The complaint I’ve had about those lovely spitoged beverage dispensers is that they are sold in two pieces, requiring you to purchase the stand separately from the dispenser (and requiring a $40 or so total investment). You really have to have the stand to enjoy the benefit of having a spigot dispenser; if you’re just going to set the dispenser on the corner of the table, you may as well stick to your old bright orange Igloo cooler.

This three gallon dispenser from Wal-Mart passes the test for utility, looks and price. It’s plastic, so it’s safer to use outdoors or with rambunctious kids. It’s double-walled, so it retains its temperature better than a glass or ceramic dispenser would. And the stand, which comes included, nests with the dispenser itself, so no extra room required for storage. It’s only $19.00 at Wal-Mart.

Like similarly constructed tumblers, you could add a monogram decal to personalize it, but it’s simple and attractive either way. This one has performed beautifully containing lemonade at a cul-de-sac Easter egg hunt and a few kid parties. The spigot itself is plastic, which is unfortunate, but so are those of all the others on the market. Without a doubt, it is more attractive than the orange Igloo. And at the beach house or tailgate it will work nicely for other fruity beverages.

* There is also a nice model from Target, online only. It is $24 with space for ice in the stand.