A decanter does two jobs. It gives a young red room to breathe, so a tight, tannic bottle has a chance to soften before dinner, and it lets you pour an older red off its sediment so the gritty part stays behind in the bottle. It also looks good on the table, which is not nothing when you have opened something special, say a red from Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe to go with carne asada or mole.
Decanters range from simple carafes to sculpted crystal. The differences that matter at home are capacity, the width of the base, what the glass is made of and how hard the thing is to clean. This guide explains those choices and names nine decanters worth buying, from a dishwasher-safe Riedel to a borosilicate decanter that pours leftovers back into the bottle.
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Quick verdict: which wine decanter to buy
For most people, the best wine decanter is the Riedel Merlot Decanter: it holds a standard 750 ml bottle, is made of crystal glass and is dishwasher safe, according to Riedel, which calls it its essential starter decanter. If you want the widest base for aerating young reds, choose the Stölzle Lausitz Classic Red Wine Decanter, mouth-blown from lead-free crystal according to the maker. To pour unfinished wine back into the bottle, the Wine Enthusiast Recanter does it without a funnel.
Below are five standouts side by side, then all nine decanters reviewed in full.
Five wine decanters compared
One pick for each kind of wine drinker, with the capacity, material and care each maker or listing states. All nine decanters are reviewed in full below.
| Decanter | Best for | Capacity & material | Cleaning (per maker) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Riedel Merlot DecanterBest overall
|
A first decanter | 750 ml, crystal glass | Dishwasher safe | View on Amazon |
Stölzle Lausitz Classic Red Wine DecanterBest wide base
|
Aerating young reds | 25.25 fl oz, lead-free crystal | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Spiegelau Graal Decanter, 1 LiterBest lead-free for the dishwasher
|
Everyday use, easy care | 1 liter, lead-free crystal | Dishwasher safe | View on Amazon |
Wine Enthusiast Recanter Wine Breather DecanterBest for leftovers
|
Pouring unfinished wine back | 850 ml, borosilicate glass | Not stated | View on Amazon |
YouYah 1300 ml Wine Decanter SetBest accessory set
|
Cleaning and drying made easier | 1300 ml, lead-free crystal | Cleaning beads and drying stand included | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Materials and care are as stated by each maker or listing; “lead-free” is the maker’s own claim. Check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best wine decanter
These nine decanters cover the main shapes and materials: a classic crystal starter decanter, wide-based decanters for young reds, a large one for magnums, borosilicate glass, an aerating system and two sets that come with a stopper or cleaning tools. For crystal, each pick says whether the maker calls it lead-free; where a maker does not say, we say so.
1. Riedel Merlot Decanter – A Dishwasher-Safe Starter
Riedel, a family-owned glassmaker, calls the Merlot Decanter its essential starter decanter. It is made to hold a standard 750 ml bottle, stands about 9.4 inches tall and is 4.5 inches across at its widest, according to Riedel’s product page.
The big practical point is care. This is one of Riedel’s machine-made decanters, and Riedel says it is dishwasher safe, which most hand-blown crystal decanters are not. Riedel recommends its bottle cleaner for removing stains. The material is described as crystal glass. Riedel’s FAQ says that since 2015 it has made only crystal glass that does not use lead oxide as a principal ingredient; we found no explicit lead-free statement for this decanter.
The shape is a simple, slim carafe with a narrow neck, which makes it easy to pour from and easy to store. Because the base is fairly narrow, it gives the wine less surface area than a wide-bottomed decanter, so it suits young reds that need a little air rather than a lot.
Why we like it
- Holds a standard 750 ml bottle
- Dishwasher safe, according to Riedel
- Machine-made for consistency
- Simple shape is easy to pour
Key specifications
| Decanter | Riedel Merlot Decanter, 1440/14 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 750 ml recommended volume |
| Material (as stated) | Crystal glass, machine-made; lead content not stated |
| Shape/base width | Slim carafe, 4.5 in at widest; 9.4 in tall |
| Ease of cleaning | Dishwasher safe; bottle cleaner recommended |
| Accessories | None |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone buying a first decanter who wants a name they can trust and a piece that can go in the dishwasher.
