| Glass | With heat | Best for | Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular glass (soda-lime) | Cold drinks only — boiling water risks a crack | Water, iced tea, beer — most glasses you own | One hot pour can end it |
| Heat-resistant (borosilicate) | Takes boiling water and the microwave; the label states it | Tea, hot lemon water, hot-and-cold one-glass duty | Thinner walls chip easier; costs more |
| Tempered glass | Tough against knocks and drops — not against heat shock | Clumsy households, stacking cupboards | Often mistaken for heat-resistant; check the label |
| Double-wall borosilicate | Hot without burnt fingers, iced without sweat rings | Slow sippers, latte glasses | Pricey, and hand-wash gently |
Do You Need Heat-Resistant Glasses?
Published: ·Updated:
If you ever pour hot drinks into glass, yes — regular glass is a cold-drinks tool, and boiling water can crack it outright. One pair of borosilicate (heat-resistant) glasses covers tea, hot lemon water, and the microwave; your existing glasses stay on cold duty.