Soft butter on the counter every morning, in a glossy maraschino red crock. BUTTER on one side, BEURRE on the other, in raised lettering.

How the Butter Bell crock works

Pack one stick of softened butter into the bell. Pour a third of a cup of cold water into the base. Set the bell in upside down. The water seals out air, so the butter stays fresh and spreadable at room temperature for up to 30 days. Change the water every two to three days.

The details

• The Original Butter Bell crock by L. Tremain
• New bone china with a bright gloss finish
• Holds one stick of butter (1/2 cup)
• Dishwasher safe
• Free of lead and cadmium
• Two pieces: base and bell

Questions people ask

How long does butter last in a Butter Bell crock? Up to 30 days at room temperature. Change the water every two to three days and it stays fresh.

How do you use a Butter Bell crock? Let a stick of butter soften. Press it firmly into the bell so there are no air pockets. Add a third of a cup of cold water to the base and set the bell in.

What is the difference between a Butter Bell and a butter dish? A butter dish covers butter. A Butter Bell seals it. The water in the base keeps air away from the butter, which is why it stays fresh for weeks instead of days.

What about a warm kitchen? Above about 80 degrees butter gets very soft. Use the coldest water you can and keep the crock away from the stove.

Salted or unsalted? Either. Any stick butter works.

See every color in the Butter Bell crock collection. It pairs well with a Le Thiers butter spreader. And if the bread knife next to it has gone dull, we sharpen those too.