Skip it if you want a lead-free claim in writing or a very wide base for big young reds.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Right size for one bottle
- Easy to pour and store
Cons
- Lead content not stated
- Narrower base, less surface area
2. Stölzle Lausitz Classic Red Wine Decanter – The Widest Base Here
Stölzle Lausitz makes glassware in Weißwasser, Germany, and its Classic decanter is the low, wide shape most people picture when they think of decanting a red. The listing gives it as 8.5 inches tall and 8.25 inches in diameter, which spreads a full bottle into a shallow pool with a large surface open to the air.
It holds an entire bottle (25.25 fluid ounces), is mouth-blown, and is made from what Stölzle calls 100 percent lead-free crystal glass. The fine-cut rim is meant for a smooth pour. Stölzle also markets it for mature reds, since decanting lets you leave the sediment behind in the bottle.
A wide decanter takes more care to clean, because you cannot reach the bottom with a hand. The listing does not give cleaning instructions; plan on rinsing with warm water and using a decanter brush or cleaning beads.
Why we like it
- 8.25-inch diameter for maximum surface area
- Mouth-blown, lead-free crystal, per Stölzle
- Holds a full 750 ml bottle
- Made in Germany
Key specifications
| Decanter | Stölzle Lausitz Classic Red Wine Decanter |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 25.25 fl oz (one bottle) |
| Material (as stated) | Lead-free crystal glass, mouth-blown |
| Shape/base width | Low and wide, 8.25 in diameter; 8.5 in tall |
| Ease of cleaning | Not stated; wide base needs a brush or beads |
| Accessories | None |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who mainly drinks young, full-bodied reds and wants the most air for the wine.
Skip it if shelf space is tight; a wide decanter takes room and is harder to clean.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very wide base
- Lead-free claim from the maker
- Mouth-blown in Germany
Cons
- No cleaning guidance on the listing
- Takes up space
3. Spiegelau Graal Decanter, 1 Liter – Lead-Free and Dishwasher-Safe
Spiegelau keeps the Graal listing short and to the point: made in Germany, lead-free crystal, a thin, laser-cut and polished rim, high breakage resistance and dishwasher safe. Those last two are exactly what you want in a decanter that will be used on ordinary weeknights, not just holidays.
It holds 1 liter, which leaves room above a standard 750 ml bottle so the wine is not filled to the neck. The listing does not give its dimensions or describe the base, so check the photos to make sure it suits your shelf. If you want both a written lead-free claim and the convenience of the dishwasher, this is the one to choose.
Why we like it
- Lead-free crystal, per Spiegelau
- Dishwasher safe
- High breakage resistance, per the listing
- 1-liter size leaves headroom over a bottle
Key specifications
| Decanter | Spiegelau Graal Decanter, model 5250250 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 liter |
| Material (as stated) | Lead-free crystal, made in Germany |
| Shape/base width | Not stated |
| Ease of cleaning | Dishwasher safe |
| Accessories | None |
Why we recommend it
It suits people who want to decant often without hand washing crystal every time.
Skip it if you want precise dimensions before buying; the listing gives none.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lead-free and dishwasher safe
- Breakage-resistant, per Spiegelau
- Room to spare over one bottle
Cons
- Very short listing
- Size and shape not described
4. Le Chateau Crystal Wine Decanter – Slanted Spout, Wide Body
Le Chateau’s decanter is hand-blown from what the maker calls lead-free crystal glass. It is designed for a full 750 ml bottle, and the listing says its wide diameter gives the wine plenty of surface area. The top is cut at a slant, which forms the spout and, according to the listing, makes the wide mouth easy to pour from and to clean.
Le Chateau describes it as having a built-in aerator; in practice that is the shape, not a separate part, so there is nothing extra to wash. The company offers a lifetime replacement policy: if you have any issue with the decanter, it says it will send a free replacement. The listing does not say whether it is dishwasher safe, so hand wash it to be safe.
Why we like it
- Hand-blown lead-free crystal, per Le Chateau
- Wide body for a full 750 ml bottle
- Slanted spout and wide mouth
- Lifetime replacement policy
Key specifications
| Decanter | Le Chateau Crystal Wine Decanter |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 750 ml |
| Material (as stated) | Lead-free crystal glass, hand-blown |
| Shape/base width | Wide body, slanted top (width not stated) |
| Ease of cleaning | Wide mouth; dishwasher use not stated |
| Accessories | None |
Why we recommend it
It suits an everyday red-wine drinker who wants hand-blown lead-free crystal backed by a replacement promise.
