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Waiting for cold butter to get to a spreadable temperature can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re itching to dive into a freshly toasted slice of bread. Luckily, there’s a small but mighty kitchen tool that can help with that: a butter dish. A quality butter dish or butter bell (also known as a butter crock) will not only keep your butter soft but also tasting good, away from the elements, easily spreadable, and out of the fridge if you desire.
From porcelain butter dishes to butter bells and crocks made from sleek materials like glass and French marble, we put them all to work to evaluate their performance. Even if you are not a heavy daily butter user, butter dishes can be useful for entertaining and baking. We tested several butter dishes in our own homes to help you determine the right options for keeping your butter spreadable and safe. Read on to find out which butter dish is best for your needs.
Our Favorite Butter Dish
The Zulay Butter Dish is our top pick for its simple, classic design and included matching knife.
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Naming this butter dish by Zulay as our best overall pick was an easy choice. It has a traditional and understated style that seamlessly goes with any space, and it’s made of durable porcelain that is dishwasher-, microwave-, and freezer-safe. Plus, it’s offered in five different colors – black, white, mint, red, and light blue, so you can choose the option that best fits your kitchen.
We appreciate the inclusion of the coordinating butter knife, so you never have to dirty any extra cutlery to access your softened butter. However, we found during testing that it was slightly awkward to lay the knife on top of or against the butter dish, because there is no designated spot for it to be placed. But the glazed interior and exterior were easy to clean by hand during our tests, with no hard-to-scrub areas.
Material: Porcelain | Capacity: 4 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
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Looking for something affordable to store your butter in that’s effective without breaking the bank? We love OXO’s Good Grips collection for a reason – it’s inexpensive, effective, incorporates non-slip functionality, and this plastic butter dish is no exception. It has a non-slip base so your butter won’t get away from you, a lid that rests within the non-slip handles, and markings on the base for easy measurements.
During our tests, we found that butter got to a spreadable temperature when taken out of the fridge and placed on the kitchen counter in this dish. While it’s not the most attractive design compared to some of our other tested options, it is practical for daily life, and you have the benefit of always seeing how much butter is inside, so you aren’t stuck being surprised when you’re out. It is dishwasher-safe, which is always a plus, and the cleaning process during testing didn’t leave any oily residue behind.
Material: Plastic | Capacity: 4 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
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If you are less interested in a modern look for your butter dish and want something a little more rustic, this butter keeper by Sawyer Ceramics is the way to go. It is handmade in San Diego, California, with a beautiful textured exterior and smooth white glaze on the inside. But other than the natural and raw texture of the stoneware, there is nothing to help with gripping the lid to lift it from the base, so it may not be an ideal pick for anyone with mobility issues.
While testing this, we had no issue with oils or fats being left behind from the butter after running it through the dishwasher or handwashing, thanks to the glaze, which acts as a nonstick coating. However, we did notice that the seal didn’t seem as tight as some other options because it was not entirely flat with a full stick of softened butter inside. But we love the handmade feel and simple design of this butter bell, which would look great displayed on any countertop.
Material: Stoneware | Capacity: 4 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
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You can’t get a more classic butter crock than this one by Butter Bell. Made of new bone china (a proprietary ceramic mixture made of clay and jade), this crock is durable but still has a delicate texture, with a matte glaze and fine grain. It is straightforward to use, and can fit one stick of packed softened butter into the lid, and a recommended ⅓ cup of cold water into the base to create the airtight seal.
During our testing, we appreciated that the design of this dish felt like a mix of old and new that could appeal to a variety of butter lovers. And while it does fit more of a farmhouse aesthetic, it is made from a modern material. Cleaning was also a simple task thanks to the smooth edges, so there were no difficult spots to remove excess butter from. However, we did not love the scraping noise that the knife made against the china when trying to remove butter from the edges of the lid.
Material: New bone china | Capacity: 4 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
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Le Creuset has been a beloved brand for decades thanks to its signature stoneware pieces, and this butter dish is a worthy addition to any Le Creuset lover’s home. Choose from a variety of colorful offerings, including Caribbean, oyster, cerise, flame, and more. Plus, it’s all dishwasher-safe, non-porous, and resistant to scratches, chips, and stains.
Compared to some of the other options we tested, this butter dish could comfortably fit most wider European-style sticks of butter as well as a single Western stick, making it a great option for households that go through butter more quickly or for entertaining a crowd. During our tests, this dish conducted heat and cold well, and it also retained temperatures without issue. The handles on either side of the base and the loop on the lid are added bonuses, and they make it easy to move this dish around the kitchen and clean it without feeling unsteady. The only minor issue we encountered during testing was removing completely melted butter off of the smooth glaze, which we did with a paper towel before going in with dish soap.
Material: Stoneware | Capacity: 8 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
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For those who love butter and aren’t afraid to show it, this simple butter keeper by Hawkins New York is the way to go. Made in Portugal of mouth-blown glass, this dish may not look very large, but it actually holds two full sticks of butter at a time. The transparent glass makes it easy to see when it’s time to restock on butter or refresh the water, but keep in mind that the glass provides no protection to the butter from light. This could, however, be a great option for showing off homemade compound butter. Since added heat and light can cause butter to go bad more quickly (especially if you are not on top of changing the water), keep this in a dark and cool spot in the kitchen.
We appreciated during our testing that this is a dishwasher-safe option, especially since there was a spot in the lid that was a bit more difficult to safely clean by hand, but a solid scrub with a good dish soap will ultimately get the job done as well. In testing, it maintained a cool enough temperature to stay on the counter, and there were no issues with visible mold developing.
