A double-walled glass set might seem straightforward to choose at first glance. Yet glasses vary significantly in capacity, material, care requirements, and suitability for hot drinks. A low price doesn't always reflect everyday convenience, while a striking design doesn't automatically mean a glass is suitable for coffee or tea.
When comparing, pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:
The capacity determines whether a glass suits your drinking habits. For a small coffee, espresso or digestif, 80 to 100 ml may be sufficient. For cappuccino, tea, juice or a cocktail, 200 to 300 ml is often more practical. If you serve water, soft drinks or long drinks, it's better to look at tall glasses of around 280 to 480 ml.
A glass set of 6 pieces is handy for a household or when you regularly entertain guests. A set of two is better suited to a small household, a gift, or as a top-up to existing glasses.
Many thermal glasses are made from borosilicate glass. This type of glass is often described in product descriptions as heat-resistant and suitable for temperature changes. That doesn't mean every borosilicate glass can be used without limitations. Always check the stated maximum temperature and whether the glass is suitable for the microwave, oven or freezer.
For the Bodum models in this selection, the manufacturer states that the glasses are made from mouth-blown, heat-resistant borosilicate glass. According to the product information, various models are suitable for hot and cold drinks, the dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven within the stated temperature limit. The PAVINA and CANTEEN models additionally have a silicone opening or vent that, according to Bodum, helps regulate air pressure between the glass layers.
A double-walled construction can limit contact between a cold drink and the outside air. According to the product descriptions for the Bodum glasses, this helps to reduce condensation on the outside. See this as a product specification from the brand, not a guarantee that no condensation will occur under all circumstances.
With ordinary drinking glasses, check instead whether they are intended only for cold drinks. The Secret de Gourmet Gaspard glasses, for example, are suitable for cold and room-temperature drinks according to the product information, but not for hot or boiling liquids. They are also not intended for the microwave.
Why This Fits Their Persona: A practical choice for everyday use, for example with water, juice or soft drinks in a smaller household.
The 220 ml capacity is clearly stated. The glass is not intended as a thermal glass, so you won't have false expectations about hot drinks.
Clear glass, 220 ml capacity and, according to the product information, suitable for the dishwasher.
Why This Fits Their Persona: The small capacity suits espresso, strong coffee, tea, hot chocolate or a small dessert. The set of six is ideal for a household that often has guests.
The product information explicitly mentions borosilicate glass, double-walled insulation and use for hot and cold drinks.
Set of 6, 80 ml capacity and, according to Bodum, suitable for the dishwasher, microwave and oven up to 176 °C.
Why This Fits Their Persona: The 200 ml capacity is useful for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cocktails and cold desserts. Six glasses are practical for daily use and entertaining.
The set combines a clear capacity with a double-walled construction. According to Bodum, the silicone vent helps regulate air pressure between the glass layers.
Borosilicate glass, set of 6 and, according to the product information, suitable for the dishwasher, microwave and oven up to 176 °C.
Why This Fits Their Persona: The twisted outer wall gives a distinctive look and, according to the product description, offers extra grip. The capacity suits coffee, tea, soft drinks and cocktails.
The model wasn't selected on looks alone: the product information states the material, capacity, double-walled construction and care instructions.
270 ml capacity, borosilicate glass and, according to Bodum, suitable for the dishwasher, microwave and oven up to 180 °C.
Browse a current selection of glasses and compare capacity, material, quantity and intended use before you order.
That depends on the product specifications. Bodum PAVINA, PAVINA PARIS, CANTEEN and SKÅL are made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass according to the product information and are intended for hot and cold drinks. Always check the maximum temperature and follow the usage instructions.
A double-walled construction can reduce condensation on the outside. According to Bodum, the design helps to limit moisture rings on the table. However, completely condensation-free use cannot be guaranteed under all conditions, for example with very cold drinks in a warm, humid room.
The lifespan depends on use, knocks, temperature changes and the dishwasher programme. Place glasses securely in the rack, avoid hard contact with other tableware and check whether the manufacturer allows dishwasher use. Even dishwasher-safe glasses can scratch or break with daily use.