6 Best Glass Pitchers for Your Family in 2023

The best glass pitcher may have a simple design and purpose, but they have many features to offer that plastic versions cannot. For instance, glass pitchers don’t have the unpleasant smell and taste that are common in plastic containers. Also, they can give families peace of mind about not leaching chemicals into their drinks.

These benefits are within your reach if you know how to spot a high-quality glass pitcher at your favorite e-commerce site or kitchen supplies store. And if you are wondering how to make an informed buying decision, we prepared three factors for your consideration.

You can also consider other factors, which we will describe in our buying guide and highlight in the following reviews of the top 6 glass pitchers.

Top 6 Glass Pitchers

1. Hiware HILQMP-58M-2 64 Ounces Glass Pitcher with Lid

The Hiware HILQMP-52M-2 is a worthy glass pitcher with lid for the modern family. It has a simple design yet wows users with its ease of use and excellent thermal shock resistance, given its ability to withstand up to 300℉. To put things into perspective, water has a boiling point of 212°F.

This glass pitcher can also accommodate 0℉ beverages. Although it is higher than SUSTEAS’s minus-4 and BELLA RUSSO’s minus-40 degrees Fahrenheit ratings, I still commend it. Families can make delicious iced teas, juices, and other cold beverages with this pitcher.

I like the pitcher’s 3.5-inch mouth. I have gigantic hands but can squeeze them effortlessly inside the pitcher to clean it. That said, households with dishwashers may find this unnecessary, as this product is dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a breeze.

Another feature I’m impressed with is the integrated filter. Although it does not remove water contaminants, the sieve is perfect for trapping fruit bits and herbs in the pitcher. Surprisingly, this borosilicate glass pitcher only weighs about 17 ounces. As such, lifting the pitcher when it’s full should not be a problem at all.

The spout design is also particularly impressive, ensuring water and beverage do not drip as I pour them into a glass. I only wish this glass pitcher had a thicker handle. Although its ergonomic construction allows me to grip it comfortably, the handle looks flimsy that it could break.

2. County Line Kitchen KLiHD Heavy Duty Glass Mason Jar Pitcher

Most people pick products with borosilicate glass materials. However, some still prefer more traditional glass. Such homeowners can choose the Country Line Kitchen KLiHD to store and serve water and beverages.

To be specific, this pitcher features soda lime glass, which is known for its ability to resist scratches. Its thick and sturdy construction also gives me peace of mind that it can accommodate icy cold beverages and hot drinks without breaking.

I love this glass pitcher’s handle, which reminds me of the travel coffee mug I bring to the office. It is effortless to hold and conforms to the groove on my hand. The handle has a non-slip surface, although it is not textured. Folks with butter fingers will feel confident pouring beverages from this pitcher.

My favorite about this 64-ounce mason-style glass pitcher is its versatility. I could ditch the cap and use this as a tall drinking glass. Families can also pickle their favorite vegetables and fruits in this pitcher, replacing the lid with a different airtight cover. Its 4.5-inch diameter allows me to easily slide it into any fridge door compartment.

The spout is connected to the cap, which also connects to the handle, unlike other brands that put the nozzle in the pitcher. Some homeowners might dislike the design. However, I can guarantee that this feature offers better control of drips and spills. The cap also shuts tight against the opening, forming a leak-proof seal.

I have two concerns about these glass drinking pitchers. First, they are hefty, weighing about 36 ounces (2.25 pounds). On the bright side, weight translates to glass density and thickness. Second, its soda lime glass construction does not justify its price.

3. Luminarc P0985 Quadro 1.7-Liter Glass Pitcher

Families who want to maximize refrigerator space should consider the Luminarc P0985 Quadro. This glass pitcher’s boxy footprint allows homeowners to optimize fridge door shelf space by lining these water containers side by side.

Although this product only features ordinary glass, I do not doubt its thermal resistance. This is because it’s specified to be dishwasher-safe. As these appliances can reach up to 140℉ or more, I’m confident the pitcher can withstand hot water. That said, it’s best suited to be a glass refrigerator pitcher to serve ice-cold drinks.

