Which Glass is Best to Drink Water? The Ultimate Guide

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Container Recycling Institute, over 60 million plastic bottles are thrown away every day in the U.S. alone. As consumers become more aware of plastic's health risks and environmental impact, many are asking which glass is best to drink water from for a healthier, more sustainable alternative.

Quick Summary

This guide compares drinking vessels made from glass, stainless steel, and copper, detailing their unique properties. We examine which material is the safest, most durable, and best for maintaining water's taste, helping you make an informed decision for your health and lifestyle needs.

Key Points

Glass offers superior purity: It is non-reactive and non-porous, ensuring your water's taste is untainted and free from leached chemicals.
Stainless steel is best for durability and insulation: High-quality, food-grade stainless steel is virtually unbreakable and keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.
Copper provides antimicrobial benefits but requires moderation: Used in Ayurvedic tradition, copper vessels can purify water but require careful usage to prevent copper toxicity.
Avoid plastic for long-term use: Plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals and microplastics, posing health risks and contributing to environmental waste.
Borosilicate glass is highly durable for glass options: This type of glass is more resistant to thermal shock and breakage than standard glass.
Consider your lifestyle: Choose glass for home use where purity is key, and stainless steel for active, on-the-go hydration needs.

Why the Container You Drink From Matters

For centuries, humans have stored and consumed water from various vessels. Today, with an overwhelming number of options, the choice is more complex than ever. Beyond aesthetics, the material of your drinking vessel can affect the taste of your water, your health, and the environment. Single-use plastic bottles, for instance, have been found to contain microplastics and chemicals like BPA, which can leach into your water, especially when exposed to heat or wear. This has driven the demand for safer alternatives.

The Purest Choice: Glass

Glass is widely regarded as one of the safest and healthiest materials for drinking water. It is a non-porous and inert material, meaning it does not absorb flavors, odors, or stains from previous drinks, and it will not leach chemicals into your water.

Borosilicate Glass: This type of glass is superior to standard soda-lime glass. It is made with boron trioxide, which makes it highly resistant to thermal shock (sudden changes in temperature) and more durable. Items like Pyrex are made from borosilicate glass.
Tempered Glass: Created through a special heating and cooling process, tempered glass is four to five times stronger than regular glass and shatters into small, less dangerous pieces if broken.
Lead-Free Glass: Most modern glassware is lead-free. However, be cautious of antique glass or leaded crystalware, as these can contain lead that may leach into your drinks, particularly with long-term use.

The Durable All-Rounder: Stainless Steel

For those who need durability and portability, stainless steel is an excellent choice. It is rust-resistant, BPA-free, and doesn't leach harmful chemicals into your water.

Food-Grade Steel: Look for 18/8 (Type 304) stainless steel, which is common in reusable water bottles and cutlery. It is non-reactive and maintains the integrity of your water's taste.
Insulation: Many stainless steel vessels feature double-walled vacuum insulation, which keeps water cold for hours. This is an advantage over glass, which provides minimal insulation.

The Traditional Option: Copper

For centuries, copper vessels have been used to store drinking water, particularly in Ayurvedic practices. When water is left in a copper vessel for several hours, it absorbs small amounts of copper.

Oligodynamic Effect: Copper has antimicrobial properties and can kill certain harmful bacteria, making the water safer to drink.
Potential Health Benefits: Proponents of copper vessels cite potential benefits like improved digestion and immune function.
Important Considerations: It's crucial to use pure copper vessels and limit intake, as excessive copper can lead to toxicity. Copper is also reactive, which can alter the water's taste over time.

