Have you ever wondered what the differences between decanters and carafes are? While both are meant to hold liquids, they are specifically designed for individual tasks. Noting the differences between decanters and carafes ensures that you use them the correct way, so you can fully appreciate your beverages. When might one need to use a decanter vs. carafe? Read on to learn why.

Decanter vs. Carafe

Have you ever been out to dinner and noticed a decanter’s funky shape? The slender look to a carafe? There are scientific reasons for these designs that play into the taste of what the decanter or carafe is holding! See the above illustration to spot the differences between a decanter and a carafe, and keep reading to learn more about the purpose of each type of drinkware and when to use a decanter vs. carafe.

What Is a Decanter?

Decanters are specifically designed to aerate then hold whiskey or wine. They are designed with a unique shape that is wide around the middle and flat on the bottom to facilitate the process of aeration. Aeration is exposing air to liquid so the complex flavors and aromas are at their peak and you can taste the beverage in its best form. Whiskey and wine is typically bottled and aged, so pouring your vintage selection into a decanter helps the liquid to become oxygenated in a way that gives you the true taste and smell of your drink.

Wine Decanter: Wine decanters are designed to improve the taste of the liquid. These decanters are taller and wider to allow more room for air to seep into the glass to aerate the wine to develop its complex flavors. Because of this, you can find a plethora of unique designs for your aged wine. Unlike whiskey decanters, a wine decanter does not come from a stopper since you want the liquid to breathe and get as much air as possible.

Whiskey Decanter: A whiskey decanter is different from a wine decanter for several reasons. First, whiskey decanters have a very different size and shape. Whiskey decanters are typically a lot smaller and more square, whereas wine decanters are taller and have several shape options. Whiskey decanters also have a stopper to keep air from getting into the decanter. You technically do not need a decanter to improve the taste of whiskey, so these decanters are more for aesthetic purposes since the crystal or glass accentuates the amber color of the liquid. Most whiskey decanters are meant for decoration and to add style or class to your barware area for a more elaborate setup.

Tip!

To learn more about the types of decanters and their features, check out our guide: What Is a Decanter?

What Is a Carafe?

A carafe’s purpose is not as specific as a decanter. Simply put, carafes can hold any type of liquid and they are not responsible for enhancing or altering taste or smell since they are mainly used to serve drinks. You can use a carafe to hold water, juice, and even salad dressing. Most carafes come in the same glass and crystal material as decanters, but carafes can also be made with other materials. For a non-breakable material, try a plastic or acrylic carafe. A stainless steel material is best for serving large quantities of hot coffee since the inside is insulated to keep the coffee hot. Porcelain china and ceramic carafes can be used to add elegant decoration to your table thanks to the beautiful colors and prints on the outside of the material. Since most carafes come with lids, your carafes can be stored in the refrigerator to keep your beverage cold.

Now that you know more about decanter vs. carafe, it’s time to shop!

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