Butter Dish Update
New and Updated Butter Dish now in Stock
We have made a few exciting improvements to the Butter Dish which we thought you should know about.
You will find on the new version that the external appearance is still the same as before, although we have added slightly larger/thicker protective pads to the feet.
Internally, we have designed a new heatsink which has curved fins giving a greater surface area for heat exchange, which makes the unit more efficient. This will also reduce the dust build-up but it is still essential that the heatsink is blown through on a regular basis to remove dust build up. We have used a different fan which is more hard wearing and has a longer life as well as being quieter.
The most significant improvement has been in the software that controls the butter dish. This has been totally re-written to give a more accurate temperature range and a softer switching action to the Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC). This softer switching action puts less strain on the TEC increasing its life.
174 Comments
Joyce eslker
We want to buy this in 120v for the us. Is it available?
Richard Lynn
I’m looking for one in Canada. Can you let us know if you have a 120v version?
Annie Alfille
Dear Mr Lynn – The UK version would be compatible with the Canadian power supply, but, unfortunately, we are unable to send to Canada or the USA at present. When we have more news on a distributor, we will be in contact. Apologies for the inconvenience. Annie
Debra Soukup
Honestly – this IS the best thing since sliced bread. If you could get some to the U.S., I really (no, seriously) would buy ten (10) of them – they are THAT good. Please …..Debra
Annie Alfille
Dear Debra
Dear Debra
Thank you for your messages.
Unfortunately, we have stopped doing the butter dish, at the present time. The cost to have them manufactured has escalated making it unviable to carry on at present.
If anything changes, we will let you know.
Kind regards
Annie
Patricia Sheed
Patricia
I am so disappointed that these butter dishes are no longer available. I have been using them for at least 10 years. I have recommended them to lots of friends. I originally purchased them direct fro Alfille innovations. Please keep me informed if and when the become available in the future. How will I spread my butter on my toast on winter mornings? Look forward to hearing that supply’s are available again soon.
?
Annie Alfille
Hi Patricia
Thank you for your email. At present, it is not looking like we will continue with the butter dishes, but if anything changes, I will let you know!
Kind regards
Annie
Heather Handzlik
This is sad news. I really love my butter dish! I bought one for my parents as well. My 2nd one has stopped working but I still keep butter in it. Wish I could order a new one!
Annie Alfille
Hi Heather
Thank you for your email. If anything changes this end regarding the butter dish, I will let you know.
Kind regards
Annie
Debra Soukup
yeah, I had hoarded two and now am so glad since the one I was using just went out after about 2 yrs. But I really would buy ten (10) right now if they had them-
Ann Maunder
Have just spent around two hours looking for outlets who sell your butter dish. I bought one a long time ago and I loved it. I still use it to keep my butter in out of habit.
Sorry to hear it is not being produced now, I don’t think there is anything like it from my searches.
I can’t remember the year I bought it but it was from Debenhams in Belfast.
If anything ever changes and I am still around, I will be one of your first customers.
Annie Alfille
Hi – thank you for your email. If we start producing the butter dishes again, I will let you know.
Kind regards Annie
Annie Alfille
Hi Ann
Thank you, will certainly let you know if we are able to continue with the butter dish.
Kind regards
Annie
Paul
May I ask, how much were you selling them for? Paul, New Zealand.
Annie Alfille
Hi Paul – please contact the distributor in New Zealand for their prices.
Arctic Innovations Limited
Unit 7a
100 Fitzgerald Avenue
Christchurch
New Zealand
PO Box 8740
Riccarton
Christchurch
0508 272842
sales@arcticinnovation.co.nz
Kind regards
Annie
Jeannette Ralph
I love my one. There are so many people who want to buy one so even if they have to pay more they will buy. Please bring them back.
Mrs Jeannette Ralph de Ridder
Annie Alfille
Hi Jeannette – Thank you for your message, will let you know if anything changes.
Kind regards
Annie
Harry Ferris
I purchased the cow patterned butter dish for my wife, she had been looking for a more traditional dish that she would like for ages. To be honest I never knew such a butter dish as the Alfille existed until just by chance it came through as a newspaper article when doing a search. She is so pleased with the way it looks, and even more pleased with how it works. Brilliant product.
Annie Alfille
Dear Mr Ferris
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
We are delighted to hear that you and your wife are pleased with the butter dish.
Kind regards
Annie
Leonard schultz
I bought this for Christmas and find it very quality
Annie Alfille
Thank you for your comment, very glad to hear you are pleased with your butter dish.
Glenene Bennett
Do you still have these butter dishes available please? I have only just found out about them and my mother is desperate to have one and I could be tempted too!
Annie Alfille
Hi Glenene
Thank you for your email. We have stopped doing the butter dishes for the present time due to the increase in manufacturing costs, making the dish unviable. If anything changes, we will let you know.
Kind regards
Annie
Adam Hayes
Do you have any idea when they will be back in stock? Would really love one of these
Annie Alfille
Dear Mr Hayes
Thank you for your comment. The cost to have the butter dishes made has increased significantly to make it unviable. If anything changes, we will be in contact and let you know.
Kind regards
Annie
MARION RUBENS
I PURCHASED ONE OF THESE BUTTER DISHES A FEW MONTHS AGO AND IT LOOKS LIKE I GOT IT JUST IN TIME. IT’S WONDERFUL! I HOPE THAT THEY CAN BE PRODUCED AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. I ALSO WONDERED WHY THEY WERE NOT MORE ADVERTISED BECAUSE I’M SURE THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GOOD SELLER.
