Berard Olive Wood Salt Keeper Review: Is It Worth the $30+ Price?

We’ve tried plastic, ceramic, and glass salt bowls, but none of them keep up with our expectations. The lids break, the bowls chip, or they let dust in. 

After losing our third salt container in a year, we picked up the Berard olive wood salt keeper and gave it a real-world test. 

We kept it right by the stove… exposed to steam, oil, and daily cooking chaos. What we learned might save you from another disappointing buy. 

Here’s our honest take on its performance and value.

Design & Craftsmanship of the Berard Olive Wood Salt Keeper

The Berard olive wood salt keeper is built for everyday kitchen use. We tested every part of its design, from the grain to the lid hinge, to see how well it holds up under real cooking conditions. 

Below, we break down the details that matter.

Solid Olive Wood, Carved from a Single Piece

This salt keeper is made from a single block of sustainably sourced Mediterranean olive wood. No joints, no glued panels — just one solid piece with natural grain patterns that vary from unit to unit. 

The wood is dense, weighty, and resists cracking better than bamboo or cheaper softwoods. It feels like a long-term kitchen item, not a decorative piece.

Swivel Lid with Magnetic Closure

The lid rotates smoothly on a hidden stainless-steel pin. A small magnet helps it stay closed, even when bumped.

 You can open it with one hand while stirring a pot — no fumbling with latches or separate lids. It’s fast, practical, and feels like it’s built to last. The magnetic closure isn’t overly tight, so it doesn’t snap shut, but it stays shut when needed.

Size That’s Functional, Not Bulky

With a capacity of around 8 oz, it holds enough salt for regular cooking without needing constant refills. 

It’s compact enough to leave out on the counter but deep enough that you’re not scooping awkwardly from a shallow dish. The opening is wide enough to grab a pinch or spoon out seasoning without a mess.

Food-Safe Finish, Easy Maintenance

The wood is treated with a natural oil finish that keeps it food-safe and brings out the grain. It doesn’t feel overly polished or lacquered.

A quick wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth is enough to clean it. Just avoid soaking it or using harsh soap …  like any real wood, it prefers a little care.

Practical Kitchen Use: How the Berard Olive Wood Salt Keeper Performs Day to Day

We used Berard salt keeper in a real kitchen, multiple times a day. 

Here’s how it held up under daily cooking demands.

One-Handed Access While Cooking

This is one of its biggest strengths. The swivel lid opens easily with one hand, letting you grab a pinch of salt without pausing or putting down a utensil. 

The lid doesn’t wobble or slide off; it moves with a simple thumb push. Whether you’re sautéing, roasting, or boiling pasta, you can operate it quickly and smoothly.

Keeps Salt Clean, Dry, and Ready

The lid sits flush and seals well enough to keep dust and kitchen moisture out. After weeks on the counter, near steam and oil splatters, the salt inside stayed dry and clump-free. There’s no rubber gasket or airtight lock, but the magnetic closure is strong enough for daily kitchen conditions. 

You get convenience without sacrificing freshness.

Versatile Use Around the Kitchen and Table

The size and form make it flexible for many kitchen needs:

• Stays by the stove for seasoning while cooking
• Easy to carry to the dining table for serving
• Works for finishing salt, kosher salt, or even spice blends
• Can be used for sugar, chili flakes, or small herbs if needed
  

Its natural wood finish also makes it table-friendly — it doesn’t look out of place next to plates and serving bowls.

Durability in Real Use (and Minor Flaws)

The thick olive wood handles wear well, even small bumps or spills. It’s stable on the counter and won’t tip easily. 

However, a few users report that the lid can arrive slightly misaligned. In our case, it worked perfectly, but if you get a loose or uneven hinge, a quick adjustment with a screwdriver usually solves it.

Cleaning & Maintenance: How to Keep the Berard Salt Keeper in Top Shape

This salt keeper isn’t just for show, but it does need the proper care. Here’s how to clean and maintain your Berard olive wood salt keeper so it lasts for years without splitting, warping, or losing its rich finish.

Hand-Wash Only. No Soaking

Never soak it or run it under a stream of water. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough. If salt builds up, use a slightly wet sponge to remove it.

Avoid soap if possible; olive wood is naturally antibacterial, and soap can strip the finish.

Keep It Oiled. Prevent Cracks and Dryness

To keep the wood hydrated and prevent surface cracks, rub it with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax once a month…or whenever it starts looking dry or dull. 

Use a soft cloth and let the oil soak in for a few hours before wiping off the excess. This step helps maintain both appearance and durability.

Lid Maintenance. Quick and Simple

Thanks to the magnetic hinge, the lid lifts off easily for a full wipe-down. You can clean under the hinge area and reattach it in seconds. Just make sure the magnet and hinge area stay dry to avoid rust or misalignment over time.

