The Types of Drinking Glasses You Need in Your Kitchen

Drinking Glasses for Water

A tumbler, which may be made of glass or plastic, is quite possibly the best water glass you can choose. By definition, a tumbler is a flat-bottomed drinking glass without a foot or stem. This shape feels great in your hand. When weighted on the bottom, this kind of glass deftly avoids tipping over (or, as you could say, “tumbling”). 

You’ll find it easy to drink out of a tumbler. It doesn’t have a drip-inducing raised lip. A tumbler is also bigger around than the body of a Collins or highball glass, which can seem too narrow.

Tumblers come in a wide range of sizes. For water, between 14- and 16-ounces will serve you well. This size holds a fair amount of liquid without being too heavy to hold. Anything over 16 ounces can be tough to manage.

You can find tumblers made in several different materials. Tempered glass makes for a relatively shatterproof glass and ensures durability.

However, if you’re more comfortable with plastic, don’t shy away from it. Some plastic glasses are insulated, which means they will keep an ice-cold glass of water cooler longer. You’ve just got to know what you’re looking for when you’re looking at plastic glasses. Read the product label and make sure you’re purchasing a BPA-free plastic vessel. 

Here’s a few things you should know before you buy plastic tumblers: 

The only kind of plastic that contains BPA, or bisphenol-A, is polycarbonate. This type of plastic is hard and virtually unbreakable. However, studies have shown that being exposed to BPA can have negative health effects. 

Tritan plastic, polypropylene plastic, acrylic and SAN are all great alternatives. 

• Tritan plastic is characterized by its clarity and performance. It is the closest to glass in appearance. Sturdy and dishwasher-friendly, this type of plastic is relatively unbreakable. It's usually labeled as "BPA-free."
• Polypropylene plastic is slightly opaque and rubbery in texture. Perhaps a less stylish option, this recognizable kind of plastic is nearly unbreakable. Polypropylene is typically labeled as "BPA-free." It’s great if you’re nervous about accidentally reaching for a BPA plastic.
• Acrylic and SAN are closest in resemblance to BPA-laden drinkware. These plastics look very similar to actual glass, but are less durable. While they are among the best water glass options out there, they need to be handled with care. Acrylic is typically labeled “hand-wash.” SAN is usually marked as  “dishwasher-safe.”