Best Composting Grinder

Adding compost to your garden is an easy and quick way to give you plants a nutrient boost so they can grow and thrive. You can use compost in your vegetable gardens as well as in your regular houseplants, but it can take a long time to break up and be ready to use. This is where a composting grinder comes in.

A high-quality composting grinder can help you quickly get a premium compost to use on your plants with minimal effort on your part. They’re compact enough to sit in your kitchen, and they come in a broad range or sizes. I’ve picked out the eight best composting grinders and bins for your kitchen, and I’ll give you mini-reviews for each of them. Then, there will be a short buyer’s guide you can use to help you narrow down your choices.

A composting grinder takes a lot of time and work out of creating your own compost from table scraps, food scraps and other food waste. They can be small enough to sit on your counter or large enough to sit in the yard.

1. Exaco Trading MR ECO Mini Compost Bin

This composting grinder features a very sleek design that ensures it’ll blend in well with your current decor. It gives you odorless and simple composting, and you can use it to make as much or as little compost at home as you like. All you have to do is add your compost and turn the handle. It’ll flip the compost into the base of the unit and out of sight. The design helps to lock in odors so no one knows they’re there, and it comes made from recycled plastic for an eco-friendly option.

You can place this compost grinder under the sink and keep it out of sight, or it allows you to mount it to the wall without a hassle. The entire unit is dishwasher-safe, and this makes it easy to clean it between uses. It weighs in at under four pounds, and it has a very modern design. You can use this device composting grinder with or without bags, and it has a no-leak design that is very sturdy and durable.

Benefits:

• Sleek enough to sit on the counter
• Handle turns to hind the compost
• Locks odors in

Drawbacks:

• Has very large mounting screws
• Doesn’t have an airtight design
• Have to buy the bags separately

2. Food Cycler Indoor Kitchen Composter

If you want an easy way to turn your kitchen scraps into compost, this composting grinder is an excellent way to go about it. It has a very simple three-step process that takes whole scraps and breaks them down for you. It can reduce your kitchen waste by up to 90% of the original volume, and this helps you make more for your plants to enrich the soil. In less than three hours, your compost scraps will be fine enough to put into your soil, and you don’t have to add anything, drain it, or vent it to get excellent results.

This composting grinder has a very compact design that allows it to sit nicely on the countertop without infringing on your space. It’s also guaranteed odorless, and this is great news. You don’t add any enzymes, and the composting grinder does the work for you. When you finish creating compost, you can pop the dishwasher-safe basket into your dishwasher to clean it so it’s ready to go again. There is a user-friendly operation with large buttons, and the power light comes on as it runs a cycle.

Benefits:

• Has a secure locking cover
• Short three-hour composting cycle
• Very user-friendly

Drawbacks:

• Small chamber
• Can be loud
• Difficult to clean

3. Joseph Joseph Intelligent Recycle Bin

Joseph Joseph’s composting grinder gives you a large 9.5-gallon container with a multi-purpose drawer. There is a removable bin you can slip into the drawer to divide it so it holds more than one recyclable. The compost bin is one gallon, and  you can pull it out to dump and clean it without a problem. The carbon odor filter is at the top of the bin on the underside of the lid to help absorb any odors and keep them contained. This is an excellent choice if you’re fitting out a new kitchen and upgrading your appliances.

The lid is a sleek stainless steel and fingerprint proof on this composting grinder, and it has an easy touch button release that is easy to work if your hands are full. The wheeled base makes it easy to move this composting grinder from area to area, and you can remove the inner bins for cleaning them. There are intelligent wash accessories included in each purchase, and you get a full 10-year warranty from the date of purchase against damage or defects.

Benefits:

• Easy to clean between uses
• Has a drawer with a divider
• Touch-button opening

Drawbacks:

• Difficult to find replacement charcoal filters
• Easy to dent the sides and cover
• Price – more expensive option

4. NEW OXO Good Grips Compost Bin

You’ll love the uncomplicated design on this composting grinder. It has a unique design that keeps the bags out of sight and tucked inside for a neat appearance. The 75-gallon capacity is great for a broad range of kitchen sizes, and the smooth interior makes it very easy to clean this bin between uses. The soft-close lid allows oxygen to flow through into the unit, and this can help control odors and pests to keep it clean. When it’s time to remove the bag, you can pop the lid off to give yourself a wide opening.

You’ll get a convenient stay open lid on this composting grinder that makes it easy to drop your food scraps or food waste in without getting the outside dirty. There is a handle on the top of this composting grinder that makes it easy to transport it from spot to spot, and it folds out of the way when you don’t need it. When you want to give it a thorough clean, you can remove the internal bucket and pop it into the dishwasher.

