The 15 Best Drink Pitchers of 2023, According to Experts
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Whether you’re serving ice-cold water, fruit-filled sangria, or spicy margaritas, having a reliable pitcher to serve big batches of your favorite beverages can be an asset in the kitchen. Not only do pitchers help you provide delicious drinks to large crowds, but they also double as table decor.
After consulting with entertaining experts, we rounded up our favorite drink pitchers on the market, including ones you can infuse with the fruit of your choice, elegant glass vessels that you’ll treasure for years, and more. Keep scrolling to find one suitable for your needs.
Amazing Abby Quadly Acrylic Pitcher
Made with high-quality acrylic, this pitcher by Amazing Abby holds up to 64 ounces of your favorite beverages. You won’t have to stress about transporting it from place to place, as it’s extremely durable and shatterproof. The handle has been affixed to the pitcher with an interlocking design, and despite having the capacity to hold up to 2.5 standard bottles of wine, it doesn’t feel or look bulky. The lid fits snugly on top and is slotted at the mouth to prevent over-pouring, dripping, and ice or fruit from slipping through.
Price at time of publish: $24
Material: Acrylic
Capacity: 64 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: No
Le Creuset Pitcher
Le Creuset’s stoneware products are worth the investment, and this high-quality pitcher is no exception. “This pitcher is timeless in any color,” says Dana Beninati, host, chef, and sommelier behind Dine With Dana.
When it’s not in use serving up hot or cold drinks, double the function by using it as a utensil crock in the kitchen, Beninati suggests. “I love to use it to hold hand tools like wooden spoons because it looks beautiful on any countertop and is easy to clean if stored near a busy stove.” You can even use it as a flower vase instead!
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Stoneware
Capacity: 51.2 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Williams Sonoma Antique Brass and Glass Pitcher
Featuring a midcentury-style design, this mouth-blown glass pitcher features a unique stainless steel frame with a brass finish. It’s handcrafted with sustainably sourced and recycled materials and is safe for both hot and cold drinks. Because of the handle and frame, it cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher and should be washed by hand. It also does not come with a lid, so it might not be the best option for outdoor activities to prevent unwanted bugs from joining the party.
Price at time of publish: $80
Material: Glass, Stainless steel
Capacity: 56 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: No
Related:The Best Champagne Glasses of 2023
Marquis by Waterford Markham Pitcher
There’s little that can make you feel as fancy as pouring your favorite cocktail out of a crystal pitcher does, and this one is a winner thanks to its geometric, wedge-cut design similar to old-fashioned glasses. Offering 48 ounces, it provides enough space to stir large batches and then elegantly serve guests. The crystal construction is heavy, so we recommend using a dish towel when pouring drinks to give you a nice grip to prevent accidents. Overall, it will take center stage on your tablescape or a bar cart and is quite a worthwhile splurge.
Price at time of publish: $150
Material: Crystal
Capacity: 48 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: No
Shenlan Glass Pitcher
Featuring an extra wide mouth and sturdy handle, this borosilicate glass pitcher is easy to fill and lift as needed. The amber color and diamond texture make it stand out compared to other options, and the stainless steel lid keeps hot or cold drinks fresh. Switch between the large opening for quick pouring and the small filter hole for filtering ice or fruit out.
“This is perfect for transporting drinks to a neighbor's backyard barbecue or setting up for sunset porch drinks. The lid will keep your drinks bug free and make for a much nicer toast,” says Maureen Petrosky, author of Wine Club and Zero Proof Drinks & More.
Price at time of publish: $24
Material: Borosilicate Glass
Capacity: 60 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Ophelia & Co. Talia Paisley Pitcher
Hosting a tea party? This pitcher by Ophelia & Co. is available in three colors: clear, blue, or pink, and pairs beautifully with your favorite tea time snacks. The textured paisley design covers the entirety of the pitcher, excluding the smooth and sturdy handle. We love that the lid keeps your drink safe in case of spills and allows for smooth, drip-free pours from the spout. Once the party is over, you can clean it in the dishwasher or by hand in the sink.
