Oil and vinegar bottles are containers specifically designed for storing and dispensing oil and vinegar, two of the most commonly used ingredients in millions of kitchens. These bottles often have a narrow spout or pourer for easy drizzling or pouring of the liquids without spillage. Some bottles may have features like built-in measuring marks or drip-free spouts.
In our research on the best oil and vinegar bottles, the Zeppoli Oil and Vinegar Bottles take the best overall spot. These bottles come with a stainless steel carrier, double spout caps, and a pouring funnel.
Since they are both aesthetic and functional, you should never buy oil and vinegar bottles randomly. If you are unsure about what you want, here is a comprehensive buyer's guide to steer you in the right direction.
Things To Consider When Buying Oil Bottles
Here are some things that you should always consider in an oil cruet before purchasing:
Appearance
Prioritize function over form, meaning the oil dispenser should look nice but should be designed for smooth pouring. Of course, you want it to be a visual treat, but your oil dispenser should be something you enjoy using as well.
A spout is always handy for drizzling or pouring. Plus, the bottle should also be easy to hold so you don't end up pouring more than you need to. Its size and capacity are also worth considering as they will help you know how much oil to pour in and where to place it in the kitchen.
Lid
Steer away from complicated caps and lids. They ruin the entire oil dispensing experience. Plus, they take a lot of time to open and close — time that could be crucial for the meal you are preparing. We really like wooden or cork lids as they are pretty easy to remove with a single hand.
Material
Make sure it is made out of insulating materials like ceramic, porcelain, or glass. Materials like plastic can not only absorb the smell or become stained, but the oil can also trigger the release of harmful chemicals from the material. This is not only unhealthy but also decreases the quality of your oil.
Materials like ceramic and porcelain are already opaque. If you choose a glass bottle, be sure that it is dark because it protects your olive oil from sunlight. Clear glass works fine too, just be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight.
Cleaning
If we are being honest, cleaning oil and vinegar cruets is a tough job. You have to get rid of the smell and oiliness to restore their new-like glamor, and oftentimes have to resort to things like salt and borax for effective cleaning. If you also want to avoid the hassle, look into getting cruets that are dishwasher safe.
Desirable Features of a Vinegar Bottle
Now, let's look at the features that make any vinegar cruet desirable:
Material
Since vinegar is very acidic, you have to be careful about what material you choose to keep it in. Ceramic and glass cruets are ideal for storing because they are immune to vinegar’s acidic properties. Don't choose a plastic bottle because the vinegar in its purest form will eat away the material until it develops a hole.
Airtightness
Look for bottles that are airtight. If any air seeps inside the bottle, the airborne moisture will affect the quality of the vinegar. Plus, when exposed to air, harmless vinegar bacteria start to grow inside it. In the presence of these bacteria, cloudy sediment starts to grow that can ruin the vinegar's aesthetic if not flavor.
Cleaning
Again, you have to follow a rigorous cleaning ritual to get the smell of vinegar out of the cruet. Hence, it's better to settle for a dishwasher-safe model.
Some Tips When Shopping Online
In the year 2023, you are not limited to traditional retailers or departmental stores. There is a huge online marketplace that you can also explore to find your next oil and vinegar bottles. Online platforms also boast a multitude of benefits like the flexibility of shopping at your own convenience. If we have you convinced, here are some tips to make your online shopping successful:
- Online platforms often offer the best value on the market. There are many sellers, both online and physical, that sell oil and vinegar pourers. But with their wide dealer support network and advanced supply chain management, online sellers have a major advantage. You should keep an eye out for discounts and sales, especially during the festive season. There is a solid chance you will find a bargain deal that is not available anywhere else.
- If there is one drawback of online shopping it's that you cannot try the product before purchasing. Online sellers make up for this by offering great warranty and replacement policies that will convince you to take the risk. Yes, these warranties are also available at physical stores, but with online shopping, you get to avail them from the comfort of your home. Be sure to buy a pair of oil and vinegar dispensing bottles with a reliable warranty backing it up.
- When shopping physically, you can only judge an oil pourer by looking and holding it. The store won't allow you to test it with actual oil. But in online shopping, you get to read what the actual customers have to say about a certain oil or vinegar bottle. Reading the reviews often tells you about the negatives that the manufacturer may not necessarily mention in the product description.
- At retail stores, you only have the option to choose from the selection currently available. But in online shopping, there is no limit to the variety. If one marketplace does not carry anything that you like, you can check out another. Some software even generates recommendations to help narrow down your choice. So if you don't like what you see, keep swiping until you find the oil and vinegar dispensing bottles that appeal to you.
How to Style Your Oil and Vinegar Bottles: Some Tips
There is no shortage of matching dispensers for your oil and vinegar. You can easily find an aesthetic yet functional set and display it artistically on your countertop.
There is also no hard and fast rule dictating that you should buy matching oil and vinegar bottles. If you have found a vintage oil dispenser, it's totally fine to purchase a different vinegar bottle that compliments your vintage piece. You can pair them together and display them on a little tray.
It is also possible to pair your vintage piece with vessels of varying heights and sizes. The differences in sizes will work in favor of all the vessels in the group turning them all into a visual treat. These dispensers also look great when paired with a wooden cutting board. Or you can also place a salt cellar nearby for a more put-together look. Adding a tray is not only visually aesthetic, it is also a functional item for catching drips that happen after pouring.
