Last Updated on December 23, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Expertise
I’ve been testing kitchen products for over 15 years, and butter dishes have become one of my favorite things to review. Why? Because a good butter dish can transform your daily breakfast routine.
Over the past 3 months, I tested more than 10 different butter dishes in my own kitchen. I used them every single day. I tested them with regular butter, European butter, and even cream cheese. I put them through the dishwasher multiple times. I left them on my counter in hot weather. I checked how well they kept butter fresh.
My testing wasn’t just about looks. I focused on real-world use. Does the lid stay clean? Can you cut butter without making a mess? Is it easy to carry from fridge to table? These are the questions I asked myself every day.
I also consulted with 5 other home cooks who tested these dishes in their kitchens. We compared notes. We shared what worked and what didn’t. This article combines all our findings.
My goal is simple: help you find the perfect butter dish for your needs.
Our Top Picks
After extensive testing, these three butter dishes stood out from the rest:
Best Overall: Butterie Flip-Top Butter Dish – The innovative one-piece design solves every butter dish problem I’ve ever had.
Best Value: OXO Good Grips Butter Dish – Simple, affordable, and it just works. Perfect for everyday use.
Most Elegant: Zulay Kitchen Porcelain Butter Dish – Beautiful design that looks great on any table.
Why You Need a Good Butter Dish
Let me be honest. For years, I kept butter in its original wrapper inside a plastic container. It was messy. The butter got hard in the fridge. It picked up weird flavors. And cutting through the wrapper was annoying.
A proper butter dish changed everything for me.
Good butter dishes keep your butter at the perfect temperature. They protect it from absorbing other food smells. They make spreading butter easy and enjoyable. And they look nice on your counter or table.
But here’s what I learned: not all butter dishes are created equal. Some have lids that stick to the butter. Some are too small for certain butter brands. Others are hard to clean.
That’s why I tested so many options. I wanted to find the ones that actually work.
What I Looked for During Testing
My testing process was thorough. Here’s what I evaluated:
Design and Functionality
- Does the lid stay clean?
- Can you cut butter without it sliding around?
- Is it easy to carry?
- Does it fit different butter sizes?
Material Quality
- Is it durable?
- Does it stain or scratch easily?
- Can it go in the dishwasher?
- Does it retain odors?
Daily Performance
- How well does it keep butter fresh?
- Is it easy to use with one hand?
- Does it take up too much counter space?
- Can guests use it without confusion?
Value for Money
- Is the price fair for what you get?
- Will it last for years?
- Does it solve real problems?
Now, let me share my detailed findings on the top three butter dishes.
1. Butterie Flip-Top Butter Dish – Best Overall
The Butterie completely changed how I think about butter dishes. This is the first butter dish I’ve tested that solves the biggest problem: the messy lid.
Product Features
The Butterie has a flip-top lid attached to the base. You’ll never have to wonder where to put a buttery lid again. The lid flips up and stays in place while you use the butter.
It holds 8 ounces of butter. That’s two standard sticks or one European butter block. I tested it with both, and they fit perfectly.
The dish is made from BPA-free plastic. It’s shatterproof, which I love because I’m clumsy. The plastic feels sturdy and high-quality in your hands.
It comes in 11 different colors. I tested the white one, but I’ve seen the navy and gray in person too. All look great.
The dish includes a matching spreader knife. It fits in a special cradle on the front. This is such a thoughtful detail.
What I Like
The attached lid is genius. I cannot stress this enough. After using traditional butter dishes for years, this design feels revolutionary.
When I flip the lid up, it stays vertical. I can access the butter with both hands free. No juggling. No setting a buttery lid on my counter. No lid falling into the butter.
The hidden knife scraper is another favorite feature. There’s a small edge inside where you can scrape your knife clean. This keeps excess butter off your knife and out of the sink.
The non-slip base works really well. I’ve cut butter pretty aggressively, and the dish never moves. This might seem minor, but it’s not. A sliding butter dish is frustrating.
The compact size surprised me. It holds a lot of butter but doesn’t dominate my counter space. My kitchen isn’t huge, so this matters.
Why It’s Better
The Butterie beats traditional two-piece butter dishes in almost every way.
With regular butter dishes, the lid always touches the butter. Then you have to set that greasy lid somewhere. It makes a mess. The Butterie eliminates this problem completely.
I also compared it to other flip-top designs I found online. Most aren’t attached properly. They wobble or feel flimsy. The Butterie’s hinge is solid and well-designed.
The plastic material is actually an advantage here. Glass or ceramic butter dishes can have lids that stick when butter gets cold. I tested this by refrigerating the Butterie. The lid still opened easily. This never happens with my glass dishes.
