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After testing 27 options, weve dug up the dirt on the composters worth your time and money.
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In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Composting can seem intimidating.
Bins simply collect the compost and use airtight seals and filters to prevent odors.
On the other hand, composters break down the material into compost.
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For more information on how we tested compost bins, check outour testing processbelow.
A composter needs heat, moisture, aeration (from turning the compost regularly), and time.
Ultimately, you may benefit from having a three-bin system, Steil says.
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Tumbling models spin the entire pile to provide aeration so you dont need tokeep a rakeor shovel nearby.
They also have the advantage of being fully enclosed to keep out pests.
Stationary Composters
Stationary models are the most simple (and often most affordable) composters available.
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These open-air options can also attract more pests and emit odors.
Indoor Composters
Technically, indoor composters, or food recyclers, dont make real compost.
We recommend using these as a way to break down food before adding it to a larger compost pile.
These electric devices heat the contents, then grind and aerate them to break them down.
Typically, this process takes less than a daymuch quicker than traditional compost.
Odor Control
Compost,when done correctly, shouldnt have any foul odors.
The charcoal filter absorbs odors and prevents them from escaping.
Additionally, regularly turning and mixing the compost helps to aerate it and reduce odors.
We liked that the lid easily slid away from each chamber.
How It Performed After Six Months
Weve been incredibly impressed with this composters sturdiness.
Despite sitting under a walnut tree during long-term testing, it still shows no dents or signs of wear.
We also never noticed any obscure scent or excessive pest attraction stemming from the compost.
Product Details: throw in:Tumbler |Material:Plastic, metal |Dimensions:32.5 x 40.3 x 29.1 in.
The bottom door design can cause spills if you open it before the compost is ready.
Our favorite is the Algreen Products Soil Saver, which holds up to 94 gallons of scraps and compost.
Weve tested multiple stationary models, most of which have open sides and tops.
These can cause issues like exposing odors and attracting bugs and critters.
However, the Algreen has four nearly solid walls and a locking lid to keep pests out.
Credit: Algreen Products
Assembling the composter was straightforward and only took us a few minutes to complete.
Product Details: jot down:Stationary |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:25 x 30 x 25 in.
Worm composting systems require extra care, including cutting up scraps into small pieces and rotating each bin.
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To get started with vermicomposting, we recommend theWorm Factory 360as the best compost bin for worms.
However, this key in of setup does require more work than a tumbling composter.
Product Details: pop in:Vermicomposter |Material:Plastic |Dimensions:17.95 x 14.95 x 17.95 in.
The open design of this bin means the compost is exposed to the elements.
This binfrom Greenes Fencewith a 173-gallon capacity is just the right product to start building a healthy compost pile.
The material only faded slightly from sunlight exposure.
Product Details: punch in:Stationary |Material:Cedar wood |Dimensions:36 x 31 x 36 in.
There arent any smart features or notifications.
Weve tested six electric indoor composters, most of which cost between $500 and $1,000.
Once the cycle was complete, the lights on the control panel turned off.
There arent any notifications or alerts, which would have been a nice feature to have.
We were able to remove some stuck-on debris by soaking it in water and dish soap.
We didnt notice any foul odors thanks to theactivated carbon filters.
Product Details: jot down:Food recycler |Material:Aluminum |Dimensions:12.5 x 12.5 x 10 in.
We were initially concerned with how flimsy the pedal felt, but it has held up over time.
With a kitchen compost bin, we were mainly worried about two potential issues: insects and smell.
For the first few weeks, we didnt notice any insects around the compost bin.
To help prevent this again, we added aninsect trapbehind the bin to help catch any flies.
Keep in mind that kitchen compost bins only hold scrapsyou will need an actual composter to make compost.
Product Details: key in:Bin |Material:Stainless steel |Dimensions:11.09 x 10.9 x 23.5 in.
The lid filters need to be replaced about every 6 months.
One fear that people have about countertop bins is that they will stink orattract bugsin the kitchen.
But we were thoroughly impressed with the carbon filter on this bin.
The lid is also airtight to prevent pests.
With regular cleaning, this bin still looks as good as new.
Weve found that it can hold up to a weeks worth of scraps before needing emptying.
Product Details: key in:Countertop bin |Material:Stainless steel |Dimensions:7.16 x 11 x 7.16 in.
), the bin to capacity.
The products with the highest averages were selected as our best compost bins.
The Squeeze Master also comes with an external thermometer, which was a nice bonus.
Using the bin and the includedcompost starterwas easy and didnt create any unusual odors.
We found it only took three weeks to produce rich compost.
True to its name, we found that this compost bin was easy to clean.
Your Questions, Answered
Does a compost bin need air holes?
Composters require air flow to properly break down the organic matter.
How expensive are compost bins?
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Compost bins can range significantly in price.
Who We Are
Paige Bennettis a writer and editor with experience covering sustainability and home products.
She previously worked as editor at a publication covering sustainable design.
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What Is BHG Recommends?
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Greenes Fence Co.
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