If you've been looking for a simple way to collect food scraps in your kitchen, the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin takes a refreshingly uncomplicated approach.
It doesn't try to turn your kitchen counter into a high-tech composting station. Instead, OXO focuses on the things that matter most for everyday food-scrap collection: a practical size, an easy-to-clean interior, a convenient lid, and a design that doesn't look out of place in the kitchen.
The 1.75-gallon version is large enough for households that produce a reasonable amount of food scraps, while its relatively compact footprint keeps it from taking over the countertop.
But there is one important distinction to understand before buying it: the OXO does not use a charcoal odor filter. Its odor-control strategy relies primarily on the lid and the way the bin contains food scraps.
So, is the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin actually worth buying?
For people who value simplicity and easy everyday use, I think it is one of the better countertop food-scrap bins to consider.
OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin
Best for: People who want a simple, easy-to-clean countertop compost bin.
The OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin combines a 1.75-gallon capacity with a smooth interior, removable lid, convenient handle, and a stay-open design that makes adding food scraps easy while cooking.
OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin at a Glance
The OXO is designed primarily as a food-scrap collection bin, not as a composter itself.
You keep it in the kitchen, add your fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other suitable compostable materials, and then transfer the contents to your outdoor compost pile, municipal compost collection, or another composting system.
Its main features include:
- Capacity: 1.75 gallons
- Material: Plastic
- Interior: Smooth and easy to clean
- Lid: Removable and designed to stay open while adding scraps
- Odor control: Lid-based containment rather than a charcoal filter
- Handle: Built in for easier carrying and emptying
- Placement: Countertop or under-sink use
- Smaller option: A 0.75-gallon version is also available
That feature list tells you a lot about the OXO's philosophy. It is less about adding specialized odor-control technology and more about making food-scrap collection easy enough that you'll actually use it every day.
What I Like About the OXO Compost Bin
The Stay-Open Lid Is Extremely Practical
This is one of the features that makes the OXO stand out.
When you're preparing vegetables, peeling fruit, trimming food, or cleaning out the refrigerator, you often have food scraps in one hand and a knife, cutting board, or other kitchen tool in the other.
Having to completely remove a lid every time you want to throw something away can quickly become irritating.
The OXO solves that by allowing the lid to remain open while you're working.
That sounds like a small design decision, but it makes the bin much more convenient during meal preparation.
The Smooth Interior Makes Cleaning Easier
One of the biggest advantages of the OXO is its smooth interior.
Food scraps are messy. Even when you use compostable liners, liquid from vegetables, fruit, coffee grounds, and other food waste can eventually find its way onto the inside of the container.
A bin with ridges, seams, or awkward corners can make cleaning unnecessarily frustrating.
The OXO's smooth interior gives you fewer places for scraps and residue to collect.
That makes it particularly appealing if you prefer to use the bin without a liner.
Instead of constantly buying bags, you can simply empty the contents and wash the container when necessary.
The 1.75-Gallon Size Is Useful for Busy Kitchens
The larger OXO model holds 1.75 gallons, which gives it more capacity than many small countertop compost containers.
That can make a noticeable difference if you cook frequently.
However, bigger isn't automatically better.
A household of one or two people may find the smaller 0.75-gallon version more convenient, particularly if they empty their scraps frequently.
The larger 1.75-gallon version makes more sense when you regularly produce enough food scraps to justify the additional capacity.
It Doesn't Look Like a Traditional Trash Can
Kitchen compost bins are often left sitting on the counter because constantly walking to an outdoor compost pile while cooking isn't practical.
That means appearance matters more than it might seem.
The OXO has a clean, minimalist shape that doesn't draw excessive attention to itself.
It's easy to imagine leaving it next to a cutting board or near the area where you prepare vegetables without making the kitchen look cluttered.
The Handle Makes Emptying Easier
Once the bin is full, you'll need to carry it to your outdoor compost bin, collection container, or other destination.
The integrated handle makes that process easier.
This is particularly useful when the bin is filled with wet food scraps and is therefore heavier than it looks.
Instead of awkwardly gripping the sides of the container, you have a dedicated point for carrying it.
What I Don't Like About the OXO Compost Bin
The OXO gets many important things right, but there are a few compromises to understand.
There Is No Charcoal Filter
The OXO does not use a charcoal filter.
Instead, odor containment comes from the lid and the overall design of the bin.
That can work well for normal day-to-day use, especially when you empty the bin regularly. But if you regularly store strong-smelling food scraps for several days, you shouldn't expect the same type of odor filtration offered by a bin with an activated-charcoal filter.
This is particularly critical if you live in a warm environment or your kitchen tends to get hot.
The OXO can contain odors, but it isn't an odor-elimination system.
The Lid Isn't Completely Hands-Off
The stay-open design is excellent when you're cooking, but the lid still needs to be closed when you're finished.
Because the lid isn't an airtight locking mechanism, the bin shouldn't be treated as a long-term food-storage container.
That's perfectly reasonable for its intended purpose, but it means you should still empty the bin regularly rather than treating it as long-term food storage.
Plastic May Not Be Everyone's Preference
The OXO uses plastic construction, which helps keep the product lightweight and contributes to its easy-clean design.
