The Bottom Line
The Exaco ECO 2.4 Gallon Kitchen Compost Collector delivers solid odor control and convenience for small to medium households. While it has some minor durability concerns, it's a reliable choice for anyone wanting to reduce food waste without cluttering their kitchen.
Product Overview
Kitchen composting doesn't have to mean dealing with smelly countertops or fruit fly invasions. The Exaco Trading Co ECO 2.4 Gallon Kitchen Compost Collector aims to solve these common problems with a straightforward approach: a mid-sized container with built-in odor control that bridges the gap between your daily food scraps and your outdoor compost system.
This BPA-free plastic collector measures roughly 10 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter, making it compact enough for most kitchen setups. The package includes the main container, a fitted lid with integrated charcoal filter, and a comfortable carry handle. Priced typically between $25-35, it sits in the middle range of countertop composters and is widely available through major retailers and online stores.
What We Love
- The 2.4-gallon capacity strikes the perfect balance - holds 3-4 days of scraps for a family of four without becoming unwieldy or taking up excessive counter space
- Activated charcoal filter genuinely works to neutralize odors, even when storing onion peels and citrus rinds for several days
- BPA-free construction wipes clean easily with just soap and water, and the smooth interior prevents food particles from sticking in corners
- Integrated carry handle makes weekly trips to the outdoor compost bin effortless, even when the container is full
- Compact footprint fits neatly on counters, in pantries, or under sinks without disrupting your kitchen workflow
Room for Improvement
- The lid seal isn't completely airtight, which can allow odors to escape during particularly hot summer months or in very humid climates
- Plastic hinges feel somewhat delicate and may not withstand years of daily opening and closing, especially if handled roughly
- Replacement charcoal filters aren't universally available - you'll need to order the specific Exaco filters rather than using generic alternatives
Real-World Performance
After using this composter daily for several months, its practical design really shines through regular use. The 2.4-gallon capacity means you're not constantly emptying it like smaller 1-gallon models, but it's not so large that scraps sit around getting truly funky. I've found it holds about three days worth of vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, and eggshells from cooking for a family of three.
Standout Feature
The built-in charcoal filter genuinely controls odors better than expected. Even with onion skins and banana peels, there's no noticeable smell unless you lift the lid and take a deliberate sniff. This makes countertop storage actually pleasant.
The handle design deserves special mention - it's not just decorative. When the container is full of damp coffee grounds and vegetable scraps, it can weigh 8-10 pounds. The sturdy handle distributes that weight comfortably and keeps your hands away from the lid mechanism during transport. The smooth plastic interior makes cleaning straightforward, though you'll want to rinse it every few emptyings to prevent any buildup.
User Experience & Setup
There's essentially no setup required - the filter comes pre-installed in the lid, and you're ready to start composting immediately. The learning curve is minimal, though you'll quickly discover the best spots for placement. Counter space works great if you have room, but under-sink storage keeps it out of sight while remaining easily accessible during meal prep.
"I was skeptical about the odor control claims, but this thing really works. I keep it right next to my coffee maker and have never noticed any smell, even when it's nearly full. The size is perfect for our small apartment kitchen."
- Sarah from Oregon
The lid opens easily with one hand, which is crucial when you're holding potato peels or coffee filters. The opening is wide enough for larger scraps without creating a mess. One minor quirk: the lid stays open at about 45 degrees, so you need to hold it fully open or let it close - there's no convenient middle position for extended food prep sessions.
Value Analysis
At around $30, the Exaco ECO sits in competitive territory with similar-sized kitchen composters. The main ongoing cost is replacement filters, which run about $8-12 for a 2-pack and should be changed every 2-3 months depending on use. That works out to roughly $20-30 annually in filter costs - reasonable for the odor control benefit.
💡 Compared to Similar Products: The OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin costs slightly more but has a more robust lid mechanism, while the Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel version offers better durability at nearly double the price.
The value equation really depends on your priorities. If you want something that works reliably without breaking the bank, this hits the sweet spot. However, families who empty their composter daily might prefer a smaller, less expensive option, while those wanting a long-term investment might lean toward stainless steel alternatives despite the higher upfront cost.
Who Should Buy This?
This composter works best for households that generate moderate amounts of food scraps and value convenience over premium features. It's particularly well-suited for people transitioning to composting who want something foolproof and effective without a major investment.
Perfect For:
- Small to medium families who cook regularly and want to reduce waste without daily trips to outdoor bins
- Apartment dwellers with limited counter space who need discrete, odor-free indoor storage
- Beginners to composting who want a simple, reliable system that doesn't require much maintenance or learning
Skip If:
- You generate large volumes of food scraps daily and need industrial-capacity storage
- You prefer metal construction and don't mind paying 50-100% more for stainless steel durability
- You live in extremely humid conditions where even small odor leaks become problematic
"This was exactly what I needed to start composting without feeling overwhelmed. It's simple, works as advertised, and helped our family cut our trash volume by about a third. The size is just right for our weekly routine."
- Michael from Texas
Final Verdict
The Exaco ECO 2.4 Gallon Kitchen Compost Collector delivers on its core promises: effective odor control, convenient size, and simple operation. While the plastic construction shows some cost-cutting and the lid seal could be tighter, these are minor issues for most users. The combination of practical capacity, genuine odor filtering, and reasonable pricing makes it a solid choice for households ready to start composting.
Recommended for anyone wanting a straightforward, effective kitchen composter without premium pricing. Just factor in the ongoing filter costs and consider whether the plastic construction meets your durability expectations.