Annie Alfille
Dear Marion – thank you for your email. Manufacturing costs have risen to make the dish unviable at present. We hope to produce again in the future, I will let you know if this happens.
Kind regards
Annie
Karen osgood
From all the requests on this site it seems that people wouldn’t mind paying more for this product
tony la chase
Waiting patiently for the butter dish. PLEASE
Annie Alfille
Hi Tony, thank you for your contact. I will let you know if we do carry on with the butter dish in the future. Kind regards Annie
mick
Hi, I see the dishes are all out of stock, do you know when new stock will be available?
Annie Alfille
Hi Mick – thank you for your enquiry. At present, we are not reordering the butter dish as the price has escalated making it unviable. If anything changes, I will let you know. Apologies for the inconvenience and thank you for your interest.
Kind regards
Annie
Alexi
I’d buy one too. I was just looking for it as summer is on it’s way.
Annie Alfille
Hi Alexi
We out of stock and at present, we are not looking to replace due to price hike in raw materials. If anything changes, we will let you know.
Kind regards
Annie
Cushla Farac
Hi Team
I am in New Zealand and as our fridges no longer come with inbuilt butter conditioners, and my old old fridge has finally given up the ghost ( i only kept it and put up with the leaking because the butter conditioner worked) I am desperately looking for a conditioner to keep the butter warm in our South Island Winter Climate. When will the items be back in stock?
Annie Alfille
Dear Cushla
Thank you for your email.
We are out of stock in the UK but we have a distributor in New Zealand with stock, details below:
Arctic Innovations Limited
Unit 7a
100 Fitgerald Avenue
Christchurch
New Zealand
PO Box 8740
Riccarton
Christchurch
0508 272842
sales@arcticinnovation.co.nz
Best Regards
Annie
Steve Johnson
For those in NZ, Arctic Innovations trade as liny263 on Trade Me.
Great butter dish BTW! Real shame they’re not available in the UK as I was about to buy one for my father.
tony la chase
any hope?
Richard Heap
We purchased one of the butter dishes shortly after moving house to one which gas an oil AGA in the kitchen.
The kitchen is thus always nice and warm so that the butter is always almost liquid. The dish solved the problem – at least it did until a few weeks ago when the fan periodically stops working and we wake to melted butter in the morning. We like to buy a new one, especially as the both the fan and the heat sink have apparently been improved. I don’t suppose our old one can be repaired, and new ones are unavailable.
Disappointing as we thought we’d got this problem cracked.
Annie Alfille
Dear Mr Heap
Thank you for your email.
Could you kindly give me an address or if you have it, an invoice number so I can find you on our system. Please email me back on: info@alfille.co.uk.
Can I ask you to try the following bit of maintenance advise:
Essential Maintenance.
Butter very soft even on a low/cold temperature setting?
After a period of time dust may build up around the heatsink which is situated internally under the fan area.
As the fan is continually drawing in air, it is also bringing in dust particles. This could affect the thermostatic effectiveness and the dish may warm up enough to make the butter very soft even at the coolest setting. To simply remedy this, switch off and unplug the main unit. On either side of the unit are two vents. By blowing down the vents you will notice dust will blow out of the fan area, do this a couple of times and then we suggest using a vacuum with the brush attachment to gently brush over the fan area.
This procedure should be carried out at least every 3 months to ensure optimum performance, reduce power consumption and prevent the unit being overworked.
Is the green light on the unit, illuminated all the time or flashing?
Best Regards
Annie
Shari Malcomb
I keep checking back here periodically to see if, by some miracle, these were back in production. Alas, I’m not having any luck! I have two of these butter dishes; one I’m using (and trying to repair) and one still in the box.
Is there any way we’d be able to purchase a new fan? That seems to be the only issue with the one that’s overheating. If I can’t purchase from you, can you point me in the direction of a supplier?
Annie Alfille
Dear Shari
Thank you for your message. I cannot locate you on our records, could you kindly come back to me on info@alfille.co.uk with an address, or if you have it, an invoice number and we will go from there.
Kind regards
Annie
Shari Malcomb
I purchase my 2 two Butter Wizards from a gift shop in San Angelo, Texas. I’ve kept the one with the bad motor, in hopes of finding someone who can repair it and now the other one is starting to have problems with the 2 small pins on the bottom of the unit. One is loose and not making proper contact with the base. I really wish someone would pick up the patent and find a manufacturer who could bring this back into production! I have at least 4 ready customers just in my family!!
Annie Alfille
Hi Shari
Thank you for your email.
The butter dishes you have are the first designs we started with about 12 years ago. We have changed the design over the years so they do not sit on a recharging base, no batteries, they plug straight into mains power. There is a temperature control dial on the bottom of the unit and updated fans and circuit board.
Unfortunately, we do not carry any spares for that version, as the pins can be pulled out and replaced. We are not producing the dishes at the moment due to the escalation in cost for raw materials and manufacturing, but if anything changes, I will let you know.
Best Regards
Annie
David Leonard
We came across one of these butter dishes when visiting our son in France. Brilliant idea!!
When are they going back into production? I am sure they will sell well, judging by other comments, especially with advertising – we knew nothing about them until we saw one, and other people and even Kitchen Shops thought they were a great idea.
