When purchasing, consumers primarily consider what material a product is made of. Is it made of plastic? Is it BPA-Free? Is it made of easily breakable glass? Or is it made of non-corrosive metal? Can the family use this for a long time? Knowing the material of the product is important.
Though the topic on various materials used in kitchenware is very broad, let’s break it down to the field of jugs and pitchers. Most common material types are plastic, metal and glass. Now, let’s break down which among these three types of pitcher is the most appropriate for you to use.
Plastic
Pros:
Probably the cheapest to produce among the major materials available. Thus many kitchenwares of this material type are sold inexpensively. Plastic Glass jugs are also the more practical choice when it comes to traveling or while being mobile because of its high shatter resistance when dropped. It is also significantly more lightweight than glass or metal. Commercially, plastic is classified between standard or high grade models. High grade plastic often has better resistance to heat & scratches, more durable and safer to use than the low-grade ones that have high risks of leaching. So watch out for the labels when buying your next plastic pitcher.
Cons:
Many standard plastics are more prone to mechanical stress, staining & odor retention over time. Safety-wise, there have been innumerable cases of chemicals leaching from the plastic such as BPA (Bisphenol A) which is a common compound present in polycarbonate plastic. This BPA compound can negatively affect one’s health, that’s why the FDA has always prompted consumers to watch out for the label when buying plastic wares. Plastic also has a low recycling rate. The EPA Data in 2012 showed that only 14% of plastic containers were recycled, the rest is a staggering 12 million tons of containers disposed. This is bad news for the environment as plastic is a known contributor to Greenhouse Gas emissions. Plastic is also a little bit on the downside when measured in product longevity. Plastic is more prone to obsolescence since it turns yellowish after extended use and will take a very long time to weather down, making it the most unsustainable choice. Many plastic materials are thrown into landfills and take 700 years before to decompose.
Metal
Metallic pitchers are dubbed to be extremely durable because of their high corrosion resistance qualities. Many are not easily dented. But still depending on impact and care in handling, all these materials are prone to dents and breakage. Insulation-wise, it is top of line in heat or cold retention for many beverages. For safety reasons however, it is advised to always choose pitchers made from food grade stainless steel. They are usually labeled #304 or 18/8. The Pykal Thermal Carafe for example is a highly rated stainless steel carafe that has lab-tested 24 hour thermal insulation properties.
Known to be the most durable between the three common material types, this type of pitchers are typically pricey because of the high cost of production. Depending on the occasion, some prefer to have a clear view of their drinks which is not possible with stainless steel types.
Glass
Glass materials last a lifetime. Why do we say so? The numbers say it all: The recycling rate of glass is unlimited and it’s even advisable to use it over and over again in the long run compared to plastic and metal pitchers. It is made from natural materials that will not degrade over time. Safety-wise, glass is definitely safer than plastic. In general, the non-porous surface of glass allows it to be non-absorbent of food odors, germs and stains. It even repels residual flavors & aroma from the last beverage! Now you won’t have to worry about leaching chemicals. The taste of your beverage is just superior to drinks stored in plastic. Don’t gamble your health as well and you’re rest assured to have played it safe when you choose the glass option compared to plastic especially when heating is involved.
Though that’s what we have to say with glass in general. However, the Borosilicate Food-Safe Glass is even on a way different level that ordinary glass. Borosilicate Glass allows you to move drinks from fridge to stovetop back and forth with less risk of cracking or breaking. It has been proven time and time again that borosilicate glass will not burst when subjected to heat at boiling point. It has the durability advantage when compared to other conventional glass types because of its high thermal and corrosion resistance.
The Pykal Glass Pitcher is a fine piece of jug that will not break when exposed to high or low temperatures. Constructed with premium Borosilicate glass, you are assured that you only have top of line glass in your kitchen. The clear glass pitcher is constructed with high level of structural integrity. With properties like glass-lined steel, its corrosion resistance to water, coffee, tea , acidic solutions & mixtures is superior to that of other metals & materials. Stainless Steel & Copper for example are prone to scratching while our glass jug dispenser can withstand scratches, cracks, impacts & shocks while still having that beautiful finish.
The Bottom Line:
Truly, plastic, metal and glass may be differentiated greatly when it comes to durability, weight, clearness & inherent properties. Amidst these differences, the final decision would still boil down to the user’s preferences, look and style.