Keeping butter at room temperature on your countertop is a simple luxury that makes it soft, spreadable, and ready for your morning toast or evening bread. However, leaving a wrapped stick on a plate is an invitation for dust, odors, and kitchen mess. A dedicated butter dish is the elegant and practical solution, protecting your butter while keeping it accessible.
With so many styles available, from modern plastic to classic porcelain, choosing the right one depends on your kitchen’s needs and aesthetics. This roundup covers the best butter dishes for countertop storage, highlighting options that excel in design, functionality, and capacity to help you find the perfect fit for your home.
The Best Butter Dishes for Your Kitchen Counter
- Butterie Flip-Top Butter Dish with Lid & Matching Knife
- Tablecraft Clear Glass Butter Dish
- OXO Good Grips Butter Dish
- Norpro Stainless Steel Double Covered Butter Dish
- Sweese Butter Dish with Lid, Porcelain Butter Keeper
- 8” Art Glass Butter Dish with Lid
- Arc International Luminarc Cow Butter Dish
- Anchor Hocking Butter Dish with Glass Cover
- Le Creuset Stoneware Butter Dish, 0.25 lb
Butterie Flip-Top Butter Dish with Lid & Matching Knife
The Butterie presents a clever redesign of the traditional butter dish. Its main feature is a one-piece construction with an attached, flip-top lid. This design eliminates the common problem of a separate lid dragging through the butter or making a mess on your countertop. The lid never touches the butter or the surface, making it a much cleaner option for daily use.
This dish is compact and space-efficient, yet it holds a full 8 ounces, which is equivalent to two standard sticks of butter. It also accommodates the shape of popular European-style butters. Constructed from sturdy, BPA-free plastic, it is shatterproof and entirely dishwasher safe for effortless cleaning. The attached lid can be popped off for a more thorough wash if needed.
Tablecraft Clear Glass Butter Dish
For those who prefer a classic and straightforward design, the Tablecraft Clear Glass Butter Dish is an excellent choice. Its transparent glass construction allows you to see how much butter is left at a glance, making it easy to know when a refill is needed. The simple aesthetic fits seamlessly into any kitchen decor, from traditional to contemporary.
This butter dish includes a fitted lid that helps keep your butter fresh by protecting it from airborne particles and absorbing other kitchen odors. It’s a versatile piece that works just as well for everyday family meals as it does for special dinner parties where you want your table setting to look tidy and complete.
OXO Good Grips Butter Dish
The OXO Good Grips Butter Dish is designed with practical functionality in mind. It features small stoppers on the sides of the dish that securely hold the butter stick in place while you cut it, preventing it from sliding around. This thoughtful detail makes spreading butter much safer and more controlled.
Adding to its utility, the base of the dish includes tablespoon measurement markings, which can be helpful for cooking and baking. The clear lid is designed to rest securely on the base without easily sliding off, making it stable enough for transport from the counter to the table. The lid is also easy to grip and remove when you need access to the butter.
Norpro Stainless Steel Double Covered Butter Dish
The Norpro Stainless Steel Butter Dish offers a sleek and modern alternative to ceramic or glass. Its simple and elegant design brings a contemporary feel to your table setting. The polished stainless steel is not only attractive but also durable and easy to wipe clean.
This dish is uniquely designed with two separate compartments, each with its own cover. This allows you to keep two different types of butter or spreads, such as salted and unsalted butter, or even a block of cream cheese, fresh and readily available. With a capacity for two full sticks, it’s a great option for households that use butter frequently or enjoy variety.
Sweese Butter Dish with Lid, Porcelain Butter Keeper
Sweese offers a porcelain butter dish that combines an elegant, minimalist style with practical design. It has a smooth, glossy finish and a clean look that complements a wide range of kitchen decors, from modern to vintage. The dish is available in several attractive colors, allowing you to coordinate with your existing dinnerware.
The design includes a finely crafted, rounded knob on the lid for a secure grip, even with wet hands. Delicate ridges on the base help center the butter and prevent it from sliding around. With its generous 7.8-inch length, this holder can easily accommodate a full stick of American butter, including both East and West Coast sizes, without the butter touching the lid.
8” Art Glass Butter Dish with Lid
This Art Glass Butter Dish adds a touch of decorative charm to your countertop. As a 2-piece covered container, it effectively seals out oxygen, pests, and other contaminants, helping your butter stay fresher for longer periods. The lid features a prominent and convenient handle, making it easy to lift off for quick access.
Made from high-quality glass, this dish is sturdy enough for refrigerator storage and is also dishwasher safe for simple cleanup. Its multi-purpose design means it can also be used for serving or preserving other items like desserts or cheese, offering good value and versatility in your kitchen.
Arc International Luminarc Cow Butter Dish
The Luminarc Cow Butter Dish brings a cheerful, farmhouse-style aesthetic to your kitchen. Its charming cow design printed on the lid adds a whimsical and rustic touch that can brighten up your countertop or breakfast table. This design is a favorite for those who enjoy a more traditional or country-inspired kitchen decor.
Despite its decorative appeal, this dish is made from durable materials built for everyday use. The set includes a single lid and base, providing a snug fit to help maintain the freshness of your butter. It’s a functional piece that also serves as a charming decorative accent.
Anchor Hocking Butter Dish with Glass Cover
Anchor Hocking is a trusted name in glassware, and their butter dish continues that legacy of quality and simplicity. This clear glass dish offers a timeless look that never goes out of style. The transparency allows you to easily see the contents, and the fitted glass lid provides a good seal.
