10 Best Compost Bins [Buyer Guide]
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Owning a compost bin can be a great way for you to reduce the amount of chemicals that you use in your garden, as well as naturally fertilise the soil that you already have. Composting is also great for those who want to live sustainably or “zero waste” by ensuring that they don’t throw away precious food which can be put back into the earth for plants.
Compost bins encourage bacteria and microorganism growth, such as worms and beetles which will break down the food into compost which can then be put into the soil. We’ve reviewed the top 10 compost bin’s on the market, taking into account their key features and specifications, as well as how it would fit inside your home. We’ve also included a detailed buyer guide summary and FAQ at the bottom to answer any of your burning questions.
Brabantia Sort and Go Food Waste Caddy
The Brabantia Sort and Go Food Waste Caddy, Plastic, 6 L – Mint Green is a compact and modern looking compost bin that comes in a beautiful mint green colour. Perfect for your kitchen or for smaller spaces, this is ideal for someone living on their own or for a couple that doesn’t produce a lot of compost waste. It’s easy to use and dispose compost from, and overall is an affordable and chic accessory for your kitchen.
Key Features:
Chic and compact design
Ideal for smaller kitchens and for those who don't have much to compost
Mint green colour with snap lid
Specification:
Brand
Brabantia
Weight
520 G
Capacity
6 litres
Material
Plastic
Colour
Mint
Pros
Sizing is perfect for smaller households/kitchen
Cons
Sizing not suitable for large households
Addis Eco 100% Recycled Plastic Compost Caddy Bin
The Addis Eco 100% Recycled Plastic Everyday Kitchen Food Waste Compost Caddy Bin is a 100% recycled product that is made from old plastic. Easy to use and store, this is a perfect caddy bin for those who are just entering the world of composting but don’t have a ton of food waste. It comes with a handle, making it easy to carry around and empty, and the brand allows you to choose from a ton of colours which will go with the aesthetic of your kitchen. Overall a great product which does exactly what it says on the tin.
Key Features:
Made from 100% recycled plastic
Eco friendly and earth conscious
Ideal for solo living, couples or small households
Handle and snap lid top
Specification:
Brand
Addis
Colour
Light grey
Capacity
4.5 Litres
Dimensions L x W x H
18.5 x 24 x 19 centimetres
Material
Recycled plastic
Pros
Handle is practical for taking the compost trash out
Great for couples or those without a lot of space
Cons
Sizing may not be suited to everyone
Addis 2.5L Kitchen Compost Caddy
The Addis 2.5L Kitchen Compost Caddy White Green is a small but mighty compost bin that comes in 2.5L and is free-standing with a small handle. This is great for couples or solo living, and also for those who have small kitchens. The colour scheme is neutral white and green, and the overall design of the compost bin is ergonomic and modern – meaning that it won’t look clunky in your living space.
Key Features:
Removable lid
Large handle
Compact and ergonomic design
Wipes clean
No slip feet
Specification:
Brand
Addis
Colour
White/Green
Material
Plastic
Weight
9.07 g
Pros
Great for small households due to compact size
Cons
Not suitable for larger households
Gr8 Garden Large 300 Litre Composting Box
The Gr8 Garden Large 300 Litre Composter Eco Compost Converter Recycling Soil Outdoor Storage Bin Waste Grass Composting Box is the ultimate compost bin for those who are in larger households or commercial buildings where there is a lot of waste. Boasting 300 litres, these compost bin’s are great for food and garden waste and can sit outside of the property rather than indoors. It takes a matter of minutes to put together and is incredibly sturdy.
Key Features:
Ideal for kitchen and garden waste
Easy to assemble
Secure and sturdy
Large capacity of 300L
Specification:
Brand
Gr8 Garden
Material
Plastic
Capacity
300 L
Item Dimensions L x W x H
61 x 83 x 61 centimetres
Pros
Great for commercial buildings or large families due to the capacity
Cons
Not suitable for small properties or for those who don't compost often
Easipet Wooden Compost Bin 328L in BeeHive Style 337
The Easipet Wooden Compost Bin 328L in BeeHive Style 337 is a beautifully designed wooden composter which works well for food and garden waste. It’s easy to slot together and works best outdoors rather than in a kitchen. The 328L capacity is great for large families, and overall it’s an excellent product that consistently delivers and lasts a long time.
