6/7
Best Expandable Worm Composting Bin
Worm Factory 360 Composter
The Worm Factory 360 composter is another long-time workhorse product for at-home worm composting. It’s expandable up to seven trays, which makes it a smart option for handling the food scrap load of larger families. That many trays mean it’s a little more complex to set up and operate, but overall, it’s still pretty simple. The stackable design also lets worms move freely from tray to tray, and there’s a spigot at the base for collecting worm tea.
One nice feature of the Worm Factory 360 is that it comes with a starter kit, which includes everything you need, including bedding, a rake and scraper and a worm voucher. It’s made in the United States from recycled plastic and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- Expands up to seven trays
- Reasonably prices
- Comes with starter kit
- Made in the U.S.
Cons
- Can’t be used outdoors
7/7
Best Compact Composting Bin
Maze Worm Farm
For those with cramped spaces, like small apartments or balconies, the Maze worm farm is a quality little option. At just 15 inches wide and deep, it can fit nearly anywhere. The two composting trays rotate, and there’s a drip tray to catch the worm tea and a worm-saver tray to ensure the little ones don’t escape out of the bottom. Overall, it’s well made, looks a bit stylish and has legs (sold separately) to make it taller.
“These are great worm composters,” customer Memly explains. “Small and manageable. I can lift it when full to move it around the yard when needed. And they are fairly attractive so I don’t feel like I have to hide them. They are also excellent fun for children to learn about worms and composting. And for them to play with the worms, too. We got one initially and quickly ordered a second.”
Pros
- Fits nearly anywhere
- Weighs just 9 pounds
- Comes with bedding
- Suited for beginners
Cons
- Low capacity
- Pricey
What to Look for in a Worm Composting Bin
The most important factors to consider when choosing a worm composting bin are:
- Space: How much space do you have in your home or garden for a composter?
- Size: How many food scraps does your household typically produce? More people means the need for a larger-capacity system.
- Ease of use: Look at how convenient it is to add food scraps and harvest the compost.
- Location: If you live where it freezes in the winter or where it gets super hot in the summer, you’ll need to bring your worms inside or insulate them with materials. However, this only works to a degree, so choose wisely.
- In-ground vs. above-ground: For outdoor worm composting bins, consider which model you’d like. In-ground allows worms to spread nutrients into the surrounding soil with no effort on your part, but makes the operation immobile. Plus, you can’t harvest the worm castings and tea to use elsewhere in your yard.
Why You Should Trust Us
I was practically born next to a compost bin, and have been exploring my mom’s organic garden since the moment I could walk—and, of course, saving every earthworm I could find on the sidewalk after a rainstorm. Plus, Family Handyman has been working to bring you the best of the best in your home since 1951, so we have years of vetting experience behind us.
How We Found the Best Worm Composting Bins
For this article, we consulted vermicomposting experts and scoured customer reviews to find the best worm composting bins. After examining dozens of options, we narrowed down our search to the top seven picks, based on price, ease of use, practicality and real-life shopper experience.
FAQ
Is worm composting worth it?
Definitely! But it’s not for everyone. There are many benefits of worm composting, and it’s an especially smart way to compost for people with limited space. However, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for living creatures, and you’ll have to stay on top of their temperature, moisture and food needs. It’s not rocket science, and it doesn’t require a lot of effort, but if you have a particularly short attention span or travel for more than a couple of weeks at a time, then it’s probably not for you.
Is a worm bin better than compost?
It depends on your situation, but theoretically, yes. All composting is a wise move for sustainably disposing of food waste and making nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Because worms also enrich soil with their castings, their soil will likely be more rich in nitrogen and phosphorus than standard compost. Plus, if you have an outdoor, in-ground system they’ll even partly disburse the compost for you.
What is the best worm composter for beginners?
Many people recommend the Urban Worm bag and Maze worm farm for beginners because they’re easy to set up and use. But if you’re just testing the waters, you might want to start with a more budget-friendly setup or DIY your own to see if you like it.
Can I put worms in my compost bin?
Yes, as long as your compost bin has the right conditions for them to survive, including temperature, moisture and pH level. Also, make sure to use the correct worm species. The most common ones used in worm composting are red wrigglers (Eisenia fetida), but if you have local worms, they’ll probably be more hearty. If your compost is outdoors, worms might end up there naturally, either from worm cocoons stuck in soil stuck on weed roots, or because they smelled the food scrap feast and got intrigued.