Benefits:

• Weighs under two pounds
• Handle folds out of the way
• Lid removes for easy cleaning

Drawbacks:

• Slightly smaller design
• Outer shell is very thin
• Water can get between the layers

5. Miracle-Gro Small Composter

If you have a container garden, you’ll want to take a look at this composting grinder. It’s slightly larger, but it has a compact design that allows it to sit on your patio or in your yard without a problem. You can use it to create compost all year round in any weather, and it’s an 18.5-gallon bin sitting on metal legs. The thicker plastic on the bin ensures it holds up against repeated use, and the metal legs give the composting grinder a very stable base so it won’t accidentally tip over and spill when you use it.

To use this composting grinder, all you have to do is open the door and add your compost to the bin. Put a tub underneath the opening and start to rotate the barrel. When the compost is ready, it’ll slip out into the bin and be ready to add to your plants. It’s not watertight, so you can spray the inside out if you want to clean it. The plastic has a UV protectant layer that prevents the sun from breaking it down, and there is a side-locking mechanism that ensures it doesn’t accidentally move when you load it.

Benefits:

• Includes garden gloves in the purchase
• Side-locking mechanism
• UV treated plastic won’t break down

Drawbacks:

• Challenging to assemble
• Door may not latch securely
• Legs are prone to rusting

6. Envirocycle Composting Tumbler Bin

This medium-sized composting grinder comes in black or pink, and you get the choice of 17 or 35 gallons. This allows you to customize your grinder to suit your needs and garden size. You can create both liquid and solid compost with this grinder, and it has a very sturdy design with a low profile. The plastic body is BPA-free, and it has a UV protectant on it for sun exposure. It also has food-safe materials in the design. This product comes from the United States to strict quality control standards.

When you get this composting grinder, it’s ready to go. You don’t have to assemble anything. If you want to create liquid compost, all you have to do is put four drain plugs into the bottom to catch the liquid. The grinder is on wheels, and this makes it easy to move around your yard. It has a secure lock on the door of the product that prevents it from accidentally falling open and dropping your compost. The large capacity is nice for bigger gardens or people who have a lot of plants to feed.

Benefits:

• Comes in two sizes and colors
• Very low profile
• Has wheels for easy maneuverability

Drawbacks:

• Door hinges are cheap
• Doesn’t allow for good airflow
• Difficult to turn as it gets full

7. Tierra Garden Kitchen Compost Caddy

This composting grinder and caddy comes made from 100% recycled plastic, and this is excellent news for anyone who likes to upcycle and repurpose items in their homes. This caddy is available in three sizes, and the medium size can hold up to 2.3 gallons of composting materials. The smaller design makes it an excellent tool for smaller kitchens where space is at a premium, and it works well to compost coffee grounds, tea leaves, egg shells, fruit peelings, vegetables, and more all at one time.

You should only empty out this compost bin when you fill it full. The lid has a carbon filter that can help absorb and eliminate any unpleasant odors, and the filter will last between three and four months before you have to replace it. The carrying handle makes it easy to move this composting grinder from space to space, and the lid snaps on securely to prevent accidental spills. You can move the handle back to open the lid and add to or empty out your compost.

Benefits:

• Available in three sizes
• Charcoal filter included in the lid
• Convenient carrying handle

Drawbacks:

• Filters are expensive
• Has a slightly more narrow bottom
• Does not create an airtight seal

8. Exaco Trading Co. Compost Waste Collector

This composting grinder has a 2.4-gallon capacity, and this is suitable enough for most small and medium-sized kitchens. It has a carbon filter in the top of the collector that helps prevent odors from escaping into the kitchen, and you get a full year’s supply with each order. You switch them out every three months. The entire thing is dishwasher safe, and it comes from a high-density polyethylene plastic that will withstand a lot of use and wear or tear without breaking down.

There is a convenient handle on this composting grinder that allows you to pick the entire thing up and carry it outside to add the compost to your soil with no muss and no fuss. The lid of this composting grinder flips wide open, and this makes it easy to get to your compost or add more materials to it without getting the outside dirty. It has a dark green coloring that will blend well into a lot of decors, and it’s small enough to slip under the sink or inside a cupboard without taking up too much space.

Benefits:

• Holds up to 2.4 gallons
• Get four carbon filters in every order
• Dishwasher-safe design

Drawbacks:

• Has a top-heavy design
• Allows fruit flies to slip in
• Doesn’t have a tight seal on the lid

9. EJWOX Large Composting Tumbler

If you’re updating your landscape edging for more privacy, you’ll need a compost grinder that allows for continuous composting. This is what you get with this product, and it has dual chambers that allows you to fill one with new compost while the other one is ready to use. Once you empty one side, you repeat the process. There is an internal aeration bar that lets air flow continuously into the compost, and the double-wall panels retain and absorb heat. This creates a high-quality compost that has a host of nutrients to feed your plants whenever you need.

