Dimensions: 28 x 36 x 30 inches | Capacity: 37 gallons | Material: Plastic/galvanized steel | Chambers: 2, "Among outdoor composters, the FCMP Outdoor Tumbler Composter falls somewhere in the middle of extremely budget-friendly and higher-end models. It also features double inner bins, which allow you to have two batches of compost in different stages of decomposition going at the same time. In the end, each bin was compared against the others based on its ease of usethis included assembly as well as daily use of the product. Beyond working as a copywriter and creative consultant, McCormack has had her writing featured in Bustle, Byrdie, TheEverymom.com, and ManeAddicts.com. Dimensions: 12.6 x 11 x 14.2 inchesCapacity: 0.5 gallonsMaterial: Aluminum and plasticChambers: 1. Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin for Kitchen Countertop. The Strategist, Good Housekeeping, and Bob Vila also picked the FCMP Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter. You could always start an open compost pile in a corner of your yard, but its bound to become a smelly, unsightly invitation to insects and animal foragers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, food scraps and yard waste make up more than 28 percent of what ends up in landfills. our process. This no-fuss bin by Algreen doesnt have all the bells and whistles, but it is a very happy home for compost, and its built like a tank from thick and super durable, UV-protected recycled plastic. The value here is hard to beat, considering that this no-frills plastic compost bin can hold a whopping 216 gallons of compost material. The bin reduces odor with the soft-seal design that promotes oxygen flow, but that does not mean this is completely odorless: We recommend removing the 1.75-gallon bags every few days. Dimensions: 29.1 x 23.6 x 19.2 inches | Capacity: 27.7 gallons | Material: Plastic/steel | Chambers: 1. When it comes to outdoor composters, this number from RSI checks all the boxes. If you have a lot of yard debris and you dont mind manually turning the compost pile every once in a while, then a stationary bin will work. Best of all, its lid is designed to effectively lock in odors and the contoured bottom makes emptying the contents a breeze (i.e., no gross stuff stuck to the bottom that you have to scoop out with your hands). The stacking trays allowed for different stages of compost to develop at the same time and made it easy to empty the compost into the garden. 2010-2022 Wow Media Products, Inc doing business as PureWow. For a well-priced, durable compost bin, you cant go wrong with the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin. RELATED: How to Compost at Home, No Matter Your Living Situation. The takeaway? Using a rubric, we tested specifically for durability, how easy it was to empty and fill each compost bin, and how well any mechanisms worked, such as vents, filters, and spigots for compost tea. This bin is breakable, which makes using it with a liner preferable to minimize the need to move the bucket so often when emptying compost: Just pull out the liner bag. Boasting a 65-gallon capacity and a large clearing area, this two-chamber contraption was designed for high-volume composting. With a 27.7-gallon capacity, it's not too big but also not too smalla perfect choice for households interested in starting a composting routine and anyone with a modest-sizedgarden or lawn. These ingredients can kill the microorganisms you want to attract, create a big stink in your backyard and potentially invite unwanted guests (think: bears, raccoons and rats) onto the premises. In other words, stick with a lidded option for food scraps. This guy might not look as sleek as the stainless steel alternative, but the high density, dishwasher safe polyethylene here is particularly easy to clean. Plus, these composters have a low-profile and can even be kept indoors for extra convenience. This is a compost bin meant for outdoors, and once finished, it can be used around trees and in the garden. According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Basically, compost is superfood for your gardenand you can make the stuff with nothing more than last weeks soggy fruit salad and a handful of leaves. Best of all, theres very little assembly involvedjust unpack and stack. Tumbling composters churn out a finished fertilizer much faster and with less physical labor than stationary bins, making them a good alternative for someone who cant bend or use a fork to turn a stationary type bin, explains Finney. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Enclosed compost bins offer a neat, easy solution that creates compost faster than traditional piles by regulating the temperature, moisture, oxygen, and bacteria in the organic materials to help them break down faster. Both methods will produce rich compost for your garden, but the method you choose depends on your available space and lifestyle. Dimensions: 11.41 x 7.25 (diameter) inchesCapacity: 1.3 gallonsMaterial: Stainless steelChambers: 1. Who else recommends it? If you dont have room for a full-size composter or prefer to compost indoors, the SCD Probiotics All Seasons Indoor Composter will fit right under your sink and wont stink up the kitchen. Additionally, there's a collector tray on the bottom with a spigot for draining out the "worm tea," which you can use as liquid fertilizer. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Dimensions: 48 x 48 x 36 inchesCapacity: 246 gallonsMaterial: PlasticChambers: 1. All rights reserved. When looking for something larger than can accommodate both discarded food and dry leaves or grass clippings, the FCMP Outdoor compost bin was a close runner-up. Then there are vermicomposters, which rely partially on live worms to process scraps (whereas conventional composters just wait for the matter to decompose on its own). Although the lid was cumbersome to remove and secure each time we deposited food scraps, the size of the bin made up for the inconvenience. A gardener who gets the benefits of composting for soil should enjoy the 360 Worm Factory. According to Finney, worms serve the composting process by leaving behind nutrient-rich castingsand the end result is a fertilizer thats especially beneficial for planters. No problem. (The capacity is a standard size for most countertop-style compost bins.) The bucket isnt designed to be used with a liner and will need to be cleaned periodically. The icing on the cake? The Best Compost Tumblers on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic ReviewersThe Strategist, 8 Best Compost Bins of 2022, According to Sustainability ExpertsGood Housekeeping, "Vermicomposting"North Carolina State University Extension, "Composting At Home"U.S. You can purchase compostable liners, which are just like garbage bags, except they decompose with the rest of your scraps. There are two main types of compost bins: stationary and tumbling. The bin comes with a replacement filter so you can swap out your old one when its time. While it has a notably small capacity, it makes an excellent indoor companion to a larger composter. Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. Dont worry, your new pets will return the room-and-board favor by transforming your waste into fertilizer thats so rich in nutrients, it puts less-wormy compost piles to shame. How, you ask? For a composter that is for outdoor use, theFCMP Dual-CHamber Quick Curing 37 Gallon Tumbler Composterhas two chambers and, with little maintenance, turns your waste into soil in about two weeks. The large size cut down on the emptying of the bin, and yet it could fit under the sink or near a trash bin. So, without further ado, here are our top picks. If youre tight on space, square/rectangular bins fit snugly into corners. (Hint: Your plant food will be ready in as little as two weeks if you place this puppy somewhere warm and sunny.) Compost is ready to use when there are no visible scraps in itit should look like dark soil. Dimensions: 41.3 x 30 x 44.5 inches | Capacity: 65 gallons | Material: High-impact plastic/zinc-coated metal | Chambers: 2. Thanks to Mother Nature, there's really not a whole lot to composting. However, animal products, such as meat, dairy, and bones, generally aren't recommended for composting because they can harbor pathogens and attract pests. It also composted the material directly in the bin. The NRDC cautions against composting oil, lard, meat, fish, bones, dairy, diseased or pesticide-treated plants and pet poop (ew). We also tested for odor control as well as the value of each bin for the price. However, when the bin got full, the waste did occasionally get on the plastic bucket, the lid, and the ceramic outer bin, leading to the need to clean all the components. Mary Kate Hoban, Product Tester. Plus, the larger the bin, the longer the pile has to keep cooking to turn into compost. Package Free Compost Bin Container, Best Tumbler: Oxo Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin, 1.75 Gallons, Best Budget: Compost bins are cylindrical, rectangular, square, or pyramid-shaped. RSI 65 Gal. Aside from the convenience of being able to tumble your compost without breaking a sweat, this bin also scores points for sturdy and efficient construction: A strong steel base supports the tumbling bin, which is built out of heavy-duty, UV-protected plastic and features an integrated aeration system. The kit includes mineral rock dust that adds nutrients to the finished compost, four stacking trays, a thermometer, a hand rake and scraper, a worm ladder, a base with spigot, and a comprehensive instruction manual. The company provides a beginners guide if you are new to composting that breaks down what needs to be decomposed before repurposing and what can go straight to the garden. Another perk: The base of this tumbler features a wheeled tray that collects up to five gallons of compost tea (i.e., the liquid that drains off from your compost) so you can easily add that brew to your garden for an even bigger boost. How can you reduce the smell of your compost? This compost bin was difficult to assemble and came with no written instructions, so we had to rely on graphics and trial and error to assemble the bin, which took about an hour for two people. National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), FCMP IM4000 Dual Chamber Tumbling Composter, Miracle-Gro 28-Gallon Tumbling Garden Waste Composter, Algreen 28-lb. The bin also comes with charcoal filters that trap odors so food scraps can build up during the week without attracting pests or releasing bad smells into your home. Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design. This little tootsie roll is just the right size for smaller outdoor spaces and, with its seven cubic foot capacity, can still store quite a bit. Plus, fans of the product rave about the durable construction and the raised designa combination that protects compost from scavengers of all sizes. Dimensions: 18.1 x 17.7 x 15.4 inches | Capacity: 2 gallons | Material: Recycled plastic | Chambers: 4. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best The following compost bins are our top picks for specific home and garden uses, based on design, cost, and customer satisfaction. While most of our recommendations are for the type of bin that actively helps turn food and yard scraps into fertilizer, this one belongs to the second categorynamely, bins that serve as indoor food scrap storage, so you dont have to book it to the backyard every time you fix yourself a snack. If you want to keep it on your counter, its functional, well-sized, and simple design should match any kitchen aesthetic. Most composters are made of heavy-duty plastic and/or stainless steel; both are notably resilient and long-lasting. The first tray takes about 3 months to become fully composted by the worms, and then each tray takes about a month moving forward. We did a deep dive into features, specifications, and customer reviews to create a list of favorites. Tumbling composters are most often elevated off the ground, so you are less likely to get help from worms and other decomposing organisms with this method. The Greenes Fences Cedar Wood Composter is designed for outdoor use, with a wide-open bin that makes turning the soil easy. (Psst: No garden? This composter is offered in four matte colors, with a slim, modern handle that looks good on any kitchen countertop. PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. There is such a thing as turning your compost too often. There are stationary options, which essentially sit still while the organic matter decomposes. The sun helps increase the temperature, so the bacteria and fungi work faster. We tested the bin with and without a liner. Stationary outdoor compost bins can go either in the shade or sun, depending on how fast you want the composting process to go. Most compost bins are made out of plastic, wood, or metal, and most commercially available composters are manufactured from dark-colored recycled plastic. The ventilation holes enhance the airflow to speed up decomposition. Composter Soil Saver Classic, Good Ideas Compost Wizard with Dual Tumbler, FCMP IM4000 DUAL CHAMBER TUMBLING COMPOSTER, MIRACLE-GRO 28-GALLON TUMBLING GARDEN WASTE COMPOSTER, ALGREEN 28-LB COMPOSTER SOIL SAVER CLASSIC, GOOD IDEAS COMPOST WIZARD WITH DUAL TUMBLER. As you work your way up to the top tray by adding more scraps, the hungry houseguests will followleaving behind perfectly prepared compost, one tray at a time. Are you looking to make your own compost from food scraps, or do you need a container to temporarily store food waste? This guy also scores major points for its user-friendly design: The large openings and removable door make it a breeze to discard scraps (without accidentally dumping them on yourself), while the ergonomic handles ensure you can tumble your compost comfortably. Dimensions: 7 x 6.25 x 9 inchesCapacity: 1.15 gallonsMaterial: Bamboo fiberChambers: 1, Additional bins and filters are expensive. Creating compost is not just good for your garden, its also great for the planet. It's designed to attach to your trash can, but you can also place it on your counter. This compact canister is made of durable stainless steel and has a removable inner plastic basket. Get the FCMP Outdoor compost bin at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart. The worms will grow in size and quantity and consume several pounds of waste each week. As long as the mixture balance is correct, the FCMP tumbling composter will create ready-to-use compost in as little as 2 weeks. Its attractive enough to display on the kitchen counter but can also be hidden under a cabinet. As is the case with all tumbling composters, this guy has the benefit of providing superior aeration while sparing you the hassle and mess of having to dig and mix the compost by hand. The Miracle-Gro Single Chamber Tumbler is another all-around excellent