Drink Carafes

Beverage Carafes: What You Need to Know

Drink carafes are tall, slender containers typically used to hold high-quality beverages on a table before pouring for individual guests. Functionally, they enable servers to fill glasses for a whole table without awkwardly carrying several glasses back to the kitchen or drink station. However, these elegant carafes typically are purchased for aesthetics, not functionality. Their height and clean lines draw the eye, especially when filled with brightly colored fruit juices, crystal clear water, or any other concoction a clever chef can come up with.

We carry several types of plastic and glass carafes, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Angled lips prevent drinks from dripping while being poured, and clear materials enable servers to see exactly how much beverage remains. Our various shapes and sizes ensure every operator can find a glass or plastic carafe to fit and improve their existing aesthetic.

Common Questions About Drink Carafes

What should I serve in drink carafes?

Restaurant carafes can serve many purposes. Many restaurants leave a carafe full of water on the table, so customers can refill their glasses without waiting for the server to visit. Others prefer to fill these elegant glasses with fruit-infused water with lemon, orange, or cucumber floating in. Whatever beverage you choose, carafes heighten the visuals of your table setting. Holding a colorful liquid, such as fruit juice, can enhance the aesthetic even further, so clear carafes are a favorite for many sit-down restaurants.

Should I choose glass or plastic carafes?

Both plastic and glass carafes have their merits, but some establishments lean towards one more than the other. Glass usually is the expensive alternative, as it's costlier to manufacture than most plastics. Glass also is heavier than plastic, so it's slightly harder to use and a touch classier at the same time, and it won't discolor the way some plastics might. Normally, glass is commercial dishwasher safe, which is another advantage compared to some plastic options.

Plastic carafes have the same clear, elegant look as glass for a lower price. Plastic can be more durable because glass is prone to shattering when dropped. Many plastic types can withstand a high-temperature dishwasher, negating that particular glass advantage. Plastic may be the best option if the rest of your table setting is plastic, as these drink carafes fit that aesthetic better than glass. Price is the deciding factor for many operators – if plastic fits your budget and glass doesn't, that's your answer.

How can I clean a drink carafe?

Many carafes can be cleaned in a commercial dishwasher for convenient maintenance; carafes that aren't dishwasher safe should be added to a handwashing procedure, which can be time consuming because their shape requires special scrubbers for cleaning. Consult the individual product specifications page to ensure the piece you're considering will fit into your warewashing routine.