What Is a Cruet?
Discover the best cruet to suit your storage and decor needs.
A cruet is a container used to store liquid condiments. In ancient times, the word "cruet" typically described a ritual flask used for religious ceremonies. Since the 17th century, the term has referred to containers that store oil, vinegar, and other seasonings. Cruets typically feature a flat, wide bottom and a narrow neck (which is sometimes flared for easier pouring), topped by a glass or cork stopper that safely contains the liquid.
What is a Cruet Used for?
A cruet provides a simple and stylish way to present condiments on kitchen countertops or dining tables. It can also prevent waste, as well-sealed cruets protect condiments from light, oxygen, and heat, keeping them fresh for up to four months longer than the recommended 60 days. Culinary enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different oil or vinegar flavors can sample small amounts at a time using the cruet's spout, which is designed to give you precise pour control. Plus, a beautifully crafted cruet filled with high-quality condiments spiced with herbs or citrus flavorings makes for a unique gift for the gourmet who has everything.
Types of Cruets
Depending on your needs and personal style, there are many different types of cruets to choose from. Aside from traditional oil and vinegar holders, cruets can be used to store mustard, ketchup, dressings, sauces, and syrup. They can come in various materials, colors, sizes, and functions.
Oil & Vinegar Cruets: As the title suggests, oil and vinegar cruets are exclusively designed to store this flavoring duo. Buy as a trendy all-in-one container, or if you have a more eclectic style, buy a different cruet for each condiment, available in an assortment of sizes, shapes, and colors.
Cruet Sets: Cruets are often sold in complementary pairs to house condiments that go together – think oil and vinegar or mustard and ketchup. They are also available in packs of three or more if you prefer organizing your sauces and condiments in containers of the same style and shape.
Decorative Cruets: Available in a slew of shapes, colors, prints, and materials, decorative cruets add a sprinkle of pizzazz to your kitchen countertop or dinner party setting. When gift-giving, select a cruet that matches the receiver's personality and home decor – if in doubt, stick to a simple design, a neutral color, or opt for a clear, glass model.
Squeeze-Bottle Cruets: Typically made of plastic with an attached or removable nozzle, squeeze-bottle cruets provide a clean way to pour liquid condiments with accuracy. And, in the case of clear containers, they also offer a convenient way to quickly identify your regular use condiments, including mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, honey, and relish.
Dressing Bottles & Syrup Dispensers:While many cruets are sold as single-condiment containers, single-use cruets store specific liquids and feature distinctive spouts or measuring scales that conform to the product's consistency. Popular single-use cruets include dressing bottle cruets and syrup dispensers.
Cruet accessories include storage boxes or caddies, dressing labels, and multiuse spouts or spray nozzles. Caddies and dressing labels are great for organizing your seasonings and condiments, while spouts ensure every pour, drizzle, or squeeze is precise.
Cruet Materials
Cruets come in a variety of types of materials, ranging from lightweight to durable to ornamental. Whatever you decide, make sure your selection matches your lifestyle and decor preferences.
Glass
Most cruets are made of glass. This material works well since it is non-reactive, meaning the flavor of stored contents remains unblemished. Another advantage of this material is the aesthetic appeal of glass, which can be shaped, colored, decorated, or textured to your liking.
Ceramic cruets are made by heating and solidifying clay. Porcelain cruets also originate from clay through a similar process but at higher temperatures, resulting in cruets that are more stain-resistant and translucent in appearance than their ceramics counterparts. Cruets made from either material offer choices for every aesthetic, since they feature striking design, pattern, and finish options.
Stainless steel is an excellent option for cruet users looking for condiment storage that is hygienic, corrosion, and heat-resistant, and that features a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Better still, since stainless steel cruets are made primarily of scrap metal, they're 100% recyclable – making them as good for the planet as they look in your home.
Plastic cruets are easy to manipulate, budget-friendly, and feature a break-resistant surface. Therefore, this material will provide the best value for your money if you have young children or energetic pets at home.
In short, what is a cruet? A cruet stores your liquid condiments and seasonings and is available in a wide variety of materials, types, and styles. They add a decorative and homey touch to your dining area.
Article by Jessica Benavides Canepa.
