The Best Beverage Dispensers (Review) in 2020

What to Consider Before Buying Beverage Dispenser

• Capacity and Size

It’s very likely that your next drink dispenser purchase will be used during an event or on a big occasion, so getting the right size for your needs is important. It’s very rare that someone would need a 5 gallon drink dispenser – but it definitely happens. If you’re looking at hosting a larger event, then you should know that you’ll get roughly 16 glasses per gallon (more if you’re looking at glasses of wine, for example). Use this measurement against the capacities given in our Top Picks to work out whether you’ll need to refill your drinks dispenser, and how many glasses you’ll get from each top-up.

Of course, for smaller events, or for general use around the home, there’s nothing wrong with going a little smaller. After all, if you don’t use it regularly, you’ll need to be able to store it and, if you do, you’ll need to find a suitable home for your new beverage dispenser. Look at the dimensions given in your preferred choice, to ensure you can place your new item somewhere suitable around the house.

• Design and Features

The design of your new drinks dispenser should always match the décor of your event – a dispenser that has been designed for kids would look massively out of place at a black tie function, for example. Our Top Picks have all been selected for their wide-ranging ability to match almost any event, so it all comes down to personal preference after this.

The features that your beverage dispenser has will also make a significant difference. For example a standard drinks dispenser with tap is great, but what you’ll be looking for is a leak-free tap that is easy to fix onto the main body of the dispenser, and allows a smooth flow in order to fill your glasses.

Similarly, a beverage dispenser with stand should also be your main port of call, as this will raise the main body away from your table. This makes it easier to fill your glasses while also being more hygienic as there is less likely to be contact with a dirty tablecloth or similar.

The final main feature surround ice and infusers. Most of our Top Picks offer the ability to keep your drinks cool by being able to hold ice in key points of the beverage dispenser, and some even come with a fruit infuser. This allows you to add a greater selection of flavors and tastes to your drinks, allowing you to include an extra je ne sais quoi to your buffet or selection.

• Material

The material you choose will make some minor differences to the look of your new purchase, but can make a major difference in terms of taste and convenience. For example, a glass beverage dispenser will naturally be BPA free, but will also be considerably heavier than a plastic option. If you need to move your dispenser around a lot throughout the night, opt for a BPA-free plastic beverage dispenser to keep your back healthy and make the movements much quicker and easier.

There’s also an important part to play in the material of the spigot. Your drinks dispenser with tap should come with an inert material – meaning that they don’t react when in contact with your drinks. Stainless steel is the best choice, as it is easy to clean and unlikely to rust over time. Plastic is another good choice, but some complain that the flavors and odors can become trapped, altering the taste of your drinks.

Benefits of Drink Dispensers

The main benefit of a drinks dispenser is simply how easy they make hosting an event. Refilling drinks can be a pain that takes you away from the life of the party, if you’re constantly moving back and forth to the kitchen – especially if your guests are a little shy of helping themselves. It also takes away the stress of ensuring everyone has a drink at all times. By using a dispenser, you’re telling your guests to feel free to have as much as they like – and it only requires filling once in a while, if ever.

It also encourages people to use the same glass or cup that they currently have. This not only reduces the stress of cleaning up – often with cups scattered across the floor, as well as washing the dishes – it actually reduces your carbon footprint, if you’re opting for plastic cups.

Overall, a good drink dispenser saves you time and energy, as well as adding a lovely piece of décor to your table. And, after planning a big occasion with your friends, family and loved ones, what could be a better benefit than that?

Our Top Pick

The Buddeez Unbreakable 3-1/2-Gallon Beverage Dispenser with Removable Ice-Cone is easily the best beverage dispenser on the market. It plays host to a snap-on base that ensures complete stability and raises the spigot away from the table for easier pouring, while the spigot itself is non-leaking.

It also looks great for any event or get together, being made of transparent plastic, so it goes with any décor you may be considering. Finally, it’s available at a great price, offering excellent value for money and therefore hits our number one spot as our Top Pick.