Glassware may look similar at first glance, but not all glass is created equal. Different types of glass offer different levels of strength, heat resistance, and suitability for daily use — especially in the kitchen. Here’s a simple, easy-to-understand guide to the most common glass materials found in drinkware and food storage, and how to choose the right one for your home.
Borosilicate Glass
Borosilicate glass is known for its excellent heat resistance and durability. It withstands sudden temperature changes without cracking, making it ideal for both hot and cold drinks.
Why people love it:
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Handles high heat and thermal shock
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Lightweight yet strong
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Crystal-clear appearance
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Perfect for everyday hot drinks
Where it’s used:
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Mugs and cups
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Glass teapots
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Heat-resistant jugs
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Oven-safe glassware
At Ego Store, our borosilicate mugs, cups, and pitchers are chosen for their clarity and comfort in daily use — suitable for everything from morning tea to iced summer drinks.
Soda-Lime Glass
Soda-lime glass is the most widely used glass material in the world. It’s sturdy, affordable, and completely food-safe, making it perfect for everyday kitchen storage.
Why it’s practical:
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Strong and reliable for daily handling
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Food-safe and odour-free
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Ideal for cold or room-temperature food
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Budget-friendly
Limitations:
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Not designed for sudden temperature shock
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Not suitable for ovens or high heat
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Avoid pouring boiling water directly inside
Where it’s used:
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Food storage containers
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Glass jars
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Tableware
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Bottles and pantry canisters
Our soda-glass food containers are great for storing ingredients, leftovers, snacks and fridge items — as long as they’re not exposed to extreme heat.
What Does “Food-Grade Glass” Mean?
“Food-grade glass” simply means the glass is safe for storing food and drink.
Both borosilicate glass and soda-lime glass can be food-grade as long as they meet safety standards.
Food-grade glass should be:
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Non-toxic
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Neutral in taste and smell
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Easy to clean
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Stable when in contact with acidic foods
This makes glass one of the safest materials for kitchen use, with no risk of absorbing flavours or odours.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose borosilicate glass if you need:
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A cup for hot drinks
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Heat-resistant drinkware
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Lightweight, elegant glasses
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Durability for everyday use
Choose soda-lime glass if you need:
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Food storage for the fridge or pantry
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A sturdy, affordable option
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Safe containers for snacks and leftovers
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Practical everyday kitchenware
How We Select Glassware at Ego Store
At Ego Store, we carefully choose glassware based on how New Zealand households actually use it. Our drinkware is made from borosilicate glass for clarity and heat resistance, while our soda-lime glass food containers offer sturdy, dependable storage for everyday meals.
Each piece is selected with comfort, durability, and real-life practicality in mind.