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Jarvis

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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Dipper Tasters | Smoke Small Bowls | 65mm Pack of 12 | Steelite VV1881. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

Jarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535

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Steelite In Stock

Dipper Tasters | Smoke Small Bowls | 65mm Pack of 12 | Steelite VV1881

SKU: VV1881
£132.21 / exc vat
£158.65/ inc vat
  • Vitrified Porcelain Body
  • Stackable Design
  • Superior Glaze Finish
  • Stain Resistance

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Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Thinking of a way to make your dips, sauces, and  tasters truly pop? Take a look at this pack of twelve Dipper Taster bowls from Steelite's acclaimed 'Smoke' collection. Finished in a gorgeous, moody grey, these small but mighty bowls are designed to bring a touch of understated elegance to any tabletop, making every little bite an experience.

Crafted for the hustle and  bustle of the modern British restaurant, café, or hotel, these aren't your average bowls. They are made from high-quality, vitrified porcelain, which means they're tough as nails. Whether you're a fine-dining spot serving an amuse-bouche or a busy tapas bar dishing out aioli, the Steelite VV1881 dipper tasters bowls are built to withstand the pressures of professional service, day in and  day out.

Combining stunning looks with sheer practicality, they feature fantastic heat and  chill retention, are completely dishwasher and  microwave safe, and  stack neatly to save precious space. They resist stains, chips, and  thermal shock, offering a brilliant long-term investment that keeps your presentation sharp and  your replacement costs down. It's the perfect finishing touch your service deserves.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Vitrified Porcelain Body: Offers incredible strength and  durability for professional kitchens.
  • Stackable Design: Saves valuable cupboard and  shelf space in tight areas.
  • Superior Glaze Finish: Protects against scratches from cutlery and  everyday wear.
  • Stain Resistance: Keeps its smart grey look even with vibrant foods.
  • Thermal Shock Resistance: Safely goes from cold to hot environments without cracking.
  • Dishwasher Safe: Makes for a quick and  easy clean-up during busy shifts.
  • Microwave & Freezer Proof: Gives you total flexibility in food prep and  service.
  • Excellent Heat/Chill Retention: Keeps hot dips warm and  cold sauces cool for longer.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Steelite
  • SKU: VV1881
  • Material: Alumina Vitrified Porcelain
  • Colour: Smoke (Grey)
  • Diameter: 65mm / 2.5"
  • Pack Quantity: 12
  • Features: Stackable, Stain Resistant, Dishwasher Safe, Microwave Safe
  • Proofing: Freezer Proof, Thermal Shock Resistant

Expert Review and  Insights

Steelite's 'Smoke' range has a brilliant reputation, and  these little dipper bowls show you why. The finish isn't just a flat grey; it has a subtle, textured feel that adds real depth and  a premium touch to the table. They feel robust in your hand, reassuringly so, making them a smart choice for any venue wanting tableware that works as hard as they do.

Emily Hart – Tableware Expert View Profile →

  • Pro: The unique 'Smoke' glaze elevates simple dishes and  hides fingerprints well.
  • Con: Their 65mm size is specifically for tasters, not larger side dishes.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Olive Branch, a bustling Mediterranean bistro in Bristol, needed to upgrade their tired, mismatched sauce pots. They sought something that was not only stylish and  matched their modern decor but could also survive hundreds of cycles through their commercial dishwasher each week without chipping or staining.

"We were constantly replacing our old dip bowls. The Steelite VV1881 bowls are in another league. They look fantastic, our customers have even commented on them, and  they are virtually indestructible. It’s one less thing for us to worry about during a hectic service."

Daniel Evans – Head Chef

The bistro has reported a 40% reduction in crockery replacement costs in the first year, improving their bottom line and  ensuring presentation standards never slip.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Upon delivery, carefully unpack and  inspect each bowl for any signs of damage during transit.
  • Give the bowls a thorough wash in a dishwasher or by hand with a non-abrasive detergent before their first use.
  • Ensure they are completely dry before stacking to prevent moisture being trapped.

Keeping It Going

  • To maintain the glaze, avoid using harsh scouring pads or abrasive cleaning chemicals.
  • When stacking, avoid sliding the bowls against each other; lift and  place them to minimise surface-to-surface friction.
  • While very durable, regularly check the rims for any minor chips that can occur from heavy impact.
  • Load into dishwasher racks carefully, ensuring items do not knock against each other during the wash cycle.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Tableware

Not sure what crockery fits your vibe? It's about more than just looks. Here's what to consider to make the right choice for your business.

Material Matters

Porcelain is a fantastic all-rounder, offering a classic look with high durability. For extreme toughness, look for 'vitrified' or 'alumina' in the description, just like these Steelite bowls.