Petrosky says, “Acrylic is great for using al fresco or around the pool. Speaking of al fresco, a pitcher with a lid can be amazing if it's a buggy day, or if you're bringing a pitcher drink to a gathering, a lidded pitcher is a perfect addition to your collection.”
Price at time of publish: $25
Material: Acrylic
Capacity: 64 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Prodyne Fruit Infusion Flavor Pitcher
Instead of buying artificial powders or drops, this infuser pitcher lets you add nutritious flavor-boosting ingredients, like fruits and herbs, to your water. To do that, you’ll remove the hollow rod from the pitcher, stack your ingredients into it, then screw it back inside. The longer you let the ingredients infuse the water, the more flavorful your drink will be. You can easily refill the pitcher with fresh water throughout the day without replacing the fruit. Overall, this pitcher allows you to stay hydrated with a tasty beverage without added sugar.
Price at time of publish: $32
Material: BPA-free acrylic
Capacity: 92.8 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: No
Related:The 15 Best Table Runners of 2023, According to an Interior Designer
Williams Sonoma Vintage Etched Pitcher
This vintage-inspired pitcher from Williams Sonoma has all the charm of the heirloom glassware from your grandmother’s house with top-notch durability for everyday use. “A classic design, this petite pitcher is feminine and sophisticated while still being dishwasher-safe,” says Beninati. It comes in a beautiful shade of pink, was mouth-blown in Turkey, and features a hand-etched floral motif. Don’t forget to pick up the matching set of water glasses!
Price at time of publish: $90
Material: Glass
Capacity: 40 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
NETANY Water Carafe
Don’t be fooled by their slim profiles: Each carafe holds up to 50 ounces of your preferred drinks, from juice to cold brew to milk, while maintaining a sleek shape that won’t take up much room in the fridge. They are also an excellent option for juice offerings at a mimosa bar. The white lids screw into place and feature a rubber-sealed flip-tab opening for easy pouring. Despite being made of plastic, these are not dishwasher-safe. Shop these carafes in a set of two, four, or six.
Price at time of publish: $14
Material: Plastic
Capacity: 50 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: No
Blomus Flow Water Pitcher
Looking for something a little different? This hand-blown pitcher by Blomus could be the answer. Though it only holds 37 ounces of liquid, it will make a statement on any tablescape. The body of the pitcher has the right amount of roundness, while the base is small yet sturdy. Standing almost 9 inches tall, it’s the perfect size for intimate gatherings or as decor on your bar cart. Choose from two beautiful shades of gray and brown.
Price at time of publish: $43
Material: Glass
Capacity: 37 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Bormioli Rocco Hermetic Seal Glass Pitcher
The super wide mouth of this pitcher by Bormioli Rocco makes it easy to prepare your favorite juice for the week, make a batch of sangria, or just fill it up with ice. Beninati says, “This pitcher is made by an iconic brand of Italian glass, which guarantees its quality and durability. I love that the neck is wide enough to easily accommodate loads of ice.”
This is made from thick glass that’s dishwasher-safe but is not suitable for serving hot beverages. The pitcher also comes with a locking lid that seals well and keeps out bugs and debris.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: Glass
Capacity: 68 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Creative Co-Op Hammered Stainless Steel Pitcher
This pitcher features hammered stainless steel finished with a beautiful copper color and a sturdy gold handle. Though this pitcher’s design does not allow you to see how much liquid is left inside, it’s still equal parts attractive and functional. A wide opening and body allow you to fill up on ice, which keeps your contents cooler for longer. To protect the shiny finish and integrity of the pitcher over time, using a dishwasher for cleaning is not recommended.
