Better than soil bought in a garden store, that resulting from compost has the advantage of being very rich in nutrients, and is an excellent solution to improve your flower beds and other garden crops, without using fertilizers. chemical. Our food waste such as coffee grounds, eggshells or even potato skin are indeed an economical and ecological means of producing a very dense and fertile land. But to be able to recycle these leftovers, and transfer them to the compost, a kitchen composter is a must.
Thanks to this very practical storage solution, you do not need to make untimely back and forth trips after each preparation, because the leftovers recycled in the tank do not emit unpleasant odors when they are decomposing. But for this, it is necessary to take certain parameters such as the capacity, the capacity of the tank to filter odors, but also the comfort of use or the ease of maintenance. Through our guide, we will guide you to the best indoord compost bin.
List of 7 Best Indoor Compost Bin
1. OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin, 0.75 GAL/2.83 L
If you do not have a large space, and are looking for a space-saving recycling solution, we recommend the Oxo compost bin. Its very compact dimensions allow you to easily find a place for it on your kitchen worktop, where it will be very discreet. With its capacity estimated at twelve cups, this bin is certainly not intended to store a lot of waste, but it will do the trick to safely recycle the remains of a small family.
The Oxo compost bin is for example very practical for peeling directly in there. When it is filled, you will be able to easily transfer its contents to the compost, this thanks to its solid handle, but also its very practical opening. Unlike the other models in our selection, however, the Oxo compost bin is not equipped with an odor filter or a gasket. However, its airtight lid prevents unpleasant odors from escaping.
2. Joseph Joseph 30015 Intelligent Waste Compost Bin Food Waste Caddy with Odor Filter and Ventilation
From the first contact, the Joseph Joseph compost bin impresses with its modern design, punctuated by a nice polypropylene body that will be easy to wash by hand, with soapy water and hot water. Very ergonomic, it has an easily folding lid and a solid stainless steel handle that allows you to easily move it from one place to another.
The compactness of this model is such that it is easy to find a place for it on a kitchen worktop. To keep the bags in place, a hole has also been provided inside. Even if its capacity of 4 liters is relatively average, it will do the trick for a family of four members. Where the Joseph compost bin makes the difference is with its efficient ventilation system that effectively reduces the bad odors released by decomposing food waste. The effectiveness of the latter is enhanced by the replaceable odor filter on board the lid.
3. Kitchen Craft Living Nostalgia Vintage Blue Compost Bin
It is the most stylish and elegant kitchen composter on the market. It stands out from the competition by its rectangular format, its handle with a wood finish and it is available in several rather nice colors. It is therefore a beautiful object, which will obviously be useful for recycling the organic materials that were thrown in the trash until then.
The opening on the top is a narrow hair, it is its only defect. We will always have a little trouble peeling our vegetables below. Personally, I peel on the work surface and then throw away, even with a larger composter. Here, there is no removable jump, and we will therefore use composting bags to avoid dirtying the inside of the bin.
The lid closes very well, the Kitchen Craft composter is perfectly airtight, and it contains a carbon filter to prevent odors from escaping. It works very well, and with a little activator, we will have an excellent quality compost in a few weeks. For the price, it’s really an excellent composting bin, which I can only advise you.
4. Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel Compost Bin for Kitchen Countertop – 1.3 Gallon Compost Bucket Kitchen Pail Compost with Lid
Do you often have peelings or leftover meals lying around in the fridge or dishes that your children can’t finish? So we offer this 2 in 1 recycling solution that you can easily install in your kitchen. This product is completely airtight to prevent insects from entering it. In addition, this device is provided with a carbon filter system which traps and regulates odors.
This organic waste deposit is made from high quality stainless steel which allows it to be scratch and rust proof and which gives it great robustness. In addition, its smooth and clean design fits perfectly in a kitchen. And as for its maintenance, it is enough to wash the tank and the carbon filter in hot water with soap. In addition, a replacement carbon filter is supplied with the product if necessary.
5. Kilner 0025.416 2 Litre Kitchen Composter, Silver
First of all, let’s get rid of the main defect of Kilner’s product: its capacity is rather at the bottom of the basket, with only two liters while cheaper products and offering a higher capacity are available.
Although we may regret this choice, it is not so problematic on a daily basis: for a single person, or a couple who does not systematically cook, it will not be necessary to empty the composter every day. On the other hand, it is relevant to aim for a larger capacity.
This rather low capacity is compensated by an impeccable stainless steel design which provides the product with excellent solidity which justifies its price. The design is very sober, elegant and the dimensions of the product, 17.5 * 14.5 * 20 cm ensure that it discreetly occupies the kitchen counter while being able to serve as a visible decorative element.
If you want an authentic and natural atmosphere for your workspace, this is a perfectly possible solution. Odors are well channeled thanks to activated carbon filters. However, given the limited capacity, you will still have to empty the table trash very regularly to hope for optimal operation.
6. Under-Counter Indoor Kitchen Food Waste 1.5 gal Compost Container/Bin System by YukChuk
This imaginative name kitchen composter is designed to fit perfectly into a small kitchen and can be hidden out of sight. The YukChuck can be installed on the back of a kitchen door or in a cabinet to facilitate its use. The high density polypropylene design prevents odors from entering the plastic and staying fresh.
The patented design of the “living hinge” means that the mechanism is molded directly into the plastic itself. It is safe to put it in the dishwasher and has a capacity of one and a half gallons.
7. CompoKeeper Kitchen Compost Bin, 6 Gallon, Standard
This high-tech compost bin not only stores a ton of kitchen waste, but it keeps everyone from smelling bad. The CompoKeeper is the largest composter in this comparison guide and has the capacity to hold six gallons of waste.
The inner bag prevents the inside of the bin from getting dirty and the bin itself can be used as a counter solution as well as to swap the lid with the handle and keep it under the sink or in a sliding waste drawer. It includes 12 compostable bags and two carbon filters.
How To Choose An Indoor Compost Bin?
Many are reluctant to buy an indoor composter for fear of bad smells or the presence of small animals. Especially in apartments! A well-functioning compost should not produce these annoyances.
Here is some information to consider before buying your product, as well as practical advice, especially if you decide to get your hands dirty and build your own bin.
To choose the right bin for your apartment compost bin , you will need to pay attention to the location provided for your receptacle!
In an apartment, you have two options: place your composter on your balcony, or integrate it into your kitchen. What place do you have?
- Indoors, choose a vermicomposter that will avoid any possible odor. And how much compost can you use afterwards? Think of vegetable gardens in pots (or square vegetable garden ) if you have a terrace or balcony to use it, your indoor plants, even neighbors or even green spaces near you that will be happy to receive this fresh and rich land!
- On the balcony , place your composter sheltered from the rain or cover it to prevent water from stagnating there. Do the same for the sun. Too much sun will dry out the compost.
- The size of the bin and the amount of residue you produce.
- The natural waste decomposes completely between 6 to 18 months depending on the amount held and an American produces about 100 kg of green waste a year, 600kg of waste household in total. Every six months you can therefore completely empty your homemade humus production!
In an apartment , if you are a large family, turn to vermicomposters with several drawers (5 minimum) so as not to run out of space.
The process:
- The most basic compost bins are large wooden receptacles, normally installed outside. The green waste is piled up, we mix everything once in a while, being careful that the pile is always wet. Nothing more. In a natural way, with a garden, the types of waste will balance between nitrogen and carbon inputs. You can reproduce it on your balcony.
- The industrial manufacturing bins offer the ability to easily retrieve the juice created by composting. They are raised and incorporate a liquid recovery tank. In three weeks, you can use it!
- Finally, the indoor compost bin is a product that optimizes composting thanks to earthworms. These eat the material and break it down efficiently. These containers generally incorporate the recovery of the juice. For families with children, consider them your new pets! The little ones will be delighted.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How to maintain your indoor compost bin?