Skip it if you want exact dimensions; the listing does not give the width.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lifetime replacement
- Wide mouth for cleaning
- No separate parts
Cons
- Width not stated
- Dishwasher use not stated
5. Wine Enthusiast Recanter Wine Breather Decanter – Pours Back into the Bottle
The Recanter solves the most common decanter problem: what to do with the wine you did not finish. You fit it upside down onto the open bottle and flip both over, so the wine runs into the decanter; when you are done, you flip it back and the leftover wine returns to the bottle, according to Wine Enthusiast. A stainless steel and silicone stopper seals the connection so it does not spill.
It holds 850 ml, which fits a full bottle with room to spare, and has a wide, flared base. It is made of borosilicate glass, which Wine Enthusiast describes as heat-resistant and lighter than crystal. The listing does not give cleaning instructions.
Why we like it
- Decants and rebottles without a funnel
- Stainless and silicone stopper, per the listing
- Lightweight borosilicate glass
- 850 ml with a wide, flared base
Key specifications
| Decanter | Wine Enthusiast Recanter, model 765 97 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 850 ml |
| Material (as stated) | Borosilicate glass |
| Shape/base width | Wide, flared base (width not stated) |
| Ease of cleaning | Not stated |
| Accessories | Stainless steel and silicone stopper |
Why we recommend it
It suits a household that often opens a bottle and drinks only a glass or two, and wants to decant without wasting the rest.
Skip it if you decant older wines for sediment; flipping a bottle stirs it up.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to return leftovers to the bottle
- Light and sturdy glass
- Room for a full bottle
Cons
- Not suited to sediment
- Cleaning not described
6. Rabbit Pura Decanting System – Aerates In, Filters Out
Rabbit’s Pura is a glass decanter that comes with an aerator that sits in its mouth. You pour the wine through the aerator into the decanter, where it cascades down the sides, and then leave the aerator in place so it filters the wine as you pour it out, according to Rabbit. That makes it a two-way tool: air on the way in, a screen on the way out.
It holds up to a 750 ml bottle. Rabbit describes it only as glass, with no crystal or lead-free claim, and says it is hand washable. If you already own an aerator, you may not need this; if you are starting from nothing and like the idea of filtering, it covers both jobs.
Why we like it
- Aerator included and fitted
- Filters as you pour out, per Rabbit
- Holds a full 750 ml bottle
Key specifications
| Decanter | Rabbit Pura Decanting System, model R2-14235 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 750 ml |
| Material (as stated) | Glass |
| Shape/base width | Not stated |
| Ease of cleaning | Hand washable |
| Accessories | Aerator/filter |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a decanter and an aerator in one purchase, with a filter for cork bits and sediment.
Skip it if you want crystal; Rabbit lists it simply as glass.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Aerator and filter in one
- Full-bottle capacity
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Glass, not crystal
- Extra part to wash
7. Ravenscroft Large Wine Decanter, 66 oz – Room for a Magnum
Ravenscroft’s large decanter holds 66 fluid ounces, more than a 1.5-liter magnum (about 50.7 ounces), so it suits big bottles or a party where two standard bottles go into one vessel. The broad base gives a large surface area, which Ravenscroft says helps wine aerate quickly.
It is hand-blown in Europe from what Ravenscroft calls 100 percent lead-free crystal, and it comes with a solid crystal ball stopper and a gift box. The listing also markets it for spirits, which is why the stopper is included. Care instructions are not on the listing; a decanter this size will need a brush or cleaning beads and plenty of space to dry upside down.
Why we like it
- 66 fl oz, enough for a magnum
- Wide base, per Ravenscroft
- Lead-free crystal, hand-blown in Europe
- Crystal stopper and gift box
Key specifications
| Decanter | Ravenscroft wide-base decanter, model W2737 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 66 fl oz |
| Material (as stated) | 100% lead-free crystal, hand-blown in Europe |
| Shape/base width | Wide base (width not stated) |
| Ease of cleaning | Not stated |
| Accessories | Crystal ball stopper, gift box |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who opens magnums or hosts larger dinners and wants one decanter for the table.
