The Finest Consuming Glasses of 2023

Consuming glasses are a necessity, whether or not you’re rehydrating with water, serving an off-the-cuff spot of wine, or need to sip some orange juice together with your pancakes on a Saturday morning. 

However after we determined to deal with reviewing glassware, the sheer scale of choices was a little bit intimidating—how do you slim it down? Plus, speak about subjective! Simply since you would possibly like consuming from vivid pink spherical orbs doesn’t imply the subsequent particular person will. 

In an try and slim down the sector, we selected highly-rated choices and stored untraditional designs to a minimal (although just a few extra colourful choices did slip in). 

In the long run, we have been stunned on the winners, which have been neither the plainest nor the fanciest of all of them; as an alternative, they have been versatile, dependable, strong (but nonetheless nice-looking) picks.

The Winners, at a Look

Our testers beloved these glasses. The whole lot about their design felt intentional and practical: the marginally flared lip made consuming water easy, whereas the faceted sides helped you grip the glasses. Plus, after unintentionally dropping a glass on a concrete flooring, we are able to guarantee you of their sturdiness. 

A couple of dollars cheaper than the Duralex, these glasses have an identical look (faceted sides) and vibe (cafe/diner). They have been sturdy, sturdy glasses that have been a pleasure to drink from.

If you’d like a plain Jane glass that does the job, this no-frills possibility is an effective choose. It’s the LBD of consuming glasses—it really works for any event.

These cute (albeit, considerably small) glasses have been simple to grip, because of their barely smaller bottoms—which additionally made them nice stackers.

A far cry from childhood jam jars (which, if we’re trustworthy, made nice glasses), these stunners scream “I’m an achieved grownup.” However past their beautiful aesthetic, all of our testers discovered these glasses nice in sensible methods, too. They have been sturdy with a just-right lip thickness, and the gorgeous etched strains had a sensible goal: they helped you grip the glass.

The Assessments

• Consuming Water Check: We had three customers with totally different hand sizes use every glass to drink water. 
• Stacking Check: We stacked all of the stackable glasses and examined how simply they match collectively. 
• Seltzer and Ice Check (Winners-Solely): We crammed our successful glasses with 1/2 cup of ice and topped it with seltzer. We sipped from them and allow them to sit for 10 minutes to see if any condensation shaped. 
• Sturdiness and Cleansing Assessments (Winners-Solely): We hand-washed our successful glasses with cleaning soap and water. We then dropped them within the sink thrice, as if the glass slipped out of our palms whereas washing them.

What We Discovered

Thicker Glasses Have been (Often) Higher Than Skinny Ones

Whereas the Our Place glasses bordered on too hefty (one person discovered the 4-millimeter thick rim impeded consuming), there was a candy spot when it got here to thickness. Total, we most popular glasses with rims that have been two to a few millimeters thick, like these on the Luminarc and Duralex, respectively. Thinner glasses, just like the 1-millimeter thick Borosil and the 1.5-millimeter-thick glasses from Fable, felt fragile and chintzy, with customers complaining they’d “sharp rims” and that they felt “very breakable.” We additionally most popular glasses that had thick bases, like the Riedels, which helped the glass keep placed on the desk and gave it a pleasant weightiness. Glasses just like the Libbey Polaris, which had skinny bases and curved bottoms, felt like they’d knock over extra simply. 

Faceted (or Grooved) Exterior Sides Have been Good for Grip

We discovered, somewhat surprisingly, that testers most popular glasses that had faceted sides (just like the Duralex and Bormioli Rocco Rock Bar) or that featured grooved strains on the outside (just like the Riedel). As a substitute of being annoying, these aspects and features helped us grip the glasses securely, versus completely easy sides. At first look, the Ichendorf Milano Laguna Tumblers appeared to have grooved exterior strains, however, puzzlingly, they have been truly on the within of the glass, which didn’t assist with grip in any respect. 

Customers Disliked Plain, Straight-Edged Glasses

A number of glasses within the lineup, together with the Borosil and Fable, featured nearly rectangular silhouettes, with no flaring in anyway. Some customers thought these glasses appeared “scientific” and extra intently resembled chemistry beakers than consuming glasses. Conversely, customers beloved the elegant, ridged strains on the Riedels, in addition to the basic silhouettes of the Duralex, which one person stated resembled the glasses her grandmother used. Whereas the Bormioli Rocco bodega glasses have been the plainest of our winners, they did characteristic a slight flare outwards from the thicker base, which aided in grip and likewise appeared good.

