Olive oil dispensers make it easy to control the amount of oil you use while also preventing spills and protecting your oil from all the environmental factors which could cause it to spoil or lose its flavor.
Whether you’ve always thought olive oil dispensers were just for Italian restaurants or you’ve already done some research on adding one to your kitchen, we have some tips and recommendations to help you find the perfect dispenser for you!
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Quick List of Top Picks
- KIBAGA Olive Oil And Vinegar Dispenser Set
- ELETON Olive Oil Dispenser
- eHomeA2Z Italian Glass Olive Oil Dispenser With Stainless Steel Spout
- CEDAR HOME Olive Oil Bottle Set Glass Dispenser
- Rachael Ray 47519 Slip Glaze Ceramics EVOO Olive Oil Bottle Dispenser with Spout
An Introduction to Olive Oil Dispensers
As their name suggests, olive oil dispensers are bottles or containers which can be used to store and dispense olive oil.
An olive oil dispenser is an essential kitchen tool for people who buy their olive oil in large bottles or tins which are difficult to hold during cooking, and it can also be very handy for anyone who does not like the mess the large spout on a store-bought bottle of olive oil.
There are different kinds of olive oil dispensers, including some which pump or spray out the oil. For this article, we will focus on the more popular cruet style dispensers, bottles with a spout as it facilitates controlled pours.
Although they are called olive oil dispensers, these containers can hold all kinds of oil, vinegar, and many cooking sauces. Some dispensers even come in sets which include two identical bottles intended to be used for both oil and vinegar.
Reasons to Use an Olive Oil Dispenser
Protect Your Oil
Unless you are following an oil-free diet, oil is most likely one of the most common ingredients in your cooking. Olive oil is especially popular for its versatility and health benefits.
Just like any other item in your pantry, olive oil can go bad if it isn’t stored properly. Sunlight and oxidization are two of the biggest threats to your olive oil’s flavor and freshness.
Using an olive oil dispenser is a great way to protect the oil from these factors, particularly with a tinted or opaque bottle. Keeping a smaller amount of oil out on the counter at a time can also keep the remaining oil safe in a cooler, darker area.
Pour with Precision
Olive oil dispensers help you control the amount of oil as it comes out with every pour, as their spouts are much smaller and more manageable than what you’ll find in a store-bought container.
When following a low-oil diet or using oil just to dress or garnish an item, having this kind of control over your pours can make a huge difference.
Put an End to Kitchen Oil Spills
Anyone who has used oil for cooking knows how hard it is to keep extra oil from flowing down the sides of the bottle after use, and how quickly what seemed like just a little bit can make a big mess.
With an olive oil dispenser, drips and spills will be a thing of the past. And even if you happen to pour some oil down the side of your dispenser during refilling, cleanup is a breeze, especially with a dishwasher-safe model.
How to Choose the Best Olive Oil Dispenser for You
Desired Usage
The most important factor when choosing the best olive oil dispenser for you is the way you plan to use it.
Some dispensers are better suited for use in the kitchen, while others make more sense as tableside serving instruments.
You should also consider whether you want to use your dispenser just for oil, or if you’d rather have a set for also serving vinegar or sauces.
Capacity
The olive oil dispensers on our list can hold anywhere from eight ounces of liquid all the way up to 24 ounces.
If you would prefer not to have too much oil in your dispenser at a time, you may want to consider one of the smaller options, but if you cook with or otherwise use oil daily, a larger model will save you some time on refilling.
Pouring Mechanism
A metal spout is the standard for cruet olive oil dispensers but the spout can vary in shape, size, and pour direction.
We also have one model on this list which is made entirely of glass with no metal parts, and a couple of dispensers with flaps to cover their spouts when they are not in use.
The size of the spout and construction of the bottle will affect how much you can control the stream of oil coming out, so make sure to choose a dispenser with a pouring mechanism that suits your needs.
Design/Ergonomics
As with any cooking accessory, you’ll want an olive oil dispenser whose appearance appeals to you and complements the rest of your kitchen.
If you plan to use your olive oil dispenser at the dinner table, you’ll also want a model you’re proud to share with friends and family.
Ergonomics are another important factor in design, and you should be sure to choose a dispenser which will be easy to hold in all cooking and serving situations.
Whether you prefer the classics or gravitate toward unique and innovative designs, there is an olive oil dispenser for you on this list.
5 Top Picks for Olive Oil Dispensers
Now you know more on the benefits of owning an olive oil dispenser and what sets different models apart, it’s time to look at our list with the best options!
KIBAGA Olive Oil And Vinegar Dispenser Set
The KIBAGA Olive Oil And Vinegar Dispenser Set comes with a pair of stainless steel and glass dispensers which can be filled with oil, vinegar, sauces, and more.
