Best composters

Buying the best composter is one of the easiest ways to create your own fertilizer, or recycle food waste and other organic matter. If you're a gardener, this is a fantastic way to create free fertilizer that's sure to give your plants all the nutrients they need. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, investing in a composter can cut down on the amount you send to landfill and bring you another step closer to a low-waste lifestyle. 

We've found the best composters for every need, with indoor and outdoor options and compost bins of every size. Our top pick is the FCMP Outdoor Composter, which has two chambers and makes aeration easy. Keep reading to find the rest of our top picks. 

Not all composters are built with everyone in mind. The FCMP Outdoor Composter has an easy-to-use design that is fantastic for beginners and veterans of composting. The 37-gallon capacity is quite a bit larger than many competitors, making it an excellent choice for larger families who want to compost. It has two compost chambers and works by tumbling, so in as little as 2-weeks, you can have your first load of fertilizer!

If you're just getting started with composting, you might not want to go all-in on a composter. A compost bin can let you create fertilizer without destroying your budget in the process. This Geobin Compost Bin is expandable up to 4 feet, which gives you a 216-gallon capacity. It's made from 50% recycled plastic, uses closure keys to choose its side, and is easy to disassemble and move if needed! 

Just because you're working with a smaller space doesn't mean you can't have a composter and do your bit to recycle food waste. The Miracle-Gro Small Composter is 27.7 gallons in capacity, and includes the same great features we love about larger composters such as aeration and locking doors to keep pests out. This compost bin is rust-proof and made of recycled plastic. It also comes with heavy duty garden gloves and will turn your waste into compost in just six weeks. Of course, you may find yourself running out of space quite fast, but every little counts. 

Yep, we like this one a lot. Constructed from premium recycled plastic, this composting bin maintains optimum moisture and heat to shorten your composting time. With a smart aerating system and secure lid, your compost will be kept safe from pests. So, take the backache out of gardening, and invest in this DF Omer Composter Bin. Oh, and we should definitely mention the 10-minute set-up time – lightwork, right?

If you won't compromise on quality, this Squeeze Master Compost Tumbler is a go-to pick. Thanks to the rotating system, you no longer have to dig, turn, or mix your compost by hand, making for an altogether easier composting process. With dual compartments, you can fill one side with your scraps and then the other. To open, simply slide the doors. Happy gardening!

With exceptional air circulation, this Tierra Garden Composter is a smart choice indeed. Sizing in at 33.5 x 33.5 x 31.5 inches, this option has 17-cubic feet of space to fill, so there's plenty to play with. With a simple set-up, it has a wind-safe locking lid, meaning your compost is kept safe and sound, and can be easily accessed for mixing. Frankly, we're sold.

If you are after something that fits neatly into your kitchen space, this Epica Compost Bin might just be your dream come true. Constructed from strong stainless steel, it can weather plenty of use and ward off scratches and chips. Large enough to hold several days' worth of kitchen scraps, it is easy to clean and has a chic design that should complement any home.

For a low-maintenance option with all the same perks as a regular composter, the Homewell Outdoor Garden Composting Bin is our top choice. It has an easy access bottom side that makes reaching your compost easier than ever, and you simply lift the lid to top it up on food scraps and any other organic materials. 

Because it gives you access to the most composted matter at the bottom of the bin, you can use this composter on an ongoing basis, meaning there's no waiting around to top it up. 

Bottom line

The best composter you can buy is the FCMP Outdoor Composter, which is easy to use and has two chambers for simultaneous use. If you want something smaller, we suggest the Miracle-Gro Small Composter, or a more budget option is the Geobin Compost Bin. With great aeration, we think the Squeeze Master Compost Tumbler is worth the spend, and if you want something you don't need to tumble, check out the DF Omer Composter Bin or the Homewell Outdoor Garden Composting Bin. 

If rodents are a real concern, the Tierra Garden Composter will keep your compost secure. Alternatively, if you want to cut down on waste but don't have the space for something outdoors, the Epica Compost Bin will sit comfortably in your kitchen.