Key Features:
Large wooden composter great for outdoors
Works for both food and garden waste
Robust and sturdy exterior
Specification:
Brand
Easipet
Material
Wood
Capacity
328L
Colour
Natural
Pros
Capacity and sturdiness of product is great for both types of waste to compost
Cons
Keep away from house as it may attract rats
4smile Garden Composter – Made in Europe 300l
The 4smile Garden Composter – Made in Europe 300l is a large plastic composter that carries a whopping 300l. This is ideal both for food and garden waste and is robust enough to be kept outside. You can put this together in a few short minutes, and it should last you years and years. Great if you are someone who regularly composts as this allows for worms and organisms to break down your compost effectively.
Key Features:
Large capacity compost bin
Ideal for food and garden waste
Easy to assemble
Specification:
Brand
4smile
Colour
Grey
Material
Plastic
Capacity
300L
Pros
Great for those who compost often due to the capacity
Cons
Not suitable for small gardens
KitchenCraft Living Nostalgia Metal Kitchen Compost Bin
The KitchenCraft Living Nostalgia Metal Kitchen Compost Bin is a retro-style compost bin that is made from metal and a wooden and metal handle. If you’re bothered about aesthetics then this is definitely the compost bin for you. It has a 3-litre capacity which is ideal for smaller households and kitchens who don’t compost often. It can be kept in the kitchen or outdoors due to the material, but note that the lid may be flimsy outside if not covered with a brick or anything else.
Key Features:
Retro-style compost bin
Wooden handle making it easy to carry
Lightweight yet robust design
Specification:
Brand
KitchenCraft
Colour
Grey
Material
Metal and wood
Capacity
3 L
Item Dimensions L x W x H
16.5 x 12 x 24 centimetres
Pros
Great for small kitchens or for those who don't compost often
Cons
Not suitable for larger households
KitchenCraft Natural Elements Kitchen Compost Bin
The KitchenCraft Natural Elements Kitchen Compost Bin is a modern and beautifully designed compost bin that is made to look chic, elegant and stylish (as well as practical, obviously). With a 3 litre capacity, this is perfect for your kitchen or conservatory to store your food scraps which can later be composted. Great for smaller households or for those who have small kitchens with limited space. It’s easy to use and assemble, as well as being able to transport the compost due to the handle.
Key Features:
Lightweight compact compost bin
Elegant and modern design
Easy to assemble
Capacity ideal for smaller kitchens/households
Specification:
Brand
Kitchencraft
Colour
Putty grey
Material
Plastic and bamboo fibre
Capacity
3 L
Weight
880 g
Pros
Perfect for smaller households
Aesthetic is modern and would fit with most kitchens
Cons
Capacity may be too small for some
KitchenCraft Pedal-Operated Mini Kitchen Compost Bin
The KitchenCraft Pedal-Operated Mini Kitchen Compost Bin is a modern style compost bin with a retro twist. Operated via a pedal, this is great for those who dislike seeing or touching compost (we don’t blame you) but would still like to partake in composting. It looks similar to your standard bin, but this can also be in your kitchen, conservatory or garden if you wish. It comes in a beautiful cream colour and is robust without looking too industrial and out of place with the rest of your aesthetic.
Key Features:
Easy to use compost bin
Robust design
Lightweight and stylish
Great for smaller households
Specification:
Brand
Kitchencraft
Colour
Cream
Capacity
3 litre
Item Dimensions L x W x H
9 x 12 x 16 centimetres
Pros
Design is attractive and would look great in most kitchens
Pedal is an added bonus for those who dislike traditional compost bins
Cons
Style may not be to everyone's taste
Premier Housewares Compost Bin with Handle
The Premier Housewares Compost Bin with Handle – Cream is a retro-style compost bin which comes with a large metal handle and a sturdy lid. Robust and easy to use, this compost bin slots in perfectly into your kitchen or alternatively can be kept outside. Made from metal, with “compost” written across, this is a simple and effective design and structure which means that even the smallest households can compost.
Key Features:
Retro and chic design
Sturdy and robust compost bin
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Secure lid
Specification:
Brand
Premier Housewares
Colour
Cream
Material
Metal
Item Dimensions L x W x H
14 x 14 x 22 centimetres
Pros
Great for those who want to compost but still want something that looks pretty
Cons
Not ideal for larger households
Summary
As you can see, there are a ton of different compost bin’s to choose from, so hopefully, you’ve found one that’s caught your eye so far. Compost bins are a great way to nurture your garden and reduce the number of pesticides that you use, whilst also being a lot more eco friendly. Even if you don’t have a huge garden, you can use your compost to grow your own herbs, fruits and vegetables with ease.
