Glass coffee tumblers have become a go-to choice for coffee lovers who want great flavor, a clean look, and a more sustainable alternative to plastic.
Now, glass coffee tumblers are more convenient and functional than ever. Many options available on the market feature secure lids, customizable surfaces, double-wall insulation, and heat-resistant materials designed for frequent use. Plus, there are many style options available, so you can find the perfect glass mug for your routine.
Beyond personal use, glass coffee tumblers and mugs are a great option for drinkware crafters and creative entrepreneurs. Those with an eye for design can transform glass blanks into stunning works of art to sell online or in farmers' markets.
Whether you're looking for glass cups for personal use or want to customize them for resale, you need to know the top-rated options on the market. In this guide, we compare some of the best options to help you make a confident buying decision. You'll also learn key features to look for when comparing cups, as well as the most suitable glass for hot beverages.
What to Look for in a Glass Coffee Tumbler
Not all glass coffee tumblers are designed the same or are equal in quality. Small details can affect how comfortable the cup feels, how well it handles heat, and how practical it is for daily use. Looking at a few core features makes it easier to choose the right glass coffee tumbler for your needs.
One important consideration is your cup's capacity. Glass coffee tumblers typically hold between 12 and 16 ounces, a similar size to the average ceramic mug. Sometimes, it can be helpful to have a slightly larger size, as it provides more room for ice and other ingredients if you're a fan of iced coffee. Finding the right size for your preferences will help ensure an enjoyable drinking experience.
Having a glass coffee mug with a high-quality lid and straw can also improve your drinking experience. The lid and straw can help prevent spills while making your coffee cup more stylish. When comparing products, make sure the coffee cup in question has a BPA-free lid and straw.
Your coffee experience can be even more enjoyable when the glass features a comfortable handle. A well-designed handle allows you to hold the glass securely without feeling the heat of freshly brewed coffee, making it easier to sip slowly and comfortably. They also add stability when carrying the cup between rooms or when serving guests, reducing the risk of spills.
Additionally, if you're interested in customizing your glass coffee cups, make sure they feature suitable surfaces. Some glass cups are sublimation blanks with polymer coatings intended for heat transfer. This coating enables you to achieve eye-catching, durable designs. A smooth polymer coating can also empower you to customize your mug with UV DTF decals, vinyl, and epoxy.
While all of these features are great, the most important quality is reliable heat resistance. Your glass coffee cup should be designed to handle hot beverages without warping or cracking.
Fortunately, many glass coffee cups are made to withstand significant temperature changes, making them suitable for both hot and iced coffee. In the next section, we'll go into detail about which type of glass you need to ensure it's safe for hot beverages.
What Is the Best Type of Glass for Hot Drinks?
While many glass coffee tumblers look similar on the surface, the type of glass they use can differ substantially. Your coffee tumbler's glass is a fundamental part of ensuring it's safe for hot drinks, so you need to select a cup made from the most suitable type of glass.
Borosilicate glass is the best choice for hot beverages because it is engineered to handle high temperatures and resist thermal shock. This makes it ideal for glass coffee tumblers that store both hot coffee and iced drinks. Borosilicate glass is ideal for its heat resistance and durability.
Other types of glass are less suitable for hot drinks. For example, soda lime is a common and affordable glass used in drinkware, but it is more sensitive to sudden temperature changes. The glass is more prone to cracking when exposed to very hot liquids.
Tempered glass is also heat-resistant, like borosilicate, but it's usually thicker and isn’t as effective at handling rapid temperature changes or maintaining a lightweight feel.
For anyone who drinks hot coffee regularly or wants a tumbler that will last, choosing borosilicate glass is the most reliable option. Its heat resistance and durability make it the best material for modern glass coffee cups.
Now that you understand what to look for when comparing glass coffee tumblers, let's explore some of the best options on the market.
What Is the Best Glass Coffee Tumbler?
The top-rated glass coffee tumblers available combine heat resistance, durability, and practical design. The one that's right for you will depend on your unique preferences, whether you want a tumbler for hot coffee at home, beverages on the go, or glassware suitable for crafting.
Here are some of our favorite glass coffee cups that you can order today:
Best for Customization: The Stainless Depot 17-oz Glass Coffee Mug
The Stainless Depot Company's 17-oz Sublimatable Glass Coffee Mug is a versatile and stylish option for enjoying coffee, lattes, and iced beverages at home.
What makes this glass coffee tumbler truly special is its customization potential. You can use it to craft breathtaking, one-of-a-kind drinkware with a professional finish. The smooth surface allows designs to adhere cleanly, making it a strong option for crafters, creative entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
This glass mug also features straight sides, making it easy to achieve full-wrap designs. It's highly suitable for sublimation, UV DTF decals, vinyl, and epoxy customization. Plus, it's available in both matte-finish and clear-glass variations, giving you two excellent starting points for your unique designs.
Additionally, each mug includes a bamboo lid and a clear straw, giving it a modern coffeehouse look.
Why People Love It:
- High-quality, sturdy borosilicate glass
- Large 17-oz size
- Great for sublimation, UV DTF decals, vinyl, and epoxy
- Includes a stylish bamboo lid and straw
- Comfortable handle
- 100% BPA-free
- Individual and wholesale options
Weaknesses:
- Limited insulation
- Not intended for travel use
- May sweat under certain conditions
The 17-oz Sublimatable Glass Coffee Mug is an excellent choice for crafters who want to offer modern, high-capacity glassware.
