Does anybody else use a butter bell? Have you had any problems?

[sinkingfeeling]

[hlthe2b]

1. I've thought about it--my grandmother did many years ago...

But she went through it far more quickly than I ever would, so I am reluctant. The airtight seal with a change of water does extend the safety outside the refrigerator for several days and even longer at cooler room temps (considerably cooler than 80F) so, I think many would be able to use it effectively and safely.

If you use non-butter spreads, the safety is less clear using a butter bell since the water content is different for these spreads and a differing spoilage profile is present. Since I use Earth Balance most often, I haven't tried one. As to the latter, I will say leaving these spreads out at room temperature quickly becomes a mold issue--even if you are careful never to reuse a knife or spreader in it. So, I do think the plant-based spreads go in the refrigerator regardless.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. I've had mine in use for over 2 weeks and everything seems good. I change the water every third day.

[hlthe2b]

3. Yes. I think that is how she used hers. She also had a very shaded enclosed side porch

where she could put things like this that remained much cooler than the rest of the house...

I do like the concept..

[2naSalit]

4. I have one...

A nice earthenware unit made by a potter friend years ago. I haven't used in since a few moves ago but when I find it, I'll probably go back to using it because of the ambient environment I live in now.

I usually make sure the water is of good quality, that matters. But other than changing the water every few days, should be good for a long time.

The water also helps to keep the temperature stable and a little cooler than ambient temps. I like the texture of the butter at the temperature maintained in the bell.

[JackintheGreen]

5. I've used one for years

Most of my married life, so nearly 30 years. Just use salted butter and, as everyone else has pointed out, change the water regularly.

[mama]

6. I recently got a new butter bell.

I had used one for years then broke it. I really missed having soft spreadable butter. I change the water twice a day to keep it very cold, and don't have any problems unless I forget to change it for a few days.

[MIButterfly]

7. Please excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is a butter bell?

[sinkingfeeling]

9. A butter bell is a two part, usually ceramic, container where you put a little cold water in one half and the other,

shaped almost like a bell, is where you place softened butter. The bell is put downward into the container bottom. You set it out on your counter and you will have spreadable butter.

https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-a-butter-bell/

[MIButterfly]

10. Thank you, sinkingfeeling!

[MolecularDust]

8. Yes! I've used one for years

And they are great. Never had any problems.

It was especially useful when my kids were growing up and old enough to cook a few things for themselves because the butter in the bell is softened. They could make their own grilled cheese or cinnamon toast that sort of thing without ripping the bread using cold butter and getting frustrated.