However, if you strongly prefer stainless steel in your kitchen, you may prefer something like the EPICA or Utopia Kitchen compost bins.
For some shoppers, the material is simply a matter of appearance and personal preference. For others, stainless steel feels more durable and premium.
The Larger Version Can Still Fill Up Quickly
Even 1.75 gallons isn't an enormous amount of food-scrap storage.
If you have a large household or cook from scratch several times a day, you may still need to empty the bin frequently.
That isn't necessarily a weakness. In fact, frequent emptying is beneficial for odor control.
But it's something to consider before choosing the larger model.
Does the OXO Good Grips Compost Bin Control Odors?
Yes, but it is important to understand how.
The OXO does not use a charcoal filter. Instead, the lid helps contain food-scrap odors inside the container.
This can be effective for ordinary kitchen scraps, especially when the bin is emptied regularly.
However, odor control depends heavily on what you put inside and how long you leave it there.
Vegetable peels and coffee grounds stored for a short period are generally easier to manage than wet, highly perishable food waste sitting in a warm kitchen for many days.
If you're particularly sensitive to odors, you may prefer a countertop compost bin with dedicated charcoal filtration.
Is the OXO Compost Bin Easy to Clean?
Yes, and this is one of its strongest features.
The smooth interior is designed to minimize places where food residue can collect.
The removable lid also makes it easier to empty and wash the bin thoroughly.
This is especially useful if you don't want to use compostable liners.
Simply empty the food scraps, rinse the container, and wash it with dish soap as needed.
Keeping the bin clean is important because old food residue can continue producing odors even after the bin has been emptied.
If you are the type of person who wants a compost bin that doesn't require complicated maintenance, this is where the OXO has a genuine advantage.
Can You Use the OXO Without a Compostable Bag?
Yes.
The smooth interior allows the OXO to be used without a liner, which can save you from continually purchasing bags.
Using a liner can still make cleanup easier, especially if you regularly collect wet food scraps.
If you choose compostable bags, make sure they are actually appropriate for the composting system where you intend to dispose of them.
Not every product labeled compostable will break down under every composting condition.
OXO 1.75-Gallon vs. 0.75-Gallon
One of the useful things about the OXO range is that you aren't limited to one capacity.
The larger 1.75-gallon model is better suited to households that generate a substantial amount of food waste, while the 0.75-gallon version can make more sense for smaller kitchens and households.
| Feature | OXO 1.75-Gallon | OXO 0.75-Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.75 gallons | 0.75 gallons |
| Best for | Busy kitchens and larger households | Small households and compact spaces |
| Counter space | Larger footprint | More space-efficient |
| Emptying frequency | Less frequent for most households | More frequent |
| Cleaning | Easy | Easy |
| Odor filter | No charcoal filter | No charcoal filter |
For most families, I'd lean toward the 1.75-gallon version. For one or two people who don't produce many scraps, the smaller model may be more practical.
OXO vs. EPICA Countertop Compost Bin
The EPICA and OXO take noticeably different approaches to countertop food-scrap collection.
The EPICA uses stainless steel and charcoal filtration, while the OXO emphasizes a smooth interior, convenient lid, and simple cleaning.
| Feature | OXO | EPICA |
|---|---|---|
| Product |
OXO Good Grips
|
EPICA Countertop Compost Bin
|
| Capacity | 1.75 gallons | 1.3 gallons |
| Material | Plastic | Stainless steel |
| Charcoal filter | No | Yes |
| Interior | Smooth and easy to clean | Smooth stainless steel |
| Lid design | Stay-open design | Fitted lid |
| Best for | Convenience and easy cleaning | Stainless steel and odor filtration |
| Main advantage | Simple everyday use | Charcoal odor control |
| Main drawback | No charcoal filtration | Smaller capacity |
| Amazon | Check Price | Check Price |
My choice depends on the kitchen. If convenience while cooking is my priority, I'd choose the OXO. If odor control and stainless-steel construction matter more, the EPICA becomes more attractive.
OXO vs. Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin
The Utopia Kitchen compost bin is another stainless-steel alternative, so the comparison comes down to whether you prefer OXO's convenience-focused design or Utopia's traditional stainless-steel approach.
| Feature | OXO | Utopia Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Product |
OXO Good Grips
|
Utopia Kitchen
|
| Capacity | 1.75 gallons | 1.3 gallons |
| Material | Plastic | Stainless steel |
| Odor approach | Lid-based containment | Charcoal filtration |
| Cleaning | Very easy | Easy |
| Best for | Convenient everyday food-scrap collection | Traditional stainless-steel design |
| Main advantage | Stay-open lid and smooth interior | Stainless steel and odor filtration |
| Amazon | Check Price | Check Price |
Who Is the OXO Compost Bin Best For?
The OXO is particularly well suited to people who want a compost bin that is easy to use rather than feature-heavy.
I'd consider it a strong choice for:
- People who cook regularly
- Small and medium-sized households
- People who want a countertop compost bin that is easy to clean
- People who don't want to deal with charcoal filters
- Households that empty their food scraps regularly
- People who prefer a plastic bin over stainless steel
- Apartment dwellers who need a compact food-scrap container
- Anyone who wants a stay-open lid while preparing meals
Who Should Choose Something Else?
