Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

10 best water carafes and bottles

Serve H20 on the table in style with the right vessel

Thursday 12 November 2015 19:40 GMT

With one of these stylish carafes, jugs and bottles, there is no excuse for not serving water at the table. We’ve found a range, all holding at least one litre (so enough for four glasses), and with ten glass and one stoneware option to choose from, they are all an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Each on the list has been chosen for its combination of functionality and looks. Some are designed to be sealed and fit in a fridge door to chill before taking to the table, others are more decorative. They are a variety of shapes and sizes, so if you like to add ice and slices to your water, check added extras will fit through the opening.

1. House by John Lewis: £3, johnlewis.com

If you’re on a budget and are looking for something to add a bit of colour to your table, this 1-litre bottle from John Lewis’s good-value House range is a smart choice.

2. Gluggle Jug: £29.50, glugglejugs.co.uk

A Victorian design, “gurgling" or “gluggle" jugs are a fun addition to mealtimes. Air trapped in the stoneware fish’s tail makes the distinctive glug-glug noise as you pour. They come in loads of colours – cobalt blue is one of the shades produced by Dartmouth Pottery, an original maker of the jugs. Holds 1.3 litres.

3. Sagaform Carafe: £23.50, houseolgy.com

The oak stopper on this one elevates it from simple glass carafe to an elegant piece. It’s hand-blown and will hold one litre of the good stuff (water or wine, that is).

4. Tonfisk Design Shadow Decanter: £45, amazon.co.uk

If you’re worried about marking the table, this protects your furniture and is a conversation-starter. The 1.5-litre carafe sits at an angle on the sleek coaster, which is wooden on one side and painted black on the other – choose what looks best with your set up.

5. Black + Blum Eau Carafe: £26, black-blum.com

The carbon filter in this innovative carafe naturally ousts chemicals from the water, making it taste better. It does what it promises and the hand-blown glass and cork stopper make it a stylish package.

6. Eva Solo Fridge Carafe: £50, houseology.com

The neoprene jacket on this glass carafe keeps what’s inside colder for longer but you can remove it for the table if you prefer the look of plain glass. The neck’s wide enough that you can add ice and a slice for serving, too. It comes in a range of colours and has a 1-litre capacity.

7. LSA Mia Partial Carafe: £10 for 1.2l, £10

We like the simplicity of this one from the glassware specialists made from 100 per cent recycled material. It holds 1.2 litres of water and there are matching tumblers available.

8. Van Verre Carafe: £40, amara.com

Just looking at this decorative, long-necked carafe makes us feel like we’re on a sunny European holiday. Made in Portugal, it comes in eight colours, including this pink vase. Holds a litre.

9. Royal VKB French Carafe and Glasses: £20.99, tesco.com

Talking of European holidays, drink like the French do and store your water in a simple carafe with tough Picardie glasses that stack on top to save cupboard space - it means you can carry the whole lot to the table easily, too.

10. Stelton Cool-it Carafe: £18.20, madeindesign.co.uk

Here’s another 1.5-litre carafe, this time from Danish design brand Stelton. It’s super-simple, with a functional but distinctive rubber lid so you can store it in the fridge. There are coral or grey versions.

Verdict
Given that it comes with four durable glasses, the Royal VKB French carafe is a steal. And thanks to the stackable design, it won’t take up too much space in the kitchen when it’s not in use. For an innovative, eco-friendly option that genuinely will make tap water taste better, we like Black and Blum’s offering.