:strip_icc()/the-best-olive-oil-dispensers-tout-badge-15e29d866eae4ebcaff40b0df1a41e42.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "We Tested 6 Olive Oil Dispensers, and These 5 Should Be On Your Countertop"){kind=icon}
Olive oil has become an essential ingredient in many kitchens because of its bright, fresh flavor, versatility, and health benefits. Whether you frequently reach for a bottle of olive oil when sautéing protein or veggies, or love to drizzle it on everything from salads to pizzas, storing your favorite oil in a dispenser can help keep it fresh and within easy access.
“Storage definitely impacts how an olive oil will age as time passes,” says Grapevine Olive Oil Company founder Rebecca Knop. “Light, exposure to air, and heat are the three main causes for olive oil to degrade. The benefit of choosing a container that protects the oil from these factors is that it will help maintain the freshness.”
To help you find the best olive oil dispenser, we tested several styles in our testing lab in Birmingham, Alabama. Each one was evaluated for filling, pouring, cleaning, and durability, with consideration also given to overall quality, aesthetics, ease of use, and value.
What We Tested
To find the best olive oil dispensers, we tested several options and evaluated them on their quality, aesthetics, and ease of use. For more information on how we tested olive oil dispensers, check out our testing process below.
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The OXO Good Grips Precision Pour Oil Dispenser impressed us with a sleek design, precise control and drip-free pouring, making it our favorite oil dispenser we tried.
This dispenser has an interesting design when compared to the others we tested, with a wide, glass body and a silicone lid with stainless steel elements. We love that it delivers best-in-class flow control, with two speeds for drizzling or pouring – just tip it a little more to dispense a larger amount.
We were also impressed with how mess-free this model is. The drip-resistant spout is quite effective at preventing leaks and avoiding slippery messes by ensuring no oil drips down the side of the bottle.
Overall, we found this model easy to fill and intuitive to use and clean. The lid components come apart for convenient cleaning, and all parts are dishwasher-safe. You can easily hand wash if preferred, but we felt fine using the dishwasher given its durability.
It’s worth noting that this dispenser has a smaller capacity, so will likely require more frequent refilling than others on this list. Despite this, it’s a smart choice that’s a breeze to use and well-designed for ultra-accurate pouring.
Product Details: Dimensions: 8 x 2.5 in. | Material: Glass | Weight: 0.56 pounds | Capacity: 12 fluid ounces
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When storing olive oil, a glass dispenser is beneficial because it won’t alter the flavor of the oil. This Crate and Barrel Oil Bottle looks appealing on the counter and maintains the quality of the oil inside, with glass construction and an airtight silicone lid.
Stainless steel touches add to the bottle’s aesthetic, and the top includes a pouring spout with a hinged cap. During testing, it produced a consistent flow that was especially effective for heavier pouring. While lighter drizzling was more intermittent, we did notice that the oil comes out in a steady stream down to the very last drop.
This dispenser’s 17-ounce capacity is the largest on this list, meaning you may not need to refill it as often as some other options. This one may require more regular cleaning, as we noted that the bottle smudges easily and can get a bit oily due to the cap on the spout dripping. Luckily, it’s dishwasher-safe so maintenance is easy.
For home chefs that frequently cook with olive oil or use it to make dips and dressings, this dispenser is one of our top picks thanks to its sturdy design and even pouring. It can also be paired with its matching vinegar bottle for a convenient and attractive set.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12.25 x 2.25 in. | Material: Glass | Weight: 0.91 pounds | Capacity: 17 fluid ounces
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This Zulay Glass Olive Oil Dispenser comes with everything you need to fill, pour, and drizzle your favorite oil, including two types of pouring spouts – one with a cap and one without – a funnel for filling, and two sealing corks. This do-it-all set is ideal for frequent use at home or on-the-go since its included caps give you the option to seal it completely.
The bottle is intuitive to hold and maneuver, and during testing we found that the spout pours an even, steady stream of oil quickly. It’s effective at producing and maintaining both heavy and light pours. However, it was slightly more difficult to control than others we tested and there was noticeable dripping from the spout.
Filling the bottle is easy with the included funnel, and it’s also convenient to clean. The dispenser is dishwasher-safe, however you’ll want to give it extra time to dry due to the shape of the bottle.
If you’re looking for a traditional glass oil dispenser, this bottle delivers on functionality and offers more versatility with different pouring spouts and lids. The dark glass bottle protects the oil from light, and overall feels high quality. It also passed our durability test with no damage, so should hold up well even with daily use.
Product Details: Dimensions: 12.5 x 2.25 in. | Material: Glass | Weight: 0.88 pounds | Capacity: 16.9 fluid ounces
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With a beautiful design that comes in a variety of colors, this Emile Henry Oil Cruet will elevate your kitchen counter while also providing a convenient way to store olive oil. This option is made with clay to prevent light and temperature from affecting the oil’s flavor.
We found it comfortable to hold and maneuver, and it poured a consistent stream of oil with ease. Similar to a few of the other models we tested, there was some dripping from the spout. This model may be better for pouring larger amounts of oil, as we noted it wasn’t the most accurate when dispensing small, precise amounts.