The OXO may not be the best option if your top priority is aggressive odor filtration.
If you regularly keep food scraps inside the bin for several days, particularly in a warm kitchen, a charcoal-filtered model such as the EPICA may be a better match.
You may also prefer another product if stainless steel is important to you.
And if you have a large household that produces substantial amounts of food waste every day, even the 1.75-gallon version may need frequent emptying.
How to Prevent the OXO Compost Bin From Smelling
The OXO is designed to contain odors, but your habits still have a major effect on how fresh the bin remains.
To get the best odor performance:
- Empty the bin regularly. Don't wait until scraps have started decomposing heavily.
- Drain excess moisture. Very wet food scraps can create odors faster.
- Keep the lid closed when you're not using it.
- Wash the interior regularly. Food residue can continue producing odors even after the bin has been emptied.
- Freeze strong-smelling scraps if necessary. Freezing can be useful when you need to delay taking scraps to your main composting system.
- Don't treat the OXO as a composter. It is a collection container. Its job is to temporarily hold food scraps before they move to the actual composting system.
Is the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin Worth It?
Yes—especially if convenience and easy cleaning matter more to you than built-in odor filtration.
The OXO's biggest strength isn't a complicated feature. It's the way several simple design choices work together.
The stay-open lid makes food preparation easier, the smooth interior simplifies cleaning, the handle makes emptying convenient, and the 1.75-gallon capacity gives busy kitchens useful room for food scraps.
The absence of a charcoal filter is the main trade-off.
That isn't necessarily a problem because the lid can contain normal food-scrap odors effectively when the bin is emptied regularly. But if odor control is your highest priority, you may prefer a filtered stainless-steel model.
For everyday kitchen composting, though, the OXO has a lot going for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin worth it?
Yes. The OXO is worth considering if you want a simple countertop compost bin with a smooth interior, a convenient stay-open lid, a removable lid, a handle, and a useful 1.75-gallon capacity. It is particularly appealing if easy cleaning and everyday convenience are priorities.
Does the OXO compost bin have a charcoal filter?
No. The OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin does not use a charcoal filter. Its lid is designed to help contain odors instead. If you specifically want activated-charcoal odor filtration, a different compost bin may be a better choice.
Does the OXO compost bin smell?
The OXO can help contain normal food-scrap odors, but it is not completely odor-proof. How much it smells depends on what you put inside, how wet the scraps are, the temperature of your kitchen, and how long you leave the contents inside.
How big is the OXO Good Grips compost bin?
The larger OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin has a 1.75-gallon capacity. OXO also offers a smaller 0.75-gallon version for households and kitchens that need less capacity.
Is the OXO compost bin easy to clean?
Yes. The smooth interior is one of the product's strongest features because it gives food residue fewer places to collect. The removable lid also makes emptying and washing the container easier.
Can you use the OXO compost bin without a bag?
Yes. The smooth interior allows the OXO to be used without a liner. You can wash the container after emptying it. A compostable liner can still be useful if you want to reduce the amount of direct contact between food scraps and the container.
Does the OXO compost bin keep fruit flies away?
The lid can help reduce access to food scraps, but the OXO should not be considered completely fruit-fly-proof. Keeping the lid closed, cleaning the container regularly, and emptying food scraps frequently are important if fruit flies are a concern.
What is better, OXO or EPICA compost bin?
It depends on your priorities. The OXO is better suited to people who prioritize easy cleaning and convenient access while cooking. The EPICA is more appealing if you prefer stainless steel and want a charcoal filter for additional odor control.
Is the OXO compost bin good for a small kitchen?
Yes. The OXO has a relatively compact, countertop-friendly design, and the smaller 0.75-gallon version is particularly useful when counter space is limited. The larger 1.75-gallon model is better when you need more food-scrap capacity.
Is the OXO compost bin a composter?
No. The OXO is a food-scrap collection container. You use it to temporarily store compostable kitchen waste before transferring those scraps to a backyard compost bin, municipal composting program, or another appropriate composting system.
Final Verdict
The OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin is a strong choice for anyone who wants to make collecting food scraps easier without adding unnecessary complexity to the kitchen.
Its 1.75-gallon capacity is useful for busy kitchens, while the smooth interior makes cleanup significantly less frustrating than it can be with poorly designed compost containers.
The stay-open lid is probably the feature I appreciate most because it addresses a real everyday problem: having to open a container repeatedly while preparing food.
It also has a clean appearance that makes it easy to leave on the counter.
The biggest limitation is the lack of a charcoal filter. If you're specifically looking for a countertop compost bin designed around activated-charcoal odor filtration, the EPICA or another filtered model may be a better choice.
But if your priority is simple food-scrap collection, easy cleaning, convenient access, and a practical countertop design, the OXO is one of the better options to consider.
OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin
Our verdict: One of the better choices for simple, convenient countertop food-scrap collection.
If you want a countertop compost bin that is easy to open while cooking, simple to clean, and large enough for a busy kitchen, the OXO is worth considering.
