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Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just beginning your journey in the industry, a crucial tool in your arsenal is the humble jigger.
This seemingly modest instrument is the cornerstone of precision, consistency, and balance in cocktails. Using the right jigger can transform your cocktail creation game from average to excellent.
But with so many jiggers out there, it’s not always easy to know which one suits your needs the best.
That’s why we’re here, to guide you through the vast world of jiggers and help you choose the tool that works best for you.
In this post, we present you with the 9 best jiggers for bartenders. These picks are not just arbitrary choices but are curated considering different factors – precision, durability, ease of use, aesthetics, and the preferences of bartenders around the world.
We’ll dive into the double-sided and single-sided jiggers, the Japanese and the American styles, jiggers made from stainless steel to copper ones, and everything in between.
So if it’s a jigger you’re looking for, stick around as you’re in the right place!
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Top Pick
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Best Premium
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Best Budget
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$15.99
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$19.99
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$6.87
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1. ABarAbove Japanese Style Jigger
When it comes to bar tools, ABarAbove does it best. That’s why this Japanese-style jigger is our top pick and most recommended product for bartenders.
With more than just the standard markings, this jigger features measures for a bar spoon and 1/4 oz on the smaller side, and 1 1/4 oz and 1 3/4 oz on the larger side, catering to detailed cocktail recipes.
It’s made from durable stainless steel 304, ensuring longevity and resistance to rust, even after repeated dishwasher cycles.
The polished finish adds an aesthetic appeal, while the reinforced weld guarantees durability. The rolled lip is designed to reduce drips, while its two-sided construction facilitates fast-paced work, acting as your reliable ally during busy times.
Its ergonomic rounded shape ensures a comfortable hold, with a total volume of 1 oz on the smaller side and 2 oz on the larger side.
This Japanese jigger is not only designed for long-term use but is also easy to clean, being dishwasher safe for stainless steel and gold versions, with hand wash recommended for the copper one.
If you’re unsure of which jigger to choose, this option will not let you down and is sure to last you for years, making it an excellent choice for both professional bartenders and home bar enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Includes standard and additional measures like a bar spoon, 1/4 oz, 1 1/4 oz, and 1 3/4 oz.
- Made from rust-resistant stainless steel 304.
- Easy to clean, particularly the stainless steel and gold versions.
- The rounded shape ensures a comfortable hold.
- Rolled lip minimizes spillage.
- A polished finish adds to the visual appeal.
Cons:
- The copper variant requires hand washing, which might be less convenient for some users.
- Some may find the Japanese style too narrow, requiring a steadier hand for precise measures.
- It’s more expensive compared to simpler jiggers.
2. ABarAbove Bell Style Jigger
This bell-style jigger combines vintage charm with practical design, making it an ideal addition to any bartender’s toolkit.
Its wide-mouth style ensures quick pouring while the hard edge significantly reduces drips. It offers detailed measurements ranging from 1 bar spoon to 2 oz, perfect for crafting balanced cocktails.
The design also takes comfort into account with an ergonomically rounded shape that fits comfortably in the hand. Made by ABarAbove, you can be sure that this tool is of the highest quality.
The jigger is crafted from high-quality food-grade stainless steel 304, promising durability and a polished, visually appealing finish.
Its reinforced weld ensures it withstands regular use. The two-sided design provides 1 oz capacity on the smaller side and 2 oz on the larger one.
Both stainless steel and gold versions are dishwasher safe, offering easy cleaning. However, the copper variant requires hand washing.
Pros:
- Allows for quick pouring.
- Minimizes drips, keeping the work area clean.
- Offers detailed measurements from 1 bar spoon to 2 oz.
- Made from food-grade stainless steel 304.
- The rounded shape ensures comfortable holding.
Cons:
- The copper version is not dishwasher safe and needs to be hand-washed.
- Some may find the wide-mouth style challenging to use for precise measurements.
- On the pricier side for bell jiggers but is super high-quality.
3. Briout Japanese Double-sided Jigger
This Briout jigger is a testament to quality and design. It is made of high-grade 18/8 stainless steel with a thickened design, enhancing durability and shock resistance.
The rolled lip and professional welded structure render the double jigger an aesthetic appeal while also making it comfortable to touch.
Precision is key in this design, with the internal permanent laser etching measurements that won’t wear off, ensuring long-term accurate measurement.
It showcases measurements of 1-1/2 oz, 3/4 oz, and 1/2 oz. The Japanese jigger dual-purpose design offers a capacity of 1 oz on one side and 2 oz on the other, making it versatile for various cocktail recipes.
