Acrylic is polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA for short, the same clear plastic used for aquarium walls and shop windows under names like Plexiglas and Perspex. Moulded into a wine glass, it gives the most glass-like sparkle of any plastic, and it takes colour beautifully. That is why most coloured and patterned plastic wine glasses are acrylic.
Acrylic, honestly
Acrylic, good and bad
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does it look like glass? | Yes, the most of any plastic. Very clear, with a bright shine. |
| Does it break? | It is shatter-resistant compared with glass, but brittle compared with Tritan. A hard drop on stone can crack it. |
| Dishwasher? | Usually not. Heat and strong detergent weaken acrylic and can cloud or crack it over time. Wash by hand. |
| BPA? | Acrylic is not made with BPA. |
| Scratches? | It scratches more easily than glass. Avoid abrasive sponges and rough packing. |
| Colours? | The widest choice: clear, tinted, gold-rimmed, patterned. |
Where acrylic wine glasses shine
Patio dinner
Stemmed acrylic gives a dinner outside the look of real stemware, without the worry of glass on stone.
Picnic
Light and clear. Pack each glass in a cloth: acrylic scratches if glasses rub together.
Coloured party table
Tinted acrylic for a theme, a birthday or a summer party. Remember that colour hides the wine.
Holiday house
A set that stays in the cupboard and is washed by hand after each use.
And where it does not belong: the pool, where glasses get dropped on tiles; the boat; and any kitchen where everything goes in the dishwasher. Tritan is the better choice there, explained in Tritan wine glasses.
How to choose a good acrylic glass
- The listing says acrylic. Then you know to hand-wash it. Do not assume a glass is Tritan because it is clear.
- One piece. A glass moulded as one part has no joint to fail.
- Thick enough at the stem. Acrylic is brittle, so a very thin stem is the first thing to snap.
- A bowl shaped for wine. A bowl that narrows at the top keeps the aroma. A straight tumbler loses it.
- Clear first, colour second. Coloured acrylic looks lovely on a table, but you cannot see a wine’s colour through it.
Does wine taste different in acrylic?
No controlled study comparing wine in acrylic and glass was found. Two things are known to change the experience: the shape of the bowl, which decides how much aroma reaches your nose, and the thickness of the rim, which your lip feels. Wine lovers on forums report that whites and rosés show well in plastic while big reds lose a little. One more practical point: a scratched surface can hold smells, so wash new glasses before first use and keep them scratch-free.
Caring for acrylic glasses
- Wash by hand in warm, not hot, water with a mild soap and a soft sponge.
- Skip strong cleaners and solvents. They can leave fine cracks on the surface.
- Dry with a soft cloth, and store with space between the glasses.
- Keep them out of hot cars and away from the microwave.
Still deciding between the two plastics? See acrylic vs Tritan wine glasses.
Acrylic wine glasses: your questions
What are acrylic wine glasses made of?
PMMA, the clear plastic also sold as Plexiglas or Perspex. It is the most glass-like plastic and takes colour well.
Can acrylic wine glasses go in the dishwasher?
It is best to wash them by hand. Heat and strong detergent weaken acrylic and can cloud or crack it over time, even when a listing says dishwasher-safe.
Do acrylic wine glasses break?
They do not shatter like glass, but acrylic is brittle: a hard drop onto stone can crack it. Tritan is tougher.
Is acrylic safe for wine?
Acrylic is not made with BPA. Keep it away from heat, and wash new glasses before first use.
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