Everyone should consider investing in a gravy boat to serve Britain's favourite sauce over a Sunday roast. Even if you aren't willing to shell out for Le Creuset there are plenty of top choices online, from mini sauce boats, to large insulated gravy jugs and fun novelty designs.
To help you pick the right one, we've put together this buying guide with useful information on size, material and thermal insulation. Once you've read that, don't miss our ranking of the10 best gravy boats in the UK, including picks from Asda, Denby and John Lewis!
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Without further ado, it's time to share our expert tips for picking the best gravy boat! Pay special attention to thermal properties and materials so that you can find a suitable choice that will keep your gravy warmer for longer.
We're guessing you're familiar with the materials kitchenware is generally made from, like stainless steel, glass and porcelain, but do you know the benefits of each type? We've explained the pros and cons below to help you make an informed choice.
Most gravy boats are ceramic, made from fine china, porcelain or stoneware clay, which have similar appearances. Ceramic gravy boats are more sanitary, as the material has fewer pores to trap grime or bad odours. So you can safely use it for gravy one day, and spicy sauce the next.
Unfortunately, ceramics are delicate and break easily. If you have kids who are always breaking the crockery, opt for porcelain or vitrified stoneware instead. They're by no means shatterproof, but they're more durable than fine china, as a higher temperature has been used to fire them.
If you're reluctant to buy a ceramic gravy boat after reading the section above, pick a stainless steel design instead. It's a stronger material and unlikely to break when dropped or knocked. Plus, stainless steel jugs are lightweight, and therefore easier to handle than ceramic designs.
The only slight drawback is that the handle and body get very hot when there's gravy inside. So it's best to wear an oven glove to prevent burns when handling this type of gravy boat. Furthermore, stainless steel might not be the right option for you if you're hosting a party, as it doesn't have the luxurious appearance of ceramics.
Glass gravy boats are transparent, which is a huge benefit if you're hosting a dinner party, as your guests can easily identify what's inside. You'll also be able to check that the gravy is free from lumps and has the right consistency before serving.
On a slightly less positive note, glass needs to be handled with extreme care as it can crack easily. Putting hot gravy inside a glass jug can cause it to split, which may eventually lead to the gravy boat breaking.
Before putting the gravy jug inside an appliance, check if it's safe to do so. Some gravy boats do not react well to being placed inside an oven, freezer, microwave or dishwasher, and failing to follow the instructions could cause the jug to break.
Even if it's safe to use inside all kitchen appliances, you should never take a jug straight from the freezer and put it into the oven, as the sudden change in temperature is likely to cause breakage. You shouldn't heat empty ceramics in the microwave either, as this can also damage the product.
Without a doubt, you want your gravy to stay nice and warm. After all, no one likes cold gravy! Although most gravy will jugs lock in heat to some degree, designs with thermal insulation will do a better job.
These jugs are often made from stainless steel with a double insulated wall to keep the gravy piping hot for longer. Some will also come with a lid, which stops heat escaping from the top - ideal for large gatherings where many guests need serving!
£37.00
Sophie Conran is a designer and cook who knows how to create stunning homeware. It's no wonder her collection for Portmeirion is popular, featuring this multi-award winning gravy boat. This piece is our favourite, as it looks gorgeous with a stylish, decorative finish.
It even comes with a saucer, which will protect your table from any drips or spills that could damage the surface. Are there any birthdays coming up? This gravy boat would also make an excellent gift, as it comes presented in an equally beautiful box.
£6.50
Here's a fantastic gravy boat that can hold a whopping 750 millilitres! With a capacity that large, you're sure to have enough gravy to serve everyone in one sitting, even at a large diner party.
It looks luxurious despite the budget price, as it's made from durable porcelain with a classic white ceramic finish. Plus, the jug can be safely put in the dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer, providing multiple options for all your needs.
Are you looking for a gravy boat that's beautifully presented and easy to use? Well, you've just found it! You certainly won't struggle to pour your gravy, as this boat has a deep spout for better accuracy and a large handle that will allow you to grip the jug securely.
Some porcelain gravy boats can look a bit boring, but not this one. It has a gorgeous ribbed finish, which gives the jug a unique and timeless look. Plus, it sports an unusual shape that's sure to make a statement at the dinner table!
There'll be no spilled gravy if you use this jug! It has a very long and wide spout, helping to avoid unwanted accidents. If you have a simple and minimalistic kitchen, this is the jug for you as it has an understated look that will match any interior design.
Perhaps one of the best things about this jug is the inexpensive price tag, making it a high-quality yet affordable choice. Plus, it's made from porcelain, which is a durable material.
You're sure to love this blue gravy jug, which is manufactured here in the UK. It looks stunning, made from stoneware clay and coated in an imperial blue glaze with a rustic twist. This collection was first introduced in 1989 and remains popular today, making it an excellent choice.
If all that hasn't sold you, we bet its strength and durability will! This gravy boat will make a great addition to your kitchen table for years to come, and it has a non-porous finish so it won't pick up any bad odours.
£6.00
This fine china gravy boat is beautifully presented, with a slightly warmer tone than the porcelain products on our list. The lightweight jug is easy to handle, and it's suitable for vegans as it's made from synthetic ash, instead of animal bones.
Let's not forget to mention the beautiful design, offering a contemporary take on the traditional gravy boat. Better yet, you can put it in the dishwasher for easy and convenient cleaning!
£14.99
This jug is the most practical option on our list because of its double insulation. This allows it to keep your gravy hot for over an hour. It even has a hinged lid and a spout ,which will make pouring and refilling a breeze - you can even do it one-handed!
We like that it also looks stylish, with a chrome finished handle and lid to compliment the brushed stainless steel body. Just be prepared to clean this gravy boat by hand, as it's not dishwasher safe.
£36.08
We think this quirky gravy boat will be a big hit with the kids! It's sure to inject some fun into mealtimes and will help attract their attention away from the TV, so you can have a proper family meal around the table. It has a large capacity for a novelty design, so it'll easily be able to serve a family of four to six.
That said, you might find it slightly tricky to clean, especially inside fiddly areas like the snout. Despite this, it's still an excellent buy, and the porcelain has been fired at a high temperature which gives it better durability.
Are you're hosting a big event, you might prefer to opt for these mini gravy boats instead of a large jug. The smaller size is ideal for holding a single serving, which you could put next to each place setting. The sauce boats will certainly make a good impression as the glass design looks very sophisticated.
Despite coming as a pack of two, buying enough for each of your guests could get expensive. However, it's worth the extra cost for special occasions. Glass is a great insulator too, so the gravy or sauce will stay warm whilst it's waiting to be poured onto the plate.
£22.99
With this gravy jug, you have the option to choose between two sizes. For large parties with multiple guests, we recommend the 750 millilitre option, so you won't have to keep refilling it. Best of all, this jug is sure to keep your gravy warm for a long time as it's double-walled to help lock in heat.
The inner part of the lid is made from plastic, which is a weaker material than the stainless steel body. But, as long as you look after the jug, it should last for years. The lid can also be easily opened using your thumb.
Whether you're hosting a large dinner party, or having the family around for Sunday lunch, there are a few essentials you're going to need. You might want to consider investing in some wine glasses to keep guests in high spirits, or a matching dinnerware set. You could even lay serving dishes on the table so guests can help themselves!
A traditional British Sunday roast always brings the whole family together, so we hope our guide has given you some excellent ideas. Once you choose the right gravy jug, it'll be an essential part of your dinnerware collection for years to come!
Author: Rosa Fairfield
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