Constructed from durable glass, this dish is designed for long-term use. It is a reliable and no-fuss option that performs its job effectively, keeping your butter protected and soft. Its classic design ensures it will integrate well with any other dishware you own.
Le Creuset Stoneware Butter Dish, 0.25 lb
For those who appreciate premium kitchenware, the Le Creuset Stoneware Butter Dish is a top-tier choice. Known for their exceptional quality and iconic colors, Le Creuset offers a butter dish that is both a functional tool and a statement piece. The vibrant, chip-resistant enamel finish is durable and easy to clean.
This stoneware dish has a substantial feel and is designed to hold a quarter-pound stick of butter. Its elegant design and wide range of available colors make it easy to find one that matches your kitchen’s color scheme. It’s a sophisticated addition that brings a touch of luxury to an everyday item.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Butter Dish for Countertop Storage
I keep my butter on the counter because I like it soft and spreadable. It makes breakfast and baking so much easier. But I learned the hard way that not every container is up to the task. A good butter dish is more than just a pretty plate; it’s a functional tool that protects your butter from air, light, and stray crumbs. If you’re looking for one of the 9 best butter dishes for countertop storage, here’s what I think you should consider first.
The most important feature for me is the seal. Butter left out will oxidize and pick up other flavors from your kitchen if it’s not properly covered. I look for dishes with a lid that fits snugly. Some have a simple gravity-fit design, where the lid rests inside the base. Others, especially modern plastic or ceramic ones, might have a silicone gasket that creates an airtight or near-airtight seal. This is a game-changer for keeping butter fresh for up to a couple of weeks.
Next, think about the material. Ceramic and stoneware are my personal favorites. They’re heavy, which means they don’t slide around easily, and they do a great job of keeping the butter cool. Glass is another excellent option because it’s non-porous and easy to clean, plus you can always see how much butter you have left. For a more rustic look, some people prefer wood, but it can require a bit more maintenance to keep it from absorbing oils. And don’t overlook high-quality, durable plastics if you need something that’s lightweight and unlikely to break.
Size and capacity are practical details you don’t want to overlook. My first butter dish was too small for a standard block of butter, which was frustrating. Make sure the dish you choose can comfortably hold a full stick or block (typically 4 ounces or 113 grams). If your household goes through a lot of butter, you might even want to look for a larger model that can hold two sticks. Also, consider the footprint on your counter. A beautifully ornate dish might be lovely, but if it takes up too much space, it might not be the most practical choice for your kitchen.
Finally, don’t forget about cleaning. I prefer dishes that are dishwasher-safe because it makes life simpler. Many ceramic and glass dishes are, but always double-check the manufacturer’s instructions. Butter dishes with intricate carvings or wooden components often need to be hand-washed. Choosing a design that’s easy to clean will ensure your butter stays fresh and your dish stays looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really safe to leave butter out on the counter?
Yes, for the most part, it is. Salted butter is perfectly fine left at room temperature because the salt acts as a preservative, inhibiting bacterial growth. It can typically stay out for one to two weeks. Unsalted butter is more perishable, and I would only leave it out for a day or two. Always use a covered butter dish to protect it from dust, pests, and picking up other food odors. If your kitchen is very warm, you might notice the oil separating; in that case, it’s better to keep only a small portion out and store the rest in the fridge.
What is the best material for a butter dish?
There isn’t one single “best” material; it depends on your priorities. I like ceramic or stoneware for their weight and ability to keep things cool. Glass is fantastic for its non-porous nature and ease of cleaning. If you’re clumsy or have kids, a durable, high-quality plastic might be the most practical choice for you. Wood offers a classic look but requires more care to prevent it from becoming greasy or warped. The key is to choose a material that suits your kitchen’s style and your personal maintenance preferences.
Why does my butter sometimes taste or smell like other foods in the kitchen?
Butter is really good at absorbing strong odors from its environment. This is why a proper lid is so crucial. If your butter dish doesn’t have a tight-fitting seal, aromas from onions, garlic, or other pungent foods can easily transfer to your butter. Using one of the 9 best butter dishes for countertop storage that features an airtight or snug lid will solve this problem almost completely. Also, try to place your butter dish away from your stove or other strong-smelling areas.
How often should I clean my butter dish?
I make a habit of cleaning mine every time I put a new stick of butter in it. This prevents any old, potentially rancid residue from contaminating the fresh butter. It’s a simple routine: when the last bit of the old stick is used, I wash the dish before placing the new one inside. If you use a butter dish without a lid, you might need to wipe down the base more frequently to remove any dust or crumbs.
Can a butter dish keep my butter from melting in a warm kitchen?
A standard butter dish won’t actively cool your butter, but some materials, like thick ceramic or stoneware, can help insulate it from minor temperature swings. If your kitchen is consistently very warm, you might want to look for a specialty “butter bell” or “French butter keeper.” These use water to create an airtight seal that can keep butter cooler and firmer than a traditional dish. For most homes, however, a regular dish in a relatively cool spot on the counter is sufficient.
What’s the difference between a butter dish and a butter bell?
A traditional butter dish is what most people think of: a base that holds the butter and a lid that covers it. A butter bell (or butter crock) is a two-part system where the butter is packed into a small cup, which is then inverted into a larger base filled with a small amount of water. This water seal locks out air, which can keep the butter fresh longer and slightly cooler. I find butter bells great for warm climates, but they require more frequent water changes, so it’s a trade-off.