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Food & Wine/Russell Kilgore
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
Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Tumblers
They are incredibly light and can be used for a variety of drinks.
You can't stack them so that's a consideration if space is limited.
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.
Quantity: Set of six | Volume: 12 ounces | Material: Lead-free glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Brierley Horton
Food & Wine / Brierley Horton
Food & Wine / Brierley Horton
They look like the type you see in restaurants.
You may want to choose another with more capacity if you are looking for a water glass.
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.
Quantity: Set of six | Volume: 7, 9, 10, and 16 ounces | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Mary Claire Lagroue
Food & Wine / Mary Claire Lagroue
Best Splurge
Material Full Glass Set
They haven't broken even when knocked over thanks to its ultra-strong borosilicate glass.
Water pools on the bottom half of the glass in the dishwasher.
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."
Quantity: Set of four | Volume: 12 ounces | Material: Borosilicate glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Dana Fouchia
Food & Wine / Dana Fouchia
Food & Wine / Dana Fouchia
Food & Wine / Elizabeth Theriot
Best Design
Our Place Drinking Glasses
We dropped them, and they didn't break.
They might be too colorful for more minimalistic design schemes.
These stackable glasses from Our Place are versatile for serving everything from iced coffee to cocktails. They also double duty as everyday drinking glasses and stackable wine glasses. Choose from various 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."
Quantity: Set of four; set of eight | Volume: 12 ounces | Material: Recycled glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Katherine Gallagher
Food & Wine / Katherine Gallagher
Food & Wine / Katherine Gallagher
Best Lightweight
Riedel O Water Glasses
They are lighter and smaller than tall water glasses.
The set only comes with two and they are not inexpensive.
This set of two Riedel water glasses is perfect for an individual or minimalist couple. Although they are on the pricier side, they can still be used every day in a variety of applications, from ice water to wine. Since the glass has a large open bowl, it is easy to get a sponge in, which makes cleaning much easier than a narrow fit.
Since they are thinner, they resemble a wine glass, adding elegance to any meal or cocktail. The light hand feel makes this a great glass for anyone who doesn't like hefty glass. But they are beautiful to be paired with almost anything or any occasion. They are a tiny splurge but still worth the purchase, especially next to a wine glass with a long stem from the same brand.
Quantity: Set of two | Volume: 11.64 ounces | Material: Clear glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Stephanie Lewis
Food & Wine / Stephanie Lewis
Food & Wine / Stephanie Lewis
Food & Wine / Stephanie Lewis
These are suited for most drinks, but best for tall drinks like iced tea.
We would not use these to drink wine because they are so tall.
The glass in these Pottery Barn glasses is thicker, making them feel sturdy but not hefty. Even though these are glass, the sturdy construction makes them feel unbreakable. Since the glasses are the same shape and size all the way down, the grip is the same no matter where you hold it. Even though it has a thicker rim, it doesn't make drinking liquids difficult. These are incredibly simple, and their style and shape are influenced by the slightest design interest from the hammered glass. You can't stock these, but we could store them side-by-side in our cabinet with no issues.
Since the glasses are so tall and narrow, reaching in with a sponge while cleaning was difficult. We recommend using a sponge with a handle. There wasn’t any excessive condensation when we used them for cold drinks. Since they are taller, we recommend this for drinks with lots of ice. These are too tall for drinks like wine and neat spirits unless you use them as a water glass for dinner.
Quantity: Set of four; set of eight | Volume: 12 ounces | Material: Recycled glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Abby Moore
Food & Wine / Abby Moore
Food & Wine / Abby Moore
Food & Wine / Abby Moore
Most Versatile
Made In Drinking Glasses
The rim is pleasantly thin without feeling fragile.
These are not every day glasses because they are so nice.
This set of four Made In drinking glasses is ultra-light and fairly thin. Even though they're bottom-heavy enough, they don't feel too delicate or flimsy. However, they certainly feel like an upgrade from your everyday glass. There are no visible seams; the only markings are the logo etched on the bottom. The glasses have a slight slant to them, coupled with their thin style ads and elegant flare, making them great for a dinner party, but they're also good for everyday use.
We advise being careful while washing these even though they're dishwasher safe because they feel quite delicate. These glasses work for any beverage but are especially wonderful for highballs and cocktails on the rocks, especially those that call for a salted rim. However, they are so nice you can reserve them for a special occasion. It's not the type of glass we want to risk throwing in the dishwasher daily.
Quantity: Set of four | Volume: 15.25 ounces | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Megan Soll
Food & Wine / Megan Soll
Food & Wine / Megan Soll
Best Durable
Fortessa Jupiter Glasses
The beading design is not only beautiful, but also helps with the grip.
They are hefty and heavier than others, but that also means they are built to last.
We love the bubble design of these larger-size Jupiter drinking glasses from Fortessa. Our favorite part is not only the thickness but also its aesthetic. It feels like a durable, beautiful glass for a special occasion. The glasses have a bubble design on the exterior, which makes every glass look carbonated.
