Drinking glasses are part of every household’s daily essentials, but they vary considerably in capacity, shape, material and cleaning requirements. A glass that is suitable for water with dinner will not necessarily be the right choice for cocktails, coffee or use in the office.
Three common buying mistakes particularly often lead to the wrong choice:
For everyday use, water glasses with a capacity of around 25 to 35 cl are versatile. This size is generally suitable for water, juice, soft drinks and smaller mixed drinks. Short drinking glasses with a wide base are easy to hold and less likely to tip over.
Long drink glasses with a capacity of around 38 to 45 cl provide more room for ice cubes, mixers and garnishes. Their tall shape is practical for long drinks, iced tea, spritzers and larger non-alcoholic drinks. However, you should check the height if you have a small kitchen or narrow shelves.
Very small glasses with a capacity of around 8 to 10 cl are more suitable for espresso, liqueur, whisky measures or desserts. A glass set with several sizes may therefore be more useful than a uniform set if you serve different types of drink.
Classic drinking glasses made from glass are often made of soda-lime glass. It is transparent and suitable for cold and room-temperature drinks, but it is not automatically heat-resistant. Hot water should only be poured into them if the manufacturer expressly permits this.
Borosilicate glass is often used for double-walled glasses. This construction can reduce heat transfer to your hand and minimise condensation with cold drinks. However, the specifications for the individual product still apply. Some models are designed for coffee and tea, while others are only suitable for specific temperature ranges.
For balconies, gardens, picnics or households where there is a higher risk of breakage, plastic glasses can be an alternative. The Estiva PS glass, for example, is made from polystyrene, weighs 55 g according to the product specifications and has a capacity of 380 ml. It is therefore lighter than glass, but has different material properties and should not be treated as equivalent to a traditional glass drinking glass.
Dishwasher-safe glasses make everyday use easier, particularly in families, offices and catering environments. This information should be stated directly in the product details. Some glasses may be suitable for the dishwasher but can become cloudy over time when exposed to harsh detergents or high temperatures.
You should also check the following before buying:
With soda-lime glass, a sudden temperature change is particularly important. A cold glass should not be filled with boiling water immediately. Cracks, chips and deep scratches are safety risks; damaged glasses should no longer be used.
The following recommendations do not rank the products according to an arbitrary league table. Instead, they are grouped according to practical requirements in everyday life.
Why this product suits this profile: The set contains six short drinking glasses, each with a capacity of 28 cl. This makes it suitable for everyday use, family households and simple table settings with matching tableware.
The number of glasses and their capacity are clearly stated. The product description also confirms that they are dishwasher-safe.
Six glasses, a transparent design and a low profile for water, juice, soft drinks and cocktails.
Why this product suits this profile: The six 250 ml double-walled thermal glasses are aimed at buyers who value a clean design and a compact serving size.
The double-walled construction is clearly stated as a product feature. Nevertheless, you should check the specific care and temperature instructions before using the glasses for hot drinks.
Double-walled construction and six matching glasses with a capacity of 250 ml.
Why this product suits this profile: Four tall 450 ml long drink glasses are suitable for hosts, larger drinks and use at parties or in catering environments.
The 450 ml capacity and height of 16 cm are stated. This lets you check before buying whether the serving size will fit in your cupboard.
Set of four tall glasses, stated as dishwasher-safe and suitable for water, juice, soft drinks and long drinks.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
For water, juice and soft drinks, 25 to 35 cl is generally easy to manage in everyday use. If you often serve ice, garnishes or larger portions, you may prefer 38 to 45 cl. Your personal drinking habits and available storage space remain the deciding factors.
Not necessarily. The product description must confirm that they are approved for dishwasher use. Even dishwasher-safe glasses should be loaded so that they do not knock against one another. Gentle programmes and a suitable detergent can help keep the surface clear for longer.
That depends on the individual model. Double-walled glasses may be designed for hot drinks, but they should not automatically be considered heat-resistant. Before buying, check the information on the material, temperature range, microwave use and dishwasher suitability. If the glasses are not expressly approved for hot drinks, they should only be filled with cold or room-temperature beverages.