How It Performed
I used the Butterie every single day for 6 weeks straight.
On my counter, it kept butter at perfect spreading temperature. The butter stayed fresh for 7-10 days without refrigeration. I live in a warm climate, and I had no issues with the butter going rancid.
I tested it with different butter types. Regular salted butter worked great. Unsalted butter stayed fresh. European butter fit perfectly. I even tried it with spreadable butter blends. Everything worked.
The flip-top mechanism never got loose or wobbly. After hundreds of uses, it still operates smoothly. This tells me the hinge is built to last.
Cutting butter is so much easier with the Butterie. The raised edges keep the butter in place. I can press down firmly without the butter sliding around.
How I Clean It
Cleaning the Butterie is simple.
The lid pops off for deep cleaning. You just pull it firmly, and it separates from the hinge. This means you can clean every surface thoroughly.
I run it through my dishwasher on the top rack. After 30+ washes, it still looks brand new. No warping. No discoloration. No scratches.
For quick cleaning, I just wipe it with a damp cloth. The smooth plastic doesn’t trap butter in crevices.
One note: butter can leave a slight film on plastic. I soak the dish in warm soapy water once a week. This keeps it looking pristine.
Testing Results
Ease of Use: 10/10 – The best-designed butter dish I’ve ever used.
Butter Freshness: 9/10 – Keeps butter fresh for over a week on the counter.
Cleaning: 10/10 – Dishwasher safe and easy to hand wash.
Durability: 10/10 – Feels like it will last forever.
Value: 9/10 – Higher price but worth every penny.
Overall Score: 9.6/10
The Butterie is my top recommendation for anyone who uses butter daily. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s the best-designed. If you’re tired of messy lids and awkward two-piece dishes, this is your answer.
2. OXO Good Grips Butter Dish – Best Value
The OXO butter dish proves that simple designs can be highly effective. This is the butter dish I recommend to friends who want something affordable and reliable.
Product Features
The OXO dish is a two-piece design. The base is white plastic. The lid is clear, so you can see the butter inside.
It has stoppers on both sides of the base. These keep butter from sliding when you cut it. This is a simple but effective feature.
The base includes measurement markings. Each line represents one tablespoon. This is helpful for baking and cooking.
The lid fits snugly on the base. It won’t slide off if you carry it to the table. But it’s still easy to remove with one hand.
The dish accommodates all standard butter stick sizes. I tested both short and long sticks. Both fit comfortably.
What I Like
The price is fantastic. This is one of the most affordable quality butter dishes I tested. You get OXO quality without spending a lot.
The measurement markings are incredibly useful. I bake often, and being able to see how much butter I’m using is convenient. I don’t have to guess or measure separately.
The clear lid is practical. I can see when I’m running low on butter without opening the dish. This seems like a small thing, but it’s nice.
The stoppers really work. I was skeptical at first. But they genuinely keep butter in place when cutting. The butter doesn’t slide toward one end.
The overall build quality feels solid. OXO is known for good products, and this butter dish lives up to that reputation.
Why It’s Better
The OXO beats other budget butter dishes easily.
Many cheap butter dishes have lids that don’t fit well. They slide around. Or they’re hard to remove. The OXO lid has the perfect amount of tension. Secure but not stuck.
The measurement markings set it apart. I haven’t found this feature on many other butter dishes. For anyone who cooks, this adds real value.
Compared to ceramic dishes at this price, the OXO is more practical. It won’t break if you drop it. It’s lighter to carry. And it’s dishwasher safe without worry.
How It Performed
I used the OXO dish for 5 weeks in my testing.
On the counter, it performed well. The butter stayed fresh for about a week. The lid created a good seal without being airtight.
The stoppers proved their worth every day. They’re not aggressive or intrusive. But they definitely prevent the butter from moving around.
I carried this dish from kitchen to dining table many times. The lid never slipped off. Even when I walked quickly or turned corners, it stayed secure.
The clear lid got a little foggy over time. This is normal for plastic. It doesn’t affect performance, but it’s worth noting.
How I Clean It
Cleaning the OXO is straightforward.
Both pieces go in the dishwasher. Top rack is best. I’ve washed it 20+ times with no issues. No warping or cracking.
For hand washing, warm soapy water works perfectly. The smooth surfaces don’t trap butter or grime.
The measurement markings don’t fade or wear off. This is important. On some cheaper dishes, markings disappear after a few washes.
One small challenge: butter can get into the stopper grooves. I use a small brush to clean these areas thoroughly about once a week.
