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The 9 Best Composters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil

Close up of FCMP Outdoor Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter set up outside

The Spruce / Emily Teel

A composter or compost bin makes it easy to turn your kitchen scraps into a nutritious soil additive to help your garden thrive, and it is also a simple way for you to reduce landfill waste.

“By harnessing the nutritional value of food scraps and discarded kitchen waste, and then re-introducing them to the earth, you’re creating safe, effective, and free fertilizers,” says Mary Phillips, Head of the Garden for Wildlife habitat program at the National Wildlife Federation. 

We tested 18 composters of different types in kitchens and backyards around the country, including outdoor tumblers and barrels, indoor countertop bins, and vermicomposters. Each composter was slowly filled with various food scraps over a 4-week testing period, during which we noted how easy it was to add scraps to the composter, as well as the difficulty of mixing the compost ingredients. We also evaluated the composters for odor control, design, and overall value and added the best options to this list.

What to Know Before You Get Started

When buying a composter, the main thing to consider is the method of composting. Composting methods can be broken into two categories—conventional and worm composting. These are further divided into two bin styles: stationary or tumbling.

  • Conventional composting bins can be indoor, kitchen-sized containers that sit on a counter (convenient for adding cooking scraps or for those without outdoor space) or outdoor direct-to-soil containers and piles that sit on the ground. Both styles allow the mix to break down on its own or with an occasional raking (for larger outdoor piles).
  • Worm composting or vermicomposting, relies partially on live worms to process scrapsand can be done indoors in a small bin, so they are good if space is limited, according to Phillips.
  • Tumbling compost bins are meant to be rotated regularly to mix up the materials, allowing them to decompose faster. They can have handles or rotate like a barrel and have one or more chambers, so you can have multiple batches at different stages.

For more shopping help with composters, check out our What to Look for Section below.

Editor’s Note: This review was updated in January 2024 based on our latest testing.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Black+Decker Tumbling Composter

Amazon Black+Decker 40-Gallon Dual-Chamber Tumbling Composter With Lid

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Odor Control
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Sturdy and easy to turn

  • Two chambers for different stages of compost

  • Large capacity

  • Keeps out rain and pests

What We Don't Like
  • Takes two people to assemble

Our best overall pick, the Black+Decker 40-Gallon Dual-Chamber Tumbling Composter, is great for those who want a medium-sized outdoor option that is easy to use and provides plenty of compost for your garden.

We put this composter to the test in an Iowa yard, where it was positioned in a sunny spot during a stretch of relatively warm weather without rain. During the 4-week testing period, we added fruit and vegetable scraps, as well as eggshells and coffee grounds, and were pleased that we never detected any unpleasant odors, nor did insects or rodents manage to access the contents.

Made of heavy-duty plastic with a metal frame, it has internal mixing bars to help speed up decomposition. We found it very easy to slide open the door to the composting chamber to add our scraps and appreciated the two chambers: one for curing the compost that's already begun to decompose and the other for adding fresh scraps.

Turning the composter is very easy, thanks to the large handle with a gear system that reduces the required effort. Black+Decker recommends cranking the composter five to 10 full rotations at least two or three times each week. There are air vents in the composter to help speed up decomposition, but the composter still keeps out pests and rain very effectively. Plus, we found the composter to be very sturdy and steady, even when it was windy outside. We also liked that we didn't have to bend down or lean over to access the composting chambers; the base of the chamber is 18.6 inches off the ground, and the full height of the composter is 40.3 inches.

While we didn't have rich, brown finished compost by the end of our testing period, the scraps were definitely on their way to decomposing nicely, and we intend to continue testing the composter long-term to learn how it performs over several months and through inclement weather.

Dimensions: 38 x 29.4 x 32.5 inches | Capacity: 40 gallons | Material: Plastic/metal | Chambers: 2

Best Value

FCMP Outdoor Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter

FCMP Outdoor Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Odor Control
    4.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Adjustable air vents

  • Easy to turn

  • Resistant to pests

What We Don't Like
  • Challenging assembly

Similar to our best overall pick, this option from FCMP is an easy-to-use, tumbling, multi-chamber bin you can store in your yard. It's slightly smaller than the FCMP, but it also costs less, so it's a great option if you want a reasonably priced, conveniently sized method of converting food waste into nutrient-rich compost.