This composting grinder turns on an axis to make it easy to tumble the compost, and it gives you a balanced rotation that’s easy on your body. The doors slide open to allow you to check on the compost’s progress without spilling anything, and this composting grinder is at the perfect height to put a cart underneath it to unload the finished compost. The frame features a powder-coated steel construction that resists, tear, rust, corrosion, and wear in all weather conditions.

Benefits:

• Has a heavy-duty galvanized steel frame
• Doors slide open wide
• Easy to rotate and empty

Drawbacks:

• Walls panels are slightly thinner
• Frame may not be 100% stable
• No secure latches on the doors

10. FCMP Outdoor Tumbling Composter

This is a dual composting grinder that has eight sides.The design makes it easy to mix your compost without having to dig in, and all you have to do is close the door and give it a few turns two or three times a week to mix it. If you live in a hot and sunny area, this can create quality compost in as little as two weeks. The door is removable, and there is a large opening that makes it easy to add scraps and clippings or remove your finished compost. The body has deep fins that make great handholds.

The dual chambers let you add fresh scraps on one side while the other side finishes breaking down and is ready to use. This gives you virtually constant compost all spring and summer long. This composting grinder has a maximum capacity of 37 gallons, and there are several aeration holes that allow for excellent airflow through the whole chamber. There is a wide galvanized steel frame that won’t rust or corrode, and the plastic body is BPA-free and 100% recycled plastic.

Benefits:

• Has a dual chamber design
• Made with BPA-free plastic
• Can create compost in two weeks

Drawbacks:

• Assembly can be difficult
• May be too small for larger gardens
• Difficult to get the material out

Composting Grinder Buyer’s Guide

Composting has been around for a long time, and it works well for cruciferous vegetables as well as any other types of vegetables you want to grow. You can add compost to your houseplants too to give them a nutrient boost. But, what should you look for when you start searching for a composting grinder? There are a few important considerations below.

Picking out your composting grinder or bin can be a big decision, and you want to make sure it’s large enough to suit your needs while not taking up a huge amount of space.

Size

One of the first things you want to consider with your composting grinder is the size. You can get everything from small countertop models to large outdoor models. Think about how many plants or how much area you have to cover with compost and how often you plan to add it to the soil. This should give you a good idea on an approximate size. The goal is to find one that isn’t too large and takes up unnecessary space while still being big enough to meet your compost needs. Remember, compost can take weeks to make. So, you want to get enough to cover every area you need in one go.

Aeration

Compost needs airflow to break down, and many of the traditional setups don’t allow for it. Air can help the compost break down quicker and more evenly, so you should have enough air holes to support your compost machine’s size. Many larger units have an aeration bar inside the setup, adn this works well because it’s more difficult for bugs or smells to get in and out. Others have small screened areas on the sides or end of the grinder to let air in while keeping the compost inside.

Assembly

Some of these devices come put together and ready to go, and others you have to assemble before you can use them. If you’re handy with tools and a DIYer, assembling it may not be a problem. However, if you’re not, you may want to pay attention to what you’ll have to do to get it up and running. Check and see whether it comes with all of the pieces and tools you need, or if you’ll have to buy additional items before you can put it together.

The assembly process on these machines are usually very straightforward, but you don’t want to spend hours on it. Play to your strengths and decide if a fully or partially assembled unit is best.

Loading and Unloading

You’ll have to load and unload your compost, and the doors will make a big difference in how long this process takes. Ideally, you’ll have large doors that make it easy to add large amounts of compost to the grinder without spilling it. The height of the grinder is important as well because it should be tall enough to slip a bucket underneath to catch your compost when it falls out. The doors should lock between uses so it doesn’t accidentally spill.

Materials

Pay close attention to the materials used to create your composting grinder. This is especially important if it’s going to be outside. The body of your product should be a durable plastic with a UV coating on it. The frame should be a stainless steel or a steel with a powder coating because this helps it resist rust and corrosion. Each part that does a lot of moving should be very durable like the hinges on the doors. Recycled plastic is popular for the larger composting grinders.

Single or Dual Chambers

Smaller grinders only have a single chamber for compost, and this is okay if you don’t have a lot of space to cover. However, a dual chambered grinder allows you to have two batches of compost going at all times. One side can be a completed compost and the other can be just starting out. Each chamber has an access and exit point, and you switch back and forth as you empty and refill it.

The size of your garden or the amount of plants you have will play a critical role in deciding which unit you pick out. If you’re not careful, you won’t have enough to cover everything and have to wait on a second batch.

Bottom Line

No matter if you have a small rooftop garden or your garden sprawls out over a few acres, a composting grinder can help you feed your plants and inject nutrients into the soil. My top 10 picks and short buying guide give you everything you need to make an informed decision and help your plants grow.