Price at time of publish: $56
Material: Stainless steel
Capacity: 42 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: No
Libbey Cabos Blue-Handled Glass Pitcher
The bright blue streaks on the handle of this pitcher will bring a pop of color to your tablescape, and its elongated spout makes it a breeze to pour from. This lead-free glass pitcher is on the heavier side, weighing in at just over three pounds, and it can hold 90 ounces of your favorite drinks to serve large crowds. Because of its weight, we recommend placing one hand underneath it and one on the handle to ensure it travels safely from the kitchen to your table.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: Glass
Capacity: 90 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: No
Williams Sonoma Bamboo Cut Pitcher
Enjoy smooth pours from this mouth-blown crystalline pitcher by Williams Sonoma. Featuring a hand-etched bamboo design and a sturdy handle, this is perfect for serving up eye-catching sangria or tropical drinks at your next gathering. Since this pitcher only holds up to 34 ounces, it might not be ideal for large parties where you can’t quickly refill.
“This clear pitcher will show off your cocktail or zero-proof pour,” Petrosky says. “It's tall and sleek with a slight design element, so it's not distracting and is right in the middle of being casual or formal for multiple occasions.”
Price at time of publish: $100
Material: Glass
Capacity: 34 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Godinger Dublin Crystal Martini Pitcher
Unlike pitchers used for larger-batch cocktails, martinis are typically mixed in tall, slim pitchers like this one. A cocktail stirrer will ensure everything is properly combined from top to bottom, and the sleek spout will keep your pour smooth. The beautiful starburst design etched into the base of this pitcher is a timeless touch that will be admired on your bar cart for years to come. Since this pitcher is on the taller side, exercise caution if placed in the dishwasher.
Price at time of publish: $20
Material: Glass
Capacity: 34 ounces
Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
Related:The 7 Best Punch Bowls of 2023
Factors to Consider
Material
Pitchers are available in many different shapes, styles, and even colors, but one of the first considerations you should make is the material. Plastic and glass are the most popular materials for drink pitchers, and both have pros and cons. Plastic pitchers are shatterproof and lighter than glass vessels, while glass pitchers are more attractive and sturdier.
“Glass, crystal, and acrylic can all show off what you're pouring. Pitcher drinks can be just as enjoyable to look at as they are to imbibe,” says Petrosky.
Capacity
The capacity of drink pitchers can vary greatly, with the picks on our list ranging from 30 to 90 ounces. Consider how big your desired batch of drinks will be, how many people you’ll generally be serving into which glasses, and how heavy your pitcher will be once full.
“Remember [the pitcher] can quadruple in weight once it is full, even more, if making sangrias, so I steer clear of heavy cut crystal and opt for lighter weight,” Petrosky says.
Design
Standard pitchers can get the job done just fine with an opening at the top and a spout that makes pouring into cups a breeze. However, there are design elements, including handle style and the inclusion of a lid, that you should take into consideration before making your purchase.
“An important design element to consider when shopping for drink pitchers is their height,” says Beninati. “You want to pick a pitcher that easily fits in your cabinets and refrigerator. I recommend pitchers with lids, but appreciate when they look nice without lids too so they can double as a wine decanter.”
Our Expertise
Jacqueline Weiss is a professional food writer with over five years of experience and a lifelong lover of working in the kitchen. Her writing has appeared in Eat This Not That, EatingWell, Allrecipes, Simply Recipes, and more. For this article, she spoke with Dana Beninati, host, chef, and sommelier behind Dine With Dana, and Maureen Petrosky, author of Wine Club and Zero Proof Drinks & More, to find out what professionals look for in a drink pitcher. She then used their insights and her own expertise and market research to curate this list.
Contributor Ariane Resnick is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, and bestselling author who loves to host dinner and cocktail parties. She wishes she’d added more batched drink recipes into her own cocktail book, as she has since learned the joy of making fewer drinks that last longer. For this article, she determined the best drink pitchers based on their durability, capacity, design, and special features.
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