A new glass set seems easy to choose until you start considering capacity, material, shape and care. A set that’s suitable for a barbecue won’t necessarily be ideal for coffee or wine. Product titles can also be confusing: a “glass” set might be made of plastic, for example, while a double-walled model may need different care from standard drinking glasses.
Use this buying guide to compare different types of drinking glass sets, from long drink glasses and tumblers to thermal glasses and wine glasses.
A set of 6 glasses might seem like good value if you often have guests, but six small glasses aren’t always practical for soft drinks or cocktails. On the other hand, a set of 4 glasses may be enough for a household, but less convenient when you’re hosting a dinner for several guests.
So always check:
Some transparent drinking glasses are made of plastic. This can be handy for children, outdoor use or parties where breakages are a risk. However, plastic feels and behaves differently from glass. So check the product specifications before you order.
For example, the Alpina Long Drink Glass Set is made from transparent plastic, has a capacity of 400 ml and comes as a set of 6. The product information states that the glasses are dishwasher-safe.
Double-walled glasses and thermal glasses are popular for their appearance and insulating design. However, check the capacity. An 80 ml glass is suitable for espresso, small desserts or a short coffee, but not for a generous long drink.
For glasses with a silicone valve or opening at the base, it’s also wise to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. This helps prevent unnecessary damage to the double wall.
The right capacity depends on how you’ll use the glasses:
A straight-sided tumbler is a versatile choice for water, soft drinks and cocktails. Long drink glasses are often taller, leaving room for ice and a straw. A wine glass has a bowl and stem designed to suit the type of wine.
Check whether the set is made from:
According to the product information, the Dexam Sintra tumblers are made from 100% recycled glass. The manufacturer says that using recycled glass can help reduce energy use during production. Treat this as a brand claim, and compare the other features too, such as capacity, dimensions and care requirements.
Dishwasher-safe glasses save time after a dinner or party. Check whether this applies to the whole set and whether there are any additional instructions. Thin wine glasses, for example, may be more susceptible to knocks than sturdy tumblers.
Also look out for conflicting information. Some plastic glasses are described as dishwasher-safe, but the product information also says that hand-washing may extend their lifespan. In that case, hand-washing is the more cautious option.
Why it suits this profile: The set contains six lightweight 400 ml long drink glasses for soft drinks, lemonade, cocktails and everyday use. The plastic material is practical for parties or barbecues.
The product information clearly states the material, capacity and number of items. So you can see that these are plastic glasses, not glass ones.
Set of 6, 400 ml capacity and dishwasher-safe according to the product specifications.
Why it suits this profile: These double-walled tumblers are suitable for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cold brew and cocktails. The twisted outer wall adds a distinctive touch to the grip and design.
The 270 ml capacity is clearly stated, so you can choose a size that suits how you’ll use the glasses. The care information says they’re suitable for the dishwasher, microwave and oven up to 180 °C.
Handmade borosilicate glass according to the product description, with a double-walled design and silicone pressure regulation.
Why it suits this profile: This set is designed for everyday use with water, iced coffee, juice, smoothies and cocktails. The 350 ml capacity is in line with that of many popular medium-sized tumblers.
The product description lists the material, capacity and dimensions. This lets you compare the set based on specific features, rather than just its colour or appearance.
Set of 6, with a capacity of 350 ml per tumbler, and made from 100% recycled glass according to the product information.
For dinner parties, you could choose an Alpina wine glass set. The white wine glass set contains 4 glasses with a capacity of 380 ml and a narrow shape. The smoke-coloured version contains 4 glasses with a capacity of around 350 to 360 ml. When comparing options, always check the exact product page, as capacity details may vary between listings.
For small hot drinks, there are Bodum PAVINA glasses with a capacity of 80 ml, or the Bodum CANTEEN range in 100 ml and 200 ml sizes. There are also double-walled sets of 6 for a larger table setting. If you mainly serve cocktails, you could also look for cocktail glasses or large tumblers with room for ice.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
For two people, a set of 4 is often practical: you’ll have glasses for everyday use and one spare. If you regularly have guests, a set of 6 or more is more convenient. Choose the number of glasses with your dishwasher and storage space in mind too.
It varies by model. According to the product information, several Bodum models in this selection are described as dishwasher-safe. Always check the instructions for the specific set, and avoid knocking the glasses against anything when loading or unloading them.
A medium-sized tumbler of around 300 to 400 ml is versatile for water, soft drinks, juice and iced coffee. Plastic can be practical for outdoor use. For hot drinks, or if you’d like to reduce condensation on the table, thermal glasses with double walls are another option.