Skip the Dishwasher. Always

Dishwashers will destroy olive wood. High heat, moisture, and detergent will warp the wood and ruin the finish. Always hand-clean… it takes less than a minute.

Berard Olive Wood Salt Keeper: Pros & Cons That Actually Matter

We used the Berard salt keeper for weeks, not just for photos. Here’s what stood out when putting it through constant, everyday use. This breakdown covers what we liked, what felt limiting, and whether its price justifies its form and function.

What Works: Strong Everyday Advantages

The Berard salt keeper is built to be useful right beside a hot stove. These practical advantages made daily cooking smoother, cleaner, and more satisfying.

• One-handed access thanks to the magnetic swivel lid… fast and clean while cooking.
• Solid olive wood body feels premium, warm, and never tips or slides.
• Unique grain and finish — no two are alike, and it adds charm to any kitchen.
• Compact but roomy — holds enough salt for regular cooking without taking up counter space.
• Quiet lid — no clanking metal or noisy snaps.

What Could Be Better: Functional Trade-Offs

It’s not a perfect product, and it won’t be for everyone. These are the points that stood out during daily use and why they might matter for certain cooks.

• Costs around $36, which is high for a single-function kitchen item.
• Needs regular oiling to prevent cracks and drying — more care than plastic or ceramic options.
• Single compartment only — unlike some dual-chamber salt keepers that offer both salt and pepper or two salt types.
• Not dishwasher-safe — strictly hand-wash and wipe down.

If you want a durable salt keeper that looks good and works well, this is worth the investment. 

Loving the Berard salt keeper?

How the Berard Olive Wood Salt Keeper Compares to Alternatives

Not all salt keepers are created equal. We stacked the Berard olive wood model against the most common alternatives: plastic bins, stainless containers, and dual-compartment cellars. Here’s how it holds up in real kitchens.

Berard vs Plastic Salt Bins

Plastic models are cheap and common, but that’s where the benefits stop. They often crack over time, absorb odors, and look out of place in a well-used kitchen. 

The Berard wins on longevity, stability, and appearance, though you pay more for the upgrade.

Berard vs Stainless Steel Salt Keepers

Stainless models are sturdy and easy to clean, but feel cold and industrial. They’re great for commercial kitchens, less so for home cooks who care about warmth and style. 

The Berard is quieter, more tactile, and blends better on home countertops.

Berard vs Dual-Compartment Salt Cellars

Split-cellars offer convenience if you use multiple salts or want salt and pepper in one place. But they’re often bulky and harder to clean. The Berard keeps it simple — one type of salt, always close and ready.

Quick Comparison Table

Is the Berard Olive Wood Salt Keeper Right for You?

This isn’t your average salt bin. It looks great on the counter, functions smoothly in daily use, and holds up well with a bit of care. But it’s not for everyone. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.

✅ Ideal For: People Who Value Form and Function

If you want a salt keeper that works well and looks even better, this fits the bill. It suits cooks who use salt often and want it within easy reach.

• Home cooks who season at the stove
• People who appreciate natural kitchen materials
• Gift buyers looking for a functional but aesthetic gift
• Fans of compact tools that stay on the counter
• Users of flaky or finishing salts need quick access

❌ Not Ideal For: People Who Want Simple, Low-Maintenance Tools

This isn’t a “buy it and forget it” kind of container. You’ll need to care for it. And the price isn’t low.

• Cooks who avoid wooden tools or containers
• Minimalists who want hidden or tucked-away storage
• Kitchens with very high humidity or heavy use
• Buyers expecting multi-compartment options or airtight seals
  

If you like beauty and practicality in equal parts and don’t mind a bit of upkeep, the Berard is a strong pick. If not, a basic plastic or metal bin might make more sense.

Is the Berard Salt Keeper good for you?

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Berard Salt Keeper

To keep your olive wood salt keeper in top shape, just follow a few simple habits. These small steps will help it last longer and work better in your kitchen.

• Oil the wood once a month with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to prevent drying and cracks.
• Avoid soaking or leaving it in damp areas — olive wood can warp with too much moisture.
• Store in a dry spot, away from steamy zones or direct sunlight.
• Tighten the lid screw gently if the magnetic swivel starts to feel loose.
  
• Match the size to your salt usage — it holds about 8 oz, ideal for daily cooks but small for bulk use.

These steps take just minutes and keep your keeper looking and working great.

Final Take: The Keeper That Keeps Up With Real Kitchens

If you reach for salt often, this keeper earns its place near your stove. The lid doesn’t stick or wobble. The wood stays smooth with just monthly care. It holds enough for daily use without taking up space. And it looks better than every plastic or steel bin we’ve tried.

Want to bring warmth and style to your cooking?

People Ask These Questions Frequently About Berard Olive Wood Salt Keeper