High quality Craftsmanship Made an Impression—and Sloppy Manufacturing Did, Too

Many of the glasses we examined got here in similar units, with no variation between glasses: every Luminarc, Duralex, Bormioli Rocco, and Riedel appeared precisely the identical (save for the tall glasses within the Riedel set, which appeared totally different from the rocks glasses on-purpose). However after we unboxed the Libbey Ascent set, which included highball and rocks glasses, we have been stunned to seek out that lots of the glasses assorted by way of manufacturing high quality; many had uneven bases that sloped off to 1 facet inside, and one glass even had a divot within the rim. If you’re shopping for a set of glasses that you just would possibly get away when company are over, do you really need glasses that look shoddily made? We wouldn’t. 

Glasses That Stacked Have been Simple to Retailer

Whereas lots of the glasses we examined claimed to be stackable, just a few actually stood out: the Duralex, Bormioli Rocco, and Luminarc. The Luminarc, specifically, was a stunning stacker, with a smaller backside part that slid simply into the broader prime a part of the accompanying glasses. 

The Standards: What to Search for in a Consuming Glass

Whereas appears to be like rely in your private preferences (whether or not you prefer to go flashy on a regular basis or desire subdued class), there are some things to search for in an excellent consuming glass: it ought to have a thicker backside, taper outward barely, and ideally have a goldilocks thickness of between two to a few millimeters. It must also be sturdy (as a result of accidents occur), simple to grip, and every glass within the set must be defect-free. 

What we preferred: Testers beloved the faceted sides and barely blooming opening of this sturdy glass—which additionally survived a drop on concrete, a minor miracle. They stated it “appears to be like good in a diner-esque/mini milkshake means,” and is a “good each day driver glass.” It was a pleasure to make use of whether or not sipping water, seltzer, or perhaps a spot of wine (sacré bleu!). It additionally was simple to stack, making for environment friendly storage. You can even buy this glass set in smaller and bigger sizes, if the mid-sized providing isn’t your cup of tea—er, water?

What we didn’t like: Our solely minor qualm was that the aspects went up excessive on this glass, which brought about one customers’ hand to slip upwards. Aside from that, it is a implausible glass. 

Value at time of publish: $35 for a set of six 12.62-ounce tumblers.

Key Specs

• Lip thickness: 3 millimeters
• Quantity in set: 6
• Diameter of opening: 3 3/8 inches 
• Top: 5 inches
• Weight: 11.3 ounces
• Capability: 12.62 ounces
• Supplies: Tempered glass
• Stackable: Sure
• Cleansing and care: Dishwasher-safe

What we preferred: With an identical, basic cafe aesthetic, this providing was barely cheaper (and smaller) than the Duralex. We preferred its related faceted sides, tapered base, and just-the-right-thickness rim. It additionally stacked nicely. 

What we didn’t like: One person wished the aspects continued larger up on the glass. 

Value at time of publish: $24 for a set of 6. 

Key Specs

• Lip thickness: 3 millimeters
• Quantity in set: 6
• Diameter of opening: 3 1/4 inches 
• Top: 4 3/4 inches
• Weight: 9.7 ounces
• Capability: 12.5 ounces
• Supplies: Tempered glass
• Stackable: Sure
• Cleansing and care: Dishwasher-safe

What we preferred: These easy glasses featured a slim profile, good rim thickness, and a barely weighty base to maintain ‘em regular. Whereas they won’t have the curb enchantment of fancier glasses, they actually have been nice for consuming something—water, juice, seltzer, margaritas…the checklist goes on. Plus, their impartial design means you possibly can pair them with pizza as readily as a elaborate steak dinner (we do should say, they appear notably good stuffed with rose subsequent to a platter of oysters). In addition they stack properly. 

What we didn’t like: Some customers discovered the graceful exterior a little bit tougher to grip. 

Value at time of publish: $46 for a set of 12.

Key Specs

• Lip thickness: 2 millimeters
• Quantity in set: 12
• Diameter of opening: 3 3/8 inches 
• Top: 3 1/2 inches
• Weight: 6.3 ounces
• Capability: 12 ounces
• Supplies: Tempered glass
• Stackable: Sure
• Cleansing and care: Dishwasher-safe

What we preferred: These petite glasses featured a smaller lower-half which was simple to grip and—per our designation—made them tremendous simple to stack. In addition they featured a thicker backside, which helped them stand good and regular. If you’d like a fair smaller, squatter possibility, they’re additionally out there in a 9-ounce measurement (although this measurement it out of inventory in the meanwhile). 