Annie Alfille
Dear Mr Leonard
Thank you for your contact. We have been selling the butter dish for about 12 years, we were in John Lewis, Debenhams, Lakeland and then selling through our website and Amazon. Costs of manufacture have increased enough to make it unviable at present. Hopefully we will continue again at some stage. I will let you know if we do.
Kind regards
Annie
Bill Rawcliffe
Hi Annie,
Our second Butter Wizard has just ‘passed away’ and we are so sad to discover, on visiting your website, that it is no longer available. Keep a note of our email address in case you ever find it possible to supply them again:
Annie Alfille
Dear Bill
Thank you for contacting us. We will keep a note of your details and let you know if we continue with the butter dish at a later stage.
Kind regards
Annie
Roger morris
Hi, I have two of your amazing butter dishes.My sister lives in Spain and is always complaining about the butter , it is either completely runny or if it is in the fridge like a rock.I gave her one of mine and she is amazed by it and so are all her many ex pat friends,a couple of them run restaurants and they said why are you not making them anymore? You could sell them all over the continent!! I cannot understand why you have not changed your manufacturers. Sell me a hundred when they are up and running and I guarantee you they would all be sold on line within a couple of weeks. I hope you reply .
Annie Alfille
Dear Mr Morris
Thank you for your email.The cost of raw materials for the butter dish has increased dramatically which made it unviable to carry on. We are looking at alternatives, and will let you know if anything changes.
Kind regards
Annie
Annie Alfille
Hi Mr Rawcliffe
I replied through your email address.
Kind regards
Annie
janet hines
Hi, I’m hoping you can give me a bit of advice. I’ve had my dish for 2 or 3 years now and love it. But it seems to have a problem. The fan has stopped and green light is flashing and the power lead plug seems to be making a beeping noise. I have just ordered a new power lead, will this cure the problem or is it something else?
Annie Alfille
Hi Janet
Thank you for your email. I couldn’t find your order, was it ordered through a different name? A new charge plug will be sent out to you today, but can you also try the following bit of maintenance advice:
Essential Maintenance.
Butter very soft even on a low/cold temperature setting?
After a period of time dust may build up around the heatsink which is
situated internally under the fan area.
As the fan is continually drawing in air, it is also bringing in dust
particles. This could affect the thermostatic effectiveness and the dish
may warm up enough to make the butter very soft even at the coolest
setting. To simply remedy this, switch off and unplug the main unit. On
either side of the unit are two vents. By blowing down the vents you
will notice dust will blow out of the fan area, do this a couple of times
and then we suggest using a vacuum with the brush attachment to
gently brush over the fan area.
This procedure should be carried out at least every 3 months to ensure
optimum performance, reduce power consumption and prevent the unit
being overworked.
Failure to carry out this regular maintenance will damage the
Butter Dish and invalidate the warranty.
Flashing Green Light on unit
If you find the green light on the front of the unit flashing, this could
be due to the unit becoming too warm. The unit will automatically shut
down and the green light will flash as a warning. Unplug the unit and
leave it to cool down. We recommend that you follow the instructions
on ‘Essential Maintenance’ Butter very soft even on a low/cold
temperature setting. Once the unit has cooled down, plug back in and
if the issue has been rectified, the dish will operate as normal and the
green light will be constantly illuminated. If the problem persists then
unplug the butter dish, do not use and contact Alfille Innovations Ltd.
Kind regards
Annie
David hunt
MY butter dish is several years old, and is treated as a valued member of the famly, But sadly, that member has died. Can I buy I replacement ?
David Hunt
464 Monastery Av.
Philadelphia, PA 19128, USA
Annie Alfille
Dear Mr Hunt
Thank you for your email.
Unfortunately we are no longer manufacturing or selling the butter dish.
If anything changes, I will let you know.
Kind regards
Annie
Dee
Please let me know also. I wanted one for a gift.
Sunrisebeaches862@gmail.com
Annie Alfille
Hi Dee – will let you know if the butter dishes come back on the market.
Kind regards
Annie
j
I opened mine up and cleaned the fan – works again fine!
Annie Alfille
Hi Johnnie, very glad to hear your dish is working ok now.
We also recommend the following bit of maintenance advice:
Essential Maintenance.
Butter very soft even on a low/cold temperature setting?
After a period of time dust may build up around the heatsink which is
situated internally under the fan area.
As the fan is continually drawing in air, it is also bringing in dust
particles. This could affect the thermostatic effectiveness and the dish
may warm up enough to make the butter very soft even at the coolest
setting. To simply remedy this, switch off and unplug the main unit. On
either side of the unit are two vents. By blowing down the vents you
will notice dust will blow out of the fan area, do this a couple of times
and then we suggest using a vacuum with the brush attachment to
gently brush over the fan area.
This procedure should be carried out at least every 3 months to ensure
optimum performance, reduce power consumption and prevent the unit
being overworked.
Failure to carry out this regular maintenance will damage the
Butter Dish and invalidate the warranty.
Flashing Green Light on unit
If you find the green light on the front of the unit flashing, this could
be due to the unit becoming too warm. The unit will automatically shut
down and the green light will flash as a warning. Unplug the unit and
leave it to cool down. We recommend that you follow the instructions
on ‘Essential Maintenance’ Butter very soft even on a low/cold
temperature setting. Once the unit has cooled down, plug back in and
if the issue has been rectified, the dish will operate as normal and the
green light will be constantly illuminated. If the problem persists then
unplug the butter dish, do not use and contact Alfille Innovations Ltd.
