathe which will accelerate the composting process and also stop it from stinking.
And not just one or two holes…the best is to have quite a few.
However, the holes should have some kind of covering over them that allows air to pass freely…but not fruit flies!
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Countertop Compost Bin
There are several factors to consider when fine-tuning the profile for choosing the best countertop compost crock for your kitchen waste, most notably:
Size
More specifically here we are concerned with the capacity of the counter top crock.
The capacity dictates the amount of compost scraps a crock can hold. If you have the potential to produce a lot of kitchen waste then go for a higher capacity compost crock, such as the Akaboo, our #1 model, which has a 1.8 gallon (6.81l) capacity.
Construction
The material a compost crock is made of plays an important role in the durability of the bin and the quality of compost.
Plastic Composting Crock
Personally, I would steer clear of kitchen compost crocks made of plastic, as plastic can leak toxic chemicals into your compost. They are also prone to absorbing smells, so they will have a limited life span on that basis.
Stainless Steel Compost Crock
A stainless steel kitchen compost bin is an excellent choice, but make sure the stainless steel is of good quality and preferably with no seam around the base, otherwise any build up of moisture inside (which is fairly inevitable) may lead to rust and a nasty brown stain on your worktop.
Ceramic Compost Bucket
A ceramic compost container is great when it comes to cleaning and aesthetics, but not so great if you are inclined to break things or have mobility issues.
Bamboo Compost Jars
Bamboo is a nice eco-friendly option so has great ‘feel good’ benefits, however, bamboo does absorb odors so just be warned that you might need to replace it within a couple of years.
Charcoal Filter
A decent compost bucket will always come with a filter of some sort.
Generally, as with all the models we are recommending here, they come with the filter in the lid.
The filters are usually made from activated carbon or charcoal which serves as a natural deodorizer for your kitchen counter compost bin.
Being located in the lid of the crocks, they prevent the smell from escaping through the aeration holes.
Each charcoal filter lasts for roughly six months depending on use, and a lot of them are washable.
If your kitchen counter top bin didn’t come with a filter, you can buy them separately.
Compost Bags
You can use a compost bag if you want, or choose not to, but not doing so will make the interior of the bin dirty quickly, especially if you’re throwing in wet kitchen scraps.
Compost bags are compost friendly, so you simply need to pick up the filled bag, and add it to your compost pile.
You will have to buy replaceable bags separately if your compost bin didn’t come with any.
Handle
An integrated handle allows you to easily take the compost collected in your kitchen to your main compost pile. It is especially handy if you aren’t using replaceable bags.
It is also useful for moving the crock around when cleaning the worktop.
Shape
For ease of emptying the compost onto your heap in the garden, it is best to choose one that has a wide opening for the lid and isn’t tapered to the top of the chamber.
The size of the opening also affects how easy it is to clean, so unless the person cleaning it has particularly small hands, then you want to go for one with a decent size opening at the top.
Is It Possible to Find a Stylish Compost Bin?
All the countertop compost pails mentioned on this list feature an elegant design, and some can be had in an assortment of great colors.
What Kitchen Waste Should One Put in a Countertop Compost Bin?
To make compost, basically all you need to do is collect ‘brown’ materials such as dead leaves & corn stalks….. mix them together with green materials e.g. vegetable scraps and grass clippings and keep the mixture moist until it turns into lovely rich compost.
There are a lot of materials that the average family in the States tends to chuck straight in the waste bin, when in actual fact they are great for making compost.
These include; all vegetable or fruit waste, old bread, corn husks, banana peels, egg shells, coffee grounds and filters, citrus pulp, small pieces of ripped up scrap paper, paper towels, dead flowers from bouquets, some bones, clippings & leaves from healthy household plants, certain types of wax paper are also compostable.
What Should You Not Put in Kitchen Compost?
Warm or hot material — Let it cool down first as excess moisture from warm matter can decrease the life of the filter.
Raw Egg — Although it’s fine for a bit of raw egg to go on a compost heap, it turns smelly very quickly, so I’d personally avoid putting it in crock containers. Leaving egg shells on the side to dry out a bit before putting them in helps, or rinsing them quickly under the tap.
The Bag Bit of a Teabag or Coffee Bag — Unless it states on the packet that the bag itself is compostable then it is best to be on the safe side and pull the bag apart to empty the contents into your crock and throw the bag in the general trash. If you’re in a hurry, you can always pop the bag on a saucer next to the crock and wait until you’ve got a few to empty (as happens in our house!)
Protein — Fish & meat scraps — Theoretically it’s fine for protein to go on the compost pile as it will ultimately break down as do dead worms and small animals etc. However, it does take a while for protein to fully decompose and in the meantime it unfortunately attracts vermin such as rats and raccoons, so personally I’d leave it out.
Glossy or coated paper — The chemicals used in producing the glossy effect on magazine pages and the like contain toxins that are not good for your compost pile. This includes the little sticky labels that you get on fruit & veg so watch out for them too!
Coal fire ash — Wood Fire ash is fine…coal fire ash isn’t, as it contains a lot of sulfur which can harm some plants. A lot of charcoals also have other chemicals added to them which are also not good for your compost pile.
Do Countertop Compost Crocks Smell Bad?
This depends on the type of scraps you add, and your composting bin. The smell will be minimal if you have a bin with a filter, which will also prevent you from emptying the bin often, because if the green/brown balance isn’t monitored carefully, it can smell like sewage or ammonia as it breaks down.
Unfortunately (smell-wise) food scraps do tend to come under ‘green’ material so, as mentioned before, it is a good idea to occasionally add some carbon rich ‘brown’ material such as; sawdust, dead houseplant leaves, corn stalks, tumble drier lint and nut shells.
How Do You Use a Kitchen Compost Pail?
It’s pretty straight forward really, anything that you are happy to put on your compost pile is good to go in composting crocks, whether you have a ceramic compost crock, a stainless steel compost bin or you just stick your kitchen compost in a bucket in the corner of the kitchen.
How often you empty your counter top compost onto your compost pile will be dictated by when your kitchen compost crock is full or when it’s ended up getting a bit smelly!
Conclusion Of What Is the Best Kitchen Compost Bin?
The best compost crock for kitchen use depends on the user’s personal requirements and preferences.
We hope the information that the Bovee’s Compost Crock hunters have covered above has educated you on the different types available along with their good and bad points.
All the models that have made it into our top 5 are both functional AND nice to look at so now it’s just up to you to decide which countertop compost bin suits YOU best.