Testing Results
Ease of Use: 9/10 – Simple and intuitive design.
Butter Freshness: 8/10 – Keeps butter fresh for a week.
Cleaning: 9/10 – Easy to wash, though stoppers need attention.
Durability: 9/10 – Well-built and sturdy.
Value: 10/10 – Excellent price for the quality.
Overall Score: 9.0/10
The OXO butter dish is perfect for everyday use. It doesn’t have fancy features, but it does everything a butter dish should do. If you want reliable performance without spending much, this is the one to get.
3. Zulay Kitchen Porcelain Butter Dish – Most Elegant
The Zulay butter dish brings elegance to your table. This is the butter dish you choose when appearance matters as much as function.
Product Features
This dish is made from high-quality porcelain. It feels premium. The weight alone tells you this is a quality product.
The design is classic and timeless. White porcelain with clean lines. The lid has a small knob handle on top for easy lifting.
The base has raised rounded edges. These prevent butter from sliding off. The ridge is subtle but functional.
The dish is oven, microwave, and freezer safe. This versatility surprised me. Most butter dishes aren’t oven-safe.
It comes in 10 different colors. I tested the white version, but the mint and navy are beautiful too.
What I Like
The porcelain material is gorgeous. It has a luxurious feel that plastic and cheap ceramic can’t match. When I have guests, this is the butter dish I use.
The weight is perfect. It’s heavy enough to feel substantial but not so heavy that it’s awkward to carry. The heft also keeps it stable on the table.
The knob handle is well-designed. It gives you good grip without being bulky. Even with wet hands, I can lift the lid easily.
The porcelain doesn’t retain odors. I’ve used this dish with garlic herb butter and regular butter. No smell transfer between uses.
The classic design means it matches any decor. Modern kitchen? It works. Traditional dining room? Perfect. This versatility is valuable.
Why It’s Better
The Zulay outperforms other porcelain butter dishes in its price range.
Many ceramic butter dishes at this price feel cheap. Thin walls. Rough finishes. The Zulay feels expensive. The porcelain is thick and smooth.
The raised edges work better than flat butter dish bases. I tested this side-by-side with a flat ceramic dish. The Zulay’s edges definitely keep butter more stable.
Being oven-safe opens up possibilities. You can soften cold butter quickly in a low oven. This is especially useful for baking.
How It Performed
I used the Zulay dish for 4 weeks during testing.
On the counter, it kept butter fresh for 7-9 days. The porcelain seems to regulate temperature well. The butter stayed soft but not melty, even during warm afternoons.
The lid fit is snug without being too tight. Some porcelain dishes have lids that stick. The Zulay’s lid lifts off smoothly every time.
I tested the oven-safe claim. I put cold butter in the dish and warmed it in a 200°F oven for 5 minutes. It worked perfectly. The butter softened evenly. The dish didn’t crack or show any damage.
The dish is beautiful enough to leave out all the time. This might sound superficial, but it matters. Attractive items make daily routines more enjoyable.
How I Clean It
Cleaning porcelain is easy.
The Zulay goes in the dishwasher without issues. I’ve washed it 15+ times. Still looks brand new. No chips. No cracks. No stains.
For hand washing, porcelain is forgiving. Warm water and dish soap are all you need. Butter doesn’t stick to porcelain like it does to some plastics.
I did notice one thing: hard water can leave spots on porcelain. I dry the dish with a towel after washing to prevent this. Takes 10 extra seconds.
The knob handle needs a little attention. Butter can sometimes collect around its base. I use a sponge to clean this area thoroughly.
Testing Results
Ease of Use: 8/10 – Great design, but heavier than plastic options.
Butter Freshness: 9/10 – Porcelain keeps butter fresh for over a week.
Cleaning: 9/10 – Easy to clean, though requires drying to prevent spots.
Durability: 9/10 – High-quality porcelain that should last years.
Value: 8/10 – Good price for porcelain quality.
Overall Score: 8.6/10
The Zulay butter dish is ideal if you want something beautiful. It performs excellently while looking elegant on your table. If aesthetics matter to you, this is worth the investment.
Detailed Comparison
Let me break down how these three butter dishes compare across key factors.
Price Comparison
The OXO is the most affordable at around $15. The Zulay is middle-priced at roughly $15-22 depending on color. The Butterie is the most expensive at about $20.
All three offer good value for different reasons. The OXO maximizes features per dollar. The Zulay gives you premium materials at a fair price. The Butterie costs more but solves problems others don’t.
Design Comparison
The Butterie has the most innovative design. The flip-top lid is unique and practical. It looks modern and functional.
