Types of water glasses

A universal product that no person can do without is drinking water. It is customary to drink it from capacious transparent glasses . Elegant, expensive wine glasses are placed on the guest table; containers with a simple design are used in everyday life. But how can you find good water glasses among the many glass and crystal products? Let's look at the main features and advantages of this cookware.

Types by materials

According to the rules of serving, tall transparent glasses must be served on the table. They are filled with regular, sparkling or mineral water. The traditional material for such glassware is transparent glass, emphasizing the purity of the drink.

There are 4 glass options suitable for home use:

hardened – resistant to temperature changes, does not break when dropped, dishwasher compatible. Glasses made from this material are distinguished by thickened walls and a massive bottom;

untempered – used for the production of elegant festive wine glasses. Thanks to its thin walls and pronounced shine, it looks beautiful on the table. The durability of such dishes is insignificant, so they are washed by hand;

borosilicate - has the ability to withstand high temperatures. Borosilicate glasses are often double-walled to keep drinks cold or hot;

crystal glass is thin, elegant and particularly transparent.

Products made of crystal glass and cut glass are more suitable for the festive table - transparent, with a bright shine and exquisite design. They are quite fragile, so they require careful storage and hand washing.

Glasses made of transparent plastic are also widely used in everyday life. They do not break when dropped, are easy to clean, and are inexpensive. But it is not recommended to pour hot drinks into plastic containers, since when the temperature rises strongly, the plastic releases harmful compounds.

Types by volume

The classic shape of a water glass is a tall cylinder with smooth walls. The size ranges from 100 to 250 ml . The classic volume is 200-250 ml . Vessels of this size are used for any non-alcoholic drinks - juices, lemonade, fruit drinks.

Smaller versions with a capacity of 100-150 ml are suitable for everyday use in the kitchen. Larger vessels that hold 500-850 ml of liquid will be convenient for summer parties. In addition to water, they can be filled with beer, as well as milkshakes with edible decorations.

Restaurants often serve water in glass goblets with a high stem. The volume of such products is 160-250 ml .

Benefits of using water glasses

It is not in vain that table etiquette defines a special piece of glassware for each drink. A properly selected glass ensures ease of drinking and also highlights the features of the product.

Tall transparent glasses demonstrate the purity of the water and help the waiter determine when to add more. The thickened bottom gives the products stability. Glass and crystal dishes are safe for health, easy to clean, and cope with temperature changes without problems. The beautiful shine of these materials complements the table setting favorably.

But the main advantage of water glasses is their versatility in use. They can serve red and white wine, complex cocktails, beer and champagne. Glasses with a volume of 100-150 ml are suitable for strong alcohol. Wine glasses with long stems successfully serve as cocktail glasses.

Why is it best to buy sets

It is more profitable to buy drinkware in sets of 4 to 12 items.

Identical products give the table a neat look; they are easy to combine with the style of the rest of the utensils and the interior as a whole. A broken glass can easily be replaced with the same sample.

A beautiful set of glasses is a universal gift that will be useful in any home. Products made from expensive crystal can be given as gifts for a wedding or anniversary. The most popular sets in everyday life are sets of 6 items, designed for the average family of 4 people plus 2 spares.option. Guest services include from 6 to 18 items. Manufacturers often create sets of glasses of different sizes, designed in the same style. Such collections are intended for soft drinks and strong alcohol – whiskey, cognac.

Nowadays, 2-piece sets have become popular. They are usually given to married couples.

What to look for when choosing

The first criterion that is taken into account when purchasing is the purpose of the glasses . If you are going to use glasses only for water, buy simple ones with a thick bottom. If you plan to use dishes for different types of drinks, including wine, choose large wine glasses with long stems.

Here are three more criteria that are important to consider:

durability – glasses made of tempered glass will last the longest. If you want to occasionally pour punch or hot mulled wine into them, look for double-walled borosilicate glasses;

safety - check the composition of the products indicated in the instructions. Avoid glass containing lead oxide. This substance, harmful to the blood, kidneys and nervous system, can pass into drinks, especially sour ones;

appearance – crystal glass looks most beautiful on the table. This material has a bright shine and maximum transparency, and is cheaper than crystal.

Also pay attention to the cost of the product - a good set of six glass glasses cannot cost less than 500 rubles. The price of crystal sets starts from 1500 rubles.

Popular manufacturers

The ranking of the best water glasses is opened by Luminarc . The products of the French company are made from tempered glass with a special coating that protects against scratches. The products are made in a classic style, with a thickened bottom and smooth high walls. Luminarc offers 6-piece sets that can be used to serve water, soft drinks, wine and beer.

The Pasabahce brand offers high-quality glassware. The Turkish company's assortment includes glasses of various shapes, from oriental tea cups reminiscent of tulip flowers to squat “tumblers” for strong alcohol. Pasabahce products are durable, beautifully designed, and easy to maintain.

Care and storage rules

Proper care of your water glasses will extend their service life and improve the aesthetic appearance of your drinks. Poorly washed and dried dishes not only look untidy, but also retain foreign odors and lose their shine. To keep your glasses always sparkling clean, use these five practical tips:

• Wash glass and crystal glasses by hand, one at a time. Use mild detergents and non-abrasive sponges. Use cold water to rinse. To enhance the shine of the glass, add 7-10 drops of table vinegar to the water.
• If the instructions are dishwasher safe, set the temperature to low. Do not place glasses on the cutlery or plate rack; use the compartment provided for them. We also recommend using dishwasher-safe cassettes. They allow you to wash a large number of glasses and keep them intact.
• Air dry washed glasses upside down. After drying, wipe the items with a soft, dry cloth to remove streaks.
• Do not place glass containers in the microwave or freezer unless the instructions state that they are intended for that purpose.
• Do not pour cold water into a hot glass, and vice versa.

Store glasses on a separate shelf, away from other types of dishes. Place a soft cloth on the shelf to prevent damage. A good storage option is the packaging box in which the set was sold. Separately, you can highlight the bar mesh , it allows the glasses not to slide and avoid chipping.