Kind regards Annie
Craig Sams
Let me know, too
You can price this item at £89 and still sell it
It’s a shame not to have it at all
…if you own the IP why not sell that?
Annie Alfille
Apologies for not getting back to you before now. If anything changes in any direction, I will let you know.
Kind regards Annie
Betty taylor
I have the butter dish bought from you and the unit heats but the butter remains hard can you tell me what can be done to remedy this. My email is bettytaylor098@aol.com. My address is Hammer House Farm Smithy Lane Norton Bridge stone ST15 0NS if you need to look up the records, my name is Betty taylor.
Annie Alfille
Hi Betty – I have replied to your email directly to your email address.
Kind regards Annie
Amanda George
Hi
I have the same problem my unit heats up but my butter stays hard, I would be grateful for any advice
Annie Alfille
Hi – I have emailed you directly.
Kind regards
Annie
Paul Robinson
hi, i need to replace the batteries in my butter dish Al-but-001 but i took them out and misplaced them, what is the spec please? (nicad? lithium? etc, mAh rating?)
thanks
Annie Alfille
Hi Paul
Thank you for your email.
The rechargeable batteries are NiMH 2300 mAh Battery 1.2 Volt.
Kind regards
Annie
Christophe de Aristizabal
Hi Annie
I have one of your butter dishes and love it. Several friends want one, and I understand you don’t make them anymore.
I’m curious though. If you have the time can you let us know how and why costs rose? And to what extent? I’m sure some would pay more for the dish. Is it an issue in China?
Chris
Annie Alfille
Dear Christophe – Thank you for your message. We have the units made in China and recently labour cost have gone up by 15% and raw materials rose significantly by 30% and still continue to rise. It is making the dish unviable at present without putting the cost up respectively. We have a very loyal band of customers who have said they would be prepared to pay more, but we have to look at the overall position of what people are prepared to pay and judge it accordingly. For the time being we have stopped manufacturing but we are still hopeful that at some stage we will continue.
Kind regards
Annie
Carol Kosy
Darn it…..I’ve been looking for the perfect butter dish FOREVER. I finally found it and its no longer made 🙁 Off to beat my head against a wall :'(
Annie Alfille
Hi Carol – if anything changes, I will let you know.
Kind regards Annie
Philip Leatham
Please please satert selling this product again. It’s brilliant.
SWR
I agree. It would be great to be able to buy the dish again
LLOYD ROBERTS
Please start making electric butter again we have one we live in Spain would not survive without it . We would buy at least 2/4 a year to raffle at our charity events . Many thanks for a great product.
Annie Alfille
Thanks Lloyd, if anything changes we will let you know through the website.
Kind regards Annie
Terry Arsenault
Hi Annie
Reading the comments section I noticed you said the butter dish would work in Canada, but our plugs are very different. Should I just get a Canadian power supply with the appropriate voltage?
Also, I read the section above the customer comments about new and improved changes to the dish, but then I read a lot of comments saying it was no longer available at the moment.
What is the status now, as mine has stopped working and I’d like to purchase more?
Annie Alfille
Hi Terry
Thank you for your enquiry. The butter dishes are compatible with the USA and Canadian voltage but would need an adaptor for the plug. But, we are not manufacturing the butter dish at the moment, although we are testing some new updated versions and hope we will, in due course, be able to start producing them again. Kind regards Annie
Christophe de Aristizabal
Mine has finally died so definitely needing a new one!
Derek Screen
Just got sent to your website only to find they are all out of stock!
Noooooooooooooooooooooooo…………………..
I NEED one here in Melbourne Australia for my wife who simply WILL NOT use margarine!!!!
Can you please advise when these will likely be available again.
Thanks heaps in advance
Derek Screen
Annie Alfille
Dear Derek
Thank you very much for your enquiry.
We are in the process of testing some updated versions of the Alfille Temperature Controlled Butter Dish, and hope that in due course, we will be in a position to begin manufacturing again.
We will let you know if this happens through our website.
Your wife is quite right, margarine is best left on the shelf!
Kind regards Annie
Lada
Wish you good luck designing! I’m looking forward to see it as soon as possible.
Anyway, reading this forum, my few advices:
You can sell at higher price (remember 80/20 rule), best marked as PRO version or whatever, aimed at enthusiasts and pro people (running coffee shops, restaurants et cetera). They would accept higher price, given that’s your product is unique.
Regarding ergonomics, I think that the PRO version could have fan speed reading and lit a red LED when it slows or stops due to dust buildup. Today’s fans with 3 or 4 wire cables have frequency readback (1 or 2 pulses per revolution). It mostly uses hall sensor (some spike of voltage in tens of mV range). Also note the differences in bearings of fans. Some have 100000’s of hours MTBF. Silly small cheap chinese ones die after 2 months…
Best noiseless fans like Noctua can be very quiet when undervolted. They’re more costly than cheap chinese parts, but in the multi-year timeframe, it pays itself many times over. You can further differentiate your product lineup by selling some GOLD version with best fans. If they were end user interchangeable, the better.