Skip it if you usually open a single 750 ml bottle; the wine will sit low in a vessel this big.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Magnum capacity
- Stopper included
- Lead-free claim from the maker
Cons
- Large and heavy to clean
- Care not stated
8. Bormioli Rocco Loto Decanter, 1.5 Liters – Teardrop Shape with a Stopper
Bormioli Rocco’s Loto decanter is made in Italy, according to the listing. It has a teardrop shape and an airtight glass stopper that is easy to grasp and remove. The listing gives its size as 1.5 liters (42 ounces on the title), so it holds a standard bottle with plenty of room.
Bormioli says the shape mimics the curves of a wine decanter and that it suits red wine as well as whiskey, brandy and other spirits. It is described as glass, with no crystal or lead-free claim on the listing. A stopper is handy if you decant ahead of time and want to keep dust out until dinner. The listing does not give cleaning instructions.
Why we like it
- Airtight glass stopper, per the listing
- Made in Italy
- Generous capacity
Key specifications
| Decanter | Bormioli Rocco Loto Decanter |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.5 liters (42 oz per title) |
| Material (as stated) | Glass, made in Italy |
| Shape/base width | Teardrop (width not stated) |
| Ease of cleaning | Not stated |
| Accessories | Glass stopper |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants one handsome glass vessel for wine and, now and then, a spirit, with a stopper to cover it.
Skip it if you specifically want crystal; Bormioli lists this as glass.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stopper included
- Works for wine or spirits
- Made in Italy
Cons
- Capacity figures on the listing do not match exactly
- Cleaning not stated
9. YouYah 1300 ml Wine Decanter Set – Stand, Beads and Lid Included
The hard part of owning a decanter is cleaning and drying it, and YouYah’s set includes the tools for both. It comes with stainless steel cleaning beads that you swirl inside with water to scrub the bottom, a drying stand to hang the decanter upside down, and an aerator lid, according to the listing.
The decanter holds 1300 ml and is hand-made from lead-free crystal, per YouYah. Its design lets you pour wine in from the bottle and back again, aerating it each way. YouYah claims this gives the effect of a half-hour in a traditional decanter in about three to five minutes; that is the maker’s claim, and how much air a wine needs varies from bottle to bottle.
Why we like it
- Drying stand and cleaning beads included
- Aerator lid included
- Lead-free crystal, per YouYah
- 1300 ml capacity
Key specifications
| Decanter | YouYah Wine Decanter Set, 1300 ml |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1300 ml |
| Material (as stated) | Lead-free crystal, hand-made |
| Shape/base width | Not stated |
| Ease of cleaning | Stainless cleaning beads and drying stand included |
| Accessories | Drying stand, cleaning beads, aerator lid |
Why we recommend it
It suits a first-time decanter owner who wants everything needed to clean and dry it in one box, or a gift.
Skip it if you only want the decanter; the stand and lid take extra storage space.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Complete cleaning kit
- Large capacity
- Lead-free claim from the maker
Cons
- Speed claims are the maker’s
- More pieces to store
When and how to decant a red
Wine Spectator’s Decanting 101 gives the two main reasons: separating an older wine from its sediment, and giving a young, closed wine air so its aromas and flavors show more fully. It says it is fairly safe to assume a red will have thrown some sediment after five to ten years in the bottle, while white wines rarely do.
For a wine with sediment, Wine Spectator suggests standing the bottle upright for at least 24 hours so the sediment settles, then pouring slowly and steadily into a clean decanter with a light under the bottle’s neck, stopping when the sediment reaches the neck. Old or fragile wines, especially those 15 years or older, should be decanted only about 30 minutes before drinking. Younger, full-bodied reds can go in an hour or more ahead, and longer if they still seem closed.
Most of the wine people open at home is young, and that is where a decanter, or a wide-bottomed carafe, does the most good. A young, full-bodied red poured alongside grilled meat, whether it comes from Valle de Guadalupe or anywhere else, is the kind of wine Wine Spectator suggests decanting an hour or more ahead.
How to choose a wine decanter
Capacity. A standard bottle is 750 ml (about 25.4 fluid ounces). A decanter of 750 ml to 1 liter fits one bottle; choose a larger one, like the Ravenscroft, only if you open magnums or decant two bottles for a crowd.
