The 8 Best Drinking Glasses, Including a Few of Our Tested Favorites
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Our list includes versatile tumblers from Duralex, Luminarc, Material, and Bormioli.
Who hasn't collected a surplus of drinking glasses over time? Yet, who really finds their mismatched glassware functional, much less appealing? More practical: a set or two of drinking glasses that can accommodate water, a glass of wine, your favorite nonalcoholic drink, and more. To curate the best drinking glasses for everyday use, we asked bar and restaurant industry professionals which qualities to look for and also included a few picks we've tested over the years and still love.
Considering factors like volume, material, and versatility, we selected the best drinking glasses across multiple categories. Keep reading to find the best drinking glasses for your needs, from space-saving stackable glassware to chic tumblers that will look right at home on your home bar cart.
Best Overall: Luminarc French Tightrope Stackable Glasses, 2 Sizes, Set of 6
With a stair-step design, Luminarc's lightweight French Tightrope Stackable Glasses are ideal for storing and holding comfortably — a characteristic that beverage professionals emphasize. Made from tempered glass, this set is super durable. While the 10.75-ounce volume may seem limiting, the smaller size can help you curb water waste. They're also available in a 6-ounce version if you're looking for something tiny.
The best part about these gorgeous glasses is that they are stackable, which means you can save kitchen cabinet space by nesting them. For their durability, modern aesthetic, and lightweight, space-saving design, these Luminarc glasses easily get our pick as the best overall drinking glasses.
Price at time of publish: $24
Quantity: Set of six
Volume: 10.75 ounces
Material: Tempered soda lime glass
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Tumbler: Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Tumblers
These tumblers from Williams Sonoma are made of thin, lead-free glass for a super clean, minimalist aesthetic. Their thin construction also makes them incredibly lightweight. Though not stackable, their slender construction allows them to stand side by side in your cupboard without taking up too much space. They may look dainty, but they're actually quite durable. Plus, they can be popped into the dishwasher.
Choose between this small 12-ounce tumbler set, a taller 18-ounce set, or a mixed set for the best of both worlds. Whether you're stashing these drinking glasses next to your favorite mixing glass during cocktail hour or next to your water filter pitcher, you'll definitely want to keep these tumblers out on display.
Price at time of publish: $48
Quantity: Set of six
Volume: 12 ounces
Material: Lead-free glass
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Stackable: West Elm Stacking Drinking Glasses, set of 4
The West Elm Double Old-Fashioned glasses will bring bright, fun colors to your kitchen while offering functionality. Whether you opt for blue, green, or amber glass, you can also choose between the double old-fashioned size and a taller highball glass size, and purchase them as a set of four, eight, or 16 to seriously multiply your collection. These glasses stack for convenience, and the colors pop even more when nested.
Traditional soda lime glass, the material that most glass products are made of, may not be the strongest material on the market, but it should give you many years of good use.
Price at time of publish: $32 for highball, set of 4
Quantity: Set of four
Volume: 10 ounces
Material: Soda lime glass
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Set: Bormioli Rocco Bodega Collection Glassware
The beauty of these Bormioli Rocco bodega glasses is their simplicity, versatility, and range of sizes to choose from. Associate director Megan Soll has owned a set from the same brand for four years and says that not one has shattered, clouded, or discolored. “Half the time we default to them as wine glasses as well — a true choose-your-own-adventure piece of drinkware," she says.
"They come out sparkling clean in the dishwasher every time, and they’re versatile enough to use as old fashioned glasses for cocktails, juice at breakfast, or even parfait cups in a pinch," Soll adds. Choose between three sizes (7.5 ounces, 12.5 ounces, or 17.25 ounces), or buy the complete set in increments of 18 or 36 glasses. of making this set ideal for those who want a range of sizes at home. Stack them for simple storage.
Price at time of publish: $46
Quantity: Set of six
Volume: 7, 9, 10, and 16 ounces
Material: Borosilicate glass
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Splurge: Material The Full Glass Set
If you're in the market for a new set of drinking glasses that double as chic cocktail vessels, look no further than this sleek set. In our Material glassware review, we were blown away by their style and function. Each set comes with four stackable glasses and is available in three cool colors: clear, “Malachite” green, and a gray called “Haze.”
"After testing these for months, I like these glasses for just about anything, from my daily water with lemon to an after-dinner glass of wine," says senior editor Dana Fouchia. "They’re whimsical and interesting to look at, and they add a touch of elegance that my other drinking glasses simply do not."