Stainless steel shells and lids protect the interior glass bottles, along with the bottle contents.
This set is perfect for tableside use, whether for dressing salads with oil and vinegar or serving controlled portions of your favorite sauces.
Each dispenser holds 9.4 ounces for plenty of use between refills. But refilling is as easy as twisting off the lid and pouring.
The dispensers need to be fully disassembled for cleaning. The glass bottles are dishwasher safe, but the stainless-steel pieces must be washed by hand.
These stainless-steel dispensers are functional and stylish, serving to protect contents from spoilage and spills while adding a polished touch to your serving lineup.
What We Like
- Stainless steel shells protect bottle contents
- Design fits in with any kitchen or dining room aesthetic
What We Don’t Like
- Must be taken apart for cleaning
- Not as convenient for cooking use as other models
ELETON Olive Oil Dispenser
The ELETON Olive Oil Dispenser is a glass bottle dispenser with an innovative collared design which goes the extra mile in preventing spills and messes.
Reminiscent of a boiling flask from your high school chemistry class, this dispenser has a very unique design compared to the classic cruet, making it a perfect fit for a modern kitchen or dining room.
Constructed entirely of glass, this dispenser is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
This dispenser holds eight ounces of oil. ELETON also offers 12-ounce and 16-ounce dispensers in.
With its ergonomic design and a collar which catches any drips from overpouring, this ELETON Olive Oil Dispenser is a practical, but stylish addition.
What We Like
- Collar catches extra oil
- Dispenser is dishwasher safe
What We Don’t Like
- Transparent bottle may not protect oil from sunlight
eHomeA2Z Italian Glass Olive Oil Dispenser With Stainless Steel Spout
The eHomeA2Z Italian Glass Olive Oil Dispenser With Stainless Steel Spout is a classic glass cruet bottle, similar to what you’ll see in restaurants.
A slight green tint helps this non-porous glass bottle protect its contents from sunlight. The stainless-steel spout easily screws on and off for cleaning and refilling.
This dispenser holds 16 ounces of oil, putting it right in the middle of the different capacities for the models on this list.
If you are looking for a very simple, effortlessly functional option with a classic design, this dispenser would be a great fit.
Although all the dispensers on this list are available at very reasonable price points, this model is the most affordable option.
What We Like
- Great price point
- Classic design
- Tinted glass to protect oil
What We Don’t Like
- Must be washed by hand
CEDAR HOME Olive Oil Bottle Set Glass Dispenser
The CEDAR HOME Olive Oil Bottle Set Glass Dispenser is a decorative play on the classic cruet featuring a butterfly floral design.
Each hand-decorated glass dispenser has a capacity of 17 ounces for extended usage between refills.
BPA-free stainless-steel spouts are held in place by food-grade silicone stoppers to ensure air-tight storage. Stainless steel flaps help keep your oil secure when the dispensers are not in use.
This set comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What We Like
- Whimsical design
- Flaps to cover spouts
What We Don’t Like
- Thin glass could break easily
Rachael Ray 47519 Slip Glaze Ceramics EVOO Olive Oil Bottle Dispenser with Spout
The Rachael Ray 47519 Slip Glaze Ceramics EVOO Olive Oil Bottle Dispenser with Spout is a truly unique and highly ergonomic option.
With a sleek, yet comforting design, this dispenser is sure to stand out even though it comes in a variety of colors to match your kitchen style.
This ceramic dispenser is sturdy and dishwasher safe. The convenient handle makes it easy to pour even when you only have one hand free.
This dispenser holds 24 ounces of oil, the largest capacity on our list. The opaque exterior and convenient spout-flap help protect oil from sunlight and oxygen to keep it fresher longer.
What We Like
- Dishwasher safe
- Fun and colorful design
- Opaque bottle preserves oil’s taste
What We Don’t Like
- Hinges holding the flap are flimsy
Top Choice for the Best Olive Oil Dispenser
You really can’t go wrong with any of the olive oil dispensers on this list, but for its unique design and elevated performance, our choice for the best overall is the Rachael Ray 47519 Slip Glaze Ceramics EVOO Olive Oil Bottle Dispenser with Spout.
Considering she is famous for her “EVOO” (extra virgin olive oil) catchphrase, it only makes sense that Rachael Ray would create her own oil dispenser, and what she came up with is a functional work of art.
Inspired by the Scandinavian concept of “hygge” (coziness and comfort), this olive oil dispenser is ergonomic, eye-catching, and a fun addition to any kitchen landscape.
But it’s not just fun—this dispenser is perfect for protecting oil with its opaque construction, has a great pouring mechanism with a useful cover-flap, and can hold 24 ounces of oil at a time.
Whether you choose the Rachael Ray EVOO Olive Oil Bottle Dispenser or another model, it’s time to get cooking!