I’m a big believer that what lives on your kitchen counter should be as good-looking as possible. A kitchen-utensil crock — you know, the unassuming vessel that holds a myriad of cooking utensils — is one such item. If I’m being honest, it’s something I often notice people don’t give much thought to, throwing their wooden spoons and stainless spatulas in whatever random vessel happens to fit them. But picking one that matches the aesthetic of the rest of your home or provides a bright pop of color in an otherwise drab interior, or a warm tone in a cold one, can do wonders in making your space feel well thought-out and put-together. It’s the small things. Here, I’ve rounded up a bunch of options from simple to statement-making.
This is one of two utensil crocks I have on my own kitchen counter. The other is quite large (the bottom of an old cookie jar I found at an antiques store — but more on that below). I wanted a smaller, shorter vessel to store some smaller, shorter items that kept getting lost without a properly sized home. It’s lightweight but still sturdy. And though it comes in several colors, I love the white; it provides a much-needed spot of brightness in my mostly wood kitchen.
Another enamel option is this two-tone one from Be Home. It’s half an inch shorter than the Falcon Enamelware above but with a wider opening at the top and straight sides.
Farmhouse Pottery is a go-to for beautiful ceramics. This crock is mostly glazed in a not-too-shiny shade of white with just a narrow circumference of unglazed clay at the bottom. The brand has a couple of other similar designs as well: the Miller Laurel Crock and the Laurel Crock.
Bennington Potters first came on my radar when recipe developer and cookbook author Anna Stockwell recommended its platters and baking dishes. This crock comes in a few solid shades, plus the brand’s signature Blue Agate, shown here. It’s on the shorter side, only five inches tall, which is perfect for smaller whisks, spatulas, and wooden spoons.
The green of this utensil holder is perfect to me — deep and vibrant and calming all at the same time. Plus, the nearly eight-inch diameter lets it comfortably hold a lot.
I’m a big fan of Casafina; its goods are always well made (I have a spoon rest and a paper-towel holder from the brand). The kitchen crocks are no exception, perfect for someone looking for an understated option with a matte finish and a nice shape.
For a look similar to the Casafina crock but in white, consider this simple option from West Elm.
New York–based party and kitchenwares shop Big Night teamed up with Pierre Bowring, the artist behind Bow Glassworks, to make this crock (which also comes in a blue-and-white colorway). It’s on the pricier side as each one is handblown and unique.
Only a small handful of these crocks is left in stock, so if you like the design, act fast. The warm honey-brown color is so lovely, and I like the protruding rim detail, too.
Another way to bring warmth is with a wooden holder like this one with a wide base from Hawkins New York. It’s a bit more unexpected than ceramic or enamel.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, consider a stainless-steel holder. Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang actually uses lab beakers her dad gifted her nearly two decades ago, like this one from Polar Ware. (This size is great, but there’s a bigger one that will hold even more.) The beakers are durable and easy to clean, and (as discussed many times behind the Strategist scenes) this material is having a moment.
If I didn’t already have two crocks in my kitchen, I would probably buy this one. It’s giving classic country on its own, but I think it would work in just about any style of kitchen. I love the chunky shape and simple blue stripes that give it just enough intrigue. Plus, you can’t beat the price.
Pinch’s holders are hand-thrown in Brooklyn and come in seven pretty glazes, each with that thick white speckled rim.
We often feature Virginia Sin’s ceramics (her fruit bowl and candlesticks in particular have been recommended by people with good taste time and again). Turns out she makes a utensil holder, too. It’s simple with a wavy edge for some visual intrigue. At seven and a half inches, it’s on the taller side, making it extra secure for long-handled spoons, tongs, and the like.
This CB2 crock is made from black-and-white marble — sculptural and bold. It doubles as a wine holder, too.
Here’s another black-and-white option from CB2, though this one is a bit softer. The markings are etched into the stoneware, giving it a textured look and feel.
Handcrafted in Mexico of recycled copper, this crock from Shoppe Amber Interiors looks natural and earthy. I think its tone would beautifully complement both wood and metal utensils.
This beige-pink marble holder from Crate & Barrel looks luxe. I can imagine it elevating a landlord-special apartment kitchen.
Like I said up top, one of my own crocks is the bottom part of a ceramic cookie jar I picked up ages ago at an antiques store (I got rid of the lid). The takeaway: Unexpected vessels can become utensil holders as long as they’re the right dimensions. This canister from Dusen Dusen provides a striking splash of color (honestly, most standard crocks are hard to find in such vibrant shades). It’s made of steel so a lighter weight than most crocks on this list — but as long as you don’t jam it full of heavier items (like, say, a large ladle), it should stand up totally fine.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