Base width. A wide, low decanter spreads the wine thin and exposes more of it to air, which suits young, tannic reds. A slimmer carafe suits lighter or older wines that need less air, and it is easier to clean and store.
Crystal or glass, and lead. Crystal is valued for its clarity and fine rim; borosilicate glass, which Wine Enthusiast uses, is lighter and heat-resistant. Traditional lead crystal typically contains 24 to 32 percent lead oxide, according to McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, which says serving drinks from a lead crystal decanter is no problem but that beverages should not be stored in one, because tiny amounts of lead can leach out over time. Several decanters here, from Stölzle, Spiegelau, Le Chateau, Ravenscroft and YouYah, are described by their makers as lead-free crystal. Riedel describes the Merlot decanter as crystal glass without stating its lead content, and Rabbit and Bormioli list theirs as glass. If lead matters to you, choose one with a written lead-free claim, and in any case use a decanter for serving, not for storing wine.
Cleaning. Few decanters are dishwasher safe; the Riedel Merlot and Spiegelau Graal are exceptions, according to their makers. For the rest, rinse with warm water right after use, use a decanter brush or cleaning beads for stains, and dry it upside down.
Accessories. A stopper keeps dust out if you decant ahead. A built-in aerator or funnel adds air as you pour; our guide to the best wine aerator covers those on their own.
Pour with care. A decanter makes it easy to lose track of how much has been poured. The NIAAA counts 5 fluid ounces of 12 percent wine as one standard drink, so a 750 ml bottle holds about five. Keep water on the table and plan the ride home.
How we selected these nine decanters
We started from what a restaurant table asks of a decanter: it holds a bottle, pours cleanly, survives regular washing and does not make claims it cannot back up. We then looked at decanters sold on Amazon in the United States by identifiable glassmakers, checked that each was in stock when we wrote this and took every specification from the maker’s listing or the maker’s own product page. We covered different shapes, sizes and materials rather than several look-alike carafes, and we recorded each maker’s exact wording on lead. For decanting technique we read Wine Spectator’s Decanting 101. Several Riedel decanters, including the Cabernet, and two Spiegelau models showed limited or future availability when we checked, so they are not here. We have not used these products ourselves; where a maker does not state something, we say so.
Wine decanter questions, answered
What is the best kind of wine decanter?
For most people, a simple crystal or glass decanter that holds one bottle and is easy to clean, such as the Riedel Merlot. If you mostly drink young, bold reds, a wide-based decanter like the Stölzle Classic gives the wine more air.
Which wine decanter brands are best?
Riedel, Spiegelau and Stölzle Lausitz are established glassmakers with clear specifications. Ravenscroft, Le Chateau and YouYah state lead-free crystal, and Wine Enthusiast and Rabbit offer useful designs. Choose by capacity, shape and care rather than brand alone.
Is a decanter the same as an aerator?
No. A decanter holds the whole bottle, gives it air over time and lets you leave sediment behind. An aerator adds air as you pour. Some decanters, like the Rabbit Pura, include one.
What about lead in crystal decanters?
Traditional lead crystal contains lead oxide, and McGill University’s Office for Science and Society says drinks can be served from lead crystal decanters but should not be stored in them. If that concerns you, choose a decanter its maker describes as lead-free, such as the Stölzle, Spiegelau, Le Chateau, Ravenscroft or YouYah picks, or one made of glass or borosilicate glass.
How long should wine sit in a decanter?
Wine Spectator suggests about 30 minutes for old or fragile wines and an hour or more for younger, full-bodied reds. Taste as you go; there is no single right time.
Do you need to decant white wine?
Rarely. Whites seldom form sediment, according to Wine Spectator, though a young, full-bodied white can open up in a decanter too.
The decanter we would set on the table
Buy the Riedel Merlot if you want a dependable first decanter that goes in the dishwasher, the Stölzle Classic if you want the most air for young reds, and the Spiegelau Graal if you want lead-free crystal you can wash by machine. Choose the Wine Enthusiast Recanter if half-finished bottles are your usual problem, and the Ravenscroft for magnums.
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On a budget? See our guide to the best value wine decanters.
Related guide: Wine decanter alternative.
For the rest of the table, see our guides to the best wine glasses and wine openers, and read what mole is before you pick a red to go with it. If you would rather someone else did the cooking tonight, see the menu or call to order.