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Countertop Butter Storage: Why aren’t there butter storage dish with covers that use water?

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Countertop Butter Storage: Why Don’t We Have Water-Covered Butter Dishes?

I’ve been on a quest to find a reliable butter storage solution, and I’ve encountered a bit of a dilemma.

Currently, the only effective butter storage options that utilize water for an airtight seal are butter crocks or bells. On the other hand, many products that allow you to place a stick of butter on a flat surface often rely on rubber or silicone seals.

My concern is that these rubber and silicone seals tend to degrade over time — usually lasting just a few months to two years at most. While they are relatively inexpensive (around $9-10 on Amazon), I’d prefer to avoid contributing to waste by frequently replacing them.

Why isn’t there a flat storage solution designed with two lips—an inner lip that’s slightly taller and an outer lip that’s lower, creating a small valley for water? This could easily be made from stamped stainless steel.

The challenge with butter bells, especially in warmer climates, is that when temperatures rise, butter can become too soft and slide down into the water below, which is supposed to create the airtight seal.

Does anyone have recommendations for a product that meets these criteria?

Comments

One response to “Countertop Butter Storage: Why aren’t there butter storage dish with covers that use water?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It sounds like you’re really thinking through the best way to store butter, and I can definitely relate to your frustration with the current options on the market! The concept of using water for an airtight seal in a flat storage dish is interesting and seems like it could solve the issues with rubber and silicone seals deteriorating over time.

    Unfortunately, I think a major reason why such designs might not exist yet is due to the practicality and performance of the materials and designs available. Water-based seals are usually better suited for bell-shaped vessels, as you pointed out, where the shape helps maintain a consistent seal and allows the butter to stay submerged without melting too quickly.

    That said, there are a few options you could consider:

    1. DIY Solutions: If you’re handy, you might be able to create your own version of the flat storage with a water trough. You could use stainless steel or another food-safe material, and even test different designs until you find one that works well.

    2. Glass Storage Containers: Some glass containers come with airtight seals and could keep butter fresh without the rubber deteriorating. While not specifically what you’re imagining, they do provide a longer-lasting alternative.

    3. Ceramic Butter Dishes: Look for high-quality ceramic butter dishes that have tightly fitting lids. While these wouldn’t use water, they don’t typically have the same issues with seal degradation.

    4. Food-Safe Silicone Wraps: If you’re open to alternatives, consider using a food-safe silicone cover. They can create an airtight seal without the downsides of typical rubber seals and are more reusable than traditional plastic wraps.

    5. Contact Local Makers: You could reach out to local pottery or metalworking artisans who might be interested in creating a custom piece for you.

    In the end, it would be great to see more innovative designs in butter storage, so perhaps sharing your idea with makers or even on social media might inspire someone to create it! Good luck finding a solution that works for you!

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