So, if you renew manufacturing, start with the 20 percent market segment of higher priced, but very reliable, silent units for pro users. It can kickstart manufacture again. But remember to differentiate the old lineup versus the newer more expensive one. Because not everybody is like most enthusiasts here on forum. People whining about blahblahblah…not realizing how much work is behind a good quality low volume product. If you won’t be able to fullfill the rest (80%) users with cheaper units, nothing happens. It would stay only for pro users, but be available somehow.
I am prepared to pay some more for the PRO version, because I know real value of electronic products. It lies in long-term reliability, giving best value – the goods with higher initial price can work for some tens of years. This has happened for example in the segment of notebook computers. 2000’s models work today, plastic crap made after 2010 works hardly two years.
If you renew manufacture, reserve me a unit! And mail me when you would do so.
My best wishes and thumbs up! Margarine haters unite! Never!
Annie Alfille
Dear Lada – Thank so much for your post. You obviously know this industry well and it was very interesting to hear your suggestions and ideas. Interesting to read your thoughts on the PRO version and we are considering this, in the meantime we hope to start production again in 2019 and will let you know when dishes are available.
Kind regards Annie
Lada
Thank you in advance – my other tip (possibly moot) is about TEC coolers – I’ve dealt with them some years ago. I’ve been designing a driver for them out of stock MAXIM drivers for Peltiers. It was noisy (electrically) and as I’ve learnt later, TE coolers don’t like pulsed current. So make sure (I don’t know the circuit wiring, so I’m wildly guessing) that you filter the output of whatever inverter or step-down changer or driver so you don’t shorten the lifespan of it. Maybe it’s ok the way you have it.
And also make sure it doesn’t radiate out when using pulsed inverter – analog radio is the best cheap friend when figuring out its emissions 😉 (Spectral analyzer with calibrated antenna the best).
I have also learnt that TECs wear out according to wikipedia:
“TECs have limited life time. Their health strength can be measured by the change of their AC resistance (ACR). When a TEC gets “old” or worn out, the ACR will increase.”
Maybe the wearout is not linear, so properly overdesigning the TEC may also prolong it’s life. Some buyers on ebay or amazon were writing lovely letters about your products, but sorely missing it because it has died. They haven’t stated whether due to fan wear or TEC wear. I’m just guessing problems that may arise when designing for long term reliability. It has plagued my design then, albeit with a few watts of power and up to 5Amps of current.
I’m curious what mode is better for the TEC, whether pulsed On-Off mode over greater time or regulated continuous lower current through inverter. The latter definitely more expensive product cost-wise.
What I haven’t known back then was that TECs for TE cooling are different from TEGs fo TE generation. They’re different and hopefully your vendor or supplier knows the difference.
So, here’re my few rants about TECs you probably know well. I was just thinking what design precautions should the designer take to avoid shortening lifespan of this marvellous device.
The tip about red LED could well be dual color led or maybe a single color led but blinking, it’s visually more eye catching.
Last tip about fans – some PCs run their fans at max for a while sometimes, to get rid of dust buildup. Maybe worth a try.
Best wishes!
Annie Alfille
Dear Lada
Thank you very much for your detailed comments. These are very interesting and David will discuss these with the factory. For information, we have tested a program that puts the fans at full speed to remove the dust but the air flow was not enough to be effective. We have now added a dust screen over the fan which seems to work well.
Kind regards
Annie
Lada
Last tip about dust screen – my PC case, Define R4 has hot-swap dust covers on the bottom of the case. They’re sliding in from the front. They’re rectangular and fit into rails on the sides.
It’s very simple to clean them, because it’s not necessary to move the case. And cleaning its grid is way better when it’s possible to spray it with compressed air _from the other side_. Fixed dust covers and filters can be effectively cleaned up only with a vacuum cleaner.
For removal of dust on fan blades, having access to them directly also verymuch helps – again, compressed air or vacuum cleaner nearby can wipe the dust more effectively (than through fixed dust cover).
See https://techreport.com/review/27719/fractal-design-define-r5-case-reviewed/2 and find the passage “Fractal includes a full-length filter at the bottom of the case.”
The sliding filter is on this image
https://techreport.com/r.x/2015_1_24_Fractal_Designs_Define_R5_case_reviewed/bottom.jpg
Best regards!
Annie Alfille
Dear Lada – A valid point the dust screen does need to be easy to remove. We are testing with dust screens now, the concern would be that if customers do not clean the screens regularly this would restrict air flow quicker than if we do not have one.
Kind regards Annie
Jenny
Hello from New Zealand
We have been trying for ages to track down one of your butter conditioners with no success. It’s great to read that you are hoping to start production again soon. Do you have any idea when that might be?
Fingers crossed we will be able to get hold of one soon. We may even have to plan a holiday to UK to pick it up!!
Jenny Mumford
Annie Alfille
Hi Jenny
Thank you for your enquiry. We are testing some updated versions, but at the moment, we don’t have an idea when we may be able to start manufacturing again.
I will keep your details and let you know if we do.
Best Regards
Annie
Jenny Mumford
Thank you Annie. I just checked in again to see if there is any news about another supply of butter dishes. I hope to hear some good news soon.
Jenny
Bob
I purchased seven or eight of these years ago as gifts and have just recently realized that the biggest issue in them is that the fan fails and if not caught then the rest of the unit with it. My first units didn’t come with the instructions (or I didn’t see) that ‘canned-air’ should be used to clean out the heat sink so I lost a few irreparably. But I can repair them (personal use only, I am not offering a repair service). I just cant seem to find the fan in quantities less than 50 at a time. Any suggestions for a one-at-a-time supply? Or do you sell parts?h
Annie Alfille
Dear Bob – thank you for your message. As you point out that an issue with dust build-up around the internal heat-sink can be a problem if it is not blown out on a regular basis (every 3 months). As in our instructions, we do suggest the following:
Essential Maintenance.
