The Original Butter Bell Crock by L. Tremain, Retro & Matte Collection - Maraschino Red

I was skeptical, to put it mildly, that this butter keeper would really keep butter fresh on the counter. But so long as you change the water every other day (I use filtered water), the butter doesn't go rancid. Suspect if you didn't use the butter within a week, it might not be as fresh. But it's a terrific product for keeping butter spreadable.

I probably love the concept of the butter bell more specifically than this actual unit. I live alone and don't go through butter too fast, so it is possible for mold to still grow on the butter if you're not religious about changing the water out. Not a fault of the product, but one of nature.If I know that I won't be using butter for a while (such as going on vacation), I just throw the whole thing in the fridge and take it out when I get home. That way I don't need to worry about coming back to moldy butter.

Looks good sitting on the counter. Easy to use and to clean.Soft butter when I need it is always a plus in my book. I clean the crock each week and discard any left-over butter. I add fresh cold water and I pack the cup with a full stick of 'salted' butter since I think salt preserves the butter's flavor longer than unsalted would. Not really too important because I use the butter up rather quickly. But sometimes a couple of days might pass before I use the butter again so it's great to know that the butter hasn't spoiled like it would in a typical butter dish or melting in its original wrapper. I think the butter is safe to use longer than a week's time even during the Summer. Not that it would last that long in my house....

The butter bell crock has been a source of conversation since I've purchased it. It must be because it seems exotic since it's not like a typical butter dish, but I really like it as it keeps the butter soft and spreadable while keeping it cool. Being conscientious about keeping the water fresh every day is important, but it is so much easier to keep up with than a covered butter dish. The red is as pictured and is bright and deep - not orange or maroon, but RED. The crock is sturdy and can withstand the dishwasher although I hand wash mine. My family has been so funny about this and continues to invent different ways of bringing it up - "you do know they make covered dishes for butter" - "doesn't the water make it mushy?" I've even found it in the refrigerator after they've come by for a visit! I suppose you could keep it in the fridge if you wanted, but it really isn't necessary. It's so pretty and sits on the kitchen counter next to my red salt and pepper shakers and always has fresh, cool, spreadable butter whenever needed!UPDATE (July 2016) I finally found the photos! See how GROSS the butter dish was? Thank GOODNESS that mess is gone now. I LOVE LOVE LOVE "The Bell" as we call it. Also, a postscript, I've had this little cutie on my counter for years now and I'm not kidding about how my parents ASK about it every time! It's almost like an in joke between my husband and I because there is an unspoken smile we exchange each time this has happened. The Bell is like new, very sturdy, no chips or fading! I would buy one in EVERY color if I could, lol!

First time I tried using a french butter dish, I bought the three part version. It worked well, butter was soft and spreadable, but it did not have an air tight seal so the butter would oxidize. I started reading the reviews on the Butter Bell Crock, they were mixed, but decided to give it a shot. To my pleasure, it works perfect and is so convenient. Some people complained in their reviews, that the butter falls out into the water, I haven't had that problem. I think the key is making sure the water is very cold and the butter, not too soft when filling the crock. Also I only fill the basin quarter way up, so not to cause an overflow and it creates a perfect air tight seal.

I wish it held more butter, but it works well at keeping butter soft and spreadable without getting moldy. You have to put a bit of water in the base and change the water every 2-3 days. But if you do that, it seems to keep butter usable for a long period. How long? Don't know as we go through butter fast enough that I can't find an upper limit to shelf-life in this Butter Bell.I'm happy with this purchase.

I bought the Red Butter Bell Crock.It arrived the NEXT day, with Prime shipping, packaged nicely enough.I'm very pleased with the crock. It's sturdy, well made, and holds one full stick of butter. (Although I've started making my own butter from scratch --- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream makes just the right amount of butter to fill this crock.)The bell is heavy enough to stand up on its own when it's full of butter, either flat on its base, or at an angle--although it can roll off your counter if you set it down at an angle.

My wife bought this... I looked at it and rolled my eyes. Just one more thing on our kitchen counter. Well ill be damned if this isn't my favorite thing on my counter! For something so simple it is just a delight to have soft butter hidden from plain sight and looking fresh all at the same time.

There are two main problems with this butter bell: firstly, a good butter bell needs tiny holes drilled into the ceramic of the inside container (the one the butter actually goes in). Otherwise, there is a bubble of air that gets trapped under the water and the purpose of sealing the butter is defeated, and it will go bad as quickly as if it were sitting out on the counter fully exposed. With the tiny holes, the water can flow in and right up to where the butter is, creating an airtight seal. Secondly, the size is too big. We are a family of three and perhaps we use less butter than average, but I found we actually needed a smaller butter bell. Maybe your family is bigger or uses more butter, but this holds a lot.

I bought the black and flowery version, so fantastic I had to get the red one. Makes breakfast time something to look forward to, so civilised. Natural spreadable butter straight onto your toast. Very well made piece of porcelain, fun to use and with care will last a lifetime. No batteries or power lead and it works like magic. Would make a great gift.

Was a bit sceptical at first but put my very soft butter into it and the next morning found firmer, cooler butter to put on my toast. It is brilliant, real butter that is fresh and soft. Its magical really.

I keep my butter in the Bell which stands on my kitchen counter. Butter which is both soft and fresh always at the ready, even in the sultry heat of a Roman summer.

Why didn't I get one earlier? Brilliant. Great that we had a Summer to test it as well. Now, what will it be like in the winter?