What to Buy Bar & Drinks The 10 Best Drinking Glasses, According to Our Editors Our list of favorites includes versatile tumblers, perfectly-sized juice cups, and stackable glassware sets. By Melissa Vogt Melissa Vogt Melissa has been writing in the food and wine industry for more than a decade. She contributes to local and national publications as a California Wine Appellation Specialist, with certification through the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) at the Advanced Level 3. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 15, 2023 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Favorite Drinking Glasses Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Food & Wine / Food52 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, cold brew, classic cocktails, and more. To curate the best drinking glasses for various uses, we asked industry professionals which qualities to look for and also included a few editor-tested and approved picks. 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 everyday large tumblers to decorative glasses fit for special occasions. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Luminarc Stackable Glasses at Food52 Jump to Review Best Value: Bormioli Rocco Juice Glasses at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Material Full Glass Set at Materialkitchen.com Jump to Review Best Everyday: Bormioli Rocco Bodega 17-Ounce Glassware at Amazon Jump to Review Best Stackable: Our Place Drinking Glasses at Fromourplace.com Jump to Review Best Tumbler: Williams Sonoma Large Straight Tumblers at Williams-Sonoma Jump to Review Best Size Range: Borosil Glass Tumblers at Food52 Jump to Review Best Acrylic: CB2 Old-Fashioned Glass at CB2 Jump to Review Best Decorative: West Elm Drinking Glasses at West Elm Jump to Review Best Stemless Wine Glasses: Iittala Essence Tumblers at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Luminarc French Tightrope Stackable Glasses, 2 Sizes, Set of 6 Food52 View On Food52 View On Luminarc.com Pros They're stackable and inexpensive at about $4 per glass. Cons These are on the smaller side at 10.75 ounces, and they're only available online at Food52. 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 durable set should have a long life. While the 10.75-ounce volume may seem limiting, the smaller size can help you curb water waste, as you're pouring less of it down the sink at the end of the night. Not to mention, they're aesthetically pleasing for everyday use and gatherings alike. Price at time of publish: $24 Quantity: Set of sixVolume: 10.75 ouncesMaterial: Tempered soda lime glassDishwasher Safe: Yes Best Value Bormioli Rocco Rock Bar Stackable Juice Glasses, Set Of 6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Bartenders and restaurateurs all over the world opt for glasses of this classic pub shape, and this set of six costs about $3 per glass. Cons The glasses have a relatively small volume. You've likely come across glasses like these many times before and for good reason. With their thick walls and heavy-bottom base, Bormioli's Rocco Rock Bar glasses are as sturdy as glasses come. The tempered glass resists chipping and even thermal sock. So, you can chill them in the freezer or fill them with hot liquids, such as Irish coffee or morning cappuccinos. The 6.75-ounce size makes them ideal for a cocktail or a double shot of a spirit. You can get a lot of these small, stackable glasses on one shelf, which is why bars and restaurants often use them. Plus, their crystal-clear design will not stain. Price at time of publish: $21 Quantity: Set of sixVolume: 6.75 ouncesMaterial: Tempered GlassDishwasher Safe: Yes Best Splurge Material The Full Glass Set Material View On Materialkitchen.com Pros These stackable glasses come in two sizes and three fun colors. Cons At $65, this is the most expensive set on our list. If you're in the market for a new set of drinking glasses that double as chic cocktail vessels, look no further than this editor-loved glassware set from Material. 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 fourVolume: 12 ouncesMaterial: Borosilicate glassDishwasher Safe: Yes Best Everyday Bormioli Rocco Bodega Collection 17-Ounce Glassware Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart Pros These sleek and durable glasses don't shatter, cloud, or get discolored, even after years of use. Cons Though these glasses are technically stackable, if the glasses are stacked at different temperatures, they can get locked together. 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 similar 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 serve other rocks drinks, juice at breakfast, or even parfait cups in a pinch," Soll adds. At 17 ounces, we love this particular size as an everyday drinking glass. Price at time of publish: $54 Quantity: Set of 12Volume: 17 ouncesMaterial: Tempered glassDishwasher Safe: Yes Best Stackable Our Place Drinking Glasses View On Fromourplace.com Pros These drinking glasses are stackable and come in a variety of fun colors, plus you can purchase mixed sets. Cons At $50, these are one of the more expensive glassware sets on our list. 