Butter very soft even on a low/cold temperature setting?
After a period of time dust may build up around the heatsink which is
situated internally under the fan area.
As the fan is continually drawing in air, it is also bringing in dust
particles. This could affect the thermostatic effectiveness and the dish
may warm up enough to make the butter very soft even at the coolest
setting. To simply remedy this, switch off and unplug the main unit. On
either side of the unit are two vents. By blowing down the vents you
will notice dust will blow out of the fan area, do this a couple of times
and then we suggest using a vacuum with the brush attachment to
gently brush over the fan area.
This procedure should be carried out at least every 3 months to ensure
optimum performance, reduce power consumption and prevent the unit
being overworked.
If the unit has had to work too hard due to the debris build-up in the worse case, it will cause the charge plug to fail as the unit has had to work so hard to maintain a good temperature. If the charge plug is not working then it will not be bringing power to the unit and not causing the fan to rotate. It sounds like it might be an issue with the charge plug and not the fan itself.
Kind regards
Annie
Jason
Hello Anne,
The latest response to Bob maybe similar to my situation.
Unfortunately I haven’t kept up with the maintenance advice and my unit no longer works.
I have the flashing light, but I also thought the fan had died so purchased two of the same size and spec. These do not work so assume it is the charge unit at fault.
Can these be purchased anywhere?
I look forward in hope to you starting manufacture of an upgraded product and will definitely be making a purchase when available.
Annie Alfille
Hi Jason
It sounds like you may just need to purchase a new charge plug. If the unit has had to work too hard to keep a good temperature when there has been a build up of debris, then it can effect the charge plug. We have a few left in stock but they are in black. If you go to our website: http://www.alfille.co.uk and click on ‘shop’ and then ‘accessories’.
Kind regards
Annie
Bobh
Sorry I am lax at following up on this.
I have always kept up on maintenance. The units are just so old (how wonderful that they have worked and worked so long) but the fans are, indeed, mechanically failing after so long and my specific problem is not the power supply. The unit(s) are still working just getting noisier and the fan, like any mechanical device, will sooner or later fail and I can replace them myself. I found a supplier but they only sell in quantities of 50 so I just wondered if there was someplace else. I will buy the 50 just to keep these dishes working another 8 years if I need to…of course I would rather Alfille build more for sale 🙂
It is nice to know that the power supplies are available because I have others in the family that do indeed need the power supply as they didn’t keep up on maintenance.
NOTE TO ALL: the replacement of the fan is NOT FOR THE CASUAL HANDYMAN as it does require some amount of electronics and mechanical experience, and will likely void the UL, CSA, or other safety certifications that Alfille might have on the manufacturing (another reason it is so expensive to be a small supplier is all the government regulation).
Annie Alfille
Hi Bob – thank you for your message. As you correctly said, replacing the fan within the warranty time would have made it invalid if done independently. Unfortunately, fans we have not kept in stock and I cannot point you in the right direction for a supplier who would do smaller quantities.
Apologies for the inconvenience caused, if anything changes this end, I will let you know.
Kind regards
Annie
Adrian Lautenbach
Have one of your units and am delighted with it. Wanted to buy a second one but read are out of stock of all units.
When will you start manufacturing again of your new improved version and put them on the market?
Annie Alfille
Hi Adrian – No time frame at the moment, but if it changes, I will let you know.
Kind regards
Annie
Eddy
I Need One!!!! How Much Longer Do We Need To Wait?
Annie Alfille
Hi Eddy – No time frame at the moment, but will let you know if anything changes.
Kind regards
Annie
Susan Driver
Hello Annie
I left a Phone message then read your replies to requests. Could you please let me know when your dishes are back in stock. susan.drivers@btinternet.com
Annie Alfille
Hi Susan – thank you for your message. Will let you know any updates with the butter dishes.
Kind regards
Annie
Nisha Jani
Dear Annie,
Please also let me know if these become available again.
Thanks,
Nisha
Annie Alfille
Hi Nisha – will do.
Kind regards Annie
mark Warburton
Hi can you email when new stock is in please, thank you
Annie Alfille
Hi Mark – will do. Kind regards Annie
Juliet Davidson
Hi Annie
Any news on new butter dishes being available to buy yet?
Thanks
Julie Davidson
Annie Alfille
Hi Julie – Not at the moment, but I will let you know if anything changes. Kind regards Annie
Karen osgood
Is there anyway we can contact your manufacturer to get one I’m in dire need
Dennis Raymond
Please add me to your growing list of butter lovers. I live in the interior of British Columbia Canada. My wife laughs at my description of the seasons here. We are at over 3000 feet in elevation we only have 2 seasons. SOFT Butter season, about 3 months, and HARD Butter season the other 9 months of the year.
I really need your Butter keeper.
Best Regards, Dennis
Annie Alfille
Dear Dennis – thank you for your email. You definitely sound like you need a Temperature Controlled Butter Dish! I will let you know if we start manufacturing them again.
Kind regards Annie
Ralph
Hi Annie,
Could you please email me when these are back in stock?
