Best composter

These best composters will enrich your soil and fertilize your garden while prioritizing the planet.

best composter
(Image credit: Edward Howell via Unsplash)

A composter is a great way to prioritize the health of your garden and the planet. Not only does composting reduce landfill waste, but it also creates a nutrient-rich supplement for your yard. Here's a list of my favorite composters.

Staff pick

best composter

(Image credit: Amazon)

FCMP IM4000 dual-chamber tumbling composter

Churn up some enriching nutrients

This composter features an innovative material-mixing design.

Pros:

  • Tumbling design
  • 37-gallon capacity
  • Compost created in around 2 weeks
  • Made from 100-percent post-consumer recycled polypropylene

Cons:

  • May leak a little
  • Can be difficult to assemble

This 37-gallon composter, measuring 28-by-36-by-30 inches, is great for any backyard. It has a tumbling mechanism that can be turned for mixing with a simple handle twist. Stirring the compost allows it to cure in as little as two weeks. This composter has two compartments so that one holds scraps while the other side composts. The BPA-free composter is made from durable 100-percent post-consumer recycled polypropylene materials. 

Best large-capacity

GEOBIN compost bin

(Image credit: Amazon)

GEOBIN compost bin

This one is is adjustable

This composter features an accommodating design that can hold up to 246 gallons. 

Pros:

  • 246 gallons
  • Extendable design
  • Retains heat and moisture
  • Highly ventilated

Cons:

  • Arrives as a sheet of plastic that must be manipulated into a cylinder shape
  • May not be as sturdy when empty

This 4-foot-tall composter features an extendable design that accommodates 246-gallons of scraps or compost. Its heavy-duty perforated plastic is highly ventilated. Keep this composter in your yard and toss organic scraps inside for fast decomposition.

Best outdoor

best compost bin

(Image credit: Amazon)

EJWOX garden compost bin

Has four air vents

This composter is made from environmentally friendly materials.

Pros:

  • 80 gallons
  • Made from BPA-free materials
  • Four air vents
  • Provides fast fermentation

Cons:

  • Must rest on a flat surface for lid to close
  • A little flimsy

This composter has four air vents that allow for easy circulation during the decomposition and fermentation of your organic scraps. The structure is made from BPA-free materials that are strong enough to withstand the outdoors. The easy-to-assemble composter has a convenient 80-gallon capacity, making it perfect for families or large gardens.

Best unconventional

best composter

(Image credit: The Squirm Firm)

The Squirm Firm Worm Factory 360 worm composting bin

Accelerate the process with a little help

This model features four large stacking trays.

Pros:

  • Four large stacking trays
  • Uses worms to compost
  • Digital instruction guide included

Cons:

  • Not for indoor use
  • Unsure whether the worms are included

This composter is designed to use worms to help decompose organic materials. With four stackable trays, it can accommodate a large amount of natural materials. The worms work through each tray, eliminating the scraps and creating compost. To accurately use this model, refer to the included digital instruction guide and refrigerator magnet to understand what is compostable and how to dispose of it.

Best indoor

best composter

(Image credit: Amazon)

Abakoo stainless steel compost bin

Great for the home

This compact unit is perfect for your kitchen.

Pros:

  • Great for indoor use
  • 1.3 gallons
  • Made from 304 stainless steel
  • Washable
  • Four filters included

Cons:

  • May attract fruit flies if lid is not closed properly
  • May rust if not cleaned and dried properly

Made from stainless steel, this mini composter is perfect for indoor use. The model's small construction and four odor-eliminating charcoal filters make it great for storing under your kitchen sink or in your pantry. The filters and the bin are washable, ensuring your room remains fresh. 

The gist

Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best composters turn organic scraps into materials that are healthy for the environment. The FCMP IM4000 dual-chamber tumbling composter features a tumbling design that facilitates the rapid decomposition of organic scraps. Its 37-gallon design is made from 100-percent post-consumer recycled polypropylene and is a great addition to any garden.

If you're looking for a quick and easy composting solution, the indoor Abakoo stainless steel compost bin is a terrific option. It features handy charcoal filters that absorb and eliminate odors. Keep this mini composter in your kitchen for easy access.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.