Its design allows easy operation with one hand, remaining stable between fingers, making it a perfect choice for bartenders crafting delicious cocktails.
Priced at $6.29, you really can’t go wrong with this affordable yet high-quality jigger.
Pros:
- Made from high-grade 18/8 stainless steel with a thickened design.
- Permanent measurements ensure long-term precision.
- Designed for one-hand operation and stability.
- Offers flexibility for cocktail crafting with a 1 oz and 2 oz capacity.
Cons:
- Does not offer smaller incremental measurements.
- The slim Japanese design might require more precision when pouring.
4. OXO Steel Double Jigger
This OXO double jigger is a combination of practicality and durability, designed with nylon and stainless steel. It offers a two-sided flip design for versatile measurements, enabling you to swiftly switch between capacities depending on your cocktail needs.
One side measures a standard jigger with a 1-1/2 ounce capacity, along with additional increments of 3/4 ounce and 1/3 ounce.
The other side caters to smaller measurements, including 1/4-ounce, 1/2-ounce, and 1-ounce increments. This structure allows for versatile cocktail crafting and ensures accurate pouring.
The jigger features a soft, non-slip grip for comfortable and secure pouring. The measurements are laser-etched, ensuring they won’t wear off over time.
As an added convenience, this jigger is dishwasher safe, making clean-up effortless.
Pros:
- The combination of nylon and stainless steel enhances durability.
- Offers a wide range of measurements from 1/4 ounce to 1-1/2 ounce.
- Ensures secure and comfortable pouring.
- Dishwasher safe therefore easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- The nylon portion may not be as long-lasting as full stainless steel.
- The nylon may not have the same aesthetic appeal as a full metal jigger.
- It may not be as suitable for recipes requiring more specific, smaller measurements.
5. BarFly Drink Stainless Steel Jigger
This BarFly jigger is seriously impressive. It’s crafted from a single piece of stainless steel, incorporating a flared top edge for enhanced strength and durability.
It has a 2 oz./60 mL capacity with external markings in 1/2 oz./15 mL increments on both sides, providing ease of identification.
The design is specifically tailored for bar operations. The flared top edge and handle enable smooth and easy pouring, offering precise and consistent measurements for exact pours.
This accuracy assists in crafting perfect cocktails, making it a popular choice among bartenders who prioritize precision. If you’re someone who values accuracy, durability, and easy maintenance in their tools, you’ll love this jigger.
It’s also one of my personal favorites thanks to its cool handle that makes it easy to hold and pour from.
The ease of cleaning further adds to its appeal. While hand washing with mild soap and warm water is recommended to maximize its performance and longevity, all stainless steel parts are dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Single-piece stainless steel design ensures durability.
- Flared top edge and handle for smooth pouring.
- Accurate and consistent measurements aid in crafting perfect cocktails.
- Can be hand-washed or placed in a dishwasher, offering versatility in cleaning.
Cons:
- Measurements start from 1/2 oz./15 mL, which might not cater to cocktails requiring smaller amounts.
- The flared top and handle might require getting used to, particularly for bartenders accustomed to standard jigger designs.
6. Etens Double Chaser Bell Jigger
If you’re more of a fan of the bell jigger as opposed to the Japanese style, this Etens option is a fantastic choice.
It boasts double-sided measuring, including permanent markings for 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, and 2 ounces. The straight rim design ensures stability and reduces alcohol waste.
The jigger is made from stainless steel, a material that promises longevity compared to its glass counterparts.
It’s rust-proof, catering to a wide range of drinks including martinis, alcohol, whiskey, or any spirit. It’s easy to clean and is also dishwasher safe, offering convenience for busy bartenders.
The jigger’s aesthetic appeal lies in its heavy-duty, sturdy design, making it suitable for professional use in bars, home bars, or commercial restaurants.
It can also function as a shot jigger, providing exact pours with your pourer for your cocktail shaker or Boston shaker set.
Designed to facilitate the crafting of both classic and modern cocktails, it’s an affordable option for those seeking a premium bell jigger.
Its bell-style design sets it apart from the traditional Japanese jigger, making it a beautiful barware accessory and a perfect gift idea for bartenders.
Pros:
- Offers six different measurements for versatile cocktail crafting.
- Made of stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to rust.
- Straight rim design offers stability and helps reduce alcohol waste.
- Dishwasher safe, offering convenience in maintenance.
Cons:
- The bell-style design might require some adjustment for those used to traditional jiggers.
