Plastic drinking glasses from cocktail to plastic wine glasses have come a long way. No longer just simple red solo cups, today’s plastic glasses are strong, reusable, and stylish. They combine the elegance of glass with the durability of plastic, making them perfect for everyday use, and they’re also dishwasher-safe.
If you’re looking for the best plastic drinking glasses for your home, we’ve researched the top-rated sets and consulted with experts in the field. Beverage consultant Dean Hurst, based in Tampa, shared his insights, and we also tested the glasses ourselves. After evaluating them on design, size, durability, and overall value, here are our top picks for plastic drinking glasses.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Cocktail Kingdom Yarai Acrylic Double Rocks Tumbler
Price: $65 at Amazon
What We Like:
- Very durable
- Stackable design
- Looks like crystal glass
What We Don’t Like:
- Has seams around the glass
- Hand wash only
These acrylic tumblers from Cocktail Kingdom are a favorite for those who love glass-like quality with plastic’s durability. As beverage consultant Dean Hurst puts it, these glasses have a bright, crystal-like appearance and feel great in hand. They are perfect for outdoor use, especially for pool parties or a home bar.
The design is inspired by the cut-crystal pattern of Japanese Yarai mixing glasses. These 10-ounce stackable tumblers can hold a large round ice cube, making them perfect for whiskey lovers. We found these glasses to be incredibly durable, and even though they have seams, they still look great when filled with your drink. While they’re not dishwasher-safe, their durability and stackable design make them a great choice for parties and casual gatherings.
Material: Acrylic
Capacity: 10 ounces
Dishwasher Safe: No
Number of Pieces: 6
Dimensions: 3.5 x 3 inches
Best for Whiskey: Host Whiskey Freeze Cooling 9-Ounce Acrylic Glass
Price: $28 $23 at Amazon
What We Like:
- Keeps drinks cold without ice
- Double-walled design
- Versatile for many drinks
What We Don’t Like:
- Needs to be stored upside down while freezing
- Can sweat, so a coaster is recommended
If you enjoy whiskey and like it cold without the ice melting, these glasses are perfect. The Host Whiskey Freeze glasses have a special cooling gel in the double-walled design that keeps your drink at a perfect temperature without watering it down.
Simply store these glasses in the freezer and when you’re ready, pour in your drink. The gel inside keeps the temperature between 43 and 53 degrees. The silicone band around the glass protects your hand from the cold, making it comfortable to hold. Though designed for whiskey, these glasses work well for any cold drink, from lemonade to cocktails. One thing to keep in mind is that the glass can sweat, so you’ll need a coaster to keep it from slipping.
Material: Silicone
Capacity: 9 ounces
Dishwasher Safe: No
Number of Pieces: 2
Dimensions: 4.72 x 5 inches
Best for Wine: Govino Shatterproof Outdoor Wine Glasses
Price: $25 $18 at Amazon
What We Like:
- Shatterproof and lightweight
- Recyclable and BPA-free
- Thin and clear like crystal glass
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited space to aerate wine
If you want a stylish yet durable option for wine, these shatterproof glasses from Govino are a great choice. They look like real crystal with a reflective finish but are made from flexible, shatterproof material. Whether you’re at a party, the park, or by the pool, these glasses can handle it all.
These glasses are BPA-free, recyclable, and easy to clean. They have a comfortable thumb indent on the side, which makes them easier to hold. They can be reused many times, and you can also recycle them when you no longer need them. However, due to the design, there’s not much room to let the wine breathe, so you might need to use an aerator.
Material: BPA-free polymer
Capacity: 12 ounces
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Number of Pieces: 4
Dimensions: 3 x 3.75 x 3 inches
Best Insulated: Tervis 16-Ounce Clear Tumbler Set
Price: $30 at Amazon
What We Like:
- Insulated to keep drinks at the right temperature
- Lightweight and durable
- Large capacity
What We Don’t Like:
- Can build up condensation
Tervis is known for making excellent insulated tumblers, and this set is no exception. These double-walled plastic tumblers keep cold drinks cool and hot drinks warm for hours. They’re perfect for outdoor activities, and because they are shatterproof, they’re great for families with kids or anyone who tends to drop things.
The tumblers are BPA-free and safe for the microwave and dishwasher. While they’re not heavy, they’re very sturdy. The only downside is that they can sweat when filled with cold drinks, so you may want to use a coaster to keep the surface dry.
Material: Plastic
Capacity: 16 ounces
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Number of Pieces: 4
Dimensions: 6 x 3.4 x 2.6 inches
Other Options We Tested
While these were our top picks, we also tested a few other plastic drinking glasses.
- Host Freeze Stemless Margarita Glass: These glasses are designed for frozen drinks but only hold about 6 ounces, which is too small for a full drink with ice. The cooling gel didn’t freeze evenly, and the protective rubber fell in an awkward spot.
- Sugar & Cloth Ombre Plastic Pitcher and Tumbler Set: This beautiful set features mint, peach, blue, and rose colors. While they look great for photos, the color started chipping after some use. However, the 56-ounce pitcher is spacious and useful.
What to Look For in Plastic Drinking Glasses
When choosing plastic drinking glasses, consider these factors:
Size:
Think about what you’ll be serving. Glasses typically come in sizes from 8 to 24 ounces, but the width is also important, especially for kids or people who have difficulty holding glasses.
Design:
There are many designs available, from tall glasses for iced tea to wine glasses and cocktail tumblers. Some are shatterproof, making them perfect for outdoor activities like barbecues and poolside parties.
Ease of Cleaning:
Most plastic and acrylic glasses can be used multiple times. Check if the glasses are dishwasher-safe, as this will make cleaning easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plastic glasses recyclable?
Yes, most plastic glasses are recyclable. Look for the recycling symbol on the bottom to be sure.
Are all plastic glasses BPA-free?
Not all plastic glasses are BPA-free. Always check the packaging or the bottom of the glass to see if it’s BPA-free.
How long do plastic glasses last?
Plastic glasses can last for several years if taken care of properly and used regularly.
How do you clean cloudy plastic drinking glasses?
To remove cloudiness, soak the glasses in a mixture of water and white vinegar for a couple of minutes. For stubborn stains, use a paste made of baking soda and water, then rinse.
What’s the difference between acrylic and plastic drinking glasses?
Acrylic glasses are generally safer than other plastic glasses, as they do not release Bisphenol A (BPA).
Final Thoughts
Plastic drinking glasses have come a long way in both design and functionality. From the durable Cocktail Kingdom Yarai Acrylic Tumbler Set for casual parties to the Tervis 16-ounce tumblers for hot and cold drinks, there’s a plastic drinking glass that fits every need. By considering factors like durability, design, and ease of cleaning, you can find the perfect set to suit your home and lifestyle.
