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.
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:
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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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.
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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.
Can be heavy when full
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Can be heavy when full
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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?
Only has an 8.5-ounce capacity
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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!
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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.
Hand wash only
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.
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