We tested this composter in an Oregon backyard during a heatwave, although it was set in a spot that receives afternoon shade. Over several weeks, we added a variety of scraps, including fruit and veggie peelings, coffee grounds and paper filters, eggshells, the odd bit of cheese, cut up compostable takeout boxes, and shredded brown packing paper. We found that there was a slight odor of fermenting fruit but nothing too objectionable. Like other tumbling composters, it was a bit tough to assemble, and the task required two people. It doesn't have a handle for turning the chamber, but we found it simple to rotate it like a barrel. The manufacturer recommends rotating it five or six times every couple of days.

There are two chambers, each with a sliding door that we could open and close with just one hand. Multiple aeration holes speed up the decomposition process but don't allow pests or excessive moisture to enter. The composter holds up to 37 gallons total, which might be a bit small if you have a lot of food scraps or want enough compost to spread around a large yard, but we did appreciate that it doesn't take up too much space. The chamber is made of recycled BPA-free, UV-inhibited black plastic, which absorbs heat, promoting even faster material breakdown, and has a very stable steel frame.

Dimensions: 28 x 30 x 36 inches | Capacity: 37 gallons | Material: Plastic/galvanized steel | Chambers: 2

Best Wooden

Greenes Fence Co. Cedar Wood Outdoor Stationary Composter

Greenes Fence Co. Cedar Wood Composter

Greenes Fence Co.

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Odor Control
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Naturally insect- and rot-resistant

  • Can connect additional bins

What We Don't Like
  • Not best for small yards

  • Somewhat time-consuming assembly

If you are looking for a wooden bin, we love the Greenes Fence Co. Cedar Wood Composter. While testing, we appreciated its simple design—a large box made of cedar slats—and found it very versatile and durable. You can use it on its own or purchase additional kits to create up to a 3-bin system, allowing you to cycle your compost based on its breakdown state. Made of cedar, it does not absorb water, which helps prevent mold and fungus from growing inside this compost bin's beams.

We found it fairly simple to assemble—although time-consuming—and appreciated that doing so only required one person, unlike many of the other options we tested. You will need a rubber mallet handy, however. This is a large compost bin: It holds 173.9 gallons and measures 36 inches across each side, so you'll need to level out a patch of ground big enough to keep the box level.

We set the finished box in a mostly sunny area on a property in New York. With its open-top design, we had no problem filling the box with fallen leaves, food scraps, and other green waste. While concerned that there might be unpleasant odors from an open box such as this one, we found that the smell was earthy and pleasant; we added quite a bit of end-of-season basil and that gave the compost a very pleasing fragrance. You can easily turn the soil with a pitchfork or shovel to help speed up the breakdown process since there is no lid to remove.

The manufacturer recommends turning the pile every couple of weeks to improve airflow and speed up decomposition. Depending on the weather and what you add to the box, you can expect finished compost in anywhere from 3 months to a year.

If you don't have a large yard or are looking for a portable option, this bin may not serve your needs. However, despite these concerns, we still think this composter is a great option for avid gardeners who are looking for a durable and naturally-made compost bin.

Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 31 inches︱Capacity: 173.9 gallons︱Material: Cedar wood︱Chambers: 1

What can you put in a compost bin?

You can put all kinds of food scraps into a composter, such as apple cores, banana peels, vegetable skins, coffee grounds, eggshells, and bread. However, animal products, such as meat, dairy, and bones, generally aren't recommended because they can harbor pathogens and attract pests.

You also can add grass clippings, leaves, wood shavings, hay, animal manure, and other yard waste, as well as paper towels, cardboard, and shredded newspaper. "You should avoid grease and oils as they can cause the compost to become waterlogged," says Phillips. "Anything containing chemicals, such as treated wood and synthetic fertilizers, should also not be added to the compost." You should also avoid adding weeds to your pile, if your home regularly faces high temperatures, as they can regrow in your pile.

