Joybuy Insights

Buying glasses: A guide to drinking glasses, wine glasses and thermal glasses

If you want to buy glasses, you’ll find a wide selection of drinking glasses, wine glasses, double-walled glasses and cocktail glasses. Product images can often look very similar, but capacity, materials and care instructions vary considerably. The intended use should therefore guide your choice more than eye-catching design.

Common pitfalls when buying glasses

1. “Heat-resistant” without specific usage instructions

Not every glass advertised for hot drinks is automatically suitable for boiling water, microwaves or sudden temperature changes. Borosilicate glass generally offers greater resistance to thermal shock than ordinary glass. However, you should always follow the relevant manufacturer’s instructions.

The Atmosphera Selenga wine glass is one example. It is made from crystalline glass and, according to the product information, is not designed to be heat-resistant. A sudden temperature change of more than 60 °C or boiling water may cause damage.

2. Confusing capacity with usable volume

A glass with a capacity of 350 ml will not necessarily be filled to the brim. Wine glasses need space so that aromas can develop. With espresso or liqueur glasses, on the other hand, a large volume is impractical because the drink loses heat quickly.

You should therefore check the following before buying:

  • Capacity in millilitres or centilitres
  • The glass’s height and diameter
  • Intended use, such as wine, coffee, dessert or cocktails
  • Number of glasses per set

3. Dishwasher-safe does not mean maintenance-free

Many dishwasher-safe glasses can be cleaned in a dishwasher. However, harsh detergents, high temperatures and frequent washing can affect transparency, decoration or metallic coatings. For delicate wine glasses and glasses with metallic elements, hand-washing is often the gentler option.

Criteria to check before buying

Material: glass, crystal glass or borosilicate glass?

For everyday drinking glasses, ordinary glass is often sufficient. Crystalline glass is used for its clarity and light-reflecting qualities, but is not automatically suitable for hot drinks. Borosilicate glass is often used for double-walled glasses and thermal glasses. The double wall creates an insulating layer of air, which can make the outside more comfortable to hold with hot or cold drinks.

Important: a double wall does not replace a full safety check. You should also look for information on microwave and oven use, temperature limits and dishwasher suitability.

Shape and size to suit the drink

  • Wine glasses: A bowl with sufficient capacity provides room for swirling. The Atmosphera Selenga wine glass holds 36 cl and has a diameter of 9.7 cm and a height of 20.6 cm.
  • Drinking glasses: Straight tumblers between approximately 24 and 40 cl are versatile choices for water, juice and soft drinks.
  • Thermal glasses: Capacities of 250 to 350 ml are suitable for coffee, tea, cold drinks and desserts.
  • Espresso glasses: Small models of around 8 to 10 cl are suitable for espresso, liqueur or small tastings.
  • Cocktail glasses: The shape affects presentation. Margarita glasses with a capacity of 250 ml are designed for cocktails with a broader surface.

Safety and care

Before using a glass for the first time, check it for cracks, chips or scratches. Damaged glasses should no longer be used. With double-walled models, the insulating construction must not be damaged by knocks. Stemmed glasses should be held by the stem or lower part of the bowl, while coated models do not require abrasive sponges.

Our selection by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Bialetti CAPRI SET 2 GLASSES 350ML

Bialetti CAPRI SET 2 GLASSES 350ML

Why this product suits the profile: With two glasses, each holding 350 ml, this set is ideal for households looking to cover hot and cold drinks with just a few glasses.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify the material, capacity, double-wall construction and a specific microwave limit of up to 160 °C for a maximum of three minutes.

Main benefit & strengths

Borosilicate glass, double-walled construction, a capacity of 350 ml and dishwasher suitability according to the product description.

Suitable for: Quality-focused buyers
Atmosphera Selenga Wine Glass, Single, 36 cl

Atmosphera Selenga Wine Glass, Single, 36 cl

Why this product suits the profile: This single 36 cl wine glass is aimed at shoppers looking to complete a formal table setting or add to an existing collection.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description explicitly states that the crystalline glass is not heat-resistant and should not be used in a microwave or oven.

Main benefit & strengths

Transparent crystalline glass, a capacity of 36 cl, a height of 20.6 cm and dishwasher suitability according to the product details.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
Margarita Glass 250ml 4

Margarita Glass 250ml 4

Why this product suits the profile: With four glasses, each holding 250 ml, this set is designed for cocktail evenings, parties and equipping a home bar.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its clear classification as a cocktail glass and uniform set of four avoid an unsuitable mix of different shapes and sizes.

Main benefit & strengths

Four transparent glasses, each holding 250 ml, with a classic shape for Margaritas and other mixed drinks.

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 buying glasses

Which glasses are suitable for hot drinks?

Double-walled glasses, thermal glasses and borosilicate glasses are often suitable for coffee or tea. The decisive factors are the manufacturer’s specific instructions on temperature, microwave use and dishwasher suitability. An ordinary wine glass or crystalline glass should not be filled with boiling water unless it has been expressly approved for this purpose.

How long do glasses last in the household?

Their lifespan depends on the material thickness, use, cleaning and storage. Cracks, chips and deep scratches are safety reasons to replace a glass. Glasses should not be stacked inside one another if this puts pressure on the rim. With stemmed glasses, you should also take particular care around the join between the stem and bowl.

Is a glass set cheaper than buying individual glasses?

A glass set can be more economical and provide a more consistent look when you need several glasses. Buying individually makes sense if you only need a replacement glass or want to add a particular wine glass. As well as the price per item, compare the capacity, care instructions and the number of glasses you actually need.