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 chic barware. 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 eightVolume: 12 ouncesMaterial: Recycled glassDishwasher Safe: Yes The Best Stackable Glassware, According to Beverage Directors Best Tumbler Williams Sonoma Large Straight Tumblers, Set of 6 Williams Sonoma View On Williams-Sonoma Pros Each glass holds 15 ounces. There's a weighted base to help the glasses from toppling over. Cons The glasses aren't stackable, and you can only buy them at Williams Sonoma. Weighted bases give these large tumblers from Williams Sonoma a solid feel and help prevent tipping. Though not stackable, their slender construction allows them to stand side by side in your cupboard without taking up too much space. In addition to helping you hydrate, a larger volume is great for holding beverages that require a lot of ice or a full bottle of cold beer (standard 12 ounces). Price at time of publish: $30 Quantity: Set of sixVolume: 15 ouncesMaterial: Lead-free glassDishwasher Safe: Yes Best Size Range Borosil Glass Tumblers, set of 6 Food52 View On Food52 Pros They're made of durable borosilicate glass and come in a variety of sizes and designs. Cons You may have trouble finding replacements for a particular size and design, as Food52 carries some that other retailers don't. These lightweight glasses appear delicate, but they're made of durable borosilicate glass. The glass is non-porous, so your new tumblers will remain free of stains. In addition to being dishwasher safe, they're also microwave and freezer safe, so you can warm up or chill beverages in them. You have the choice between four sizes (we love the look of the tall flute) and five designs, making this set ideal for those who want a range of sizes at home. Stack them for simple storage. Price at time of publish: $32 Quantity: Set of sixVolume: 7, 9, 10, and 16 ouncesMaterial: Borosilicate glassDishwasher Safe: Yes Best Acrylic CB2 Acrylic Double Old-Fashioned Glass CB2 View On CB2 Pros Acrylic looks like glass, but it won't break. These glasses also stack easily. Cons While the manufacturer says the glasses are dishwasher safe, hand washing helps with longevity. Take one glance at this double old-fashioned 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 the patio. 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 individuallyVolume: 16 ouncesMaterial: Clear acrylicDishwasher Safe: Yes Best Decorative West Elm Stacking Drinking Glasses, set of 4 West Elm View On West Elm Pros This set comes in three colors as well as a clear option, and you can also buy them in highball size. Cons Soda lime glass breaks more easily than tempered glass and borosilicate, and the glasses aren't microwave-safe. 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 highball size, and purchase them as a set of four, eight, or 16 to seriously multiply your collection. 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 fourVolume: 10 ouncesMaterial: Soda lime glassDishwasher Safe: Yes Best Stemless Wine Glasses Iittala Essence Tumblers Amazon View On Amazon Pros These glasses look beautiful and double as stemless wine glasses. Cons You'll want to be extra careful with these given their makeup (thin crystal) and the cost per glass. In many restaurants, stemless wine glasses now multitask as water glasses. And at home, a sleek, stemless glass will elevate dinner parties. Made of lead-free, dishwasher-safe crystal, the Iittala Essence Drinking Glasses hold 12 ounces of liquid – enough for water and more than enough for wine. At 3 inches, the slender width of the glass fits nicely in one hand. Those who prefer thinner glass will be pleased, as the crystal's delicate nature aids in this set's aesthetic appeal and a soft feel on the mouth. Plus, with a weighted base, they stand strong on tabletops. Price at time of publish: $45 Quantity: Set of twoVolume: 12 ouncesMaterial: CrystalDishwasher Safe: Yes Our Favorite Drinking Glasses When shopping for drinking glasses, material, volume, versatility, and quantity in a set are the most important factors to consider. We recommend deciding which features are most important to you to determine which of these best picks belong in your kitchen. The Luminarc Tightrope Stackable Glasses, our Overall Best, wed beautiful form with practical function. We love that they feel good in the hand, look great on the table, and stack easily in the cupboard. Another favorite, the 16-ounce Large Straight Tumblers from Williams Sonoma's Open Kitchen collection will win over anyone looking for large everyday glasses 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit