Finding the Best Utensil Crock

Our first test was to evaluate the capacity of each crock. We loaded 20 of our favorite utensils (see “The Test Kitchen’s Top Tools”) into each crock, adding them in the same order each time for consistency. We stopped adding utensils when we felt moderate resistance, which we defined as the inability to fit another utensil in the crock without pushing hard or excessive jostling to create more space. No surprise: We preferred crocks that held more items. Our favorites were spacious enough to accommodate at least 17 utensils. The smallest crock held just 10 utensils. We also formed a preference for a certain shape. Although oval crocks were slimmer (making for a smaller footprint near the stovetop), we found that their tapered ends were a tight fit for bulkier utensils. Round crocks with diameters of about 6 inches or more allowed us to store more utensils.

Of course, a large capacity is just one factor in a good crock. We also wanted a crock that allowed us to organize and easily access our utensils. A few features really helped.

We started by looking at the heights of the walls. The crocks in our lineup ranged in height from 5¼ to 9½ inches, and we found that higher walls were generally better able to keep utensils upright, meaning the utensils didn’t fall over one another and become tangled and harder to remove. However, small tools such as pastry brushes were harder to find and retrieve in crocks taller than 7 inches. We liked crocks with medium-high walls that were 6½ to 7 inches tall.

We also considered dividers. Two smaller oval models had permanent dividers that ran widthwise across the crock, splitting them into three sections. In these crocks—which were already a bit tight on space—the dividers took up valuable room. We had to remember to store our bulkiest tools, such as our tongs and ladle, in the larger sections because they were the biggest. In the two large round crocks with dividers, however, the feature was an asset. The dividers split the crocks into three equal and spacious wedges, which gave us enough room in any section to store our tools. These dividers helped our tools stay upright and allowed us to group them by category.

In addition to dividers, three models had useful features in the bottoms of the crocks. Removable silicone mats in two of the crocks made for a soft and quiet landing place for the utensils. And one of the oval models had small grooves in the bottom of the crock that acted as stations for the utensils' handles. We liked that this feature helped keep the utensils organized and upright. Below the contoured holes is a removable drip tray, meant to contain any water dripping from the utensils above. Since we usually return clean utensils to our crock after they have dried, we didn’t find this feature necessary, but it's a nice touch to prevent moisture from collecting in the crock if the items aren't fully dry.

No one wants a wobbly utensil crock, so we put each crock’s stability to the test by filling up each model, purposefully loading and then unloading one side of the crock before the rest. The majority of the crocks in our lineup—including those made from relatively lightweight metal—sat securely on the counter and didn't scoot around or tip over. Only one crock in our lineup faltered: the plastic crock with a rotating base. This rotating feature was meant to help us locate our utensils quickly, but it just made the crock unstable. When we added utensils, it rocked unsteadily back and forth before settling on the counter.

Since utensil crocks often sit next to our stoves, we expect them to get splattered once in a while by oils, sauces, and other cooking messes. To mimic this common kitchen scenario, we splattered hot tomato sauce on each crock; allowed them to sit for 1 hour; and then wiped them with a warm, soapy sponge. Most of the crocks were easy to clean, but two of the crocks posed problems. The plastic sides of the expandable crock overlapped slightly, and it was hard to maneuver the sponge between those overlapping pieces. A model with perforated sides was also challenging to clean. When we tried to wipe tomato sauce off its exterior, we pushed it into the holes, creating an even bigger mess. 

Next, to test how easy it was to clean the crocks more thoroughly, we washed them 10 times according to the manufacturers’ instructions. The model made from bamboo faded by the final wash. We preferred models that were dishwasher-safe and looked as good as new after being washed. Last, to test the durability of each model, we hit each utensil crock’s rim 10 times with a stainless-steel slotted spoon to approximate what happens when we accidentally knock a metal utensil into the side of a crock when returning it. None of the models had any dings or dents after our durability test.

We liked a few of the utensil crocks we tested, but the Circulon Ceramic Tool Crock outperformed the rest. Round with an opening measuring 6⅝ inches, it was spacious enough to hold 20 utensils. We loved its removable divider, which splits the interior into three equal sections and helped keep the utensils upright and organized. It was easy to quickly grab a single utensil without it getting tangled in the other utensils. We also liked the removable silicone mat; it gave utensils a soft place to land when we were loading them. Lastly, we were able to easily wipe away dried splashes of tomato sauce, and all the parts are dishwasher-safe for an easy deep clean. This model is thoughtfully designed with clever features, making it more user-friendly than the average utensil crock. A nice bonus: It’s offered in a variety of colors to match any kitchen.