Its usefulness extends beyond storing and serving cold beverages, however. This glass pitcher’s tall design makes it an excellent vessel for holding flowers. It could also be a pickling or steeping jug for families.

Like the Country Line Kitchen KLiHD pitcher, the glass is thick. The handle is also robust with an open-on-one-end design. With its ergonomic construction, the handle allows homeowners to pour water as effortlessly as possible.

Although the pitcher is glass, the lid is plastic. However, families should not worry about safety because the cover does not contain BPA and other harmful chemicals. The risk of leaching substances into drinks is negligible to zero.

Surprisingly, this glass pitcher is 21.6 ounces heavier than the Hiware, despite accommodating only 57.5 ounces of water (Hiware holds 64 ounces). Another issue is the country of origin. Marketing information says this glass pitcher is Chinese-made, while product details reveal it is from the US.

4. SUSTEAS GP2000-FBA 2.0 Liter Glass Pitcher with Lid

The SUSTEAS GP2000-FBA is the kind of juice pitcher I love to have at home with its quirky design – it looks like an oversized flask we once used in elementary Chemistry. I also appreciate that this glass pitcher was hand-blown by artisans, adding to its allure.

Although the 5.7-inch base might make it hard to fit the pitcher into a fridge door shelf, I still appreciate this girth. It offers stability that few glass pitchers, especially tall ones, can offer. Plus, I don’t mind how this product is larger than most pitchers, being able to accommodate up to 68 ounces of fluid.

Like Hiware, this glass pitcher features borosilicate glass but with a more extensive temperature range. If the HILQMP-52M-2 is safe between 0 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit, this glass pitcher aces it with lower (minus-4 degrees) and higher (302 degrees) temperature thresholds.

Its thermal stability makes this glass pitcher safe in the freezer, oven, dishwasher, and other appliances. Families should never fear it might break because borosilicate is tougher than soda lime glass.

I also appreciate its stainless steel lid, which is far better than the Luminarc Quadro’s BPA-free plastic offering. The cover has two openings, one large and one slotted, for screening fruit bits in the water. I commend the addition of a silicone gasket forming a watertight seal around the edges, ensuring this glass pitcher does not leak.

The V-shaped spout deserves special mention. Families will never worry about drips and spills, saving them the hassle of messy cleanups. My only comment about this glass pitcher is its 3.1-inch diameter opening, so it was a challenge for me to squeeze in my gigantic hands to clean it.

5. BELLA LUSSO BL Jug 60 Oz Glass Pitcher with Lid

Here is another glass pitcher that looks like a chemistry lab flask, nearly identical to the SUSTEAS GP2000-FBA. However, the BELLA LUSSO BL Jug has an unbeatable ace that no product in this list can match.

I am astonished to learn this high-quality borosilicate water carafe can withstand a scorching 320℉. To put this into perspective, the Hiware HILQMP-52M-2 can only handle 300℉, while the SUSTEAS GP2000-FBA maxes at two degrees higher. This allows me to put this pitcher on their stovetop and boil water.

The glass pitcher’s low-temperature threshold is also impressive. While other borosilicate glass pitchers on this list can only handle zero and minus-four degrees Fahrenheit, this product can accommodate minus-40 degrees. Suffice to say, its thermal expansion coefficient is unlike others I have seen.

This glass pitcher shares the same stainless steel lid design as the GP2000-FBA. It has a wide opening for the effortless pouring of beverages and a multi-holed port for “filtering” ice, fruit bits, and herbaceous leaves when serving drinks.

The cover also features a silicone ring around the edge to form a leak-proof seal. Adding to its mess-free use is a gentle-sloping V-shaped spout that guarantees drip-free pouring. The lightweight construction – at around 22 ounces – also makes this glass pitcher more appealing.

However, I am confused why the company does not recommend putting this glass pitcher in the dishwasher or microwave. Its exceptional thermal resistance surpasses the others on this list, making this glass pitcher nearly heat-unbreakable.

6. SUSTEAS GP-2500 2.0-Liter Glass Pitcher

Rounding up the list of the six glass pitchers is another product from SUSTEAS, the GP-2500. Although its specifications are nearly identical to the GP2000-FBA, this glass pitcher has a style that pays tribute to the classics.