option. FCMP Dual-CHamber Quick Curing 37 Gallon Tumbler Composter, rely partially on live worms to process scraps, put all kinds of food scraps into a composter, The Best Compost Tumblers on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers, 8 Best Compost Bins of 2022, According to Sustainability Experts. Worm compost bins are perfect for city gardeners whose space is limited. For starters, the durable, zinc-coated metal frame is rust-resistant, and the extra-large (65-gallon) body of the tumbler, which boasts adjustable air vents and large sliding doors for easy access, is both UV-protected and rodent-proof. The best way to reduce the smell of your compost is to use a bin that has adequate ventilation or a drip tray on the bottom, as too much moisture can be a culprit. The handy spigot for compost tea was an extra bonus. Dimensions: 7.75 x 7.3 x 7.6 inchesCapacity: 1.75 gallonsMaterial: PlasticChambers: 1. This sleek plastic bin from OXO is easy in so many ways: Its easy to use and clean, easy on the eyes and even easy on your wallet. You can turn the soil with a pitchfork or shovel every two to three weeks to help speed up the breakdown process if you wish, but this is not required. The 12 Best Compost Bins (Because Composting Is Easier Than You Think), 15 Wayfair Flash Deals That End *Tonight* (So You Better Jump on Them Fast). Bamboozle 1.2-Gallon Stationary Composter, A Guide on What to Compost vs. What Not to Compost, Best Large capacity: At less than 2 feet tall and wide, the composting bin wont take up much space. Get the SCD Probiotics compost bin on Amazon and at Walmart. You can leave it alone for a few hours until it completes the cycle. The DIY approach also beats buying bags of compost at a garden center, which can cost from $5 to $20 per bag, depending on the size. Well, when you send food scraps and other organic stuff to a compost bin that boasts the right conditions, decomposition will occurcourtesy of the organisms and microorganisms that feast on the material. productslearn more about For those not as familiar with this type of composting, its important to note that red wiggler worms must be used. To help you better assess all the compost bins out there, we tested some of the top-rated products for both indoors and out. Managing the Worm Factory is low maintenance and takes less than 15 minutes a week. Deanna specializes in home, family, and outdoor products. For its design, ease of use, and price, the Utopia Kitchen compost bin is a versatile compost bin for both beginners and advanced composters to collect kitchen scraps before adding to an outdoor compost bin. SimpleHuman 4-Liter Compost Caddy, The Best Reusable Grocery Bags for Your Next Trip to the Store, Best with Crank Handle: Unlike other bins, this bin has a mechanism in the back that secures the bag and helps prevent the liner from sinking down as you fill the bin with scraps. 1,100+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. The kit does not supply red wiggler worms (youll need to purchase them separately) but will advise on how many pounds of worms to buy. For optimal longevity and durability, its made of high-quality grade 201 stainless steel that wont scratch, crack, or chip. We asked Tanya Finney, supervisor of the South Coast Botanic Garden, to give us the lowdownspecifically, the pros and cons associated with the different kinds of compost binsand heres what we learned. Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 31 inchesCapacity: 173.92 gallonsMaterial: WoodChambers: 1. (Bonus: Thanks to its unassuming size this option is also a good fit for smaller outdoor spaces.) The compost bin comes with a replaceable filter of cotton and activated charcoal to eliminate odors and keep fruit flies away. A more modestly-sized tumblerthe FCMP dual chamber compost bin is a quick and easy way to get compost ready in as little as two weeks, without even getting your hands dirty. Read our, Package Free Compost Bin Container at Package Free Shop, FCMP Outdoor Tumbling Composter at Amazon, The Squirm Firm Worm Factory 360 at Amazon, Greenes Fence Cedar Wood Composter at Home Depot, Miracle-Gro Single Chamber Composter at Amazon, SimpleHuman Compost Caddy at Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Overall: The bin's charcoal filter, which you should replace every 60 to 90 days, is designed to absorb that garbage-y odor. When the compost is ready, the quick closure keys allow easy access to be harvested. However, it offers an easy-to-clean inner plastic bin, while the outside is ceramic. The basic model features four stacking trays, but you can add more to handle additional compost materials if needed. A properly mixed compost pile will have very little odor. To narrow this list down to the best in each category, she considered each products capacity, size, and ease of use. The square shape is unique compared to many other countertop compost bins, and its neutral colors (charcoal or natural) blend in well with a variety of