What we didn’t like: These are wee glasses, so for those who prefer to gulp down large quantities of something, they won’t be best for you—they’re higher for dainty sipping. Nevertheless, for those who’re nostalgic for consuming out of jam jars, these glasses kinda have that vibe (minus the lovable illustrations). 

Value at time of publish: $26 for a set of 6.

Key Specs

• Lip thickness: 2 millimeters
• Quantity in set: 6
• Diameter of opening: 2.75 inches 
• Top: 4 3/4 inches
• Weight: 6.8 ounces
• Capability: 10.75 ounces
• Supplies: Glass
• Stackable: Sure
• Cleansing and care: Dishwasher-safe

What we preferred: This set of fancy glasses comes with 4 rocks glasses and 4 highballs, all of which characteristic an art-deco-esque design. These are the glasses you discover at good bars; they’re expensive, have a pleasant weight to them, and look implausible within the glow of a candle. On a sensible be aware, they have been surprisingly sturdy, and each single tester who used them beloved the grooved strains on the outside, which made gripping simple. 

What we didn’t like: Whereas we discovered the rocks glass near-flawless (although one person thought sloshing could be a problem, since they’re squat), testers weren’t fairly as enamored with the highball glasses for on a regular basis sipping. They have been slim and appeared extra apt at holding a crushed ice cocktail that you just sip with a straw somewhat than a glass of OJ swigged at breakfast. Additionally, this set is PRICEY. 

Value at time of publish: $120 for a set of 8.

Key Specs

• Lip thickness: 2 millimeters
• Quantity in set: 8 (4 rocks and 4 highballs) 
• Highball diameter: 2 1/2 inches
• Rocks diameter: 3 1/4 inches
• Highball top: 3 1/2 inches
• Rocks top: 3 1/4 inches
• Highball weight: 15.4 ounces
• Rocks weight: 11.3 ounces
• Highball capability: 10.9 ounces
• Rocks capability: 10 ounces
• Supplies: Tempered glass
• Stackable: Sure (technically you possibly can stack highball contained in the rocks glass)
• Cleansing and Care: Dishwasher-safe

The Competitors

• Fable Glassware Set: Whereas these glasses have been surprisingly sturdy contemplating how skinny they have been, their thinness was a draw back in a tactile sense; customers thought they have been too slim and that they verged on the boring facet of plain. 
• Libbey Polaris 8-Piece Tumbler Set: With a easy however elegant design, these glasses had loads going for them—save for the curved bases and really tall top (6.25 inches, the tallest of the lineup), which made them really feel tippy. 
• Libbey Ascent 16-Piece Tumbler And Rocks Glass Set: This set had potential, however its downfall was high quality management: just a few of the tumblers and rocks glasses had defects, together with divoted rims and uneven bases. 
• Borosil Simple Glass Tumblers (Set of 6): Easy could be good, however these glasses verged too near chemistry beaker territory. The oblong silhouette and skinny glass weren’t widespread with testers. 
• Ichendorf Milano Laguna Tumblers (Set of 6): Oh these glasses appeared so good, however typically beauty don’t assure an excellent person expertise. Testers have been puzzled to seek out that the grooved strains have been truly on the within of the glass (negating any grip they could have lent) and whereas the little raised edges on the rim have been fairly, they have been uncomfortable to sip from. 
• Fortessa Tableware Solutions Modo Basic Bar Glasses/Schott Zwiesel: Whereas these glasses have been elegant and had a thick base, the highest was very skinny (a mere one millimeter thick) and felt fragile. 
• Our Place Night + Day Glasses: Whereas some customers like the looks of those glasses (and the truth that they arrive in a enjoyable vary of colours), others thought consuming from them was akin to making an attempt to drink from a candle holder for the reason that rim was 4 millimeters thick. Nevertheless, they did stack properly and really feel sturdy. 

FAQs

What measurement consuming glasses ought to I purchase?

It relies on your wants and wishes (an annoyingly imprecise reply, we all know). Whereas some folks could be completely cool with rocks-sized glasses, different would possibly need highballs to pack stuffed with ice. The excellent news is that many glasses are available in units with smaller glasses and taller ones, so you will get one of the best of each worlds. But when a set of glasses catches your eye and so they solely are available in one measurement, take a gander on the dimensions and capability. 

What number of glasses are in a set?

It actually relies on the set, however six glasses was the commonest set quantity in our testing. 

What’s one of the simplest ways to wash consuming glasses?

All glasses could be hand-washed, however there’s additionally the choice to only pile ‘em within the dishwasher. All the glasses we examined got here out of the dishwasher unscathed and glinting.