- The heavy-duty nature might make it heavier than other jiggers, potentially affecting pouring comfort.
7. US Standard Jigger
This double-sided, food-grade stainless steel instrument is a dependable addition to any bartender’s toolkit.
It features stepped measurements, providing an excellent visual aid, especially in low-light conditions. This feature aids in ensuring accurate pours, allowing you to build your cocktails confidently.
The design offers a multitude of measurements to fit any cocktail recipe, allowing versatility in drink creation.
Not only that, it has been engineered specifically for accuracy to prevent sloppy over-pours that could potentially cost bars and restaurants money, making it an ideal tool for commercial settings.
Crafted by bartenders with the needs of their peers in mind, this tool has been designed to be the ultimate aid for crafting cocktails.
This jigger is particularly beneficial for commercial bartenders operating in low-light conditions who require accuracy and a wide range of measurements.
Pros:
- Offers excellent visual aid in low-light conditions.
- Double-sided with multiple measurements to suit various cocktail recipes.
- Made from food-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability.
- Designed to prevent over-pours, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Cons:
- These might require some getting used to for those accustomed to traditional jigger designs.
- Might not be the best fit for those requiring specific measurements.
8. Yuntop 304 Stainless Steel Jigger
The Yuntop Japanese style jigger is a fusion of elegance and function, made from 304 stainless steel ensuring durability and rust prevention.
With its perfect thickness and size, it possesses the right weight for easy handling and storage. The tool exhibits a mirror polish on the outside and wire drawing process on the inside, contributing to its resilience against abrasion and enhancing its tactile appeal.
The jigger is designed with double heads and a waist, giving it a delicate and elegant appearance. This distinctive Japanese style, combined with the smooth, crimped edge of the double jigger ensures a safer, overflow-free pouring experience.
With clear scale lines for three different capacities – 1/2oz, 3/4oz, and 1 1/2oz – it offers easy readability and accuracy, enhancing its usability.
Cleaning this jigger is effortless; it can be washed directly with water or placed in a dishwasher. It is not only perfect for mixing alcoholic beverages but also useful for precisely measuring other liquids like soy sauce or sesame oil.
Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to bars, cafes, tea shops, kitchens, and more.
Suitable for bartenders, baristas, gourmets, and tea artists, this jigger is perfect for anyone desiring precision, elegance, and a touch of the Japanese aesthetic in their toolset.
Yuntop also assures customers’ satisfaction with quality products and caring services, offering a 100% refund for dissatisfied customers.
Pros:
- Made of 304 stainless steel, offering rust prevention and durability.
- The Japanese style and double-head design add aesthetic value.
- Clear scale lines for three different capacities ensure easy readability.
- Suitable for washing directly with water or in a dishwasher.
- Suitable for alcoholic beverages and other liquids like soy sauce or sesame oil.
Cons:
- The lack of a 2oz measurement may be a downside for some bartenders.
- Some users may find the interior less visually appealing compared to a fully mirror-polished jigger.
9. Derrison Bell Jigger
The Derrison bell jigger is a bartender’s dream, built for comfort, precision, and resilience.
The design, focused on ergonomics, not only reduces friction and sore spots but also adds a touch of class to your bar bag, bar top, or home bar. Its streamlined shape is easy on the eyes and comfortable in hand.
Constructed from heavy weighted and polished Stainless Steel 304, it’s durable and resistant to chipping, flaking, bending, breaking, or rusting. It’s entirely dishwasher safe, even in commercial dishwashers, reducing the hassle of cleaning.
With precision engraved measurement lines, you’ll have every marking you need for any cocktail recipe. These calibrated marks include 1/2oz, 1oz, 1 1/2oz, and 2oz. They’re machined for accuracy and durability, ensuring precise pours every time.
The wide mouth of this jigger enables quick and easy pouring, and its straight edge avoids drips. The wider style also lends stability, reducing the chance of tipping over and spilling, a feature that’s incredibly helpful during busy shifts.
This jigger elevates the aesthetics of your barware, enhancing your sense of taste with its fancy and modern design.
It also comes with a cocktail recipe e-book, which lists many cocktails for your reference, making it a comprehensive tool for all bartenders no matter the level of experience.
Pros:
- Reduces friction and sore spots.
- Made from heavy weighted Stainless Steel 304, it’s dishwasher-safe and resistant to rust.
- Precision engraved lines include 1/2oz, 1oz, 1 1/2oz, and 2oz.
- Wide mouth and straight edge for quick, dripless pours.
- Comes with an e-book that includes a wide variety of cocktail recipes.