We also found the functionality of the cork to be a bit of a challenge, making it difficult to remove the lid and clean. Otherwise, cleaning is fairly straightforward, with hand washing recommended. Using a straw or bottle brush is helpful to ensure all oil is removed since the body of the dispenser isn’t transparent.
It made it through the durability test without any damages, however you’ll want to handle it gently given the material and the cork could be susceptible to breaking. While it requires a little extra care, its classic aesthetic makes it a quality investment whether you’re purchasing for yourself or giving it as a gift.
Product Details: Dimensions: 9.5 x 2.75 inches | Material: Ceramic | Weight: 0.85 pounds | Capacity: 15.2 ounces |
The Bottom Line
The OXO Good Grips 12 oz. Precision Pour Glass Oil Dispenser is our favorite of all the bottles we tested, with a modern, smart design that’s easy to use and clean. It impressed us across the board, with no leaking or dripping at all and extra-precise pouring that is helpful whether you’re using it to cook or drizzle on salad, toast, or other dishes.
Our Testing Process
To find the best olive oil dispensers, our team tested several options in our testing lab in Birmingham, Alabama. We examined each one, noting the durability of the construction and materials and taking into consideration which models had attractive designs. Tests included filling each bottle with olive oil, measuring large and small pours, and noting accuracy, capacity and ease of use.
During the testing period, we drizzled olive oil over dishes, observing which ones poured evenly and cleanly and which ones dripped oil. When the dispenser was empty, we cleaned it per the manufacturer’s guidelines, noting how easy or challenging it was to complete the task.
Lastly, we put each empty olive oil container through a gentle push-over test on the countertop to determine durability, noting if any of them broke or sustained damage. We selected the best olive oil dispensers based on testing results and other factors, including capacity, design, ease of use and storage, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
What to Know About Oil Dispensers Before Shopping
Dimensions
Olive oil dispensers come in a variety of shapes, designed for easy pouring whether you’ll be reaching for them when you’re cooking or when you’re gathered around the table enjoying a meal.
The most compact dispenser on our list is the OXO Good Grips 12 oz. Precision Pour Glass Oil Dispenser at 8 inches. The benefit of a shorter bottle is that it has the versatility to transition from the kitchen to the table without being knocked over, so you can place it with salt, pepper, and other seasonings or dressings to complement the dishes you’re serving.
Taller dispensers are closer to 12 inches, and look elegant displayed by your cooktop. These can also offer a larger capacity so you can cook with your favorite olive oil for longer before having to refill.
Material
When it comes to olive oil dispensers, some of the most typical materials include glass and ceramic.
“Glass is the gold standard for food storage, including olive oil, because there are no chemicals that can be transferred into the oil unlike plastic containers,” Knop says. “To go one step further, a dark glass bottle is even better because it will stop light from degrading the oil.”
The Zulay Glass Olive Oil Dispenser, our best with accessories pick, is made with thick and durable tinted glass to protect the oil inside from light and heat.
Weight
The olive oil dispensers we tested each weigh just over a pound. You’ll want to consider that the bottle will be heavier once it’s filled with oil, so consider lightweight options that’ll make it easier to use.
Capacity
When it comes to how much olive oil a dispenser can hold, you’ll want to think about how frequently you’ll be using it. If you plan to keep it on the counter and reach for it for daily meal preparation, a larger capacity may be helpful. Smaller dispensers are perfect for less frequent use or drizzling during meals. The models on our list can hold up to 17 ounces of olive oil.
Other Olive Oil Dispensers We Tested
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We love the unique look of the BergHOFF Leo Glass Oil Dispenser and like that it’s glass, which is the ideal material for an olive oil dispenser. The bottle was easy to fill and offered a lighter pour, which may be preferred depending on the recipe you’re cooking. We did note that it leaked a bit and wasn’t as comfortable to hold as some other options, so it didn’t make our list of top recommendations.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of an olive oil dispenser?
The biggest benefit of using an olive oil dispenser is storing your oil in a way that promotes freshness over time. When you house your favorite oil in an appropriate container, it’s protected from oxygen and light, both of which can cause the oil to degrade and lose the flavor you love.
Oil dispensers can also give you more control when pouring, ensuring you don’t use too much of the oil. Additionally, they are an attractive addition to your kitchen. They look particularly nice when paired with a vinegar dispenser and provide convenience when preparing salads, dips, pastas and more.
Does an olive oil dispenser need an airtight seal?
To keep your oil as fresh as possible, look for a dispenser that is airtight.
“If you are using a pour spout with your container, make sure it does not have an open hole where air can pass through,” Knop says. “A pour spout should either be removed after use and replaced with an airtight lid, or you can use a pour spout that closes or has what they call a ‘self closing spout’ or a ‘dust cover’ that closes the pour spout hole after use.”
Where should you store an olive oil dispenser?
With the right container and proper storage conditions, your olive oil will keep its delicious taste for longer.
“We recommend storing your olive oil away from heat and away from direct sunlight,” Knop says.
Who We Are
This article was written by Jordan Liberty Phillips, a writer for Better Homes & Gardens. Her expertise includes recipes and cooking, home decor, and shopping. To compile this list of the best olive oil dispensers, Jordan analyzed lab insights from testing. She also consulted Grapevine Olive Oil Company founder Rebecca Knop for her expert insight.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.