A new glassware set may seem like a simple purchase, until you have to choose between a set of 6 drinking glasses, a set of 4 glasses, double-walled glasses or separate glasses for cocktails. Marketing copy often focuses on design, but for everyday use, capacity, care requirements and suitability for hot or cold drinks are just as important.
The following points will help you avoid disappointing purchases and choose a set that suits your household, table and drinking habits.
A large glass is not automatically more practical. A 70 cl gin glass provides plenty of room for ice and garnishes, but it also takes up more space in the dishwasher and kitchen cupboard. For water, juice or soft drinks, a long-drink glass of around 30 to 40 cl is often more convenient.
Also consider smaller glasses. 45 ml shot glasses are suitable for spirits, liqueurs and small celebratory servings, but not as an all-purpose drinking glass.
Not every glassware set is suitable for the dishwasher. Always check the product information. Some glasses are hand-wash only, while others are specifically marketed as dishwasher-safe glasses.
One example is the Secret de Gourmet gin glass set of 4. According to the product description, it is not dishwasher-safe. The Secret de Gourmet Gaspard set of 4, on the other hand, can be put in the dishwasher, but is not suitable for hot or boiling drinks and is not microwave-safe.
Ordinary glass is not necessarily suitable for coffee, tea or boiling water. Rapid temperature changes can cause glass to crack. If you are looking for glasses for hot and cold drinks, check the manufacturer's stated conditions of use.
Bodum states that various double-walled glasses are made using heat-resistant borosilicate glass. According to Bodum's product information, some models are suitable for the dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer within the stated temperature limits. Check the limit for each model: the PAVINA PARIS range specifies a maximum of 180 °C, while other Bodum models state a maximum of 176 °C.
The capacity determines what a glass is practical for:
As well as capacity, consider the height and diameter. A tall long-drink glass may not fit beneath every kitchen tap or into every dishwasher compartment. A wide gin glass provides room for ice, but requires more storage space.
Most of the sets in this selection are made from clear glass. This makes the colour of soft drinks, cocktails or juice easy to see. Recycled glass may have slight variations in colour or shape. With handmade models, bubbles or minor variations are part of the appearance, according to the product description.
Borosilicate glass is used in various Bodum double-walled glasses. According to Bodum's own product information, the double-wall construction provides an insulating effect around hot and cold drinks. A silicone valve or opening between the layers of glass is designed to regulate air pressure. This is a product specification, not a guarantee that a drink will retain a particular temperature indefinitely.
For everyday use, many households choose a set of 6 glasses. This is practical if you regularly have guests or do not want to run the dishwasher after every drink. A set of 4 glasses is sufficient for a smaller household or a table setting for four people.
Bear in mind that a set of 2 may be appealing for coffee or a specific serving occasion, but is less suitable as the foundation of a complete household glassware collection.
Why it suits this profile: A set of 6 drinking glasses with a capacity of 400 ml is suitable for water, soft drinks, squash and simple cocktails.
The capacity is clearly stated and, according to the product information, the glasses are dishwasher-safe. This means you do not have to guess based on appearance alone.
6 glasses, 400 ml per glass, transparent design and suitable for everyday use.
Why it suits this profile: These double-walled glasses are ideal for households looking for one set to use for coffee, tea, cold drinks and cocktails.
The product information specifies heat-resistant borosilicate glass, a double wall and dishwasher suitability. The manufacturer also states that the glasses can be used in the microwave, oven and freezer up to 180 °C.
6 glasses, 270 ml, double wall and hand-blown borosilicate glass according to Bodum's product description.
Why it suits this profile: For parties, drinks evenings and liqueur enthusiasts, six compact shot glasses are more practical than a universal set.
The 45 ml capacity makes it clear that these are shot glasses. You are not paying for a large set that you do not need for this specific purpose.
6 clear-glass glasses, 45 ml each, dishwasher- and freezer-safe according to the product information.
For a festive table, the Alpina Champagne Glass Set - 220ml, 4 pieces is suitable for champagne, prosecco and cava. The set contains four stemmed glasses with a capacity of around 22 cl. If you mainly serve gin and tonic, consider the Secret de Gourmet Gin Glass Set - 4 pieces, 70 cl. Bear in mind that, according to the product information, these glasses are not dishwasher-safe.
For a colourful table, the Dexam Sintra Recycled Glass Tumblers, a set of 6 with a capacity of 350 ml, are one option. For cocktails, there is the CellarDine 600ml Recycled Glass Cocktail Glass, a set of 6. With handmade recycled glass, slight variations in shape, colour and bubbles may occur.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
For two people, a set of 4 may be sufficient. A set of 6 glasses is more practical if you often have guests, serve several drinks throughout the day or do not want to run the dishwasher as frequently.
That depends on the specific product information. For the Bodum models mentioned, the manufacturer specifies heat-resistant borosilicate glass and use for coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Always check the maximum temperature and follow the care instructions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes, only stack glasses if they are designed for stacking and place them carefully in the dishwasher. Hand-wash them when recommended by the manufacturer. Also check in advance whether a glass is suitable for hot drinks, the microwave or freezer.