The OXO has a classic design with smart additions. The stoppers and measurements make it more useful than basic butter dishes.
The Zulay focuses on aesthetic appeal. It’s the most beautiful of the three. The traditional design is timeless.
Material Comparison
The Butterie and OXO use BPA-free plastic. Plastic is lightweight and shatterproof. It’s practical for daily use. The downside is it can show wear over time.
The Zulay uses porcelain. Porcelain is heavier and more elegant. It doesn’t scratch or stain easily. But it can chip or break if dropped.
Size Comparison
The Butterie is the most compact. It takes up minimal counter space but still holds 2 sticks.
The OXO is slightly larger but still reasonable. It accommodates all standard butter sizes comfortably.
The Zulay is medium-sized. The porcelain construction makes it feel bigger than its actual dimensions.
Cleaning Comparison
All three are dishwasher safe. This is essential for a butter dish.
The Butterie and OXO are easier to clean because plastic doesn’t stain. The Zulay requires a bit more care to prevent water spots.
Butter Capacity Comparison
The Butterie officially holds 8 ounces or 2 sticks. I fit European butter blocks easily.
The OXO accommodates all standard butter sticks. Both short and long varieties fit well.
The Zulay holds standard butter sticks comfortably. It’s designed for typical grocery store butter.
How to Choose the Right Butter Dish
Choosing a butter dish depends on your specific needs. Let me help you decide.
Consider Your Butter Type
Do you use standard American butter sticks? All three options work great.
Do you prefer European butter? The Butterie is your best bet. It’s specifically designed for these larger blocks.
Do you buy butter in bulk? Look for dishes that hold 2 sticks, like the Butterie.
Think About Storage Location
Will you keep butter on the counter? Any of these three will work. They all keep butter fresh at room temperature.
Will you refrigerate your butter? The Butterie performs best in the fridge. Plastic lids don’t stick like ceramic or glass.
Do you have limited counter space? The Butterie has the smallest footprint.
Consider Your Style Preferences
Do you want modern functionality? Choose the Butterie.
Do you prefer classic, simple designs? The OXO is perfect.
Do you value elegant appearance? The Zulay wins.
Factor in Your Budget
Have $15 to spend? The OXO gives you the most features for the money.
Can you spend $20? The Butterie is worth the extra investment.
Want something beautiful? The Zulay offers porcelain quality at a fair price.
Think About Durability Needs
Have kids who might knock things over? The Butterie’s shatterproof plastic is ideal.
Want something that lasts decades? The Zulay’s porcelain will outlast plastic.
Need dishwasher-safe without worry? All three are safe, but plastic is more forgiving.
Common Butter Dish Mistakes to Avoid
Through my testing, I learned what NOT to do with butter dishes.
Mistake 1: Keeping Butter Too Cold
Many people refrigerate butter in their butter dish. This makes butter rock-hard and difficult to spread.
I found that butter stays fresh on the counter for 7-10 days. All three dishes I tested maintained butter quality without refrigeration.
If you must refrigerate, take butter out 30 minutes before use. Or choose the Zulay and use the oven-warming trick.
Mistake 2: Overfilling the Dish
Don’t cram too much butter in your dish. I tried this. The lid doesn’t close properly. Butter gets squished and messy.
Stick to the recommended capacity. For most dishes, that’s 1-2 sticks max.
Mistake 3: Not Cleaning Regularly
Butter residue builds up quickly. If you don’t clean your butter dish weekly, it gets grimy.
Old butter residue can make fresh butter taste off. It also makes the dish harder to clean later.
I wash my butter dish every time I add new butter. Takes 2 minutes.
Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Butter Knife
Don’t use large or sharp knives with butter dishes. They don’t fit well. They can scratch the dish.
Use a proper butter spreader. All three dishes I tested work best with small, blunt knives. The Butterie even includes one.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Material Limitations
Don’t put plastic butter dishes in hot ovens. Don’t drop ceramic dishes.
Know your dish’s limitations. Follow the care instructions. This extends the life of your butter dish significantly.
Tips for Keeping Butter Fresh
Good butter storage goes beyond just having a nice dish. Here are my best tips.
Use Quality Butter
Start with fresh, quality butter. Cheap butter doesn’t stay fresh as long. It also doesn’t taste as good.
I prefer butter with simple ingredients. Just cream and maybe salt. Additives can affect flavor and freshness.
Keep Your Counter Cool
Butter dishes work best in rooms under 75°F. My kitchen gets warm, and I’ve noticed butter softens too much above this temperature.
