Butter Bell Crock

by Butter Bell Crocks

• Keeps butter fresh and spreadable for up to 30 days without refrigeration; no odors or spoilage
• Made of high quality glazed stoneware; dishwasher safe
• Modeled after original French butter crock; available in a wide array of colors
• To use, pour cold water into base, pack lid with softened butter, replace lid into base; change water every 2-3 days
• Holds 1 stick of butter; practical and beautiful, goes from kitchen to tabletop

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.2 inches ; 1.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BOWWZQ
• Item model number: BB-RED
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (167 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,648 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)
  • #15 in Kitchen & Dining > Tabletop > Serveware > Butter Dishes

Product Description

Color: Maraschino Red

Amazon.com Product Description

A practical and beautiful solution for storing and serving butter, the Butter Bell Crock keeps butter soft, delicious, and spreadable for up to 30 days without refrigeration. Modeled after the original French design, the butter crock is made from durable glazed stoneware or dolomite clays. Available in a wide array of colors, the crock can match existing dinnerware or stand on its own to add a touch of color to the table. It goes from the kitchen to the tabletop with no fuss. Butter's delicate flavor and freshness are protected by an airtight seal of water at the base of the crock, safely keeping butter fresh and spreadable without refrigeration, odors, or spoilage. It also keeps butter at the perfect "spreading" consistency by reflecting outside heat while insulating and cooling the butter. To use, firmly pack one stick of softened butter into the bell-shaped lid, pour cold water into the base of the crock, and place the lid upside down back into the base of the crock. Store the crock away from heat or sunlight, and change the water in the base every two to three days. Cleaning is easy since the crock is dishwasher safe.

From the Manufacturer

Look how easy it is to use the Butter Bell crock.

1. Pour approximately 1/3 cup very cold water into the base of the crock.
2. Pack ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter into the bell-shaped lid.
3. Replace lid into the bottom of the crock. Water creates an airtight seal.




The secret to fresh, creamy butter is the airtight seal.

The unique design keeps butter at the perfect "spreading" consistency by reflecting outside heat while insulating and cooling the butter. Flavor and freshness are protected by an airtight seal of water at the base of the crock.

Proper maintenance: Water should be changed out every three days. Replace existing water in the base with fresh, cold water. The crock should be stored away from heat or sunlight.

Holds up to one full stick (1/2 cup) of butter. Softened butter is packed firmly into the bell-shaped lid. Cold water is poured into the base of the crock. The lid is placed upside down back into the base of the crock. Soft, spreadable butter may be enjoyed and served right from the crock.






Frequently Asked Questions:
Why does my butter keep falling into the water or turning moldy?
Though there are many reasons for this, usually once you get the hang of using your Butter Bell, these problems are easily solved. Here are some helpful hints and suggestions to try out:
• Do not allow the butter to become too soft before packing it into the bell shaped lid. The butter should be firm enough so that is not slipping off the knife before packing the lid. When the butter is slightly firmer it packs into the lid better - just use a little "elbow grease".
• When packing the butter into the bell shaped lid, make sure you press the butter firmly into the lid, removing all air pockets. Air pockets within the butter create a suction affect when the lid is removed from the water, pulling the butter out of the lid.
• When using your Butter Bell, do not let the "Bell" sit out of the crock base for extended periods of time.
• After each use, check the remaining butter in lid to ensure there aren't any air pockets. Use your knife to redistribute the remaining butter within the lid for better adherence tension.
• Make sure that the Butter Bell is stored away from sunlight and heat. For instance, do not store on a counter near a stove/oven or in a window sill.
• Use the coldest water possible when adding water in the base of the crock. Perhaps add a few small, smashed ice cubes if you live in a very warm climate. Make sure you're changing the water every 3 days. This step ensures fresher butter for longer periods of time.
• Wash thoroughly between uses.

Is the Butter Bell dishwasher safe?
Yes, the Butter Bell is dishwasher safe.

Where is the Butter Bell made and is it safe?
The Butter Bell crocks are made in China, by a top manufacturer of ceramic products. The crocks are made from the highest quality materials and are completely safe, meeting FDA food safety regulatory standards. Each production run of product is tested thoroughly for lead and cadmium levels. Documentation accompanies each shipment, which is submitted to US Customs and the FDA for clearance approval.

Why does my Butter Bell have fine black lines in it?
These fine black lines are called "crazing." This is a normal wear and tear for ceramic products, and happens to plates, dishes, and mugs as well. It will not harm the butter. It is a result of scraping the knife along the sides the bell to get the butter out, as well as dishwashing in very hot water.

Can I use margarine (or other spreads) in the Butter Bell?
The Butter Bell works best when real butter is used. Margarine does not have a spreadability problem. Also, margarines are "oilier" and will not stay in the lid very easily. It is not recommended to store other processed spreads in the Butter Bell. Processed spreads (i.e. - cream cheese) need refrigeration to stay fresh for extended periods of time. You can use the Butter Bell for special spreads if you do not plan to store it in the Butter Bell. For example, the Butter Bell might make a great serving piece at an evening dinner party for a special dip or spread that you create.

Can I use whipped butter in the Butter Bell?
Whipped butter is less dense than regular butter. It contains tiny air pockets (hence the fluffiness) which causes the butter to fall into the water. It is not recommended. As well, Ghee or Clarified butters are not recommended for use in the Butter Bell.

