Black & Decker Countertop Compost Bin Stainless Steel 166 oz.

Why this countertop bin stuck around on my counter

I’ve rotated through a handful of compost caddies over the years—plastic, ceramic, vented, lidded, even a DIY coffee can—and most eventually got relegated to the pantry. The Black & Decker countertop compost bin is the one that has stayed out in plain sight. It strikes a practical balance I appreciate: compact enough not to dominate the counter, big enough to get me through a couple of days of cooking, and simple enough that upkeep is a non-event.

Design and build quality

At a glance, it’s a straightforward stainless steel cylinder with a handle and a tight-fitting lid. In hand, the differences show up. The one-piece stainless body feels more rigid than typical budget pails with rolled seams. There aren’t interior seams or crevices for pulp to wedge into, which makes a big difference when you’re scraping out sticky scraps. At 2.6 pounds empty, it’s substantial without being clunky.

The brushed finish looks at home alongside other stainless appliances, and it hides fingerprints better than mirror-polished bins. After several weeks of daily use, there are no signs of rusting—even after holding tomato cores, citrus peels, and coffee grounds for stretches between trips outside. That tracks with the one-piece construction and rust-resistant claim, but it’s still nice to see in practice.

The carry handle is a simple loop that stays out of the way while loading. It’s balanced; with a full 1.3 gallons inside, it doesn’t dig into my hand or twist awkwardly. The lid seats with a reassuring press and lifts off cleanly with one hand. There’s no hinge or latch to fail, which I prefer on a bin that’s opened multiple times during meal prep.

Size, footprint, and capacity

With a footprint of about 7.9 by 7.9 inches and a height of 11.2 inches, the bin has the profile of a slim kettle. It tucks into a corner without stealing prep space and slides under my upper cabinets without interference. The 166-ounce capacity (roughly 1.3 gallons or 4.9 liters) has been a sweet spot for a two- to four-person household. In cooler months, I can go two to three days before emptying; in peak summer cooking, I prefer daily or every-other-day trips to the outdoor pile or curbside cart to keep things tidy.

If you batch-cook heavily or have a large family, you might wish for a two-gallon option. The trade-off is countertop footprint—this size stays comfortably unobtrusive.

Odor control and fly management

Odor management is where a countertop bin earns its keep. The lid houses a replaceable activated-charcoal filter, and combined with the nicely fitted lid, it’s effective. Even with aromatic scraps (onion ends, garlic paper) and coffee grounds, I didn’t notice odors escaping during normal use. Opening the lid after a day or two is met with the expected “compost bin” smell, but the kitchen itself doesn’t advertise what’s inside.

As for fruit flies, the lid does the heavy lifting by keeping access limited. In the peak of summer, adding a thin layer of dry “browns” (shredded paper, paper towel, or a handful of dry leaves) on top of wet scraps helps keep moisture in check and deters pests. The filter is rated for long service, and the bin includes a year’s supply of replacements based on six-month intervals. Your mileage will vary depending on humidity and what you put in; I found that swapping a filter a little sooner during hot months kept performance consistent.

Cleaning and maintenance

Ease of cleaning is where the one-piece body pays off. The inside wipes down with a soapy sponge and a rinse; there’s nowhere for sludge to hide. I avoid abrasive scrubbers to preserve the brushed finish, and I towel-dry after washing to maintain the steel’s look. Because there’s no removable inner bucket, you’re washing the main body—thankfully, it’s quick.

The lid wipes clean with the same routine. The filter sits in place without fuss, and replacing it is as simple as popping the old disc out and dropping a new one in. A couple of maintenance habits have helped:

• Empty before you cram it full. You’ll reduce mess and keep the filter fresher.
• Keep the interior as dry as possible by layering in some dry matter on wet days.
• Rinse and dry the bin after emptying; it takes less than a minute and keeps the steel spotless.

Durability and long-term feel

Over time, countertop bins often show their weak points: rust spots on seams, flimsy handles loosening, lids warping. After weeks of daily use, frequent washing, and hauling fully loaded to an outdoor composter, the Black & Decker bin hasn’t developed play in the handle or lid. The rolled rim is smooth and comfortable to grip when I pour. The bottom has stayed flat and doesn’t teeter on stone or wood counters.

Because the body is a single piece, there aren’t rivets or welded seams inside to break down. That’s especially helpful with acidic inputs like citrus and vinegar-soaked scraps. If you keep up with basic rinsing and drying, it should stay looking good.

Usability quirks and nice touches

A few small details make everyday use easier:

• The mouth is wide enough to accept a cutting board sweep, which reduces spills.
• The handle stays upright when you want it, but it’s not springy; it lies flat against the side quietly.
• The bin’s weight keeps it from skittering when you knock it with a spoon or ladle.

There are a couple of trade-offs to note. There’s no inner liner bucket, so if you’re used to lifting out a plastic insert for washing or lining, you’ll either carry the whole bin (easy with the handle) or use compostable liners. If you opt for liners, check your municipal program or compost setup; some accept certified compostable bags, others don’t. I’ve had good luck skipping liners and just rinsing immediately after emptying.

The lid doesn’t latch, which is fine for kitchen use and makes it quick to open one-handed, but if you plan to move a full bin around a lot, be mindful to carry it by the handle and body rather than the lid.

How it compares to alternatives

• Versus plastic pails: Stainless doesn’t absorb oils or odors and is less likely to stain from turmeric or tomato. It’s heavier, which I see as a plus for stability.
• Versus ventilated bins: Ventilated designs let moisture escape, which can slow down funk but often requires adding a lot of dry material. This bin’s sealed approach relies on the charcoal filter and more frequent emptying. It’s simpler and, in my experience, more kitchen-friendly.
• Versus larger 2–3 gallon caddies: Bigger bins mean fewer trips but can intensify odors and fruit fly issues if you stretch the interval. This 1.3-gallon capacity hits a practical middle ground for daily or every-other-day routines.

Who it’s for

If you want a durable, low-maintenance, good-looking container that keeps kitchen scraps out of sight and smell until your next trip to the outdoor bin or curbside cart, the Black & Decker countertop compost bin is a strong fit. Apartment dwellers, small families, and anyone trying to keep a tidy prep area without a towering caddy will appreciate the compact footprint. Heavy cooks or large households might augment with a second bin or plan for more frequent emptying.

The bottom line

The Black & Decker countertop compost bin is thoughtfully simple: sturdy one-piece stainless construction, a replaceable charcoal filter that actually controls odor, an easy-to-clean interior, and a sensible size for daily cooking. There are flashier designs out there, but few that get the fundamentals this right without introducing new hassles.

Recommendation: I recommend it. It keeps smells contained, looks at home on the counter, and takes the friction out of collecting food scraps. If your goal is to make composting an easy, everyday habit, this bin’s balance of capacity, stability, and low-maintenance cleaning makes it an easy choice.