Carafe 75 cl or 1.2 L: Which Size Serves Your Table?

Quick answer

Choose the 75 cl carafe for small households or wine service at the table, and the 1.2 L carafe for larger gatherings or buffet-style water service. The 75 cl suits two to three people; the 1.2 L suits four or more.

Capacity per person: how many refills you avoid

A standard wine pour is about 12.5 cl, so a 75 cl carafe holds roughly six glasses. The 1.2 L carafe holds nearly ten. For water, assume 25 cl per person per meal: 75 cl serves three, while 1.2 L serves four to five without refilling. If you regularly host four or more, the larger carafe saves trips to the kitchen. For one or two people, the 75 cl avoids leftover water going stale.

Table presence and handling

The 1.2 L carafe is taller and heavier when full, which matters on a crowded dinner table or when passing it around. The 75 cl is easier to lift and fits smaller tables. Both are transparent glass, but the 1.2 L makes a more generous centerpiece; the 75 cl stays discreet. Consider your table width and whether guests will serve themselves.

Stopper and serving style

The 1.2 L carafe comes with a silicone stopper designed to preserve freshness and aromas, so it works well for making flavored water or cocktails ahead of time and serving directly from the buffet. The 75 cl carafe has no listed stopper, so it suits immediate service—wine decanted at the table or water poured right away. If you need to prepare drinks in advance, the stopper is a practical advantage.

Pitcher vs carafe: a quick distinction

A pitcher typically has a handle and a pouring spout, while a carafe is usually handleless with a narrow neck. Both of these Guy Degrenne models are carafes: they prioritize a clean silhouette on the table over the ergonomics of a handled pitcher. If you often pour one-handed or serve from a sideboard, a pitcher may be more comfortable; if presentation matters most, a carafe is the better fit.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Capacity: 75 cl serves about 3 water glasses or 6 wine glasses; 1.2 L serves about 5 water glasses or 10 wine glasses. Count your usual number of guests before choosing.
• Stopper: Only the 1.2 L carafe includes a silicone stopper for freshness; the 75 cl is open. If you prep drinks in advance, the stopper is worth the larger size.
• Footprint: The 75 cl is lighter and easier to pass; the 1.2 L is heavier when full and takes more table space. Measure your table and consider who will be lifting the carafe.

Product facts

• Carafe 1.2 L: 1.2 L capacity with a silicone stopper designed to preserve freshness and aromas. Lets you prepare and hold drinks ahead of time without losing aroma, ideal for buffet service.

  

• Carafe 75 cl: 75 cl capacity from the EMPILEO collection, with a sober, modern design. A compact size that fits smaller tables and pairs with stackable glassware for space-saving storage.

  

Which carafe fits your table?

Best for

• Couples or small households serving water or wine at everyday meals
• Dinner parties where wine is decanted and served immediately

Not for

• Buffets or self-service setups where drinks are prepared ahead
• Large families who want fewer refills during meals