How to Use a Butter Bell: The Secret to Perfectly Spreadable Butter • Everyday Cheapskate

If you’ve ever struggled with hard, unspreadable butter or dealt with the mess of storing it, the Butter Bell might just be the solution you’ve been waiting for. This clever kitchen tool keeps butter fresh and spreadable without refrigeration. Let’s dive into how to use a Butter Bell, why it’s so effective, and how this simple tool can make your kitchen life a whole lot easier.

crock of butter bell sliced sourdough bread how to keep butter soft

Ever have one of those “a-ha” moments where you stumble upon something so clever that you wonder where it’s been all of your life? That’s exactly what Lyn experienced when she visited a friend and met the unsung hero of butter lovers. But like a fleeting dream, she couldn’t remember what was called or where to find one.

“Dear Mary: Several years ago, I visited a friend and was introduced to an item that keeps butter out of the refrigerator and on the counter to be nice and soft and fresh until consumed.

The butter somehow stays in a top container that is then suspended over a container of water. I don’t know the name of this thing nor where to buy one. I have never seen one since my visit. Can you tell me what it is?”

–Lyn

Lyn, my friend, you are not alone. The Butter Bell Crock by L. Tremain is one of those brilliantly simple inventions that feels like a secret handshake among savvy kitchen folks. Lucky for you—and the rest of us who believe butter should never be hard as a brick—I’ve got the scoop. Let’s dive into what makes this ingenious helper a countertop superstar …

What is a Butter Bell and How Does It Work?

The Original Butter Bell Crock by L Tremain

If you’ve ever tried to wrestle a rock-hard stick of butter into submission only to have it shred your toast like a cheese grater, let me introduce you to the unsung hero of civilized kitchens: the Butter Bell.

A French-Inspired Marvel

The Butter Bell by L. Tremain has its roots in the time-honored traditions of France, where clever cooks perfected the art of keeping butter fresh without refrigeration. Inspired by the French “beurrier” or butter crock, this modern interpretation blends classic design with practicality. L. Tremain took this centuries-old concept and reimagined it for contemporary kitchens, creating a product that honors its French heritage while serving today’s busy households. The result? A timeless kitchen tool that combines elegance and functionality.

The Science Behind the Butter Bell

First, a little butter chemistry for those who’ve ever pondered why butter goes bad. Butter is essentially fat and a small amount of water. When exposed to air, the fats start to oxidize, giving you that funky, off-putting flavor. Add to that the potential for bacterial growth, and you’ve got yourself a science experiment better left to a middle school classroom.

Enter the Butter Bell, a genius piece of French-inspired design that solves the problem with simple physics. The crock consists of two parts: a bell-shaped lid that holds the butter and a base you fill with cold water. When the lid is placed into the base, the water creates an airtight seal. This prevents oxygen from reaching the butter, keeping it fresh, spreadable, and delicious.

Think of it as the original food preservation hack. Long before refrigeration was a household staple, clever cooks were using water seals to keep perishables fresh. The Butter Bell takes that age-old wisdom and dresses it up in a countertop-worthy package. You get butter that stays at the perfect spreading temperature.

How to Use a Butter Bell: A Step-by-Step Guide

Don’t worry—using a Butter Bell is easier than figuring out how to open those shrink-wrapped butter packages without getting butter under your fingernails. Here’s how to get started:

Prep the Butter: Let your butter sit out at room temperature until it’s soft enough to smoosh easily. The standard Butter Bell holds about half a cup or one stick of butter, so plan accordingly.
Fill the Base: Pour cold water into the base of the crock until it’s about halfway full. Not too much, not too little—Goldilocks would approve. You’ll want to change this water every 2-3 days to keep things fresh and fabulous.
Pack the Butter: Scoop the softened butter into the bell-shaped lid. Press it in firmly so there are no air pockets (remember, we’re creating a seal here). If you’re feeling fancy, you can use the back of a spoon to smooth out the surface.
Assemble the Magic: Place the lid (butter side down) into the base. The water will create that all-important airtight seal, and your butter is ready to live its best life.
Spread and Enjoy: Whenever you need butter, just lift the lid, spread to your heart’s content, and return the lid to the base. Easy-peasy.

Tips for Butter Bell Success

Location, Location, Location: Keep your Butter Bell on the counter, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Butter prefers a cool, shady spot.
Water Maintenance: Change the water every couple of days. It’s a 10-second chore, and it’ll keep your butter tasting fresh and clean.
Seasonal Adjustments: In sweltering summer months, consider using ice-cold water or changing the water daily to ensure maximum freshness.

Pro Tip

Adding ice to the Butter Bell base during hot weather is a smart move. It helps keep the water extra cold, which enhances the airtight seal.

Why the Butter Bell May Deserve a Spot in Your Kitchen

Aside from the obvious joy of spreading butter without breaking your toast (or your spirit), the Butter Bell offers a host of other benefits:

Better Flavor: Butter stored in a Butter Bell retains its fresh, creamy taste far longer than butter left out on a plate or in a plastic container.
Eco-Friendly: No more single-use plastic tubs or wrappers cluttering your kitchen. The Butter Bell is reusable, durable, and a dream for anyone trying to reduce waste.
Room for Creativity: You’re not limited to plain old butter here. Whip up a batch of herb butter, honey butter, or garlic butter and store it in the Butter Bell for easy access to gourmet spreads.
Countertop Chic: Let’s face it, the Butter Bell is adorable. With designs ranging from classic to contemporary, it’s a little piece of functional art for your kitchen.
No Refrigeration Needed: Save precious fridge space for items that should not be left out on the counter.

