Buying guide for best infusion pitchers
We all know that water is beneficial for our bodies and we should drink around four pints a day, but how many of us actually do so? If you're struggling to drink enough plain water, an infusion pitcher might be the answer. Water infused with the flavor of fresh fruits is far more palatable, so you're more likely to drink enough to make your body happy. Infusion pitchers can also aid some people in kicking sugary sodas. Sure, it's not the same as sipping on a cola, but you might find you prefer the refreshing flavor of fruit infusions. What's more, infusion pitchers can also be used to prepare iced tea.
Now all you need to do is consider what you want from an infusion pitcher. Do you want a plastic pitcher or a glass one? What types of infuser rods will fit your needs? And what size will be convenient while also holding enough water for the whole family? Read on for our full guide to infusion pitchers.
Key considerations
Size
First, think about the capacity of any infusion pitcher you're considering. They can range in size from not much more than a quart to a full gallon. If you have a large family or regularly entertain, choose a large enough pitcher to fit your needs. Likewise if you simply don't want to refill it too often. Also, consider the dimensions and whether it will fit inside your fridge. Some are slim enough to put in the refrigerator door, but larger models will need to go on a shelf. In this case, they must not be too tall for your fridge's shelf height.
Pitcher material
Plastic is the most common pitcher material since it's lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. However, you can also find glass infusion pitchers. Although glass is more likely to break if dropped, it's aesthetically pleasing and completely non-porous, so there's no chance that the flavor of strong infusions will linger. It also appeals to people who prefer to avoid plastics where possible.
Infuser rod
The infuser rod, sometimes known as the "core," is a long perforated basket that sits inside the pitcher and holds in the ingredients you wish to infuse. There are three main types: standard infusers, loose tea infusers, and ice cores. Standard infusers have medium-sized holes in them, which are great for infusing fruit or bagged tea. Loose tea infusers are made from fine mesh so that loose tea won't migrate out into your water. Ice cores are technically not infusers since they're not permeable. Rather, they hold ice inside to cool the contents of the pitcher without diluting it. You can switch to an ice core once your water is adequately infused.
Features
Rapid cool
Some infusion pitchers have a rapid cool or "flash chill" option for quickly cooling beverages — even hot ones. This generally involves adding ice or an ice core and shaking.
Non-slip handle
You may want to buy an infusion pitcher with a non-slip handle. While this feature might not make or break the purchase for the majority of consumers, it's a helpful addition if you have any issues with your grip strength or if your kids will be pouring their own drinks from the pitcher.
No-spill lid
You can find infusion pitchers with no-spill lids that completely seal the top, including the spout. This is great if you want to shake your infusion pitcher to cool the contents or to speed up the infusion. It also means you can take your pitcher on picnics or similar outings.
"You can find infusion pitchers that include added extras, such as ice cube makers or reusable straws. "
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Price
Infusion pitchers are quite affordable, with the majority being priced between $10 and $35. The cheapest models cost between $10 and $15, and these tend to be fairly basic, usually with a small capacity and only one type of core. Mid-range infusion pitchers cost between $15 and $25. You can find some quality pitchers in this price range, but you may need to shop around a little for the best models. High-end infusion pitchers cost roughly $25 to $35. At this price point, they tend to have large capacities and multiple infuser rods. There are some great glass pitchers in this category.
Tips
- Choose a pitcher size based on how many people will be drinking from it. A smaller pitcher might fit neatly in your refrigerator door, but the capacity won't be large enough for a family of five.
- Think about how often you'll use your infusion pitcher. Will this be something you use daily or just get out now and again? It's worth going to the high end of your budget if you'll use your infusion pitcher regularly.
- Find out whether your chosen infusion pitcher is dishwasher safe. This will allow for easier cleanup, especially if the infuser rods can go in the dishwasher too.
- Consider flavor profiles when choosing what to infuse. Mint and lemon might make for a refreshing choice, but mint and orange would probably taste strange. Consider whether the ingredients you're putting in your infuser rod will taste nice together.
FAQ
Q. Can I prepare hot drinks in an infusion pitcher?
A. Sometimes you might want to make hot drinks in an infusion pitcher or brew hot tea with the intention of chilling it, since tea infuses quite slowly in cold water. While this is possible in some infusion pitchers, it's certainly not an option for all of them. Always check that your chosen infusion pitcher can safely hold hot water before you purchase if you intend to use it for hot drinks.
Q. Do infusion pitchers contain BPA?
A. A large number of consumers are concerned about the health implications of BPA leaching into food and drink, so you're not alone if you want a BPA-free option. Glass pitchers are inherently BPA-free, though it doesn't mean the infuser rod is, so be sure to check this. Plastic and acrylic infusion pitchers can contain BPA, but they're often BPA-free since many people wish to avoid this substance in products that will touch their food or drink.
Q. What can I put in my infusion pitcher to flavor my water with?
A. Now that you've got your infusion pitcher, what should you infuse your water with? Berries are perhaps the most popular option, but you can use any fruit from fresh and zingy citrus to sweet apple slices. You can mix fruits or just use one type depending on your preferences. Herbs such as mint are also popular, as is cucumber, for a refreshing flavor. You can also infuse tea, either in tea bags or lose if you have a fine mesh infuser rod.
