Nothing beats a tall glass of sweet tea on a warm day. If you’re making iced tea at home, you’ll want an attractive, durable pitcher to serve it from, whether you’re sitting at the kitchen table or out on the porch.

According to Sara Kaufman, product and innovation manager for Steven Smith Teamaker, a glass iced tea pitcher is best for quality and clarity. Plus, you can even steep tea right in the pitcher.

Glass pitchers, along with those constructed from BPA-free plastic, come in a variety of shapes and sizes and each has individual features for pouring, easier storage, and even infusing fresh fruit into your iced tea.

To find the best iced tea pitchers for everyday use and entertaining, we evaluated choices based on material, shape, size, and design. The iced tea pitchers at the top of the list earned their spot for clever design and durability.

Our Top Picks Best Overall Iced Tea Pitcher: Hiware 64 Ounces Glass Pitcher with Lid at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best Budget Iced Tea Pitcher: Yirilan Glass Pitcher at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best Leakproof Iced Tea Pitcher: County Line Kitchen Mason Jar Pitcher at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Plastic Iced Tea Pitcher: Takeya Pitcher at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best Iced Tea Pitcher for the Fridge: Tribello Slim Pitcher With Lid at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Personalized Iced Tea Pitcher: Mark & Graham Hand-Woven Cane Pitcher at Markandgraham.com ($59) Jump to Review Best Iced Tea Pitcher With Infuser:: Hiware Fruit Infuser Glass Pitcher at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall Iced Tea Pitcher

Hiware 64 Ounces Glass Pitcher with Lid

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Borosilicate glass can withstand temperature changes

Stovetop safe for boiling water directly in the pitcher

Built-in filter top

Non-drip spout

What Could Be Better: Hand washing recommended

Only available in one size

The Hiware Glass Pitcher ranks high on our list thanks to its clever, multi-faceted design. Made from borosilicate glass, it is durable and can withstand extreme temperature changes. The pitcher is heat resistant and stovetop safe up to 300°F, so you can actually boil water straight from the pitcher and allow your tea to steep. 

Once iced tea is made, the stainless steel filter and pour spout keeps any unwanted pieces of fruit, herbs, or ice cubes from getting in your glass. While the pitcher can be cleaned in the dishwasher, the manufacturer recommends hand washing for best care. However, the wide-mouth design makes cleaning simple, especially with the help of the included cleaning brush.

Capacity: 64 ounces | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, hand wash recommended

　　 Best Budget Iced Tea Pitcher

Yirilan Glass Pitcher

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Safe for boiling water up to 302°F

Wide variety of sizes available

Durable borosilicate glass

Dual-spout lid lets you choose between fast pouring or filtration

What Could Be Better: Thin handle is not the most comfortable

This budget-friendly glass pitcher can do it all, from making and serving iced tea to large batch cocktails. Available in nine sizes ranging from 1.5 liters to 3 liters, the pitcher has a measurement guide marked on the exterior.

Constructed from durable borosilicate glass, the pitcher is stovetop safe and can withstand temperatures ranging from -4°F to 302°F. It also features a stainless steel lid with a silicone seal ring, which helps to prevent leaks. With two sides on the pour lid, you can either choose to filter unwanted fruits or use the fast pour spout. It can be stored in the fridge, but the seal is not airtight. 

Capacity: 51-101 ounces | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, hand wash recommended

　　 Best Leakproof Iced Tea Pitcher

County Line Kitchen Mason Jar Pitcher

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Lid has a leakproof silicone seal

Large spout for easy pouring

Easily fits in refrigerator doors

Classic mason jar design

What Could Be Better: Soda lime glass can be sensitive to extreme temperature changes

If you’re someone who loves to make a big batch of iced tea, it’s best to have an iced tea pitcher with a full sealing lid. This pitcher from County Line Kitchen has a mason jar design just like Grandma used to make sun tea, but with some convenient upgrades.

It’s paired with a lid that features a silicone ring, making for a leakproof, airtight seal so your iced tea will stay fresh and you won’t experience any drips while pouring. The thick handle and large spout also allow for fast and easy pouring. Plus, the whole thing will slide right into a refrigerator door. 

Choose from five different colors, along with two different sizes to find the best fit for your needs. Just keep in mind that this pitcher is made from soda lime glass and not borosilicate, so be careful not to expose it to extreme temperature changes. 

Capacity: 32 or 64 ounces | Material: Soda lime glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

　　 Best Plastic Iced Tea Pitcher

Takeya Pitcher

View On Amazon View On Target View On Kohls.com What’s Great About It Lightweight yet shatterproof Tritan body

Airtight lid means it can be stored on its side

Can withstand temperatures from boiling hot to ice-cold

What Could Be Better: May be too tall for some fridge doors or dishwashers

The last thing you want is bland, boring iced tea. Keep your iced tea tasting fresh with an airtight container. This pitcher is designed with a tall, slim BPA-free plastic base that can withstand temperatures from boiling hot to ice-cold. 

The twisting lid with a small handle on the top creates a locking, airtight seal. That way, you can tuck iced tea in the fridge upright or even lay the pitcher down if needed. Once it’s time to enjoy a glass, simply twist the lid up and pour. Because of its durable plastic construction, this iced tea pitcher is also great for use outside or on the go, whether you’re at the pool or heading to a picnic. It’s also top-rack dishwasher safe, but just note that it may be too tall for some dishwashers. 

