Photo-Illustration: Courtesy Retailer
Several years ago, I bought a water pitcher. I host a lot so it was surprising I had never owned one until then — but as with platters and serving bowls, they fall under “2.0 grown-up tableware,” which is how I like to categorize lower-priority items that aren’t everyday plates and utensils. Now, however, I can’t imagine throwing a formal sit-down dinner or casual backyard hang without one.
To help you find a pitcher of your own, we asked a group of expert hosts, cooks, prop stylists, and food photographers about their favorites. The result is a wide-ranging list that includes affordable and durable options, others with corks for keeping in the fridge and making sun tea, handmade ceramic vessels that double as vases, and more.
What
we’re
looking
for
Material
The picks on the list are made from glass, ceramic, or enamelware. I note each up top and go into more detail — whether they’re sturdy or delicate, lighter or heavier — in the captions.
Capacity
Here, I’ve written out the capacity of each vessel in ounces. Most on this list comfortably serve four to six people, according to the experts I spoke to, but take note if you want one that’s much smaller or bigger.
Features
Some of the pitchers on this list have stoppers, many have handles, and a few are fully open and smooth-sided. I’ve listed the particular features where applicable.
Anchor Hocking Bistro Glass Pitcher
$20
now 33% off
$20
Material: Glass | Capacity: 64 ounces | Features: Plastic stopper
Anchor Hocking has been making glassware since the turn of the 20th century (poke around the Strategist archives and you’ll see that we’ve mentioned it many times before, often calling out the affordable price and durable nature of its pieces). This pitcher comes recommended by photographer Mackenzie Smith Kelley, who has owned it for 15 years. While it doesn’t have a handle, Smith Kelley says the grip is still solid. The rectangular shape makes it easy to store in the fridge, too, she says, as it fits in a more modular way than a round pitcher. There’s a stopper so the contents don’t absorb smells, and Smith Kelley also likes that feature for making sun tea outside (an open top would leave the water susceptible to dust and debris floating around in the air). But it’s also not just about practicality: “When the light shines through, it makes a pretty refraction with the way the glass is fluted,” she says. “And you don’t see fingerprints on it as much as you would with a smooth pitcher.”
$20
at Amazon$20
at Webstaurant Store
IKEA Pitcher with Lid
$15
$15
Material: Glass | Capacity: 51 ounces | Features: Cork stopper
The cost of this pitcher and the even less-expensive one below aren’t dramatically different from that of the Anchor Hocking (though they do technically decrease by a few dollars.) While they’re all made from thick glass, the main differences between the three — that could account for the variation in price — are design details. Recipe developer and cookbook author Colu Henry has owned this one for nearly a decade and says it has never chipped or broken. “It looks quite sleek and elegant, too,” she says. “The curve of the handle is nice and easy to pour from.” While she doesn’t keep hers in the fridge, she says she also appreciates the cork for sun tea.
$15
at Ikea
IKEA Tillbringare Pitcher
$8
$8
Material: Glass | Capacity: 57 ounces | Features: Handle
This is the pitcher I’ve had for the last four years. It’s incredibly sturdy; I throw it in the dishwasher after every use and am not precious about taking it to my backyard. It looks much more expensive than it is, too (I’ve had several friends ask me where I got it and react in surprise when I tell them Ikea). The rounded bottom tapers up gracefully and the handle, only connected at the top, gives it a modern feel. Still, it’s very comfortable to grip and pour from.
$8
at Ikea
Hay Jug
$55
$55
Material: Glass | Capacity: 8 to 15 ounces | Features: Handle
Because of its smaller size and lighter weight, Stotz keeps this Hay pitcher by her bedside. “The handle is wide, with a good grip, and it’s stout enough that I’m not worried about pouring from it at night,” she says. Recipe developer and food stylist Chloe Walsh has the same one, though she uses it at the dinner table. “It’s smaller, which means it’s nice to use if you’re eating by yourself or with your partner,” she says. “Or sometimes I’ll use it to make other drinks, like a shrub, where I don’t need a ton.” Walsh says she finds it sturdy, too; it’s lasted for two years with no chips, and she even cleans it in the dishwasher.
$55
at HAY
Fiesta Large Disk Pitcher
$60
$60
Material: Ceramic | Capacity: 67 ounces | Features: Handle
This “timeless and classic-looking pitcher” as recipe developer and private chef Jane Morgan describes it, is the largest on this list. “I like that it has some heft to it,” she says. “The weight feels good.” Still, she says the design of the holes make it easy to pour from. While you fill it from a larger opening at the top, the separate spout allows for a steady and controlled stream of water when you tip it. “It’s really easy to clean because of the glossy finish, too,” she says. Walsh has the bright-orange poppy, but there are 14 colors to choose from.
$60
at Fiesta
Falcon Enamelware Pitcher
$53
$53
Material: Enamelware | Capacity: 48 ounces | Features: Handle
Walsh uses this pitcher when she eats outside because enamelware is particularly durable (a characteristic we’ve pointed out before). “If it drops, it won’t shatter,” she says, and it can go in the dishwasher without a problem. Walsh points out that it’s lightweight compared to ceramic and glass, so carrying it in and out and lifting it up is easy. She calls the look “French countryside,” so it feels fitting to use in her garden.
$53
at Unison Home
Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker
From $40
From $40
Material: Glass | Capacity: 16 to 50 ounces | Features: None
While a Chemex is designed specifically for coffee, Henry likes the design so much that she says she kept it around for water even after she “stopped doing the pour-over thing.” “It’s such a nice-looking and classic object, we still use it all the time,” she says. Even though there’s no handle, the grip of the wood in the neck of the pitcher “fits well in my hand and pours easily and neatly,” she says.
