The Best Drink Dispensers

Buying Guide for Drink Dispensers

Why buy a drink dispenser?

There are several advantages to having a drink dispenser on hand when you need one. One of the top advantages is that many of these receptacles can hold several gallons of liquid, so you’ll be able to provide drinks for a multitude without having to refill often. Also, this thirsty group will have the option to serve themselves, saving a host much time and effort during a gathering or outing. Many dispensers are designed with infusion cones, which enable you to infuse the essence of fresh fruits, berries, or herbs into your drink, adding flavor to the beverage as well as beauty to your serving area. Finally, some of the best drink dispensers can keep drinks fresh and at their intended temperature for up to 12 hours, which is ideal for parties or outdoor events.

What should you look for in drink dispensers?

• Size: Dispensers come in different sizes, so be sure to choose one that will fit your needs. For example, if you plan on using it for large events, be sure to get a dispenser with ample capacity. On the other hand, since a drink dispenser can be very large, it would be good to think about how you will store it when it’s not in use. If you’re getting more than one, you may want to consider stackable dispensers since they can be great space savers while in use and in storage.
• Material: While many drink dispensers are made of glass, plastic, stainless steel, or acrylic, you may also find some made of stone, crystal, or wood. Which one you choose will depend mostly on the beverage you will be putting inside. For example, plastic dispensers work well with cold, non-acidic beverages and are often lightweight for easy transport. If you are serving coffee or another hot drink, opt for an insulated stainless steel dispenser to keep your beverage hot for hours.
• Appearance: Dispensers come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to find one that will line up with the look you’re going for, especially if you’re planning a special event. If you want your drink dispenser to serve as a decorative focal point, an attractive glass or fine crystal dispenser showing a colorful fresh fruit garnish will make a pretty display.

How do you clean a drink dispenser?

A drink dispenser can be easily cleaned using a mixture of warm water and dish detergent or a solution of water and white vinegar. It’s a good idea to give the spigot some extra attention since bacteria can grow rapidly in moist crevices. You may want to detach the spigot from the dispenser and clean it separately with a disinfecting vinegar and water solution.

Our Picks for the Best Drink Dispensers

Pros: Whether you’re hosting an indoor or outdoor event, the CreativeWare Bark 2.5-Gallon Beverage Dispenser can help keep your guests hydrated with convenience and style. This dispenser is made of BPA-free acrylic and has a wide-mouth top that makes it easy to fill with your desired beverage. For assembly, you only need to attach the spigot to the barrel and place the dispenser on the base. This drink dispenser also features an ice reservoir at the bottom of the stand to keep your drink cool without watering it down.

Cons: While the ice reservoir at the bottom will keep the beverage cool, it won’t do the job, as well as an ice cylinder that is placed inside a drink dispenser.

Bottom Line: Consider this dispenser if you want something attractive, durable, and functional. In addition to the 2.5-gallon capacity, the CreativeWare beverage dispenser is also available in a 1.5-gallon size.

 

Pros: This lovely Outdoor Glass Beverage Dispenser Set from Ilyapa is ideal for gatherings and celebrations. The thick glass jars with an antique look will look great on any serving table, and the wide opening will make filling and cleaning a breeze. The set features durable metal spigots and two adorable hanging chalkboards for labeling your beverages. The metal base lifts and secures the drink dispensers, allowing users to fill their cups easily so that they can quickly return to the fun.

Cons: The lids on these dispensers are not rustproof, so you may want to be sure to dry them thoroughly after each use.

Bottom Line: If you will be hosting a gathering and would like to offer a couple of beverage choices, this charming drink dispenser set is ideal. Each dispenser has a 1-gallon capacity.

 

Pros: If fruit-infused flavor will motivate you to drink more water, this dispenser has the features you need for the task. CreativeWare’s 3-gallon drink dispenser features a fruit infuser that you can fill with your favorite fruits, berries, or herbs to give your drinks a delicious boost of flavor. An ice cylinder is also included to keep your beverages cool without being diluted. The stand at the bottom keeps the dispenser sturdy, and its ample capacity makes it great for keeping a large group thirst-free. 

Cons: This acrylic drink dispenser is not ideal for holding hard cocktails since beverages containing more than 7% alcohol can damage it.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a drink dispenser that keeps your drinks cool and flavorful, this might be the one! With the large capacity, you won’t have to worry about refilling too often. Keep in mind that your best bet would be to fill this one with non-alcoholic beverages.

 

Pros: So you’d like to offer your guests cold iced tea, lemonade, and water, but your serving area space is limited? Enter the Mind Reader Stackable Beverage Dispenser! This dispenser has three separate tiers, each with a 1-gallon capacity. That means you can mix and match your desired beverages without taking up too much space. Each dishwasher-safe tier has its own built-in spigot, and the unit also features an ice compartment at the bottom that cools your beverages without watering them down.

Cons: This drink dispenser is made of plastic, making it lightweight and portable but not as durable as other materials such as thick glass.

Bottom Line: With this three-tiered dispenser, you’ll be able to offer your guests their favorite drinks while saving room in your serving area for the food, paper, and utensils. If you’re traveling with this dispenser, the lightweight plastic is a great choice for portability but may not be as robust as other materials.

 

Pros: This drink dispenser from Estilo is made of thick, high-quality glass and comes with a strong metal stand that offers stability. The wide-mouth design makes the dispenser easy to clean and fill, while the easy-pull spigot makes pouring effortless.

Cons: The spigot is made of plastic and is not as strong as those made of metal. You may want to purchase a metal spigot separately as a backup.

Bottom Line: This mason jar-styled drink dispenser can provide an attractive focal point for your serving space at a good value. It is easy to set up, fill, and store and can work well at an indoor or outdoor event.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re serving freshly squeezed lemonade, your secret recipe punch, or fruit-infused water, having the right drink dispenser is essential for entertaining. A quality dispenser can also be well-utilized in your home or workplace. Our picks offer various options, yet each provides the opportunity to save time and effort while pouring drinks in style.