Cons:
- Some users might find it hard to see the engraved markings in low-light conditions.
- It does not include smaller measures like 1/4 oz or a barspoon, which might be needed for certain cocktail recipes.
What To Look For In A Jigger
When choosing a jigger, there are a few key factors that you should consider to ensure that it suits your needs and contributes positively to your mixology routine.
Here are the essential things to look for in a jigger:
Measurement accuracy
Precision is critical in bartending, and your jigger should offer exact measurements. The markings should be clearly visible, and the jigger should measure the volumes it claims to.
A jigger is as good as useless if its measurements are not accurate, so this is crucial.
>> Read more: 7 BEST Bartending Kits For Bartenders
Durability
Bartending can be a demanding job, and your tools need to withstand heavy use. Look for jiggers made of high-quality, sturdy materials like stainless steel.
You don’t want to be buying a jigger every few months, instead, you want a durable one that will last for years.
>> Read more: 6 BEST Muddlers For Bartenders
Ease of use
A good jigger should be comfortable to handle and easy to pour from, without spilling. It should fit well in your hand and have a balanced weight.
>> Read more: 7 BEST Bartender Bags To Stay Organized
Design and aesthetics
While it might not affect the performance, a good-looking jigger can certainly enhance your overall bartending experience. A stylish jigger can also contribute to the visual appeal of your bar setup.
I’ve found that bar tools can be excellent talking points with customers, so choose one that’s easy on the eyes.
>> Read more: 12 MUST Have Home Bar Accessories
Cleaning
A jigger should be easy to clean. It’s best if it’s dishwasher safe, but at a minimum, it should be easy to wash by hand.
Capacity
Depending on the cocktails you often make, you may want a jigger with specific capacities. A versatile jigger offering multiple measurements can be a practical choice.
>> Read more: 5 BEST Bartender Gloves For Hand Protection
Price
Like with any tool, the price tag is a key consideration. It’s crucial to find a jigger that offers good value for money. High price doesn’t always mean the best product, and bargains can sometimes surprise you with their quality.
>> Read more: 6 BEST Mixing Glasses
FAQs
What is the best jigger for pouring?
The best jigger for pouring should have a well-designed spout to ensure a smooth and accurate pour without any spills. It should also be comfortable to hold and have clear measurement markings that are easy to read. The material should be sturdy and easy to clean for continued use.
What is the most common jigger?
The most common type of jigger is the double jigger, often known as a “standard jigger.” This is an hourglass-shaped tool that typically measures 1.5 ounces on one side (a standard shot in the U.S.) and 1 ounce on the other, although variations can exist with 2 ounces/1 ounce or 1.5 ounces/0.75 ounces.
The double jigger is a favorite among us bartenders due to its convenience, ease of use, and its suitability for a wide range of cocktail recipes.
Do bartenders need to use jiggers?
Yes, bartenders need to use jiggers. A jigger is a critical tool in bartending because it ensures accuracy and consistency. The exactness that a jigger provides allows bartenders to replicate the taste and balance of cocktails every time they make them, regardless of how often they are made.
It’s also essential for creating new recipes, where knowing the precise amounts of each ingredient is crucial. Using a jigger portrays professionalism and a commitment to quality, which is important for the customer’s experience.
Whilst it’s true that some experienced bartenders do free pour, this is not recommended and can lead to inaccurate measurements that make drinks far too strong.
What’s the difference between a Japanese jigger and an American jigger?
Japanese jiggers are elongated and precise, often including multiple incremental measurements, which require a steady hand to pour.
On the other hand, American jiggers are bell-shaped and wider, which makes them easier to handle and pour quickly, but they typically feature fewer measurement increments. The main difference lies in their design and the level of measurement precision.
I’m a big fan of Japanese jiggers as they look awesome behind any bar, but American jiggers can work great with certain aesthetics too.
It really comes down to personal preference and which style you prefer most.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, a bartender’s jigger is a crucial tool that ensures precision and accuracy when crafting drinks.
Whether you gravitate towards the accuracy of a Japanese jigger or the user-friendliness of an American one, or if your preference lies with a traditional double jigger or a more innovative design, there’s a perfect jigger for every bartender on this list.
Remember, the key is to choose a jigger that feels right in your hand and aligns with your cocktail crafting style.
So, equip your bar with one of these top 9 jiggers, and elevate your mixology game to create cocktails that are not just good, but consistently great, every single time.
Hopefully, this post has helped guide you in choosing the perfect jigger for you, now go out there and craft cocktails like never before using your new jigger.
Cheers to that!