The Best Glass Beverage Dispensers With a Metal Spigot

Although corn on the cob and the right amount of potato salad might be highest on your outdoor entertaining list, it’s easy to overlook the most important aspect of your party — the beverages. Whether you’re serving an alcoholic punch or ensuring that children and adults have plenty of water, your beverages are a core component of the party. Nothing is more of a relief during a summer’s party than an ice cold drink — and nothing more disquieting to your guests than an empty cup.

As you are planning your beverage selection, you need an easy, hassle-free way to serve drinks. Easy to assemble and simple to clean, a glass dispenser allows guests to pour beverages as they need them, saving you time to socialize. Whether you’re making sangria or simply serving ice cold water, a glass beverage dispenser gives you flexibility and allows your guests to see exactly what you’re serving.

Although many people opt for plastic beverage dispensers, we highly recommend investing in a glass one. Glass is non-toxic and a much higher quality — there’s less worry about chemicals from the plastic seeping into your beverage. As many kombucha brewers know, plastic is more likely to shelter hidden microbes and bacteria than glass. This is particularly important if you’re using a dispenser as a permanent fixture in your office or kitchen. When used continuously, a quality glass dispenser ensures that no toxic chemicals are seeping over time into the contents.

In terms of entertaining, glass is simply prettier. A glass beverage dispenser is a touch of elegance, and the clear material allows guests to see the beverage inside. Even a simple water dispenser adds a visual flair when you toss a few slices of lemon or fruit in the top. Iced tea, sangria, fruit punch, lemonade — many of these drinks are beautifully colorful, and when you show off their hues in a dispenser, guests are even more likely to find them enticing.

Of the six glass containers we’ve chosen below, all include a metal spigot. Metal spigots chip and break less often than their plastic counterparts. Broadly, a metal spigot will last longer and prevent leaks more successfully than a plastic spigot. Several options include both a metal and plastic spigot, however, which means you’ll always have a backup.

How To Clean a Beverage Dispenser Metal Spigot

If you’re using your glass dispenser for a party or event, make sure you clean the container between uses. Some people use dispensers as a permanent fixture in their kitchen or office. If so, it’s especially important that you dump the contents periodically and clean the spigot. If you don’t, the spigot can collect bacteria and eventually mold, even if you’re only serving water. Routine sanitization keeps your beverages — and guests — safe.

Most of these glass containers can be easily hand washed with dish soap or a sanitizing solution. The spigot is a little trickier. With several small parts, it’s easy to get bits of fruit caught. The crevices and constant moisture can encourage bacteria growth without proper maintenance.

To clean your metal spigot, first unscrew the spigot from the glass, making sure to keep track of any small pieces. Mix a gallon of warm water with a tablespoon of unscented bleach. If you prefer not to use bleach, you can also mix a quart of warm water with two teaspoons of white vinegar. (Either way, we recommend wearing gloves to protect your skin).

Use a sponge to scrub the small parts of the spigot with the solution, then place the parts in a cup of the solution and let them soak for 3-5 minutes. When you’re done, rinse the spigot thoroughly in warm water. You can also use these sanitizing solutions to wipe down the dispenser itself. Make sure you rinse all parts thoroughly with clean, warm water before filling the dispenser with a beverage.

Finally, if you’re using your dispenser to infuse your beverage, you may want to invest in a container with a fruit infuser, like the Paddington Hill Mason Jar Dispenser below. Seeds and pieces of fruit can easily clog the spigot — in fact, many people declare their spigots don’t work when all they really need to do is clean out any debris. The infuser will separate the fruit from the beverage while allowing the fruit flavors to seep in.

What to Put in a Glass Beverage Dispenser

The possibilities are endless. Iced tea, lemonade, fruit punch, sangria, infused water, batched cocktails — there’s no limit to what you can serve. Kombucha brewers might opt for a glass dispenser for continuous brewing. Iced tea lovers may want batches of the stuff on a hot summer’s day. Regardless, a pretty glass dispenser allows for easy access to the contents and prevents dust or debris from settling into your beverage.

Remember that when you’re using a glass dispenser, you are truly showing off your beverage; the glass allows the color of the contents to shine through. Lemonades, deep red sangrias, or brightly colored fruit punches are not only refreshing, but they also add a pop of color to your party setup.

Most glass dispensers are not safe for warm beverages and may crack or shatter when in contact with hot liquid. However, the Leaves and Trees Hot and Cold Dispenser below uses borosilicate glass, which is made to withstand temperatures up to 300ºF. This dispenser is perfect for batched hot toddies or holiday punches. If you’re a fan of iced tea, opt for the Paddington Hill dispenser so you can brew and cool your tea directly in the same container.