Consider Your Menu

The size and  shape of your tableware should complement your dishes. Small bowls like these are perfect for dips, sides, and  tasters, while you'll need larger plates for main courses.

Durability is Key

Look for features like 'rolled edges' and  'glaze damage resistance'. This means the crockery is specifically designed to resist chipping and  scratching in a busy commercial environment.

Analyse Your Storage

Is space at a premium? Always check if the items are stackable. A neat stack is safer, more organised, and  saves a huge amount of shelf space.

Match Your Aesthetic

Your tableware is part of your brand. A modern grey like 'Smoke' suits contemporary venues, while classic white is a versatile choice for any setting.

See all Olympia Crockery

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these bowls fully vitrified?

A: Yes, they are made from alumina vitrified porcelain, which gives them superior strength and  very low porosity, preventing absorption of moisture or odours.

Q: Can these be used under a salamander grill or in a hot holding unit?

A: Absolutely. Their excellent thermal shock resistance means they are designed to withstand the high temperatures of professional kitchen equipment.

Q: Is the colour and  finish consistent in each pack of 12?

A: Steelite is known for its high manufacturing standards, so you can expect a very consistent colour and  finish across all items.

Q: What is the approximate capacity of one bowl?

A: They are designed for small portions, tasters, and  dips, with a typical capacity of around 60-70ml, making them ideal restaurant dipper tasters.

Q: Will dark sauces or vibrant spices like turmeric stain the grey finish?

A: No, the high-quality glaze provides excellent stain resistance, so even powerful colours like beetroot or turmeric will wash off easily.

Q: How do they hold up against cutlery scratches?

A: The glaze is incredibly hard and  specifically formulated to resist marking and  scratching from metal cutlery, keeping them looking new for longer.

Q: Are the bases glazed or unglazed?

A: The foot of the bowl is typically unglazed and  polished to be smooth, ensuring it doesn't scratch tables or other plates when stacked.

Q: Is there a larger version available in the same 'Smoke' style?

A: Yes, the Steelite 'Smoke' collection includes a wide range of plates, bowls, and  other tableware to create a fully coordinated look.

What Customers Are Saying

"Absolutely perfect size for our trio of dips. They look so much more professional than our old ones and  they stack away beautifully."

Maria – The Tapas Room, Manchester

"Very tough and  durable bowls. The grey 'Smoke' colour is very contemporary and  fits our hotel's aesthetic perfectly. A great purchase."

Liam – The Regency Hotel, Bath

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The Steelite Promise: An Investment in Consistency

Choosing Steelite tableware goes far beyond the purchase of a simple bowl; it's a strategic investment in your business's reputation and  operational efficiency. With a heritage rooted in Stoke-on-Trent, the heart of British pottery, Steelite has built its name on a 'Made for Life' philosophy. This isn't just marketing speak; it's a commitment to performance that you see in every piece. The exceptional durability, backed by a lifetime edge-chip warranty on many of their ranges, means fewer replacements, lower long-term costs, and  one less headache for busy managers. For any establishment where brand image is paramount, using Steelite ensures a consistent, high-quality presentation that customers notice. It’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing your tableware is as professional and  reliable as the food you serve on it.

Explore more from Steelite

From Hot Counter to Cold Prep: Understanding Thermal Shock Resistance

Ever worried about a plate cracking when you take it from a hot pass to a cool surface? That's thermal shock. 'Thermal Shock Resistance' is a fancy term for a very simple, crucial benefit: these bowls can handle rapid changes in temperature without breaking a sweat. The secret is in the vitrified porcelain, which is fired at incredibly high temperatures, making its structure extremely dense and  stable.

Think of it like this: it’s the difference between pouring hot water into a standard drinking glass versus a proper Pyrex jug. One might shatter, while the other is built for the job. This means you can confidently take a bowl from the fridge, add a hot component, and  serve immediately, all without risking damage. It’s a key feature for any fast-paced kitchen that needs reliable, flexible tableware.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Fine Dining Restaurants

    Ideal for elegantly presenting an amuse-bouche, pre-dessert, or individual butter portion to your guests.

  • Trendy Cafés & Tapas Bars

    Perfect for serving side sauces, olives, pickles, or a trio of dips alongside sharing platters.

  • Hotels & Event Venues

    A stylish and  durable solution for individual jam, marmalade, or condiment portions on a buffet line.

  • Modern Bistros

    Excellent for adding a sophisticated touch to table service with these versatile Steelite smoke small bowls.

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Ready to Order?

Ready to bring a touch of class and  durability to your tables? Order your Steelite VV1881 Dipper Tasters Bowls pack of 12 today for fast, simple delivery right to your kitchen.

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