The types of glasses for hospitality can be best defined through some of the main characteristics that determine usability, durability, appearance, and ultimately price. When choosing the right glassware for your hospitality business, it is important to understand a few key features of hospitality glasses, so you can select those that not only meet your design needs but also satisfy both your customers and your business’s requirements:

1. Material of glasses
The most commonly used materials are certainly glass and crystal glass. Glass glasses are the most common choice in hospitality as they are affordable yet durable enough. They tend to be a bit heavier, primarily due to thicker walls. Glass glasses are easy to clean, but they are less shiny compared to crystal glasses. Crystal glasses are a more luxurious option, offering high shine and an elegant appearance. Due to their greater strength, they allow for thinner walls and have high refractive properties, meaning light passes through them beautifully. For this reason, these glasses are perfect for serving prestigious drinks like wine, champagne, or cocktails. Plastic glasses are lighter and more resistant to impact compared to glass or crystal glasses. They are excellent for outdoor terraces, pools, or other dynamic environments where higher wear and tear may occur.



2. Tempering of glasses
Tempering is one of the most important factors that affect the durability of glasses. Tempered glasses are processed at higher temperatures to become more resistant to impact and temperature changes. This means that tempered glasses are less likely to crack or break, which is crucial in hospitality, where glasses are often exposed to rapid temperature changes (hot liquids in cold glasses or vice versa). The tempering process involves multiple exposures of the glass to high temperatures followed by gradual cooling, changing the molecular composition of the glass and significantly increasing its resistance to external influences. In professional use, the greatest value is placed on resistance to breakage and shattering (up to 2.5x more resistant) and resistance to temperature changes (up to 110°C).



3. Rim of glasses
When choosing a glass for your restaurant or bar, you may notice that some glasses are designed with a very thin rim. Such glasses offer a more elegant feel as they allow the drink to flow easily to the lips, enhancing the drinking experience. Thin rims are often used in glasses for wine, champagne, or cocktails, as they provide a better drinking experience. However, these glasses can be more sensitive and more easily damaged, so certain lines of glasses are specially reinforced around the rim through tempering.

Certain lines of glasses have a laser-cut rim, in order to make the edge of the glass as thin and uniform as possible. Such a laser-cut rim will contribute to a more even surface, and thus also to the durability of the (rims) of the glass.



4. Collapsibility of glasses
In hospitality, where space is often limited, collapsible glasses are extremely convenient. Collapsible glasses allow you to easily store them and reduce the need for storage space. This is especially useful in smaller venues or for outdoor events where there is limited room to store equipment. Collapsible glasses are typically made from durable materials and fold into a compact structure, reducing the likelihood of breakage and damage.



5. Pulled stem of glasses
Glasses with a pulled stem are made in such a way that the stem is made from the same part of the material as the rest of the glass (as opposed to being made from multiple parts). This process ensures that the stem is firmly connected to the base of the glass, increasing its durability. Pulled stem glasses have an elegant appearance and are typically more durable. They are usually found in glasses for wine or champagne, where the look of the glass is extremely important.



6. Volume measurement of glasses
The importance of this area is evidenced by the fact that it is regulated by the European Directive - 2014/32UE MID. Harmonized standards ensure that the volume markings on glasses and measuring containers are accurate, thereby ensuring precise measurements and accuracy in serving drinks.



Choosing the right glass for your hospitality business is more than just an aesthetic decision. When choosing, besides appearance, focus on material, tempering, rim, collapsibility, stem type, labeling, and other features. Whether you are looking for glasses for everyday use or special occasions, it is important to choose glasses that meet your needs while ensuring long-lasting durability and an optimal experience for your guests.