From $40
at Williams Sonoma
Sir/Madame Seeded Glass Carafe
$85
$85
Material: Glass | Capacity: 34 ounces | Features: None
Walsh keeps this pitcher by her bedside. There’s no handle, but the indent where the neck meets the body is very pronounced, allowing for a comfortable grip and controlled pour even “when tipping it from a lying-down position,” she says. It comes with a glass that sits upside down over the top when not in use for a neat, compact effect. Walsh says she also loves the “sophisticated” sage-green color.
$85
at Hawkins New YorkActually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts.
Email
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.
THE TRONCO GLASS TUMBLER IS A STYLISH ADDITION TO YOUR HYDRATION ARSENALGood hydration is important whether you’re in the backcountry or on your way to work. We researched 60 bottles and spent countless hours carrying, flipping, and sipping from them to figure out which ones were the most functional, durable, and easiest to clean. So this list of top-performing glass water bottles is sure to elevate your daily hydration.
These bottles are great for short walks and around town, but if you need to quench serious thirst on an extended adventure, we have the rundown on the best hydration bladders and hydration packs available. And if you’ll be out for a while, you’ll definitely need a top-tier water filter to go along with whatever system you choose.
The CleverHiker team has been sipping up a storm, using both our favorites and new models to figure out which bottles top the list:
Best glass water bottle overall
Price: $26
Weight: 14.7 oz.
The Yomious Glass Bottle is a great value with an excellent blend of style and durability. The silicone sleeve covers most of the bottle for protection if it’s dropped, but leaves a fashionable peek of glass at the top. The bamboo lid not only adds another touch of style, but also adds to the overall sustainable design. And a stainless steel insert in the lid ensures that no plastic touches your water – meaning you only taste water, not chemicals. The borosilicate glass can handle extreme cold or hot temperatures, making this a great choice for everyday water drinking and morning commute coffee.
Best water bottle for life on the go
Price: $17
Weight: 1 lb. 3.7 oz.
Life on the go is hectic enough without having to worry if your water bottle is leaking water all over your gym bag. The Ello Syndicate is a clean alternative to the standard plastic bottles most people associate with active lifestyles. The handy, lockable flip lid prevents leaks and can be opened with one hand for those times when you’re on the move and your arms are full. While we don’t find this bottle to be quite as pretty as some others on this list, it has the best functionality of the bunch.
Most stylish glass water bottle with a straw
Price: $16
Weight: 12.4 oz.
For those looking for a stylish water bottle to compliment a trendy office space or for feeling fancy around the house, the Tronco Glass Tumbler is the most attractive glass water bottle we’ve used. With a straw for easy sippin’ and an ergonomic size and shape, the Tronco Bottle feels truly luxurious. As an added bonus, we’ve noticed that the convenience of having a straw lid actually encourages us to drink more water throughout the day. No chemical taste, good for the planet, good style, and more hydration… This bottle is a win all-around.
Most durable glass water bottle
Price: $28
Weight: 1 lb. 5.7 oz.
If you know yourself to be… let’s say “accident prone,” you may have thought glass water bottles weren’t for you. But rest assured, the purifyou Premium Glass Bottle is tough enough to handle you. The silicone sleeve and the glass of this bottle are thicker than any bottle we tested, making it more durable and resilient if dropped. The narrow mouth of the Purifyou bottle is easier to drink from while on the go, and the finger loop on the lid makes it easy to tote around town. We also love that the lid is designed with a stainless steel stopper so no plastic can ever touch your water, which means you can hydrate away without having to worry about any weird plastic taste.
Best budget glass water bottle with no plastic parts
Price: $30
Weight: 1 lb. 2.3 oz.
The Contigo Purity glass water bottle is an affordable option for those looking for something simple. This bottle has no plastic parts; a pretty rare feat for any product in today’s market. The Contigo has the slimmest profile of all the glass bottles we tested which makes it easy to fit in small cupholders and the side pockets of backpacks. Functionally, the lid design is not our favorite, but we love the minimal styling and the clean, sustainable approach by Contigo.
Glass water bottle with good lid options
Price: $25
Weight: 1 lb. 3.1 oz.
We love the ergonomic shape of the Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle and the fact that it’s the only bottle on our list that has options available for swapping out the lid. Out of the lid options available, we prefer the active cap because the pour spout makes for a dribble-free drinking experience while you’re on the move.
THE ELLO SYNDICATE IS OUR FAVORTE WATER BOTTLE FOR LIFE ON THE GOThe glass water bottles on this list are between $15-$30, so you’re sure to find a great option in your price range.
Best budget glass water bottles
Best value pick
Best high-end glass water bottle
Glass water bottles are easier to break than metal or plastic ones, but don’t let that deter you – they are all plenty durable. Almost all of the ones we tested include silicone sleeves that protect your bottle from drops and scratches. We are a little clumsy at times so we know from experience – the silicone works.
Most durable glass water bottles
If you’re trying to reduce the amount of plastic containers you use, a glass water bottle is a good way to go. All of our picks are low- or no-plastic options.
Glass bottles with little-to-no plastic components
Let’s be real, a lot of the time, we want a bottle that just looks cool, communicates a certain vibe, and/or feels satisfying to hold. We think all of our options are sweet, but there are a couple standouts.
Most stylish glass water bottles
Most of the water bottles on our list are dishwasher safe, but if you’re the handwashing type, we recommend picking up a bottle brush. Admittedly, it can be a pain to get those silicone sleeves back on, but it’s nice to run those separately through the dishwasher every once in a while too.
Easiest clean glass water bottles
Weight is an important factor to consider if you need your water bottle to be practical for commuting or travel. Heavier bottles tend to be more durable, but they’re also more cumbersome to lug around.
Lightest glass water bottles
Best heavy-duty glass water bottle
01
/05