Investing in one of the best drinks pitchers can infuse your hydration routine with that special something. Whether you choose to make your carafe a tablescaping centerpiece or keep it in your bedroom, these stunning pitchers can add the finishing touch to your décor.
Not only are pitchers a stylish staple, they can be incredibly versatile too. Whether you’ve made too much juice in your cold press juicer or you want a tidy way to store your cold brew, a pitcher is all you need. When they’re not being used, carafes can double up as classic vases, which look fabulous with fresh cut flowers in too.
Not only is it important that your pitcher looks beautiful, it needs to be able to hold all the crushed ice, mint, lime and water from your filter jug without cracking. The spout needs to be the perfect angle to pour without spilling and you will want it to be easy to hold . Extra features like filters, infusion towers, and insulating walls can make the all difference too.
I’ve searched through hundreds of drinks pitchers. From ceramic to glass, large to small, and these are the best on the market. They'll make hitting your hydration quota effortless, whilst adding some homely style to your décor.
Best drink pitchers 2024
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Material: Glass
Capacity: 86 oz
Dishwasher safe: No
This classic, simple pitcher is the perfect everyday option. The tall, clean aesthetics work effortlessly with any drink. It's delicate in every way, so be careful not to overfill it with ice.
Material: Soda lime glass and oak
Capacity: 40.6 oz
Dishwasher safe: No
With a durable oak base, this carafe set is perfect if you want to offer two different drinks at once. The wide lip is easy to pour from without spilling. It's an excellent housewarming gift.
Material: Glass
Capacity: 48 oz
Dishwasher safe: No
Hand crafted and utterly beautiful, this pitcher is all about smooth curves. You can fill it with anything, but it looks especially beautiful with colorful, fresh juices. It's sturdy, so you can fill it to the brim without it cracking or becoming difficult to pour from.
Material: Plastic
Capacity: 64 oz
Dishwasher safe: No
This is at the top of our best water filter guide, so it's a pitcher essential. This is as practical as most jugs and it has a lightweight, two step filter which produces the most cool and crisp water.
Material: Glass
Capacity: 3.5 fl oz
Dishwasher safe: No
I've been coveting this carafe all season. It's elegant and contemporary, and made from 30% recycled soda-lime glass. It looks particularly beautiful with the matching glasses.
Material: Stoneware
Capacity: 51 oz
Dishwasher safe: Yes
A classic, durable design, this stoneware pitcher is perfect for hot and cold drinks. If you buy a few you could even use one as a vase. This feels premium without becoming too heavy. It's a firm favorite.
Material: Glass
Capacity: 64 oz
Dishwasher safe: Yes
This blocky shape is more like a glass tumbler, but I love it. The white stopper keeps drinks fresh, whilst the flared rim is easy to pour from. It will fit into your fridge door easily and feels really thick and durable.
Material: Plastic
Capacity: 50 oz
Dishwasher safe: No
These neat flip-top carafes are perfect for the refrigerator door. They'll keep your beverages fresh, from ice tea to juice and milk. The neck narrows, so use crushed ice rather than big cubes, which won't fit.
Material: Glass
Capacity: 37 oz
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Crafted from hand blown glass, this graceful pitcher is a style staple. It's small, especially considering how tall it looks, but the top is wide enough to make it easy to stir any extras in.
Material: Crystal
Capacity: 11.83 oz
Dishwasher safe: No
Lalique embodies French luxury. Crafted from satin finished crystal, this is an heirloom worthy pitcher. The silhouette is simple and classic, but finished with intricate details.
Material: Glass
Capacity: 60 oz
Dishwasher safe: Yes
The borosilicate glass body of this pitcher means that it can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The stainless steel lid has a small filter, so your drinks will always be smooth and fresh. It's easy to clean because of the wide mouth, too.
Material: Acrylic
Capacity: 93 fl oz
Dishwasher safe: No
If you like your water with a little flavor, this infusion pitcher is perfect. The central infusion tower sits securely in place and filters any fibers out of the fruit, so your water will always taste filtered and flavorful. It's not the most robust, but it's lovely nonetheless.
FAQs
Should my drinks pitcher be made of glass?
I tend to prefer using glass or crystal for pitchers, carafes, and decanters. They're easy materials to keep clean and they'll show off your drink inside. Neither material is particularly porous either, so you won't have any lingering flavors from the drink you had before.
Can I use my drinks pitcher as a vase?
Yes. If you have a spare vase, it can make a really homely looking vase for flowers. Just make sure that you clean it thoroughly with dish soap and hot water before you use it for drinks again.
How big should my pitcher be?
I would recommend looking for a pitcher above 30 fl oz, because this gives you enough for multiple drinks. Smaller pitchers are useful for fitting in your refrigerator, but if you're hosting a dinner, a pitcher closer to 70 fl oz will be more useful.
Final Thoughts
There are lots of beautiful drinks pitchers on the market, perfect for every drink and occasion. If you're not bothered by aesthetics, I would recommend taking a look at our buying guide for the best filter jugs. These are a home essential and, even though lots tend to put functionality over style, there are some lovely options on the market.
Using a drinks pitcher and presenting your drink nicely can make all the difference to your table if you're hosting brunch, lunch, or dinner, but they're also useful for everyday drinks. If you fill a jug with lemon, ice, and mint, I guarantee you'll hit your hydration quota for the day. A drink from a beautiful decanter is irresistible.
How we test
Before we recommend any product, we like to test them in-person. In the case of drinks pitchers, we couldn't get our hands on all of them. In the absence of physical tests, I have researched and read reviews for all of these, so that I know everything there is to know about each pitcher. If there's a handy feature or something to bear in mind, I'll know about it. If you want to find out more about how we test, we have a dedicated test page where you can read more details.
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