Italian Olive Oil Dispenser

Best Ideas

Where do you store an olive oil cruet?

It is essential to be thoughtful about where you store olive oil cruet because it needs to be kept in a cool, dry place to prevent oxidation. A cruet is like a small teapot or decorative bottle for oils, which can be a handy and attractive way to store your olive oil.

Though it may be tempting to put your cruet on display for everyone to see, it’s still ideal to store it in a cabinet with a closed door. Make sure you select a spot in your cabinet away from the stove, which can give off heat, and avoid storing your olive oil in glass-fronted cabinets as the UV and heat from the sun can damage your cooking oils.

Ceramic or tinted glass olive oil cruets help protect the oil from sunlight, heat, and air exposure, preserving it longer than the bottle you’d buy at the store.

However, this doesn't mean that you can’t buy an attractive olive oil cruet for your dining table. Choose an olive oil cruet in the same style as your decor and place it on the table when dining to dress salads and add flavor to dishes, then store it in a cabinet when not in use.

How often should olive oil cruets be cleaned?

Olive oil cruets should be cleaned each time you finish using all the oil. However, if you do not consume large quantities of oil, you may need to clean the cruet every 3 months.

Depending on the type of oil you store in the cruet, it can become stale after 3-9 months due to oxidation. While rancid oil won't make you sick, it can have a bitter or sour flavor that can ruin your dishes.

To clean your olive oil cruet, remove any remaining oil and take out the stopper. Fill the cruet with hot water, a drop or two of dish soap, and a splash of distilled white vinegar. Place your finger over the opening, shake vigorously, or use a slim bottle brush to clean the interior. Rinse thoroughly. To clean the stopper, soak it in a solution of hot soapy water and white vinegar for 30 minutes, scrub, and rinse clean. Ensure your cruet is completely dry before refilling with oil.

Do olive oil cruets need to be refrigerated?

Both opened and unopened olive oil cruets do not need to be refrigerated; however, they can be if you prefer olive oil chilled. As long as your olive oil cruet is stored properly, refrigeration is not required to maintain the freshness or taste of the olive oil itself. Olive oil is of much better quality when it is cooked and tasted at room temperature.

Olive oil has a high monounsaturated fat content, which makes it more shelf-stable than other cooking oils.

When using the olive oil after you have had it refrigerated, ensure you let it rise to room temperature. This will allow it to liquidize before you cook with it.

What Are the Different Types of Cruets?

Usually taller and with a thinner neck than other condiment containers, you'll have three main options when choosing cruets:

Single cruet: this is the best choice if you already have one for oil and now need one for vinegar, or vice versa; other standalone options are syrup dispensers or cruets for dressing;
Oil and vinegar set: if you haven't got either of them, we recommend choosing a set to bring an element of consistency to your table;
Set of four: if you haven't got salt and pepper shakers either, why not buy an oil and vinegar set that includes those too? Because they usually come in a little stand or caddy, they're more space-optimizing and practical, as you'll be able to carry all the condiments and spices in one go.

What Is the Best Size for Cruets?

Cruets come in lots of different shapes and sizes and, most importantly, smaller or larger capacities: 8oz is one of the most popular. To find the right one for you, consider:

How much room you're planning on leaving for them on the table, countertop or cupboard (any height restriction on the shelf?)
How much of their content you and your family use during meals: a tiny 3oz set might look cute, but if you happen to have a member of your household who loves to add oil to any meal… you'll have to refill it every other day.

What's the Best Material for Cruets?

You might - rightfully - be thinking about design and style, but… have you also considered practical issues like oxidation?

Glass

Glass is one of the most popular options; these cruets are usually dishwasher-safe and elegant, especially thanks to their see-through property;
However, clear glass can speed up the oxidation process, so it's better to store these cruets in a dark cabinet;
If you were planning on showcasing them, then we recommend looking for colored glass cruets instead;
Glass cruets are extremely versatile and can complement different décors, from the most traditional to the most modern kitchens, especially when going for quirky geometric shapes;

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is an even better choice for modern kitchens or dining rooms;
These cruets are easy to handle, extremely durable, dishwasher-safe, and impeccable at preserving the freshness and quality of their content;

Copper

Stylish copper is just as effective; while it's not dishwasher-safe, it does a fantastic job at complementing raw industrial décors;

Ceramic

Usually dishwasher-safe and great at preserving their content, ceramic cruets are perfect for cozy, traditional vibes or even to convey a handmade feel; while lots of them come in classic white designs, these sets are available in different colors and with plenty of decoration styles to choose from:
Going for countryside-style drawings such as olives and olive trees can convey a European or Mediterranean feel;
Monochrome cruets or those with a two-color palette can work well in minimalist or Scandinavian settings;
White, light pastel colors and floral patterns can add to your shabby chic décor;
Colorful, eclectic patterns are perfect for some bohemian vibes;

Crystal

If you want your cruets to be as stylish and glamorous as possible and don't mind handwashing them, you could consider crystal sets;
They'll immediately steal your guest's attention when you place them on the dinner table, but we recommend storing them in a dark cupboard for the rest of the time: they have the same oxidation problem as clear glass and are extremely fragile (a bit risky if you have young kids around!);

Quick Tips

When choosing cruets, go for a single one if you already have one for either oil or vinegar, a set of two to create a cohesive look, or a set of four if you haven't got any salt and pepper shakers
8oz is the most common size, but consider how much room you've got for them and how much oil and vinegar your household uses during meals
Some materials can work better with specific décors, but don't forget that see-through cruets can speed up the oxidation process.