Perfect for iced tea and juices, this glass pitcher has the same borosilicate glass construction as the GP2000-FBA. Hence, families can expect its thermal resistance to be as robust.

Homeowners can boil water in this glass pitcher over the stovetop on low flame, as it can withstand up to 302℉. One can also put it in the refrigerator, where temperatures can drop to -4℉. Its thermal expansion coefficient also ensures the glass doesn’t experience thermal shock when exposed to drastic temperature changes.

This pitcher has a similar 68-ounce capacity as the flask-like GP2000-FBA. However, its design follows the more traditional route with its classic rounded bottom and sexy waist. The good news is its handle is thicker than the HILQMP-52M-2, ensuring a more stable and comfortable hold.

It also shares the GP2000-FBA’a silicone-rimmed stainless steel lid. The only difference is the slotted hole design. Regardless, the function remains the same – to screen fruit pulp and bits in the water so they do not end up in the glass. I really appreciate how this lid is designed to add elegance to the classic glass pitcher.

I appreciate this glass pitcher’s 3.3-inch wide opening, making it 0.2 inches wider than its GP2000-FBA sibling. However, I still wish it was a little larger so that people with large hands can easily reach inside for cleaning.

What to Look for When Buying Glass Pitcher

Buying a glass pitcher is not that different from shopping for a water container, such as a coffee mug or travel water bottle. There are attributes and features you must look for when choosing a glass pitcher for the family.

Different types of pitchers vary in glass materials.

Most products feature borosilicate glass because it has a lower thermal expansion coefficient and higher tensile strength. You could place a borosilicate glass pitcher in the freezer, take it out, and put it in the oven immediately without breaking. This material is also usually dishwasher-safe, making cleanups and sanitation more hassle-free.

Ordinary glass, or soda lime silica glass, is not as resilient, temperature-resistant, and durable as borosilicate versions. However, it is the best choice for budget-conscious families.

We recommend checking the glass material’s temperature threshold. For example, some borosilicate glass pitchers can withstand -4 to 302℉, while others can only accommodate 0-300℉.

A glass pitcher must hold enough water or beverage for the family. Everything depends on how much water each family member drinks at the dinner table.

For example, suppose one family member drinks 16 ounces, two consume about 24 ounces, and a fourth person drinks 12 ounces at meal times. In that case, this household needs a glass pitcher with at least a 76-ounce capacity. You can opt for a glass pitcher with a larger capacity (i.e., 2.5 liters or 84.5 ounces) to account for water consumption allowances.

A glass pitcher might look like a simple vessel for containing water, but it has several components that can differentiate an easy-to-use pitcher from an inconvenient one.

Check the handle for comfort and stability. Some pitchers feature thin and flimsy-looking handles, while others are too stubby for small hands.

The glass pitcher’s heft is another factor. Too heavy, and users with diminished arm strength might have difficulty lifting the pitcher to pour water into a glass. Too light, and kids can easily knock the glass pitcher over.

Assess the spout design. Most glass pitchers have a gently tapering portion that guarantees spill-free pouring. After all, you do not want to create a waterfall out of the glass pitcher when pouring beverages into guests’ glasses.

Choosing a glass pitcher design depends on your taste. Some folks like round and stubby pitchers, while others prefer boxy and edgy models. Many buyers choose a plain-looking glass pitcher, while some prefer water jugs with fancy ornaments.

These water containers also come in transparent and colorful designs. As mentioned, you might want to check your preferences to choose a suitable glass pitcher for the family.

Some glass pitchers have additional features that extend their functionality.

For example, a glass pitcher with infuser can be an instant hit for health buffs. This pitcher could make fruit and herb infusions, allowing families to enjoy flavored and nutrient-rich water on the go. Steeping tea and making iced coffee should also be a cinch with such features.

Meanwhile, some glass pitchers have built-in carbon filters that eliminate chlorine taste and odor. Some pitcher-type filtration devices can also remove cysts, bacteria, volatile organics, and other water impurities.

Most glass pitchers have a lid. If your prospect has one, you might want to assess its leak-proofing abilities. The cover must form a watertight seal around the pitcher’s opening to avoid spills and prevent the beverage from going stale.

