Branded German Beer Steins

Welcome to "Kannenbackerland"

Kannenbackerland is an area in Germany known as the original German beer stein producer. Authenticity is important to us, which is why you'll find that many of our steins are handmade in Germany with centuries-old designs that inspire nostalgia for many of our customers.

For the Mantle

Not all Beer Steins are made for drinking, some are made for decorative purposes. The world's largest beer stein can hold more than 30 liters of beer, stands at more than 4 feet in height and weighs more than 35 pounds. While it is impressive, it isn't the easiest Beer Stein to drink from.

Lids keep your Beer Fresh

It is believed by some that the lid was implemented during the Black Plague to prevent disease from getting into beer. Several of the steins we sell come with traditional pewter lids designed to keep your beer fresh and free of debris. Prost!

Family Tradition

Beer steins are often passed down from generation to generation. Families can do this because, for centuries, these ceramic steins have been handmade to last in the Westerwald region in Germany, by some of the world's best potters. The designs on almost all of our steins have antique origins.

German Tradition in your Home!

There's no need to travel to Germany just to find the perfect traditional German stein. We stock the largest and most complete selection of traditional ceramic German steins available from top brands like King Werks, Zoller, and Born and Thewalt. No matter what style of stein you are looking for, you are sure to find it right here!

It's all about Selection:

We have a great collection of King-Werks Traditional Steins and Zoeller & Born's Traditional Steins. 

The official logo

Each year, Oktoberfest Munchen runs a contest to create the official logo for Oktoberfest. The winner's logo design is then used on all kinds of merchandise: t-shirts, mugs, steins, hats, umbrellas, posters, etc.

German Beer Steins along with Oktoberfest and all its accompanying Bavarian traditions play their part in a rich, storied history. Typically made of German glassware or stoneware, a German stein is used for drinking beer. Additional materials that steins are made of include hardwood, ceramic, stone, steel, metal, or crystallized glass. The ornately sculpted stoneware beer stein with a hinged metal lid is world-renowned for being used at Munich Oktoberfest and is what many individuals associate to be the finishing touch for what is needed to have an authentic Oktoberfest party. 

A History of Beer Steins 

 Despite its simplicity, the beer stein has a fascinating history. Authentic German beer steins have a rich story to be told relating to what they are made of and how they have evolved over time. The Germans intended their drinking vessel creations to last, whether made of stone or clay so they were designed not to shatter too easily.  

It is understood that centuries ago, the beer stein traces its origin back to the era of the Plague. To prevent transmission of contagions and disease due to insects, it became a widespread practice to cover crockery with lids. As the plague rapidly spread across Germany, it was not long before lids were also placed on drinking vessels with the intent to prevent flies from entering the drink. This humble beginning led to the drinking vessel beer stein which was often capped with cylindrical lids (typically made of metal) thus keeping the flies at bay.  

 As steins became widely accepted, more emphasis was given to their decorative appearance. The extensively used stein evolved into not just serving the functional purpose of holding liquid but also becoming a medium of craftmanship to render artistic designs on the sides of the stein itself. German artisans channeled their skills to crafting elaborate engravings and etched metal lids. Over the centuries, they created a large body of unique ceramic beer steins, many of which have been elevated to the status of art. At times, English royalty would commission German potters and glassblowers to craft vessels fitting of their hunting celebrations. Since such humble beginnings long ago, these well-loved beer vessels have traveled the globe and are synonymous with Germany. 

About German Beer Steins 

Stein comes from the German word for “stone” (since steins were originally crafted from earthenware and stone). Generally, people consider the shape and style of sculpted or molded stoneware clay to be a drinking vessel that is made in Germany. The wide variety of vocabulary used to describe this iconic German drinkware are Bier Krug (Beer Jug), Steinzeugkrug (Stoneware Jug), or merely Krug. Másskrug is another obscure term for Oktoberfest decanters (Beer Mug).  

The inside and outside of the beer stein is often engulfed in a ceramic glaze coating which is then fired on at an extremely high temperature in a kiln. This seals the porous nature of the clay thus allowing the beer mug to be food safe for drinking. When the stein is completed, a metal lid is often soldered to the ceramic handle. Many traditional steins are made of pottery, hardwood, or glassware. A more traditional beer stein is often topped off with a pointed zinc alloy or pewter lid.  

Some are of the opinion that the metal lid lodged on top of the beer stein also assists in keeping their Oktoberfest beer colder than an unlidded stein. While this is a nice side benefit, it was not the original intended purpose (see reason noted in the section “A History of Beer Steins”).  

With time, additional types of steins have become popular. For example, a one-of-a-kind beer stein style is the Beer Stein Horn which is a vessel that is molded in the shaped of a bull or ox horn. This is made of ceramic or even uses an actual animal horn! Another style is the Glass Beer Boot which is unique in that it is a drinking vessel molded in the shape of a boot. This unique shaped German themed drinking vessel usually comes in a one liter or a two-liter size and is available as a glass beer boot or plastic beer boot. It undoubtedly makes for a great conversation starter at an Oktoberfest event or German party.  

