Drinking glasses may seem straightforward to choose, but they vary widely in capacity, material, shape and care requirements. A set that works well for lemonade may not be as suitable for whisky or beer. Attractive product photos can also hide important details, such as a small capacity, delicate glass or a recommendation to wash by hand.
Use this buying guide to compare drinking glasses on practical points. That way, you can avoid a disappointing purchase and choose the right water glasses, highball glasses, beer glasses or versatile glass set.
A ribbed, coloured or unusually shaped glass can look great on the table, but it may not be ideal for everyday use. Check the diameter of the opening, the height and how stable the base or foot is. A narrow glass, for example, can be difficult to clean. A tall glass may also not fit in every kitchen cupboard or dishwasher.
A 300 ml glass is suitable for water, juice or a small soft drink. For cocktails with ice or a long drink, 400 ml may be more practical. With whisky glasses, capacity isn’t the only consideration: the shape of the bowl and the width of the opening matter too. Always check the stated capacity in millilitres or centilitres.
Check whether the product description explicitly says the glasses are suitable for the dishwasher. According to the product information, the Alpina highball glasses are dishwasher-safe. By contrast, the Royal Leerdam Artisan beer glasses in the set mentioned have hand wash care instructions. If the information isn’t clear, it’s safer to wash them carefully by hand.
Clear glass drinking glasses show off the colour of water, juice, beer or a cocktail. Glass has a traditional feel, but it can break if dropped or exposed to a sudden change in temperature. When choosing a glass set, check that the material and care instructions are clearly stated.
Reusable plastic drinking glasses are lightweight and practical for a barbecue, picnic or party. They’re generally less fragile than glass. Check that they’re genuinely reusable, that the manufacturer says whether they’re dishwasher-safe, and that the material is suitable for hot or cold drinks.
A stainless steel tumbler isn’t a traditional drinking glass, but it can be a useful lightweight and durable alternative. According to its product name, the BUFFi5 JOY tumbler has a capacity of 350 ml and is made from 304 stainless steel. The description says it has a single-wall design, so don’t automatically expect insulation like that of a double-wall thermal mug.
Use these guidelines as a practical starting point:
Don’t just look at the capacity in millilitres. A tall highball glass takes up more space than a low tumbler with the same capacity. If in doubt, measure the height of your kitchen cupboard or dishwasher rack.
A set of 4 drinking glasses suits a smaller household or works well if you mainly want glasses for guests. A set of 6 drinking glasses is practical for families, birthdays and barbecues. Check whether you can buy more of the same set later, too. This is especially useful if a glass breaks or you regularly have guests over.
Why it suits this profile: This set contains six clear plastic highball glasses, each with a 400 ml capacity. That’s a practical amount for everyday use, entertaining and barbecues.
The capacity, number of glasses and clear plastic material are all clearly specified. According to the product information, the glasses are dishwasher-safe.
Set of 6, 400 ml per glass, clear design and, according to the description, suitable for the dishwasher.
Why it suits this profile: This set of 4 is designed for pilsner and other beers best served in a stemmed glass. The glasses have a 37 cl capacity and are made of glass.
The set specifies the material, capacity, number of glasses and care instructions. This helps you avoid buying beer glasses without checking how they should be cleaned.
Four clear glass stemmed glasses, with a 37 cl capacity and a height of approximately 18.1 cm. Hand-wash care instructions.
Why it suits this profile: This set of four is designed for whisky, but the product name also lists beer, juice, milk, vodka, bourbon and cocktails as suitable drinks.
The product name makes its intended use clear. Before buying, check the current dimensions, capacity and care instructions on the product page.
Four glasses suitable for several types of drink, with a shape specifically associated with whisky and cocktails in the product name.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.
Water glasses or highball glasses with a capacity of around 300 to 400 ml are often a practical choice for everyday use. Choose glass if appearance and clarity matter to you. Plastic is more convenient for outdoor use, children or situations where breakages are a risk. Always check the care instructions and whether the glasses are dishwasher-safe.
Their lifespan depends on the material, how they’re used and how they’re cared for. Glass can last a long time if you avoid knocks and sudden changes in temperature. Plastic can wear over time due to scratches, discolouration or frequent dishwasher use. Replace a glass straight away if it’s cracked or damaged.
That depends on the price per set and how many glasses you actually need. Divide the total price by the number of glasses to compare fairly. A set of 6 is practical for households and entertaining; a set of 4 avoids leaving you with unused glasses if you have limited storage space. Also consider the material, capacity and care instructions, not just the purchase price.