Best for Kitchens

Bamboozle Compost Bin

Amazon Bamboozle Compost Bin

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Odor Control
    4.8/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Sleek design and multiple color options

  • Filter to reduce odors

  • Made of biodegradable bamboo fiber

What We Don't Like
  • Smudges show easily

  • Potential for fruit flies or ants

The Bamboozle Compost Bin is a stylish indoor bin that is available in several different colors. While testing, we found it to be the perfect addition to our kitchen countertop (we tested the saffron color). With a small, 1.2-gallon capacity, it doesn't take up a lot of space and is light and easy to empty every day or two into a larger outdoor compost bin or your city's designated green waste barrel. It's made of biodegradable bamboo fiber and has a wooden handle for easy lifting.

During our testing period, we added a wide variety of fruit and vegetable scraps, and other than when we added onions, we noticed very little objectionable odor, thanks to the charcoal filter in the container's lid. The container comes with two filters, which the manufacturer recommends replacing every two months with new filters.

We liked how easy it was to scrape or dump our food scraps into the bucket but weren't as thrilled about the smudges that showed very easily on the container's lid and sides. While the manufacturer claims you can put this in the dishwasher, we washed it by hand out of concern for the wooden handle. We were concerned about problems with fruit flies or ants but didn't have any issues with either pest during our testing session.

Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 9.5 inches︱Capacity: 1.2 gallons︱Material: Bamboo, wood︱Chambers: 1

Best Large Capacity

Geobin Compost Bin

Amazon Compost Bin by GEOBIN - 246 Gallon, Expandable, Easy Assembly, Made in The USA

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.3/5
  • Odor Control
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Easy to set up

  • Adjustable size

  • 246-gallon capacity

What We Don't Like
  • Open to elements and pests

  • Dust and debris can leak out of ventilation holes

If you're looking for a very large, yet simple compost bin that's more contained than a pile on the ground, this is a great option, especially if you need a lot of compost. In fact, during our 4-week testing period, we didn't get it more than a quarter full, and that's with adding a lot of eggshells and paper cartons, coffee grounds, fruit rinds, vegetable scraps, and yard waste, plus a few buckets of sawdust.

We tested it on a property in Alabama, where it was assembled and positioned in a mostly shady spot during a period of warm weather. We found it easy to assemble; basically, this is a very large barrel made of high-density plastic mesh that you can clip together to size it as you need it, up to a maximum of 246 gallons (the largest on our list) and almost a 4-foot diameter. While we found it sturdy, be aware that if you live in an area with high winds, you'll want to stake the bin down to prevent it from blowing over.

Although we were concerned about odor from this open composter, that wasn't much of an issue. We did notice fruit flies flying out whenever we added more scraps or turned the decomposing materials, but we didn't have pest issues beyond that. However, it could attract insect or animal pests in some areas. Turning the pile of scraps was easy with a shovel or pitchfork, but we were less than thrilled about the dust and debris that leaked out of the ventilation holes as we tossed the compost. We recommend placing it in a discreet location in your yard.

Dimensions: 48 x 48 x 36 inches︱Capacity: 246 gallons︱Material: Recycled plastic︱Chambers: 1

Best for Worms

Worm Factory 360 Composter

Amazon Worm Factory 360 Composter

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Odor Control
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Capacity
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Low maintenance

  • Odor free

  • Helpful set-up instructions

  • Fun for kids

What We Don't Like
  • Worms not included

  • Not for extreme climates

The Worm Factory 360 is great for anyone looking for an efficient composting option, as the worms can easily compost scraps in just a few weeks. Although vermicomposters (compost bins that use worms) may not be appealing to every gardener, they are an efficient and low-maintenance composting method. "With this unique system, you can compost meat, fish, and pretty much any food, which is not recommended in other composting systems," says Phillips.

We set up our vermicomposter on a shaded, screened porch in one of our Alabama test gardens. Our scraps included fruit and vegetable waste, as well as eggshells. We found the worms did best with scraps that were chopped into small pieces. The vermicomposter kit comes with the starter bedding needed to keep the worms happy and healthy, but you can use shredded cardboard, newspaper, or coconut coir for additional bedding as needed. We didn't notice any odor from the composter, which was a definite plus.

