Size
Checking the height of your latte glass is absolutely crucial before you make any purchase, as their tall and slender frame can sometimes make them incompatible with certain coffee machines.
In general, a traditional glass tends to stand somewhere between 14 and 15 cm in height and so if your coffee machine’s spout rests anywhere below that, you may have trouble squeezing it into place!
Borosilicate Material
Borosilicate glass is a type of material that is made utilising the chemical components of silica and boron trioxide. This makes it the most heat-resistant form of glass available, making for easier handling and longer lasting coffees.
Double-Walled Thermal Insulation
Much like double-glazed windows, double-walled glasses provide two layers of glass in their structure, with your liquid sitting inside an inner layer for a great illusory aesthetic. However, not only does it look pretty, it also greatly improves the mug’s insulation and is thicker and sturdier in shape so can present cracking and shattering more easily.
Microwave & Dishwasher Safe
We live in the 21st century and so being able to warm up a cold coffee or quickly wash your dirty mugs is a must for any caffeine addict with an ever increasing pile of washing up.
Beware, not every glass can do both, with many only offering one feature or the other.
In our opinion, dishwasher compatibility is the most important, as it’s a feature you’ll likely take advantage of more than the microwave.
Durability
Glass is not known for being able to survive rough-handling and so if you are looking for a long,lasting latte glass it needs to promise thick, sturdy material. Of course, no type of glass is a miracle worker, but it helps to know if your item is scratch-resistant and has some weight behind it.
Handles
So commonly overlooked when buying mugs and cups, being able to properly hold your glass is absolutely everything. If a classic low handled latte glass is going to cause you issues when picking it up – don’t buy one!
Price
The prices in glassware tend to vary quite wildly and you need to consider why some items might be more expensive than others. Pay too little and you’re likely to end up with a poor quality glass product.
Set Size
Consider how many coffee drinkers you have in your house and how often you entertain large groups of coffee drinking guests. We tend to think 4 is the best amount in a set, providing for two people under one roof and an additional two guests.
Alternatively, you also have to think if there’s any point in ever buying just one single latte glass, even if you live alone. Because, after all, you never know when a coffee-drinking guest might need serving!
Design
Traditional latte glasses are slender and tall, which is not always the easiest to handle if you’re not used to them. If it doesn’t look like your style, don’t be afraid to try another less classic latte glass shape.
Just be sure to always check the capacity, as they may be too small for a proper latte portion!