By nature, stein tankards are heavy given their volume capacity ranging from .5 Liter, .75 Liter, 1 Liter, and even 2 Liters! Aside from being a conversation starter, the primary reason in modern times of using a beer stein (glass or clay) is to keep the German beer cold. Because most steins feature a distinctive handle, this assists in preventing the warmth from a hand cradling the stein to transfer residual body heat into beer. The thick ceramic of a German beer stein provides insulation, allowing the drink to remain at the original pouring temperature for an extended period. Steins should be hand-washed in warm water with mild dish soap. It is not suggested that collectible authentic German steins or mugs are placed in a microwave or dishwasher due to being handcrafted and the artwork that is susceptible to fading.  

Steins clearly contribute to the authenticity and ambience of Oktoberfest. When visiting Oktoberfest in Munich, it is evident that beer steins have maintained their cultural significance in Germany. Nothing visualizes this better than watching the forearm power of “Fräulein Barkellnerin” navigating a beer tent with multiple one liter German beer steins in hand to be delivered to Oktoberfest patrons enjoying the festivities of German Polka music, Chicken Dance, and German food. You are set to party like an Urban German when you put on a German wool hat, lederhosen, or dirndl and grab a beer stein to garnish your get-up. A beer stein is a perfect complement to one’s “German look.”   

How Much is My Beer Stein Worth 

The most effective method to evaluate “how much is my beer stein worth” is to bring it to an impartial appraiser who has expertise in ceramic German beer mugs, collectible and authentic German steins, or German antiques. That said, such appraisers are a rare breed.  

For those who are simply curious about their vintage German stein, one can often ascertain whether the collectible beer stein has value (or not) on your own by looking for the makers logo or insignia at the bottom. This often indicates whether your stein is mass-produced or is a limited edition that has been manufactured in a “Made in Germany” factory. This is revealed by a symbol or text that is typically etched or imprinted on the bottom of the stein. These unique marks will broadcast which factory made the stein and whether it is part of a limited edition or not. Popular brands are Zoller and Born, King Werks, Thewalt, Hofbrauhaus, and Gerz. The insignia will also confirm if the stein is German-made, or not. For limited run steins, the number of pieces made in the limited edition will also be noted.  

A caveat to the “Made in Germany” markings is that these days, many steins imported from Germany are actually made in other countries (primarily China). The stein body is made overseas which is then imported to a German factory and the final artwork or lid assembly is completed in Germany. The factory will then label the stein as being made in Germany since the final assembly occurred in Germany.  

Wholesale and Discount Customized Beer Steins 

If you are seeking a higher quantity of personalized steins or wholesale custom beer mugs with a festival logo or graphic artwork, contact Oktoberfest Haus for more information. Oktoberfest Haus manufactures wholesale beer steins that have a volume of .25 Liter, .5 Liter, .75 Liter, and 1 Liter. Choose from many options of beer stein styles, shapes, and volumes for your Oktoberfest event that are available for customization with your logo or artwork design on the discount beer mug. Take advantage of the over forty years of experience that Oktoberfest Haus has in serving North America’s wholesale and German festival event buyers. Custom beer steins are offered at a competitive price and excellent quality. Partner with a wholesale distributor that has a proven track record of supplying on-time large Oktoberfest events requiring unique customized German drinkware. 

Where to Purchase Beer Steins 

Oktoberfest Haus is the premium dealer in the USA and a prominent importer of authentic German beer steins and gifts. Ceramic, metal, stoneware, crystal, and pottery beer steins and mugs are offered. Zoller & Born, Mettlach, Thewalt, King Werks, Hofbrauhaus, Marzi-Remy, Gerz, E.H.G., Army, Navy, Budweiser, and salt-glaze steins are among the popular brands that collectors of authentic beer steins focus on. All the items offered by Oktoberfest Haus meet global quality standards and are sought after in markets and online platforms around the world. As a result, many of the steins in the extensive online selection are more valuable than overstock beer steins, machine-crafted steins, and steins manufactured outside of Europe. 

View our comprehensive selection of beer steins at https://www.germangiftoutlet.com/collections/beer-steins Among the numerous options are a carefully curated collection of exclusive and unique beer steins available nowhere else. The Made in Germany Zoller & Born German beer stein line that is offered are manufactured of quality German sourced clay, hand-painted in Germany, and topped off with an ornate metal lid. The exclusive selection of beer mugs includes limited runs and editions released by Zoller & Born using only the finest materials. Many of the E.H.G. branded beer steins come packaged in a gift box.  

Shop and browse a wide variety of artwork and styles including Bayern, Oktoberfest Munich, Medieval Coats of Arms, Deutschland Eagle, in addition to exclusive artwork featuring scenes of Germany not offered by any other retailer in the USA. Looking for a gift for Oma or a present for Opa? Oktoberfest Haus offers a wide selection of unique German gifts with qualified free shipping offers. Enjoy the experience of shopping a wide variety of German-themed gift ideas including kitchenware, mini beer stein shot glasses, souvenirs, German hat pins, and more. 

 Look no further for one-stop-shopping of one-of-a-kind German beer steins, glass beer boots, and ceramic beer mugs. Avoid the hassle of searching for a variety of manufacturers and suppliers. Beer steins make for a great beer gift idea or gift for the man who likes his German bier. If you are looking for a unique and collectible German beer stein, Oktoberfest Haus has the largest selections of Beer Steins in North America!