The kit includes four stackable trays. You start with just one bottom tray filled with bedding and worms, along with your food scraps. Once the tray is full, you add the next tray, along with bedding, right on top and begin adding scraps to that tray. The worms will migrate on their own through the openings on the bottom of the tray to reach the new supply of food.

We found it a lot of fun watching the worms go to work, and if you have kids, the vermicomposter could even be an educational experience. The first tray takes about three months to become fully composted by the worms, according to the manufacturer, but every subsequent tray can take as little as a month to break down, so you'll soon be harvesting highly nutritious compost for your garden.

Along with the trays and bedding, the kit includes mineral rock dust, a hand rake and scraper, a worm ladder, the bin base with a spigot, and a comprehensive instruction manual. Note that it does not include the worms, but they are easily sourced from most pet stores, or you can even purchase them online. Once established, we found the vermicomposter to be very easy to manage, requiring just a few minutes each week. Just note that the worms should be kept in an area with temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees.

Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 24 inches︱Capacity: 3 cubic feet︱Material: Plastic︱Chambers: 4

Best for Cold Climates

Exaco Aerobin

Exaco Aerobin 113 gal. Composter

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Odor Control
    4.3/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Requires no turning or tilling

  • Built-in insulation

  • Drainage spigot

What We Don't Like
  • Bulky

Whether you experience extreme cold or heat, the Exaco Aerobin is built to withstand heavy rain and snow, as well as hot sunlight. We tested this large composter on a property in Iowa, where it was in a mostly shaded spot. While temperatures were quite warm during our testing session, there were some periods of high winds and a few storms, none of which affected the composter.

We loved how easy it was to add our food scraps and other materials. You simply drop in the food waste and forget about it until it's time to remove the finished compost. The insulated walls and lid keep the waste sheltered and don't affect the decomposition process inside the bin. Plus, an aeration core ensures a quick breakdown process without the need to turn or rake the decomposing compost.

This single chamber composter holds up to 113 gallons, but we only filled it up around one-quarter during our testing session. We did notice some odor initially, but it faded away as we added more paper scraps and other dry materials. The compost began breaking down quickly, and we really liked that there was a drainage spigot on the lower side of the composter for collecting compost "tea" for watering plants.

This composter only has one chamber, but its design allows you to access the decomposed matter from the lower side door, so you don't have to worry about tilling the material from the top. Keep in mind that this composter is the most expensive option on our list, so we recognize it may not be a realistic pick for everyone. However, if you're an avid gardener who's looking to care for winter vegetables and promote a healthy garden year-round, we think this bin is well worth the higher price tag.

Dimensions: 47 x 29 x 29 inches | Capacity: 113 gallons | Material: Plastic | Chambers: 1

Best Bokashi Kit

SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter

Amazon SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Odor Control
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Little maintenance

  • Built-in spigot

  • Produces "compost tea" for plants

What We Don't Like
  • Resulting material must be mixed with soil or added to an outdoor composter to finish decomposing

Bokashi—Japanese for "fermented organic matter"—refers to adding an inoculant to food scraps to accelerate composting. With this kit from SCD Probiotics, you just empty your table scraps into the 5-gallon bin, sprinkle some of the included Bokashi starter material on top, and close the lid tight. In our month of testing, we found it was just that simple: The bin was set on a kitchen counter, and over the testing period, we tossed in fruit and vegetable peels, spoiled fruit, fruit cores, and stems.

While we noticed a faint odor, it was not unpleasant, and we had no issues with fruit flies or other pests. Within 3 weeks, the capacity of the small bucket was reached. It was full of dark, crumbly, pre-compost that could be added to an outdoor composter for further decomposition, mixed in with potted soil in a container garden, or added to the soil in your outdoor planting beds.

The kit includes a tightly lidded 5-gallon bin with a perforated bottom that allows the "compost tea" (the liquid that results from the composting process, which can also be used to fertilize houseplants) to fall into a tray and then be emptied through the built-in spigot. We were especially excited about this feature. We also loved the overall ease of this system—it requires no maintenance beyond adding food waste topped with a sprinkling of the Bokashi starter. The kit comes with a 2-pound bag of Bokashi starter, but you can purchase more from the manufacturer as needed.

Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 18 inches | Capacity: 5 gallons | Material: Recycled plastic | Chambers: 1

Best Smart

Lomi Bloom Smart Composter

Wayfair Lomi Bloom Smart Composter

Wayfair

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Odor Control
    5/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
What We Like
  • Produces pre-compost within hours

  • Can breakdown most food scraps

What We Don't Like
  • Requires regular purchase of refills

It's undeniably an investment, but if you are looking for a state-of-the-art countertop composter that has an app allowing you to track your overall carbon footprint, monitor the state of your compost, earn points on refills, and quickly find troubleshooting advice, we recommend the Lomi Bloom. We found it very easy to use and effective at quickly producing pre-compost, which could then go into an outdoor composter or be mixed into soil in a plant pot or bed.

This is an electronic composting pail that grinds and heats the scraps while sensors control the moisture levels and airflow to produce pre-compost within just a few hours. A charcoal filter—the manufacturer recommends replacing it every 3 months—controls odors. The device also comes with 45 LomiPods, one of which is added to each composting cycle. These pods add helpful nutrients and prebiotics to the compost and speed up its decomposition.

We loaded it up with a wide range of food scraps, including fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, and chicken. We didn't notice any odor, even when we let the food sit for a day or two before running a cycle. It is somewhat bulky on the kitchen counter, however, and when running, it has a sound level comparable to a running dishwasher.

While we do love the speed and ease of using the Lomi Bloom, it does require you to purchase regular refills of the filters and the pods. Still, if you like the convenience of smart features, have the counter space to spare, and enjoy a steady supply of pre-compost for use in your flower beds or indoor garden, then this is a worthwhile investment.

Dimensions: 12 x 13 x 16 inches | Capacity: 0.8 gallons | Material: Plastic, metal | Chambers: 1

Compare

Quality Design Odor Control Value Capacity
Amazon Black+Decker 40-Gallon Dual-Chamber Tumbling Composter With Lid
Best Overall:
Black+Decker Tumbling Composter
5 5 5 5 5
FCMP Outdoor Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter
Best Value:
FCMP Outdoor Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter
4.5 5 4.8 5 5
Greenes Fence Co. Cedar Wood Composter
Best Wooden:
Greenes Fence Co. Cedar Wood Outdoor Stationary Composter
5 4.5 5 5 5
Amazon Bamboozle Compost Bin
Best for Kitchens:
Bamboozle Compost Bin
4.5 4.8 4.8 4.5 5
Amazon Compost Bin by GEOBIN - 246 Gallon, Expandable, Easy Assembly, Made in The USA
Best Large Capacity:
Geobin Compost Bin
4.5 4.3 5 5 5
Amazon Worm Factory 360 Composter
Best for Worms:
Worm Factory 360 Composter
5 4.5 5 4.5 4.5
Exaco Aerobin 113 gal. Composter
Best for Cold Climates:
Exaco Aerobin
4.5 4.8 4.3 4 5
Amazon SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter
Best Bokashi Kit:
SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter
5 5 4.5 4.5 5
Wayfair Lomi Bloom Smart Composter
Best Smart:
Lomi Bloom Smart Composter
5 5 5 3.5 5
Final Verdict

Our best overall pick for outdoor use is the Black+Decker 40-Gallon Dual-Chamber Tumbling Composter. It has two chambers to keep fresh scraps and already decomposing materials separated, is very easy to turn, and is made of sturdy, durable materials. If you are looking for a small compost bin that's worthy of display on your countertop, we love the Bamboozle Compost Bin, our best for kitchen pick. Made of bamboo fiber, this compact 1.2-gallon canister is lightweight, available in several colors, and does a good job of containing odors.

Other Options We Tested

We tested and found the following products impressive. Though they fell a bit short of our standards, we think they're still worth considering.

EPICA Countertop Compost Bin

Epica Stainless Steel Compost Bin

Amazon

During testing, we found a lot to love about this 1.3-gallon stainless steel bin. It is easy to clean, durable, sturdy, and doesn't take up excessive counter space. Plus, the filter in the lid works well to control odors, and we found it very easy to add scraps. Our only concern is that the lid's design could allow easy access for fruit flies, ants, or other pests. Otherwise, we think this is another stylish choice for your kitchen counter.

Miracle-Grow 18.5-Gallon Tumbling Composter Bin

Miracle-Gro Tumbling Composter - 18.5 Gallons

 Amazon

While we did find this compact composter to be easy to use, it was somewhat difficult to assemble, and we didn't like that there were gaps that dropped out dust and debris. We also wished the instructions were included, instead of only being available online. Still, these small issues aside, if you need a small outdoor tumbling composter, this one is a good option.

Close up of a Miracle-Gro Tumbling Composter outside

The Spruce / Elizabeth Theriot

How We Tested the Composters

We tested a total of 18 composters in various gardens (for outdoor composters) and in different kitchens (for countertop composters) around the country. Outdoor composters were set in sunny spots to provide warmth, but not too much heat, for the best results. While our initial testing period, used to assemble our list of best picks here, was 4 weeks long, testing will continue long-term and results will be updated as necessary.

All composters were evaluated on design, capacity, odor control, quality, and value

We started by assembling the composters where required, noting the difficulty of doing so. Each composter or composting bin was then placed in an appropriate spot, and food scraps, along with other green and brown waste, were added regularly until the composter was full. We added a variety of food waste and other materials, including fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, grass clippings, leaves, shredded newspaper, pine needles, peanut shells, and sawdust. The goal was to achieve a ratio of 30 parts dried brown material to every 1 part fresh green material as closely as possible.

Other than worm composters, which do not require outside mixing, tumbling composters were turned, and a pitchfork, shovel, or other tool was used to mix the decomposing materials in other types of composters at least once per week. At the end of the 4-week testing period, all bins and composters were evaluated for the ease or difficulty of adding scraps and mixing the decomposing compost. We noted if there was any odor during the testing session and if any pests, such as fruit flies or other insects, were attracted to the composter or bin. 

While we noted how much usable compost was created during the testing session, the process often takes longer than four weeks, so we did not remove points if no usable compost was yet present. 

A person putting together a Exaco Aerobin 113 gal. Composter

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

What to Look For in a Composter

Size and Location

An outdoor composting bin can take up quite a bit of space, so consider how much room you have to spare, as well as the amount of food and yard waste you’ll be recycling, before choosing one. Luckily, there is a wide range of sizes available. If you plan on mixing food scraps with lawn clippings and weeds, then you may want a larger compost bin like our best large capacity pick, the GEOBIN Compost Bin, to hold up to 246 gallons of food scraps and yard waste. If you’d like something that’s a more moderate size, then we like the FCMP Tumbling Composter, our best value pick, which holds up to 37 gallons of food waste and other materials. 

Whatever size you choose, it’s important to think about where you’ll sit your outdoor composter. Aaron Steil, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist at Iowa State University, says, “Part shade is the ideal spot for a composter. If it's in full sun, it's more likely to dry out too quickly, but if it's in full shade, it's not likely to get warm enough and may stay wet too long. So a location that gets some sun, but not too much, is ideal.”

Of course, many people don’t have a backyard at all but are still interested in the idea of composting or even living in an area that requires food scraps to be kept out of the regular trash that goes to a landfill. If that’s your situation, then an indoor compost bin, like our best for kitchen pick, the Bamboozle Compost Bin, is a great option. This small canister sits on your kitchen counter to collect food scraps but keeps them securely contained to avoid odors or pests.

Material

Plastic composters are often affordable, but if not designed to be weather resistant, over time, the material can become brittle from sun damage and could crack. Our best for colder climates pick, the Exaco Aerobin 400 Composter, is made from a durable plastic that's also resistant to wear from sun damage and uses the warmth from the sun in its composting process. This model is insulated as well, making it ideal for colder climates. Some plastic compost bins are made of recycled plastics, or are decomposable.

Wood is another material sometimes used for outdoor composting bins, including the Greenes Fence Co. Cedar Wood Composter, our best wooden pick. Wooden bins are generally large, open boxes that keep the compost contained, thus improving the look of your compost pile and preventing it from spreading or blowing around the yard.

Small compost containers designed to sit on a kitchen counter are sometimes made of metal or ceramic, which adds a little bit of a decorative touch.

Odor Control

You can usually control odors by being careful to maintain the proper ratio of 30 parts brown, carbon-rich materials, such as dead leaves, twigs, stems, and shredded newspaper to every 1-part of green, nitrogen-rich materials, such as vegetable and fruit scraps or grass clippings.

Steil says, “Outdoor composters really shouldn't smell bad at all. They should have either a pleasant earthy smell or an absence of smell. If it's smelly, then there's something off in the ratio of green material to brown material you have in the bin; like if you mowed and added a lot of grass clippings to the pile, that will smell. That's a lot of green material. But if you mix it with more of the brown stuff, it will not smell nearly as much. And that would be the same idea with some of these indoor collection bins, too. Introducing things like shredded newspaper or even some coffee filters work well for balancing the green materials. Coffee in general can help because that’s a carbon-rich source.”

FAQ
  • How do you use a composter?

    While many compost bins require only the occasional rotation or stir for ventilation and breakdown purposes, it's important to understand the entire composting process, so you know what to expect. "Beginner gardeners should understand the types of materials and rules for composting, the ideal composting environment, and how to maintain the compost pile," says Phillips. "Additionally, it’s helpful to have an idea of the time frame for when compost is ready to use in the garden."

    When starting to compost, you can expect the process to take several months before it's initially ready to use, she adds. Most compost piles can be started with fruit scraps, leaves, grass clippings, and a small amount of soil or compost starter. While most of the work of composting is done naturally over time, you should still check on your compost to ensure it is in a well-aerated, moist, and warm environment.

    It's also important, according to Steil, to avoid constantly adding more scraps once your composter is full. Doing so doesn't allow the compost to ever fully break down. Instead, he recommends composting in batches, where you allow each batch to completely decompose before starting a new batch. Some people like to use a 3-bin system for this, where one bin is for collecting new materials, one bin is for materials that are starting to decompose, and the final bin is compost that's ready to use.

  • Should a compost pile be directly on the ground?

    Your compost pile does not have to be directly on the ground to effectively decompose. Using a contained bin or barrel keeps compost materials from spreading or blowing around the yard and can also help keep out rodents and other pests.

    Several of the compost bins we've included in this list lack a bottom, which allows the contents to touch the soil, but that does not make them more or less effective than closed bins. It should be noted that direct-to-soil composting is when you mix kitchen scraps directly into the soil in a hole in your garden beds. This results in a nutrient-rich soil blend, says Phillips. When you take the pre-compost generated by indoor kitchen counter compost containers and bury it in the soil to continue decomposing, you are also practicing direct-to-soil composting.

    Steil adds that if you do prefer a compost pile that's directly on the ground, the ideal size is around 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet to achieve the heat level required for successful decomposition.

  • How often should water be added to a compost pile?

    Check your composter weekly to determine whether or not you need to add water. In a closed bin, you might not need to add extra moisture, as water that's expelled from the decomposing ingredients remains inside the chamber. But in an open outdoor bin, especially during hot or windy weather, the warmth of the decomposing materials can quickly evaporate the moisture and stall the composting process. Ideally, the contents of a composter should be moist but not soggy. If necessary, use a hose or bucket to add just enough water to keep the composting materials damp; be careful not to saturate the pile, though, which encourages mold and odor.

A Greenes Fence Co. Cedar Wood Composter set up outside

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Michelle Ullman, who is a writer specializing in home and garden products. She has been a freelance writer for The Spruce since 2020, covering a wide range of home improvement products including power and hand tools, painting supplies, landscaping tools, and tool organizers. For this article, she updated our list with the best composters and composting bins we most recently tested.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Vermicomposting. North Carolina State University Extension.

  2. Composting At Home. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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