Non-drip stainless steel oil cruet, 250 ml to 1 litre, Ilsa

The Ilsa non-drip oil cruet is the traditional Spanish kitchen oil pourer in stainless steel: conical body, welded handle and a funnel-shaped top with a fine tube spout that pours the oil in a controlled stream and catches the drop left at the end, so it never runs down the outside or marks the worktop or the tablecloth. It comes in four capacities (250, 500 and 750 ml and 1 litre), it is dishwasher-safe, carries a 3-year guarantee and is made by Talleres Ilsa in Vitoria (Álava, Spain), where they have been producing steel kitchenware since 1963.

Why a non-drip oil cruet rather than the bottle

Oil is the ingredient reached for most often in a Spanish kitchen, and serving it from the drum or the bottle has two drawbacks: it comes out in glugs and the neck ends up greasy. This cruet solves both. The narrow tube spout delivers a fine, steady stream that lets you control exactly how much goes on the pan, the salad, the toast or the plate; and the funnel around the top acts as a tray: the last drop running down the tube falls into the funnel and returns to the cruet rather than to the outside. That is why it has spent decades in restaurant kitchens and on tables at home: it is the oil cruet of a lifetime, but in stainless steel instead of tinplate.

There is nothing to take apart to refill it: the oil is poured straight in through the funnel, which also acts as a guide so nothing spills. The conical body, wide at the base, keeps it steady on the table and it will not tip over if it is knocked.

Which capacity to choose

• 250 ml (ref. 384): for the table, for dressing salads and for bringing the good olive oil to the dining room without exposing a whole litre to the light.
• 500 ml (ref. 383): the everyday size to keep beside the hob. It is the best seller: three out of every four Ilsa oil cruets that leave our shop are the half-litre.
• 750 ml (ref. 382): for kitchens where there is frequent frying and you would rather refill less often.
• 1 litre (ref. 381): for bars, restaurants and large families; it takes a full bottle of oil.

Select the capacity from the drop-down below the price. They are sold individually and all share the same design; only the size changes.

Stainless steel, no smells or flavours

Stainless steel does not absorb odours, does not rust and passes no flavour on to the oil. It is also opaque: it shields olive oil from light, which is what turns it rancid fastest, something a clear glass cruet cannot do. Wash it by hand with hot water and a little washing-up liquid, or put it straight in the dishwasher; to clean the spout tube, leave it in hot water for a while and then blow through it or rinse it under the tap.

Ilsa also makes this same cruet in a classic version without the non-drip system, the Ilsa classic steel oil cruet. If you prefer other formats, our oil cruets section has the Ibili Optima non-drip stainless steel oil cruet, the Gefu X-Plosion drip-free oil cruet, the Ibili glass oil cruet with measure for checking the level, the Ibili oil and vinegar dispenser with flip-top lid and the Lacor oil and vinegar cruet set for the table.

You can see the rest of this manufacturer's steel utensils on the Ilsa page and more items for the table in serving utensils. If you are setting up your first kitchen, the oil cruet is one of the basics we recommend in the guide Equip your first kitchen.

Frequently asked questions about the Ilsa non-drip oil cruet

How does the non-drip system on this oil cruet work?

The oil comes out through a fine tube spout that delivers a steady thread; the top is surrounded by a steel funnel that catches the drop running down the tube when you stop pouring and returns it inside. That way the outside of the cruet and the table stay clean.

Which capacity suits me?

For the table and for dressings, 250 ml; for everyday cooking, 500 ml (the best seller, three out of every four); for frequent frying, 750 ml; for catering or to refill rarely, 1 litre.

What is it made of?

Entirely of stainless steel: body, handle, funnel and spout. It does not rust, does not pick up smells or flavours and protects the oil from light.

Is it dishwasher-safe?

Yes, it is dishwasher-safe. By hand, clean it with hot water and washing-up liquid; the spout tube clears by leaving it in hot water and rinsing it under the tap.

How is it refilled?

Straight through the funnel at the top, with nothing to take apart. The funnel acts as a guide and prevents spills while filling.

Where is it made?

In Vitoria (Álava, Spain). Talleres Ilsa is a Spanish manufacturer of stainless steel kitchenware with its own production since 1963.