Comparison Table: Glass vs. Stainless Steel vs. Copper


Feature	Glass (Borosilicate)	Stainless Steel (18/8)	Copper	Plastic (PET)
Chemical Leaching	None (Inert)	None	Leaches trace copper	Leaches microplastics & BPA
Taste Purity	Excellent	Very good (occasional metallic taste)	Can impart flavor	Poor
Durability	Moderate (shatter-resistant)	Very high	High (dents easily)	Moderate (scratches easily)
Recyclability	100% Recyclable	100% Recyclable	High	Limited
Insulation	Poor	Excellent (insulated versions)	Moderate	Poor
Hygiene	Excellent (non-porous)	Very good (non-porous, antimicrobial)	Good (antimicrobial)	Poor (porous, scratches)

Choosing the Right Water Vessel for Your Needs

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. For most people seeking a safe, pure-tasting, and environmentally-friendly option for everyday use at home or the office, a high-quality borosilicate glass is the best option. It offers the purest flavor, is free from chemicals, and is easy to clean. For those with a more active lifestyle or in need of temperature retention, a food-grade stainless steel vessel is the best choice due to its superior durability and insulation. It is a safe, long-lasting investment that is also better for the environment than plastic. Copper vessels, while historically significant and potentially beneficial, require a deeper understanding of proper usage to avoid consuming excessive amounts of copper. Plastic, despite its convenience, poses significant health and environmental concerns that make it a poor choice for long-term hydration.

How to Care for Your Water Vessel

Glass: To clean, use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid abrasive sponges that can cause scratches. Ensure the bottle has a silicone sleeve for extra grip and protection.
Stainless Steel: Most insulated stainless steel bottles are best hand-washed to protect the powder-coated exterior and insulation seal. Use a bottle brush and a solution of baking soda and vinegar for tough stains or odors.
Copper: To maintain a pure copper vessel, clean it regularly with lemon juice and salt or a specialized copper cleaner. Do not put copper in the dishwasher.
Any vessel: Always ensure the vessel is completely dry before storing it with the lid off to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Conclusion: The Best Choice for Safe Hydration

When considering which glass is best to drink water, the answer largely depends on balancing health, environmental impact, and practical use. Borosilicate glass offers unmatched purity and hygiene for static, everyday use, making it the safest choice for taste and chemical concerns. Stainless steel is the champion for durability and temperature retention, ideal for those who need a sturdy, on-the-go option. Both are superior, non-toxic alternatives to plastic. By selecting a high-quality, reusable vessel, you not only protect your health from harmful chemicals but also contribute to a more sustainable and waste-free future.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional regarding specific health concerns.

Where to find high-quality drinkware

Explore sustainable and healthy options from reputable brands.

[Frizzlife](https://www.frizzlife.ca/blogs/news/glass-water-bottle) provides durable glass and filtration products. [Klean Kanteen](https://www.kleankanteen.com.au/blogs/blog/are-glass-water-bottles-safer-than-plastic-ones) offers high-quality stainless steel bottles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, standard borosilicate or soda-lime glass is an excellent, safe, and inert material for drinking water. Unlike plastic, it does not contain or leach harmful chemicals like BPA or microplastics into your beverage.

High-quality, food-grade stainless steel (like 18/8 or 304 grade) is non-reactive and does not typically affect the taste of your water. However, some people with sensitive palates may occasionally detect a slight metallic taste, especially with acidic drinks.

Copper vessels are traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties. They are generally safe when used in moderation, such as storing water overnight. However, excessive copper intake can be harmful, so it's important to consult a healthcare professional and limit usage.

Borosilicate glass and food-grade stainless steel are considered the healthiest options. Both materials are non-toxic, non-leaching, and BPA-free, providing a pure and safe drinking experience.

Plastic, especially when reused or exposed to heat, can degrade and leach microplastics and harmful chemicals like BPA into water. These substances have been linked to various health concerns, making plastic a less safe choice over time.

For pure water, both glass and ceramic are safe choices. Glass is inert and will not alter the taste, while ceramic provides excellent heat retention for hot beverages. Ensure any ceramic product uses a certified lead-free glaze.

To prevent mold, wash your bottle with warm soapy water after every use. For a deeper clean, use a baking soda and vinegar solution. It's crucial to let the bottle and lid air dry completely with the cap off before storage.

Look for products explicitly labeled 'borosilicate glass.' This type is more durable, lightweight, and resistant to thermal shock than standard soda-lime glass. Some come with silicone sleeves for added protection.