How to Choose the Right Pitcher for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Pitchers

Overview

A pitcher is an essential item for any kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need to keep your drinks cold, a good quality pitcher is the perfect tool. To help you find the perfect pitcher for your needs, this buying guide provides an overview of what to look for when shopping for a pitcher, including features, materials, types, and more. With this guide, you'll be able to find the pitcher that best suits your individual needs and lifestyle.

Key features

  1. Size and Capacity - The capacity of a pitcher should be sufficient to meet the needs of the household. The size of a pitcher indicates its capacity; larger pitchers hold more liquid.
  2. Material - Pitchers can be made of glass, metal, ceramic, plastic or other materials. Each material has different benefits; for example, glass pitchers are more elegant, while plastic pitchers are lightweight and durable.
  3. Spout - The spout of a pitcher should be designed to pour easily without spilling. Consider the shape, size, and position of the spout for ease of pouring.
  4. Handle - The handle of a pitcher should be comfortable to hold and robust enough to support the weight of the filled pitcher. Consider the size, shape, and material of the handle.
  5. Lid - A lid keeps liquid from spilling and helps keep the contents of the pitcher fresh. Consider the materials used in the lid, and whether it opens and closes easily.
  6. Ease of Cleaning - Look for a pitcher that is easy to clean and doesn't have hard-to-reach spots. Consider the shape of the pitcher and any spouts or handles.
  7. Additional Features - Look for any additional features such as a filter, infuser, or temperature gauge, which can make a pitcher even more useful.

See the most popular Pitchers on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Materials: The material that a pitcher is made out of can impact its durability, shape, and overall feel. Consider the material when choosing a pitcher.
  • Size: Choose a pitcher that is the right size for your needs. Smaller pitchers are great for individual servings, while larger pitchers are good for larger groups.
  • Style: The style of the pitcher can impact both its look and functionality. Consider the shape, color, and design of the pitcher when making your selection.
  • Durability: Take into account the durability of the pitcher when making your selection. Avoid pitchers that are prone to cracking or chipping.
  • Price: The price of a pitcher can vary depending on its size, style, and material. Consider your budget when making your selection.
  • Cleanup: Ease of cleaning should be taken into account when selecting a pitcher. Avoid pitchers that have hard-to-clean crevices or designs.

Cons

  • Material: Pitchers may be made from materials such as ceramic, plastic, or glass, each of which come with their own pros and cons. Ceramic pitchers are fragile and can chip easily, plastic pitchers can be prone to cracking and melting, and glass pitchers can also be fragile.
  • Size: Pitchers come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to consider the capacity required when buying. Too small of a pitcher may not be able to accommodate enough liquid, and too large of a pitcher may take up too much space in the kitchen.
  • Lid: Not all pitchers come with lids, and those that do may have different types and qualities of lids. Some lids may not be secure enough or seal properly, and this could lead to spills or leaks.
  • Cleaning: Depending on the material, some pitchers can be difficult to clean. Glass and ceramic pitchers may require special care to avoid scratching or breaking, while plastic pitchers may be easier to clean but also more prone to staining.

Best alternatives

  1. Insulated Carafes/Thermal Carafes - A carafe is a type of container, often with a narrow neck, used for serving drinks. Insulated carafes are great for keeping hot or cold beverages at the ideal temperature for an extended period of time.
  2. Water Jugs - Water jugs are typically made of plastic or glass and are used to store and serve water. They may also come with a spigot or tap for easy dispensing.
  3. Coffee Urns - Coffee urns are large metal containers used to brew and serve large amounts of coffee. They come in a variety of sizes and are typically used in restaurants and other commercial settings.
  4. Ice Buckets - Ice buckets are used to store and serve ice. They are made of either plastic or metal and usually come with a lid and handles for easy carrying.
  5. Punch Bowls - Punch bowls are large bowls used to mix and serve punches and other large-scale drinks. They can be made of glass, plastic, or metal and often come with a ladle.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Water Filter - An accessory used to purify tap water for use in a pitcher.
  • Lid - A plastic cover to keep water and other items in the pitcher.
  • Handle - A fixture mounted to the pitcher to facilitate carrying, lifting and pouring.
  • Ice Insert - A plastic insert used to keep beverages cold by adding ice cubes.
  • Strainer - An accessory designed to keep large particles from entering the pitcher.
  • Spout - An opening in the side of the pitcher used to pour liquids.
  • Thermometer - A device used to measure the temperature of the liquid in the pitcher.

Common questions

  1. What size pitcher should I get? It depends on your needs. If you are looking for a pitcher for individual servings of beverages, a small pitcher should suffice. If you’re looking for a pitcher for larger groups, you’ll want to get a larger size.
  2. What material should I look for? The most common materials for pitchers are glass, stainless steel, and plastic. Glass pitchers are best for cold beverages as they won’t absorb flavors and odors. Stainless steel is best for hot beverages, as it won’t break when heated. Plastic pitchers are lightweight and durable, but they can absorb odors and flavors, so they should only be used for cold beverages.
  3. Do pitchers come with lids? Most pitchers come with lids, though the type of lid varies depending on the pitcher. Some lids are removable, while others are attached.
  4. What other features should I look for? Look for pitchers with a pouring spout that is easy to use and won’t spill. If you’re looking for a pitcher to store cold beverages, look for one that is double-walled or vacuum insulated to keep drinks cold.
  5. Are there any other tips for choosing a pitcher? Look for a pitcher with a comfortable handle that is easy to grip. Also, make sure the pitcher is easy to clean.

Trivia

In 2014, a Japanese pitcher for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks became the first professional baseball player to ever wear glasses on the mound. The pitcher, Tsuyoshi Wada, had worn glasses since the age of 10 but had previously been unable to wear them while pitching due to a rule prohibiting glasses on the field. After Wada’s successful season while wearing glasses, the rule was removed, allowing others to follow in his footsteps. Wada’s success with glasses on the mound has become an inspiration for other baseball players to overcome this obstacle. Source.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.