A Kitchen Essential

The Butter Bell isn’t just a tool; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. No more butter trauma. No more broken toast. Just smooth, creamy goodness whenever you want it. Once you’ve experienced the joy of effortlessly spreading butter that tastes as good as the day you opened it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to make the leap.

So, grab yourself a Butter Bell, channel your inner French chef, and give your butter the royal treatment it deserves. Your toast will thank you, your guests will admire your kitchen savvy, and you’ll get to bask in the glory of a small but satisfying victory in the never-ending battle for a better breakfast.

FAQs

Will the butter melt in the summer heat?

As long as you keep the water cold and change it regularly, the Butter Bell's seal will keep your butter cool and stable, even on warm days. Just don't leave it next to the stove while you're baking cookies.

How long does the butter stay fresh?

Butter can stay fresh in a Butter Bell for up to 30 days, provided the water is changed regularly, as stated above.

Can I use margarine instead?

Technically, yes, but why? The Butter Bell is all about celebrating real, glorious butter. Margarine can stay in its plastic tub where it belongs.

Do I need to wash the Butter Bell?

Yes, give it a good clean between uses. Warm, soapy water will do the trick, and it's a small price to pay for buttery perfection.

Top Butter Bell Options for Every Budget

BEST AUTHENTIC

Butter Bell - The Original Butter Bell crock by L Tremain, a Countertop French Ceramic Butter Dish Keeper for Spreadable Butter, Antique Collection, Emerald

BEST LUXURY

Polish Pottery French Butter Dish by Zaklady Boleslawiec Butter Crock

BEST BUDGET

Zulay Kitchen Bell Shaped Butter Crock with Lid for Countertop with Water Line & Spreader Knife, Ceramic French Butter Dish Keeper For Fresh, Soft & Spreadable Butter - White

Butter Bell - The Original Butter Bell crock by L Tremain, a Countertop French Ceramic Butter Dish Keeper for Spreadable Butter, Antique Collection, Emerald

Polish Pottery French Butter Dish by Zaklady Boleslawiec Butter Crock

Zulay Kitchen Bell Shaped Butter Crock with Lid for Countertop with Water Line & Spreader Knife, Ceramic French Butter Dish Keeper For Fresh, Soft & Spreadable Butter - White

$32.95

Price not available

$15.99

Buy on Amazon

BEST AUTHENTIC

Butter Bell - The Original Butter Bell crock by L Tremain, a Countertop French Ceramic Butter Dish Keeper for Spreadable Butter, Antique Collection, Emerald

$32.95

Buy on Amazon

BEST LUXURY

Polish Pottery French Butter Dish by Zaklady Boleslawiec Butter Crock

Price not available

Buy on Amazon

BEST BUDGET

Zulay Kitchen Bell Shaped Butter Crock with Lid for Countertop with Water Line & Spreader Knife, Ceramic French Butter Dish Keeper For Fresh, Soft & Spreadable Butter - White

$15.99

Buy on Amazon

Question: Have you ever tried using a Butter Bell? What’s your biggest butter struggle—hard butter, a messy butter dish, or something else? Let’s chat butter hacks.

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Jackie says:

September 11, 2025 at 7:16 am

Thanks for this article! I was reading a different story and there was a link to this. I have been considering a butter dish but didn’t think it would help. I’m waiting for my butter bell to be delivered!

Suzy Charto says:

September 10, 2025 at 6:53 am

We just take out enough butter for a day or two in a small plate

Sh says:

December 26, 2024 at 9:07 am

Yes, I love a butter bell. But no one is mentioning my problem!
Why does my clump of butter fall out of the bell into the water after a few days?
Yes, I refresh the water regularly, and smoosh the butter into the cup when initially loading it.
Does that happen to anyone else?
Thx!

Mary Hunt says:
December 27, 2024 at 2:54 pm

That happens when there are are pockets of air in the butter, and the reason I stress really smooshing that soft butter into the bell part! Using the back of a regular spoon is the easier implement to use to really get it packed in air-free. If you get all of that air out, the butter will easily adhere to the bell part of the butter bell.

Leslie Menges says:

December 23, 2024 at 6:29 pm

I’m learning to use a butter bell. Instead of pressing softened butter into the cup, I melted and poured it in. Then I cooled it in the fridge. Doesn’t work. Once it warms to room temp on the counter, he watery part of the butter separated, and I had a mess. Now I do what I’m told! Works fine.

Lauren P. says:

December 23, 2024 at 6:03 pm

We’ve used a butter bell for decades now, having been introduced to it at an Amish store. We love it except during July and August, as we don’t have A/C and the butter gets too soft then, even using cold water. But that’s okay because the other 10 months our bell ROCKS and makes using butter so much easier!

Denise says:

December 23, 2024 at 4:00 pm

I love that butter bell is getting some attention. I found out about this amazing product many years ago. I’ve been using it since and have given them as gifts. Can’t imagine living without one. Soft butter available at the ready.

A Most Ingenious Way to Keep Butter Soft and Fresh