Toggle Nav
0333 355 0535
My Account
Login Register Now
Shopping Cart
Advanced Search

£15.86 / Each

Box of 36

main product photo
33% OFF

Jarvis

Catering Specialist
Reset

Hello! 👋

Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Ceramic Mug | Willow Mug | 285ml Capacity | Steelite VV685. 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

How can we help? Choose an option below

Select an option to get started. We're here to help!

Product Questions

Specs, suitability, features & comparisons

Other Enquiries

Delivery, warranty, invoices & customer service

Product questions are answered instantly. Our support team typically responds within minutes.

Steelite In Stock

Ceramic Mug | Willow Mug | 285ml Capacity | Steelite VV685

SKU: VV685
£570.85 / exc vat
£685.02/ inc vat
  • Alumina Vitrified Ceramic
  • Fully Textured Exterior
  • Dishwasher Safe
  • Thermal Shock Resistance

Order by 12pm

Price Match

UK Warehouse

Have a quick question about this product?
Ask instantly →
Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Ever find yourself looking for tableware that’s both stunningly elegant and  tough enough to handle the daily hustle of a busy establishment? Introducing the Steelite Willow ceramic mug 285ml. Part of the prestigious Steelite Distinction collection, this mug combines a beautifully simple, textured design with the sheer resilience that professional kitchens demand. It’s not just a vessel for coffee; it’s a statement of quality that your customers can feel with every sip.

Designed for the discerning UK hospitality sector, from bustling high-street cafés to serene boutique hotels and  high-end restaurants, this commercial ceramic coffee mug is built for performance. Its Alumina Vitrified Ceramic body offers exceptional resistance to the thermal shocks, stains, and  knocks that are part of the job. This means fewer replacements, consistent presentation, and  a smarter long-term investment for your business.

With its brilliant white finish and  tactile exterior, the Steelite VV685 mug elevates a simple tea or coffee into a more premium experience. It retains heat brilliantly, is completely safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and  oven, and  is crafted to maintain its flawless look for years. It’s the perfect choice for any business wanting to blend sophisticated style with workhorse durability.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Alumina Vitrified Ceramic: Exceptionally strong material that resists chips and  cracks beautifully.
  • Fully Textured Exterior: Offers a unique, tactile feel that customers will appreciate.
  • Dishwasher Safe: Makes for quick, easy, and  hygienic cleaning after service.
  • Thermal Shock Resistance: Goes from hot to cold without cracking or crazing.
  • Superior Heat/Chill Retention: Keeps hot drinks warmer and  cold drinks cooler for longer.
  • Glaze Damage Resistance: Protects against scratches from cutlery and  everyday wear and  tear.
  • Microwave & Oven Safe: Offers fantastic versatility for heating drinks or desserts.
  • Generous Box Quantity: A case of 36 is perfect for professional stock-ups.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Steelite
  • SKU: VV685
  • Capacity: 280ml / 9¾oz
  • Box Quantity: 36
  • Colour: White
  • Material: Alumina Vitrified Ceramic
  • Collection: Willow, from the Steelite Distinction range
  • Features: Dishwasher Safe, Microwave Safe, Oven Safe, Freezer Safe
  • Resistant To: Thermal Shock, Stains, Glaze Damage

Expert Review and  Insights

The Willow mug is a real standout in Steelite's portfolio. It strikes that rare, perfect balance between delicate aesthetics and  brute strength. In hand, it feels substantial and  premium, and  the textured finish is a lovely touch that sets it apart from standard smooth mugs. For any high-volume site, this is a piece of crockery you can rely on day in, day out.

Emily Hart – Tableware View Profile →

  • Top-Tier Durability: The alumina-rich body genuinely withstands the rigours of a busy service.
  • Stacking Caution: While durable, their shape isn't designed for high, space-saving stacking.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Grand View Hotel in Harrogate was looking to upgrade their breakfast and  lounge tableware. Their existing mugs were chipping frequently, leading to high replacement costs and  a less-than-premium feel for guests.

"We switched to the Steelite Willow collection and  the difference was immediate. They look fantastic, our guests have complimented them, and  their durability is second to none. We've barely had to replace any in six months."

Olivia Clarke – Operations Manager

The hotel successfully reduced its crockery breakage and  replacement costs by over 40% in the first year, while significantly enhancing its guest experience.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Upon delivery, carefully unpack and  inspect each mug for any transit damage.
  • Before first use, run the mugs through a full wash cycle in your commercial dishwasher.
  • When storing, avoid stacking them too high to prevent pressure on the rims. If you must stack, place a soft cloth between them.
  • Ensure they are fully dry before stacking to prevent moisture marks.

Keeping It Going

  • Use non-abrasive detergents to protect the high-quality glaze over the long term.
  • For stubborn tea or coffee tannins, a soak in a mild, purpose-made cleaning solution will restore the brilliant white finish.
  • Regularly check for any small chips or cracks. Remove any damaged items from service immediately to maintain safety standards.
  • The durable glaze resists scratching, but avoid using harsh metal scourers when cleaning.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Mugs

Not sure which mug is the right fit? Here are a few key things to think about before you buy.

Material Matters

Vitrified ceramic, like this Steelite mug, offers the best blend of looks and  strength for most commercial settings, resisting chips far better than standard earthenware.