Of course, extra features often translate to extra pay.

Although we do not want to be biased, some buyers might prefer products made in USA over glass pitchers manufactured in China and other countries.

This factor is a personal choice. However, it is worth noting that some US brands have overseas manufacturing facilities because it is more cost-effective. Hence, the glass pitcher might have an American-sounding name, but its country of origin might be China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are glass pitchers better than plastic?

It depends on your preferences. A glass pitcher is better than plastic from a safety perspective. It does not contain BPA and other harmful chemicals present in most plastic products that can leach into the water.

Flavor-wise, small and large glass pitchers are also better than plastic. Their non-porous surface does not absorb food and beverage odors while preventing microorganisms from sticking to the glass surface. Residual flavors and aromas are never issues with glass drink pitchers because they repel these molecules.

For example, if you use the glass pitcher to serve cocktails, you can feel safe that there is no hint of alcohol in the pitcher when you use it to offer water to guests.

Proponents of plastic pitchers say glass can break due to thermal shock. However, this is usually not the case for borosilicate glass, which is perfect for hot liquids and cold beverages alike. You can pop a borosilicate glass into the microwave after removing it from the freezer without worrying you’ll damage the pitcher.

Plastic pitchers’ principal advantages include affordability and outdoor convenience. You could toss them around, and plastic pitchers will not break.

Will boiling water break a glass pitcher?

Boiling water may or may not break a glass pitcher, depending on the glass quality.

For example, an ordinary glass pitcher IKEA sells might crack and break when you pour boiling water into it. Damage occurs because of the temperature difference between the glass’s outer and inner surfaces. The inside surface expands when you pour boiling water, while the outside surface remains unchanged.

Such thermal expansion stresses the glass until it exceeds its tensile strength. The glass breaks because it can no longer accommodate the increase.

Meanwhile, a borosilicate glass pitcher for hot water can accommodate higher temperatures. This glass material has a low thermal expansion coefficient, allowing it to maintain its tensile strength.

More importantly, borosilicate glass can withstand up to 515 degrees Fahrenheit (twice water’s boiling point). This is why you can put some borosilicate pitchers on the stovetop to boil water.

How do you keep the glass from cracking when heated?

Thermal shock is a common issue among glass products, especially those with non-heat-resistant materials. The good news is you can observe the following tricks to prevent your glass water pitcher from cracking when you pour hot water into it.

The easiest way, as pointed out by several Reddit users, is to pour the hot liquid slowly to prevent rapid thermal expansion. This trick allows the glass pitcher’s outside surface to adjust to the heat from the inside.

Another trick to prevent a modern glass pitcher from breaking when heated is to place a metal spoon inside. Slowly pour the boiling water over the spoon, allowing it to absorb the heat while lowering the hot water temperature. This action also reduces the temperature differential between the inside and outside glass surfaces.

You can also make a mixture of cold and boiling water in equal proportions. Then, rinse the pitcher’s outer surface with this warm water. This action raises the exterior’s glass surface’s temperature, preparing it for boiling water and minimizing thermal shock.

How long can water be stored in glass bottles?

You can store water in glass bottles indefinitely, provided you store it properly. This is because glass bottles do not contain synthetic chemicals that can leach into the water when exposed to heat. Hence, you can store water in glass bottles, seal them properly, and store them for future use.

In contrast, plastic bottled water has a two-year expiration because of several factors. For example, room temperatures higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit and direct sunlight can start breaking down plastic chemicals. Unsurprisingly, plastic bottled water is ideal for fridge storage, especially in the summer.

Conclusion

Bringing home the best glass pitcher is as easy as ensuring it has borosilicate glass, enough capacity to serve the family, is hassle-free to use, and has a few extra features worth enjoying.

If you are still confused about what glass pitcher to buy, our comprehensive review of the six best-selling glass pitchers should give you a head’s up. Pick one, and you will never regret your decision.

Stephen Conklin

As the founder of Usawaterquality, I have been working to deliver quality advice on utilizing water components for numerous households. Here, we believe that water quality is the most critical part of health care, so the investment and attention for the water system will never go to waste.