Capacity: 32 or 64 ounces | Material: Tritan with non-slip silicone handle | Dishwasher Safe: Top rack only

　　 Best Iced Tea Pitcher for the Fridge

Tribello Slim Pitcher With Lid

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Slim design makes it easy to store in the fridge

Holds 1 gallon

Large handle and wide-mouth spout for easy pouring

What Could Be Better: Push-button lid may be difficult to open

While many iced tea pitchers are designed with easy pouring and serving in mind, they’re not the perfect fit for a fridge. If you love to keep a batch on hand, this gallon pitcher is a great option. It’s made from BPA-free clear plastic and holds a lot of liquid.

However, even with such a large capacity, the clever slim design makes it easier to fit in the fridge, especially if you’re limited on space. It’s leakproof and has a lid that opens once you push the button to release the flip top. The large handle and wide-mouth spout make it easy to pour everything from iced tea to fresh juice.

 Capacity: 128 ounces | Material: BPA-free plastic | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

　　 Best Personalized Iced Tea Pitcher

Mark & Graham Hand-Woven Cane Pitcher

View On Markandgraham.com What’s Great About It Stylish, party-ready design

Wide-mouth opening

Sandblasted monogram

What Could Be Better: No lid

Hand-wash only

This 32-ounce iced tea pitcher from Mark & Graham is dressed up and ready for any day, whether you’re sipping tea in the sunshine or hosting a backyard barbecue. It’s made from hand-blown glass to create an attractive design with a large handle. It has a wide-mouth opening and a spout for easy pouring. The pitcher is wrapped with hand-woven, natural fiber cane and can be personalized by adding a sandblasted monogram to make it your own to use for entertaining for years to come.

Capacity: 32 ounces | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: Hand-wash only

　　 Best Iced Tea Pitcher With Infuser:

Hiware Fruit Infuser Glass Pitcher

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Detachable infuser

Strainer lid to prevent pouring fruit or ice

Durable borosilicate glass

What Could Be Better: Thin handle

Hoping to get creative with your iced tea flavors? Infusing fruit into your beverage is a great way to add a new depth of flavor. The problem? You don’t necessarily want chunks of soggy fruit floating in your drink. This iced tea pitcher with a built-in infuser makes it that much simpler. It is constructed from sturdy borosilicate glass that’s heat resistant so you can add hot water or ice to it. Fill the infuser with berries, citrus, or mint, and the straining lid will keep everything in for a flavorful, smooth pour.

Capacity: 64 ounces | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, hand wash recommended

　　 The Bottom Line

Our Best Overall pick, the Hiware Glass Pitcher, provides plenty of room for iced tea in a heat-resistant glass design. You can boil water straight from the pitcher for brewing iced tea, and it has a filtered lid and pour spout for easy serving. The Yirilan Glass Pitcher, our Best Budget pick, has a lot of very similar qualities, with a slightly different overall design and a price point that comes in a few dollars cheaper.

　　 Tips for Choosing the Best Iced Tea Pitcher

Material & Durability Most glass iced tea pitchers are made from borosilicate glass, which is a strong, durable type of glass that is particularly versatile when it comes to temperature changes. Others may be made from BPA-free plastic or soda lime glass, the latter of which typically isn’t heat treated. To find the best iced tea pitcher, look for materials that can withstand temperature changes if you plan to make iced tea straight in the pitcher. It's also important to consider durability, especially if you plan to use the pitcher for outdoor entertaining.

Capacity The capacity of iced tea pitchers ranges, but most hold 64 fluid ounces, or a half gallon. Choose a large enough iced tea pitcher to hold plenty of liquid for entertaining, but one that isn’t too large to handle or store.

Functionality Can the iced tea pitcher do everything you want it to? Some are meant to be used to make iced tea right in the pitcher, while others are meant to simply store and pour iced tea and other beverages. You may also want an iced tea pitcher with a built-in strainer or fruit infuser.

Design Keep the ease of pouring in mind when choosing an iced tea pitcher. Does it have a handle? Does it have a pour spout? An ergonomic design will make it much simpler to fill multiple glasses from a heavy pitcher.

Care Consider whether an iced tea pitcher is dishwasher safe or not. Many can be put in the dishwasher, but the manufacturer still recommends hand washing for the best care and longevity of the pitcher.

　　 Questions and Answers

Can you make iced tea in a glass pitcher? You can choose to make iced tea straight in your pitcher, depending on its material. If you have a glass pitcher, you can steep your tea right in the pitcher. Kaufman suggests steeping your tea in just enough hot water to fully submerge the sachet for maximum extraction of flavor. “Remove the sachet and add cold water after steeping to ‘water up’ to your desired volume,” she adds.

Which is better, a glass or plastic pitcher? Durable glass is the best option for an iced tea pitcher. “Ceramic and stainless steel also work great for steeping, but you can’t see the beautiful tea steeping, so glass is ideal,” says Kaufman.

How big of a pitcher do you need? It’s important to find a pitcher that will fit your day-to-day needs, as well as any entertaining plans. Kaufman suggests a 1-quart pitcher for personal use and a 2-quart pitcher for entertaining. If you can only choose one, it’s best to opt for the larger pitcher for more versatility across all occasions.

　　 Why Trust Southern Living?

This article was written by Molly Allen, a food, lifestyle, and commerce writer. Molly formerly owned and managed a bakery and coffee shop. To find the best iced tea pitchers Molly used her own knowledge from years spent testing products in commercial and home kitchens, along with research. For additional expert insight, she spoke to Sara Kaufman, product and innovation manager for Steven Smith Teamaker.