Joybuy Insights

Buying drinking glasses: choose the right material, size and purpose

Whether for the breakfast table every day, an afternoon cappuccino or a garden party, drinking glasses need to suit the drink, how they will be used and the cleaning involved. Not every glass set is automatically practical for everyday use. Some products are advertised with a particularly elegant look, even though the material, capacity or care instructions are not suitable for the intended purpose.

Common buying mistakes when choosing drinking glasses

1. Glass-like appearance is mistaken for real glass

Transparent plastic cups can look like classic water glasses in photographs. The difference only becomes clear in the material details: polystyrene, polypropylene and glass all have different properties. Plastic is often lighter and practical for outdoor events. However, its temperature resistance, scratch resistance and dishwasher suitability may be limited.

2. Capacity is not matched to actual use

An 10-cl glass is more suitable for espresso, aperitifs or small accompaniments than for a large soft drink. Conversely, a 500-ml glass can seem impractical for a short espresso. Before buying, you should therefore be clear whether the drinking glass is intended for water, juice, cold brew, wine, cocktails or hot drinks.

3. “Dishwasher safe” is taken to mean unlimited durability

A description such as “dishwasher safe” refers to the recommended cleaning method. It does not automatically mean unlimited service life. Harsh detergents, high temperatures and frequent temperature changes can gradually cloud glass surfaces. Care instructions are particularly important for delicate or double-walled glasses.

Which criteria matter when choosing drinking glasses

Material: glass, borosilicate glass or plastic

Borosilicate glass is often used for coffee glasses, espresso glasses and double-walled glasses. It is designed for contact with hot and cold drinks, but extreme temperature changes should still be avoided. Filling a glass straight from the freezer with boiling water can cause stress, even when the material is temperature-resistant.

Classic glass is suitable for water glasses, wine glasses, whisky glasses and cocktail glasses. For professional use in restaurants, cafés or hotels, consistent dimensions, a suitable capacity and straightforward cleaning are important.

PS or PP can be a sensible choice for parties, camping and outdoor events. The Estiva PS Tumbler holds 380 ml, weighs 0.055 kg and is described as impact-resistant in the product information. However, it is a plastic cup, not a glass. The 4-piece set of 160-ml wine glasses is made from PP and is described as shatterproof. Products like these are an alternative when falling glasses pose a significant risk.

Capacity and shape

The following guidelines can help you choose:

  • Espresso glasses: around 8 cl to 10 cl for espresso, ristretto or small aperitifs
  • Coffee glasses: around 220 ml to 400 ml for cold brew, coffee, tea or milky coffee
  • Water glasses: around 250 ml to 400 ml for everyday use
  • Wine glasses: around 160 ml to 380 ml, depending on the drink and serving style
  • Whisky glasses: often around 300 ml, with a wide base for whisky or alcohol-free mixed drinks
  • Cocktail glasses and verrines: depending on the recipe, from small 10-cl glasses to around 27 cl

The diameter and height should also be taken into account. Tall glasses need more space in the kitchen cupboard and will not fit in every dishwasher. For glasses with handles, the width of the handle is another relevant factor.

Cleaning, temperature and safety

Check the following details before buying:

  1. Dishwasher suitability: Is it expressly stated, or is hand washing merely recommended?
  2. Microwave suitability: Double-walled glasses should only be used in the microwave if this is explicitly permitted in the product details.
  3. Oven use: This is ruled out for many drinking glasses, even if they are suitable for hot drinks.
  4. Temperature changes: Do not move glass directly from very cold conditions to boiling-hot temperatures.
  5. Damage: Discard glasses with cracks, chips or sharp edges.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners
Estiva PS tumbler

Estiva PS tumbler

Why this product suits this profile: The transparent 380-ml plastic cup is lightweight and designed for water, juice and use indoors or outdoors.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The PS material specification makes it clear that this is a plastic cup. This prevents the glass-like appearance from being confused with the actual material properties.

Main benefit & strengths

380 ml capacity, transparent design, 55 g weight and impact resistance according to the product information.

Ideal for: Buyers with high quality standards
Cléa 8-cl double-walled glass espresso cup in display

Cléa 8-Cl Double-Walled Glass Espresso Cup in Display

Why this product suits this profile: The 8-cl espresso glass, made from double-walled borosilicate glass, is designed for small hot drinks and a clear presentation.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 80 ml capacity and specified material prevent the common mistake of choosing an oversized all-purpose glass for espresso.

Main benefit & strengths

Double-walled construction, 8 cl capacity, dishwasher- and microwave-safe according to the product information; not designed for oven use.

Ideal for: Special uses & frequent users
De'Longhi Cold Brew DLSC324 thermal glasses, transparent

De'Longhi Cold Brew DLSC324 Thermal Glasses Transparent

Why this product suits this profile: The 2-piece set, with each glass holding 220 ml, is intended for households and cafés serving cold brew or other chilled coffee drinks.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated use for cold coffee drinks and the defined capacity make it easier to choose the right product instead of relying on unclear all-purpose use.

Main benefit & strengths

Two glasses per set, each with a 220 ml capacity, and dishwasher-safe according to the product description.

Ideal for: Hosts and outdoor event organisers
Wine glass 160 ml PP, 4-piece set, transparent

Wine Glass 160ml Pp 4pcs Transparent

Why this product suits this profile: The 4-piece set made from transparent PP is intended for wine, garden parties, picnics and areas where there is an increased risk of breakage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The PP material specification and reference to shatter resistance make it clear that the priority is low weight and a reduced risk of breakage.

Main benefit & strengths

Four pieces, each holding 160 ml, lightweight and dishwasher-safe according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about drinking glasses

Which drinking glasses are suitable for everyday use?

For water and juice, glasses holding around 250 to 400 ml are usually practical. If you often eat outdoors or have children at home, you may wish to consider shatter-resistant drinking glasses made from PP or PS. For everyday use, you should also check whether the glasses are dishwasher-safe and fit in the available dishwasher compartments.

Are double-walled glasses suitable for hot drinks?

That depends on the individual product information. Double-walled borosilicate glasses are often offered for espresso, coffee or tea. However, being suitable for hot drinks does not automatically mean that a product is oven-safe. Temperature changes should always take place gradually.

How long do drinking glasses last?

Their service life depends on the material, how they are used and how they are cared for. Glass can break if subjected to impacts, scratches or thermal shock. Plastic cups are less prone to breakage in certain situations, but can be affected by scratches, discolouration or high temperatures. Careful cleaning and following the manufacturer’s instructions can help extend their useful life.