The Best Glass Beverage Dispensers With a Metal Spigot

2.5 Gallon Glass Dispenser with Stand by Kitchentoolz

A sturdy, decorative metal stand supports this glass dispenser. The glass design pleases the eye, while the stainless steel spigot is functional and easy to clean. The dispenser also includes a drip tray to protect a wood table or precious tablecloth. The metal stand gives you versatility — you can place it in the center of a table or counter and are not bound to place the dispenser at the edge of a surface.

Reviewers loved the design and volume of this dispenser. The glass has a heavy weight to it, and many thought the stand and hammered glass were pleasant to look at. This dispenser has been used for everything from sangria to kombucha to infused water. One reviewer thought that the glass chipped easily, so make sure to handle the glass with care and store the lid somewhere safe where it isn’t likely to fall.

To learn more, click here.

Paddington Hill 2 Gallon Mason Jar Glass Dispenser with Fruit Infuser

Mason jars are popular in all types of decor, and this dispenser is no exception. This farmhouse-chic dispenser is notable because it includes a fruit infuser. Simply fill the food-safe, plastic infuser with your favorite fresh fruit and lower it into the water, sangria, or kombucha.  The infuser prevents seeds or pieces of fruit from clogging the spigot while adding a splash of flavor to your beverage.

It also includes several accessories to fit a rustic farmhouse decor, including a small blackboard sign that hangs from twine so you can label your beverage. Your purchase also includes two additional 16 oz mason jars with lids and stainless steel straws.

Reviewers raved about the style and durability of the glass dispenser. Overall, they thought it was fantastic quality at an affordable price. One customer mentioned that you can’t run the infuser through the dishwasher. Also, make sure you don’t tighten the spigot too hard — doing so might cause cracks in the glass.

To read the latest reviews, click here.

Hot and Cold Drink Dispenser with Bamboo Stand by Leaves and Trees

Serving up a hot tea or warm holiday punch? This is one of the few glass dispensers designed for hot beverages. Made from borosilicate glass (a type of glass that can withstand more extreme temperature changes), this dispenser can handle beverages up to 300℉.

The simple, elegant bamboo stand holds three small cups underneath the dispenser, and the bamboo lid includes a valve allowing for an airtight seal. To make things even easier, the stainless steel spigot is leak-proof and dishwasher-safe. Elegant and simple, this dispenser adds a classic touch to your party or dining room.

Reviewers enjoyed the design and the tidy glass storage within the stand itself. Most found it to be a quality dispenser that was well worth the price; the only complaints were that the liquid is sometimes slow to pour.

To see pricing, click here.

2 Gallon Glass Dispenser with Iron Stand by RPI

This high quality, hammered glass dispenser sits on an elegant iron stand. Simple and stylish, it adds a touch of the vintage and antique. Use it for a baby shower or wedding when you’d like elegance in all the details. The dispenser arrives with a plastic spigot but includes an extra, leak-free stainless steel spigot.

Many buyers loved the style of these dispensers – they found the spigots mostly leak-free and thought the glass had a quality, heavy weight. When buying, be aware that the lid doesn’t come with a protective rubber ring to seal it, so you’ll have to be extra careful when handling the lid.

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1.5 Gallon Dispenser with Ribbed Glass and Iron Stand by RPI

This unique dispenser is made of lead-free, ribbed glass. You don’t need to tuck this away in a corner — feature this glass dispenser as an elegant, functional centerpiece on a banquet table. The ribbed glass lends a unique design, and the decorated metal stand is simple but classy.

Most people note that this dispenser is sturdy and well made. The large opening at the top makes cleaning it more convenient as well. One customer wished it had an ice core, but as with other dispensers, you can simply add ice directly to the beverage instead.

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1 Gallon Mason Jar Dispenser by Brio

This dispenser gives a nod to mason jars with engraved lettering and a similar type of handle design. The lid also locks to provide better spill protection, which is usually hard to find in most glass dispensers. It’s perfect for small spaces -with a capacity of 1 gallon, it will fit in most refrigerators. For more options, it even comes with both a plastic and stainless steel spigot.

Many customers appreciated the stainless steel spigot, saying assembly was a breeze. Almost all found that the stainless steel spigot was more effective than the plastic one.

To learn more about this product, click here.

To Sum it Up…

Whatever your party plans are, these eye-catching dispensers are ideal for showing off your homemade drinks. The list above features six dispensers for different needs and budgets — whether you’re serving warm drinks or choosing the prettiest one as a dramatic centerpiece, these glass dispensers add a touch of elegance and style to your special occasion.