Many thanks,
Ralph
Annie Alfille
Will do Ralph, thank you for your interest.
Ricky Field
could you e-mail me too when/if they are back in stock
Allan Williamson
Having read the many enquiries from like minded people as to the eventual availability,or not, of this excellent product, it would be very helpful if you could issue a definitive statement on whether they will ever be manufactured again. Whether by you or someone else. As to the escalating costs alluded to by you in one answer I and I think many others would be willing to pay a premium for such an asset in the kitchen. I had mine for nine years till it gave up the ghost,probably due to me not maintaining it properly. To paraphrase a well known TV series ” Winter is coming ” and I can’t stand margarine. Thanks for listening.
Annie Alfille
Hi Allan
Thank you for your comments. we have got a revised model we have been testing for the last few months which includes a dust cover to protect the unit from debris build-up on the heat sink. This is working well and we are getting this costed at the moment and will make a decision in the near future as to whether it is viable to start manufacture again.
Kind regards
Annie
Betty Domingue
Why is all the electric butter dishes not available On you site have you stooped making them. Thank you Betty Domingue
Annie Alfille
Hi Betty – we are not manufacturing them at the moment and we are completely out of stock. Big increase in raw material and manufacturing costs had made it unviable to carry on. But, we are testing some updated versions at the moment, and we do hope that we will be able to be in a position to carry on at some point. I will let you know.
Kind regards
Annie
Georgia Bayley
We love our butter dish but the fan has stopped working can you recommend how we can get it going again or can we buy a spare part or I would happily buy a new butter dish
I would also be interested in buying a few butter dishes for friends and family please can you let me know when you start manufacturing again I am also happy to pay a higher price
Annie Alfille
Hi Georgia – I will email you directly to find out what the issue is with your butter dish and I may be able to give some advice on line. We are out of any spare parts unfortunately. I will let you know if we start manufacturing again.
Kind regards Annie
Ricky Field
Would you please e-mail me when the butter dish is back in stock Many thanks
Annie Alfille
Will do, thank you.
Steve Martin
Hi,
I too would like to purchase one of these butter dishes, please let me know when you have some new stock.
Annie Alfille
Hi Steve – will do. Thank you. Annie
Samuel Lesniak
Did I say want? Need! 😱
Kathleen Gee
Hello Annie, I used to have an Alfille Butter Dish in my life… when I was married… but after divorce, instead of keeping the cat, he kept the butter dish! Please can you email me if and when you start manufacturing again. Regards, Kathy Gee.
Annie Alfille
Hehe! Thank you Kathleen, will certainly let you know if we start manufacturing again.
Kind regards Annie
Lorne Newman
could you please add me to the list of people to notify when the new butter dish is available!
Thanks
Annie Alfille
Will do Lorne, thank you. Kind regards Annie
Julie Horgan
Hi Annie, having seen this in action in my brothers home I am envious to say the least. I would like one for myself but also another for a gift. Please email me when you are manufacturing more as I most definitely will be buying! Thanks so much
Annie Alfille
Thanks Julie, will do. Kind regards Annie
Lesley Hiley
Please inform me when the butter dish is back in stock. Thank you,
Annie Alfille
Thank you Lesley, will let you know. Kind regards Annie
Jeannie Lacey
Me too please. Do you send to New Zealand?
Annie Alfille
Will let you know when back in stock. We did have a distributor in NZ, but also out of stock now too. Kind regards Annie
Catherine Franco
I would love 3 butter dishes when back in stock.
Annie Alfille
Hi Catherine, will let you know if we start the butter dishes again in the Canada and the USA. Kind regards Annie
Teresa Burgess
Could you please tell me when these butter dishes are back in stock? My email is. mystic.closet@gmail.com
I will buy one immediately.😁
Annie Alfille
Hi Teresa, thank you, will let you know. Kind regards Annie
Karen Webb
Hi – could you please let me know when these are available again? The heating element has packed up on the current one.
Annie Alfille
Hi Karen, will put you on the list and let you know when the new dishes are available. Kind regards Annie
Linsey McDonald
Can you please add me to the list of people to inform when being manufactured again?
Struggling after my 2nd one stopped working.
Thanks
Linsey
Linsey McDonald
Please let me know when back in stock, missing mine!!
Annie Alfille
Hi Linsey, will let you know when we have an update.
Kind regards Annie
Jacqui Cox-Gardner
Hi! Please could you also let me know when the butter dishes are back in stock! Thank you
Annie Alfille
Hi Jacqui – will let you know.
Kind regards Annie
Mark Maguire
Could you please also let me know if/When you restock?
Do you have an Australian distributor?
Annie Alfille
Hi Mark – Will keep you informed when we start producing again and details of an Australian distributor.
Kind regards Annie
Linda boynton
When will the butter dish be back in stock please ?
Annie Alfille
Hi Linda – We don’t have a date, but we hope we will be producing the dishes again this year. Will let you know.
Kind regards Annie
Henry Arnold
A friend of mine owns one of your butter dishes. She raves about it! “It has changed my life” she said! So I decided to obtain one, only to discover that it is not currently in production. Imagine my disappointment.
Please add me to what I am sure must be a long list of those who would like to be told when
it becomes available again. Many thanks.
Henry
Annie Alfille
Hi Henry – many thanks for your message, will add you to our list.
Kind regards Annie
Stan
Add me too the list please, I’ll buy one. Thank you.
Annie Alfille
Will do Stan, many thanks.