Price at time of publish: $65
Quantity: Set of four
Volume: 12 ounces
Material: Borosilicate glass
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Value: Duralex Made In France Picardie Clear Tumbler
You've likely come across Duralex Picardie glasses many times before. The brand's petite 3.25-ounce glasses are popular in many of New York's bars and restaurants. We prefer the brand's 12.62-ounce Picardie glasses for use at home. With their thick walls and heavy-bottom base, Duralex's Picardie glasses are as sturdy as glasses come. The tempered glass resists chipping and even thermal shock.
The 12.62-ounce size makes them ideal for spritzes or soda water. You can fit a whole set of six stackable glasses on one shelf, which is why bars and restaurants often use them. Plus, their crystal-clear design will not stain. This is a win-win in terms of value, so we recommend picking up a set or two to add to your dining room table spread ahead of holiday hosting.
Price at time of publish: $40
Quantity: Set of six
Volume: 12.62 ounces
Material: Tempered Glass
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Acrylic: CB2 Acrylic Double Old-Fashioned Glass
Take one glance at this double rocks glass, and you won't know it's made of acrylic until you pick it up. Yet, knowing the material won't shatter provides ease that glass doesn't; you can look forward to no more broken glasses on your new patio furniture. Use these stylish, sturdy glasses outdoors or indoors. The tapered design allows for stacking, too, so you can stock up for entertaining. Though stout, these glasses hold 16 ounces.
Price at time of publish: $4
Quantity: Sold individually
Volume: 16 ounces
Material: Clear acrylic
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Best Colorful: Our Place Drinking Glasses
A versatile pick for serving everything from iced coffee to cocktails, these stackable glasses from Our Place do double duty as everyday drinking glasses and stackable wine glasses. Choose from a variety of neutral warm and cool colorways, or go for this set of four that includes a mix of Dusk, Clear, Rosa, and Sunset.
"As their name implies, these versatile drinking glasses seamlessly go from day to night in my household," says commerce editor Danielle St. Pierre, who owns three sets of these glasses (and says she still wants more!). "The sets stack neatly in my cabinet, and these glasses also make whatever I'm drinking look chic, whether it's sparkling water or an evening spritz. At 12 ounces, they're the perfect size for any beverage."
Price at time of publish: $50
Quantity: Set of four; set of eight
Volume: 12 ounces
Material: Recycled glass
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Factors to Consider
Quantity
Building a good glassware collection means buying a set or more. The majority are sold in a set of six. Depending on the number of people in your household and how quickly you wash glassware will determine if you need more than a set or two. Those entertaining often will want to snag a few sets to make sure you have amble glassware for guests.
Volume
This is a personal preference. For those primarily looking for great water glasses, and who drink a lot of water in one sitting, you'll want to go with a larger volume of 16 ounces. Most glasses do not hold more than this volume size. But for those who like a smaller glass, 10 to 12 ounces is a solid range for all-purpose use, whether holding a cup of cold brew with cream, a craft cocktail with ice, and enough water to get you through a meal.
Material
Higher-end drinking glasses consist of crystal while more affordable sets are typically made with soda-lime glass or the stronger borosilicate. Consider whether you want a microwave- and freezer-safe glass when looking at glassware, as some materials (like tempered glass) fare better than others. For those with a habit of breaking glassware, or who have toddlers around, consider acrylic.
Versatility
Are you looking for glassware for just water? Do you want it to also double for cocktails? How about coffee and wine? Consider your beverage needs and your cupboard space. If you need a versatile glassware collection that you can use for a number of drinks, we recommend investing in one of the all-purpose styles that accommodate different beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are drinking glasses recyclable?
Not all glassware can be recycled. As there isn't just one kind of glass, you may need to contact the manufacturer to ask which type of glassware you have and whether it contains additives (like a coating or inclusions that make them temperature-resistant) that may prevent it from being recyclable. Once you have this information, you can check with your local recycling plant to see if they will accept it. Consider repurposing or donating glasses that you can't recycle.
What is the best way to clean drinking glasses?
Most drinking glasses are dishwasher safe. Some manufacturers recommend hand-washing to keep the glass shiny and clear and to promote longer life.
Are drinking glasses tempered?
Not all drinking glasses are tempered. In this list, three are made of tempered glass. If stronger durability and thermal-shock resistance are a major consideration, go with tempered glass. Crystal is a bit more delicate and is not recommended for use in the microwave or freezer.
Our Expertise
Years of tasting and writing about food, wine, and spirits guide Melissa Vogt's research. As a tourist, Vogt seeks out local bars, and she's well acquainted with where to find good libations in her hometown of Santa Rosa, Calif. Read more of her writing on her website and in Napa Valley Life, Very Napa Valley, and Wine Country This Month. These drinking glasses were selected through Melissa's research and conversations with restaurateurs and experts in the drinks business.
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