Wine glasses are normally fragile. Some people can go through a lot of wine glasses, especially when they tend to break them a lot, which can be quite costly.
There are a number of reasons why wine glasses break so easily.
Common Reasons Wine Glasses Break Easily
The reason wine glasses break is that they are being mishandled or not being taken care of properly. Most wine glasses should be strictly hand-washed only and are not dishwasher safe. Wine glasses made of poor-quality materials tend to break after a few uses.
Why Do They Make Wine Glasses So Thin?
Wine glasses are not normal drinkware.
When glass artisans make wine glasses, they put a lot of thought into their shape, size, and material, so that it enhances the wine drinking experience.
Wine glasses are made thin because their thinness can affect the way you drink wine. Thin wine glasses show off the color of the wine very nicely.
Thin wine glasses also help accentuate the flavors and acidity of the wine and help transport it smoothly into your mouth.
This is why there is a science to wine glass making. Every detail about the wine glass should give you a good wine-drinking experience.
How Do You Keep Wine Glasses from Breaking?
There is no perfect way to keep wine glasses from breaking.
However, you can reduce it by taking care of them properly.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your wine glasses:
- Always check if your wine glasses are dishwasher safe, before putting them in the dishwasher. If it is not indicated or if you are not sure if they are dishwasher safe, then wash them by hand. It may sound tedious but it is better than having your expensive wine glasses break.
- Use a cloth instead of a sponge. The fibers of the sponge may be too rough for your smooth wine glasses, so you might end up getting micro scratches on them.
- When washing by hand, hold the wine glass by the bowl as it is more sturdy. Avoid holding it only by the foot or stem.
- If they are dishwasher safe, use less detergent. There are harsh components in washing detergents that can harm your glassware if you use too much. So use less detergent, or look for a gentler one.
- When washing them in the dishwasher, use a rinsing agent to prevent them from getting cloudy.
- When wiping your wine glasses, use a lens cloth or a lint-free microfiber cloth. Avoid using ordinary towels as they may have rough fibers that can make tiny scratches on your wine glasses.
- Store your wine glasses properly in a glass rack. Do not just simply put them in a cabinet with other glassware where they are not secured. You can simply buy a rack and have it attached to your cabinet with a screw.
How Long Should Wine Glasses Last?
While glass materials tend to be fragile and break easily when accidentally dropped, they are still durable enough.
Glass materials do not deteriorate, and they are not prone to normal wear and tear as long as you keep them clean and smooth.
In fact, when you properly take care of your glassware, it can last for a lifetime.
Are Thin Wine Glasses Better?
Good wine glasses are thin.
If a wine glass is thin, it means that the material itself is durable and of high quality. This is why the wine glasses were made to be thin.
This is why crystal wine glasses are very thin. Crystal glass is a high-quality material that is very durable.
A thin wine glass gives the feeling of sophistication and elegance. Ultra-thin wine glasses make for a really good wine-drinking experience.
A thick wine glass is normally an indicator of cheap material and poor quality. Generally, if the material is not good, the wine glass has to be made thicker so that it is less prone to breaking.
Are There Any High-Quality Wine Glasses in Thick Design?
While thin glasses generally mean good quality and durable materials, it does not mean that all wine glasses with thick designs are of poor quality.
There are some high-end renowned brands of wine glasses that still make use of regular glasses for some of their collections.
These wine glasses in particular had to be made thicker so they can be more durable.
What are the best unbreakable wine glasses?
Because it can be quite expensive to keep replacing wine glasses, a lot of people would prefer unbreakable wine glasses.
You may think that these pertain to plastic wine glasses that look cheap, but that is not the case here.
There are actually wine glasses that are unbreakable and can still look elegant.
Here are the best break-resistant or unbreakable wine glasses in the market:
Schott Zwiesel Tritan Wine Glasses
The brand Schott Zwiesel, known for manufacturing elegant wine glasses uses Tritan crystal glass for their wine glasses.
Tritan crystal glass is a non-lead-based glass made of titanium and zirconium oxide. This material looks and acts like crystal, but it resists breakage, chipping, and scratching.
This makes these wine glasses a good investment for any wine enthusiast.
Michley Unbreakable Tritan Wine Glasses
Michley is a Chinese brand that is known for manufacturing different products for the home. They are known for their unbreakable wine glasses, which are made with the same technology as Schott Zwiesel but less elegant.
Their wine glasses are made from Tritan plastic, which looks like crystal but is unbreakable and completely dishwasher safe.
Vivocci Unbreakable Wine Glasses
Vivocci is a manufacturer of wine glasses that offers an unbreakable collection. The glasses from this collection are made of Tritan copolyester, which makes them impact and shatter-resistant while retaining the look and feel of glass.
They can be used for wine and other beverages and cocktails. These wine glasses are also dishwasher safe.
Govino Stemless Wine Glasses
Stemless wine glasses are designed to be more practical, and made them even more practical by making a stemless collection that is unbreakable. Govino stemless wine glasses are made of Tritan polymer that is shatterproof.
These stemless wine glasses come with a little notch on the side for a better grip.
There is no question about it: wine glasses that are made of real crystal are more elegant and luxurious, but there is always that risk of breaking them.
Even so, they are very much worth it. They can last a lifetime if you properly take care of them.
The best thing to do when buying wine glasses is to get multiple sets.
Get a set of unbreakable wine glasses for hosting big parties or gatherings at home, so you do not need to worry about your guests accidentally breaking them. And when the party is over, you can easily put them in the dishwasher without any hassle on your part.
Then get a set of elegant crystal wine glasses that are reserved for more intimate occasions.
This way, you get the best of both worlds.
Sources:
Why Are Wine Glasses So Thin? The Science Behind Wine Glass
Why Does Wine Taste Better In A Thin Glass?
Technique to Reduce Wine Glass Breakage
6 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Cleaning Wine Glasses
Best Unbreakable Wine Glasses 2022 – Durable And Shatterproof