The bubbles on the outside provide a pleasant design feature and are also useful because they remove your glass slightly from your palm and the heat that emanates from it. Because the bottom glass is so thick, it doesn't sweat much and seems well-insulated. They also don't take up too much room and a cabinet, so they're great to add to any kitchenscape.
Quantity: Set of six | Volume: 13 ounces | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Shelbie Tunnell
Food & Wine / Shelbie Tunnell
Food & Wine / Shelbie Tunnell
Best Classic
Libbey Province Tumbler & Rocks Set
They are nice enough for everyday use, but not so simple that they add nothing to a tablescape.
They are pretty weighty, so that should be a consideration if you are looking for lightweight glasses.
The Libby province Tumblr and rock set comes with 16 glasses. From a design standpoint, we think it's an incredible value and a classic set. You can use them daily, and they are ideal for families with children with older children or couples. We don't recommend these for younger kids because they might break them. They do have a larger storage footprint, so a dedicated cabinet shelf for the set would be ideal. It comes with eight tumblers and eight rocks glasses.
These aren't very thick or heavy and don’t seem to get scratched easily. We were still able to use them on a daily basis and for dinner parties because they looked so nice. The tumbler could be used as a highball glass, but I've used the Rocks glasses for bourbon and smaller mixed drinks. We haven't washed them by hand, but they do well In the dishwasher.
Quantity: Set of 16 | Volume: 11.1 and 15.02 ounces | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Joe Morales
Food & Wine / Joe Morales
Food & Wine / Joe Morales
They have a light feel when held but they don't come off as delicate.
Sometimes, they can feel too small in larger hands.
These mini glasses were comfortable to hold and drink from, but their size sometimes made us feel like our hands were too big. They have a nice thin rim, which is pleasant on the lips when sipping, and since these glasses are so sleek and modern, they make any drink look good. No seams or lines exist, so it's a blank canvas for any creation. They're super easy to clean because they're so shallow that you can easily get a sponge in them, but you can also put them in the dishwasher.
They were adaptable for various beverages, but we liked them best for spirits like whiskey served neat or over a single cube. They were also nice for serving many appetizers or desserts because they give a nice portion size. We don't recommend these for wine because the heat transfer from hand to Glass would probably warm the contents. That being said, they're a great mini everyday glass for smaller drinks.
Quantity: Set of 12 | Volume: 7.5 ounces | Material: Glass | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore
Our Favorite Drinking Glass Set
After testing 20 sets of drinking glasses, we awarded the Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Tumblers the best overall. We like how the set has multiple durable glass sizes and a variety of styles. It's great for any family and also makes an equally good wedding gift.
How We Tested Drinking Glasses
To put these 20 drinking glass sets to the test, our team of editors integrated their respective glasses into their daily lives for three months. After evaluating them purely on aesthetics and hand feel, we used them with various beverages such as sparkling water, ice water to evaluate condensation after sitting for some time, and cocktails for versatility. We washed them as directed and observed how easily they were to clean.
If they were stackable, we used that feature to see how well they stored. When using the glasses, we also rated how they felt in our hands. Were they too heavy or so lightweight that they felt cheap? We also rated how thick the lip of the drinks felt when sipping. These were all considerations when we tested this latest batch of drinking glasses to ensure we help you find the right set for your household.
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 ample 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 do double duty as cocktail glasses? 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
Other Drinking Glass Sets We Tested
Strong Contenders
Libbey Ascent 16-Piece Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set, ($37 at Amazon)
We loved a lot about this set including the variety of glasses and how versatile it is. While it is a great set for a large family, most households might not need this many glasses or have the storage for them.
Libbey Polaris 16-Piece Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set, ($50 at Amazon)
These glasses are stackable and nice enough to be used for dinner parties or every day. They have a thick platform at the bottom, which we love, but some may find them too heavy if they have mobility issues or children in the house.
Luigi Bormioli Classico Tall Beverage Glass, Set of 4, ($43 at Amazon)
These glasses are nice in their appearance and very comfortable to use, but they're not very striking. While the price is right for the set, these are a bit too standard given the other choices. You can find something more dynamic for the cost.
Hawkins New York Essential Glassware, ($32 at Hawkins New York)
These glasses work for pretty much anything, but they are especially great for water or stemless wine glasses. While they're incredibly comfortable to hold, the slightly thicker rim may put some people off who prefer a thinner feel.
What Didn't Make The List
We adored the Luminarc French Tightrope Stackable Glasses we tested, but they are no longer in stock at the time of publication, so we could not recommend them. While we like thinner glasses, the CB2 Marta Double Old Fashioned Glasses were almost too thin. We were afraid we would break them, and we also found that condensation built up faster due to the lack of insulation. The Duralex Picardie 18-Piece Clear Drinking Glasses & Tumbler Set had the opposite problem. They are so thick and heavy that they may be too hefty for some users. They're incredibly durable glasses, but so heavy when full children might need two hands to hold them.
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
- Jennifer Zyman updated this piece with information about our latest tests and the winners from those results. Zyman, a Testing Editor at Food & Wine, focuses on finding the latest and greatest kitchen tools for home cooks and professionals.