Which glass carafes are best?
Reusable water bottles have their uses, but there are times when only a glass carafe will do. A glass is an elegant, stylish way to stay hydrated or serve drinks at an event. A carafe makes a beautiful, welcoming addition to a guest room bedside table, or a nice way to help yourself to a glass of water late at night. Some carafes even offer lids or other features for greater versatility, no matter what you’re drinking.
What to look for in a glass carafe
Materials
- Borosilicate glass: This type of glass, commonly found in laboratory equipment, is more resistant to thermal shock. It won’t crack or shatter when exposed to extreme heat, such as boiling water. Carafes made from borosilicate glass can be safely used for hot coffee or tea, and they’re more likely to be dishwasher-safe.
- Crystal: Some high-end carafes are made from cut crystal. Traditionally, crystal is a kind of glass made with lead, but modern crystal manufacturers offer lead-free options. It is not recommended to keep any beverage in a lead crystal carafe for more than a couple of hours, so if you like the look of crystal for a long-term bedside table water container, make sure it’s lead-free.
Carafe and tumbler sets
Carafes that come with a matching glass tumbler are popular to keep on a bedside table so you (or your guests) don’t have to get out of bed in the middle of the night for a drink of water. Along with providing a convenient way to drink, the tumbler serves as a lid atop the carafe, keeping dust and insects out of your water.
Lids
Carafes intended to store beverages in the often come with a lid, usually made from silicone or cork. If you want to store the carafe’s contents in your refrigerator for more than a day or two, make sure the lid creates an airtight seal to keep your beverage fresh.
Styles
Glass carafes are available in a wide range of styles, whether you’re looking for a utilitarian option for the refrigerator or a stylish set to match your bedroom decor. Traditional options include cut crystal or classic restaurant-style carafes, while minimalist or modern carafes feature eye-catching colors and sleek shapes.
If you plan to use your glass carafe to serve guests, look for one with a narrower neck that’s easy to grip for pouring.
Best glass carafes
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to store all your favorite beverages in matching carafes, this set of three lidded carafes is a great deal. They’re dishwasher-safe and can go in the freezer. Each carafe holds 35 ounces and features a narrow neck for easier pouring.
This glass carafe comes with a handle, which makes it extra easy to use. The drip-free spout and lid help you to pour without spilling. It’s also very easy to clean.
Best glass carafe and tumbler sets
If you’re looking for a colorful accent for your bedside table, consider this carafe and tumbler set. It comes in eight color-and-design options, including green, blue and amber. The tumbler holds 8 ounces.
Made in Poland from heavy mouth-blown, lead-free crystal, this carafe and tumbler set looks beautiful on a bedside table or sideboard. It’s even top-rack dishwasher-safe. The set measures 8.2 inches tall, and the carafe holds 25 ounces.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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