Material: Glass | Capacity: 8 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
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This sleek butter keeper from Crate & Barrel is equally as stylish as it is easy to use. Carved from hefty French marble, it absorbs heat more than other materials used to make butter crocks or dishes, so it will stay cool to the touch inside and out, even when left out on the counter at room temperature.
In our tests, it was easy to pack this with one stick of softened butter and use, and there were no issues with mold forming or the butter going bad. Since it is fully constructed of marble, we did notice how heavy it was, especially in comparison to stoneware pieces. Still, it felt as luxurious as it looks, and the veining of the natural stone would make a beautiful addition to any kitchen.
Material: Marble | Capacity: 4 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: No
Our Favorite Butter Dish
The Zulay Butter Dish is our top pick for its simple design, reliable functionality, and included mini knife. If you are looking for a classic butter crock, the Butter Bell The Original Butter Bell Crock is available in multiple colors.
How We Tested Butter Dishes
To find the best butter dishes on the market, we tested a number of designs, assessing them on factors including size, materials, and ease of cleaning. Our top choices scored high marks in all categories across the board, and we also took note during testing of any favorite or less favorable attributes of each butter dish.
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- Material: We evaluated the materials used in each butter dish we tested, noting whether they conducted heat or cold. We also kept in mind how fragile or durable the butter dishes felt, and whether or not the material is porous.
- Size: During our testing, we examined how much butter each dish could hold, and whether or not that amount was enough for an average amount of daily or weekly butter use. For the butter bells and crocks we tested, we also took into consideration how much water was required.
- Ease of Cleaning: We factored in how easy or difficult it is to clean each butter dish (whether by hand or in the dishwasher if recommended by the manufacturer), and we also kept in mind if any oils or fats from the butter were hard to remove because of the style of the dish.
After completing our testing, we revealed the retail prices of the tested butter dishes to consider the overall value they provide. At the time of testing, they ranged from $12 to $50, with an average price of $35.
Factors to Consider
Butter Crock vs. Butter Dish
There are two different butter vessels to choose between: a butter dish and a butter crock, or butter bell. Butter dishes hold a stick (or less) of butter, maintaining the original shape of the butter, and they can be stored on your kitchen counter or in the fridge.
A butter crock does not maintain the original shape of the softened butter, and it uses water to seal off the butter from exposure to air. One thing to note about a butter crock is that the right balance of butter and water needs to be in the vessel to maintain the seal. If there is too little water that cannot reach the butter, or too little butter that cannot reach the water, you could be at risk of causing bacterial growth.
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Material
Butter dishes and crocks are often made of ceramic, stoneware, marble, porcelain, glass, or plastic. Plastic and glass dishes will generally allow you to see how much butter is left inside, while other materials will not. However, more opaque materials (like ceramic, stoneware, marble, and porcelain) will protect the butter from sunlight, which will help keep it fresh and cool, and they could be better options in warmer months.
Size and Capacity
Most standard butter dishes or butter bells have the ability to hold a single stick of butter, which is equal to 4 ounces or 8 tablespoons. Depending on how much butter your family typically uses within a week or a few days, you may want to look into a slightly larger option that can accommodate two or more sticks.
Care and Cleaning
Since most butter dishes have a smooth finish, there will usually be some butter residue left behind between restocks. Depending on the material it is made from and the care instructions provided, you may be able to pop it in the dishwasher between uses, or stick to hand washing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Are butter dishes worth it?
Yes, butter dishes are worth it. They are a low-cost purchase that keeps your butter fresh and at a spreadable temperature, offering convenience for daily use. If you don’t plan to use one daily, a butter dish can also be a nice addition to your dinner party serveware for easy spreading on rolls and more.
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What is the difference between a butter dish and a butter bell or crock?
While butter dishes and butter bells/crocks serve the same function — to store butter and keep it spreadable — they do have a few differences. Butter dishes are simple containers that hold a stick of butter and do not have any type of air-tight seal. In a butter crock, also known as a butter bell, water creates a seal and prevents the butter from being exposed to air so it lasts longer.
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How long does butter last in a butter dish?
Butter will typically stay fresh and soft for around two weeks at room temperature, but there are several factors that can impact how long your butter will last in a butter dish or crock. Since salt acts as a preservative, salted butter can typically last longer in a butter dish or crock than unsalted butter.
Temperature is also a major factor, and you may be better off moving your dish or crock to the fridge temporarily if it gets particularly hot in your kitchen during the warmer months. Since butter bells or crocks form an airtight seal, they can also keep your butter fresh for a bit longer than a standard butter dish, as long as you replace the water every couple of days.
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How often should you change the water in a butter crock?
For optimal freshness, the water in your butter crock should be changed at least once every three days to prevent any bacterial growth or mold from forming.
Other Butter Dishes We Tested
Strong Contenders
Le Creuset Stoneware Butter Crock ($44 at Amazon)
While there’s no doubt that this butter crock is functional, there were a few things we were less impressed by. It is very heavy when full and could be prone to slippage if any softened butter gets on the knob or outside.
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East Fork Butter Keeper ($50 at East Fork)
We appreciated the design of this glass butter keeper based on looks alone, but we weren’t entirely sold on the functionality. It is very lightweight and fragile, and the size was not quite large enough to fit an entire stick of butter.
Our Expertise
- Jacqueline Weiss is a professional food writer with over eight years of experience and a lifelong passion for working in the kitchen. Her writing has appeared in Eat This Not That, EatingWell, AllRecipes, Simply Recipes, and more.
- For this article, she took testing data from our editors into account to determine the best picks.
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