Capacity and  Shape

Consider what you're serving. A 280ml mug is versatile for both tea and  standard coffees like lattes, but you might need smaller cups for espresso or larger ones for soup.

Durability is Everything

Look for features like 'chip-resistant edges', 'thermal shock resistance', and  'dishwasher safe'. These aren't just buzzwords; they're essential for a good return on investment.

Stacking and  Storage

If space is tight, check if the mugs are designed to be stackable. Some designs prioritise looks over stackability, so plan your shelf space accordingly.

Style and  Atmosphere

Your tableware is part of your brand. Choose a colour and  style, like the elegant Willow collection mug 285ml, that complements your business's decor and  atmosphere.

See all Tableware & Bar Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'vitrified' actually mean?

A: It means the ceramic has been fired at a very high temperature, causing it to become non-porous (like glass). This makes it much stronger, stain-resistant, and  more hygienic.

Q: Is the textured finish difficult to clean?

A: Not at all. The high-quality glaze ensures the surface is smooth and  sealed, so it's fully dishwasher safe and  cleans just as easily as a non-textured mug.

Q: Can these mugs go directly from the freezer to a microwave?

A: Yes, they are designed for excellent thermal shock resistance, making them safe to go between temperature extremes common in a kitchen environment.

Q: Are these mugs sold individually?

A: No, to ensure great value for commercial businesses, they are supplied in a box of 36 units.

Q: What is the exact colour of the mug?

A: It's a clean, classic, brilliant white that provides a perfect canvas for coffee, tea, and  other hot beverages.

Q: Is the Steelite brand logo visible on the mug?

A: Yes, the Steelite stamp of quality is typically found on the base of the mug.

Q: Is the 280ml capacity measured to the brim?

A: Yes, the 280ml (9¾oz) is the 'to brim' capacity, which is the standard industry measurement. The practical serving capacity will be slightly less.

Q: How heavy is an individual mug?

A: It has a reassuring weight that feels premium in the hand without being overly heavy, perfectly balanced for customer comfort.

What Customers Are Saying

"Absolutely brilliant mugs. They're tough as old boots but look incredibly classy. They've been through our dishwasher hundreds of times and  still look brand new."

Ben Carter – The Daily Grind Café, Manchester

"A fantastic restaurant ceramic mug. They hold heat really well, which is great for our leisurely brunch service. A solid, quality product."

Fatima Khan – The Larder Bistro, Birmingham

Add Review

The Steelite Promise: An Investment in Excellence

Choosing Steelite isn't just about buying crockery; it's about investing in peace of mind. With a heritage rooted in Stoke-on-Trent, the heart of the British pottery industry, Steelite has spent decades perfecting tableware that's built specifically for the pressures of the hospitality world. The Steelite Willow ceramic mug 285ml is a product of this legacy. The focus on innovations like alumina vitrified bodies means you're getting a product engineered to reduce chipping, breakages, and  long-term replacement costs. Many items in the Distinction collection even come with a lifetime edge-chip warranty, a testament to the brand's confidence. This commitment to quality ensures every piece delivers consistency and  reliability, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your customers.

Explore more from Steelite

What Makes 'Alumina Vitrified Ceramic' So Resilient?

You'll see 'Alumina Vitrified Ceramic' mentioned, and  it's the secret to this mug's strength. During manufacturing, a high percentage of alumina—an incredibly hard mineral also used in things like sandpaper—is mixed into the clay. The mug is then fired at extremely high temperatures, which vitrifies it, meaning it becomes non-porous, like glass.

Think of it like adding reinforced steel bars to concrete. The tiny, tough alumina particles create an internal skeleton inside the ceramic, making the final product vastly more resistant to chipping and  breakage than standard earthenware. This is why it can handle the accidental knocks, high-temperature dishwashers, and  constant use of a professional kitchen without showing its age.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Artisan Coffee Shops: Ideal for serving signature flat whites and  lattes with a touch of sophistication.
  • Boutique Hotels & B&Bs: Elevate your breakfast service or in-room offerings with this premium Steelite hospitality mug.
  • Upmarket Restaurants & Bistros: The perfect durable, elegant vessel for after-dinner coffee that complements high-end dining.
  • Corporate Hospitality Venues: Impress clients with professional, hard-wearing tableware that looks the part in any boardroom or suite.
Find equipment tailored to your type of business:

Shop for Cafes Shop for Hotels Shop for Restaurants View All Business Types

You Might Also Like

Why Choose EasyEquipment?

  • Trusted for 50+ Years

    We've been kitting out UK kitchens for half a century—we know our onions.

  • Speedy & Free Delivery

    Get your gear fast with free UK mainland delivery, often as soon as the next day.

  • Price Match Promise

    Find it for less elsewhere? We'll match the price, no quibbles or fuss.

  • Real UK Support

    Got a question? Our friendly, UK-based team is on the phone, ready to help you out.

Ready to Order?

Ready to bring lasting style to your tables? Order your Steelite Willow ceramic mug 285ml today for fast, reliable UK delivery.

Add to Cart Call Us for Advice

Customer Reviews

How do you rate this product?

Your voice makes a difference! We value your honest feedback and would love to hear about your experience with our products.

Please take a moment to leave a review and help us grow together.

0/5