Best Style: ZWILLING Sorrento 12-oz Double-Walled Glass Mug
The ZWILLING Sorrento Plus glass coffee tumblers are designed with double-wall borosilicate glass, providing heat resistance and insulation for both hot and cold drinks. Its double-wall construction keeps coffee warm while preventing the outside of the glass from becoming too hot to hold.
Each 12-oz mug also features a comfortable ergonomic handle, making it easy to sip without risking burns or spills.
These glasses are mouth-blown by skilled artisans, giving each tumbler a clear, elegant finish. They are also reportedly microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe. Its transparent design can showcase lattes, layered coffee drinks, and iced beverages clearly, enhancing both flavor presentation and drinking enjoyment.
Why People Love It:
- Double-wall borosilicate glass
- Quality insulation
- Lightweight and elegant design
- Microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe
Weaknesses:
- High price point
- Not travel-friendly
- Limited 12-oz size
- Delicate glass requires careful handling
- Some buyers have noted that it breaks easily
- No lid or straw
- Not customizable
The ZWILLING Sorrento 12-oz glass coffee tumbler offers elegant design and excellent heat resistance, making it ideal for home or café use. However, it is relatively costly and delicate, so exercise caution when handling it.
Best for Dessert Coffees and Liqueurs: Ozeri Serafino 8-oz Coffee Glasses
The Ozeri Serafino 8-oz glass coffee cups are made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass. Each cup features a double-wall design that helps maintain the drink’s temperature while keeping the exterior cool to the touch. The glass cup's 8-oz capacity is ideal for espresso, cappuccinos, liqueurs, and smaller hot coffee servings.
Like the ZWILLING, the Ozeri Serafino glasses are crafted from mouth-blown borosilicate glass, adding clarity to its stylish design. These cups are also conveniently microwave- and freezer-safe.
Finally, the Serafino coffee glass has a notable wraparound contour that provides a distinct grip, but some drinkers may prefer handles.
Why People Love It:
- Double-wall borosilicate glass
- Ergonomic contours
- Microwave- and freezer-safe
Weaknesses:
- High price point
- Not travel-friendly
- Limited 8-oz capacity
- No lid, straw, or handle
- Not customizable
The Ozeri Serafino glass coffee cups offer elegant design, heat resistance, and a comfortable grip, making them great for liqueurs or smaller coffee servings. Still, their small size and higher price make them less practical for some.
Best for Travel: KeepCup 12-oz Glass Coffee Travel Mug
The KeepCup Brew 12-oz glass coffee cup functions as a reusable alternative to disposable cups. Made from tempered, heat-resistant glass, this tumbler is durable enough for both hot coffee and iced beverages.
It features a splash-proof press-fit lid that allows for easy sipping, but it is not leakproof. It also features a removable heat-resistant silicone band that provides a secure grip.
This cup is top-rack dishwasher- and microwave-safe when the lid is removed, making it convenient for daily use. Its minimalist, modern look and range of color options make it both functional and visually appealing for both home and work.
Why People Love It:
- Durable tempered glass
- Splash-proof lid
- Heat-resistant silicone band
- Top-rack dishwasher- and microwave-safe
Weaknesses:
- High price point
- Limited 12-oz capacity
- Not fully leakproof
- Silicone band requires removal while cleaning
- No straw or handle
- Not customizable
The KeepCup Brew 12-oz glass coffee travel mug offers a stylish, reusable option for enjoying coffee on the go, but it's important to note that it's not a fully leakproof tumbler.
Glass Coffee Tumbler FAQs
Can You Put Hot Coffee in a Glass Cup?
Yes, you can put hot coffee in a glass cup if it is made from heat-resistant materials such as borosilicate or tempered glass. These types of glass are designed to withstand high temperatures and are commonly used for hot drinkware. Still, to prevent cracking or breakage, it is important to avoid sudden temperature changes, such as pouring boiling coffee into a cold glass.
Are Glass Tumblers Worth It?
Many coffee drinkers favor glass tumblers over other materials because of their aesthetic appeal and great taste. They are also often durable, easy to clean, and work well for both hot and cold beverages.
Is Coffee Better in a Glass Cup?
Some prefer the taste of coffee in glass cups because glass does not absorb flavors or odors. Using glass coffee cups preserves the original taste of your coffee and allows you to see the color and texture of the drink.
Get Customizable Coffee Tumblers and Glass Mugs Today
Choosing the right glass coffee tumbler can ensure you enjoy your cozy beverages for years to come.
If you want the most durable, heat-resistant option, choose a coffee tumbler made from borosilicate glass. You may also want to select a coffee tumbler with a handle, lid, and straw for extra convenience.
Additionally, if you're interested in crafting, you'll need a glass coffee tumbler that features a high-quality polymer coating.
Here at The Stainless Depot Company, we specialize in providing hobbyists and professional crafters with high-quality blanks designed for customization, including glass blanks. You can use our glass cups, tumblers, and other sublimation blanks to create professional-quality products that are truly unique.
Our website also features everything you need to get started with sublimation crafting, including sublimation heat press machines, sublimation printers & ink, and more. We also feature how-to articles to help you get started, such as our guides "What Is Sublimation Printing?" and "How to Use the Sublimation Printing Process to Customize Tumblers."
Whether you are just getting started or want to expand your crafting venture, The Stainless Depot Company has everything you need to help you succeed.
