Glass Pitchers for Restaurants: Capacity, Lids & Buying Checklist

A pitcher can hold enough water for a table and still be too tall for the refrigerator or awkward to carry when full. Choose the size around your tables, refill routine and storage space.

The glass pitcher collection includes several shapes and sizes. Here is what to check when buying for restaurant water and juice service.

1. Work out how much water each table needs

Start with the number of diners and your usual serving portion. For example, four 250 mL portions need 1,000 mL of water. Allow room for ice or fruit if you use them, and test how much the pitcher can carry without spilling.

Ask how the supplier measures catalog capacity. A brimful figure tells you how much a pitcher holds at the rim; staff will usually fill it below that level. Measure your chosen fill with a measuring jug and keep it in the sample record.

Try the pitcher with the glasses used at the table. This shows how many first pours it provides and how often staff need to refill it. You can choose matching water glasses from the Glass Cups collection.

2. Try the handle, spout and lid

Fill the sample to the level you plan to use. Have the staff who will serve drinks carry it and pour into the selected glasses.

• Spout: start and stop the pour several times. Look for splashing, dripping and water running down the outside.
• Handle: check finger space and balance when full. Try pouring into a glass at the far side of a table.
• Lid: check that it seats properly and stays in place while pouring. Try any filter, seal or removable insert supplied with it.
• Opening: make sure staff can refill the pitcher and reach inside with the cleaning tools they use.

Decide whether you need an open pitcher, a simple cover or a filtered pouring lid. Ask the supplier to list the included parts and any available replacement lids in the quotation.

Get washing instructions for the glass, decorative finish and lid before using a commercial dishwasher.

3. Compare three Glarivo pitchers

The figures below are catalog specifications. Use the samples to check pouring, lid fit and the amount of water you will serve.

1.2 L engraved pitcher — GB1109LH

• Capacity: 1,200 mL.
• Height: 247 mm.
• Top / bottom diameter: 143 / 100 mm.
• Packing: 12 pieces per carton.

View the 1.2 L engraved pitcher.

1,350 mL water pitcher — GB1119H-1

• Capacity: 1,350 mL.
• Height: 205 mm.
• Top / bottom diameter: 125 / 92 mm.
• Packing: 12 pieces per carton.

View the 1,350 mL water pitcher.

1,300 mL decorated jug

• Capacity: 1,300 mL.
• Height: 202 mm.
• Top / bottom diameter: 142 / 80 mm.
• Packing: 12 pieces per carton.

View the 1,300 mL decorated jug. Include the product link and selected finish in your inquiry.

GB1119H-1 has a higher listed capacity than GB1109LH, yet its catalog height is 42 mm lower. Compare both capacity and height when choosing for a refrigerator shelf. Measure the full width across the handle and spout too; top and bottom diameters do not give that dimension.

How to Read Glassware Spec Sheets for Wholesale explains the other measurements to request with a sample.

4. Check shelf space and carton protection

Place the filled pitcher on the serving tray and table to check the space it takes up. On the storage shelf, allow for its full height with any lid fitted and enough room to lift it out. Check the width beside the other items you normally store.

All three models above list 12 pieces per carton. Ask for a packed sample to see how the bodies, handles, spouts and lids are protected. Check:

• Dividers or cushioning that separate the glass pieces.
• Space and protection around each handle and pouring lip.
• Separate protection for loose lids and other parts.
• Pieces per inner pack and master carton, carton dimensions and gross weight.
• Any transport tests agreed for your delivery route.

Put retail boxes, decoration and extra components on separate quotation lines. You can then compare the cost of the same complete unit across suppliers.

5. Send the details needed for a quote

Choose the models from the glass pitcher collection and send their product links with:

• Quantity per model and finish.
• Drinks served, normal fill level and any ice or fruit used.
• Shelf height, tray size or other space limits, in millimeters.
• Required lid, spare parts and logo or decoration.
• Bulk or retail packing, destination and delivery deadline.
• The samples you need before placing the order.

Ask for the price basis, minimum order quantity, included parts and lead time. Keep the approved sample reference, fill level, measurements, care instructions and packing photos with the quotation. Use the same record for repeat orders.

For the rest of the table-service range, see the Restaurant & Bar Glassware guide.

Images are AI-generated illustrations of generic pitchers. The linked product pages show the catalog items.