Can I store herbal butters in the Butter Bell?
Herbal butters are fine to serve and store in your Butter Bell, however they will not stay fresh as long as pure butter. Butters that contain fresh herbs will stay fresh approximately 5 to 7 days in the Butter Bell. This can vary somewhat so use your best judgment before use.

Product Description

The L. Tremain Company, founded in 1996, is a privately owed, family run business based in Los Angeles, CA. The company's main focus is to provide unique and time-honored kitchen tools, housewares and decorative tabletop lines to consumers worldwide. The very first product line launched by the company was based on a centuries old French butter storage device. The company has taken the traditional French concept, increased its effectiveness and beauty, to create an innovative butter storage unit specifically for the American palate the Original Butter Bell Crock. Since its inception in 1996, the Butter Bell crock has become the most recognized brand of butter crocks in the U.S and Canada. The Original Butter Bell Crock is a modern version of the authentic French beurrier. Made from high quality, durable New Bone China, the Butter Bell crock safely keeps butter at room temperature on the counter or tabletop without spoilage, refrigeration or odors. L. Tremain has recreated and improved this natural method of preserving the creamy texture and delicate flavor that makes butter the most desirable and most-used spread in the world.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Concept...BUT July 4, 2006

By Gregory D. Leis

Color Name:Midnight Black|Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased the Midnight Black Butter Bell in early June, 2006, and it worked fantastically well...until the weather got warmer. After a few 100+ degree days where the temperature inside the house was between 75-80 degrees, the butter would fall in a clump from the inverted bell into the water in the holding jar. I ended up putting the whole thing in the refrigerator anyway...which kind of defeats the purpose. I thought it might be the brand of butter I was using, but after trying different brands, I still experienced the same problem. However, I look forward to using the Butter Bell when the weather cools down a bit.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful spreadable butter October 6, 2003

By LAB

Color Name:White Raised Floral

I have two butter bell crocks. They work great. Just pack the butter in, put water in the bottom of the crock and you have soft spreadable butter anytime you want it. The only drawback is unsalted butter will sometimes get moldy. This can be prevented by adding salt to the water in the crock.

I would suggest buying two butter bells. This way you can have the second one ready to go when the first one is about to run out.

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not the end of the butter battle June 1, 2007

By Sharen Beveridge

Color Name:Maraschino Red|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had bought this product hoping to settle the butter rage that surfaces every time someone has to try to spread hard butter on something. Alas it has not been our salvation. The butter falls out into the water every time I try to use it. I really don't see what I could do wrong, I measured the water, packed the butter tightly, tried different temps to no avail. During the times it has stayed in the bell it is wonderful, but I spent too much time fishing the butter out of the water and it is now relegated to a shelf in kitchen limbo.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Soft Butter Anytime! June 12, 2008

By M. C. Williams

Color Name:Le Bistro Bell w/Blue Trim

I've used this product for years - it is the BEST way to store butter for table use. You put water in the bottom container which keeps air completely away from the surface of the butter so it never oxidizes. The water, at room temperature, amazingly keeps the butter at a slightly firm, easily spreadable, consistency. It will keep for a week and significantly longer if you avoid getting bread crumbs etc. in it, and if you refresh the water with each use. (The negative reviewer did not seem to realize they are supposed to use water.)

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Butter crock December 28, 2009

By R. Jennings

Color Name:White Raised Floral

This item is worthy of your consideration. The "top" will accept a full stick (1/4-lb) of butter which, when inverted and inserted into the "bottom" is sealed against outside air by the cool water you have added (approx 1/3-cup) to the crock. The instructions caution that the water should be replaced at least every three days. The only "rub" I have about the item is that it would have been very helpful to have a cast-in line on the inside to show the proper fill level for the water. If you add too little, there will be no air-tight seal created; too high and the butter gets "wet." I added a line to the interior of my crock with a permanent marker, just for ease of refilling. The crock, especially with the wide range of styles and colors available, makes a nice addition to your counter top.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeps butter fresh May 16, 2006

By Jen

Color Name:Lime Green|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this butter crock after my old butter dish broke. This keeps butter fresh and is easy to use. The top acts like a handle and when you flip it over, the edge makes a nice knife rest. I run through the dishwasher between fillings. Very pleased.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Butter Bell Class White Raised Floral Crock August 5, 2010

By donnar53

Color Name:White Raised Floral|Amazon Verified Purchase

This product is amazing! I live in Florida and during the warmer months, butter will melt and separate if left at room temperature. No more hard butter from the fridge for toast! Simply put one stick of butter in the top of the crock, add a small amount of water to the bottom, invert the top and insert. Your butter will be soft for spreading, but no melting or separating. Butter is kept very fresh. The crock arrived within the promised shipping time and in perfect condition. I highly recommend this product!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love My Crock!!!! July 19, 2008

By Christine Lumsden

Color Name:Maraschino Red

This is a great gadget EVERYONE who loves butter should have. Kept at the perfect temperature, butter is easily spread. No hard butter in this house anymore! That means no torn bread, no trying to slice butter thin enough so it will melt, just nice, smooth, yummy butter ready for all your cooking needs.