How to choose the right glassware

From finding the right shape to bringing out the best aroma, this guide will help you make the right decision when it comes to finding glassware for every occasion.
Dinner & GlasswareDining Room
share

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GLASS AND CRYSTAL?

  • Crystal is a type of glass that contains strengthening minerals such as lead-oxide, potassium carbonate and silica to make it more durable.
  • This added strength allows the crystal to be molded into thinner, more delicate shapes.
  • Crystal refracts light for that beautiful shine making it perfect for those special occasions and formal dinners. Because crystal can be molded so thinly, crystal wine glasses can have a thin rim that allows for an uninterrupted flow of wine.
  • Crystal is slightly porous which is what gives it is ability to refract light but makes it unsuitable for the dishwasher and certain detergents.
  • Crystal is popular at weddings because of the fine ringing sound it makes when clinked.
  • Standard glass is made using sand, soda ash and limestone which makes it durable, but it can’t be molded as thin as crystal.
  • Standard glass isn’t able to refract light like crystal, making it good for everyday drinking but not as coveted for those special occasions.
  • Standard glass is non-porous making it dishwasher safe and some glass with a lower mineral count is also heat resistant such as borosilicate glass.

What shape glass should I use?

While there are plenty of drinks to be enjoyed, there are many kinds of glasses designed to enhance your drinking experience.
Shop all glassware on

The Tumbler

Short glass with a strong, flat bottom. Perfect for whisky or serving spirits on the rocks. Also good for short cocktails.

The Highball

The highball or tall tumbler is useful for many types of drinks from everyday juices and waters to tall mixed cocktail drinks that have a high ratio of mixer to alcohol.

The Gin Glass

As gin becomes more popular, the favoured glass for your favourite gin and tonic is now the Copa de Balon or balloon shaped glass with a rounded shape sitting on a stem. This shape is designed to trap the aromas of the gin to give a better taste to the drink while the large bowl allows for plenty of ice and lime or other fruits to be added and to keep the drink cool.

The Coupe

This type of glass has a tall stem and a wide mouth, purposefully designed to serve chilled “shaken” cocktails that are served without ice. As a champagne glass, a coupe allows more surface area to be exposed to the air, meaning you can enjoy the aroma of your drink and not just the sparkle.

The Martini Glass

With its sleek, elongated stem and wide, shallow bowl, the martini glass embodies both style and function, perfectly designed to showcase and savour the iconic cocktail it cradles.

Types of wine glasses

The shape of your wine glass makes a real difference to the taste and experience. Choose the right shape for each type of wine.

THE BENEFITS OF DOUBLE-WALL GLASSWARE

These sorts of glasses have been around for a while and are definitely here to stay.

Reasons to love double wall glasses.

  • Hot or cold drinks – they keep their pouring temperature for far longer than normal glass.

  • No cumbersome handles! Because burn risk is no longer a thing, these glasses are elegant.

  • For hot drinks, they are lighter than stoneware.

  • It’s fun to see your hot drinks, especially layered coffee drinks through the glass.

WHAT IS BOROSILICATE GLASS?

You’ll be seeing this word quite often when shopping for glassware… glass made with silica and boron trioxide. This type of glass is break and heat resistant and a good choice for a busy kitchen and glass used for tea or coffee. It is chip and crack resistant. You’ll often see it used for eco friendly glass straws and glass teapots.