Others who enjoy composting do it to lead a “zero waste” or a sustainable lifestyle, which is becoming an increasingly popular way of living. Alternatively, if you have a huge garden – we’d urge you to invest in composting as it only takes a little time, and yields a lot of healthy fertilizer which can be used to grow gorgeous fruit and vegetables in the future.
We appreciate that for some, buying a compost bin is a new venture, so we’ve listed below a few things for you to consider as well as an FAQ to answer any questions that you may have.
Size
Size does matter, and sometimes buying a smaller compost bin and working your way up is a lot better than buying a gigantic one that is going to take up unnecessary space. If you are brand new to composting, we recommend with choosing something that is 3L, to begin with and then working your way up. It can fit beautifully in your kitchen or in your garden, and you can test the waters to see whether it’s something you want to continue doing. If you’re someone who is experienced with using a compost bin and you want to upgrade, we recommend going for something slightly more industrial like a 300L which would work well in your garden rather than a kitchen. It all depends on how much you garden and how often you’ll be composting.
Lid style
The style of the lid will largely determine whether you can leave your compost bin outside. A flimsy lid that doesn’t snap shut will be prone to rats, foxes and cats from tipping it over and emptying its contents, which you don’t want at all. However, if you don’t plan to leave your compost bin outside – then you can get away with any lid style you please. Ensure that your compost bin is away from anything that can irritate it such as an electric patio heater, halogen heaters or other accessories that will cause the compost to smell too much.
Design
Although some may not be bothered by aesthetics, if you plan to have your compost bin in your kitchen, it’s always nice to ensure that it looks coherent with the rest of your kitchen. We’re lucky that we live in a world of choice, so there are a ton of designs out there to choose from.
Where is it going to go
Although most people will choose to have their compost bin in their kitchen, there may be some circumstances where you’d prefer to have your compost bin outside. If you are unsure of where it’s going to go then we recommend choosing something that has a strong lid as well as a handle, as this will stop any mess from wildlife or infestations. It will also make the compost easier to transport.
How do I start off my compost bin?
You can start your compost pile with bare earth, and from there start adding food waste into it. If you want you can also put twigs, straw and grass to get it going. More often than not, bare earth will do just fine. From there your food waste can be added in as much or as little as you’d like. Our best tip is to ensure that your compost waste isn’t too chunky otherwise it’ll take longer to break down. Good things to compost as an initial base are onion peels, ends of vegetables, vegetable peel and fruit stones. You could also put some bread and other food products in there should you wish to do so. Try and avoid putting smelly things in there that will go rancid such as yoghurt, cheese or milk. This may give you an unpleasant smell.
Are compost bins safe?
Of course! Providing that you follow the instructions to get the most out of them, they should not pose a hazard to you. We recommend keeping compost bins out of reach from children, otherwise things could probably end up getting very messy if you’re not careful.
Are compost bins worth it?
Compost bins are worth it if you enjoy gardening and want to start composting because you know it’ll make a difference. If you’re someone who doesn’t own a garden, or doesn’t particularly care about composting, then it seems pointless for you to buy one. However, some people enjoy composting as it allows them to lead a “zero waste” lifestyle which can often be rewarding. You can also give your compost to neighbours if they have a garden.
What can you put in a compost bin?
- Vegetable waste
- Teabags
- Fruit peel
- Bread
- Eggshells
- Avocado skins
P.S – Make sure you put your compost in soil, not in your artificial hanging baskets!
How often should I turn my compost?
Around every 4-5 weeks if possible. Once it’s completely broken down, you can then start working it into the soil. Don’t forget to use your lawn aerator at least once a year, too.
What is the best type of compost bin?
We’d be biased if we told you the best compost bin in the market, as a lot of it is based on personal preference, as well as your financial situation and the space you have to accommodate one. However, we’d definitely recommend a compost bin that is sturdy with a strong lid, as well as ensuring that you look after what you put in your compost bin overall.
Can you put animal faeces in a compost bin?
Yes, however, we’d recommend only putting this in an outdoor compost bin rather than one in your kitchen. Dog waste, in particular, can be incredibly toxic, and you don’t want the particles or the actual faeces itself coming into contact with any food or hands you have in your kitchen. Be careful with handling faeces and ensure you cover it with grass, peelings or soil to mask the smell and encourage the composting process straight away.
We hope we’ve helped you with this buyer guide, and you choose the right compost bin for your home today! Make sure you check out other buyer guides on the Konservatory website today!
How do I set up a compost bin?
We have found a youtube video explaining exactly how to set up a household compost bin. Check out the video below!
Further Reading
Click here for more information to help start you with home composting.