Finding everyday galley gear that actually works on a boat can be surprisingly tricky, and sugar dispensers are a perfect example. Between humidity, corrosion, spills, and bugs, many options that work fine in a house quickly become frustrating—or unusable—aboard.
For years, my best workaround was a simple one: an airtight container and a spoon. It kept sugar dry and pest-free, but it wasn’t especially convenient or attractive for everyday use.
That changed when a couple of readers wrote to recommend the OXO Good Grips Sugar Dispenser, a dispenser they’ve been using successfully aboard their boats. After looking at how it’s designed—and how it performs in real cruising conditions—it’s now my top recommendation for a sugar dispenser that actually makes sense on a boat.
Reasons why this is particularly well-suited for life aboard a boat:
- The pour spout “snaps” open and shut: if you keep it closed, very little humidity enters to make the sugar clump or clog the opening; bugs don’t get in; and it doesn’t spill even if it tips over in the locker or at the table.
- The metal is stainless and thus rust-resistant. OXO doesn’t say what grade of stainless it is, so I’m guessing it’s not the top grade and hence may eventually rust (read about stainless grades in kitchen items here). However, I haven’t found a review anywhere with anyone complaining about it rusting, so it could be a higher quality stainless.
- The clear body is plastic, not glass. Less chance of breakage and if it does, no glass shards around bare feet.
- Holds one cup, which is a reasonable amount of sugar for coffee, tea and breakfast cereal.
- Nice big opening in the top to refill the sugar (on a boat, be sure to put the dispenser down in the sink to refill — that way, if some spills as the boat moves, it’s easy to clean up without leaving any behind for bugs).
- Like to have breakfast in the cockpit or on the flybridge? The dispenser will fit in almost any drink holder (it’s 2-3/4″ diameter and most drink holders are 3-1/2″), making it easy to keep it handy without it sliding on a table.
The only criticism is that sugar will flow out rapidly, so be careful how you tilt it!
Available on Amazon: OXO Good Grips Sugar Dispenser
Learn More
Trying to figure out this whole “cooking on a boat” thing? Let us help you, with two online courses and a cookbook designed just for boat kitchens (over 800 boat-friendly recipes!):
- The Boat Galley Cookbook
- Provisioning, Meal Planning, and Food Storage
- Eating Well With A Tiny Fridge
Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Maje Brennan says
I love this. Hubby became addicted to sugar dispensers in Germany. This will be perfect! Thank you.
Maje
Jim Shell says
On Phantom we use leftover empty 16 to 20 oz. juice or soda bottles. We use the sturdy and attractive ones. They are filled in the sink using a funnel to minimize spillage. If any clumping occurs, we shake it. Although we do not liveaboard, this is one food product we can keep aboard in abundant supply for long periods of time without problems.
Amy M Miller says
I was just looking for something like this…timely article. Thank you,