Metal Pitchers

Restaurant Metal Pitchers: What You Need to Know

Steel water pitchers are a staple of fine dining establishments as their solidity, weight, and sheen provide your guests a handsome aesthetic as soon as they sit down. However, because of their relatively high price point (compared to plastic or glass pitchers), many casual restaurants avoid steel water pitchers. Plastic pitchers seem to be the clear economical choice, but metal pitchers are significantly more durable than either glass or plastic. For this reason, total cost of ownership tilts the scales back towards steel water pitchers over time.

Restaurant metal pitchers come in various shapes, sizes, and constructions. Stainless steel is generally more expensive than aluminum, while more unique metals will vary from low to high cost. Stainless steel is by far the most common metal for pitchers because it's incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion. Even stainless steel has different ratings, though, and these differences will change the price. We'll answer common questions below to help you choose the best possible pitcher for your establishment.

Common Questions About Metal Pitchers

What type of establishment needs a metal bell pitcher?

Because of their cost, these pitchers are typically used in upscale dining establishments, but some casual establishments might find them worth the investment. Rustic, farm-to-table restaurants may need a metal water pitcher to present a natural aesthetic rather than resorting to factory-made plastics. Operators will need to consider both their existing table settings and their budget for adding new pieces. Anyone operating on a shoestring budget will probably want to opt for plastic or glass pitchers instead of metal ones. If your existing table setting has a classy or rustic aesthetic, metal pitchers might be the best fit. On the other hand, if most of your table setting is plastic or melamine already, then having an elegant water pitcher might feel out of place.

What type of metal should I choose?

KaTom's selection of pitchers is always evolving, but the most common metal for pitchers is stainless steel. Stainless steel is great for this purpose because it resists rusting – which is important if you're constantly filling it with water – and is very durable against dropping and other abuse. Many of our pitchers are listed as 18/8 stainless steel, which means they're made with 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel, providing a shiny, strong piece that's resistant to damage and rust. Aluminum is significantly cheaper but more liable to become misshapen by the impacts and falls that are common in a busy foodservice establishment. Brass, copper, and other metals fit certain décors better than stainless steel but will usually be less durable and might require special maintenance.

What shape do I need?

Our bell pitchers come in various shapes and sizes, but all are made to dispense liquids safely and easily. The main differences you'll need to consider are the aesthetic of the piece and the total volume of liquid the piece can hold. Larger pitchers will enable your servers to make fewer trips to and from the drink station, but they'll also be heavier and potentially harder to carry around than small pitchers. When considering aesthetics, browse through the pictures of different pieces and find the option that you think will best fit your existing setup.