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The Best Drinking Glass

Last updated on November 15, 2023
Best Drinking Glass

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Whether you’re pouring yourself a cool glass of ice water on a hot summer day or enjoying a sip of milk with breakfast, a good set of drinking glasses is a staple of any modern kitchen. Although traditional glass construction has its benefits, plastic, acrylic tumblers can withstand plenty of abuse without breaking or scratching. Best of all, today’s plastic glassware eliminates the chemicals that were a problem with previous generations of drinking cups.

But there are several considerations when you’re choosing a set of drinking glasses. It starts with setting your personal preferences. The first major decision will be whether you want glass or plastic, but you’ll also have the option of clear versus multicolor no matter which route you go. You can choose the style that matches your own décor and personal preferences.

Unless you have unlimited space in your kitchen, storage will be a top issue. Plastic tumblers are stackable, which makes it easier to squeeze more into a small space. If you go with the type of glasses that aren’t stackable, such as those with a highball design, you’ll have to make sure you have space for each one to be placed singly. Even glass tumblers that can be stacked will take up more height than their plastic counterparts.

A big benefit of glass, though, is that many people find that they prefer the taste of beverages in glass containers. Even with chemical-free plastics, you may find a little bit of an aftertaste as the material in the cup taints the liquid slightly. Glass is less likely to cause that problem, and you’ll even find your beverage gets a little chillier. But if you’re in a house with children or you have accident-prone guests, plastic may be a longer-lasting option. If you do go with glass, pay close attention to design. Many of today’s drinking glasses are built so that they have a thicker base for increased sturdiness.

Our Picks For The Top Drinking Glasses

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Bormioli Rocco BPA-Free Break-Resistant Drinking Glasses, Set Of 6

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Bormioli Rocco

BPA-Free Break-Resistant Drinking Glasses, Set Of 6

Constructed from a durable tempered glass, these drinking glasses can be used to serve both hot and cold beverages. Each set includes six glasses, which have a French bistro-style design. The glasses are even stackable to take up less storage space.

Overall Take

Easy to CleanThese drinking glasses are dishwasher safe for easy clean up.

 Runner Up

Kitchen Lux Dishwasher Safe Pint Glasses, 2-Piece

Kitchen Lux

Dishwasher Safe Pint Glasses, 2-Piece

Having a traditional shaker style, these are made of a thick glass and have a 16-ounce capacity. The convenient pair of glasses is a good choice for non-alcoholic beverages too. They're suitable for the dishwasher.

Overall Take

Versatile and ConvenientThese are a good choice when you want a versatile and durable pair of plain drinking glasses.

 Runner Up

BENETI European Lead-Free Drinking Glasses, Set Of 6

BENETI

European Lead-Free Drinking Glasses, Set Of 6

Each of the six drinking glasses in this set comes in a different color, making the set quite unique. The glasses are expertly crafted using a European glass that is scratch and crack-resistant. The weighted bottoms are also a plus, as they help prevent accidental spills.

Overall Take

Designed to DazzleThese drinking glasses have an ergonomical design that makes them comfortable to hold.

 We Also Like

US Acrylic Assorted Size Drinking Glasses, Set Of 8

US Acrylic

Assorted Size Drinking Glasses, Set Of 8

This drinking glass set combines the durability of plastic with the attractiveness of glass. These plastic drinking glasses look very similar to glass-based tumblers without the stress of breakage. BPA-free plastic keeps your family safe through years of use. We like their light weight, making them good for outdoor/party use.

Overall Take

Versatile SetIf you like the look of glass without the delicacy, this drinking glass set is the glassware set for you.

What to Look For

  • Restaurant-style tumblers are often a popular choice. Typically, you can choose from two multicolor options or a clear set, with 16 tumblers in each.
  • Those who prefer the look of glass but long for the durability of acrylic should consider a clear tumbler set. Some models allow you to choose from either four different size options or a multi-size set.
  • The highball drinking glass has long been a staple of bars around the world.
  • If durability is a concern, a plastic tumbler is the way to go. This is especially valuable if your children will be drinking out of them. Look for glasses that have heavy bottoms that help provide stability, so you’ll have a slightly lower risk of an accident.
  • With plastic tumblers, chemicals are always a concern. Make sure the glasses are BPA free.
  • Glass tumblers do tend to create a better taste experience. Not only does the glass increase the “chill” of your beverage, but you also don’t have to worry about any bleed-over from the container itself.
  • When it comes to storage, it doesn’t get easier than a set of plastic tumblers. Most are stackable to make it easy to squeeze the entire set into a small space inside your cabinet.

More to Explore

If you drink wine, you probably know how closely the flavor experience is linked to the shape of the glass. The same goes for other types of cocktails. Highball glasses are tall and narrow in shape, perfect for combining ice, a small amount of liquor and a large amount of mixer. Drinks like Mojitos and gin and tonic are typically served in that type of glass. Compare this to the cocktail glass, which is shorter and wider, making it perfect for holding a drink like a Brandy Alexander. The wide rim of the glass puts the drinker close to the beverage, making it easier to savor the scents and tastes inside.

More to explore