The Best Gravy Boats for Your Thanksgiving Table
Updated: Apr. 22, 2024
At Thanksgiving, gravy is just as important as the turkey. We found the very best gravy boats to make dinner beautiful, scrumptious and spill-free.
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Let’s be real: Turkey is nothing without gravy. And for covering your bird and potatoes in gooey goodness, you need a proper gravy boat. Not only does the best gravy boat keep your sauce warm for serving, but it fits oh-so-seamlessly into your Thanksgiving table decor. Here are our top picks for holiday-ready gravy boats.
What to Look for When Buying a Gravy Boat
Choosing the right gravy boat requires more forethought than you might expect. To help you make the best decision, here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Heating. There’s nothing worse than cold gravy. You’ll want a boat that keeps it warmer for longer, whether that be through insulation or a heating base.
- Volume. While bigger isn’t always better, you need to make sure your boat holds enough gravy for your family and guests…while taking into account second (and third) helpings.
- Aesthetic. Finally, consider the overall look of the boat itself; you don’t want a gravy boat that sticks out like a sore thumb. This is really up to your own personal taste—just make sure it fits in well with your Thanksgiving decorations.
Evaluation Criteria
To find the best gravy boats, we looked at top-rated products across many brands. We assessed them by real user reviews, specs and design—while also taking into account their ease of use. After we found the top-performers, we sorted them into specific categories where they shine.
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Best Overall Gravy Boat
Nucookery Large Gravy Boat
What makes this top-rated gravy boat the best is that it’s totally customizable. First, choose between the standard 14-ounce boat or, if you host a big Friendsgiving, one of the two larger 17-ounce models. Then, add an optional saucer or a warming plate to meet your needs.
No matter which of the sizes you pick, each boat has an extra-large pouring spout to make smothering mashed potatoes simple and spill-free. And with its traditional white look, it’ll fit right into any holiday table. Plus, every option is under $30.
Pros
- Variety of sizes to fit your needs
- Some models feature a warming component
- Traditional white porcelain design
- Large handle makes it easy to hold
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Some models don’t come with a tray or warming base
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Best Value Gravy Boat
Threshold Porcelain Gravy Boat
Adorn your table with a classic, budget-friendly gravy boat for the cost of a pumpkin spice latte. Available only at Target, this pick’s graceful design fits right in to any tablescape, from rustic to farmhouse to contemporary. And despite the ultra-affordable price point, this sturdy boat holds up to 20 ounces of piping hot gravy.
Pros
- Affordable, at only $6
- Ample 20-ounce capacity
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Cons
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Can be heavy when full
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Best Handmade Gravy Boat
Etsy Ceramic Pitcher
Bring a rustic touch to the holiday table with this hand-crafted gravy boat. Available in three colors, this beautiful vessel holds roughly 8 ounces of gravy and is both dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Its small size is suitable for mini gatherings. Plus, after the holidays, it doubles as a coffee creamer or butter warmer!
Pros
- Handmade by a potter; each piece is unique
- Perfect size for small gatherings
- Beautiful, natural colors
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Only has a 8-ounce capacity
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Best Gravy Boat on Amazon
Le Tauci Gravy Boat Set
Make a statement with this 4-piece gravy boat set from Amazon. We love the glazed, stoneware ceramic and matching trays to catch any spills. Plus, each order includes two gravy boats, which is perfect for extra-large gatherings or a separate kids’ table.
Pros
- Set of two
- Available in white or blue colorways
- Easy to clean
- Speedy Amazon delivery
- Oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Not everyone needs two gravy boats
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Best Gravy Boat with Warming Base
Pillivuyt Porcelain Gravy Boat
Say “buh-bye” to cold, coagulated gravy for good. This traditional, warming gravy boat rests on top of a beautiful white stand that, when a tealight candle is placed inside, keeps gravy warm for your entire meal.
As long as the flame burns, you shouldn’t need to nuke it. But the boat is safe for microwaves and ovens in case you blow out the candle a little prematurely. Made in France, this gravy boat will be an heirloom. Check out our favorite fall candles, too.
