Best Overall
Locknlock Aqua Fridge Pitcher
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Whether you’ve got guests over or simply love preparing fun drinks for your family, a pitcher is a summer essential! Not only does it instantly make your dinner table look more enticing, but also helps keep your drinks chilled, fresh, and easy to pour. Our team has handpicked the best pitchers of 2024 for that refreshing glass of water, lemonade, or tea. The LocknLock Aqua Fridge Pitcher may have a simple design, but it's a favorite of ours thanks to its secure lid that locks in freshness and its non-BPA, food-safe material. Explore our other refreshing selections now!
The Best Pitchers Buying Guide
As evident by our top picks, pitchers are available online in different materials, sizes, shapes, and features. While you can’t go wrong with any of the options we’ve curated, they all have different strengths and weaknesses. Here’s everything you need to consider to end up with the perfect pitcher for your needs!
Material
The first and foremost quality to consider in your next pitcher is what it’s made of! You can either go with glass or a BPA-free plastic that’s shatter-proof and food-safe. These two are broad classifications that have plenty of sub-categories. For instance, there’s soda-lime-silica glass and borosilicate glass. The latter is relatively more durable and better handles sudden changes in temperatures without shattering. So, if you plan on pouring boiling water into your pitcher or storing it in the freezer for chilling, go with borosilicate glass! You can also get a BPA-free plastic pitcher that’s much lighter, won’t break as easily, and is significantly cheaper. But it won’t look nearly as premium as glass pitchers, and you’ll have to deal with lots of scratches despite careful usage.
Capacity
Another key consideration is the pitcher’s capacity. Think about how many people (guests or family members) you generally have to serve drinks to and look for an appropriate pitcher size accordingly. The handle should also be sturdy enough to take on the full weight of a filled pitcher. We recommend sticking with pitchers with at least 64 ounces of fluid capacity, but depending on your needs, you can also pump that number up to 96 ounces with larger sizes.
Design and shape
Since a pitcher usually comes out when you’ve got guests over or have something to celebrate, aesthetics are important! Your pitcher should be attractive enough to add to the charm of your dining table. It should also ideally match your crockery and table, and that’s pretty easy to achieve with so many designs, colors, and materials to choose from! Plastic pitchers generally look cheaper, while glass ones scream premium, especially if they’ve got some metal parts as well!
Lid
The lid plays a vital role in a pitcher’s usefulness. Some provide an airtight and leakproof seal, while others are loose enough to pop out every time you tilt the pitcher to pour a glass out. Make sure to look for an airtight seal if you generally keep your drinks out for hours as it can help keep them fresh for longer. It also prevents dust, debris, and other pollutants from entering. Just make sure that the lid is made up of metal, glass, or BPA-free plastic with no toxic chemicals.
Features
Pitchers can also vary in terms of the features they offer. For instance, some are dishwasher-safe while others aren’t. Similarly, some pitchers cannot withstand the extreme heat of boiling water or the chilly temperatures inside the freezer and others don’t mind those conditions whatsoever. Look for the features that are most valuable to you depending on how you plan on using your pitcher and what you expect to get out of it.
Handling and convenience
Qualities like a well-positioned handle and a nicely contoured spout can make it way easier to handle the pitcher and pour a beverage without spilling it all over the place. Some pitchers are designed to be fridge door friendly with a slim, rectangular, and tall shape, which is a huge bonus.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Locknlock Aqua Fridge Pitcher
- Best Design: Amazing Abby Bubbly Acrylic Pitcher
- Premium Quality: Takeya Pitcher
- Most Affordable: G.E.T. Pitcher
- Best Glass Option: County Line Kitchen Mason Jar Pitcher
Reviews
Best Design
Amazing Abby Bubbly Acrylic Pitcher
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Premium Quality
Takeya Pitcher
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Most Affordable
G.E.T. Pitcher
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Best Glass Option
County Line Kitchen Mason Jar Pitcher
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FAQs
Do I need to refrigerate my pitcher?
Typically, pitchers don't need refrigeration unless they contain perishable contents. However, if your pitcher is made of a material that may degrade or if it contains ingredients that require refrigeration, it's best to store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Can I put hot water in a plastic pitcher?
It's generally not recommended to pour hot water into a plastic pitcher, as high temperatures can cause the plastic to leach harmful chemicals into the water. It's safer to use heat-resistant materials like glass or stainless steel for hot liquids.
What is the best way to clean a pitcher?
The best way to clean a pitcher is to wash it by hand with hot, soapy water after each use, making sure to scrub all surfaces thoroughly, including any crevices or ridges. For stubborn stains or odors, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water or a mild vinegar solution to soak the pitcher before scrubbing and rinsing it clean. Allow the pitcher to air dry completely before storing it to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.