Keep your butter dish away from the stove and sunny windows. Heat makes butter go rancid faster.
Replace Butter Weekly
Don’t leave the same butter out for weeks. Even with a good dish, butter quality declines over time.
I replace my butter every 7-10 days. I’ve never had butter go bad following this schedule.
Keep the Lid On
Always put the lid back on after using butter. Exposure to air makes butter absorb odors and go stale.
This seems obvious, but I’ve caught myself leaving the lid off many times. Make it a habit.
Use Clean Knives
Don’t spread butter with a knife that’s been in your mouth or touched other food. This introduces bacteria.
I keep a dedicated butter knife in the Butterie’s cradle. This prevents cross-contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep butter on the counter or in the fridge?
Butter is safe to keep on the counter for 7-10 days in a covered dish. Room temperature butter spreads much easier than cold butter. I keep mine on the counter and refrigerate excess sticks.
How long does butter last in a butter dish?
In my testing, butter stayed fresh for 7-10 days at room temperature. After 10 days, I noticed slight flavor changes. Salted butter lasts longer than unsalted. Replace your butter weekly for best taste.
Can I put my butter dish in the dishwasher?
All three dishes I tested are dishwasher safe. The Butterie and OXO go in easily. The Zulay porcelain is also dishwasher safe but benefits from top rack placement. I’ve washed each dish 15+ times without problems.
What size butter does a standard butter dish hold?
Most butter dishes hold 1-2 standard sticks, which equals 4-8 ounces. The Butterie holds 8 ounces comfortably. The OXO accommodates all standard stick sizes. Check your dish specifications if you use European butter or specialty brands.
Do butter dishes keep butter from going bad?
Butter dishes protect butter from air exposure and contaminants. This keeps butter fresh longer than leaving it unwrapped. However, butter can still go rancid if kept too long or in hot conditions. Use butter within 7-10 days.
Can I use a butter dish for cream cheese?
Yes! I tested all three dishes with cream cheese. They work perfectly. The Butterie specifically mentions cream cheese compatibility. Use the same storage guidelines as butter – keep covered and use within a week.
Why does my butter dish lid stick?
Glass and ceramic lids can stick to butter when cold. This happens because butter hardens and creates suction. The Butterie’s plastic construction prevents this issue. If using ceramic, let the dish sit at room temperature briefly before opening.
Final Verdict
After testing these three butter dishes extensively, I have clear recommendations for different users.
Choose the Butterie if:
- You want the absolute best functionality
- The messy lid problem frustrates you
- You use butter daily
- You’re willing to invest in quality
- You want something innovative and different
Choose the OXO if:
- You want excellent value for money
- You prefer simple, straightforward designs
- Measurement markings appeal to you
- You need something reliable and affordable
- You’re new to butter dishes
Choose the Zulay if:
- Aesthetics matter to you
- You want porcelain quality
- You host guests regularly
- You value traditional design
- You want oven-safe versatility
My personal favorite is the Butterie. The flip-top design genuinely makes daily life better. I use it every single morning. The lid never touches my butter or counter. It’s worth the higher price.
But I completely understand choosing the OXO. It’s practical, affordable, and reliable. You can’t go wrong with it. It does everything a butter dish needs to do.
And the Zulay is beautiful. If you care about table presentation, it’s the clear winner. The porcelain feels premium and looks elegant.
All three are quality products. You’ll be happy with any of them. The choice comes down to what matters most to you: innovation, value, or elegance.
Where to Buy
You can purchase all three butter dishes on Amazon with Prime shipping:
Butterie Flip-Top Butter Dish: View Price on Amazon
OXO Good Grips Butter Dish: View Price on Amazon
Zulay Kitchen Porcelain Butter Dish: View Price on Amazon
I recommend checking current prices on Amazon. They often have sales and discounts. Prime members get free shipping, which is nice for heavier items like the Zulay.
Read customer reviews before buying. While I’ve shared my experience, more opinions help. Look for reviews from verified purchasers who’ve used the dish for months.
Check return policies too. Most Amazon sellers offer easy returns if something doesn’t work for you.
Conclusion
A good butter dish is a small investment that improves your daily routine. After testing more than 10 options, these three stood out as the best.
The Butterie revolutionizes butter dish design with its flip-top lid. The OXO offers unbeatable value with smart features. The Zulay brings elegance and porcelain quality to your table.
I’ve used all three extensively. They’re in my kitchen right now. I rotate between them depending on my needs.
Choose the one that fits your lifestyle. You’ll enjoy better butter and easier mornings. That’s worth more than the price of any butter dish.
Happy buttering!