Kind regards Annie
Sue calder
Hi
Can you put us on the list for a new butter dish / do you have the fan mechanisms to buy separately as ours is getting old and noisey
They are just the best invention ever .
Annie Alfille
Dear Sue – we are out of all spare parts, apart from accessories for the butter dish unfortunately. Will keep you informed on any changes. Many thanks. Kind regards Annie
Paul Temple
Hi,
Can you add me to your growing list for the butter wizard please. My second one has stopped working and I am desperate to replace it.
Many thanks
Paul
Annie Alfille
Thanks Paul, will do. Kind regards Annie
Lyn Lewis
Please add me to your list to notify when and where butter dish available. Thanks. Lyn
Annie Alfille
Hi Lyn, will keep your details and let you know. Kind regards Annie
Rob
Hi can you tell me where I can buy the butter dish and how much , please
Annie Alfille
Hi Rob – They are not being manufactured at the moment and all supplies are now depleted. We are hoping to be able to start manufacturing again this year. Will let you know. Kind regards Annie
Rachel
Please can I be added to the list for when you start to stock the butter dish again. In our family we would like three we are HUGE fans!
Annie Alfille
Hi Rachel, many thanks, will let you know. Kind regards Annie
Dennis Cosmatos
My butter dish has been working properly for many years, but now, all of a sudden, the Green light is blinking and the fan is pulsating and not turning. What would cause this? Can it be easily fixed? If not, please advise me when a replacement will be available.
Annie Alfille
Hi Dennis – thank you for your message. Firstly, can I ask you to try the following bit of maintenance:
Flashing Green Light on unit
If you find the green light on the front of the unit flashing, this could be due to the unit becoming too warm. The unit will automatically shut down and the green light will flash as a warning. Unplug the unit and leave it to cool down. We recommend that you follow the instructions on ‘Essential Maintenance’ Butter very soft even on a low/cold temperature setting. Once the unit has cooled down, plug back in and if the issue has been rectified, the dish will operate as normal and the green light will be constantly illuminated. If the problem persists then unplug the butter dish, do not use and contact Alfille Innovations Ltd.
Essential Maintenance.
Butter very soft even on a low/cold temperature setting?
After a period of time dust may build up around the heatsink which is
situated internally under the fan area.
As the fan is continually drawing in air, it is also bringing in dust
particles. This could affect the thermostatic effectiveness and the dish
may warm up enough to make the butter very soft even at the coolest
setting. To simply remedy this, switch off and unplug the main unit. On
either side of the unit are two vents. By blowing down the vents you
will notice dust will blow out of the fan area, do this a couple of times
and then we suggest using a vacuum with the brush attachment to
gently brush over the fan area.
This procedure should be carried out at least every 3 months to ensure
optimum performance, reduce power consumption and prevent the unit
being overworked.
It might also be down to needing a new charge plug, as it sounds like the ampage is not enough.
Kind regards Annie
Dennis Cosmatos
I performed the maintenance as suggested, but when I plug the unit back in, the flashing light immediately resumes. I think I need a new power adapter. Can you price one for me for 120V service?
Annie Alfille
Hi Dennis – if you go to http://www.alfille.co.uk and click on ‘shop’ and then ‘accessories’ you will see a picture of the charge plug/power adaptor and that will take you to the ordering page. The cost is £4.00 plus postage if you are in the UK. If not in UK let me know and I will get a shipping price for you.
kind regards Annie
Dennis Cosmatos
As I stated, I believe I do need a new charge plug. I have had the butter dish off for three days and when I plug it back un, again the light blinks and the plug makes a low chirping sound. Please advise me how to order the new plug.
Mark Marks
Any idea how long it will be until I can start enjoying butter all year round please? Every year as winter approaches I have to fall back on margarine, not an ideal situation, lets be honest it doesn’t even come close to the creamy pleasure of full fat butter. And it gets me down, so very down. Only you can pull me out of the doldrums that are my life every winter. So please hurry up and make my life worth living again, yours sincerely Stan.
Annie Alfille
Dear Stan – clearly we can’t have that, so I hope to give you some good news on the butter dish this year, will let you know!
Kind regards Annie
Mrs Jeannette Ralph de Ridder
Oh so pleased it might come back on the market again. Why did you stop making them? I could not do without mine. Bought one for my son in Singapore and ideal there in the heat. Quite a few of his friends there want one. Please hurry up.
Mrs Jeannette Ralph de Ridder
Annie Alfille
Dear Jeannette – thank you for your message. We stopped making them nearly two years ago because the cost of raw materials and manufacturing had escalated and it was not going to be feasible to carry on. Things seem to have settled and I hope we will continue with the butter dish this year! Kind regards Annie
Sue Howieson
Please, please put me on a list to notify me when the butter dishes are back in stock. I have had mine for 2 years but now have a flashing green light and melted butter. The fan has been cleaned on a regular basis (but I can never see any dust being blown out). I cannot live without butter but as our winter temperatures average 10 degrees, and our summer temperatures get up to 40 degrees, I battle with getting butter usable. I desperately want to purchase 3 more units (in case of failure) and am happy to pay any price you ask. PLEASE add me to your list. Many thanks, Sue from Canberra, Australia.
Annie Alfille
Hi Sue – thank you for your message. Can you check to see if the fan is rotating on the underside of the unit when the unit is plugged in and switched on? Regards Annie