decor to be discreet on a countertop. You also get a refrigerator magnet with an infographic outlining what worms can and can't eat, so you know what to toss in. GEOBIN 246 Gal. There were many things to love about this compost bin while testing. Much like the countertop number mentioned above, you can file this compost bin under kitchen scrap storage, but with one key differencethis one comes with a considerably larger nine-liter capacity. Made of thoroughly decayed organic material used as a fertilizer, it encourages healthy plant growth, strong roots, and bountiful blooms and fruit. Dimensions: 17.95 x 17.95 x 14.95 inchesCapacity: N/AMaterial: PlasticChambers: 4. Once the composter is full, hit the power button, and it goes through a drying, grinding, and cooling process that cuts down food waste by up to 90 percent. Composting can also help your local park thrive if they have a compost drop-off spot.). A small bin probably wont be enough to maintain a large amount of yard debris. Bottom line: This vermicomposter is particularly user-friendlyand the general approach makes for a fascinating composting experiment thats worth sharing with the whole fam. Tumbler Composter. This list of best composters for recycling was written by Deanna McCormack, a freelance tester and product review writer for The Spruce. Its not the best-lookingcomposter to add to the backyard, but you can tuck it away to the side or in a shed. While testing this product, the heavy ceramic outer bin was definitely cumbersome to move, but once placed, only the inner bin needed to be moved to empty compost. The size falls between a large and small composter, making it ideal for those with smaller backyards who are still serious about composting. Its simple and easy to use: Place waste into one side and turn the handle every couple of days. The sturdy handle made moving the bin easy, even when filled with compost, and with the oversize square shape, it was easy to add scraps but not difficult to store the bin. The bin has odor control from a carbon filter in the lid, which is plastic and has a cute green leaf detail as the handle. Made of plastic, this tumbler is built for outdoor use only, with a large opening, removable door, and aeration holes. You can speed up the process by getting a tumbler (rotating composter), which mixes up the material, adds oxygen, and helps it all break down faster. Some bins have charcoal filters to help mitigate odor. The size of your composter affects the amount of material you can store. For storing under the kitchen sink or on the countertop, the small but sturdy OXO Good Grips compost bin holds up to 1.75 gallons of compost and is designed to be used with a liner (also called compost bags). Read on for a rundown of the different types of bins on the market, plus our picks for the best compost bins in each category. The only downside to this tumbler is that folks say its a real pain to assemblebut once youve put it together, youre golden. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming. Unlike other bins, the lid opens very easily and it has an oversize latch. In fact, the main complaint is that its not nearly as easy to assemble as it is to usebut if you can suffer the one-time hassle, your compost will be sitting pretty (and rotating easily) for the foreseeable future. Keep in mind that bins used outdoors should be made from weather-resistant materials that will fit aesthetically with your landscape. It has a unique design that keeps the bags tucked inside for a neat look, and the stay-open lid makes it easy to put waste into the bin with one hand. You may know that composting turns your kitchen scraps into nutritious soil additive to help your garden thrive and is a simple way for you to reduce landfill waste. With this in mind, the RSI 2-Stage Tumbler has a geared rotating handle that makes the process easier. 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. Tumblers are meant to be rotated regularly to mix up the materials, allowing them to decompose faster. (Miracle-Gro also has an18.5-gallon optionand a largerdual-chamber modelfor those who need a different size). Things you generally shouldn't put in a composter include oils, pet waste, diseased plants, charcoal, and ash. The Bamboozle Compost Bin Is Attractive But Is It Practical? Another downside is its not the prettiest compost bin to have sitting on your countertop, but it's not a complete eyesore. A home composter canmake this an easy task, so we researched quite a few of them from many manufacturers, considering factors such as how easy it is to use and clean and how it looks in your kitchen or yard. Its made with thick plastic, making it durable to bear the elements outside but can also be reinforced with zip ties or by tying it to garden stakes. It comes with four trays, but you can buy more and expand it up to eight trays high. The ceramic and plastic Chefn 401-420-120 counter bin is best for small kitchens because it only holds gallon of compost.