There are plenty of essentials tools that help make a cook’s life easier and meal prep more efficient. The right spatula, the right set of pots and pans – the list is almost endless.
That list includes the right oil dispenser, one that fits your needs and works well in the layout and design, and space of your kitchen.
In this post, we dive into the many options available on the market today, so you choose the oil dispenser that suits you the best.
Material Quality
What an oil dispenser is made of is a key factor in choosing the one that’s best for you. When you’re browsing through an array of oil dispensers, the material it’s made from should reveal some key factors, such as safety, durability, and general performance. The best materials are stainless steel, glass, and acrylic plastic, so let’s look at the features and benefits of each one.
Food-Grade Stainless steel
The term “food grade” simply refers to the kind of steel that is appropriate for food storage, whether it’s in liquid form (like oil) or solid form (like coffee or flour). Stainless steel lasts a long time, and it stands up against bumps and bangs, like when you accidentally knock it off the pantry shelf. This feature makes a stainless steel oil dispenser a particularly good option for your busy kitchen.
Acrylic plastic
This substance is another excellent option for an oil dispenser. It’s as light as a feather (almost!) and doesn’t shatter easily. Furthermore, it lasts a long time, which is definitely a feature you want in your oil dispenser. This material is also transparent, making it easy to tell just how low your supply of oil is. It’s easy to grip and hold, and easy to wipe down. These features make acrylic plastic a terrific choice when you’re shopping for an oil dispenser.
Glass
Folks usually choose a glass oil dispenser because it comes in many unique and pleasing colors and designs. But that’s not all glass oil dispensers have going for them! Probably the best feature of glass is that it doesn’t trap any odors or traces of other flavors. There is never a hint of whatever kind of oil was in the dispenser before you filled it. For example: Let’s say last summer you decided to try avocado oil for making salad dressing, just for something different. This summer, now that that oil is finished, you’ve decided to go back to traditional olive oil. Simply wash the oil dispenser, let it dry, and voila! Not even the slightest dollop of the old oil’s taste or scent remains in the dispenser. But there’s one caveat: remember, glass is delicate, and choosing it can be risky. It can easily crack or even shatter, and that’s a problem, particularly for those of you with hectic kitchens in which kids run around and get a little bit raucous.
Capacity
How much should your oil dispenser hold? Capacity is a feature that should definitely be taken into account when you’re buying an oil dispenser. Here are some tips for deciding how big a dispenser you should purchase.
Daily use
If you have lots of available space in your kitchen’s pantry, choose any dispenser that captures your fancy! But most folks have a limited area for storing kitchen essentials. Even if you use oil every day, a dispenser on the smaller side usually suffices one that holds about 250 ml to 500ml.
Commercial settings
Places like bistros and cafes often require larger oil dispensers. It’s not logical for these types of venues to have small dispensers; that would mean they’d need refilling on a weekly or even daily basis. A larger dispenser (750 ml to 1000 ml) contributes to the speedy functioning of an efficient kitchen that caters to dozens of people each day.
Design and Usability
How an oil dispenser is designed impacts significantly on whether it’s easy to use, and that, in turn, impacts directly on its convenience and functioning. Consider these features when weighing whether an oil dispenser is user-friendly.
Is the opening large enough for easy refills?
You want an oil dispenser that’s got an opening that’s large enough to refill easily, so the oil doesn’t drip all over the sides, making a big mess.
Does the lid fit snugly?
This is a really important feature, as letting light and air get at the oil will make it spoil more quickly. A snug-fitting lid ensures that the oil will remain safe and germ-free, thereby tasting fresh and delicious every day.
Pouring Mechanism
Check that the oil dispenser’s pouring mechanism allows you to pour in a controlled way, not allowing too much oil out but not releasing too little, either. Here’s what you should look for when you’re assessing different kinds of oil dispensers.
No-drip spout
This is a key feature of any pour mechanism. It’s not only when you’re using it that you want the spout not to leak; it’s also when you tuck it back onto the pantry shelf! Even a drop or two falling from the pouring mechanism can cause a gooey mess in your kitchen. Make sure the mechanism doesn’t allow even one drop of oil to escape.
A spout cap
Think of a spout cap as an extra security step in keeping your oil fresh and the dispenser clean and tidy. Having a no-drip spout is key, but having a spout cap too is even better. Certain oil dispensers come with spout caps that measure out a precise, controlled amount of oil each time you use it.
Versatility
It’s handy to have an oil dispenser that works holding other liquids too, not solely as a container for oil. Here are some tips on versatility and usability, and how you can assess them.
An ergonomic design
A high-quality oil dispenser is designed with ease of use as a top priority. Check whether the one you’re considering is comfortable to hold. Is it well-balanced? Does it seem as though the oil will flow readily and smoothly? Is it not too heavy or awkward to hold? An attractive design is important, but it’s got to be user-friendly, most of all!
Multi-purpose
It may not be the only oil you want to keep in this dispenser. Soy sauce and different kinds of vinegar are just a few examples of the liquids you may want to keep in your dispenser. This versatility allows you to keep a variety of things in the dispenser, and that can save storage space, as you needn’t buy several dispensers just because you want to keep something else in the one you bought for oil.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping your oil dispenser looking good and free of germs shouldn’t be a huge chore! Here are some tips to bear in mind when assessing ease of cleanliness.
Is it quick and easy to clean?
The materials we’ve listed in this post – acrylic plastic, glass, and stainless steel are all easy to keep clean. Make sure that the oil dispenser you’re considering is safe for the dishwasher, but that it can be readily washed by hand. If the design is simple and there aren’t parts that come off and have to be washed separately. The fewer nooks and crannies in the design the better!
Resistant to rust
If you decide to buy a stainless steel oil dispenser, make sure it’s resistant to rust and corrosion. That’s vital in order to keep your dispenser truly clean and hygienic. It also impacts the oil dispenser’s lifespan, so if it doesn’t list rust resistance as one of its features, don’t buy it!
Aesthetic Appeal
Your oil dispenser must function well and be easy to clean, but it should also be attractive! In this instance, looks do matter!
Choose a stylish design
Choose an oil dispenser that works with your kitchen and dining room’s decor. There are many different looks you can choose from that work with whatever style your home has been done in – rustic and traditional or sleek and modern – there are many styles to consider. Take your time while browsing online or in stores until you spot one that really strikes your fancy. If it’s got all the important features we’re listing here, you’ll know it’s the right one for you.
Can it be customized?
Some oil dispensers can be made with a specific flair or trim, depending on where you shop. For example, you may be able to have initials added if you’re buying this oil dispenser as a wedding or birthday gift. Be imaginative! Customizing it makes for a wholly unique present for a friend or family member, but it’s also a fun way to splurge and treat yourself!
Impact on the environment
You should take into account how your oil dispenser will impact the environment.
By definition, it’s an ethical choice because it’s reusable and recyclable. Buying a glass, stainless steel, or acrylic plastic oil dispenser is an eco-friendly choice because you don’t toss it out after using it, and therefore you’re reducing waste. All the materials we’ve mentioned are durable, and therefore better for the environment. Furthermore, when it is time to get rid of them, all three of them (stainless steel, glass, and acrylic plastic) can be washed out and recycled. Acrylic plastic is recyclable but there’s one caveat: it depends on the type your oil dispenser is made of.
Check the label before you buy, and you’ll know whether it’s the “right” kind of acrylic plastic, if that’s really important to you.
Conclusion
Purchasing the right oil dispenser, one that fits your needs as a cook but also works well with your personal style gives your kitchen a boost of flair and efficiency. Browse online catalogs and store shelves, peruse kitchen specialty shops, and have some fun with this! Consider the material you want it to be made of and go from there. Or find one that’s visually appealing and investigate its features. However, if you go about it, buying yourself – or someone else – a stylish new oil dispenser should be a lot of fun! It’s an essential kitchen tool that can add elegance and flair to your kitchen – what kind of combo could be better than that?
Happy cooking!