You should not need to “wash” your compost bin, unless it is used improperly resulting in a multiplication of insects or particularly bad odors. If this is the case, rinse your container with clear water and Marseille soap or other neutral soap, as natural as possible.
Rinse the liquid recuperator part with clean water. And use it! The rest of the juice mixed with water is a breeding ground for your plants.
How much liter do I need?
It depends on the number of people in the house and how often you produce compostable litter. Allow about a month to fill a 16-liter container for 4 people. With two containers, you can opt to make one for long-term storage and a refill of the second. By allowing the waste to ferment in the second, they will decrease in size and will perfect their decomposition cycle in the first.
How to collect the juice from the composter?
Many models include a compartment where the juice is concentrated. Strong in smell, this juice is hyper concentrated and rich. Use it diluted, in a ratio of 1 dose of juice to 10 doses of corresponding water. If you are going to use a spoonful of juice, mix it with 10 spoonfuls of water.
How to use an apartment composter?
Mix everything regularly to let the air pass. Adding eggshells helps air stay in the mix!
Moisten the material. The compost in progress must always be moist for better decomposition.
Add dry leaves (from the park or plants of your interior), cardboard, wood twigs to mix different types of content (nitrogen and carbon) which balance to produce a better quality mixture without any odors!
If you own a vermicomposter, be careful not to put too much citrus or onions. Their acidity kills them. Add coffee grounds regularly to boost their reproduction! Also check the humidity level, which should be constant. If you have runaways, don’t panic, put them back in their place. We don’t always know where they come from!
What to do with compost? How to use it?
By composting, depending on your model, you will have one or two final components: black soil, and a concentrated juice.
You can use the soil to enrich the soil of your plants , in the vegetable patch or in pots. Mix it into the soil around the plant a short distance from the stem or trunk. Your earth is very concentrated and if it touches it, it could have an opposite effect and burn it instead of feeding it.
It is for the same reason that the juice you collect must be diluted in water before use. Use it diluted, in a ratio of 1 dose of juice to 10 doses of corresponding water. If you are going to use a spoonful of juice, mix it with 10 spoonfuls of water. You can apply it with a spray on the leaves of your plants that suffer from the presence of pests. You can also moisten the soil around the stem of your plants from a short distance.
How to boost the multiplication of my earthworms in my vermicomposter?
Earthworms respond positively to coffee grounds. Do not hesitate to put them regularly in your bin to boost the development of your earthworm family!
How to make a balcony composter?
If you want to make your own wooden vermicomposter. Visit our tutorial to find out how to make a balcony composter!
What are the most common mistakes and their consequences?
The inconveniences that appear, such as foul smells or the presence of insects, are due to bad practice. Here’s how to fix it:
- The odors are due to the slow decomposition of certain foods or imbalance between the nitrogenous materials (fruit and vegetable scraps, grass) and carbon (shells, leaves, paper, tea). So avoid throwing leftover cooked or industrial dishes or too much citrus into your bin. These cannot degrade optimally and acidify the mixture. Your composter is no ordinary trash can. Not everything can be thrown into it! Don’t lose sight of this! Add newspaper and dead leaves to balance the materials in case of annoying odors.
- The small animals come from other insects present in what you put in the compost bin. If it is open, they can also infiltrate from the outside. This is not an irreversible plague. Avoid putting things in your compost that attract them such as leftover meat or fish. If you include them, take care that they are well in the center of the formed pile. Add newspaper and dead leaves on top of the pile to protect everything from insects.
- Also allow your compost to “breathe” , allowing the entry of oxygen which helps in rapid decomposition. No need to return it, which would not be very practical in an apartment. Prick it with a small fork to let air in through holes, nothing more!
- Beware of too high temperatures. Composting generates heat, it must be able to escape and not remain concentrated in your container.
Conclusion
In short, the kitchen composter is a practical, economical solution for storing leftover food, to reuse it to produce fertile, quality soil. To choose well from the multitude of options available for purchase, you must take into account certain parameters such as the capacity of the tank, its odor filtering, but also the size of your family and that of your garden.
