Water pitchers

First, count how many people will be at the table. A 1- to 1.2-liter pitcher, such as the RCR Adagio or the Schott Zwiesel Bistro, holds four to six glasses and can still be handled with one hand. For a long table or the patio, 1.4 to 2.8 liters works better. If you’re looking for a pitcher that holds 2 liters or more, bear the weight in mind. A full 2.8-liter pitcher weighs over three kilos and needs two hands to pour.

Next, check the spout and the ice guard. A well-defined spout prevents drips on the tablecloth. An ice guard keeps ice cubes and mint leaves from falling out when you pour. The 1.5-liter Schott Zwiesel Bistro has one. Many sleek designer pitchers deliberately leave it out.

A lid comes in handy outdoors and in the fridge. The Borgonovo Igloo Quadra has one. That’s why we like using it for juice or fruit-infused water that needs to steep overnight.

Finally, check the handle. An attached handle gives you a better grip. A handle molded into the pitcher, as on the La Rochère Abeille, has a cleaner look but requires a firm grip.

Fill it to about two finger-widths below the rim. Then you can lift the pitcher without spilling. Pour from a moderate height and tilt it back in one go. Dripping almost always happens because you tilt it back too slowly.

With slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint, you can make delicious fruit-infused water in half an hour at room temperature. It will keep for a day in the fridge. Use whole slices rather than squeezed juice, otherwise the water will turn cloudy.

If you’re making a large batch of a mixed drink, you’ll also want a glass pitcher. The sangria is the best-known example. If your guests aren’t drinking alcohol, take a look at the mocktails. Chill the pitcher for an hour first instead of adding loose ice cubes. That way, the flavor won’t become watery as quickly.

Most pitchers in this collection are made of machine-blown soda-lime glass or pressed glass. They can withstand everyday use. Borgonovo and Pasabahce make tempered glass that can also handle temperature changes. Handy if you pour cold water into a pitcher that has just come out of hot soapy water. The crystal glass from Nachtmann and Zwiesel Glas looks finer, but is more sensitive to sudden shocks.

Always place a pitcher upright in the dishwasher, not upside down on a prong. Otherwise, water will collect in the bottom. Remove limescale inside with vinegar and warm water. If there is stubborn residue, add a handful of rice and some water, then swirl until the sides are clean. Wash pitchers with metal lids by hand.

If you want a water jug with matching glasses, take a look at water glasses or at the stackable tumbler glasses. Wine that needs to breathe should be poured into one of the decanters. The smaller carafes are handy for serving water or house wine at the table. If you’re pouring large quantities of beer, sangria, or iced tea, the pitchers are better suited for the job. They have a sturdier handle, a wider spout, and usually thicker glass that can handle a full load of ice.