Pros
- Gravy stays warm throughout the entire meal
- Beautiful classic white design
- Microwave-, oven-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe
- Made in France
Cons
- Tealight candle not included
- High price point—but made in France and meant to last
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Best Stainless Steel Gravy Boat
Barris Gravy Boat
Shiny and sturdy, this stainless steel gravy boat is an affordable-yet-elegant addition to your table. It’s the perfect boat to break out during a low-key family Thanksgiving dinner, as it only holds up to 14 ounces of homemade gravy. Plus, the double-wall insulation keeps sauce warm from the salad course through second helpings and pumpkin pie.
Pros
- Double-wall insulation keeps gravy hot
- Lidded design prevents spills
- Modern, elegant design
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Not microwave-safe
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Best Gravy Boat with Saucer
Spode Blue Italian Gravy Boat
This gravy boat and saucer has a classic Blue Italian design that can be used for many occasions, from serving Thanksgiving gravy to keeping a French Hollandaise sauce warm for an anniversary dinner. Though the boat is a little on the small side (holding only 9 ounces), its beauty more than makes up for its lack of capacity—and the matching saucer catches any spills from ending up on your tablecloth.
Pros
- The most stylish option on our list
- Iconic Italian design
- Oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Only has a 9-ounce capacity
- Blue and white colors may not match your Thanksgiving table
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Best Ceramic Gravy Boat
Heritage Gravy Boat
Bold colors and a spill-resistant design make the Heritage collection the best ceramic gravy boat. Take your pick from six favorite hues. For a Thanksgiving colorway, we recommend artichaut green, cerise red or classic white.
Each gravy boat is finished with a bright glaze that protects the rich color from chips and scratches. That gorgeous glaze is also nonstick, making the 16-ounce boat a breeze to clean by hand or with help from the dishwasher. Pick up these other beautiful Le Creuset pieces.
Pros
- Ceramic material is easy to clean and won’t chip
- Six stylish colors
- 10-year warranty
- Comfortable handle
- Insulated
- Oven-, microwave-, broiler- and dishwasher-safe
Cons
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Can be heavy when full
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Best Glass Gravy Boat
Vintage Etched Gravy Boat
Give your Thanksgiving table a vintage touch (without scouring estate sales) with this beautiful glass gravy boat. This glassware has etched florals along the boat, making the gravy (or sauce or salad dressing—the uses are endless) look like a work of art. And doesn’t your gravy recipe deserve that?
Pros
- Vintage-inspired glass
- Elongated handle for easy serving
- Pretty, etched design
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Cons
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Only has an 8.5-ounce capacity
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Best Unique Gravy Boat
Rustic Turkey Gravy Boat
What’s cuter than a turkey-shaped gravy boat for Thanksgiving? This detailed design is made from solid stoneware and comes with a lid to keep gravy warm. And while the piece is a bit heavy at 2 pounds and lacks a lip for pouring, it comes with a ladle to make serving simple. So when setting your Thanksgiving table, make this your new Turkey Day centerpiece!
Pros
- Adorable turkey shape doubles as decor
- White stoneware matches most plates and servingware
- 21-ounce capacity
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Can’t be poured
- Turkey shape is limiting for other holidays
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Best Gravy Boat Set
The Pioneer Woman Farmhouse Lace Set
This beautiful stoneware set includes not just a gravy boat, but a butter dish and salt and pepper shakers—all for less than $20. The lace motif ties into any rustic tablescape, but you can also purchase more matching pieces. Discover more farmhouse favorites with our favorite Pioneer Woman products.
Pros
- Farmhouse style
- Antique-inspired finish
- Includes four matching pieces
- Affordable, at $16
Cons
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Hand wash only
FAQs
Why do they call it a gravy boat?
Gravy boats get their name from their traditional boat-like shape. Also called a sauce boat, the typical structure is elongated with a handle on one end and a spout on the other for pouring. Fill your boat with one of our best gravy recipes.
What do you use a gravy boat for?
A gravy boat serves a few functions—namely, keeping your gravy or sauce warm while providing a vessel for serving. Some models have a saucer on the bottom to catch spills or drips. Others have a warming base to help keep gravy warm for longer. You can also use a gravy boat for other items, like milk or cream, and the insulation keeps them cold.
Originally Published: November 21, 2022
