OT: best material for tumblers

Having dropped a variety of glass objects on the floor over the years I doubt if any of it is less prone to breaking. A utility item such as a tumbler will not break if used correctly. Dropping it from any height may cause it to break.

Pub "safety" glasses break into very small bead like pieces as opposed to breaking with a blade like spike that can be used as a cutting/slashing/stabbing weapon.

I'm not allowed to put glasses into our dishwasher! Some phobia about discolouration of the glass. I suspect this may relate to the addition of lead to the glass making process.

On holiday recently in a rented house, the glasses went into the dishwasher without any problems.

When I was researching on Google before posting, there was an item saying that leaded glass should not be used on a regular basis, only occasionally.

I believe polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable but there may be concerns about health risks relating to BPA.

Are they tempered glass?

Modern dishwasher chemicals will micro-etch the surface, making it look cloudy. Old and antique glasses are particularly at risk. My glasses are perfectly OK in a dishwasher.

Part of the appeal of glassware is its fragility. Replacing an item of glassware with something “unbreakable” might rob it of all its appeal.

My uncle used to drink wine from stainless steel “glasses”. A ghastly experience.

Tim

You can find some articles where they test stuff like that.

Paul

I after a lifetime, now regard all but my 'once a year crystal' glassware as consumable items.

Just bought another 6 wine glasses to replace the ones gone cloudy and/or broken.

I think the cost was less than a tenner.

Sometimes its the weight and feel of the drinking container that makes the difference to your enjoyment of the drink.

Having spent a lifetime drinking decent real Ale from a pint glass I find i don't get the same pleasure drinking from a plastic glass, either the thin disposable type or the more robust thick walled type. Part of the problem is the weight of the container and the feel of the plastic rim on the lips.

Thanks to everyone for thoughts and advice on the subject. I have now found some that are described as 'Made from Extra Resistant Fully Tempered Glass', which I think are worth a try: